Good morning, South Bend.

Foundry Field on South Bend’s southeast side offers residents a place to learn about local baseball and honor the legacy of the 1920s-era Foundry Giants (a team of Studebaker workers) in an urban setting.

The field inspires families to connect with local history and plans to expand later.

Potawatomi Zoo is preparing to welcome a new male rhino named Frankie from a Florida zoo.

The 23-year-old will arrive soon and visitors will learn more when he is on display.

LaSalle Grill closed Wednesday night after 35 years of service.

A new local buyer will take over the historic building to open a restaurant in March while former owners continue fulfilling pending catering orders.

Microsoft held small-group meetings on Thursday with Granger residents near Bittersweet and Cleveland roads to discuss a proposed data center; residents said that direct talks with Microsoft executives eased their concerns and a public meeting is expected later.

Bestselling children's author Mike Brown will share his experience as the first Black Notre Dame Leprechaun during a free talk at 2 p.m. on March 8 at The History Museum in South Bend—reservations are recommended.

He will read from his book and visitors can tour the Rockne exhibit.

Third-graders will take the IREAD test from March 2 to 13 as new retention rules require summer school for students who fail two attempts; parents are advised to support daily reading (quiet study spaces also help) to boost success.

The St. Joe County Public Library will introduce Paige (the new early literacy mascot for children ages 0 to 5) next month, launching its Early Birds program across all locations.

The mascot will help families build daily literacy habits through reading, talking, singing, playing, and writing.

Governor Mike Braun is expected to sign Senate Bill 78 banning cellphones and smartwatches in classrooms, meaning students must leave devices at home or store them securely during the school day.

The law takes effect July 1 with limited exceptions for health reasons.

State lawmakers will review the law after Concord Community Schools fired bus driver Lisa Wig for alcohol use (she was not charged), revealing that districts are not required to report such incidents.

Officials said future sessions may require reporting to boost bus safety.

A water main repair will close Colfax Avenue from Frances to Eddy from Saturday until Wednesday, Mar.

4 (weather permitting) and include a detour via Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Eddy Street and LaSalle Avenue, while access to the South Bend Surgery Clinic stays open from the west.

The Better Business Bureau advises homebuyers to shop around for competitive mortgage rates — securing pre-approval and planning a clear budget can help reduce obstacles when making an offer as interest rates shift and inventory remains unpredictable.

Notre Dame’s women’s basketball senior Cass Prosper detailed her progress and set her game-ready focus as head coach Niele Ivey outlined plans for upcoming March contests.

Notre Dame basketball will host NC State at Purcell Pavilion on Saturday, Feb.

28 at 12 p.m.; the team is fighting to remain in ACC Tournament contention after recent losses while NC State looks to rebound from tough road games.

Yesterday at 7 p.m. ET, Notre Dame hosted Syracuse at Purcell Pavilion for a senior night ACC game that was live streamed for fans.

The Irish played their final home game of the season in a contest that could boost their strong record ahead of a season-ending matchup.

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.