News

HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) researchers have earned over $70 million in research and development funds since 2021, a major achievement that has helped the university earn the Research Colleges and Universities designation from the American Council for Education (ACE) and Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (Carnegie Foundation). PNW is the only university or college located in Northwest Indiana to earn this designation, reflecting the university’s expanding research initiatives that positively impact regional growth and quality of life. ACE and the Carnegie Foundation’s Research and Colleges University designation was introduced in 2025 to recognize

Last week, the Indiana State Police released statistics from their Enforcement Bureau for March 2026. The Enforcement Bureau of the Indiana State Police oversees the traffic enforcement efforts of the Troopers assigned to the 14 State Police Districts throughout Indiana. Troopers throughout Indiana documented the following statistics for March 2026: Traffic Stops - 41,223 17,846 traffic citations 33,332 traffic warnings 427 drunk driving arrests 1,851 criminal arrests (traffic related) 1,250 criminal arrests (non-traffic related) 1,364 seatbelt citations 165 distracted driving citations Crashes Investigated – 1,292 Personal injury crashes – 196 Fatal crashes - 5 "Troopers often happen upon or are

SBA Disaster Assistance Now Available to Indiana Counties Impacted by Recent Severe Storms   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

The latest from the Indiana State Police-Lowell Post about Reckless Motorcyclist That Crashes Following Brief Attempt to Flee Trooper on I-80-see below for the release and details Reckless Motorcyclist Crashes Following Brief Attempt to Flee Trooper on I‑80 Lake County – On Friday, April 10, 2026, at approximately 5:55 p.m., an Indiana State Trooper observed a sport motorcycle traveling at 95 mph in a posted 55 mph construction zone on I‑80 eastbound near the 8.7 mile-marker which is near the Grant St. exit. The trooper attempted to stop the motorcycle; however, the driver accelerated to speeds estimated at more than

Today A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77.   Tonight A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.   Tuesday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75.   Tuesday Night Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 51.   Wednesday A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64.

In Portage, Central Avenue will close to through-traffic between Poplar Street and Willowdale Road on Tuesday, April 14. The closure will remain in effect through Friday, April 17. The reason for the closure is the slip-lining of utility lines. The detour will follow Willowdale Road, Mulberry Ave., and Mannier Street.

News Release, Purdue University Northwest: HAMMOND and WESTVILLE, Ind. — Purdue University Northwest (PNW) invites the community to join in changing students’ lives by making a gift on Wednesday, April 29 during PNW Day of Giving. PNW Day of Giving is the university’s largest and most successful campaign that benefits student scholarships, academic and athletic programs, and other university resources that enhance PNW students’ experiences. The fundraiser runs for 24 hours. Supporters are encouraged to visit dayofgiving.pnw.edu on April 29 to make a gift of their choice to PNW. Supporters’ generous contributions help change students’ lives by relieving financial burdens,

Lake Hills Elementary in Michigan City  is inviting local businesses and organizations to host a free, interactive table at STEM Family Night on May 7 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. “We are looking for local businesses, organizations, and community members to host a free, interactive table at our STEM Family Night on Thursday, May 7, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Lake Hills Elementary School,” Lake Hills said on their Facebook page. “This is a great opportunity to connect with students and families while showcasing your work through hands-on STEM experiences. Whether you lead simple experiments, demonstrate technology, or share

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