Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why are so many Gary families being denied replacement SNAP benefits?

Happening soon: Friday and Saturday Cigar Lounge Sessions at Miller Beach Cigar Bar on the Gary Patch calendar

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Hello Gary! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why are so many Gary families being denied replacement SNAP benefits?
  • How Gary's new $24 million cargo hub could reshape local jobs
  • How did Gary neighbors get through 17 days in the dark?

Also on today's calendar: Farmer's Market and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you get when you cross an angry cow with an angry sheep? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Clouds breaking; less humid, with a high of 80 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny with low humidity, temps: high: 80, low: 65.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 87 and low of 69 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Families lost weeks of food they couldn't afford to replace. Then their SNAP claims were denied. • Indiana Capital Chronicle (indianacapitalchronicle.com) — Families in Gary are struggling after a recent storm caused a two‑week power outage, spoiling food and leading to denied SNAP replacement claims for many residents. Local mothers describe losing fully stocked freezers, scrambling for food and water, and appealing denials, while advocates argue Indiana should simplify rules or issue mass benefit replacements to quickly get aid into Gary households.
   

2. New $24 million cargo hub opens at Gary airport (chicagotribune.com) — A new $24 million cargo hub has opened at Gary/Chicago International Airport, boosting Gary's role as a Midwest logistics center and supporting hundreds of jobs. Backed by federal, state, and local funding, the project includes major sewer and infrastructure upgrades that improve airport operations and surrounding neighborhoods. Officials say these investments position Gary for long-term economic growth and expanded cargo traffic.
   

3. CAPITAL B GARY: Residents Survived a Historic Blackout by Turning to One Another (indianacitizen.org) — Gary residents endured up to three weeks without power after the Aug. 11 derecho, relying on neighbors, churches, and local groups when official help felt slow or inaccessible. People shared food, checked on elders, and organized giveaways while questioning disaster response systems. The story highlights how Gary's strong community ties helped families survive extreme heat, spoiled food, and mounting frustration.
   

4. Trucker ejected after crash on I-80 in Indiana (thetrucker.com) — An early‑morning crash on I‑80/94 at the Burr Street exit in Gary left a Chicago truck driver seriously injured after his semi struck a parked Amazon truck and he was ejected. Eastbound lanes were restricted for about eight hours during the investigation and cleanup, and Indiana State Police say charges may follow once their work is complete.
   

5. Court briefs: Daughter of couple taken by ICE pleads guilty to obstruction (chicagotribune.com) — A Gary woman has pleaded guilty in federal court to obstructing an immigration agent during an October 2025 raid to arrest her father, with sentencing set for December. The court roundup also details a Crown Point man charged in an alleged sexual assault near the square and a Portage man receiving a 40‑year split sentence for abusing three boys.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE: HE HAS COME HOME.
    Our dog got out of the house while we were moving in last night on 11th ave near Clark rd. If anyone has seen him, please let me know. His name is… (Nextdoor W 11th Ave)
  • Uses for downed trees?
    Does anyone know if any companies, government offices, etc. are making any use of the vast amount of wood available as a result of the 8/11 storm? Is… (Nextdoor Miller Beach)
  • Boot Barn posted a job opening for Inventory Control Associate (Seasonal) in Hobart. Apply here.
  • SunCoke Energy, Inc. posted a job opening for Utility Operator in East Chicago. 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: An animal that's in a baaaaad mooood! (Thank you Lisa A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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