Local News

Aja Bridges stands outside her mother’s home in Gary, Indiana on Friday, August 28, 2026. Like many residents in Northwest Indiana, Bridges, 27, had struggled to survive with her two children after recent storms pummeled the region. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Gary moms recall challenges during power outage: ‘I gotta get to my kids’

By Meredith Colias-Pete

September 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Caught off guard with smaller paychecks, childcare jams, or using “bill money” for unexpected expenses...

Sandhill cranes congregate in a coal ash pond next to R.M. Schahfer Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant, while it operates, Feb. 9, 2026, in Wheatfield, Indiana. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Activists raise concerns with NIPSCO Jasper County water permit application

By Maya Wilkins

September 13, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.

If approved, the permit would mix wastewater from the R.M. Schahfer Generating Station, a new...

From left, Jennifer Stallings, Aurora city clerk; Jason Guisinger, legal counsel to the Aurora electoral board; Ald. Juany Garza, 2nd Ward; and Ald. Mike Saville, 6th Ward listen to arguments concerning a recall referendum effort during a Sept. 1 meeting of the electoral board. The board is set to meet on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, to make a final decision on whether the proposed recall referendum questions will be on the fall ballot. (Addison Wright/The Beacon-News)

Final decision expected Monday on whether recall referendum questions will be on fall ballot in Aurora

By Addison Wright

September 13, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Aurora electoral board said it plans to reach a final decision Monday on whether...

Emergency response expert Mike Fagel of Sugar Grove looks over a large map of Ground Zero in New York City where, for three months, he worked in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that reduced the iconic World Trade Center towers in New York City to rubble. (Denise Crosby/The Beacon-News).

Column: First responders from Aurora area remember 9/11 on 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks

By Denise Crosby

September 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Memories still strong 25 years after terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Kevin James makes 2 TD catches as Zion-Benton improves to 4-0 for first time this century: ‘Way, way better’

By Steve Reaven

September 11, 2026 at 8:58 a.m.

Cleared to play after being diagnosed with a heart condition, Kevin James helps Zion-Benton beat...

Gary/Chicago International Airport executive director Dan Vicari speaks during a ribbon cutting to commemorate the completion of the Gary/Chicago International Airport's air cargo campus on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. (Kyle Telechan/for the Post-Tribune)

Gary airport finalizing 2027 budget

By Carole Carlson

September 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

Officials with the Gary/Chicago International Airport will review its $5.4 million 2027 tax levy budget...

Skokie's Village Crossing Shopping Center sold at the end of August for a reported $122 million to Fairbourne Properties, LLC. Pictured Sept. 10, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

Skokie’s Village Crossing Shopping Center sells in landmark retail deal

By Claire Murphy

September 10, 2026 at 5:33 p.m.

In reportedly the largest Chicago-area retail deal in a decade, Skokie’s Village Crossing has sold...

Attorney Gary Redenbacher, 70, a former popcorn pitchman, now serves as a board member for the Scotts Valley Unified School District, representing more than 2,700 students in Santa Cruz County, California. (Photo provided by Gary Redenbacher)

Potempa: Reader looking for Gary Redenbacher on eve of Popcorn Fest

By Philip Potempa

September 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

I was contacted by a reader from afar looking to track down Gary Redenbacher, the...

Indiana Governor Mike Braun looks on as U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, answers questions during a press conference at the Central Fire Station in Hammond, Indiana on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Frank Mrvan asks FERC to investigate NIPSCO after prolonged outages

By Maya Wilkins

September 10, 2026 at 4:21 p.m.

Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, wrote a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking for...

A pedestrian crosses East Ontario Street at North Fairbanks Court in Chicago in 2018. The building at left contains 620 N. Fairbanks Ct., where cannabis store Guaranteed Dispensary opened late in 2025. (Jośe M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)

Judge upholds permit for controversial cannabis shop in Streeterville

By Robert McCoppin

September 10, 2026 at 4:20 p.m.

A judge upheld Chicago's permit for a controversial cannabis store in Streeterville, despite new evidence...

Jazz Weekend features more than 50 performances at venues across St. Charles

By David Sharos

September 10, 2026 at 4:15 p.m.

The 15th annual St. Charles Jazz Weekend has already begun, and will run at sites...

Debris from what remains of her neighbor’s home litters the yard of Barb Corey on Harrison Avenue in Portage, Indiana, Thursday, August 13, 2026 after a natural gas explosion killed an 86-year-old woman during Aug. 11's storms that swept through Northwest Indiana. (Andy Lavalley/for the Post-Tribune)

Indiana offering low-interest loans to storm-battered communities

By Carole Carlson

September 10, 2026 at 3:36 p.m.

The state is offering “rapid relief” to hard-hit communities struggling in the aftermath of an...

Filippo “Gigi” Rovito, owner of Capri restaurant in Burr Ridge, leaves the Hammond Federal Courthouse following a hearing in an alleged illegal gambling ring case on May 14, 2026. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Alleged betting ring leader’s hearing delayed, while co-defendant gets looser release terms

By Maya Wilkins

September 10, 2026 at 3:14 p.m.

The alleged leader of a Northwest Indiana gambling ring must wait one week before action...