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We want to give our efforts and support to the families that have lost food, homes, clothing items, and more due to the storms from July 27th and August 11th.
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Colin Kaepernick says he now shuns NFL for 'blackballing me'
Gary411News.com 2026
NEW YORK -- Colin Kaepernick still watches football.
Just not the NFL.
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback told NBC News in an interview that he prefers to watch the college game instead.
The 38-year-old Kaepernick, who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl after the 2012 season, hasn't played since the 2016 season finale, an exile that began not long after he started taking a knee during the national anthem to highlight social injustices.
Contributed by Off the Cover News Inc.
From The Chicago Bears to Keith Lee to Gary Native Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, High-Profile Donors Rush Storm Aid to Gary
"Relief Efforts Ramping Up"
Relief efforts are ramping up across Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s south suburbs as communities work to recover from severe storms and flooding that knocked out power, damaged homes, and left thousands of families facing a long rebuilding process.
Major sports franchises, corporate donors, civic leaders, and high-profile figures are mobilizing funds and direct-aid distributions to assist families on both sides of the state line.
The Chicago Bears announced a $200,000 commitment to storm relief, splitting the funding equally between Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary. The $100,000 designated for Northwest Indiana will support immediate necessities—including food, clothing, and housing assistance—alongside ongoing recovery in heavily impacted cities like Gary and Hammond.
"The devastating impact of the storms across Northwest Indiana has turned lives upside down for thousands of families," said Terry Seljan, executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary. "Right now, our focus is on helping our neighbors access the support and resources they need to stabilize so they can begin to recover and move forward."
Further bolstering local recovery in Lake County, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana contributed $100,000 to the Calumet Township Trustee’s Office to assist Gary residents with storm cleanup and emergency essentials.
The push for aid comes amid growing local frustration over the pace of recovery and a perceived lack of broader attention. Prolonged power outages prompted criticism from residents and local leaders, especially after an initial Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) restoration schedule inadvertently omitted Gary before being corrected.
“We are being left behind every time something goes on. Gary is left behind. We are the last ones on the totem pole to get anything done,” resident Bridget Sanders told CBS News.
That disparity caught the attention of popular food critic and social media personality Keith Lee, who coordinated with Gary Mayor Eddie Melton’s office and The Salvation Army to help organize direct relief.
“How are we going to have a food tour in the Midwest and Gary ain’t got no power and ain’t nobody talkin’ about it?” Lee said in a video to his millions of followers. “I think this should be national news. It’s crazy to me that it’s not being talked about... Why not a thinkpiece on the fact that communities that look like myself been without power for eight days?”
Lee emphasized that his involvement is centered on direct action rather than optics, pledging to support local families and spotlight neighborhood businesses.
The sentiment resonates deeply with Gary natives, including former NBA star and Purdue standout Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson, who echoed the call for sustained community solidarity.
"Gary is a resilient city, but our people shouldn't have to carry the burden of recovery alone," Robinson said. "When our neighborhoods are hurting, it takes everyone—from local leaders to outside partners—stepping up to make sure our families get the resources, power, and respect they deserve."
Direct relief is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24, through the "Gary United: The Community Gives Back!" event. Partnering with Lee, NBA All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, The Salvation Army, and Ace Hardware, the city will host an emergency drive from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Roosevelt Pavilion parking lot, located at 2201 Harrison St.
Families can receive food, cleaning supplies, and storm recovery kits on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one kit per household and up to two households per vehicle. The event will also feature community resource tables, local food trucks, and music from DJ KCeaser.
Resources and Assistance:
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Northwest Indiana Residents: Contact Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary at 219-886-3549 (Option 2), email Outreach@catholic-charities.org, or visit catholic-charities.org.
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Calumet Township Residents: Contact the Calumet Township Trustee's Office directly for localized relief and cleanup assistance.
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Cook & Lake County (IL) Residents: Contact Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago at 312-655-7700 or visit catholiccharities.net.
THE RISE OF "KP"
Morton SENIOR High School
contributed by: Anthony Hudson Off the Cover News Inc.
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The nickname “KP” dates back to her early years in the game. "My old AAU coach from I Hustle gave me that nickname when I was about eight years old,” Patterson said. “He just started calling me ‘KP’ during a game, and after that, everybody picked it up. It just stuck and spread from there. "Now, for scouts searching for the next rising star in girls’ basketball, Patterson has become difficult to overlook.
A 6-foot junior forward at Hammond Morton Senior High School, Patterson’s versatility allows her to impact every position on the floor, whether handling the ball on the perimeter or battling inside.She models her game after NBA standout Anthony Edwards, and her style reflects that influence — aggressive, explosive and confident.Patterson averaged this season just under 26 points, 15.3 rebounds and 4.1 steals per game. Her presence on the glass has placed her among the top 59 nationally in one statistical category, while also ranking No. 1 in Indiana and Class 4A in multiple statistical categories.
“I feel like I’ve developed more as I’ve gotten older,” Patterson said.
Her growth has been evident, particularly in her shooting once a perceived weakness that has since become a reliable part of her game. She has also developed greater physical strength, allowing her to attack the paint more effectively and control rebounds.Adversity has contributed to that progress. After dealing with an ankle injury over the past year, Patterson said the setback pushed her to elevate her performance. As her production has increased, so has defensive attention, with opponents frequently sending double teams her way.“At first it was a lot, but I adjusted to it,” Patterson said.That adjustment has expanded her awareness on the court. Patterson often draws multiple defenders before finding open teammates, turning pressure into opportunity and creating scoring chances for others.
According to Athletic Director Sean Kinsley, Patterson’s impact was evident long before she arrived at Hammond Morton.Coaches first heard about a dominant group of middle school players across Northwest Indiana winning games by wide margins. When Morton’s staff saw them in person, Patterson immediately stood out.“She stood out right away,” Kinsley said.At the time, Patterson was part of a trio controlling competition, but her physicality, skill and competitive edge separated her. Morton’s connection to her family, including her mother working in the school, helped build trust early in the process.By the time she arrived as a freshman, Patterson quickly validated the program’s evaluation.“Kylah is a transformative player for any program,” Kinsley said. “She’s definitely a next-level talent.”Her influence extends beyond statistics. Kinsley said Patterson has helped foster a stronger sense of unity within the team, contributing to a culture built on trust and connection.“She’s a special athlete,” Kinsley said.
Her combination of strength and explosiveness often sets her apart on the court.“I’ve even joked about getting her out for track because of how gifted she is,” he said. “When she talks about dunking soon, it’s not far-fetched at all. You’ll see these wild athletic plays from her, and sometimes it honestly looks like an advanced adult playing against younger kids.”Patterson said the game has slowed down for her in recent years, allowing her to read defenses more effectively, make quicker decisions and control the pace of play.With her continued development, she has begun to attract attention at the collegiate level. Programs such as Northern Illinois and Detroit Mercy have emerged as potential destinations as she evaluates her future.For Patterson, the decision will extend beyond basketball.“Basketball and also coaching is something I really want to pursue,” she said. “Watching my aunt do it inspired me. Seeing her play in high school and then go on to become a coach overseas was really cool. It showed me that it’s possible.”With her game continuing to evolve and college programs taking notice, Patterson’s next chapter is already beginning to take shape.And if her trajectory holds, “KP” may soon be a name recognized far beyond Indiana.
Ladies Of Virtue
Article & Video Interview
Jamila Trimuel Ceo & Founder with her change agents. Helping Young African American girls from the ages 9 to 21.
For 15 years, Ladies of Virtue has walked alongside Black girls as they grow in confidence, purpose, and leadership.
In 2026, we’re celebrating that legacy and boldly declaring this as The Year of Virtue.
This year is our declaration that strong leadership starts with strong character, and that Black girls deserve to grow up knowing they are seen, supported, and worthy.
Through the support of our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers and community
we've been recognized by The Obama Foundation, The University of Chicago, The Chicago Innovation Awards- Top 100, Project Management Institute, and many others.
by Anthony Hudson
Northwest Indiana Gets Federal Storm Relief As Residents Face Proposed Utility Rate Hikes
Two weeks after destructive severe storms tore across Northwest Indiana, the federal government has approved a major disaster declaration, unlocking federal funding and individual assistance for residents and municipalities working to rebuild.
The approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) comes in response to a request submitted by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun following the severe derecho that swept the region on Aug. 11.
The declaration specifically clears the way for Individual Assistance in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties, providing grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.
U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan, who joined members of the Indiana congressional delegation in pushing for the federal aid, credited local emergency crews, utility workers, and volunteers for their work during the initial emergency response.
“Our families, businesses, municipalities, first responders, and community organizations have endured tremendous hardship, and they need every available resource to recover and rebuild,” Mrvan said in a statement. “The response brought us through the immediate crisis. Now, the work of recovery and rebuilding begins.”
Recovery Amid New Utility Pressures and Shifting Weather
The arrival of federal aid comes as northern Indiana catches a brief meteorological break. While meteorologists with the Storm Prediction Center and local forecasters had tracked severe storm potential for northern Indiana and the southern Chicago metropolitan area on Wednesday, an incoming cold front helped diminish the threat, downgrading previously issued Level 1 and Level 2 severe weather risks to isolated showers.
Yet long-term recovery challenges remain top of mind for residents still picking up debris and repairing damaged property.
Compounding recovery concerns, regional utility provider Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) recently submitted petitions to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission seeking rate increases. The initial filing occurred the day the storms struck the region, followed by additional petitions in the days following. If approved by state regulators, the proposed adjustments would add an estimated $7.33 per month to residential utility bills.
How Residents Can Access Aid
Federal emergency officials advise residents that insurance claims should be filed first, as FEMA assistance cannot duplicate benefits covered by insurance policies.
Eligible individuals and business owners in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties can apply for assistance through several avenues:
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Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
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By Phone: Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362
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Local State Resources: Text IN211HELP to 898-211 to connect with Indiana 211 community disaster recovery resources.
Officials noted that additional federal assistance programs and details will roll out in the coming days.
BP Whiting refinery says labor negotiations ongoing, operations unaffected
By Reuters
September 14, 20263:40 PM
Sept 14 (Reuters) - BP's (BP.L), opens new tab 440,000 barrels-per-day oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana on Monday said labor contract negotiations are underway.
Last week, BP had shared a video update, proposing "several pay-for-knowledge job progression models like those used at other BP refineries and within the refining industry."
The Reuters Power Up newsletter by columnist Ron Bousso provides everything you need to know about the global energy industry. Sign up here.
The company said in a statement that discussions with United Steelworkers Local 7-1 were constructive and that the parties had agreed to meet again later this week.
), opens new tab 440,000 barrels-per-day oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana on Monday said labor contract negotiations are underway.
Last week, BP had shared a video update, proposing "several pay-for-knowledge job progression models like those used at other BP refineries and within the refining industry."
The Reuters Power Up newsletter by columnist Ron Bousso provides everything you need to know about the global energy industry. Sign up here.
The company said in a statement that discussions with United Steelworkers Local 7-1 were constructive and that the parties had agreed to meet again later this week.
Sept 14 (Reuters) - BP's (BP.L), opens new tab 440,000 barrels-per-day oil refinery in Whiting, Indiana on Monday said labor contract negotiations are underway.
Last week, BP had shared a video update, proposing "several pay-for-knowledge job progression models like those used at other BP refineries and within the refining industry."
It added that it is proposing a six-year agreement, a 150-day industrial peace period before any future strike or lockout
READ FOR MORE!
Media & Voices Personality
Munster High School
Isla Utterback
Come Meet
Why Journalism Still Matters — and Why I Chose It.
Read for More !
Junior High student Isla Utterback from Munster High School, tells her story on how she fell in love with journalism. She is now the lead Broadcasting Personality for Off the Cover News Inc.
I fell in love with journalism in seventh grade. I had just moved to Munster, Indiana, and was thrown into the unknown. It was scary being in such a new place, but I found comfort in writing. Getting a glimpse into people’s lives became my world, and telling other people’s stories shaped who I was.
When I first joined the newspaper, it started as simply an after-school activity to meet new people. But as I grew, it became much more than that. Journalism is the backbone of free speech and democracy, and it is crucial now more than ever to provide people with unbiased reporting.
That is why I love journalism. It is my contribution to this world, my way to provide to the people who need it most.
With every lead I pursue, a new picture is painted. My sources become brushstrokes, each providing their own unique colors and silhouettes. When every detail is precise and every brushstroke fits into place, a panorama is created, and I can step back and see the bigger picture. I am not just typing words on a keyboard — I am creating a visual of precise moments in time. Moments that, if not for the power of news reporting, would inevitably be forgotten.
I think what motivates me most to be a journalist is my ability to make a change in this world bigger than myself. My writing has the power to keep people informed and give voices to those who need it. There is so much power that journalism holds in today’s society. It is one of the only ways to hold those in power accountable and give power to those who have none.
I remember the first time I realized journalism can have an extraordinary impact on people. It was an article I wrote about the attacks on Venezuela. Afterward, one of my sources approached me and thanked me for allowing her to share her story. It made me realize how much of an impact my passion can have on this world. For me, it was just a typical story, but for her, I gave her a platform to share her and her family’s story — one that will stay with her forever.
I think the most important part of journalism is remembering the weight words have. I have spent hours looking at an article, picking apart every word. Precision in word choice is such an important factor in writing. The smallest changes can make the biggest difference. For example, the difference between “quick,” “rapid” and “swift.” It seems small, but when considered in context, it can change the entire weight of an article. This goes beyond definitions. Connotation — how a word is perceived positively or negatively — makes a world of difference when writing.
That is something I never expected to love about journalism, but I have grown to appreciate it. Articles can be broken down almost like a science. Reporting is the study of human behavior in ways that might be unexpected.
All in all, it is difficult to pinpoint just one thing I love about journalism. It has seeped into every aspect of my life. I see possible leads everywhere I go. I can see the picture forming in my head as I develop stories. As I write, I become the voice of the people. Journalism is an art, a science and, most importantly, a way to take pieces of a puzzle and connect them to create a picture that will last for centuries.
contributed by Isla Utterback
A lifelong commitment to exposing the truth.
Helping Northwest Indiana youth tell their stories and shape their future through media arts.
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by Anthony Hudson Off the Cover News Inc.
Indiana residents are speaking out as NIPSCO utility bills continue to rise, leaving many families frustrated, confused, and financially strained. Off the Cover News reporter Anthony Hudson listens directly to the community, capturing raw reactions and urgent questions about transparency, affordability, and accountability. As energy costs climb, residents are demanding answers and relief.
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