Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a new Hammond lab could shape tomorrow’s local jobs
You won't want to miss White Christmas on the Hammond Patch calendar
Hello again Hammond! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How a new Hammond lab could shape tomorrow’s local jobs
- How a Hammond-led money order scam ended in federal prison time
- When Straight No Chaser’s only Indiana ’90s tour stop hits Hammond
Also on today's calendar: Cookies & Canvas and 2 more events.
Find out what's happening in Hammondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Hammondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Saturday: Breezy with clouds and sun, with a high of 44 and low of 18 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Sunday: Sunny and colder, temps: high: 34, low: 24.
- Monday: Cloudy, with a high of 45 and low of 37 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Purdue Northwest's Roberts Impact Lab to start hosting innovation and research initiatives in 2026 (wimsradio.com) — Purdue Northwest is transforming its downtown Hammond Roberts Impact Lab into a high-tech hub that will anchor the city’s emerging innovation district and support local jobs starting in 2026. Backed by $10 million in new funding, the site will house quantum and STEM labs, collaboration spaces, and commercialization programs aimed at boosting Northwest Indiana’s economy and workforce. 
2. Hammond Man Sentenced to Prison For Postal Money Order Fraud Scheme (regionnewssource.org) — A Hammond man has been sentenced to just over two years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for leading a postal money order fraud scheme that hit banks across northern Indiana. Investigators, including the Hammond Police Department, say altered postal money orders totaled more than $120,000, and two co-defendants have also received prison terms and restitution orders.
3. Founding member of Straight No Chaser shares cancer journey (wthr.com) — Straight No Chaser will bring their “’90s Part 2” summer tour to The Venue at Horseshoe in Hammond on July 26, their only Indiana stop. The story also follows founding member David Roberts’ inspiring recovery from a rare cancer-related blood disorder after chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant in Indianapolis.
4. Federal judge recuses herself in Snyder case (chicagotribune.com) — A federal jury in Hammond previously handled part of former Portage Mayor James Snyder’s long-running corruption case, and now the judge overseeing it has unexpectedly recused herself. Snyder’s January sentencing was canceled, and a new judge will be assigned after a status conference next month. Prosecutors say they want to proceed to sentencing on his IRS obstruction conviction instead of holding a third bribery trial.
5. Returning from last year's injury, St. Laurence's Aaliyah Flores makes up for lost time. ‘I missed everything.' (chicagotribune.com) — A standout high school guard who played last season in Hammond is now thriving at St. Laurence after missing a year with a torn meniscus. She’s averaging strong numbers, rebuilding her confidence, and drawing college interest while leaning on longtime teammate friendships and support from her coach and family. Her story highlights both her on-court versatility and off-court love of baking.
📸 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 ★
- White Christmas
Towle Performing Arts Company, 5205 Hohman Ave, Hammond
2:00 pm
Sunday December 21
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Cookies & Canvas
Jean Shepherd Community Center , 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr , Hammond
10:00 am - Cookies and Canvas
Jean Shepherd Community Center , 3031 J.F. Mahoney Dr , Hammond
10:00 am - Library Closed
Whiting Public Library , 1735 Oliver Street , Whiting - Public Enemy
The Venue at Horseshoe Hammond , 777 Casino Center Dr , Hammond
8:00 pm
Monday December 22
Wednesday December 24
Saturday December 27
📣 Hammond 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
- Ethnic Cookie Sale
Studio 659 , 1413 119th St , Whiting
9:00 am - Mixed Media Tree Cards — South Shore Arts, Northwest Indiana
South Shore Arts , 1040 Ridge Rd , Munster
10:00 am - Full BBQ Menu — VALLEE BBQ
313 Taproom , 313 Ridge Rd , Munster
12:00 pm - Adult Craft
Whiting Public Library , 1735 Oliver Street , Whiting
2:00 pm - Scrooge! A Bah-Humbug Musical 2025 - A Festive Holiday Theater Experience — Refuge Productions
Refuge Productions , 340 45th St , Munster
6:00 pm - A Frank Sinatra Christmas Show
Theatre at the Center , 1040 Ridge Rd , Munster
3:00 pm - HOLIDAY CLASSICS: IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Hoosier Theatre , 1335 119th St , Whiting
4:00 pm
Saturday December 20
Sunday December 21
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
- Please share & repost to help reunite this stray dog!
FOUND on December 18, 2025 in Hammond, IN 46324 near Jackson Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the finder, view… (Nextdoor 1 NE Hammond) - Please spread the word!
April was LOST on Thu, Nov 13, 2025 11:00 PM in Hammond, IN 46323 near Near 165th St, Hammond, IN 46323, USA Message from Owner: Description: … (Nextdoor Southwest Hammond)
- Walmart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Hammond. Apply here.
- Kentucky Fried Chicken posted a job opening for Team Member 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: I dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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