5AM Merrillville
Merrillville news
Stories from 5AM Merrillville’s editions, and every report from Merrillville’s newsrooms.
Top stories
Written for 5AM Merrillville’s editions from the reports of two or more newsrooms.
Around Merrillville
From FOX 32 Chicago, The Times of Northwest Indiana and 24 more newsrooms, gathered by TMI, 6AM City’s local news service, in the last two days.
FOX 32 Chicago2 hours ago
Chicago police investigate burned body in Portage Park, on FOX 32 ChicagoChicago police are investigating after a man was found dead with burns and head injuries early Tuesday in Portage Park.
The Times of Northwest Indiana2 hours ago
Northwest Indiana barbecue joint's Milwaukee location saw business soar during World Series run, on The Times of Northwest IndianaDoc's Smokehouse in Dyer also has a downtown Milwaukee barbecue restaurant that does catering for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Northwest Indiana Business Magazine3 hours ago
Loan fund offers downtown Hobart businesses investment option, on Northwest Indiana Business MagazineThe City of Hobart is launching the BUILD Loan Fund to support downtown businesses that want to invest in their properties.
The Times of Northwest Indiana3 hours ago
Courtney Boyd’s second Valparaiso women’s basketball team is one she’s already proud of, on The Times of Northwest Indiana“This is a team that I can win and lose with,” Courtney Boyd said. “That’s the best part about this group, is they’re bought into what we’re doing.”
WBBM Newsradio3 hours ago
Man found dead with burns in Portage Park, on WBBM NewsradioCHICAGO (WBBM Newsradio) – A man was found dead with burns and head injuries outside a car dealership in Portage Park early Tuesday, Chicago police said. Officers found the unidentified man outside City Volkswagen, 5330 W. Irving Park Road, about 12:10 a.m. He had burns throughout his body and was pronounced dead at the scene. An officer found accelerant and lighter fluid near the man’s body, according to sources. Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding his death. Area Five detectives are investigating.
Also reported byABC7 Chicago
the indiana citizen4 hours ago
MONITORING THE DOJ: Civil rights group heading to Lake County on Election Day to assist voters, on the indiana citizenBy Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen November 3, 2026 Advancement Project, a civil rights organization, will be sending teams of monitors to polling locations in Lake County, Indiana, on Election Day, to assist Hoosier voters and try to resolve problems that could potentially interfere with voting. The monitors are being dispatched in direct response to plans by the U.S. Department of Justice to send about 24 federal election monitors to Lake and Marion counties on Election Day. In total, the Justice Department is expected to deploy 1,000 election monitors to polling sites across the country on Nov. 3. Advancement Project monitors may be at the same polling places in Lake County as the federal election monitors, according to Hani Mirza, director and senior attorney of the Power & Democracy Program at the Advancement Project. The monitors will provide whatever help the voters need, he said, adding that the organization is expecting voters will have problems relating to citizenship status, not being able to use student IDs as identification and interference from law enforcement. “We’re serving as a resource for voters, flagging systemic voting issues … and educating voters on voter protection issues,” Mirza said. Indiana is among six states as well as Washington, D.C., to which Advancement Project is sending its election monitors. The national nonprofit is joining the larger effort by Count US IN, an Indiana-based election protection organization, which runs an election defender program that will be sending poll monitors to locations across the Hoosier State. The teams from Advancement Project, which will include attorneys, organizers and trained poll monitors, plan to arrive before the polls open at 6 a.m. and stay until the last voter in line has cast a ballot after the polls close at 6 p.m. Nationwide, Advancement Project monitoring teams will be watching for issues that can keep eligible voters from casting a ballot, including confusion over registration and IDs, long lines, misinformation, and intimidation, according to the nonprofit. Also, the team members will support voters whose eligibility is challenged. Advancement Project monitors will continue their work after the polls close. The team members will remain engaged during the ballot counting and certification process, and the nonprofit is prepared to join its partners in responding to “any attempt to discount valid ballots or interfere with certification,” according to a press release. “Every eligible voter has the right to cast a ballot freely, without fear or interference,” Carmen Daugherty, executive director of Advancement Project, said in the press release. “(On Election Day), our team will stand with partners who have spent years building trust in their communities, ready to answer questions and step in the moment something goes wrong. Voters should know they are not alone.” Federal election monitoring plans draws lawsuit The NAACP and Advancement Project are trying to prevent the Justice Department from sending federal law enforcement agents as election monitors. In a lawsuit filed in October in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the NAACP and Advancement Project asserted the DOJ intends to enlist criminal prosecutors and other law enforcement personnel to serve as election monitors. Pointing to a series of public statements by Justice Department officials, the two nonprofits claimed rather than “merely monitoring” whether states were complying with federal voting rights laws, the central focus of the federal government’s new election monitoring plan is to instead promote “election integrity” and investigate “debunked allegations of voter fraud.” Rather than protecting the voting rights guaranteed by federal law, the NAACP and Advancement Project contended in their lawsuit that the Department of Justice has “twisted the Poll Monitoring Program into…
KPCNews4 hours ago
Nov. 3: NIPSCO and Indiana FFA Foundation support agricultural education, on KPCNewsMERRILLVILLE — Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), with support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, has launched Focus on the Farm:Applause to AG, a new grant initiative in partnership with the Indiana Future Farmers of America Foundation that supports Indiana’s farming, rural and agricultural communities.
St. John Source4 hours ago
Virgin Islands Sixth Constitutional Convention to Hold Plenary Session Nov. 7, on St. John SourceThe Virgin Islands Sixth Constitutional Convention will convene a virtual plenary session on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FOX 32 Chicago4 hours ago
Man found dead with burns, head injuries near Chicago car dealership, on FOX 32 ChicagoChicago police are investigating after a man was found dead with burns and head injuries early Tuesday in Portage Park.
Chicago Sun-Times4 hours ago
Man fatally burned, beaten in Portage Park, on Chicago Sun-TimesThe man was found behind a Volkswagen dealership about 12:10 a.m. in the 5300 block of West Irving Park Road, Chicago police said.
Also reported byWGN-TV
CBS Chicago5 hours ago
Man dies after being set on fire in Portage Park, on CBS ChicagoA man died after being set on fire in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood overnight.
FOX 32 Chicago5 hours ago
Chicago police: Man found dead with burns, head injuries on Northwest Side, on FOX 32 ChicagoChicago police are investigating after a man was found dead with burns and head injuries early Tuesday in Portage Park.
Also reported byChicago Sun-Times
Region Sports Network5 hours ago
This Day in Region Football History: 11/3, on Region Sports Network1961 - The Andrean 59ers win the first ever "Battle of Broadway" by a 14-7 score over the Merrillville Pirates.
Indiana 1056 hours ago
Northwest Indiana Election Resources, on Indiana 105Statewide Indiana election results: https://enr.indianavoters.in.gov/site/index.html . Lake County Indiana: https://elections.lakecountyin.gov/ . Port...
Journal Review7 hours ago
Immunizations topic of upcoming Lunch with the League event, on Journal ReviewNovember’s Lunch with the League of Women Voters will be held at noon Friday at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 212 S. Green St. and will host Scott Douglas, M.D., Montgomery County Health Officer. …
South Bend Tribune8 hours ago
South Bend area's best 2026-27 regular season IHSAA girls basketball games, on South Bend TribuneNorthridge vs. Penn, Saint Joseph vs. Mishawaka Marian and Adams vs. Riley are among headline area girls basketball games to watch this season.
Torch12 hours ago
St. John’s Kicks Off Regular Season Play With 78-63 Win Over Monmouth, on TorchOpening Day has arrived; students and alumni alike fill Carnesecca Plaza, eagerly awaiting the 2026-27 season. Not only did Nov. 2 bring the new St. John’s basketball season, but it also delivered the 2025-26 Big East Regular Season and Conference title banners, unveiled to a sold-out crowd. The Red Storm would pick up right off…
The Lansing Journal12 hours ago
Plans to redevelop Lansing cinema into cold storage operation outlined, on The Lansing JournalThere are plans to redevelop the site of the former Lansing Cinema 8 Theatres at 16221 Torrence Ave. into a cold storage operation.
Storm The Paint14 hours ago
St. John's basketball searching for better 'concentration' during early season schedule, on Storm The PaintAfter a season opening victory, it's very clear that the St. John's basketball team is trying to improve at many aspects of the game.
Rumble In The Garden14 hours ago
St. John’s men’s basketball rolls Monmouth in choppy season opener, on Rumble In The GardenOnce again, there was no drama on opening night at Carnesecca Arena, with St. John’s cruising to a 78-63 win over Monmouth, their 13th consecutive season-opening victory. However, there will be some issues to clean up for the Red Storm. St. John’s trailed briefly after Monmouth scored the first basket, then clamped down with suffocating
Also reported byStorm The Paint
The Times of Northwest Indiana14 hours ago
Gary beats deadline, adopts $111M budget for city operations, $5.3M budget for airport, on The Times of Northwest IndianaAfter delaying its vote for a week, the Gary Common Council unanimously approved the city's remaining budgets Monday, just in time to meet the state deadline.
Homewood Patch14 hours ago
Walmart Employee Killed By Teen Shooter At Hammond Store: Reports, on Homewood PatchAn encounter between the shooter and the worker escalated to a physical altercation, according to police, who said the male retrieved a gun.
The Times of Northwest Indiana17 hours ago
Schererville man faces seven charges after alleged Walmart theft and struggle with officers, on The Times of Northwest IndianaA Schererville man faces seven charges after police discovered he stole two TVs from Walmart as well as possessed cocaine, leading to him attempting to fight and flee police.
The Times of Northwest Indiana17 hours ago
2nd graders at Crown Point Catholic school celebrate Day of the Dead with activities, on The Times of Northwest IndianaStudents at St. Mary Catholic Community School celebrated Day of the Dead in October with crafts and a movie.
The Times of Northwest Indiana17 hours ago
Berkot's did top-to-bottom remodel of former Walt's supermarket in Dyer, on The Times of Northwest IndianaBerkot's Superfoods celebrated a grand opening last week after a top-to-bottom remodeling of the former Walt's in Dyer.
ABC5717 hours ago
ABC57 Leo Goldman covers St. Joseph's County Council District's A, B, and C, on ABC57ST, JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- ABC57 Leo Goldman is covering the St. Joeph County Council District A, B, and C races and previews all three races before election day.
The Times of Northwest Indiana17 hours ago
Hammond library looks to turn flood-damaged basement into public space with $2.2M upgrade, on The Times of Northwest IndianaThe Hammond library plans to turn a costly flooding setback into an opportunity, renovating its damaged basement to create new spaces for the public.
Travel Indiana17 hours ago
Valparaiso Events Presents: Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Performance, on Travel IndianaSunday, November 29, 2026 | 4 PMValparaiso High School Auditorium Valparaiso Events is delighted to bring the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir to Valparaiso for a special holiday performance. Celebrating more
Times-Union18 hours ago
Warsaw XC Shines From Terre Haute To NCAA Conference Championships, on Times-UnionThe final weekend of October showcased the strength, depth, and bright future of Warsaw cross country. Three current Tigers competed against Indiana's best at the IHSAA State Cross Country Championships, while six Warsaw graduates represented their universities at NCAA Division I conference championship meets across four major conferences.
Times-Union18 hours ago
November Is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, on Times-UnionMERRILLVILLE – As temperatures fall and heating equipment sees increased use, NIPSCO is encouraging communities across the state to take simple steps to protect themselves and their families from the risks of carbon monoxide (CO).
Telemundo Chicago18 hours ago
Discusión termina en tiroteo mortal contra empleada de Walmart en Hammond, on Telemundo ChicagoLa víctima, de 25 años, recibió varios disparos tras una discusión con un joven de 18 años que fue arrestado en el lugar. Las autoridades investigan el motivo del ataque.
St. John Source18 hours ago
Technology Mill Connects Students, Island Stories and Hospitality Innovation, on St. John SourceAs technology changes how people explore destinations and experience local history, a new class is giving Virgin Islands students a role in creating those experiences. Through the Center for Educational Growth’s Technology Mill, learners are beginning with island hotels, using 3D mapping to connect digital skills with local stories and the needs of the hospitality industry.
St. John Source18 hours ago
JS Therapies Expands Pediatric Speech-Language Services to St. John, on St. John SourceJS Therapies has expanded pediatric speech-language services to St. John, giving families access to specialized care without having to travel to St. Thomas.
WLFI19 hours ago
Intoxicated driver calls 911 on herself on I-65, on WLFIChicago woman faces preliminary charges after driving 36 miles the wrong way
Also reported byCBS Chicago
St. John Source20 hours ago
Kuanza R. A. Martinez Dies at 44, on St. John SourceThe family of Kuanza R. A. Martinez, affectionately known as “Nate Love,” sadly announces his passing on Oct. 17, 2026, at the age of 44.
St. John Source20 hours ago
Allenston E. Nanton Dies at 80, on St. John SourceAllenston E. Nanton of Estate Whim passed away on Oct. 21. He was 80 years old.
Torch20 hours ago
St. John’s 2026-27 Preview: Can the Johnnies Three-Peat?, on TorchFinally, after seven months of eligibility drama and roster chaos — the St. John’s men’s basketball team is back in action. For now, the entire roster is available to play, but that can change at any point — given the fact that Babacar Sane and Keyshawn Hall await official rulings and are currently playing on...
St. John Source21 hours ago
Mendilla Agnes Etienne Dies at 87, on St. John SourceMendilla Agnes Etienne, aka “Aggie or Mendy,” of La Grande Princess, passed away on Oct. 24. She was 87 years old.
Torch21 hours ago
Preseason Big East Basketball Power Rankings, on TorchThe time has finally come; the 2026-27 college basketball season tips off this week. After an offseason filled with coaching changes, transfer portal additions and commitments, the Big East looks very different from last year. The trend of offseason change throughout the conference points towards a competitive battle between all 11 programs. The Torch will…
In brief
The short notes of 5AM Merrillville’s last two editions. Open one to read it, with its sources.
Recovery eventThe Black Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Indiana will host a free "From Recovery to Resilience" event at noon Thu., Nov.
The Black Chamber of Commerce of Northwest Indiana will host a free "From Recovery to Resilience" event at noon Thu., Nov. 5, at Hidden Lake Park Pavilion, 6355 Broadway in Merrillville. It's for residents and businesses affected by the June tornado, and eligible small businesses can compete for grants of up to $5,000.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Chicago Crusader
U.S. 231INDOT says U.S. 231 will be closed at Parrish Ave for about two weeks for utility work, starting on or after Mon., Nov.
INDOT says U.S. 231 will be closed at Parrish Ave for about two weeks for utility work, starting on or after Mon., Nov. 2. The official detour follows U.S. 41, U.S. 30 and State Road 55.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: X-Rock 103.9
Gary budgetsThe Gary Common Council unanimously approved a $111 million budget for city operations and a $5.3 million budget for the airport Monday.
The Gary Common Council unanimously approved a $111 million budget for city operations and a $5.3 million budget for the airport Monday. That was just in time to meet the state deadline.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Times of Northwest Indiana
Legacy grantsThe Legacy Foundation announced $4 million in grants for parks and public spaces in Gary, Hammond, Hobart, Griffith, Highland, Lowell and New Chicago.
The Legacy Foundation announced $4 million in grants for parks and public spaces in Gary, Hammond, Hobart, Griffith, Highland, Lowell and New Chicago. Gary gets the largest award, $1 million for Legacy Park.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Chicago Crusader
STEM grantCrown Point schools were the only district in Northwest Indiana to receive a STEM Integration Grant for the 2026-27 school year.
Crown Point schools were the only district in Northwest Indiana to receive a STEM Integration Grant for the 2026-27 school year.
News Notes · Today’s editionSource: The Times of Northwest Indiana