Capital B Gary wins 3 Indiana SPJ awards The newsroom was recognized for its tornado coverage and a range of work reflecting Gary’s people and culture.

Capital B Gary earned three honors at this year’s statewide journalism awards, including a first-place finish for its breaking news coverage of a tornado that tore through the city.


gary.capitalbnews.org/capital-b-gary-wins-indi...

Gary Genesis Center Redevelopment Proposals - Capital B Gary Proposals range from housing to entertainment for the vast downtown site.

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 of downtown’s most visible underused spaces.

https://bit.ly/48gKb10

Michael Jackson Biopic Premieres in Gary Before Global Release - Capital B Gary Thousands gathered in the city for an emotional screening of the movie in the music legend's hometown.

Thousands gathered in the city for an emotional screening of the movie in the music legend’s hometown.

gary.capitalbnews.org/michael-jackson-biopic-g...

Early Voting Begins Across Indiana - Capital B Gary With only one federal race on the ballot, attention shifts to high-profile local contests.

Early voting began Tuesday, April 7, and continues through Monday, May 4.

Gary residents can cast early ballots at the Gary Public Library, the city’s only early voting location.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-early-voting-2026-p...

Today is #LocalNewsDay, a national movement to reconnect communities with the local outlets that are doing the work that matters.

Help Capital B keep telling local stories with big impact: https://gary.capitalbnews.org/local-news-day/

Gary to Host Early Michael Jackson Biopic Screening - Capital B Gary After months of advocating to the movie’s distributor, a private screening of “Michael” is coming to Gary.

After months of advocating to the movie’s distributor, a private screening of “Michael” is coming to Gary.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-indiana-michael-jac...

As Neighboring States Legalize, Gary Residents Still Risk Arrest Over Weed - Capital B Gary Marijuana is legal in neighboring states but remains illegal in Indiana. Gov. Mike Braun has signaled a possible shift in his position on the drug, however.

Marijuana is legal in neighboring states but remains illegal in Indiana. Gov. Mike Braun has signaled a possible shift in his position on the drug, however.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-indiana-marijuana-l...

Free Food Across Northwest Indiana for April 2026 - Capital B Gary About 1 in 7 residents throughout the region are food insecure.

Where to Get Free Food in Northwest Indiana This April

gary.capitalbnews.org/free-food-gary-nwi-april...

Gary Nearly Became Home to a Jackson Family Theme Park - Capital B Gary A once-ambitious plan to transform the city into a national tourist destination collapsed amid politics and uncertainty.

For a brief moment in the mid-1990s, Gary stood on the edge of a radically different future. City leaders and members of the Jackson family began discussing plans for a theme park in Gary, an idea that soon expanded into something far more ambitious.

https://bit.ly/3PNiJBA

Gary Takes Key Step on $100 Million Convention Center - Capital B Gary A Common Council vote shifts the project, seen as as a turning point in the city's economic trajectory, from concept to a new phase.

A Common Council vote shifts the project, seen as as a turning point in the city’s economic trajectory, from concept to a new phase.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-lake-county-convent...

April 2026 Gary Public Meetings - Capital B Gary Officials have advanced initiatives tied to the sidelot program and the Genesis Center.

The Gary Redevelopment Commission moved forward on a mix of neighborhood and downtown initiatives, including a measure to expand the city’s sidelot program and taking steps tied to the future of the Genesis Center.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-public-meetings-apr...

Gary Residents Invited to Share Michael Jackson Memories - Capital B Gary A storytelling event tied to the upcoming movie will be held March 25 at the Gary Public Library from 3:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

A storytelling event tied to the upcoming movie will be held March 25 at the Gary Public Library from 3:30 to 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

gary.capitalbnews.org/michael-jackson-biopic-g...

Hoosiers Can No Longer Update Gender on IDs - Capital B Gary Advocates say the move will increase discrimination risks and limit access to housing, health care, and employment for transgender Hoosiers.

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.
gary.capitalbnews.org/indiana-driv...

Gary Residents Question Whether Data Centers Are Worth the Cost - Capital B Gary Community members urge officials to study environmental impacts before any projects move forward.

Gary officials and residents are grappling with whether the city should welcome data centers amid concerns about environmental impacts, tax incentives, and strain on local infrastructure.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-indiana-data-center...

‘We Don’t Do It for the Glory’: The Workers Erasing Gary’s Graffiti For residents and city employees alike, the effort isn’t about recognition – it’s about reclaiming neighborhoods from blight.

For residents and city employees alike, the effort isn’t about recognition – it’s about reclaiming neighborhoods from blight.

https://capitalbnews.org/gary-grafiti-removal/

Gary to Build $1.4M Animal Control Facility to Replace Aging Shelter - Capital B Gary The new center, located near the Gary Police Department and funded by the city and Hard Rock Casino, will help officials improve animal services.

One of Gary’s most vulnerable communities — its animals — will welcome a new home this year after a collaboration between community partners.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-animal-control-faci...

Free Food Available in Gary and Northwest Indiana This March - Capital B Gary As federal SNAP work requirements tighten, churches and nonprofits across the region are hosting food distributions throughout the month.

Churches, nonprofits, and government agencies across Northwest Indiana are hosting free food distributions throughout March as some families adjust to tighter federal work requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients.

https://bit.ly/4l7mFbJ

Free Food Available in Gary and Northwest Indiana This March - Capital B Gary As federal SNAP work requirements tighten, churches and nonprofits across the region are hosting food distributions throughout the month.

As federal SNAP work requirements tighten, churches and nonprofits across the region are hosting food distributions throughout the month.
https://bit.ly/4l7mFbJ

Loose Dogs in Gary Raise Safety Concerns for Residents and Animal Control - Capital B Gary Residents, police, and trainers point to enforcement, ownership, and education as key to reducing incidents.

Across Gary, some residents say loose and stray dogs have forced them to change daily routines, keeping people from walking their neighborhoods, playing outside or stepping out of their cars without first scanning the street.
bit.ly/3ZXq43l

Gary Businesses Face Higher Stormwater Bills - Capital B Gary The rate hike is part of a long-term plan to address sewage overflows.

Many Gary businesses and other commercial property owners will soon see higher stormwater bills after the city approved a significant rate increase that shifts more of the cost of sewer and drainage upgrades onto nonresidential properties.
gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-stormwa...

West Side Students Walkout Over Principal Vote - Capital B Gary Students, staff, and parents spoke out in support of the educator while seeking an explanation.

Students at West Side Leadership Academy staged a peaceful walkout Friday a day after the Gary Community School Corp. board voted not to renew Principal Carl Scott’s contract.
gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-school-board-walkou...

Chicago Bears Stadium Plan Moves Toward Hammond - Capital B Gary While the focus shifts from a new stadium in Gary, city officials are optimistic: “Regional success benefits us all.”

The Chicago Bears’ long-running stadium search moved closer to becoming reality in Northwest Indiana on Thursday, as state officials signaled Hammond as the preferred site and lawmakers advanced legislation designed to support construction of a new NFL stadium.

https://bit.ly/4qIXSfz

The Rev. Jesse Jackson Dies at 84 After Inspiring Gary and Beyond - Capital B Gary Jackson forged deep ties to the city through his relationship with Mayor Richard Hatcher and organizing the 1972 Black Political Convention.

For Gary, Jackson’s legacy is tied closely to the city’s emergence as a center of Black political organizing in the 1970s and ’80s.
gary.capitalbnews.org/jesse-jackso...

This Black Man Made History at Indiana University. It Took Decades for Recognition. He calls himself “The Agitator,” and for good reason.

The first thing he did after he was elected?

“I suspended the elections and I put on the floor to change the organization’s name to the Black Student Union,” he said. “Because what we were dealing with were Black issues.”

https://gary.capitalbnews.org/todd-deloney-profile/

As Utility Bills Rise, Lawmakers Want More Help For Families - Capital B Gary Still, several amendments that would have strengthened protections for customers were rejected.

As Northwest Indiana residents’ utility frustrations mount over triple-digit increases, legislators, too, are feeling the pressure to use the tools at their disposal to help provide relief.
gary.capitalbnews.org/indiana-utility-bill-rel...

Youth Art Exhibit Highlights Black Creativity in Gary - Capital B Gary Young artists from across Northwest Indiana take center stage at a Black History Month exhibition in Gary.

Young artists from across Northwest Indiana take center stage at a Black History Month exhibition in Gary.

gary.capitalbnews.org/gary-youth-a...

NIPSCO Bills Double as Families Demand Relief - Capital B Gary Residents say sudden bill spikes are forcing families to choose between heat, rent, and groceries as lawmakers debate a response.

Residents say sudden bill spikes are forcing families to choose between heat, rent, and groceries as lawmakers debate a response.
gary.capitalbnews.org/nipsco-bill-...

Gary to Invest $3 Million in New Brother’s Keeper Homeless Shelter Facility - Capital B Gary The homeless shelter will be relocating after 40 years on Broadway.

The homeless shelter will be relocating after 40 years on Broadway.

gary.capitalbnews.org/brothers-keeper-gary-she...

How Indiana’s 2026 Legislative Session Could Affect Gary - Capital B Gary Gary residents once again have a lot at stake in this year’s state legislative session, from proposals targeting diversity initiatives to changes in Medicaid eligibility and renewed efforts to lure th...

Gary residents once again have a lot at stake in this year’s state legislative session, from proposals targeting diversity initiatives to changes in Medicaid eligibility and renewed efforts to lure the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana.

gary.capitalbnews.org/indiana-2026...

Gary Secures $1.1M to Demolish Ivanhoe Elementary - Capital B Gary The building 15th Avenue and Gerry Street has stood vacant for more than 15 years.

The city will use newly awarded congressional funding totaling $1.1 million to demolish the abandoned property that was once Ivanhoe Elementary School, which closed its doors to students in 2010.
gary.capitalbnews.org/ivanhoe-elem...