Local News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Major shifts in modern-day technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are transforming how people learn, work, communicate and more. Sometimes, these changes can feel scary or concerning for how they will impact the future. However, the needs that people have — forming connections, providing help, exercising effective decision-making — have remained unchanged for centuries despite tools that dramatically altered different processes. Keynote speaker Alejandra Y. Castillo implored nearly 1,100 participating candidates at Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) 2026 Commencement on May 9 to remember this as they begin their next steps after graduation. She humorously pointed out,

Pursuit Ends in Crash into a House in Portage-Update from the Indiana State Police-Lowell Post Portage, IN – On May 10, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Trooper Schrock attempted to stop a white Chevrolet Blazer traveling 90 mph on I-94 westbound near the 21.8 mile-marker. This location is near the Burns Harbor/Porter exit. The driver refused to stop, accelerating to speeds over 130 mph while fleeing through multiple jurisdictions. The pursuit continued onto State Road 249, U.S. 20, and Samuelson Road in Porter county. After crossing a set of railroad tracks at a high rate of speed, the vehicle went

Westville Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Annual Dinner &Awards Westville, IN - The Westville Area Chamber of Commerce just hosted their Annual Dinner at The Great Hall of Purdue University Northwest Westville Campus. More than 80 guests enjoyed the evening of entertainment presented by Harpist Meg Rodgers and dined on great food created by the PNW culinary department while enjoying a unique and beautiful setting of the PNW campus. Our guest speaker for the evening was our own president, Olga Pothorski. She talked about some of the Chamber accomplishments from 2025 and the exciting things that will be happening in

Today A slight chance of showers before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 73. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.   Tonight Showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then showers likely between 10pm and 1am. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 50. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.   Wednesday Mostly sunny, with a high near

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch announced Monday the promotion of Tamiko Smith to Controller for the City of Michigan City and the hiring of Ann Shaffer as Deputy Controller. Smith brings more than 11 years of dedicated service to the City of Michigan City, having advanced through multiple roles within the Controller’s Office. Her experience, institutional knowledge, and strong municipal financial expertise have made her a trusted resource across city government. “Tamiko has earned the respect of our team through her hard work, professionalism, and commitment to the residents of Michigan City,” said Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch. “She understands the importance

Hey Christian business owner — who do you go to when you don’t have the answers? What if one day a month could bring clarity to your leadership, alignment to your business, and peace back into your life? Join Tom Frain, a C12 chair here in Northwest Indiana at Sand Creek Country Club on Wednesday May 20th for a FREE informational luncheon between 11:30a-1pm. to find out more. Email Tom at tom.frain@c12forums.com or call 219-406-6918. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/c12-executive-briefing-luncheon-tickets-1988353483795?aff=oddtdtcreator

Michigan City Area Schools is now accepting applications for a program designed to boost community engagement and give the public a deeper understanding of its operations. The MCAS Ambassador Program is a seven-session series of interactive workshops that give community members a behind-the-scenes look at district services, finances, operations, curriculum, instruction, and more. Ambassadors meet once a month on a Thursday morning to hear from administrators, staff, and students and take part in hands-on activities at locations across the school district. In April, the first group of 26 Ambassadors completed the program, which was piloted during the 2025-26 school year.

Several local police officers recently graduated from the Northern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. On Friday several department's congratulated their officers on their Facebook pages. The La Porte County Sheriff's Office shared the following: "Congratulations to Deputy Michael Matzke on his graduation from the Northern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy! For the past 16 weeks, Deputy Matzke and his fellow classmates from Recruit Session 26-55 have trained at the brand-new academy in Valparaiso. Deputy Matzke excelled throughout the session, and his leadership qualities stood out among his peers, earning him several distinguished honors: ⭐️ Squad Leader - D Squad ⭐️ Nick Schultz

Press Release, Indiana Department of Environmental Management: INDIANAPOLIS –  The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is introducing a new air quality notification, a Local Air Quality Advisory (LAQA), to alert residents of short-term conditions that can become unhealthy for several hours but may not meet the criteria to forecast an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD). “The new Local Air Quality Advisory helps us better communicate when air quality may be impacted temporarily,” said IDEM Commissioner Clint Woods. “By adding this advisory, we’re giving Hoosiers clearer information concerning the air quality in their communities.” LAQAs will supplement, not replace, IDEM’s

Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch responds to weekend tragic shooting-from the My Michigan City, Indiana FACEBOOK page-in our thoughts and prayers   On this Mother’s Day, our Michigan City community is carrying unimaginable pain following last night’s tragic shooting after prom that claimed the life of a Michigan City High School student and seriously injured two other students.   My heart is especially with the mothers, fathers, families, classmates, and friends who are grieving today instead of celebrating.   Out of respect for the families, I had hoped to allow them space and privacy during this difficult time. However,

Today Sunny, with a high near 55.   Tonight Mostly clear, with a low around 44.   Tuesday Showers likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.   Tuesday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48.   Wednesday Partly sunny, with a high near 56.

Several community CPR classes will be held at La Porte County parks throughout May, June and July. Pre-registration is required. See the flyer for more details.

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been recognized by the FirstGen Forward Network as a Network Champion institution for its continuous efforts to provide holistic and quality support for first-generation college students. PNW becomes the first higher education institution in Indiana to receive the FirstGen Forward Network’s top tier recognition and one of 40 across the nation to hold the distinction. Network Champions are a leading group advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of evidence-based practices, leadership engagement and scaling student support. The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach that scales

The Portage Hub Coalition and Portage Fire Department will host an hour long Narcan, opioid and AED Town Hall in Portage on May 20 at 5 p.m. The event will be at Founders Square Pavilion. See the flyer for additional details.

News Release by Indiana Department of Natural Resources: The Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology is now accepting grant applications for the fiscal year 2026 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). Applications are only accepted through the State of Indiana’s Grant Management System website and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 5. Eligible applicants include private, non-profit organizations with tax exempt status (such as local historical societies or preservation organizations), educational institutions (such as public and private schools, colleges, and universities), and local governmental units (including city and county agencies and commissions funded by a

Today A 20 percent chance of showers before 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 57.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.   Monday Sunny, with a high near 57.   Monday Night Mostly clear, with a low around 43.   Tuesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 64. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

In St. Joseph County, an INDOT contractor will have road closures on State Road 23 between Wolf St in North Liberty and Olive St/Locust Rd in South Bend beginning on or after Wednesday, June 10. Crews will replace six pipes between New Rd and Kern Rd. At the same time, a small structure replacement will also be conducted between U.S. 20/31 and Ireland Rd. State Road 23 is expected to be closed for 10 days. This work was originally scheduled to begin in May but has been postponed due to utility delays. Through traffic should seek alternate routes or use

Press Release, Save the Dunes: Michigan City, IN— On Saturday, May 30th, residents and visitors who enjoy getting active outside can support the Save the Dunes mission to protect and advocate for the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan and the surrounding natural areas by joining us for our Annual Dunes Dash! Runners will take to the trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park at West Beach for our 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. This year’s race is sponsored by Castle Subaru, Urschel Giving, Michigan City Sustainability Commission, Northwest Indiana Green Drinks, Indiana Dunes Tourism, Cleveland-Cliffs, Blue Chip Casino, WIMS Radio,

The Michigan City Area Schools is excited to announce its Little Wolves Summer Camp, a pre-school transition program designed to help young learners build confidence and readiness for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. As the new school year approaches, this engaging summer program helps bridge the gap between early childhood experiences and the structure of a pre-K learning environment, while also helping prevent summer learning loss. The goal is to ensure every student feels socially, emotionally, and developmentally ready to begin the school year with confidence. The Little Wolves Summer Camp offers a balanced experience that includes hands-on summer activities,

PALADIN -Bowling for Inclusion and Education will take place on Saturday May 16th. Strike up some fun for a great cause! Join Paladin on Saturday, May 16th for Bowling for Inclusion and Education at Inman’s Bowling & Recreation Center in Valparaiso. From noon to four, enjoy three games of bowling, plus pizza, salad, and unlimited soda — all starting at just forty dollars. Every roll helps support access to learning, wellness, and social opportunities for individuals with disabilities and children in early education. Make an impact and have a blast doing it. That’s Saturday, May 16th, noon to four at