Local News

New Payor Scorecard reveals $717M in unpaid care, exposing the hidden cost of insurance for Hoosiers   A new Payor Scorecard, analyzing data from 70 Indiana hospitals, shows hospitals delivered more than $717 million in care in 2025 that went unpaid as insurers delayed or denied payments—while continuing to raise premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Hoosiers.   The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) estimates that if all Indiana hospitals were included in the dataset, total unpaid care would exceed $1.6 billion statewide. The findings reveal a widening gap between what insurers collect from patients and employers, and what hospitals are ultimately

On April 11th at 4:38 PM, the LaPorte County Regional Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a person who was shot in the parking lot of McDonald’s, located at 2404 East Michigan Boulevard. Officers from Uniform Patrol Shift 2 responded to the scene and located a juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound to the left leg. Officers provided medical treatment to the juvenile before LaPorte County EMS transported them to Franciscan Health Hospital in Michigan City with a non-life-threatening injury. Investigators processed the scene for evidence and interviewed multiple witnesses. A preliminary investigation revealed the shooting occurred during a

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.   Tonight A chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.   Monday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.   Monday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.   Tuesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58.

In Lake County, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced two road closures for bridge work in Crown Point, urging motorists to plan ahead due to work already occurring in the area. Rieth-Riley Construction Co Inc will close State Road 53/Broadway between 101st Ave and Summit St on or after Monday, April 13 through the end of September for a bridge superstructure replacement project at Main Beaver Dam Ditch. A superstructure replacement includes replacing elements such as the deck and beams while retaining the existing substructure. The official detour will follow U.S. 30, I-65 and U.S. 231. INDOT contractor F H

Michiana Humane Society will have Volunteer Day Saturday, April 18. Join them from 11:30am-12:30pm CT at Michiana Humane Society. "You are invited to help us prepare enrichment opportunities for our shelter pets!" MHS stated on Facebook. "Daily enrichment activities can bring their stress levels down dramatically and can make a noticeable difference in their lives in our kennel environment. You don't need to RSVP, all ages are welcome! Those of you who are 16 years and under must have an adult present. This awesome event is open to the public! Just show up and come as you are with a

The La Porte Park and Recreation Department has announced another opportunity to attend an Indiana Department of Natural Resources Boater Education Course takes place on Saturday, April 18, at the La Porte County Fairgrounds. The department thanked to the La Porte County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Division for partnering with DNR Division of Law Enforcement for this free one-day course. Register at www.register-ed.com.  More details can be found on the flyer.

New report shows the immense impact of the college’s students, alumni and operations. Valparaiso, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College Valparaiso Campus’s impact on the region adds more than $84.8 million in income through its students, alumni, and operations. That’s equal to more than 1,176 jobs supported. The overall impact of Ivy Tech was cited in a new report on the economic value of the College, as measured during Fiscal Year 2024-2025 by Lightcast. The report found that the statewide impact of Ivy Tech adds more than $4.8 billion in income through its students, alumni, and operations of campuses throughout

On April 9, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued a disaster declaration for several Indiana counties impacted by recent severe storms that occurred March 10-11, 2026. This declaration allows eligible residents and business owners to apply for low interest business physical disaster loans, economic injury disaster loans and home disaster loans. The Indiana counties of Jasper and Newton, and the contiguous counties of Benton, LaPorte, Lake, Porter, Pulaski, Starke and White are now eligible for SBA assistance. At this time, damage occurring outside March 10-11, 2026, is not eligible. To assist residents in filing claims and answering questions regarding

Today Mostly sunny, with a high near 58.   Tonight A chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50.   Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76.   Sunday Night A chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60.   Monday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.   Monday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 53.

In Lake County, an INDOT contractor will conduct lane closures on I-65 at the interchange with I-94 beginning on or after Monday, April 13. There will be alternating lane closures over the course of approximately two weeks on northbound and southbound I-65 between Ridge Road and Central Avenue for pavement patching operations. There will also be lane closures on the ramps from I-94 westbound to I-65 northbound and I-65 southbound to I-94 westbound. INDOT says motorists should be alert for changing traffic patterns in the area. INDOT encourages drivers to allow extra time when driving through this area and follow

The Town of Chesterton announced that Chesterton High School will host a Community Disability Resource Fair on Tuesday April 21. “Access and Inclusion: A Community Disability Resource Fair” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Chesterton High School, 2125 S. 11th St., Chesterton. They ask those attending to use Door 31. The event—sponsored by the EXL Department—will provide a wide variety of vital information and in-person resources for individuals and families with disabilities and exceptional needs, in support of their diverse needs from birth through adulthood. Free childcare will be available. The Town of Chesterton

News Release by Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Several of Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) graduate programs in nursing and business were included in U.S. News and World Report’s 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, released April 7. Among top graduate nursing schools, both PNW’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) were nationally recognized. PNW’s MSN, which ranked 69th nationally, offers advanced nursing practices and clinical training to gain additional skills and qualifications for health care roles. PNW’s MSN program offers tracks including Nurse Educator, Nurse Executive, Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Clinical

The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division recently released the following statistics from March: (Indianapolis, IN)- The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) is responsible for enforcing both state and federal regulations on all commercial motor vehicles (CMV). Major tasks include conducting Safety Inspections, New Entrant Safety Audits, and Compliance Reviews to ensure compliance with equipment and hours-of-service regulations. CVED is also tasked with enforcing Indiana’s size and weight laws and ensuring that commercial carriers are properly registered and paying their fair share of fuel tax dollars. Additionally, they assist in the investigation of commercial vehicle crashes

It's time for FUN with the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce next Tuesday April 14th as TEAM WIMS' Ric Federighi is on the HOT SEAT-LOVE to see you there. For tickets and information call the Chamber at 219-874-6221 or visit www.mcachamber.com #wims #nwi #localradio #michigancity

Today A chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 51.   Tonight A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 43.   Saturday A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 63.   Saturday Night A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52.   Sunday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.

The DNR recently announced free fishing days. On select days each year, Indiana residents can fish the state’s public waters without a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp. 2026 Free Fishing Days will be on May 10, June 6-7, and Sept. 26. For anglers who fish year-round, remember that annual licenses and stamp privileges from last season expired on March 31. Purchase your 2026 license online, in person, or by mail. Check out our License Fees webpage for more information on license expiration dates and fees.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. – Board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist Susan Murrey, MD, FACOG, is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City. Dr. Murrey earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Her clinical interests include gynecologic surgery, menopause, perimenopause and high- and low-risk obstetrics. Dr. Murrey is accepting new patients for in-person visits on the third floor of Franciscan Physician Network’s Franciscan Medical Pavilion, located at 3500 Franciscan Way in Michigan City. For

Press Release by Indiana Department of Environmental Management:  INDIANAPOLIS –  Indiana is on track to exceed federal requirements to improve air quality in national parks, ensuring the region's most treasured natural areas remain protected and visible for future generations, under a long‑term air‑quality plan recently approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Indiana's latest Regional Haze State Implementation Plan, developed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) Office of Air Quality, includes a sound long-term visibility strategy and satisfies current federal Regional Haze Rule requirements. “Clearer skies don’t just improve air quality, they help showcase the natural beauty that

Captain Ed is retiring. Thank you Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress and family for everything that you have done for our Community and WIMS From the Captain Ed's Furniture and Mattress FACEBOOK page. See Below Captain Ed's Furniture & Mattress Ahoy there! Captain Ed here announcing I'm retiring (Wow, I didn't think I'd ever say that). With that, Captain Ed's will be closing. The Beutner Family would like to thank the community for their support over the last 65 years. We grew from a small TV repair shop into a unique furniture, mattress, candy, and record store. Thank you for

Today A 40 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 65.   Tonight A 50 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.   Friday A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 62.   Friday Night A 40 percent chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44.   Saturday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 59.