This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Indiana lawmakers wrapped up the 2025 legislative session early Friday with a final vote on a two-year state budget that provides a 2% annual increase in funding for schools and establishes a universal school voucher program to begin next year. They also passed several education bills that are […]
Politics & Policy
Posted inEconomy, Money, Politics & Policy
Gary’s Seniors on Edge as Tariffs Threaten Their Savings
On a recent weekday afternoon, the Gary Public Library’s community room was filled with dozens of seniors seeking community, friendship, and a game of bingo. For members of the Senior Citizens Friendship Club, it’s a welcome escape from the stress and uncertainty of daily life. It offers a brief window to laugh, unwind, and connect […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy
Gary vs. Hammond: Battle Brews Over Casino-Backed Convention Center
Tensions are rising across Northwest Indiana as the Lake County Board of Commissioners nears a decision in the coming weeks between Gary and Hobart to host a new multimillion-dollar convention center. The proposal has surfaced a regional divide, with officials in nearby cities that host competing casinos taking public stances on the possibility of the […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy
Council Approves Rezoning of Former Beckman School for Industrial Use
Gary City Hall was filled with residents Tuesday evening, as Common Council members voted to approve a controversial new construction project that would rezone the area of the former Beckman Middle School. A new industrial complex proposed by two Illinois property developers is slated to be built on the shuttered Beckman School site, much to […]
Posted inLocal Government, Public Meetings
April 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
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 […]
Posted inHealth, Public Services, State Government
Advocates Fight Medicaid Cuts in Indiana, Calling Them a Direct Threat to Health
Pamela Johnson worries about what could happen to her grandson, Robin Johnson Singleton, if Medicaid is cut. Robin, who has Down syndrome, has been on Medicaid since birth. The nine-year-old is now in third grade and, thriving after several surgeries, relies on Medicaid for the care that keeps him healthy. “I would think the people […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, Redevelopment
From Eyesore to Opportunity: Gary’s Side Lot Program Gives Hope to Homeowners
Gaynette Ford remembers the day she danced in the street. After years of living next to a crumbling drug house, where strangers loitered, and needles littered the ground, she had all but given up on getting it torn down. Then, one afternoon, she came home to a sight she never expected: a demolition crew leveling […]
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 […]