‘Everybody’s welcome’: Gary Catholic church prepares to celebrates its 95th anniversary

After growing up at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, Josie Werhowetz-Neiman wanted to get married at the church. But, nine years ago, that almost wasn’t an option for her. “At the time, they were going to close it,” Werhowetz-Neiman said. “They told me, ‘You need to find a new place to get married.’ But, it was a church that meant so much to me, and the people were really like a second family.” Werhowetz-Neiman is one member who helped start the church’s outreach time, which helped prevent St. Mary of the Lake’s closure in 2015. Now, the church […]

Niles Township High School D219 approves 4-day weeks for summer school

The board of education for Niles Township High School District 219 approved implementing four-day weeks for summer school 2025 on Tuesday. The district instituted four-day weeks for the first time this summer and, according to district administrators, saw increased student retention, a higher rate of students passing their classes, and higher rates of in-district teachers who taught during the summer. The board’s approval of four-day weeks for the summer school calendar will mean that days will be longer by an hour to make up for the fifth day. Students who attend summer school will also be fed a lunch during […]

Jury resumes deliberations in trial of AT&T boss accused of bribing Speaker Michael Madigan

A federal jury will resume deliberations Wednesday in the bribery trial of former AT&T Illinois boss Paul La Schiazza, who is accused of funneling payments to an ally of Michael Madigan to win the powerful speaker’s support for key legislation in Springfield. The jury of four men and eight women was slated to resume talks at 9 a.m. after deliberating for about an hour and a half Tuesday without reaching a verdict. La Schiazza, 66, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in October 2022 with conspiracy, federal program bribery and using a facility in interstate […]