Local News

News Release by Indiana DNR: Indiana can lead in reducing U.S. reliance on China for critical elements & minerals The Indiana Rare Earth Recovery Council, created by Governor Mike Braun’s Executive Order 25-62, has approved a report that will help guide Indiana to become a national leader in the extraction of rare earth elements and critical minerals from coal byproducts. Rare earth elements are an essential building block of electronic, medical, and military technology. Onshoring the production of rare earth elements to Indiana is key to the U.S. reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates rare earth production. The council

Marquette Catholic High School Releases Fall Honor Roll   223 Blazers Earned 3.0 GPA or Higher during Fall Term; 115 Named Summa Cum Laude   Marquette Catholic High School’s Office of Academic Affairs has posted the fall Honor Roll. Marquette's Honor Roll is represented by a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher for the corresponding semester. From there, it is divided into three tiers: cum laude (3.0-3.699), magna cum laude (3.7-3.999), and summa cum laude (4.0 and higher).   Overall, 223 students earned recognition for their academic excellence, including 115 summa cum laude honorees.   Summa Cum Laude (4.0 GPA

Food Bank of Northern Indiana Mobile Food Distributions for January 2026 *The Food Bank of Northern Indiana serves Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte, Marshall, St. Joseph, and Starke Counties. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – La Porte County 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CST *While supplies last. Where: La Porte County Fairgrounds, 2581 State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350 *This distribution is sponsored by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless and will serve 300 households. Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - La Porte County 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. CST *While supplies last. Where: Rolling Prairie United Methodist Church, U.S. Highway 20, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371

Secretary Morales Prepares to Welcome Candidates as Filing Opens This Week INDIANAPOLIS  Secretary of State Diego Morales announced that candidate filing for the 2026 Primary Election begins this week.  Wednesday, January 7th is the first day of candidate filing for Indiana 2026 Primary Election in May. Candidates wishing to be on the Democrat or Republican primary ballot can begin filing declaration of candidacy paperwork on Wednesday, January 7th. Minor Party, Independent, and Write-In candidates will file declarations of candidacy for the November General Election later in the year, after the May Primary Election is held. “Candidate filing marks an important step in

DRUG DEALERS CONVICTED AND SENTENCED On January 2, 2026, Michael Blassingame and Alexander Lopez were sentenced in Laporte Circuit Court for drug dealing crimes. Mr. Lopez was originally charged in 2025 with a Level 3 Felony for Dealing a Narcotic Drug. Mr. Blassingame was charged in 2023 for a Level 2 Felony for Dealing in Meth. Both cases were investigated by the Laporte County Drug Task Force (DTF). Both men entered into plea agreements with the State of Indiana. Mr. Lopez pled Guilty to the lesser charge of Level 4 Dealing in Cocaine/Narcotic Drug, in exchange for a sentence cap

Michael "Mr. D" Dewberry, 57, Michigan City, Indiana, gained his angel wings on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Private family services will  be conducted. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN is handling arrangements. Contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To sign a guest book and leave condolences online visit our web site at www.otthaverstock.com.

Michigan City Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Saturday, January 3, 2025, at an apartment complex in the city. Preliminary information indicates a victim was involved in an encounter with multiple individuals that escalated into an attempted robbery. During the incident, a firearm was discharged, and the victim sustained a single, non-life-threatening gunshot wound. As a result of the investigation, one individual has been taken into custody on multiple felony-related charges. Additional arrests and charges are anticipated as the investigation continues. Investigators also executed a search warrant at a related location, which resulted in the recovery of

Join the Hoosier Coho Club and Stop by the La Porte County Fairgrounds on Saturday February 7th from 9am-1pmCST for the Fish Tales and Tackle Sales Swap Meet. See attached Flyer for more information.

Chesterton Town Council President Erin Collins releases statement on arrest of CPD officer-from the Town of Chesterton FACEBOOK page On behalf of the Chesterton Town Council, President Erin Collins, D-2nd, released the following statement this morning, Thursday, Jan. 1, on the arrest of a CPD officer on a charge of domestic battery: “The Town of Chesterton has been made aware of the arrest of a Chesterton Police Department officer on allegations of domestic battery. Allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously. Conduct that endangers others or undermines public trust is not tolerated by the Town of Chesterton or the

NIRPC to hold public comment period on an amendment to the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program   The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC) will hold a 21-day public comment period on an amendment to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The comment period begins January 2 and will end on January 23, 2026. Amendment #26-04.1 contains:   For INDOT – 4 Projects:   1 Pavement/Roadway Rehabilitation Project; Maintenance – Increase funding, revise between fiscal years 1 Sign Project – Repair/Replacement – district-wide; new project 1 Small Structure Repair/Lining/Replacements – new project) 1 Other Type Project – Welcome Center Reconstruction (add

Northwest Indiana Green Drinks-"S.A.V.E. the Dunes: Our Work Today, Our Vision Ahead"   Northwest Indiana Green Drinks-"S.A.V.E. the Dunes: Our Work Today, Our Vision Ahead" happening on Thursday, January 8th, 2026 from 6:30PM-7:30PM CST On Zoom & Facebook Live   Guided by our organization’s name and founding rallying cry, Save the Dunes Executive Director, Betsy Maher, will show how we support the national park, advocate for the dunes, amplify nature’s voice, and engage communities in protecting the Indiana Dunes. LIKE THEM ON FACEBOOK.   Save the Dunes-444 Barker Road-Michigan City, IN 46360 Call 219-879-3564 or visit www.savedunes.org. #wims #savethedunes

Federal student loan collections in Indiana following federal guidelines   Federal student loan collections in Indiana follow federal guidelines, which include potential wage garnishment, tax refund offset, and collection of federal benefits.   Private student loans and institutional debts are subject to both federal and Indiana consumer protection laws.   For Federal Student Loans in Default The U.S. Department of Education (ED) handles collections for defaulted federal student loans through its Default Resolution Group. The government does not need a court order to use certain collection methods.   Wage Garnishment: Up to 15% of your disposable pay can be withheld

PUBLIC NOTICE – FALSE INFORMATION ALERT from the MyMichiganCity FACEBOOK page A fake press release is circulating online that falsely claims to be from the City of Michigan City and the Mayor regarding homelessness initiatives. This information is FALSE. The document: Did not come from the City. Was not authorized by the Mayor. Does not represent City policy or plans. Was shared by a fake profile using a modified logo. What you can do to help: Please do not share any false post. Report it directly to the social media platform as false information or impersonation. Rely only on official

Indiana flu cases see marked increase as new strain spreads in U.S. according to the Indiana Department of Health   This year’s flu season is shaping up to be particularly rough, local health care officials say, as Indiana reaches a “high” level of flu reports that continue to increase as a new strain soars and holiday activities wane.   While the flu circulates year-round, typical flu season runs from October to May, according to the Indiana Department of Health’s Indiana influenza dashboard.   The dashboard, which describes the spread and prevalence of influenza-like illness in the state, is updated each

Indiana’s law allows companies to deny requests they consider excessive, but the burden of proof rests entirely on the business.   Indiana consumers have new control over their personal data with the Indiana Consumer Data Protection Act, which took effect on January 1st after businesses had three years to prepare for its new regulations. The law gives Hoosiers the right to see what data companies collect – correct it, delete it, or opt out of targeted ads and data sales. It also requires companies to clearly explain those rights.   Supporters say the law brings Indiana in line with other

Today Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the morning.   Tonight Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind around 5 mph.   Sunday Mostly cloudy, with a high near 31. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming south in the afternoon.   Sunday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25.   Monday Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.   Monday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33

Live Christmas trees can be recycled at specific compost sites in both Porter and LaPorte Counties. You must remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and stands before drop-off. Porter County Porter County residents can drop off their natural Christmas trees for composting at several locations, including the primary Valparaiso site. Artificial trees with electrical components can be recycled as e-waste.  Valparaiso Compost Site: Located at  2150 W Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46385 . Open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other locations: Additional sites are available in Boone Grove and Portage.  LaPorte County The LaPorte County Solid Waste District

Franciscan Health welcomes first babies of new year  Franciscan Health’s Family Birth Centers in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs welcomed the first babies of 2026 on New Year’s Day. Jacob Robert Patrick Kelly Jr. was born to Mattie Tengdin and Jacob Kelley of Crown Point at 1:29 a.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, making him the first baby born at the hospital in 2026. He weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces and was 19.7 inches long. Across the state line in Illinois, Sofia Aylani was born to Maria Navarro and Danis Avila of South Chicago Heights, Ill. at 9:02 a.m.

Ringing in 2026 and great News from the Michiana Humane Society China, our sweet senior who loved lounging around upstairs with squeaker toys, has found her forever home! She reminds us that love and joy, only get better with age. As the year closes, your gift can help more pets like China find their happy endings. Let’s start the new year by giving tails, toys, and forever families! To adopt, foster or donate to a furry friend visit their website at www.michianapets.org or call 219-872-4499. #wims

ThunderBeard: A Tribute to ZZ Top takes the Civic Auditorium stage on Friday, January 30, for an unforgettable show that will have you feeling like you've been transported back to the heyday of one of the greatest Rock bands of all time. ThunderBeard is the ultimate ZZ Top tribute, authentically recreating the live experience of "That Little Ol' Band from Texas." ThunderBeard will have you singing along to classic hits such as "La Grange," “Tush” and "Sharp Dressed Man" as well as many other classics from the legendary band's five decades of music. Get your tickets today! Balcony seats cost