About Us
The Michiana Post is an independent news organization committed to delivering rigorous, trustworthy journalism to the greater Michiana region. Our mission is to provide clear, accurate reporting that helps readers understand their community and the wider world.
We cover the issues that shape life here — from government and policy to business, education, culture, and sports — with integrity and independence. Guided by the belief that an informed community is a stronger community, we strive to serve as both a record of our time and a resource for the future.
About the Founder
Akachi Okereke
Born and raised in St. Joseph County, Akachi Okereke is a published author currently working on his second novel. His deep roots in the region and commitment to civic engagement shape the vision behind The Michiana Post. Through both storytelling and journalistic inquiry, he aims to elevate local voices, build transparency, and strengthen democratic participation across Michiana.
Why I Created The Michiana Post
A Citizen’s Question Became a Public Attack
In 2025, I did what every citizen is told they should do: I raised a concern about potential misuse of public funds. I filed a formal complaint with the St. Joseph County Council regarding improper PERF benefits paid to the former Council Attorney. My complaint was detailed, fact-based, and supported by public records.
Instead of receiving a response or a review, I was met with something very different.
**“Russian Collusion Hoax.”
“Unknown individual.”
“Suspicious name.”**These were the public labels used to discredit my complaint — and my identity — by a sitting County Councilmember.
Councilmember Amy Drake used her official newsletter to question whether I was even a real person and to frame my civic inquiry as a political conspiracy. My Nigerian name, Akachi Okereke, was repeatedly invoked as evidence that my concerns were somehow illegitimate.
This rhetoric was xenophobic, conspiratorial, and targeted directly at me for doing what residents are told to do: hold government accountable.
Silence From the Government. Silence From the Newspaper.
When I sought clarification from the County Council and the County Commissioners, I received silence from nearly every official.
Privately, I later learned that my complaint was valid and had been taken seriously. It was ultimately referred to the Indiana Public Retirement System for review — exactly the process I had requested.
But the acknowledgement came quietly.
The attack on my identity was loud.
And the local newspaper declined to cover any of it.
The message was unmistakable:
If you ask questions your leaders don’t want to answer, they may try to discredit you.
And if you experience discrimination in that process, the press may not report it.
This Is Why The Michiana Post Exists
To ensure that accountability doesn’t depend on connections or political alignment.
To tell stories others refuse to tell.
To challenge systems that silence residents.
To elevate voices that are too often dismissed.
To protect the dignity of every constituent — regardless of heritage, name, or background.
My “why” began the moment my government tried to discredit me, and my local newspaper declined to shine light on it.