This series was produced as part of the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship. In the empty halls of the Gary Neighborhood Services building on Grant Street once stood the Milky Way Cafe, a casual space created for breastfeeding moms to meet, share supporting resources, and consult with professionals. But the clinic, one of the few […]
Donald Trump
Posted inAir Pollution, Environmental Justice
Braun’s Executive Order Sparks Alarm in Polluted Communities Like Gary
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s latest executive order eliminating environmental justice protections is sparking concern in communities like Gary, a city long plagued by industrial pollution. Environmental advocates warn that gutting oversight will leave vulnerable residents with fewer safeguards against toxic emissions and hazardous waste. Earlier this week, Braun signed an executive order eliminating “environmental justice” […]
Posted inPartner Content, Politics & Policy
Where Do Federal Funding Cuts Leave Indiana?
This story was originally published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. The state of Indiana receives more than $20 billion from the federal government annually, or 44% of its budget, and is the third-most reliant state — behind only Louisiana and Mississippi, according to an analysis from the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Under President […]
Posted inEducation, Politics & Policy
Gary Parents Depend on Head Start. Trump’s Budget Cuts Put It at Risk.
When Jessica Fullilove enrolled her 4-year-old son at Geminus Head Start-St. Mark Early Learning Academy in Glen Park, she expected a strong educational foundation. But the staff went far beyond that. “[They] actually caught a developmental delay that even the doctor didn’t catch on to right away, so I’m thankful for that,” Fullilove said. “The […]
Posted inPartner Content, Politics & Policy
Hoosiers rally at Statehouse to protest Trump administration
This story was originally published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle Roughly 200 Hoosiers braved chilly rain at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, chanting as they circled the building for roughly five hours to protest President Donald Trump and top advisor Elon Musk. Signs directed Hoosiers to “Stop this fascist coup!” and “Impeach the (poop emoji),” […]
Posted inHistory, Politics & Policy
Tuskegee Airmen’s Legacy Lives On in Gary Amid National Debate
The legacy of Black aviation is a point of pride in Gary, where the contributions of the Tuskegee Airmen — trailblazing pilots who fought for America abroad and equality at home — are honored through tributes like a statue at the Gary Aquatorium and a bridge at Gary/Chicago International Airport. These service members helped pave […]
Posted inBusiness, Money, Politics & Policy
As TikTok Faces Ban, Gary’s Creators Push to Keep the City in Focus
Erik Roberts films a TikTok video, his phone capturing the details of a refurbished home perched on a hill in Gary, as a hip-hop beat pulses in the background. Over the past three years, the real estate agent-turned-influencer has built a following by showcasing the city’s potential, connecting first-time buyers to affordable homes, and reshaping […]
Posted inEconomy
Gary Mayor Expresses His Support for Nippon Steel’s Acquisition of U.S. Steel
With U.S. Steel employees surrounding him, Mayor Eddie Melton on Thursday announced his support for the company’s acquisition by the Japanese company, Nippon Steel. “As the 22nd mayor of Gary, I wanted to show my support for this effort because we have done our due diligence to make sure that it’s the right thing for […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Which Gary Neighborhoods Voted Most in the 2024 Election?
Which Gary neighborhood claimed the crown for Gary turnout in 2024? We crunched the numbers precinct by precinct to see who showed up, who stayed home, and who exceeded their 2020 performances. From registered voters to those who cast their ballots on Election Day and turnout percentage, here’s what the data reveals about Gary’s voting […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
How People Voted in Lake County: A Visual Breakdown of Key Election Trends
Lake County, long a Democratic stronghold in deep-red Indiana, shows signs of a rightward shift. In the latest election, fewer residents across nearly every municipality voted Democratic, while President-elect Donald Trump made notable gains, even in historically blue cities and towns. Once a reliable base for Democratic candidates, Lake County’s changing political landscape raises questions […]