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, and economic damage, and need help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. FEMA coordinates the federal government’s response to natural […]
Politics & Policy
Mary Brown, One of Gary’s Longest Serving Council Members, Dies
Mary Brown, a longtime Gary councilwoman whose decades spent in public office made her one of the most enduring political figures in city history, has died. Brown represented Gary’s 3rd District on the Common Council and chaired the powerful Finance Committee, which put her at the center of financial decisions for the past 2½ decades. She […]
Your 2026 Early Voting Guide for Gary and Lake County
Polls open across Indiana for early voting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, allowing those who prefer to cast their ballots before Election Day to do so now. What’s on the ballot in Gary? Gary voters will decide who will shape policing, taxation, and public services in six local contests. They will also choose who will represent […]
Your Guide to Gary’s Public Meetings This October
Gary’s officials are holding eight public meetings this month that residents should know about, attend in person or watch online. Every month Capital B attends three meetings in person: Gary Common Council, Board of Public Works and Safety, and Gary Redevelopment Commission. We hope to see you there. Email us if you are coming. We’d […]
Volunteers Are Preparing to Help Gary Voters Who Run into Problems at the Polls
Julia Vaughn has been hearing a question from voters she says she’s never been asked in previous cycles: “Do I need a passport to cast a ballot?” They don’t, the Common Cause Indiana executive director tells them. But the question itself, she said, illustrates how proposals to change election laws, court battles and conflicting information […]
How Indiana Voters Can Protect Their Vote From Citizenship Checks
Indiana has rejected or canceled voter registrations for more than 60% of the immigrant Hoosiers flagged under a proof-of-citizenship law, according to court filings. Indiana voters have until Oct. 5 to establish their voter eligibility and register for the November general election. Two Indiana laws can require immigrants to prove their citizenship to stay registered […]
Gary Voters to Receive Mail Ballots on Schedule After Supreme Court Ruling
Local election officials in Indiana are relieved after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled against an executive order that would have required last-minute changes to the state’s mail-in ballot process. In the 7-2 decision, the high court upheld a federal judge’s injunction barring the U.S. Postal Service from imposing new ballot requirements laid out […]
Gary’s Airport Is Making a $24 Million Bet on Air Cargo Growth
As a plane flies out of Gary/Chicago Airport, a UPS 767 freighter sits on the tarmac as a beacon of hope. State and local leaders gathered Tuesday to celebrate the kickoff of a 55-acre air cargo campus at the city’s airport. The $24 million investment is expected to expand air cargo operations in Gary and […]
Gary’s $50 Million YMCA Project Brings Long-Awaited Investment to the West Side
One of Gary’s most anticipated developments is weeks away from opening its doors. City and regional leaders gathered Wednesday to celebrate the completion of the new 91,000-square-foot YMCA on the city’s west side. The $50 million investment will bring fitness, child care, and youth programs to the Tolleston neighborhood. Located at 1771 Taney Place, on […]
After 8 Days Without Power, Thousands in Gary Could Face Another Week in the Dark
Eight days after a historic storm knocked out power to most of Gary, a NIPSCO official announced that the utility is targeting 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, to fully restore power to the city. For some Gary residents, that could mean nearly two weeks without electricity. Melody Birmingham, executive vice president and utilities group president […]

