Michigan City

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City council members initially proposed moving smokers farther away from the entrances to city buildings, to avoid having smoke disturb the workers inside. But a newer proposal would go much further: banning smoking on all city property, including the city’s beach, golf course and other park facilities.

“We have only one chance to redo our lakefront – one chance – because once it’s gone, it’s gone,” said Michigan City Redevelopment Commission Chair Sheila Brillson Matias.

Michigan City leaders are looking at ways to help unhoused individuals find a safe place to live. The city council’s public health and safety committee explored the issue during a work session Thursday, after hearing concerns from residents and businesses.

Michigan City riders can now travel for free as the city ends all bus fares, a move officials say boosts access, saves money and keeps existing routes in place.

“This give and take is being forced on us, due to losses in certain funding and huge increases in the cost of things like insurance, proposed increases in salaries and equipment to run the city,” City council member Bryant Dabney said during Tuesday's meeting.

Plans to keep the Indiana State Prison open are drawing frustration from Michigan City Council members.

Michigan City has approved incentives for a planned data center development. Phoenix Investors plans to repurpose the vacant Federal Mogul property on Royal Road into a data center campus.

Protesters in communities across the region are preparing to rally Saturday as part of a national day of action organized under the banner “No Kings."

LaPorte County Coroner Lynn Swanson faces two misdemeanor drunk driving charges for an incident over the weekend.