Region News Source

06/16/2026

Michigan Man Charged After Allegedly Threatening To Shoot Up Portage Home

Zachary Isaiah Hope, 24, of Niles, Michigan, has been charged in Porter Superior Court after allegedly threatening multiple family members during an incident at a residence in the 5100 block of Bou…

06/16/2026

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio until 11 PM EDT

Thunderstorms will form this afternoon along a cold front and sweep eastward across the watch area. The strongest storms will be capable of damaging winds and large hail. A tornado or two is also possible.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

06/16/2026

Gary Man Charged With Murder After Fatal Shooting Outside Perros Brothers Restaurant

GARY — A Gary man has been charged with murder in connection with a June 8 shooting outside a local restaurant that left a Chicago man dead. According to court documents, 32-year-old Terrence Devon…

06/16/2026

Alert Shopper Follows Suspects After Alleged Highland Macy’s Theft

Mihajah M. Evans, 21, of Chicago, has been charged in Lake County after police alleged she participated in an organized retail theft incident at a Highland Macy’s that resulted in more than $4,200 …

06/15/2026

Gary Man Accused Of Sexual Relationship With Teen Who Became Pregnant

Brian Michael Oliver, 49, of Gary, has been charged in Lake County with four felony counts related to alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor. Court records allege the investigation…

06/14/2026

MERRILLVILLE TORNADO RECOVERY UPDATE – DAY 3

As Merrillville enters Day 3 of recovery efforts following Thursday night’s devastating tornado, officials say gradual improvements are beginning to be seen throughout the community.

Utility crews continue working around the clock to repair damaged power lines and infrastructure along the heavily impacted 61st Avenue and Broadway corridors. Both roadways remain closed at this time but could reopen within the next few days. Residents are encouraged to avoid the area whenever possible to allow crews to work safely and efficiently.

NIPSCO is reporting 86% of customers that were impacted by the storms are back up with power. Around 12,000 customers remain waiting for restoration efforts in the hardest hit areas.

Merrillville Police officers continue providing 24-hour patrols in storm-damaged neighborhoods and remain available to assist residents. Authorities are asking anyone who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately.

Community relief efforts also remain strong. The Red Cross and Salvation Army continue assisting residents affected by the storm, while Strack & Van Til is providing meals, water, and ice to those in need.

Officials are also urging caution following overnight rainfall, which has created numerous flooded areas throughout town. Motorists should avoid driving through standing water and should always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous.

Town officials thanked residents, volunteers, first responders, utility workers, and community organizations for their patience, cooperation, and support as Merrillville continues the long recovery process from the EF-2 tornado that struck the community Thursday evening.

06/14/2026

Flooding Causes Multiple Crashes on I-80/94 Near Kennedy Avenue

HAMMOND — Heavy rainfall Sunday morning led to dangerous flooding conditions on westbound & eastbound I-80/94 near the Kennedy Avenue exit, causing multiple crashes and prompting warnings from Indiana State Police.

According to Indiana State Police-Lowell Post Sgt. Glen Fifield, standing water developed in the westbound lanes near the Kennedy Avenue interchange. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) was notified and initially dispatched a crew around 3:30 a.m., but water remained on the roadway for several hours despite mitigation efforts and left.

Troopers positioned patrol vehicles with emergency lights activated ahead of the flooded area in an attempt to warn approaching motorists of the hazard. However, crashes continued to occur as drivers encountered the water-covered lanes.

Photos shared by state police show vehicles with damage consistent with crash-related incidents in the flooded stretch of interstate. Traffic cameras also captured significant pooling of water across portions of the roadway, creating hazardous travel conditions during the early morning hours.

Region News Source received information that Little Calumet River Officials alerted INDOT that their pumping station was offline Thursday and flashing at the corner of 179th & Kennedy. It could be as simple as turning the stations back on after a power outage but nobody from INDOT replied or has been out. Since then the water has continued to rise.

Motorists traveling through the area were urged to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid driving through standing water whenever possible. Flooded roadways can hide pavement damage and cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, especially at highway speeds.

No serious injuries were immediately reported, but officials continued monitoring the area as additional crews responded to address the flooding concerns.

Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions before traveling and use caution as periods of heavy rain continue across Northwest Indiana. Expect major traffic delays on 80/94.

Update - Hammond Sanitary and Little Calumet River Officials have reactivated the pumps since INDOT has not been back to bring the flooding down since 4 AM.

UPDATE 2 - As of 4 PM the water is down and traffic is moving in both directions. 3 INDOT trucks are now at the pumping station cleaning out the catch basin and working on the pump after it was successfully restarted by local officials.

06/14/2026

Gary Woman Charged After Allegedly Threatening Husband With Axe During Domestic Dispute

Jazmine R. Avery, 28, of Gary, was charged June 13 after police alleged she threatened her husband with an axe, swung the weapon at him multiple times, and engaged in a violent domestic altercation…

06/14/2026

⚠️ FLOOD WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 10:00 AM SUNDAY

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for portions of northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, including central Lake County, Indiana, after heavy overnight rainfall drenched the area.

Radar estimates indicate 1 to nearly 3 inches of rain fell across the warned area. While the heaviest rain has ended, flooding concerns remain as creeks, streams, ditches, and low-lying areas continue to fill.

Communities that may experience flooding include Merrillville, Crown Point, Schererville, Munster, Dyer, St. John, as well as several communities across southern Cook County.

⚠️ Potential Impacts:
• Flooded roadways and underpasses
• Rising creeks and streams
• Water covering low-lying streets and poor drainage areas

If you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Just a few inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle off the road.

Have you encountered any flooding or standing water overnight? Post your photos and reports in the comments.

06/14/2026

Storm Damage Report – Calumet City Sunday Morning

Around 12:21 a.m., a powerful swath of wind moved through Calumet City, primarily impacting the Burnham Avenue corridor between 154th and 158th Streets. The storm prompted a Severe Thunderstorm War…