Staff / Politics
Stories by Sara Yates 24
Politics
Data centers and power bills put Soliday's Valparaiso House seat in the spotlight
Democrat Ryan Kominakis blames the 10-term Republican, who chairs the House utilities committee, for higher NIPSCO bills and a 2019 data center tax break. Soliday says the state is "going through a hysteria" and his critics skip the hard questions about keeping the grid reliable.
Politics
Valparaiso council passes contractor-fraud ordinance 4-3; Costas says he'll veto it
The measure would let the City Council investigate contractors on big building permits. The mayor questioned whether it's needed and said he'll veto it, and backers would need a 5-2 vote to override him. The same night, the city's $71.6 million 2027 budget got its first reading.
Politics
Hammond's $170 million 2027 budget clears two readings as casino money shrinks
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. says the plan is close to this year's $167 million budget. Gaming taxes keep falling, and state property tax cuts are on the way. The final vote is set for Oct. 26.
Politics
LaPorte County Council sends 0.20% EMS income tax to Oct. 26 vote
After a lightly attended hearing Wednesday, council members agreed unanimously to vote on the new ambulance tax at their regular meeting Oct. 26. A county adviser put the cost at about $140 a year for the average wage earner.
Politics
Lake County Council backs Steelworkers’ NIPSCO staffing petition 6-0
The council joined Michigan City, Portage, Chesterton, Porter County and Valparaiso in supporting USW Local 12775’s push for more local crews after the Aug. 11 derecho. Councilman Charlie Brown was absent.
Politics
Lake County Council weighs NIPSCO staffing resolution, final 2027 budget vote
A resolution backing the Steelworkers' NIPSCO staffing petition was on the Lake County Council's Tuesday morning agenda, making Lake the latest Region government asked to take a side. The 2027 budget's second reading followed at 11:30 a.m.
Politics
Valparaiso backs Steelworkers’ NIPSCO staffing petition
City Council passed Resolution No. 10 on Monday night, joining Michigan City, Portage and Porter County in asking state leaders to assess NIPSCO crew levels after the Aug. 11 derecho.
Politics
Valparaiso council to weigh NIPSCO staffing resolution Monday night
Resolution No. 10 would put the city behind Steelworkers Local 12775’s petition on staffing, reliability and storm response. Michigan City, Portage and Porter County have already moved on the same ask.
Politics
LaPorte County Council sets Oct. 14 hearing on 0.20% EMS income tax
Ordinance #2026-09 would add an Emergency Medical Services local income tax while leaving other LIT rates alone. The same special session covers 2027 county and Solid Waste budgets; second reading is set for Oct. 26.
Politics
Porter County, Portage join push for state probe of NIPSCO staffing
Steelworkers who represent NIPSCO crews took their case to two more local boards Tuesday. Both sided with the union, and one commissioner took a shot at state lawmakers.
Politics
Gary Councilwoman Mary Brown, who held the 3rd District seat since 1999, has died
Brown served nearly 26 years on the Gary Common Council. Colleagues remembered her as the member who knew the city's books, and her death leaves a west-side seat to fill.
Politics
Michigan City drops $300K Flock camera plan, backs union push for local NIPSCO crews
All four sponsors pulled the rainy-day fund request for more police cameras Tuesday. The same council unanimously backed a steelworkers' petition for a bigger permanent NIPSCO workforce.
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