In a resounding vote on Tuesday, the Gary Common Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing potential plans by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana General Assembly to hold a special session and redistrict ahead of the 2030 census. “The fact they’re trying to redistrict within a 10-year period is unacceptable, and they publicly have […]
Politics & Policy
Posted inElections, Health, Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, Mental Health, Politics & Policy
New Indiana Laws Could Strip Health Coverage, Voting Access in Gary
New state laws that took effect July 1 are drawing attention across Indiana, particularly in places like Gary, where access to health care and the ballot box is already uneven. In a city like Gary, where voter turnout is often low and civic trust is fragile, the new laws raise the stakes ahead of the […]
Posted inPublic Services, Utilities
Electric Bills Rise Again, and Northwest Indiana Residents Say They’ve Had Enough
As triple-digit temperatures gripped Northwest Indiana this summer during a national heatwave, cities opened cooling centers and residents cranked up their air conditioners to stay safe. Days later, the region’s primary utility company hiked its electricity rates to a record high. Northern Indiana Public Service Co., the state’s largest natural gas and second-largest electric company, […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Services
June 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
After voting in April to go forward with a zoning change to the Beckman School property, the Gary Common Council last month overrode a pocket veto from Mayor Eddie Melton that would have blocked the change. The 6-3 vote cleared the way for an industrial business to move into the Midtown neighborhood site near 23rd […]
Posted inCommunity, Public Services, Redevelopment
‘This Is a Jewel in Our Own Community,’ Residents Say as Preserve Gets $400K Upgrade
A Gary nature preserve will soon be getting a facelift. Tucked behind what may seem like one of the city’s many wooded areas is the Ivanhoe South Preserve, a sanctuary of wetland, unique plant life, and a globally rare dune-and-swale habitat just off Seventh Avenue and Colfax Street. Despite its vast landmass, the preserve sits […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, Public Services
May 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
The Gary Common Council made one of its most controversial decisions of the year last month, as the body narrowly approved a zoning change for the former Beckman School from residential to planned unit development in a 5-4 vote. Last month, the council interviewed candidates for appointments to the Redevelopment Commission, Transportation Board, School Board, […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Services
Need Help With Bills or Rent? Calumet Township Offers Residents Support
The Calumet Township trustee’s office provides essential services and resources that can make a real difference in residents’ lives. Now, under the leadership of Tai Adkins, former Gary City Council president, the office is working to ensure the community is fully aware of the programs available. From emergency assistance to other critical forms of support, […]
Posted inEnvironmental Justice, Unsafe Water, Utilities
In Gary, Thousands of Lead Pipes Still Lurk Beneath Homes
The report card for America’s infrastructure is out – and it’s not looking good. The nation received a C- for drinking water, a “mediocre” ranking that reflects widespread deterioration and requires attention. “Some elements exhibit significant deficiencies in conditions and functionality, increasing vulnerability to risk,” the report stated. The American Society of Civil Engineers, which […]
Posted inHealth, Public Services, State Government
Advocates Fight Medicaid Cuts in Indiana, Calling Them a Direct Threat to Health
Pamela Johnson worries about what could happen to her grandson, Robin Johnson Singleton, if Medicaid is cut. Robin, who has Down syndrome, has been on Medicaid since birth. The nine-year-old is now in third grade and, thriving after several surgeries, relies on Medicaid for the care that keeps him healthy. “I would think the people […]
Posted inExtreme Weather, Public Safety, Utilities
Day After Tornadoes, Gary Residents Begin to Rebuild and Reflect
A day after tornadoes ripped through Gary, residents and officials alike are continuing to grapple with the devastation left behind. Friday morning marked a slow return to normalcy for many, as utility crews worked tirelessly to restore power and residents sifted through debris. “It’s tough to look at, but people are doing what they can,” […]