Local News

Indiana Dunes National Park is urging the public to stay off of Mount Baldy and shared the following statement on their Facebook page Tuesday: "Fireworks are spectacular. Climbing a protected dune to get a better view? We can do better. National parks protect some of America’s most iconic landscapes, and at Indiana Dunes, dunes are at the heart of that story. Mt. Baldy is more than a pile of sand. It is a living ecosystem, a dynamic landform, and part of the landscape this park was created to preserve. This photo shows the cumulative impact of people leaving designated trails.

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales Tuesday provided an update on recounts and post-election audits following Indiana’s 2026 Primary Election. “As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, I want every Hoosier to have confidence that our elections are conducted fairly, securely, and accurately.  The work does not end on Election Day. Recounts and post-election audits are critical safeguards that provide additional verification and accountability. These post-election procedures strengthen transparency, reinforce trust, and help ensure Indiana’s elections remain secure and trustworthy,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State. The Indiana State Board of Accounts has concluded the counting process in the three state

Today is the Day. The NEW JIMMY JOHNS in Michigan City 2nd location Opens at 2323 E. Michigan Blvd. Doors open to the Public at 10am. Stop by and SUPPORT LOCAL. Congratulations from TEAM WIMS to Frank Good, his family, and their crew. Looks Beautiful. Jimmy John’s is hiring, full time and part time, delivery drivers and in-shop, for our new location at 2323 E Michigan Blvd in Michigan City!! In shop starts at $14/hr. Deliver drivers $9/hr on the road, $12 an hour while in the shop, tips, and mileage reimbursement based off your vehicle. Apply to Delivery Driver/Inshop

Today Sunny, with a high near 87.   Tonight A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.   Thursday A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87.   Thursday Night A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67.   Friday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.

South Shore Line President Dave Dech released the following statement on Tuesday regarding repairs, temporary weekend/holiday schedule, and busing: President’s Letter July 7, 2026 Dear South Shore Line Riders: On the evening of June 24, 2026, an empty freight train derailed 13 cars on the South Shore Line’s Grand Calumet River Bridge, between the East Chicago and Hammond Gateway stations. We are grateful that no injuries were reported. The derailment caused significant damage to several structures that support the overhead wires our trains rely on for power. Because of the bridge’s location and the specialized nature of these structures, repairs

Michigan City Area Schools is inviting community members to attend a series of public information meetings to learn about the proposed 2026 Operating Referendum and the financial challenges facing the district. Like many school districts across Indiana, Michigan City Area Schools is facing new financial challenges. These community meetings are designed to help residents better understand those challenges, explore the proposed 2026 Operating Referendum, and make an informed decision. The meetings will provide factual information about recent changes to Indiana's school funding system, including the impact of Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1), property tax caps, declining enrollment, and rising

The Valparaiso Police Department, in partnership with the Valparaiso Fire Department and Valparaiso Community Schools, has notified the public of planned public safety training exercises taking place at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (605 Campbell Street). Training began Tuesday and is being conducted on July 9 and July 14–16, 2026. Activity will occur throughout most of each training day, with exercises concluding by 6:00 p.m. Daily starting times may vary. Residents and visitors can expect to see an increased presence of police vehicles, fire apparatus, and emergency personnel at the school during these dates. Training activities will be taking place inside

The MAAC Foundation has received a matching grant totaling $50,000 from Legacy Foundation, the community foundation for Lake County.  The MAAC Foundation hosts first responders from local emergency departments and agencies throughout Lake County and Northwest Indiana who rely on the MAAC Foundation’s state-of-the-art facilities for critical training and continuing education, most of which are made possible at no cost to their departments or local taxpayers. The MAAC campus hosts a wide range of essential programs for current and future first responders including professional development courses, advanced training courses, a volunteer firefighter academy, a career firefighter academy, a vocational firefighter academy for high school students, and an EMT academy.  The requested matching

The Porter County Sheriff’s Police is reporting the death of a Porter County Jail inmate following a medical emergency on Sunday, July 5, according to the Town of Chesterton Facebook page. The inmate was identified as 70 -year-old Gene A. Rush of Valparaiso. According to the PCSP, at 7:41 a.m. jail staff discovered that Rush “was having a medical emergency.” “Jail personnel and EMS attempted life-saving measures on the inmate,” the PCSP said. “Tragically, the attempts were unsuccessful and the inmate passed away while at the jail. Our Detective Bureau responded and this is currently under investigation. The cause of

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.   Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.   Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.   Thursday A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Debbie Tatum with the Franciscan Health Foundation is back for another installment of "Well Beings" on WIMS from 9:10am-9:40am on Wednesday July 8th. This month Debbie welcomes Mikalynn Lopez. You can watch us on FACEBOOK LIVE and  listen on AM 1420, 95.1FM, 106.7FM in Valparaiso and we stream at wimsradio.com."Well Beings" is sponsored by Ed Beutner and the Beutner Family. #wims #nwi #whfb

New service offers convenient pickups in Valparaiso, Portage, and Hammond with direct transportation to Chicago O'Hare International Airport   VALPARAISO, Ind. - For many travelers, the most stressful part of a trip happens before they ever reach the airport. Traffic, parking fees, rideshare uncertainty, and the long drive to Chicago can quickly take the excitement out of travel.   City Zoom was created to change that.   Beginning July 15, the new airport shuttle service offers Northwest Indiana travelers a more convenient and affordable way to reach Chicago O'Hare International Airport, with pickup locations in Valparaiso, Portage, and Hammond.  

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) Monday released new information regarding upcoming work requirements for certain members of the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP). These requirements, which begin phasing in January 1, 2027, apply to eligible HIP members ages 19–64. The policy reflects Indiana’s ongoing commitment to programs that promote personal responsibility, long-term stability, and stronger health outcomes for Hoosiers. Governor Mike Braun stated:  “Hoosiers deserve a system that offers support in challenging times but also requires individuals who are able to contribute to take meaningful responsibility for their own progress. These work requirements uphold that standard by ensuring

DYER, Ind. – Franciscan Health Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) Director LaVonne Jarrett was recently honored by the Indiana Adult Guardianship Office of the Indiana Office of Court Services with the WINGS Star of the Year award. The Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS) Star of the Year Award is presented annually to a champion who goes above and beyond to help build a better guardianship system for stakeholders. WINGS is a state interdisciplinary guardianship network of stakeholders. Jarrett was nominated and selected by her peers from across Indiana for this year’s honor. “I am both

What an unforgettable night with the sensational Mindi Abair at City Winery! From the moment she stepped on stage, Mindi captivated the audience with her signature blend of soaring melodies, soulful blues, and electrifying energy. "We just love Chicago," said Abair. "There's so much culture and history. This beautiful and icon city is the home of the blues and I'm proud that half my band is from here." Every note showcased why she has become one of the most celebrated saxophonists and vocalists in contemporary jazz. During her remarkable 21-year recording career, Mindi Abair has earned two GRAMMY Award nominations,

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 83.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 64.   Tuesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.   Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.   Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.   Wednesday Night A slight chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65.

The Coast Guard announced Wednesday that unanticipated maintenance needs to its buoy-tending fleet has impacted availability of a portion of lighted seasonal buoys within the Great Lakes region. Coast Guard Great Lakes District has prioritized the establishment of aids to navigation in waterways that support the flow of commerce and key commercial shipping channels. The deployment of more remote, offshore buoys has been delayed. While these operational challenges do not impact the smaller buoys routinely used by recreational boaters, several of the larger approach buoys relied upon by mariners have yet to be deployed. The public is urged to use

Jimmy John’s is hiring, full time and part time, delivery drivers and in-shop, for our new location at 2323 E Michigan Blvd in Michigan City!!! Opening soon 😁.   In shop starts at $14/hr.   Deliver drivers $9/hr on the road, $12 an hour while in the shop, tips, and mileage reimbursement based off your vehicle.   Apply to Delivery Driver/Inshop at Jimmy John's! https://www.workstream.us/.../delivery-driver-inshop...   We are hiring at Michigan City Jimmy John's. I’d like to invite you to apply to In-Shop at Store 4820 here!! https://www.workstream.us/.../michigan.../in-shop-bb315922 Michigan City Jimmy John’s Frank Good #wims #whfb #michigancity

Washington, DC – Rep. Frank J. Mrvan is pleased to announce the nominees who have accepted their appointments to the U.S. Military Service Academies from Indiana’s First Congressional District.   Military Service Academy Nominations are recommended to Congressman Mrvan by his Military Service Academy Board, which includes veterans, community leaders, and active duty and retired servicemembers from across Indiana’s First Congressional District.   Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado

Due to the June 24 freight train derailment near East Chicago and subsequent impacts to passenger service, the South Shore Line announces that all June 2026 monthly tickets previously sold will be valid through July 2026. Passengers with Paper Monthly Tickets: Please retain your paper ticket; it will be valid onboard throughout July 2026. Passengers who have already purchased a July monthly ticket may request a refund according to normal procedure: https://mysouthshoreline.com/tickets/tickets-fares/ Passengers with Mobile App Tickets: Passengers who are in possession of June 2026 mobile app monthly tickets, our team is working to upload July monthly tickets to passengers’