Good morning, South Bend.

Today the Mayor's Office hosts an award ceremony to honor black community leaders in South Bend for their service — honorees include barber Cheryl Hayes and Beacon Heights manager Ja'Van Smith who have nurtured youth and tenant programs.

South Bend will host the free INvets Summit on Wednesday, Mar.

4 at the 1st Source Bank Performance Center (outside Four Winds Field) for veterans and employers to connect (5 to 9 p.m.).

The Food Bank of Northern Indiana is offering drive-through food pick-ups on select days in March.

The first-come — first-served pantries will operate at sites including Walnut Grove at 2717 Woodmere Lane and its location at 702 Chapin St. in South Bend.

South Bend entrepreneur Hardie Blake is launching a new opportunity (designed for the local Black community) that builds on his varied career and will offer community support as details emerge.

LaSalle Grill, a longtime (South Bend) restaurant that served the community for over 30 years, has closed its doors, as confirmed by staff and regular patrons.

WSBT 22 is tracking down the owner to learn more about the shop's legacy.

Osteria Amici will open soon on Eddy Street in South Bend, replacing the former Urban Outfitters space.

The restaurant already operates a location in Elkhart's River District, managed by Navarre Hospitality.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will launch an investigation into rising utility costs statewide and call in the five largest investor-owned utilities next month — state lawmakers are also reviewing high winter bills.

Microsoft has invited Granger residents to small group meetings to discuss its planned data center near Bittersweet and Cleveland Road — Councilman Dan Schaetzle said two meetings have occurred, with three more scheduled for tonight to answer local questions.

Dustin's Place is launching Family Grief Nights every other Tuesday at OneRoof Southeast Neighborhood Center (405 E.

Dubail Ave) in South Bend to support grieving families. The sessions will run from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with the next meeting set for March 3.

Cory McKinney stepped down as Washington girls basketball coach after a season in which the team posted a 2 to 17 record; the school will select a new coach for next season.

Notre Dame is on a coaching shift as new football coaches (including Ja’Juan Seider from Penn State) join the defense.

Players like Jeremiyah Love say the new guidance is helping improve their skills as the team prepares for future challenges.

Freshman running back Jonaz Walton (a former track sprinter from Carrollton) aims to win kickoff return duties at Notre Dame when spring practice begins on Mar.

20 after choosing the school over other top programs, expecting his speed and power to help him stand out.

Notre Dame football coach Aaron Henry said senior cornerback Christian Gray may play more inside in his final season to showcase his talent.

Gray played only 6.1% of his snaps at slot last season (as transfers reinforce the secondary) and could see more opportunities in 2026.

South Bend Polar Plunge

10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium — Register for participation — Dive into the frosty fun while supporting Special Olympics Indiana athletes.

David Lester Learn: Entanglements and Urban Archaeology Exhibition

5-8 p.m. — South Bend Museum of Art — Free entry — Explore the dialogue between David Lester Learn's Urban Archaeology sculptures and recent Entanglements paintings in this unique exhibition.

Ryan O'Flanagan Stand-Up Comedy Show

6:30-9 p.m. — Cheers Bar and Grill — $12 — Enjoy a night of laughs with Ryan O'Flanagan and local comedians.

Michiana Home Show

10 AM – 7 PM — Century Center — Free entry — Explore vendor booths showcasing home improvement and design.

Spring Plant Sale & Swap

12-3 p.m. — Potawatomi Conservatories — Members access at noon, non-members at 1 p.m. — A chance to buy and trade plants with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

We Are Phoenix - Music of Rebirth and Renewal

The South Bend Chamber Singers will present the Indiana premiere of a new oratorio for choir and strings with video projections by American composer Tim Takach. We Are Phoenix illuminates the analogy between humans and our planet: we both suffer loss and devastation and yet rise again and again, becoming stronger each time. With the Notre Dame Children's Choir.

Neighborhood Evolution: Explore South Bend's Small Developer Ecosystem

5-10 p.m. — Aloft South Bend — Event cost varies — Discover how local developers are revitalizing South Bend through transformative projects and innovative community strategies.