After months of partisan standoff, public outcry and pressure from the White House, the Indiana House of Representatives voted 57-41 on Friday to pass House Bill 1032, a congressional map that could reshape the state’s political landscape for decades. Frustration and discontent echoed through the Indiana Statehouse as hundreds of Hoosiers crowded outside the House […]
Politics & Policy
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
After Backing Off, Indiana GOP Expected to Reopen Congressional Redistricting Fight
Indiana lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on Dec. 1 for a rare early start to the 2026 legislative session, where Republicans are expected to revive a proposal to redraw the state’s congressional map mid-decade in a move Democrats say will destabilize elections and undermine representation in Northwest Indiana. The announcement from House Speaker Todd […]
Posted inHousing, Politics & Policy, Redevelopment
Aetna Sees Hope as Gary Shifts From Demolition to Homebuilding
Community members strolled down the sidewalk on East 10th Avenue last week to a home that represented a stepping stone in the city’s redevelopment efforts. A breeze of hope blew through the small crowd of people gathered outside the new house at 5544 E 10th Ave. “Today is such a joyous day. It’s been a […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
White House Pressure Fails as Indiana Lawmakers Reject Early Redistricting Push
Gary’s political representation is safe for now after Indiana lawmakers shelved a proposal to redraw the state’s congressional maps, a change that could have reshaped Northwest Indiana’s Democratic-leaning 1st District. Senate Republicans backed away from the plan last week despite months of pressure from the president, vice president and, more recently, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun. […]
Posted inEnvironmental Justice, Politics & Policy
Gary Board Approves Soil Processing Facility Amid Environmental Concerns
The Gary Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday approved a request to operate a wet soil processing facility on East 15th Avenue, despite sharp concerns from residents and officials about traffic, air quality, and environmental justice impacts. Reconstruct Aggregate wants to build the facility on a 10-acre industrial parcel just south of the Indiana Toll […]
Posted inCommunity, Politics & Policy
Gary Launches Emergency Food Plan as SNAP Reductions Hit Residents
With Indiana preparing to issue only partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton announced Monday a sweeping local relief effort to protect families from going hungry. The city’s “Gary SNAPS Into Action” plan is a $275,000 emergency response package combining city funds, corporate […]
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 inPolitics & Policy
Homeland Security and ICE Arrive in Gary Amid Airport Protests
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a joint press conference Thursday at Gary/Chicago International Airport with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to deliver updates on “Operation Midway Blitz” — an immigration enforcement initiative that has expanded beyond Chicago into Northwest Indiana. Noem said the sweep has resulted in 223 arrests, of which 146 were […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Braun Calls Lawmakers Back for Session that Could Alter Gary’s Political Future
Gov. Mike Braun on Monday called a special legislative session to consider redrawing Indiana’s congressional map, setting up a potential political fight that could alter the balance of political power in Northwest Indiana and reshape the state’s electoral balance for years to come. The session, scheduled to begin next week, is being called to “protect […]