Gary residents affected by the powerful Aug. 11 storm that knocked out power in much of the region for roughly weeks may soon get the help they need. Shortly after speaking this week with Gary Mayor Eddie Melton and U.S. Sen. Jim Banks of Indiana, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for the […]
Lake County
Posted inCommunity, Extreme Weather, Public Services, Utilities
Churches, a Lawsuit and the Governor Are Pressuring NIPSCO After Gary’s Blackout
As power slowly returns to homes and businesses in Gary and across Northwest Indiana, Black faith leaders and elected officials alike are turning their focus to restoration, accountability, and solutions for future weather events. Fewer than 2,500 NIPSCO customers in Gary remained without power as of Tuesday morning, but that is more than 70% of […]
Posted inCommunity
Where Families Can Get Free Food in June in Northwest Indiana
As summer begins, June brings another month of Northwest Indiana organizations working to provide relief from rising food costs and food insecurity. In Indiana, almost 10% of families and individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have had their benefits cut since last year. In Gary, nearly 40% of residents rely on SNAP benefits, while […]
Posted inElections, Politics & Policy
Lake County’s Primary Reveals a Stark Divide in Who Shows Up to Vote
Despite a primary ballot that featured a historic race for Lake County sheriff and several competitive county council contests, voter turnout across Lake County remained sluggish on May 5, with most communities failing to surpass 20%. Just 16% of the county’s more than 367,000 registered voters cast ballots, according to Lake County Board of Elections […]
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 inPolitics & Policy
Lake County Report Finds Poor Oversight, Low Morale and Years of Financial Errors
A recent internal report paints a stark picture of how Lake County operates, citing loosely enforced attendance policies and a leadership culture rooted in control and fear. The report says those conditions have created “a very unreliable workforce” and allowed serious financial failures to persist for years. The Lake County Organizational Needs Report, prepared by […]
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 […]
