On a recent weekday afternoon, the Gary Public Library’s community room was filled with dozens of seniors seeking community, friendship, and a game of bingo. For members of the Senior Citizens Friendship Club, it’s a welcome escape from the stress and uncertainty of daily life. It offers a brief window to laugh, unwind, and connect […]
Money
Posted inBusiness, Economic Development, Local Government
‘This Is the Right Time’: Melton Pushes for Convention Center in Gary
Chatter bounced off the high ceilings of St. Timothy’s Church on Thursday as hundreds of Lake County residents filled the pews, waiting for an answer to a question that has stirred both hope and doubt: Could Gary become home to the long-awaited Lake County Convention Center? With the decision narrowed to two locations, Hard Rock […]
Posted inBusiness, Money, Politics & Policy
As TikTok Faces Ban, Gary’s Creators Push to Keep the City in Focus
Erik Roberts films a TikTok video, his phone capturing the details of a refurbished home perched on a hill in Gary, as a hip-hop beat pulses in the background. Over the past three years, the real estate agent-turned-influencer has built a following by showcasing the city’s potential, connecting first-time buyers to affordable homes, and reshaping […]
Posted inBusiness, Economy
President Biden Blocks U.S. Steel Sale, Raising Questions for Gary’s Future
President Joe Biden on Friday announced his decision to block the $14 billion sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, citing national security concerns. The move could have serious implications in Gary, where U.S. Steel’s Gary Works plant remains a key employer and economic anchor and where local leaders had strongly supported the deal […]
Posted inBusiness, Community Spotlight, Economy
Shoe Repairman in Gary Restores Community, One Sole at a Time
A quiet, cold air settled over the nearly abandoned shopping center in Gary, broken only by the faint creak of a door and the muted sounds of its lone open shop. Down the hallway, the squeak of worn soles echoed as customers hurried toward Anthony Rayford’s shoe repair shop, where he worked alone. “It’s a […]
Posted inEconomy
Gary Mayor Expresses His Support for Nippon Steel’s Acquisition of U.S. Steel
With U.S. Steel employees surrounding him, Mayor Eddie Melton on Thursday announced his support for the company’s acquisition by the Japanese company, Nippon Steel. “As the 22nd mayor of Gary, I wanted to show my support for this effort because we have done our due diligence to make sure that it’s the right thing for […]
Posted inMoney
Popcorn World Thrives in Gary, Fueling Community with 250 Flavors Strong
When LeBarron Burton took over Popcorn World, he wasn’t just building a business — he was building a legacy in Gary. In a city where Black-owned businesses face challenges, Popcorn World has emerged as a beacon of hope. What started as a small shop has flourished under Burton’s leadership into a hometown favorite, drawing national […]
Posted inMoney, Politics & Policy
U.S. Steel’s Sale Is at Risk. Here’s What’s at Stake for the City It Founded a Century Ago.
With reports that President Joe Biden is preparing to block U.S. Steel’s sale to a Japanese company, a high-stakes battle with significant political and labor implications is unfolding. But as the political theater plays out on a national stage, the stakes are more tangible in Gary, a city originally founded as a company town where […]
Posted inLocal Government, Money, Public Safety, Public Services
Gary Residents Look Forward to Brighter Streets After City’s $3.4 Million Streetlight Investment
Darkened streets in Gary will soon shine brighter in areas that have gone without adequate street lighting for nearly a decade. The Gary Common Council passed an ordinance this week supporting a proposed $3.4 million project to address the longstanding issue of inactive streetlights throughout the city. The addition of streetlights was welcoming news to […]
