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, […]
Local Government
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 […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
January 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
As the new year begins, a critical meeting on Jan. 7 will shape the leadership of Gary’s Common Council for the year ahead. During the reorganization meeting, members will vote on positions within the council, including president, vice president and parliamentarian, as well as various committee assignments. These decisions set the tone for council priorities […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
2024 General Election: Your Complete Voting Guide for Gary and Lake County
What’s on the ballot? What’s at stake? At the top of the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vying for the presidency in a race that could have an enormous impact on the future of reproductive rights, the U.S. Supreme Court, and democracy itself. In the governor’s race between Mike […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Agrees to Release Conditions in Wire Fraud Case
The conditions of former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince’s release were set this week after he pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges for misusing campaign funds. Prince will be required to turn over his passport and will be restricted to travel within the continental United States. He posted an unsecured bond of $20,000 and will […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Jennifer McCormick Speaks on Taxes, Housing, and Gary’s Future
Indiana, now largely seen as a solidly red state, hasn’t always worn that designation. In 2008, the state turned blue for Barack Obama, just three years after a run that saw three democrats hold the state’s top office for nearly two decades from 1989-2005. Jennifer McCormick hopes she can break the more recent streak of […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
How Indiana’s Governor’s Race Could Determine the Future of Gary’s Budget
After days of hourslong budget hearings at City Hall, Gary Common Council Vice President Lori Latham had seen and heard enough. Throughout the week, department head after department head took to the podium in the council chambers, some with requests for additional funding, until she emphatically addressed the elephant in the room — the city’s […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince to Plead Guilty to Misuse of Campaign Funds
Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince has acknowledged in court documents that he defrauded donors by using campaign funds for his personal expenses, including the purchase of a private residence. Court records filed Oct. 9 in U.S. District Court detail a scheme in which Prince misappropriated roughly $26,750 from his mayoral campaign between 2019 and 2020. […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Local Government, Transportation
New Greyhound Partnership Brings More Bus Routes and Economic Growth to Gary
Gary announced Thursday the expansion of its bus services and a strengthened partnership with Greyhound, a move officials hope will enhance regional connectivity and solidify the city’s role as a transportation hub for Northwest Indiana. Unveiled in the shadow of Gary’s Adam Benjamin Metro Center, the plan includes more frequent Greyhound arrivals and departures alongside […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Safety
Gary’s Police and Fire Departments Lead Budget Talks; Here’s What They Proposed
Like many American cities, Gary dedicates the bulk of its budget to public safety. But with tight finances, the city’s police and fire departments are both exploring creative strategies to boost staffing and maintain essential services. During recent budget hearings, both departments outlined their plans for the upcoming year, highlighting the need for more personnel […]