
Local news
Munster
Lake County, Indiana

Porter Township approves its first-ever school referendum
Voters in Porter Township approved the school district’s first-ever referendum, a milestone as the effects of Indiana’s Senate Enrolled Act 1 begin to reach local schools. The brief report does not provide the vote…

Munster High School has strong start to year after derecho
Munster High School has successfully resumed operations following a two-week closure caused by the severe derecho storm that struck on August 11. The storm, which caused widespread power outages and significant damage…

St. Thomas More School cuts ties with three staffers amid funding investigation
St. Thomas More Catholic Church and School in Munster has ended the employment of its principal, dean of discipleship and a STEM teacher amid a review of irregularities in administrative operations and documentation…
Northwest Indiana neighbors: Obituaries for November 7
The Times has published its daily collection of obituaries for November 7, 2026. The list includes remembrances for several community members from Northwest Indiana and surrounding areas, including Hulda T. Griffin…
Northwest Indiana neighbors: Obituaries for November 6
The Times has published its daily collection of obituaries for Northwest Indiana residents on November 6, 2026. The list honors several community members, including Hulda T. Griffin, Lillian Ruth Colbert, Michael…

Check out prep scores from Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026
High school football sectional semifinal games took place across Northwest Indiana on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Standout performances included AJ Summers, who led Crown Point to victory with five touchdowns. The…

Powers Health earns Newsweek home health honor
Powers Health Home Health Services has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Home Health Agencies for 2027. The award evaluates agencies based on patient experience surveys, accreditation data, and…
Franciscan Health adds new OB/GYN in Munster
Franciscan Health has expanded its medical staff in Munster by adding Dr. Leah Butler, an OB/GYN, to the Franciscan Physician Network. Dr. Butler is now accepting new patients for obstetric and gynecologic care…
Cancer patients at Franciscan Health in Munster celebrate progress, one bead at a time
Cancer patients at Franciscan Health in Munster are participating in a supportive program that tracks their treatment progress through beads. This initiative provides a tangible way for patients to celebrate milestones…

Peoples Bank shareholders approve acquisition by First Financial Bank
Shareholders of Munster-based Peoples Bank have officially approved an acquisition by First Financial Bank. The all-stock deal, valued at approximately $509 million, will see Peoples Bank shareholders receive 1.84…

Northwest Indiana school leaders react to referendum results
School districts across Northwest Indiana are evaluating the impact of recent referendum results following the implementation of Senate Enrolled Act 1. Seven districts included referendums on the ballot during the…

Strack & Van Til rolling out Dark Lord bratwurst
3 Floyds Brewing is partnering with the grocery chain Strack & Van Til to release a limited-edition bratwurst made with its elusive Dark Lord beer. This collaboration marks the 30th anniversary of the brewery, which is…
Frank Mrvan discusses Democratic election results, priorities for fourth term
U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan has secured a fourth term in Congress. Ahead of his victory, Mrvan discussed his priorities for the upcoming term and shared his reactions to the nationwide election results for the…

Jerry Williams discusses Lake County sheriff race
Jerry Williams has declared an early victory in the Lake County sheriff race, according to local reports. If confirmed, Williams will become the first Black sheriff in the county's history. As preliminary results…
Frank Mrvan greets supporters at watch party
U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan arrived at an election night watch party in Northwest Indiana as he seeks re-election for the 1st Congressional District. The event was attended by family, friends, and supporters as…
Frank Mrvan supporters await election results
Supporters of U.S. Representative Frank Mrvan gathered at Toast & Jam in Munster, Indiana, on Tuesday evening to await the results of the primary election. Mrvan, the incumbent for Indiana's 1st Congressional District…

Spirit Christmas store to open by Southlake Mall
A new Spirit Christmas store is set to open near Southlake Mall. The retailer, known for its seasonal Spirit Halloween pop-up shops that occupy vacant storefronts, is expanding its brand to include a Christmas-themed…

Final opportunity to vote early in Indiana is Monday morning
Residents in Northwest Indiana have one final opportunity to cast their ballots early on Monday morning before polls officially open for Election Day on Tuesday. Local officials are encouraging voters to take advantage…

Munster's Community Hospital recognized for care
Community Hospital in Munster has received multiple distinctions from Healthgrades for excellence in patient care. The facility was honored with the Stroke Care Excellence Award and the Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence…

Peoples Bank turns $1.4 million profit in third quarter
Finward Bancorp, the parent company of Peoples Bank, has announced a profit of $1.4 million for the third quarter. The financial results reflect the bank's performance during this period, highlighting its current fiscal…
People's Turkey Drive: More in need of Thanksgiving meals
The People's Turkey Drive is ramping up efforts to provide Thanksgiving meals to families in Northwest Indiana. Many residents remain in financial distress following the severe August derecho, which caused extensive…
Munster High School wins Chicago ABC7 flyover competition
Munster High School has been honored as the winner of the ABC7 2026 Friday Flyover competition. The school, which was the only Indiana-based contestant, secured the victory after receiving over 20,000 votes from the…

Northwest Indiana neighbors: Obituaries for July 14
The Times has published its daily collection of obituaries for July 14, providing a space for the community to honor those who have recently passed away. Among the notices, the publication highlights the life of Betty…

July 13 recap: Northwest Indiana news you may have missed today
The Times of Northwest Indiana provides a comprehensive recap of the top local stories from July 13. This digest covers essential updates and community events that occurred throughout the region, ensuring residents stay…