Local News

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Michigan City has been named 2025 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the city’s continued commitment to planting, maintaining, and growing a healthier urban tree canopy. The national designation honors communities that prioritize responsible urban forestry, environmental stewardship, and investments that improve quality of life for residents. In recent years, Michigan City has become more intentional in the way it manages its trees, with year-round monitoring of tree health, growth, and disease screening. An inventory of trees on Michigan City property was completed in 2025 and used to develop an urban

NIPSCO and United Steelworkers (USW) leadership reached tentative agreements on April 16, and ratification results were finalized Friday 4/24/26 The Physical bargaining unit has ratified their agreement and will begin returning to work as directed, while the Clerical bargaining unit did not ratify their agreement and remains subject to the lockout. Physical bargaining unit employees should return to work Tuesday, April 28 for their scheduled shift, or on their next scheduled shift after that if not scheduled for Tuesday. As a regulated utility, NIPSCO’s responsibility to customers and communities remains unchanged. Service continuity plans continue, and teams across the company are supporting safe and reliable operations. NIPSCO will continue to share updates as the

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.   Sunday Mostly sunny, with a high near 63.   Sunday Night A 30 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49.   Monday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67.

The Michigan City Police Department is offering two free Community CPR Training classes this year to help residents gain lifesaving skills on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, Sept. 12. These classes will take place from 8:30 AM – 12:30 p.m. at the MCPD Community Room. The classes provide hands-on training that can prepare you to respond during a cardiac emergency and potentially save a life. Community members interested in learning CPR are encouraged to attend. MCPD recently thanked Health Foundation of La Porte for their grant that allowed MCPD to purchase new CPR feedback manikins, helping them provide updated, high-quality

Chesterton, IN — The Duneland Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Meeting on April 22, bringing together business leaders, members, and community partners for an evening of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking conversation. The event highlighted key updates from the Chamber’s newly developed 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, recognized the service of outgoing board members, and featured a fireside chat with Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. During opening remarks, Chamber President Maura Mundell shared a high-level overview of the organization’s strategic direction, emphasizing the Chamber’s continued commitment to serving its members while driving responsible economic growth

Community Update About the New Mental Health Court and SART Protocols   The Laporte County Prosecuting Attorney wants to update the community about the new Mental Health Court initiative and an update about SART protocols.   For the better part of a year, several stakeholders, such as the LaPorte County Courts, Adult Probation, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and several community partners have been putting the final touches on the new Mental Health Court initiative. The Mental Health Court is designed to engage Defendants in the Problem Solving Court process, but with a focus towards addressing Mental Health issues. This program

 Franciscan Health is presenting three free Super Sitter classes in 2026 to help attendees gain the skills they need to safely care for children. Topics covered include basic childcare skills, first aid and safety procedures, starting a babysitting business and infant and child CPR (basic skills, no certification), as well as appropriate, educational play and toys. The classes will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central on Tuesday June 23, Tuesday July 21 and Thursday Oct. 15 at Franciscan Health Michigan City’s Homer Street Campus, 301 W. Homer St. in Michigan City. Attendees only need to attend one

HUGE ACCIDENT on EASTBOUND I-80/94 near the Indianapolis Blvd/Kennedy Avenue area. Reports there is a FATAL involved. (motorcycle) Stay away. Both Eastbound and Westbound directions approaching the area are wicked for now. EXPECT delays. Images from both directions of 80/94 are from INDOT. Thank you Mobile Terri and Eli for calling into the station. Thank you INDOT cameras for the images

News Release by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration: INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Thursday announced findings from comprehensive audits of five Home- and Community-Based Services Attendant Care (ATTC) providers. The audits identified $198,031,230.18 in extrapolated improper payments (including interest) and systemic compliance failures across the review period of January 1, 2022 through March 31, 2025.  The audits were initiated after ATTC program expenditures increased by more than $150 million between 2021 and 2022 — a spike not supported by changes in member need or program structure. Using Statistically Valid Random Sampling (SVRS) aligned with

On Thursday, April 23rd, Natalee Stewart pled Guilty for stealing over 90,000 dollars from American Legion Post #451 in Michigan City. Ms. Stewart pled Guilty as part of a plea agreement, in which she agreed to immediately pay over 30,000 dollars to the Post, and will make monthly payments on the remaining over 60,000 dollars. If Ms. Stewart does not pay the remaining funds, she will serve the suspended portion of her sentence. Prosecuting Attorney Sean Fagan said: “Stealing money from the Post, veterans, and its Membership is a horrible crime. My Office worked with Post Leadership to arrive at

Today Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.   Tonight A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.   Saturday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

Officers from the Michigan City Police Department saved a juvenile from jumping off a bridge, according to a press release from MCPD. On April 4 at just after 6:20 a.m., the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding an unknown problem on the East U.S. Highway 12 bridge that crosses Trail Creek. Numerous officers arrived and located a juvenile standing alone along the edge of the bridge while experiencing a mental health crisis. Officers spoke to the juvenile and offered assistance for several minutes. Acting with urgency, care, and professionalism, officers were able to safely secure the

Press Release, Indiana Department of Environmental Management: INDIANAPOLIS –  The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is encouraging eligible Hoosiers to apply for free well water testing through the 2026 Groundwater Monitoring Network (GWMN). Although private well water is unregulated by both the IDEM and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  IDEM's Office of Water Quality Drinking Water Branch periodically collects water samples from qualified private residential drinking water wells to characterize groundwater conditions, track environmental changes, and identify areas that may be influenced by natural geology or human activity. "By taking part in this program, homeowners gain valuable insight into

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND, Ind. – The Leadership Institute at Purdue Northwest proudly announces the graduates of the 2025-26 Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI) program. This premium leadership program, facilitated by a team that includes professors from the PNW College of Business and leadership practitioners, met once a month for eight months. A 360 leadership assessment and custom coaching are program highlights. The facilitation team provides research-based leadership content and skill-building for effective leadership in the workplace and in life. The LNI 50th cohort constituted the largest program cohort to date with 41 graduating participants. On April 10, the

Press Release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management: INDIANAPOLIS –  For the first time in over a decade, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is publishing a public facing annual report, highlighting environmental progress made throughout the state. Coinciding with Earth Day, the 2025 Annual Report outlines achievements in air, land, water and key performance indicators that reflect the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Indiana’s environment. “Often, we lose sight of the tangible environmental gains Indiana achieves every day,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “This report provides a clear, accessible look at where we’ve made progress and how far we’ve come. Indiana

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.   Tonight A slight chance of showers, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 59. Chance of precipitation is 40%.   Friday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 70%.   Friday Night A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47.   Saturday A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Community leaders, residents, nonprofit organizations, and elected officials gathered on Friday, April 17, at the Stardust Event Center at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa for Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch’s Third Annual Charitable Gala. Centered on this year’s theme, “Empowering Communities,” the evening highlighted the power of partnership and reinforced a shared commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Michigan City. The gala continues to serve as a cornerstone initiative supporting programs that strengthen neighborhoods, expand opportunities for youth, and respond to critical community needs as they arise. “Tonight is more than a celebration – it

The La Porte County Symphony Orchestra is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 concert season, which will mark the ensemble's 54th season and the sixth season under the direction of Dr. Carolyn Watson. Highlights of the season include Rimsky-Korsakov’s dazzling symphonic suite Scheherazade, a Family Concert in collaboration with Classical Kids Music Education, a program commemorating the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death, and special guests for the Spring Pops concert: world-renowned ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN: The Music of ABBA. The season begins on September 12, 2026, with the Grand Finale Hoosier Star vocal competition and fundraiser, sponsored by Horizon Bank and Northwest

News Release, Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department: Liberty Township – The Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department is proud to support the “A Hustle Worth Having” campaign launched by the International Association of Fire Chief’s (IAFC), a national effort to recruit the next generation of volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters are essential to communities across the country, including Liberty Township, where dedicated members of the department serve their neighbors in times of emergency. As call volumes continue to rise nationwide, the need for committed volunteers has never been greater. The IAFC’s campaign highlights the meaningful impact of volunteer service, emphasizing that becoming

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has announced the finalists for the 2026 PNW Big Sell pitch competition, an annual event that brings together student and community entrepreneurs to present innovative ideas addressing real-world challenges. The event will begin at 1 p.m. on May 2 at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center, 7150 Indianapolis Blvd., Hammond, Ind. Finalists will compete for first through third place seed funding prizes of $10,000, $3,000 and $1,000, respectively. Following a review of video submissions, organizers selected 10 finalists representing a range of industries and backgrounds, including health technology, sustainability, consumer products