Welcome back, Explorers, to your regularly scheduled Monday edition of NWI Explored. We hope your weekend wasn’t too marred by the cold weather and that you managed to get out there and partake in some of the great holiday events going on around the Region. There’s so much going on and everyone seems busier than ever before, but we’re glad you found some time to stop in and check on us here.

Today, we’re all celebrating the absolute impossibility that was IU winning a Big Ten championship. As an IU alum, there was no world where I imagined that my school would ever get anywhere near the championship, let alone win it. It just goes to show that you can never count out the impossible.

Otherwise, here’s your weather report through the midweek:

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

State Senator Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso was the target of a “swatting” attack Thanksgiving weekend — the motive of which was tethered to President Trump’s crackdown on Indiana Republicans to pass redistricting plans that would benefit the GOP

Steel Dynamics, currently the largest steelmaker headquartered in the state, has acquired New Process Steel for an unknown sum.

Roughly 300 Indiana National Guard troops have made their way to Washington D.C. after Governor Braun promised their presence in the city for a four-month excursion.

Below you can find what Northwest Indiana municipalities will be meeting this week to discuss.

Jack and Cindy Strack, philanthropists and legacy members of the Strack & Van Til grocery store chain, have completed a $5 million donation to the Legacy Foundation in support of charitable organizations in Northwest Indiana.

The owners of Don Quijote in Valparaiso have been given the honors of recieving the Good Neighbors Award by the City of Valparaiso.

The debate on a proposed Amazon Web Services data center in Hobart is ongoing, with city leaders swearing on it’s transformative revenue for the town and citizens mounting concerns about the strains the development presents to city infrastructure and property values.

Michigan City Transit announced last week that they have officially made all transit free to citizens. City transit will be zero-fare for all from here on out, with subsidies coming in from the State and the FTA.

On occasion, we like to look at what businesses are on their way out in the Region, and what’s coming in to take their place. This is what’s in and what’s out in NWI this week.

Duneland Distillery, located in Westchester Lanes and Lounge bowling alley, has decided to close down for good. The veteran-owned distillery, started by owner Vernon Brown (a U.S. Marine Corps Vet), served and produced moonshine, whiskey, gin, and sipping creams for the Region since 2022.

Wetzel’s Pretzels will be coming to Hobart, inside of the Walmart at 2936 E 79th Ave. This will be the second NWI location for the soft pretzel chain.

Moda Beauty Bar has opened in St. John at 10221 Calumet Ave, and is driven by a mission to help women look and feel their best. The hair salon/beauty bar offers full hair services, facials, Japanese spa treatments, brows, lashes, and makeup treatments. There are also locations in Winfield and Chesterton.

Michigan City will see Qdoba Mexican taking over the old Hardee’s location at 5223 Franklin St., with opening day being this Tuesday, Dec 9th. It’s grand opening will be held by the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce at 10 a.m that day. First 100 customers can win free burritos or bowls for a year.

Lafayette Brewing Company, a staple of the Greater Lafayette area, will be closing it’s doors after 32 years of business. Their last day of operation will be on December 20th.

We here at NWI Explored are looking to partner with local/small businesses! Partner with NWIE today and see what our local reach can do for you!

If you’d like to inquire about partnership with NWI Explored and discuss potential work further, click here to fill out an inquiry.

Every Monday, we give you the best events and spots to check out during the week all across Northwest Indiana.

Journeyman Distillery will be holding their weekly trivia night on Monday, Dec 8th at 7pm. You can get a handcrafted pizza and a cold beer for a flat fee of $20 and enjoy three rounds of trivia (with prizes) in teams of up to six.

The Dean and Barbara White Community Center (6600 Broadway, Merrillville) will be having a Family Movie Night on Tuesday, Dec 9th at 3:30 pm. The movie of the night will be Elf. Kids 13 years and under are free and includes activities, hot cocoa and holiday treats, a bucket of popcorn, and a bunch of holiday fun.

White Rhino’s Tuesday trivia night is still going. Every Tuesday at 8pm, you can expect drinks and trivia at White Rhino in Dyer (101 Joliet Street).

The Town of St. John is holding a Christmas tree candle making class, taught by Clementine Candle Company. Wednesday Dec 10th at 6pm, you can making your very own Christmas Tree candle with a choice of five different festive scents.

Presented by our friends over at Dig the Dunes, Marina Shores Yacht Club will be holding a Holiday Gnome Workshop on Dec 10th at 6pm. This family friendly class will allow you to create your very own festive holiday gnome, perfect for outdoor holiday decor.

The Theatre at the Center in Munster will be holding a Christmas themed tribute to Frank Sinatra and Friends from December 10th to the 21st. The show is hosted by Vegas staple Robbie Howard and he brings his one-man tribute to The Tonight Show and it’s vanguards to the Munster stage. A pre-show dining meal is available with matinee performances as well.

Dyer’s White Rhino is still hosting it’s weekly Bingo night every Wednesday, which also coincides with it’s half-priced pizza night. Go out and have some fun whether you’re an experienced player or just trying to get out of the house for a night.

The Humane Indiana Wildlife Rehab and Education Center is holding their monthly Teen Wildlife Club meeting this Wednesday, Dec 10th. This program is aimed at teenagers aged 12-17, providing those interested in wildlife and conservation hands-on opportunities to volunteer on the HIW grounds. The program meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 4-5pm, and costs $15 a session.

Running Vines Winery will be holding a Seinfeld-inspired Festivus Pop Up this week. The event runs from Dec 11th to the 14th and will feature a variety of activities, drink and food specials, and surprises for patrons galore!

Burn Em’ Brewing, in partnership with Dig the Dunes, is holding a Holiday Workshop on Dec 11th, from 6-8pm. Participants will make three different holiday-themed items and will be able to keep them. Drinks, food, and good times are sure to be had by all.