Gary Common Council members are back at the table with a familiar question: As AI data centers multiply across northern Indiana, who ends up paying for the power they need? Kerwin Olson, executive director of the Citizens Action Coalition, argued at a public forum Wednesday that residents already squeezed by rising NIPSCO bills could be […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, Public Meetings
Gary Invests $1.4 Million in Homeless Shelter as Sleeping Outside Carries New Penalties
Gary is putting roughly $1.4 million toward a new homeless shelter at a moment when the availability of a bed could mean the difference between a place to sleep and a criminal charge. The City Council approved the money for Brothers’ Keeper as a new Indiana law raises the stakes for people sleeping outside. They […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
New Indiana Laws Now in Effect Will Impact Some Gary Residents
Beginning today, some Gary residents could face new hurdles to keeping food assistance. People experiencing homelessness may face fines or jail time for camping or sleeping on public property. And city leaders trying to tackle blight have a new tool for selling vacant lots. Those changes stem from three new laws that took effect July […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Redevelopment
As Gary Pursues New Development, a Black-Owned Landmark Is Fighting to Survive
The meetings had been going well. For months in early 2025, attorney Macarthur Drake and his family met with Gary officials about the future of downtown Broadway. The conversations centered on how the city planned to protect Drake’s building at 487 Broadway while demolishing the vacant structure next door. Four meetings. Maybe five. Each one […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Meetings
June 2026 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
Many of the decisions regarding infrastructure, housing, and development projects will be finalized in the coming months. The Gary Redevelopment Commission is laying the groundwork for the pending demolition of the Genesis Center by approving the purchase of storage containers that will be used to salvage usable materials, including wood, flooring, and staging equipment. Progress […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Lake County’s Primary Reveals a Stark Divide in Who Shows Up to Vote
Despite a primary ballot that featured a historic race for Lake County sheriff and several competitive county council contests, voter turnout across Lake County remained sluggish on May 5, with most communities failing to surpass 20%. Just 16% of the county’s more than 367,000 registered voters cast ballots, according to Lake County Board of Elections […]
Posted inArts, Culture
Gucci Mane, Trap Orchestra Brings Black-Tie Hip-Hop Spectacle to Gary
Hard Rock Casino’s concert hall was filled with bow ties, gowns, and trap music rattling the walls Saturday night. Somewhere in the middle of it all, with his sunglasses on, fist raised and double bass in hand, was Timothy Stanford. Exactly where he never imagined he would be. For most of the Masterclass Trap Orchestra, […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Gary Primary Election Turnout Was Very Different Across Districts
Voter turnout in Gary’s 2026 primary election varied widely across precincts, with clear gaps between council districts. In some locations, participation far exceeded the county average, while others saw only a small percentage of registered voters cast ballots. An examination of registered voters, ballots cast on election day, and overall turnout percentages shows how civic […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Williams Moves Closer to Historic Sheriff Win After Election Primary
Jerry Williams was greeted with roaring applause as he walked into a packed celebration at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday to celebrate his Democratic primary victory in the Lake County sheriff’s race. As dozens of supporters cheered, Williams moved through the crowd smiling, moving closer to a November […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Gary Voters Head to the Polls on Primary Election Day
Gary voters were greeted with steady rain and clouds on primary election day. While there is no presidential race on the ballot, several key federal, county and local contests are expected to shape life in Gary and across Lake County. In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan faces a challenge from former Gary […]
