Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Hammond firefighters are turning a 1926 substation into a rooftop hotspot

Spotted on the Hammond calendar: Ramon Ayala

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What's up Hammond! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Hammond firefighters are turning a 1926 substation into a rooftop hotspot
  • Will Hammond actually land the Bears' new stadium this time?
  • How Purdue Northwest's new Hammond hub plans to support students

Also on today's calendar: Jo Koy Live.

Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Nice with periods of sun, with a high of 80 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, warm and humid, temps: high: 88, low: 70. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Periods of sun; hot and humid, with a high of 92 and low of 71 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Hammond firefighters buy historic substation, plan restaurant and rooftop lounge (fox32chicago.com) — Hammond firefighters are turning a historic NIPSCO substation on Fayette Street into a restaurant, lounge, and rooftop dining spot right across from the new South Shore Line station. City leaders say the union-backed project will add to downtown's ongoing revitalization, draw commuters and visitors into Hammond's core, and reinvest any profits back into community-focused efforts.
   

2. Bears stadium saga echoes 1990s as NFL commissioner gets involved in Illinois talks (fox32chicago.com) — Hammond is now the stated focus of the Chicago Bears' search for a new stadium site, with team leaders exploring locations like Lost Marsh and Wolf Lake Terminals and discussing possible local hotel, food, beverage, and ticket taxes. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is simultaneously talking with Illinois officials, echoing a 1990s saga when northwest Indiana was also used as leverage. The final decision, and impact on Hammond, remains unresolved.
   

3. Welcoming students to the 2026-27 academic year (nwitimes.com) — Purdue University Northwest is welcoming students back with a special focus on support services at its Hammond campus, where the new Student Success Hub is based in CLO 176. Leaders acknowledge recent severe weather damage but stress the community's resilience and encourage students to lean on faculty, advisors, and the Hub's coordinated academic and personal resources throughout the 2026-27 year.
   

4. Hammond Couple Charged With Neglect After Children Allegedly Witnessed Domestic Fight, Stabbing (regionnewssource.org) — Hammond police have charged a local couple with felony neglect after their three children allegedly witnessed a violent domestic incident at a Nebraska Avenue home. Court documents describe conflicting accounts from the adults, but emphasize that the children were present throughout the confrontation. Both defendants remain presumed innocent while the case moves through Lake County courts.
   

5. Braun announces tuition freeze at Indiana public colleges (chicagotribune.com) — If you attend Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, your in-state tuition and mandatory fees are frozen through the 2026-27 year under Gov. Mike Braun's statewide order. The two-year freeze covers all 15 Indiana public institutions, including IU Northwest in Gary and Ivy Tech in Lake and Porter counties, though room, board, and out-of-state rates can still rise.
   

📸 Around Hammond

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Hammond

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday September 5
  • Ramon Ayala →
    Horseshoe Hammond - A Caesars Rewards Destination, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond
    8:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events
    Saturday September 26
  • Jo Koy Live →
    Horseshoe Hammond - A Caesars Rewards Destination, 777 Casino Center Dr, Hammond
    8:00 pm

📣 Hammond Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hello Neighbors!
    I have a question,I know you all are pretty knowledgeable out there.My dilemma is,on 2 separate occasions my power has went out due to the storms… (Nextdoor Hessville East)
  • Alro Steel Corporation posted a job opening for 2nd Shift Material Handler in Hammond. Apply here.
  • UniFirst Corporation posted a job opening for Production Team Partner - Washroom Operator - UniFirst in Hammond. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Hammond here.

Ok Hammond! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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