As 2024 nears, Gary residents are buzzing with hopes and resolutions. From seasoned leaders to spirited teens, everyone’s got a dream for their city and themselves. Capital B Gary reached out to four Gary residents to hear what they’re looking forward to in the new year — and how they want to see their city […]
Maddy Franklin
Maddy Franklin is Capital B Gary's youth and education reporter. You can reach Maddy at madison.franklin@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inEducation
Gary’s $74 Million Proposed School Budget: Where Is the Money Going?
Attend any public meeting for the Gary Community School Corporation and at least one question will be posed about the district’s finances. Residents have wanted more clarity on how and where money is spent for years, which has only been heightened by repeated school closures and the ongoing consideration of closing two middle schools. Capital […]
Posted inCommunity
Need Last-Minute Gifts for Kids? These Places Are Giving Ones for Free.
The holiday season is in full swing. During this merry and bright season, community members in and around Gary are taking extra steps to make sure it’s joyous for everyone. Many folks feel a squeeze on their funds at this time of the year, with finances cited as the main stressor during the holidays. With […]
Posted inEducation
Breaking Down Gary Schools’ Budget for Next Year
The Gary Community School Corporation recently adopted its budget for 2024, totaling around $74 million — a slight increase from 2023’s $71.5 million budget. Next year’s budget was approved in October by the Distressed Unit Appeals Board and Mike Raisor, the district’s emergency manager, and now awaits finalization from the state. Financial struggles were the […]
Posted inEducation
Future of Public Middle Schools Still Hangs in the Balance
Jackie Lee strolled up to a small podium, adjusted her mic, then made quick work of the three minutes she’d been given to speak: “Good evening, I’m here to oppose them closing the middle schools,” she said. Tuesday marked the first meeting with a traditional public comment section since a controversial plan to close Gary’s […]
Posted inEducation
Gary High Schoolers Give Back With Thanksgiving Food Drive
On a row of tables draped in yellow, red, and orange tablecloths, bags of canned and boxed food awaited distribution. Students, donning gloves and shirts identifying their affiliation with Gary Area Career Center’s early childhood education or culinary arts program, stood behind the tables. It was the center’s first Thanksgiving food drive, and they were […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A Q+A with Gary’s Newly Elected Mayor
In a candid and comprehensive conversation, two Capital B Gary’s reporters sat down with the city’s newly elected mayor, state Sen. Eddie Melton. The discussion offered a glimpse into why Melton moved from the statehouse to the mayoral office, his perspective on pressing issues confronting Gary’s Black residents, and some lighthearted matters. The interview spanned […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Chooses Melton: Insights from Voters and the Mayor-Elect’s Message to the City
Gary’s Election Day concluded as expected with state Sen. Eddie Melton winning the mayoral race in a landslide, securing a commanding 94% of the votes. Democratic Common Council members Ronnie Brewer, Mark Spencer, and Darren Washington also triumphed in securing the three at-large council seats, outpacing Republican candidate Ivan Ursery II. Capital B Gary’s reporters […]
Posted inEducation
Q&A: The Role of Race in the Gary School Takeover
Gary public schools have been under state control for six years, drawing criticism and raising questions from both the community and civic officials. With an appointed school board poised to take the wheel next year, the current state of affairs warrants a deeper examination of how a predominantly Black community functions under the control of […]
Posted inEducation
Officials Want to Close Gary’s Middle Schools. Here’s How You Can Weigh In.
Gary residents have a critical opportunity to weigh in on the future of the city’s last public middle schools at a school board meeting on Nov. 14, where the contentious proposal to close them will be open for discussion. The possible closure of Bailly STEM Academy and Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing […]