Hard Rock Casino’s concert hall was filled with bow ties, gowns, and trap music rattling the walls Saturday night. Somewhere in the middle of it all, with his sunglasses on, fist raised and double bass in hand, was Timothy Stanford. Exactly where he never imagined he would be. For most of the Masterclass Trap Orchestra, […]
Gary
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Gary Primary Election Turnout Was Very Different Across Districts
Voter turnout in Gary’s 2026 primary election varied widely across precincts, with clear gaps between council districts. In some locations, participation far exceeded the county average, while others saw only a small percentage of registered voters cast ballots. An examination of registered voters, ballots cast on election day, and overall turnout percentages shows how civic […]
Posted inCommunity
Where Families Can Get Free Food in May in Northwest Indiana
As summer rapidly approaches, organizations across Northwest Indiana are scheduling free food distributions throughout May to offer families some relief from rising food prices. In Northwest Indiana, roughly 1 in 7 residents and 1 in 5 children are considered food insecure, meaning they lack consistent access to enough nutritious food. In Gary, almost 40% of […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Williams Moves Closer to Historic Sheriff Win After Election Primary
Jerry Williams was greeted with roaring applause as he walked into a packed celebration at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday to celebrate his Democratic primary victory in the Lake County sheriff’s race. As dozens of supporters cheered, Williams moved through the crowd smiling, moving closer to a November […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Gary Voters Head to the Polls on Primary Election Day
Gary voters were greeted with steady rain and clouds on primary election day. While there is no presidential race on the ballot, several key federal, county and local contests are expected to shape life in Gary and across Lake County. In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan faces a challenge from former Gary […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
How to Vote in Gary and Lake County on Election Day
Election day in Gary is this Tuesday, May 5 when residents head to the polls to select their candidates in the primary election. This guide breaks down key races, offices on the ballot, and what to know before you vote. Where do I vote in Gary and Lake County? Nearly 30 polling sites will be […]
Posted inHousing, Money
Affordable Housing Tour Stops in Gary With Push to Close Homeownership Gap
Music flowed through the hallway at Indiana University Northwest’s Savannah Center as residents walked in with folders in hand and questions on their minds. As the Thea Bowman Leadership Academy Drumline played classic hits to introduce the evening’s speakers, Gary welcomed a program with a clear objective: to bridge the housing gap in the Black […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Housing, Politics & Policy, Redevelopment
Melton Outlines ‘Next Chapter’ for Gary in His Third State of the City Address
In his first State of the City address, delivered shortly after taking office, Mayor Eddie Melton laid out a vision for Gary’s future. A year later, he highlighted major development wins, including a $60 million FedEx distribution center, as the city competed for the Lake County Convention Center. On Tuesday, in his third address, Melton […]
Posted inCommunity, Criminal Justice, Public Safety
Gary’s Homicide Rate Falls to Its Lowest Point in More Than 50 Years
For a city that once held the highest murder rate in the country in the early 1990s, reducing gun violence has been a central focus of city leaders for the past quarter of a century. Last year, Gary recorded 28 homicides, the city’s lowest total in 55 years. The drop was accompanied by a nearly […]
Posted inEconomic Development, Politics & Policy
Six Developers Pitch New Future for Gary’s Genesis Center Site
For years, the Genesis Center has sat largely quiet in downtown Gary, a prominent site with little to show for its potential. Now, as city officials weigh six competing proposals to redevelop the long-vacant property, the decision is shaping up as more than a choice about a single project. It could determine what replaces one […]
