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The Call to Explore:

Welcome back, Explorers, to your Thursday edition of NWI Explored. April is certainly off to a not so fun start, isn’t it? Between the constant rain and brisk temperatures, it’s hard to think we’ve already seen a handful of 70+ degree days. It is what it is, I guess. We can chalk that up to the charm of this place that we call home. Otherwise, the start of a new month is - in our eyes here at NWIE - an opportunity for new things! New things to report on, new events to spotlight, and new ways to get engaged with the NWI community. Always think on the bright side of life, right?

For all the explorers out there: we want to hear from you all! We’re calling on the readers to let us know what their favorite spots around NWI are, so that we can build a new spotlight section of the newsletter for the places the Explorers love. Right below this section, you’ll see a link to enter in your favorite hidden gem. Let us know, Explorers!

Let us know your favorite spots right here!

🧭 On Today’s issue of NWI Explored🧭

Everything Happening in NWI in April

A Recap of Local and State News

Today’s Headlines

Weather Forecast for NWI

Today in NWI

A rundown of headlines, events happening today, and information we want front of mind for Explorers.

  • Hammond-based company Quantum Corridor is expanding its quantum optimization and network capacity. The company recently invested in a QCi Dirac-3 quantum optimization machine which will work to make its high-speed fiber optic network across Indiana that much more powerful. Quantum Corridor’s technology is used primarily in the academic and commercial space, giving professionals access to quantum computing through their expansive network. This new installation will be used in the Digital Crossroad Data Center in Hammond.

  • For posterities sake, here is a run down of some Region businesses and the April Fools jokes they pulled yesterday.

    • Matey’s in Michigan City put out that they had a Mothman sighting at the establishment this week.

    • Family Express announced that they were adding a Tesla fleet to every single Region location.

    • The Original George’s Gyro Spot in Chesterton said that they were making it mandatory for every Chicago dog to have ketchup as a topping.

    • Lincoln’s Carryouts in Crown Point said they were removing their crowd favorite Steelworker sandwich from the menu.

    • Fuzzyline Brewing Co. in Highland said that they were moving their production over to making only sours from now on, even claiming that they were changing their name to “Hardline Sours”.

    • Dig the Dunes teased that they were opening a new venture across state lines in Michigan, titled Dig the Doobs: A Dunes-inspired Dispensary. The fictional business would offer such products as: Lake Effect Gummies, High Tide Sunset Sessions, Puff and Pup Walks, and Mt. Baldy Brownies

    • The Miller Beach Water Safety Group put out there that Gary was finally getting signs around the water that warned swimmers of nearby Sharks.

  • On Tuesday Evening, Valparaiso residents responded to the newest version of Valparaiso’s East Side Master Plan with enthusiasm. The ESMP is a guide for future projects and restoration efforts to the land that sits to the east of Ind. 49. This development project would entail new retail space, mixed-use and single unit housing and public spaces, but has excised light industrial development from the plans which was a sore spot in previous iterations of the plan. See the March 31st draft of the East Side Master Plan below.

    Valparaiso’s proposed East Side Master Plan for unused land on the east side of Ind. 49

  • Valparaiso Community Schools superintendent Jim McCall announced his resignation on Monday, effective July 1st. McCall has been in this position since 2020, and with the school system for over two decades as he starting as an English teacher at Valpo High School in 1999. McCall will be moving to a position in the private sector.

  • At the link right here, see a video produced by the NWI Times celebrating the opening of the Monon Corridor - a long overdue expansion of the South Shore Train Line that extends the Chicago-tethered transit line further into the southern part of NWI.

Last, but not least, here is your weekend forecast for the weekend of April 2nd, 2026.

🏘The Lowdown 🏘

Every issue of NWI Explored comes with The Lowdown: a roundup of the most important news and happenings around the Region and Indiana writ large.

  • In response to an increase in speeding-related and distracted driving deaths, Indiana State Police has announced intention to ramp up traffic patrols in order to combat these threats. The main way this will affect Indiana and NWI drivers is through stricter enforcement of the Hands-Free Law, so put your phones down while driving and adjust speed for the road conditions ahead of you.

  • Upcoming installation of wayfinding signage on Ind. 49, nearby Indiana Dunes Parks will require closure of the right lane from the U.S 20 bridge north to U.S. 12. The work is scheduled to begin this week and will most likely take through the end of August, as other enhancements to the stretch of highway will take place (such as delineator installment, road signage replacement, and repainting pavement markings)

  • Two high-traffic thoroughfares in Crown Point are going to be shut down later this month for monthslong repairs: Broadway between Summit and East 101st Ave; and, 113th Ave where it crosses above I-65.

    • Crews will be repairing the superstructure of the bridge that passes over the Main Beaver Dam Ditch and the 13th Ave Bridge deck structure. These repairs will cost around $1.7 and 2.3 million respectively and will see these areas closed to traffic through September at the very least.

  • For those wishing to express solidarity with the USW Local 7-1 workers currently locked out of the BP Whiting Refinery, here are some ways that you can help.

    • Community outreach volunteers contacted union reps and workers and have said that the below items can be dropped off to the picket line at Indianapolis Blvd and 129th St in Whiting or at the Union Hall at 2045 Schrage Ave in Whiting.

      • Firewood

      • Long Lighters

      • Water

      • Snacks

      • hand and feet warmers

      • umbrellas

      • Anything that you can think of that would make standing outside all day better!

      • Feel free to drop off food for the group as well.

      • Any other outreach can be coordinated through USW Local 7-1 or through community outreach volunteers

  • On a similar note, NIPSCO workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as contract negotiations have stagnated in recent days. The whole story on the NIPSCO workers strike and related stories can be found below.

    • NIPSCO presented its best and last offer to the workers yesterday, with a previous offer coming Tuesday night at 11:45pm, that they wanted an answer on within the next 15 minutes - hoping to close the contract negotiations before midnight on Tuesday. When that offer didn’t pass, the final and best offer was presented with the deadline of Today, at 2pm, before NIPSCO will then lockout represented workers starting at 4pm. By the time that you’re reading this, there is a high likelihood that NIPSCO workers - represented by USW Local 12775 and USW Local 13796 - will be locked out and on strike officially.

    • USW Local 12775 Vice President Vern Beck is quoted as saying that the union was “unanimous in its decision” to reject the company’s offer as it stood, saying that the union already capitulated further than they wanted to in the company’s direction in hopes of making a deal and would not be sacrificing anything else in the process. Beck said also that he hopes to keep negotiating with NIPSCO and get a deal that best reflects the wishes of the 1,400 NIPSCO employees represented by USW.

    • These contract negotiations have been ongoing and have mostly centered around the amount of forced overtime union workers are required to put-in and the overuse of independent contractors by the company to subvert the work union-represented employees have historically done. Another point of contention is NIPSCO’s proposal for raises to the clerical workers and physical workers, whose contracts would stipulate different levels of incremental raises over the course of the contracts. Clerical employees would get raises and bonuses to a lesser degree than the physical employees, which Beck says is a deliberate attempt to drive a wedge between the wide breadth of workers represented by the two USW locals. Other worries brought up during these contract negotiations are as follows: cutting of jobs in favor of hiring independent contractors; phasing out of the construction lineman department; cutting sick leave; cutting day hours; moving jobs to Ohio; and forcing workers to accept 30% of overtime calls.

    • There hasn’t been a workers lockout for NIPSCO workers in quite some time and Beck doesn’t want that to happen. The chief concerns of the unions at this time is to resolve some of their concerns and get their workers what they’ve been fighting for, especially when it comes to the use of contractors and forced overtime.

  • In other NIPSCO related news, we have two related stories that we thought would be interesting to juxtapose against these ongoing contract disputes.

    • President and COO of NIPSCO Vince Parisi testified before the IURC last week to state that, in order to comply with the U.S. Secretary of Energy’s emergency order to extend the life of NIPSCO coal-power units for another 90 days, NIPSCO would expend more than $100 million in costs. The main issue with this demand is that the expense would then fall to the customers, at least as NIPSCO has drafted the plans. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission did authorize the Midcontinent Independent System Operator to allow NIPSCO to seek approval for federal orders to recover costs associated with the continued operation of these coal-power units past their retirement date. Only time will tell what happens here.

    • Funnily enough, in our other related story, a study by the Energy & Policy Institute found that NIPSCO has the fourth largest profit margin amongst investor-owned electric utilities in the Midwest. This study found that an average NIPSCO bill sees roughly 19.7% of the cost going toward profit, above the national average of 12.8%. Only three other Midwest electric utilities reaped higher percentages of profit from consumer billing. Not only that, but NIPSCO has the highest profit margin amongst all Indiana utilities. Taking this data and putting it to the full scope of NIPSCO and Northwest Indiana, its estimated that $1.6 billion in profit was derived from NWI consumers between 2021 and 2024. With the recent rate increases and exuberant charges, its safe to assume this number would be higher with 2025 included in the mix.

What’s Going On in NWI?

Every issue of NWI Explored, we give you the best events and spots to check out during the current month.

In partnership with the NWI Ultimate League, we want to issue a special announcement about their spring leagues!

NWI Ultimate, with partnership of the Portage Parks Department, is the preeminent local ultimate frisbee league for NWI. Featuring COED divisions for all ages, these leagues are open to new players and seasoned experts. Find all the information at the link right here or in the infographic below.

Recurrent Events:

Here we will try to aggregate all of the weekly specials available to Explorers around the Region. If you own a local business and want people to be aware of your weekly specials or events, let us know by sending an email to [email protected]!

Tuesday is Trivia day at White Rhino in Dyer. Find out more about this weekly event at the link here. Wednesday at White Rhino is Bingo night, starting at 6:30pm.

18th Street Brewery has its weekly Music Trivia and Karaoke night every Wednesday. Doors open at 4pm, with trivia starting at 6pm. Find out more here. On Thursday nights, they also host a weekly Line Dancing night with host Mizz Coco. Find out more here.

Shady Creek Winery hosts a weekly live music event each and every Sunday. Find a schedule of upcoming artists at the link here.

Anderson’s Winery in Valpo hosts weekly live music each and every weekend. Find a schedule of upcoming performances at the link right here.

Find out info about the classes and everything the Chesterton Art Center has going on here. The Center constantly has events for beginners, young artists, and apprentices alike, so anyone looking to build their skills and learn new ones should keep tabs on what the Chesterton Art Center has going on.

Off Square Brewing in Crown Point hosts a weekly Bingo Night on Thursdays, running from 7-9 pm each and every week. One lucky number can make you the big winner of the night! Find further info here. They also host a weekly Trivia Night on Wednesdays from 7pm.

Up Your Alley in Schererville has regular specials all week, perfect for families and groups of friends. Monday is a bowling special, Tuesday is Laser Tag, Wednesday is Dark Rides, and Thursday is the Arcade. Find more info and the specific deals available each week right here.

Every Monday, from 7-9 pm, Journeyman Distillery in Valpo hosts a Trivia Night. Three rounds of trivia keep the night alive, with teams of up to six people fight to win the grand prize every week. Find more info right here.

Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake has a weekly wine special running through dinner service. Happy hour specials and heavily discounted bottles every single Wednesday!

Every second Saturday each month, Beale Pottery in Westville hosts a “Make Cool Stuff Club”. This is a group that meets to, well, make cool stuff in the form of pottery! Find more info about the spot and their events right here.

On the last Tuesday of every month, Downtown Highland hosts a restaurant crawl. This community event always features a bunch of the local spots offering specials and deals, so its a great way to spend an evening hopping from meal to meal. Find more info right here.

Tiny’s Coffee Bar in Miller Beach has recurrent events every single week. Check out their page to find the full slate of events.

Local Theatre

A Rundown of all the local theatre companies and their upcoming productions.

Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso - info here

  • Jellofish; running from March 27th to April 12th

Memorial Opera House, Valparaiso - info here

La Porte Little Theatre, LaPorte - Info Here

4th Street Theater, Chesterton - Info Here

  • Hamlet; running from June 5th to 21st

Beatniks on Conkey, Hammond - Info Here

Footlight Players, Inc, Michigan City - Info Here

Indiana Ballet Theatre Company - Info Here

Marian Theatre Guild, Whiting - Info Here

Towle Theater, Hammond - Info Here

  • Doublewide Texas; running from May 1st to 17th

Valpo University Theatre- Info Here

Ticket information and the full schedule can be found right here.

What to Expect in April

The Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City will be hosting their Annual Poetry Slam on April 3rd, from 5pm to 8pm. Performers from all walks of life will be given a platform to share their original works, with the event being conducted in a tournament style. Poets will perform in single elimination “matches” until the last one standing is crowned the LCA Poetry Slam Champion. Should be a fun time! Admission is free and all are welcome, so find out more at the link right here.

The Drop Comedy Club will be returning to Burn ‘Em Brewing in Michigan City on April 3rd, doors opening at 7:30pm. Seven standups will be performing and the beer will be flowing. Comedians performing are: Jay Vap, Kyle Kinzer, Storm Norment, Armando Sanchez, Darryl Spencer, Matt Keipper, and host of the evening - Mark Darden. Tickets are available right here for $10. 21+ event.

April 2nd through the 4th, Oak Ridge Prairie County Park in Griffith is hosting a Wonderful Egg Wander. All across the park are oversized, hand-painted wooden eggs just waiting to be found by explorers. Fun for all ages! Find more info right here.

Festival Park in Hobart is holding an Easter Egg Hunt for ages 0-12 on April 4th, starting at Noon. Take a picture with the Easter Bunny, win prizes, do crafts, and celebrate the holiday out and about. More info can be found here.

Bombers BBQ in Crown Point will be holding a Seinfeld (No Soup For You!) Trivia Night on April 4th, starting at 6pm. Flex your knowledge of one of the most seminal sitcoms of all time and have some great food while you’re at it.

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve is holding a Spring Stargazing Open House on April 4th, starting at 7:30pm. The Calumet Astronomical Society will guide attendees through some star and planet gazing under the spring skies. More info can be found right here.

There are a whole host of restaurants and venues hosting Easter-themed brunches. Below, you can find a list (with links for those that have) to all the spots holding such events.

Fuzzyline Brewing in Highland will be holding a Cake Decorating Class on April 8th, starting at 6pm. This class is open to anyone 16 years of age and above, will last around 1.5 hours, and will include all supplies to build and decorate a 6-in, 2 layer cake in the price of admission. Find all the info you need right here.

The Brewery Lodge and Supper Club in Michigan City will be holding a Home Sweet Home Mosaic Workshop on April 8th. For price of admission, you’ll get all the supplies to build two mosaic house pieces - perfect for home decor or as a handmade gift. The workshop is beginner friendly and perfect for a creative night out. Find more details right here.

The Crossroads YMCA will be holding their 45th Annual Hub Run on April 11th, starting at 9am. The race will start at Bulldog Park in Crown Point and is either a 5k or a 2k run. All the details, including where to register, are at the link right here.

Calling all families: The Chesterton Art Center will be holding a free Family Art Day on April 11th. Families are invited to the Center from 10am to 2pm to partake in a variety of crafts and art projects. This Event is FREE and open to ALL AGES. Find more information at the link right here.

Live Music Coming Up Soon

More Events to Come. We will have the slate of April events expand out to cover the full month over the course of the next couple editions. Trying to not overload these emails for the sake of the readers!

That’ll do it for this Thursday Edition of NWI Explored.

Happy Exploring,

Eric & Luke, The NWI Explored Team

❝

“My hometown... was always there, at all times, unchanging. What I think... is not that we go back to our hometowns, but that someday our hometowns come back into each of our hearts.”

Jiro Tanaguchi

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