Good morning, Valparaiso.

Purdue University Northwest invites community members to join two free MLK Day celebrations on Jan.

15 in Hammond from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. and Jan. 19 in Westville from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.—each event features a keynote address, with the Westville program including a free buffet breakfast.

Crossroads Chamber will launch a quarterly speaker series, Voices of Northwest Indiana, in 2026 to bring together regional business leaders for important discussions.

The first panel, Future Proofing Your Business: Marketing Expertise That Works, is scheduled for Jan. 20 + will offer actionable guidance on marketing trends.

The Chicago Bears expanded their search for a new stadium from Arlington Heights to include NW Indiana, as team president Kevin Warren announced in an open letter on Wednesday; the move comes after Illinois lawmakers did not fully support the planned infrastructure work.

Kadie Daye, a local radio host on Indiana 105 & Z107.1, was named one of Radio Ink’s 30 & Under Superstars as her career evolved from Wheeler High School to Goshen College and a stint in Buffalo.

Her live shows run from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Carrie Coslov, owner of Make Make Art Studio, built an accessible art space in Chesterton and is renovating a studio at 1050 Broadway Suite 10 in the Factory building.

The new studio will open in February 2026 to host preschool classes and adult art parties.

Indiana Senators Todd Young and Jim Banks and Illinois Senators Dick Durban & Tammy Duckworth introduced legislation to name the Calumet Region a National Heritage Area in recognition of its natural, cultural, and industrial history.

The measure aims to boost unity and honor the area’s legacy for future generations.

Earlier this month, Powers Health hosted its annual Wings of Healing tree lighting at St. Catherine Hospital’s chapel to honor loved ones.

The event featured a prayer by Deacon Mike Halas and raised funds—$15 donations per ornament—for a scholarship supporting healthcare education.

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.

NYE Wines & Wishes

5-11:59 p.m. — Trailyard by Shady Creek Winery — Reservations recommended — Savor a delicious 3-course Surf & Turf dinner special to celebrate the New Year.

Veterans of Comedy

7-10 p.m. — Art Theater — $25 General Admission — Enjoy a night of laughter hosted by Alex Ortiz with featured performances from Zako Ryan, Kirk Mchenry, and Robert Day.