The halls of City Life Center of Northwest Indiana vibrated with children’s screams and the patter of their feet. Music filled the halls as staff members began preparing dinner for the dozens of kids filling the gymnasium. Oct. 29 was a special day for them: It let the kids celebrate Harvest Days before Halloween and […]
Rayonna Burton-Jernigan
Rayonna Burton-Jernigan is the Business and Economic Development reporter for Capital B Gary.
Posted inCommunity
Where to Get Free Food in Northwest Indiana in November
As the holiday season approaches, many families are navigating the uncertainty of rising food costs. With the tightening of state and federal eligibility requirements in recent months, changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the aftermath of the Aug. 11 storm, many more residents are seeking additional food assistance. In response, churches, schools, […]
Posted inCommunity
How Gary’s First Baptist Church Is Changing Under Its First Woman Pastor
An air of jubilation settled over one of Gary’s oldest churches as members prepared for their pastoral anniversary. Pastor Nicole Guns sat at her desk, surrounded by mementos she brought from Virginia and those she collected in Gary, trying to figure out what her congregation had planned for her. In October 2025, Guns came to […]
Posted inCommunity, Redevelopment, Sports
For Gary Golfers, a Renovated Range Represents More Than a Place to Play
Sunlight beamed down as community members strolled up the track surrounding South Gleason Park on Tuesday, heading toward the sound of golf clubs striking balls. “So who’s playing golf?” asked one resident as they watched different folks take turns hitting balls. Behind Indiana University Northwest, dozens of Gary residents gathered on the green to celebrate […]
Posted inArts, Culture
Annual Gary International Black Film Festival Spotlights Emerging Filmmakers
When the Gary International Black Film Festival was founded, its mission was to bring films to the city. In a city without a working commercial theater for decades, organizers seized the opportunity to connect residents with local and national films. Now, 16 years later, it is one of the premier organizations bridging that gap. “Seeing […]
Posted inBusiness, Environmental Justice
Environmental Group Threatens to Sue U.S. Steel
A local environmental group is threatening to sue U.S. Steel for allegedly violating federal environmental laws in connection with the Gary Works renovations. On Tuesday, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development sent a notice of intent to sue to Gary Works’ parent company, alleging it violated fundamental Clean Air Act requirements. The notice states that the […]
Posted inCommunity
After 36 Years Serving Gary, She’s Leading Its New $50 Million YMCA
As LaShawn Brooks prepared to retire from her job with the city of Gary, she was unsure about what lay ahead. But when she was tapped as the new executive director of the Gary Tolleston YMCA, it felt like coming home, as if she found her true purpose. “This very area is where I was […]
Posted inPublic Services, Utilities
Months After August Storm, Gary Residents Are Still Plagued With Blackouts
After some Gary residents endured two to three weeks without electricity in August, many are still living with uncertainty. Residents contacted by Capital B report that they are experiencing intermittent power disruptions after power was restored to the city following the storm. They said they fear their lights will flicker and go dark whenever it […]
Posted inCommunity, Politics & Policy
FEMA Deadline Is Less Than a Week Away.
The FEMA deadline for Gary and other Northwest Indiana residents to apply for assistance is less than a week away. The Aug. 11 storm that knocked out power for more than 38,000 Gary utility customers for two to three weeks is behind us. But many residents are still recovering from the toll, including physical, mental, […]
Posted inCommunity, Events
Where to Get Free Food in Gary and Northwest Indiana This October
Many families these days are navigating rising food costs. In response, churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations across Northwest Indiana will host dozens of free food distributions throughout October. The distributions come as changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and the aftermath of the Aug. 11 storms continue to affect households across Indiana. […]
