Indiana
Northwest Indiana casinos increase revenues from 2023
Northwest Indiana’s three casinos reported revenues of $73.8 million in August, an increase of about 3.4% from the approximately $71.2 million reported for the same month last year, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s monthly gaming report.
Hard Rock Northern Indiana saw an increase in earnings with about $38.1 million reported for August, an increase over August 2023 when it reported $31.6 million, according to the report.
Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, said he was pleased that the casino saw about a 17% increase this month compared to August 2023. He attributed the increase to a “favorable calendar” in August compared to a year ago.
This August had five weekends, compared to four weekends last year, Schuffert said. Additionally, a part of the Labor Day weekend fell in August this year, whereas last year the entire holiday weekend fell completely in September, he said.
“I would have expected some growth year over year, just because of the better calendar,” Schuffert said. “Very strong month coming from all sides of the business. Definitely was good to see. It was nice to see the entire Northwest Indiana market have some growth.”
Ameristar Casino in East Chicago reported an August win of $15.1 million while Horseshoe Hammond reported about $20.6 million. Those figures compared to $15.2 million and $24.4 million in win respectively for August 2023.
All three Northwest Indiana casinos saw an increase in revenues from July to August this year.
Ameristar reported about $14.5 million in July and $15.1 million in August, while Horseshoe Hammond reported $20 million in revenues in July compared to about $20.6 million in August. Hard Rock reported about $37.6 million in July and $38.1 million in August.
In August, the Hard Rock had seven shows, like Sam Hunt and Sublime, which also likely contributed to the increase in revenue, Schuffert said.
Looking ahead to September, Schuffert said it’s too early to tell its revenues. But, it will be interesting to watch how a shift in weekends year over year in September will potentially affect the numbers, he said.
“All indications is September is going to be another solid month,” Schuffert said. “Last September was a pretty strong calendar with the whole Labor Day weekend. You would, potentially, think maybe the market might be down year over year because of that change in calendar, but again, we’ll see when the numbers are out.”
akukulka@chicagotribune.com
Indiana
Indiana law enforcement takes up donations for Special Olympics
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — More than 50 Indiana law enforcement agencies are taking to the roof to help local athletes.
Police and safety officers will be stationed around various Dunkin’ Donuts, taking up donations for the Special Olympics. People who monetarily donate will receive a coupon for a free donut. Those who donate $10 or more will receive a coupon for a free medium hot coffee.
“Supporting the Special Olympics isn’t just an event for us — it’s a commitment to people who inspire us every day,” Sergeant Wes Rowlader said. “These athletes show what determination, courage, and community truly look like. Every dollar we raise helps transform that spirit into training, competition, and lifelong confidence.”
More than 20,000 Hoosier athletes train and compete for free within the Special Olympics. To date, Cop on a Rooftop has raised more than $125,000 for Special Olympics Indiana.
The Indiana State Police will be at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 9821 Lima Road in Fort Wayne from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.
Indiana
Man shot by security guard in hospital emergency room waiting area in Gary, Indiana
A man’s family is demanding answers after he was shot by a security guard inside a hospital emergency room waiting area on Tuesday night in Gary, Indiana.
Methodist Northlake Hospital officials said, around midnight Tuesday night, its security staff responded quickly after a patient took out a gun. The hospital said he’d threatened to shoot himself or others.
The hospital commended the security guard who shot the man for “neutralizing the threat and helping ensure the safety of our patients and employees.”
Family members identified the man who was shot as Otis Brown. They said he is a kind father to a 12-year-old boy.
“Just a great person, a happy-go-lucky, always out there trying to do the right thing,” said his fiancée, Stacey Taylor.
Taylor said she was on a business trip when she got a call that Brown had been shot multiple times.
“Scared, uncertainty; you know, what story is right? You know, what happened?” she said.
After he was shot, Brown was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment.
Taylor said she had no idea why Brown went to Methodist Northlake Hospital in the first place. His family said he was trying to leave the hospital when the shooting happened, claiming that the hospital gave him his gun back after he was cleared to leave.
“We just want to get answers, just want to know what happened, particularly when people are defaming his name,” Taylor said.
She and Brown’s family hope the hospital has surveillance video footage that can help provide answers.
Gary police have not provided any details on the shooting. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department said it is investigating the shooting at the request of Gary police, but did not provide any further information.
Indiana
Indiana A.G. finishes Karl King Tower investigation, finalizes compliance order
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — The Indiana Attorney General has finished its investigation into Karl King Tower and issued a compliance order.
This is coming after a months-long investigation into the unsafe living conditions for residents at the apartments.
From December 2025 to January 2026, there were prolonged failures with the heating and a lack of heat for residents during winter conditions at Karl King.
The property owner provided a 20% rent credit for affected tenants and documentation related to health and safety issues.
Below is the agreement from the Attorney General:
- The owner must complete boiler and heating system improvements by September 30.
- The property is subject to a monitoring period for multiple years.
- The owner needs to provide on-site security, including cameras in common areas and monthly incident reports.
- The building needs an on-site property manager to address resident concerns.
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The Attorney General has the authority to inspect the property and enforce compliance if commitments aren’t met.
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