Story perspectives

NIPSCO Restores Power to 90% by Aug. 18

8/19/2026

Summary

Braun Grants Victims

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced $5,000 grants for victims on Aug. 17, 2026.
NIPSCO reported 102,000 customers without power on Aug. 17, 2026, after a peak of 301,000 outages.
NIPSCO expects 90% of customers restored by Aug. 18, 2026 and the remaining 10% by Aug. 21, 2026.
Eight Days of Hope began serving nearly 2,000 meals daily to Gary-area families on Aug. 17, 2026.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said crews are providing food, shelter and charging stations while power returns.

Summary

NIPSCO Vehicle Shot

A NIPSCO vehicle was shot at 12:20 a.m. Friday on Rutledge Street in Gary.
Two NIPSCO employees were struck, bullet lodged in a headrest, yet no injuries occurred.
An off-duty officer saw no shooter while police have not identified the gunman.
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon said state police and troopers are securing crews during restoration.
USW Local 12775 union announced security measures and mental-health resources as work resumed around 4 p.m. Saturday.

History

Historical Context

Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29 2005, causing $125 billion in damage and prompting Entergy New Orleans to seek bankruptcy protection on September 23 2005, with its parent arranging $100 million of financing. The disaster’s federal-state-union coordination model now guides Indiana’s response to NIPSCO power failures in Gary, where Governor Mike Braun, Mayor Eddie Melton and USW Local 12775 are mobilizing resources.

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Braun Grants Victims

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced $5,000 grants for victims on Aug. 17, 2026.
NIPSCO reported 102,000 customers without power on Aug. 17, 2026, after a peak of 301,000 outages.
NIPSCO expects 90% of customers restored by Aug. 18, 2026 and the remaining 10% by Aug. 21, 2026.
Eight Days of Hope began serving nearly 2,000 meals daily to Gary-area families on Aug. 17, 2026.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said crews are providing food, shelter and charging stations while power returns.

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