News

A new report jointly released today by Hoosier Action and Community Change Action outlines the anticipated positive impacts of the recently expanded child tax credit for Hoosiers. For the past two months, the vast majority of Hoosier families with children under the age of 18 have been receiving monthly cash payments of $250-$300 per child as a part of the landmark expansion of the child tax credit through the American Rescue Plan. Using recently released data from the Niskanen Center, this new report outlines the widespread economic and fiscal benefits to Hoosiers which redound well beyond individual family units. It is estimated that the child tax credit will result in a $701,861,037 incremental increase in consumer

In Lake County, rolling slow downs will be performed on I-80/94 during the overnight hours, from approximately  10p.m.-12a.m. on Saturday, Aug 28 between S.R. 912/Cline Ave and S.R. 51/Ripley while NIPSCO replaces an overhead conductor. INDOT says traffic will be temporarily slowed so expect delays in the area.

The Franciscan Health Breast Care Center at Crown Point is welcoming Sean DeSilva, MD, as the new director of the program. DeSilva is a board eligible, fellowship-trained breast radiologist. He is trained in comprehensive diagnostic and interventional breast radiology, including complex MRI-guided interventions, general diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and emergency radiology. DeSilva completed his fellowship training in advanced breast imaging at Harvard Medical School in Boston, his residency training at the State University of New York in New York City, his internship at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., and his medical degree at Boston University. The Franciscan Health Breast Care

The 16th Annual Hoosier Star vocal competition will take place on Saturday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. at La Porte’s Civic Auditorium located at 1001 Ridge Street . Doors open at 6:00 p.m. (CDT). Ten finalists will compete for the title of Hoosier Star.  New this year is a $15 Pay-Per-View virtual/live-stream option in addition to the standard In-Person admission. Balcony seats are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under.  All voting will take place online. In-Person patrons may vote via a QR code or website address (URL) to be provided in the show pamphlet the

A cancer drug repurposed to treat malaria has been shown to be nearly 100% effective in helping defeat the disease in just three days, according to the results of a Phase 2 clinical trial. The results of the trial were published Thursday (Aug. 26) in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. The trial shows that the addition of the drug Imatinib to the customary malaria therapy enables clearance of all malaria parasites from 90% of patients within 48 hours and from 100% of patients within three days, says Philip Low, Purdue University’s Presidential Scholar for Drug Discovery and the Ralph C. Corley Distinguished Professor of

A quarter of Indiana’s economic output is based in manufacturing, and the transition to becoming data-driven and using artificial intelligence holds the possibility for broad economic impact among manufacturers, who, at this point, are missing a golden opportunity and lagging behind national trends. That is a finding of a Purdue University study, which also found that those not using the advanced technology are not against the idea. Around 36% of manufacturers responding to the study’s survey said they are interested in learning more. “They’re sitting on a very valuable asset that they have to convert into information,” said Ragu Athinarayanan,

When Franciscan Health and Beacon Health System collaborated on a new hospital in La Porte, Tonn and Blank Construction had the challenge of renovating and adding on to the existing Beacon Medical Group facility. That work was recognized as Project of the Year award at the annual award ceremony held in partnership between the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF) and the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBR). The banquet, which celebrates the most outstanding achievements in construction and safety over the past year, was held on Thursday, Aug. 19, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. “First and foremost, we want to thank the

To accommodate passengers attending University of Notre Dame 2021 home football games, the South Shore Line has announced train service, with South Bend Transpo offering free shuttle bus service between the South Bend International Airport and Notre Dame Stadium. Service for the Notre Dame vs. Wisconsin game at Soldier Field on Sept. 25 will be announced in the coming weeks.  Visit the South Shore Line website for additional information.

The heat continues as another heat advisory is in effect for portions of our area from 11a.m. to 7p.m. central time Thursday. This includes LaPorte, St. Joseph and Starke counties. Heat index values up to 103 expected.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. Clouds with showers and storms may bring some relief from the heat and humidity Thursday. Hot temperatures and high humidities are expected Friday and Saturday with additional heat headlines possible.

Northwest Health has announced the addition of a new cardiovascular & thoracic surgeon to Northwest Medical Group. Izza Rezek, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon, joins cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Walid Khabbaz in Northwest Medical Group at their location on the Northwest Health – Porter campus in Valparaiso. Northwest Health CEO, Ashley Dickinson explained, “With the addition of Dr. Rezek we can continue caring for the increasing number of patients needing cardiothoracic surgery in our region. The incidence of two conditions in particular, lung cancer and heart disease, seem to be increasing and we know if patients can be diagnosed early and receive surgery

The La Porte County Sheriff’s office announced the passing of retired K9 Jäger, a 10-year-old German Shepherd. From 2013-2021, Jäger served the citizens of La Porte County. Throughout his career, he was responsible for numerous drug seizures and apprehensions. Jäger participated in dozens of public demonstrations for various civic organizations and was a popular “pup” throughout La Porte County. The Sheriff’s Office stated, “During retirement, Jäger remained happy at home and was surrounded by many who loved him dearly, none more so greater than his handler, Deputy Andy Morse.”

Multiple heat advisories are in effect Wednesday until 8pm for. The National weather service of Northern Indiana says heat index values could be up to 103 degrees. Local counties under an advisory include LaPorte, Porter, Lake, St. Joseph, Starke, Berrien, Newton and Jasper.  Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. The national weather service says to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you

Northwest Medical Group is spreading awareness of Kidney Stones and their risks. Northwest Medical Group says that if you feel a sharp pain in your back, side, lower abdomen, or groin, or have blood in your urine, you may have a kidney stone – a condition that is common and on the rise. Left untreated, kidney stones can cause serious complications in addition to severe pain. John Lynam, DO, FACOS a urologist with Northwest Medical Group, is making sure patients know timely treatment can prevent permanent damage. Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or

The Indiana Bankers Association has recognized 17 members of the Indiana banking community with Leaders in Banking Excellence awards, the Association’s highest honor. The awards ceremony took place Aug. 16 at the IBA Annual Convention in French Lick. Honorees represent both the classes of 2020 and 2021, since last year’s ceremony was delayed due to the pandemic. At the honors ceremony, presentations were made by dignitaries including: U.S. Sen. Mike Braun; Director Thomas C. Fite, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions; IBA Chairman Michael S. Zahn; and Amber R. Van Til, IBA president and CEO. Additionally, each honoree was invited to make comments, and each was presented