Abandoned school buildings have been among the biggest thorns in Gary’s side, standing as hulking reminders of decline. While some buildings have been torn down, the scale of the problem has continued to grow faster than funding to address it. Now, the city will use newly awarded congressional funding totaling $1.1 million to demolish the […]
Local Government
Posted inPartner Content, Politics & Policy, Public Safety
Ruling Absolving Legislature in Halting of Lawsuit Praised, Panned
This story was originally published by The Indiana Citizen. For the Gary gun lawsuit that has survived three appeals and multiple changes to state statute, the recent order to dismiss from the Court of Appeals of Indiana might be yet another chapter, rather than the end of the decades-old litigation. The December ruling from the […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Snowfall Blankets Gary, Bringing Closures and a Busy Day for City Crews
As snow continues to cover Gary, city crews have been working around the clock to clear roads and prepare for more wintry weather. The conditions have already disrupted daily life, with the Gary Community School Corporation canceling classes on Monday because of unsafe streets. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Weather Advisory until 4 […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, Public Meetings, Redevelopment
November 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
With the budget for 2026 finalized, the Gary Common Council is turning its attention to its next major decision: a proposed rate increase from the Gary Sanitary District. The district says the higher rates are needed to fund a $300 million, 30-year plan required by the federal government to reduce sewage overflows into the Grand […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy, Public Safety
Mayor Melton Talks ICE Raids, Genesis Center, and Convention Center
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton updated residents on redevelopment projects, city services, and his administration’s stance on recent immigration enforcement actions during a packed community forum Tuesday night at Indiana University Northwest. The event came near the end of Melton’s second full year in office and provided updates on some major city initiatives, including the Genesis […]
Posted inEducation, Local Government, Public Meetings
October 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
With the city’s proposed 2026 budget heading to a public hearing on Oct. 7 and a final adoption set for Oct. 21, residents will have a brief window to voice their priorities. This year’s process is under greater scrutiny as Gary faces tightening property tax revenues and less flexibility in American Rescue Plan Act-backed spending. […]
Posted inBusiness, Health, Local Government
Health Inspectors Threatened as Gary Cracks Down on Unsafe Food Businesses
In the wake of multiple temporary store closures following a wave of citywide health inspections, the City of Gary and the Gary Police Department confirmed today that the Gary Health Department received a threatening phone call directed toward its inspectors. “This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Gary Police Chief […]
Posted inHealth, Public Safety
Gary Health Crackdown Shutters Stores Over Mold, Mice and Safety Hazards
In a sweeping crackdown on food safety, the city of Gary has temporarily closed several grocery stores and restaurants in recent weeks after inspections uncovered multiple health and building code violations. City officials say the closures are part of a coordinated effort to raise standards and hold businesses accountable. The enforcement push has already affected […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, Redevelopment
Gary Council Rejects Redistricting Move, Questions Rezoning Proposal
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 […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary Council Advances Plans for Convention Center, Eyes Rental Regulations
Gary city officials moved one step closer to making the long-awaited Lake County Convention Center a reality Monday night. The Common Council advanced an ordinance that sets up a special convention fund for city and state matched funds, along with private contributions from Hard Rock Casino, to jointly bankroll the project with new appropriations outlined […]