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🌱 Patch AM: Gary firefighter on unpaid leave after alleged drunk hit-and-run chase

Coming up on the Gary Patch calendar: 2026 NWI Homeless Veteran Stand Down

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Hello Gary! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Gary firefighter on unpaid leave after alleged drunk hit-and-run chase
  • How will Gary's one-year data center pause affect your neighborhood?
  • How did a 9-year-old walk away from this fiery crash?

Also on today's calendar: Roosevelt Millennial turn up and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 77 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Friday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 76, low: 64.
  • Saturday: Some rain and a thunderstorm, with a high of 84 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Gary firefighter on leave after alleged off-duty hit-and-run of state police car: official (chicagotribune.com) — A Gary firefighter has been placed on unpaid leave after allegedly driving drunk off-duty, hitting an Indiana State Police car in a construction zone, injuring a trooper, and fleeing before being stopped near a Gary fire station. Prosecutors are still reviewing potential felony and misdemeanor charges, while the fire chief stresses that department members are held to high standards on and off duty.
   

2. Recent AI worries behind Gary mayor's one-year halt on data centers (chicagotribune.com) — Gary Mayor Eddie Melton has ordered a one-year halt on new data centers so the city can study how they might affect electricity, water, infrastructure, and residents' quality of life. During the pause, officials will consult residents, experts, and utilities while weighing tax benefits against AI-related risks and heavy resource use. Smaller centers may still be debated by the council.
   

3. 9-year-old crashes grandmother's SUV in Gary, police say (fox32chicago.com) — A 9-year-old boy is recovering after Gary police say he took his grandmother's SUV late Friday and crashed into a utility pole on Dunes Highway, setting the vehicle on fire. Witnesses reported the SUV speeding before impact, and the child, found nearby with minor injuries, was treated and released as the Gary Police Juvenile Division continues its investigation.
   

4. Day Player Actor Job in Narrative coming of age music video & short film, Male, Age 40-50 (backstage.com) — A small independent music video and short film is casting a day-player role for Mo's father, with possible filming in Gary as well as nearby Illinois and Indiana suburbs. The character is a sensitive, ex-military dad who works odd jobs and boxes with his kids. The paid role offers a flat $90 for about five hours of work.
   

5. A Difficult Recovery, A Welcome Delivery (redcross.org) — A Gary resident still reeling from August storm damage is leaning on Red Cross support and local neighbors after flooding ruined treasured mementos and left her home moldy and partly unusable. Volunteers have been delivering meals, supplies, and even a mini fridge, while residents across Gary continue cleaning up and are encouraged to seek help through RedCross.org or the Red Cross hotline.
   

📸 Around Gary

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • The Waning Summer Days
    Shorter days, Cooler nights, Summer is turning her back, Ready to take flight, Stock up on food, Stock up on light, Last call for shorts, These are… (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • Gray Day
    It appears that most of the rain is missing us here on the beach. We do have clouds, but we need more of the wet stuff - so far what has fallen does… (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • Popeyes posted a job opening for Popeyes Team Member - Gary, IN in Gary. Apply here.
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Bartender in Highland. 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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