🌱 Patch AM: Why did a Gary welfare check end in gunfire Sunday?

Good morning Gary! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Why did a Gary welfare check end in gunfire Sunday?
• Remember when Sinatra brought a unity message to Gary students?
• Could your hair reveal a lifetime of Gary’s air pollution?

Also on today's calendar: THE DISCO CIRCUS at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary, IN! and 1 more event.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Gary? Post it to Gary photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Clouds and sun; not as cold, with a high of 39 and low of 32 degrees.
• Wednesday: Areas of morning fog, temps: high: 37, low: 31.
• Thursday: Breezy with periods of rain, with a high of 49 and low of 14 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!

📰 News we're reading

1. Gary police shoot man after he refused to drop knife (wishtv.com) — A 20-year-old man was shot by a Gary police officer Sunday after allegedly advancing with a knife during a welfare check near 22nd Avenue and Ohio Street. He was hospitalized in Chicago with gunshot and self-inflicted stab wounds, and the involved officer is on administrative leave while the Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigates. Gary’s police chief emphasized the challenges of handling mental health crises safely.
   

2. How Indiana Inspired Frank Sinatra's Music And Message Of Unity (my1053wjlt.com) — Frank Sinatra’s 1945 visit to Gary takes center stage as he spoke and sang at Froebel High School, urging students to reject racial hatred and embrace unity. The story traces how that moment, along with other Indiana performances, showed Sinatra using his fame to push for tolerance and connect with Hoosier audiences across decades.
   

3. Hair can capture a record of pollution exposure (futurity.org) — A new study suggests human hair can store a long-term record of chemical exposure, offering a less invasive way to track pollutants we encounter every day. The research was inspired partly by a scientist whose grandmother lived her whole life in heavily industrial Gary raising questions about how local air quality might affect brain health. The work highlights indoor pollution and simple steps to reduce everyday exposure.
   

4. Reporting with One Hand Tied (cjr.org) — A freelance photojournalist was arrested while covering an anti-deportation protest in Gary highlighting growing risks for reporters at demonstrations. His case anchors a new national report showing rising arrests and assaults on journalists, especially under the current Trump administration, and explores how this climate is reshaping newsroom decisions and press freedom in the U.S.
   

📸 Around Gary

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 Gary

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Tuesday December 23

• Gary Truck Driving Recruiting Event at Schneider
  Schneider National Gary, IN, Gary
  5:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Friday December 26

• THE DISCO CIRCUS at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary, IN!
  Hard Rock Cafe , 5400 W 29th Ave , Gary
  9:00 pm
• The Disco Circus
  Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana , 5400 W 29th Ave , Gary
  9:00 pm
• The Disco Circus at Hard Rock Cafe
  Hard Rock Cafe , 5400 W 29th Ave , Gary
  9:00 pm

📣 Gary Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• Storytime: Ages 4-5
  Lake Station-New Chicago Branch of the Lake County Public Library , 2007 Central Ave , Lake Station
  10:30 am
• Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
  Hobart Zoom Room Hobart -
  11:30 am
• Tween & Teen: Checkmate Chess Club
  Programming Room Hobart -
  3:30 pm
• Edison Music Department Winter Performance
  Alexander Hamilton Elementary Sch , 3304 Parkside Avenue , Lake Station
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Teen Gaming
  Lake Station-New Chicago Branch of the Lake County Public Library , 2007 Central Ave , Lake Station
  3:00 pm
• Teen Game Night
  Large Meeting Room Hobart -
  5:00 pm
• Arts & Crafts for Adults: Build Your own Bullet Journal
  Lake Station-New Chicago Branch of the Lake County Public Library , 2007 Central Ave , Lake Station
  6:00 pm
• LEGO® Night
  Lake Station-New Chicago Branch of the Lake County Public Library , 2007 Central Ave , Lake Station
  6:00 pm

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

• Remember Milo ...
  the one dumped on me ...the one many said would never get adopted. He is so happy with his mama now... just wanted to share ....the reason I keep… (Nextdoor W 11th Ave)
• Please if anyone sees my dog TJ could you please contact us immediately.
  Our home was broken into and a man stole items but most importantly he stole our dog. We only want our dog back please. He’s an all white Maltipoo… (Nextdoor Black Oak)

• TravelCenters of America posted a job opening for Porter - PT in Gary. Apply here.
• Washington University posted a job opening for Custodian II (3rd shift) - OFMD in Gary. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gary here.

Ok Gary! 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: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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