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 […]
Lake County
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 […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy
August 2025 Public Meeting Schedule for Gary
Gary’s Common Council dealt primarily with zoning issues during its meeting in July. As a result, two new auto dealerships have been greenlighted for Fifth Avenue on the city’s West Side. Starting today, the council will address short-term rentals in the Miller neighborhood as it issues a final vote today on the rezoning of a […]
Posted inHealth
West Nile Virus Found in Lake County, Health Department Confirms
The Lake County Health Department announced Thursday it had received confirmation of West Nile virus in Northwest Indiana. The news comes a few days after the state’s first West Nile virus case this year, found in a Vanderburgh County resident. The Indiana Department of Health said that several of its mosquito surveillance trap samples tested […]