Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr.

A Hammond beverage business may get some help from the city with its expansion efforts.

The Hammond City Council is getting ready to enact a food and beverage tax. An ordinance to implement the one-percent tax was introduced to the city council Monday, after the Indiana General Assembly granted the city permission to do it, during this year's session.

The mayors of the Region's two largest cities are trying to crack down on vandalism.

Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. is largely blaming state leadership for the planned closure of three of the city's elementary schools.

A bill allowing Hammond to add a food and beverage tax was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Eric Holcomb. The measure lets the city council add a one-percent tax for bars and restaurants for up to 20 years.

The city of Hammond has set a goal of zero traffic deaths, but it's still unclear exactly how the city will try to achieve it.

ShotSpotter technology is coming to Hammond. The city says it's reached an agreement with ShotSpotter to install its gunshot detection system throughout the city. Acoustic sensors will be installed in coverage areas across Hammond and connected to an incident review center, alerting nearby police officers of outdoor gunfire incidents.

Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott Jr. expects 2024 to be one of the most challenging years in his two decades as mayor. During his State of the City address to the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, he cited shrinking revenue combined with demands for higher wages.

Hammond's efforts to add a food and beverage tax continue to move forward. The city council passed a resolution Monday supporting legislation at the statehouse that would let the city add a one-percent tax for 20 years.

Officials from Hammond are asking the state for help with the city's flood recovery.