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 […]
Local Government
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary Organizers Combine Voter Registration, Food Assistance to Boost Turnout for 2024 Election
Voting advocates across Gary are ramping up efforts ahead of the 2024 general election, finding creative ways to engage voters of all ages. With turnout steadily declining over recent voting cycles, organizers are pulling out all the stops to reverse the trend and mobilize residents to the polls. On the Indiana University Northwest campus, Black […]
Posted inPolicing, Public Safety
Former Gary Police Officer Charged With Sexual Misconduct Against Minor
A former police officer and commander with the Gary Police Department was arrested and indicted Thursday on federal charges for allegedly coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The officer, James W. Bond, 52, of Crown Point, appeared and pleaded not guilty in federal court in Hammond via Zoom on Thursday. Bond’s attorney […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
Gary’s 2025 Budget Season Kicks Off: How Will the City Spend Its Money?
Gary’s budget season kicks into high gear on Monday with a week full of daily meetings and presentations as city departments, including the mayor’s office, go before the Common Council with their budget proposals for the 2025 fiscal year beginning in January. Throughout the week, residents have a rare opportunity to see firsthand how their […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety
‘Enough Is Enough’: Gary Leaders and Family Call for Action After Mother of Six Is Killed by a Stray Bullet
Charlotte Tidwell spoke softly, clutching a tissue as she recounted her daughter’s final moments. “My daughter turned that corner on Grant Street and made a left to head to Portage so she could go home and cook. She didn’t make it back,” she whispered. Tidwell was surrounded by family members and friends who gathered at […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Potential $800K Budget Boost from Gary Airport, Park Improvements Highlight Latest Political News
As budget season approaches, Gary is at the intersection of local growth, political maneuvering, and statewide education reform, all of which promise to reshape the city’s future. In August, Gary’s local leaders stayed busy tackling a range of issues, from a potential $800,000 boost to the city’s budget via changes at Gary/Chicago International Airport to […]
Posted inExtreme Weather, Public Safety
Gary Braces for Heat Wave as Temperatures Approach Triple Digits
Gary is bracing for a surge of extreme heat this week, with temperatures nearing triple digits and deteriorating air quality prompting health and safety warnings from local authorities. As temperatures rise, the combination of scorching heat and high humidity is expected to create dangerous conditions for Gary residents. The National Weather Service has forecast that […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Public Safety
Kidnapping at Michael Jackson’s Childhood Home Alarms Neighbors, Provokes Spirited Response From Gary Officials
A Gary man is in custody after being charged with multiple felonies related to the alleged kidnapping of a 16-year-old girl and her father as they visited the childhood home of Michael Jackson. “It’s a crazy feeling because nothing like that has happened in this area,” said Lathaniel Staten, who has lived on the block […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Local Government
Residents Reflect as Norton Elementary’s Demolition Clears Path for Redevelopment
Foster Bell estimates he’s lived across from Horace S. Norton Elementary School for close to 40 years. Often, the 80-year-old would sit outside watching the trees that obscured the school where all eight of his children went. The tree he enjoyed looking at the most had beautiful flowers, with leaves that hung down like string […]
Posted inLocal Government, State Government
Gary Political News: Major Decisions and Updates
Another busy month around Gary’s political landscape is officially a wrap. As we get deeper into the presidential election season, Capital B Gary is ensuring local political decisions are understood by keeping tabs on some of the most consequential news in the city, county, and state. This month, city and county lawmakers provided financial boosts […]