The Gary Common Council is now complete with nine members, following Myles Tolliver’s Democratic caucus win for the at-large seat vacated by Marian Ivey who now represents the 4th District. April will be another busy month for the Council as it will be making appointments to boards and commissions. The Council will look to fill […]
Local Government
Posted inEducation, Local Government, State Government
Education Is a ‘State and Local Responsibility,’ Indiana Leaders say After Trump Order
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Indiana leaders this week welcomed an order from President Donald Trump intended to close the U.S. Department of Education, saying it will give the state more control over education and greater flexibility to spend federal funds. The long-expected step directs Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to “take all […]
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,” […]
Posted inExtreme Weather, Public Safety, Utilities
Shaken Gary Residents Dig Out After Tornado Touches Down in Region
Toppled power lines. Caved-in roofs. Lumbering trees crashed into the Earth. And residents left stunned. These were just a few of the images greeting Gary this morning after a tornado whipped through the city Wednesday evening, devastating dozens of homes in the Tolleston neighborhood and leaving thousands of Northwest Indiana residents without power. By Thursday […]
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 inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Gary Leaders Push Back as State Bills Threaten City’s Finances
With state lawmakers pushing a wave of bills that could reshape Gary’s finance and governance, city leaders are working to stay ahead. The Gary Common Council is considering a new committee to track legislation, keep local officials and residents informed, and strengthen the city’s ability to advocate for its interests at the state level. The […]
Posted inLocal Government, Utilities
Gary Pauses Plan to End Curbside Recycling Amid Community Concerns
Gary officials have put a hold on plans to end curbside recycling, keeping the current program in place while they work through logistical challenges and community concerns about a shift to a drop-off system. The decision follows growing frustration over the lack of community input, accessibility to drop-off sites, and uncertainty about how the sites […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings
February 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
February is shaping up to be an important month for Gary, with key public meetings set to address major changes. The Common Council will see a shakeup as a Democratic caucus selects a new 4th District representative, following Council President Tai Adkins’ move to Calumet Township Trustee — with a council vote to name a […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary’s Tai Adkins Wins Caucus to Replace Kimberly Robinson as Township Trustee
Gary Common Council President Tai Adkins outlasted seven challengers in a Democratic caucus held Thursday at the Calumet Township Multi-Puporse Center to replace former Trustee Kimberly Robinson. “It’s an honor to continue serving the community that has given me so much,” Adkins said. Adkins won over Sherita Smith, Shanita Starks, McKenya Dilworth Smith, Sharon Chambers, […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Sentenced to Probation, Avoids Jail Time
Jerome Prince, the former mayor of Gary, was sentenced Thursday in federal court to one year of probation and fined $26,750 for using campaign funds to buy a private residence. Prince, who pleaded guilty last year to misusing campaign funds, admitted in court documents to defrauding donors by falsely claiming their contributions were for campaign […]
