Gary residents can legally buy marijuana less than an hour away in Illinois. Back home, they can still be arrested for having it. That contradiction is becoming harder to ignore in Northwest Indiana, where state leaders are once again weighing cannabis policy while leaving current laws largely unchanged. Indiana remains one of the few Midwestern […]
Mike Braun
Posted inLGBTQ, Politics & Policy
Indiana Blocks Gender Changes on IDs, Raising Risks for Trans Residents
Indiana residents can no longer change the gender on their driver’s licenses under an executive order from Gov. Mike Braun that requires state-issued identification to reflect a person’s assigned sex at birth. The policy, which went into effect Feb. 12, applies to all gender changes on Indiana-issued credentials, ending a long-standing Bureau of Motor Vehicles […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
After Backing Off, Indiana GOP Expected to Reopen Congressional Redistricting Fight
Indiana lawmakers will return to the Statehouse on Dec. 1 for a rare early start to the 2026 legislative session, where Republicans are expected to revive a proposal to redraw the state’s congressional map mid-decade in a move Democrats say will destabilize elections and undermine representation in Northwest Indiana. The announcement from House Speaker Todd […]
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 inBusiness, Economic Development
‘Just The Beginning’: Gary Breaks Ground on $60 Million FedEx Distribution Center
Less than six months after announcing its arrival during his State of the City address, Mayor Eddie Melton christened what will become Gary’s new FedEx distribution center. Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony at 1 Buffington Harbor, which took place even as crews were at work on the 317,000-square foot facility, was attended by officials from every level […]
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, State Government
Indiana Medicaid Changes Could Leave Gary Residents Without Coverage
New state legislation in Indiana could significantly change how Medicaid and the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) are managed. Signed by Gov. Mike Braun last week and set to go into effect on July 1, these changes are expected to affect low-income residents, including those in Gary, by tightening eligibility verification, imposing new financial requirements, and […]
Posted inEducation, LGBTQ, Partner Content, Sports
Bill Banning Transgender Female Athletes From Women’s College Teams Clears Senate
This story was originally published by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. A bill that would prohibit transgender female athletes from playing on college teams that align with their gender identity passed the Indiana Senate on Thursday with bipartisan support on a 42-6 vote. It now goes to Gov. Mike Braun for his signature. Sen. Stacey Donato, […]
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 inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
Gary Leaders Push Back as State Bills Threaten City’s Finances
With state lawmakers pushing a wave of bills that could reshape Gary’s finance and governance, city leaders are working to stay ahead. The Gary Common Council is considering a new committee to track legislation, keep local officials and residents informed, and strengthen the city’s ability to advocate for its interests at the state level. The […]
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, State Government
Indiana’s Black Caucus Pushes Health Plan While Battling DEI Program Cuts
Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus is launching an ambitious health-focused agenda in a legislative session fraught with political resistance. With a Republican-dominated Statehouse and governor dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the caucus faces mounting obstacles as it works to address racial and economic inequities. The caucus unveiled its 2025 agenda, “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds,” hoping […]