Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a joint press conference Thursday at Gary/Chicago International Airport with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to deliver updates on “Operation Midway Blitz” — an immigration enforcement initiative that has expanded beyond Chicago into Northwest Indiana. Noem said the sweep has resulted in 223 arrests, of which 146 were […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inBusiness, Money
Council Passes City Budget, Hits Pause on Sewer Rate Hike
Gary’s 2026 budget is slightly smaller than last year’s, but it shifts more money into key departments and adds new workers as part of a broader reorganization of city services. The $65.5 million general fund, the city’s primary fund for day-to-day operations, is down about $725,000 from 2025, yet income, public safety, and infrastructure funds […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Braun Calls Lawmakers Back for Session that Could Alter Gary’s Political Future
Gov. Mike Braun on Monday called a special legislative session to consider redrawing Indiana’s congressional map, setting up a potential political fight that could alter the balance of political power in Northwest Indiana and reshape the state’s electoral balance for years to come. The session, scheduled to begin next week, is being called to “protect […]
Posted inHousing, Politics & Policy
Calumet Township Unveils Assistance Partnerships as SNAP and WIC Cuts Loom
On Thursday, Calumet Township Trustee Tai Adkins brought together community leaders for a fall symposium designed to announce expanded eligibility and rental assistance standards, a new charity tracker system, and a partnership with WorkOne, the region’s workforce development agency, and Indiana Career Connect, the state’s job-matching platform. Panels focused on housing, food access, and workforce […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Council to Discuss Sewer Hike, Tax Reform at Upcoming Budget Hearing
When the Gary Common Council reconvenes for its budget hearing on Oct. 28, members will confront two of the city’s biggest financial challenges heading into 2026: funding the federally mandated overhaul of its wastewater system and managing the looming fallout from new state tax laws. At the center of debate is an ordinance proposing steep […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy, Public Safety
Mayor Melton Talks ICE Raids, Genesis Center, and Convention Center
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton updated residents on redevelopment projects, city services, and his administration’s stance on recent immigration enforcement actions during a packed community forum Tuesday night at Indiana University Northwest. The event came near the end of Melton’s second full year in office and provided updates on some major city initiatives, including the Genesis […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Indiana Republicans Consider Redistricting That Could Weaken Gary’s Political Power
Indiana Republicans are weighing whether to redraw the state’s congressional map outside the normal 10-year cycle, a move that could weaken Democratic power in Northwest Indiana and reshape the state’s political balance. No formal proposal has been introduced, but conversations inside the Statehouse have intensified following Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Indianapolis last week, […]
Posted inCommunity, History, Politics & Policy
Gary Renames Grant Street in Honor of Former Mayor Richard Hatcher
A partly cloudy sky Monday could do nothing to damper the beaming pride of a city as it honored one of its brightest stars, former Mayor Richard G. Hatcher, with a rechristening of Grant Street as Richard Gordon Hatcher Boulevard. Gary Mayor Eddie Melton — just the seventh mayor since Hatcher — recalled seeking the […]
Posted inBusiness, Economic Development
‘Just The Beginning’: Gary Breaks Ground on $60 Million FedEx Distribution Center
Less than six months after announcing its arrival during his State of the City address, Mayor Eddie Melton christened what will become Gary’s new FedEx distribution center. Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony at 1 Buffington Harbor, which took place even as crews were at work on the 317,000-square foot facility, was attended by officials from every level […]
Posted inEducation, Local Government, Public Meetings
October 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
With the city’s proposed 2026 budget heading to a public hearing on Oct. 7 and a final adoption set for Oct. 21, residents will have a brief window to voice their priorities. This year’s process is under greater scrutiny as Gary faces tightening property tax revenues and less flexibility in American Rescue Plan Act-backed spending. […]