Local News

News Release, Franciscan Health: MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Tristen Poe always knew he wanted to pursue a discipline in the medical field, he just wasn’t sure which one. The 2020 La Porte High School graduate eventually settled on nursing after being inspired by his mother and aunts, all of whom are involved in the nursing field. “Having learned their experiences and gains from their careers opened my eyes to a path I could see myself pursuing,” Poe said. “It was a mold which fit into my idealistic profession. It was because of them that I have never looked back. They

A man died Thursday afternoon July 24, after running into traffic on the Indiana Toll Road and being struck by a semi-tractor trailer one mile east of the Chesterton exit, the Indiana State Police said. According to the ISP, at approximately 12:42 p.m. a trooper was dispatched to the 32 mile marker to investigate a report of a man running in and out of traffic on the Toll Road. On his arrival a short time later, the trooper observed a “man walking on the inside shoulder of eastbound lanes near mile marker 32.1,” the ISP said. The trooper “parked on

The La Porte County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest and criminal charges of 72-year-old Timothy C. Pochron of Portage in connection with a July 22 shooting that occurred in Clinton Township. At around 9:42 p.m., deputies responded to a residence located in the 10600 south block of County Road 1150 West for a shooting. Deputies were advised a man had been shot and the shooter was still at the scene. Following the arrival of several deputies, Pochron was identified as the shooter and immediately taken into custody. The on-scene investigation determined Pochron shot a 63-year-old male subject several times. The

The Michigan City Police Department says it continues its strong partnership with Walmart and City Kids New Wave to put slightly worn bicycles into the hands of children throughout the community. “Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift I personally delivered the donated bikes from Walmart to City Kids New Wave, helping ensure local kids have the opportunity to ride, explore, and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle,” MCPD said on Facebook. “We’re proud to be part of a community that comes together to create positive outcomes for our youth. When police and the community work together—great things happen!”  

In Jasper County, an Indiana Department of Transportation contractor is conducting lane closures on U.S. 24 between County Road 600 East and County Road 1080 West. U.S. 24 is reduced to one lane with flaggers directing traffic during daytime work hours. Work is ongoing until around August 11 for small structure maintenance and repair. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when traveling through this area and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists should slow down, exercise caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones.

South Shore Line passengers are advised busing substitution will be in place throughout the weekend of July 26-27, 2025, due to construction in Chicago. On July 26-27, 2025, there will be NO SERVICE to Museum Campus or Van Buren Street stations. July 26-27, SSL passengers traveling to and from downtown Chicago will be transported via bus between Millennium Station and Metra’s 18th Street Station (address: 18th Street near Calumet Avenue). Millennium to 18th Street is an approximate 10-minute bus ride. Train passengers traveling to and from 57th Street Station will not be impacted. The buses will not stop at Van Buren Street or Museum

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dead at 71 after ‘suffering cardiac arrest at home’ Born Terry Gene Bollea, was found dead in his Clearwater, Florida, home on Thursday morning. First responders responded to the home after receiving a call about a "cardiac arrest,"

Chuck Mangione, “Feels So Good” one of the most successful musicians to come out of Rochester, has died at age 84. “The family of Chuck Mangione is deeply saddened to share that Chuck peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home in Rochester, New York on July 22, 2025,” his family wrote in a statement issued July 24.

La PORTE, IN – The LakeFest planning committee has released important information that festivalgoers will want to know before they go, according to Park Superintendent Mark Schreiber. This Friday, July 25, through Sunday, July 27, a wide array of activities will be held at La Porte’s Pine, Stone and Clear lakes. Featured events will include a free concert performed by global pop sensation Jesse McCartney, a special Friday Night Live at Fox Park, a Family Beach Bash at Stone Lake, fireworks, kids activities, an artisan market, physical activities and more. With events spread throughout the city, Schreiber said residents should

The City of Valparaiso is reminding the public of cooling centers that are available. The below information is from a press release last month about cooling centers for 2025: Valparaiso YMCA (219) 462-4185 1201 Cumberland Crossing Open Mon – Fri 5:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sat 7:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Porter County Public Library, Valparaiso Branch (219) 462-0524 103 Jefferson St. Open Mon – Thurs 9:00 am – 8:00 pm., Fri 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Daybreak Resource Center (219) 510-1800

LAKE COUNTY, Ind. - Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Superior Construction will conduct overnight lane closures on southbound I-65 to set up the next phase of bridge work between I-94 and Ridge Rd this week, which will then be in place through mid-August. This traffic configuration change is currently scheduled to occur with overnight lane closures on southbound I-65 from 11 p.m. Thursday, July 24 to 6 a.m. Friday, July 25. A single lane of the ramp from I-94 eastbound to I-65 southbound will also be closed during these overnight hours. I-65 southbound will be in a new construction layout the following

The Ogden Dunes Police Department issued a notice to residents regarding recent solicitation: "We want to address the recent issues concerning the Pest Control individual. Chief Ogden has not spoken to this person about soliciting services, nor has he given permission to any person or company for solicitation to take place without a permit. "This individual has been cited, and the company involved has been notified. However, due to the aggressive approach of this person and the company's lack of response when contacted, we kindly request that residents avoid engaging with them. If anyone or any company approaches you or

A Michigan City man was arrested Tuesday for dealing cocaine after fleeing from police on foot, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office said. Tuesday afternoon an Interdiction Deputy was working the Domestic Highway Enforcement (DHE) Program along I-94.  The deputy was monitoring eastbound traffic near the 29-mile marker when he observed a red passenger vehicle traveling in the outside lane following a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) too closely.  The deputy exited the median and began to travel behind the passenger vehicle.  In the area of the 33 and 34-mile markers, the passenger vehicle continued to follow the CMV too closely

The Michigan City Police Department released the following statement on trespassing concerns from the community: Community members have recently contacted the Michigan City Police Department to express their concerns and/or frustration with large groups of people trespassing on their residential private property. They reported not having access to their driveways and yards, loud noise/music keeping them awake at night and people using their lawns as a public restroom. Aside from the behavior issues, community members were concerned about their safety if they went outside to tell a group of more than 50 people to get off their property. To support

With extreme summer temperatures expected in Indiana over the next several days, cooling centers will be open across the state for those in need of a safe and cool place to stay. Indiana 211 is your community's resource for updated locations and hours of cooling centers in your area. To see a list of current cooling centers CLICK HERE. Please partner with Indiana 211, a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, to make sure Hoosiers know they can call 2-1-1 or 866-211-9966 to find their nearest cooling center. We ask you to share the information below on

INDIANA — The American Red Cross calls on donors to give blood or platelets now to maintain a steady national blood supply. Type O blood donors are especially key to keeping critical blood products on hospital shelves into August. Even a strong blood supply can experience a sudden drop − potentially impacting the availability of lifesaving blood and platelets that could help new mothers, burn and trauma patients, and those facing cancer. Help safeguard patient care by booking a time to give blood or platelets. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. In thanks,

In Portage, Samuelson Road is closed between U.S. Highway 6 and County Road 700 North to all traffic  through Friday, August 1. Detour routes will be marked.

The La Porte City Police Department's Chiefs will be hosting 'Walking Wednesdays' on July 30.  They'll be out walking in the area of Park, Pulaski, Neisen, Roosevelt, Cable, Belden, Larson, Pine, Oak, and Cherry Streets on Wednesday, July 30th at two different times, 9-11am / 4-6pm. The LPPD says to look for them to be out and say hello.

Black Sabbath singer Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, his family has announced. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family, friends and fans around the world #wims A statement said: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."

News Release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been designated a Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana institution by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. This designation recognizes PNW’s commitment to supporting the military-affiliated student population at the university – from application to graduation. “This designation sets us apart at the state level and reinforces the strong, comprehensive support we offer military veterans at PNW,” said Anthony Pilota, veteran services coordinator. “We care deeply for all of our students, especially our veteran students, and we do everything we can to support them. Receiving this