Originally published by The Indiana Citizen At least 10 bills, aimed at tackling various aspects of Indiana’s housing crisis, including negligent landlords, foreclosures induced by medical debt and biased appraisals, were introduced at the start of the 2024 legislative session. However, the optimism that housing advocates shared at the beginning of the session has dissipated […]
Politics & Policy
Posted inLocal Government
Gary February Public Meetings Preview
Here’s a look at some important public meetings scheduled in Gary in February 2024 Common Council Early in Mayor Eddie Melton’s tenure, most city departments are under new leadership. Dwayne Halliburton, council member for the 2nd District, and Mark Spencer, councilman-at-large, are still transitioning into their new council roles. Tune in to see what the […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Public Services
Indiana Black Lawmakers Prioritize Housing in Legislative Plan
Black lawmakers in Indiana are introducing multiple housing bills to enhance homeownership accessibility for all Hoosiers statewide. State Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, and chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, said that each year the cohort selects a theme and issue they want to tackle collectively. “It’s not a secret that housing is an […]
Posted inPublic Safety
Facing the Freeze: How Gary and Its Residents Are Battling a Severe Cold Snap
Frank Kirk stepped out of Fresh County Market on Wednesday, his chin buried in his coat against the 19-degree cold. Kirk, his hands full of grocery bags, said he appreciated the brief reprieve from the recent arctic weather. “This is like summer vacation compared to what we just went through,” the 59-year-old said with a […]
Posted inPartner Content, Politics & Policy
Vinzant Narrowly Wins Democratic Caucus Vote to Fill Indiana Senate Seat in District 3
After a voting glitch that forced a second round of balloting, David Vinzant, former Hobart city councilman and business owner, was selected by the Lake County Democratic Party caucus Wednesday to fill the Indiana Senate seat previously held by the newly elected Gary mayor, Eddie Melton. Vinzant won on the second ballot by a 34-to-32 […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary January Public Meetings Preview
Here’s a look at some important public meetings scheduled in Gary in January 2024 Common Council Gary’s government will see many changes in 2024. The first Gary Common Council meeting, marking Eddie Melton’s debut as mayor, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at City Hall on the second floor. This meeting follows […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
From Gary to the White House: Hatcher Discusses Gun Violence Prevention Talks
State legislators from across the nation gathered at the White House last week for a landmark meeting on gun violence prevention, where the Biden-Harris administration announced the Safer States Initiatives, focused on highlighting actions that states can take to address the epidemic of gun violence. State Rep. Ragen Hatcher (D-Gary) was one of only 100 […]
Posted inLocal Government
Gary December Public Meetings Preview
Here’s a look at some important public meetings scheduled in Gary this December. Gary public schools We’ve got our eyes on a Dec. 12 meeting for the Gary Community School Corporation held by MGT Management, the emergency manager contracted to run the school district amid the state’s takeover of GCSC, and the appointed advisory school […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
A Q+A with Gary’s Newly Elected Mayor
In a candid and comprehensive conversation, two Capital B Gary’s reporters sat down with the city’s newly elected mayor, state Sen. Eddie Melton. The discussion offered a glimpse into why Melton moved from the statehouse to the mayoral office, his perspective on pressing issues confronting Gary’s Black residents, and some lighthearted matters. The interview spanned […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Gary Chooses Melton: Insights from Voters and the Mayor-Elect’s Message to the City
Gary’s Election Day concluded as expected with state Sen. Eddie Melton winning the mayoral race in a landslide, securing a commanding 94% of the votes. Democratic Common Council members Ronnie Brewer, Mark Spencer, and Darren Washington also triumphed in securing the three at-large council seats, outpacing Republican candidate Ivan Ursery II. Capital B Gary’s reporters […]