Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
Good morning, Valparaiso.
🏘️ Community
United Way Northwest Indiana received a $25,000 grant from First Financial Bank on November 25 to fund its Level Up program, which teaches skills for jobs in medical, manufacturing, and construction fields—helping families move toward financial stability.
Strack & Van Til ran a two-week Check Out Challenge that raised $38,758 for Meals on Wheels with 23 locations collecting donations as customers rounded up their totals.
Stores in Valparaiso, Hobart and Crown Point honored top collectors for their efforts, with Crown Point winning the challenge & celebrating with pizza and treats.
On November 25, Lakeshore Public Media said an anonymous donor gave a record-breaking $126,000 gift to pay for dues and programming fees after state and federal cuts slashed nearly 40% of its budget.
The boost helps the station keep local news and community shows on air today — a key support for independent journalism.
🎭 Culture
The Christmas season will kick off this weekend with holiday events planned in Chesterton, Crown Point, Hammond — and Hobart as local organizers will host festive activities to celebrate the season.
📰 Economy
Gas prices in Northwest Indiana are lower ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend as local drivers plan for holiday trips.
A decade ago (gas cost only $1.81 a gallon on Thanksgiving weekend), so the drop highlights a change in market pricing.
Amazon Web Services plans to build a $15 billion data center project in Northwest Indiana that includes an $11 billion campus in St. Joseph County and additional capacity over multiple sites—projected to create over a thousand jobs and supply new electric capacity from NIPSCO without raising costs for current customers.
🎉 Valparaiso Events
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A Charlie Brown Christmas
Nov 28 – Dec 21 — Chicago Street Theatre — Family-friendly show — Experience the heartwarming story of A Charlie Brown Christmas brought to life on stage.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
7-9 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience the whimsical journey through Willy Wonka's magical factory with Charlie Bucket and friends.
Holly Jolly Vendor Market
10 AM — Porter County Fairgrounds — Free admission — Discover local artisans and food trucks at this festive vendor market.
Cocktails & Canvas: The Jolly Snowman
6-8 p.m. — SmokeTown Blues, Valparaiso, IN — Ticket includes a free drink — Enjoy a fun painting night complete with professional guidance and creative flair.
Holidays with HealthLinc Valparaiso
4-6 p.m. — HealthLinc Valparaiso — Free — Enjoy holiday crafts, snacks, and a no-cost photo with Santa while wearing your festive pajamas.
The Caring Place 1st Annual Cookie Walk
Holiday tradition — Time not specified — Downtown Valparaiso — Ticket holders stroll to receive festive treats.
Holiday Pops!
2-7 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $30-$60 — Celebrate the joy of music and Christmas classics with the South Shore Orchestra and a special appearance by Santa.
Echoes of Christmas
2-5 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $40-$80 — Experience a magical evening of timeless holiday classics and dazzling visuals in a nostalgic setting.
Polar Express Screening
6:30 p.m. — Memorial Opera House — $12 Adults, $8 Children — Delight in a festive evening with a screening of The Polar Express and special guest Santa Claus.
14th Annual Chesterton Christmas Eve Jingle Bell Run
8-11 a.m. — Running Vines Winery — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive fun run benefiting local charity.
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