Good morning, South Bend.

The South Bend Police Department hosted Cops and Community night at the MLK Center on Wednesday, March 18 — inviting families to connect with officers over tacos and salsa.

South Bend International Airport is hosting a donation drive to help TSA workers unpaid due to the DHS shutdown.

Donations of gas cards, detergent and toiletries can be dropped off at the airport information office near baggage claim daily (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Midwest Meow Fest takes place Sat, Mar.

21 at Century Center, 120 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where local rescue groups will offer adoptable cats, educational sessions, and a talk by Hannah Shaw (The Kitten Lady) for cat enthusiasts.

Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum join with WNIT to present a free program on the American Revolution legacy featuring film segments and discussions on local Revolutionary War ties.

The event runs from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on March 26 at 897 Thomas St.

Local government leaders say the world’s largest data center near New Carlisle might bring in $30 to $35 million a year in property taxes as similar projects face growing opposition nationwide.

Fuel prices have surged above $5 per gallon as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz push up diesel costs, impacting local trucking, construction, and public transportation budgets.

Local drivers say rising fuel expenses are expected to ripple through the cost of goods — cautioning about increased everyday expenses.

Notre Dame announced on Wednesday, March 18 that families earning less than $150k will have tuition covered with need-based aid while families earning under $200k will see tuition cut in half and families earning under $60k will receive extra support for fees, housing and food.

The changes take effect at the start of the school year (2026-27).

After weekend storms damaged the greenhouse roof at Five Star Life Summit campus and caused thousands in losses, the nonprofit is asking donors to rebuild the vital space for students as spring courses are relocated — repairs are expected to begin soon.

Notre Dame students hosted a free panel for high school juniors and seniors at La Casa de Amistad on Michigan Street Wednesday from 5 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., where they explained voter registration and rights and answered questions, serving a free dinner and building a lasting tradition in civic engagement.

Notre Dame announced that starting in the 2026-27 school year, families with incomes below $150K will pay no tuition (families with incomes under $200K will receive half tuition aid) as part of its Pathways program to make education more accessible.

New Paris Elementary School launched a book vending machine stocked with free stories to help students build reading skills.

The machine, funded by walk-a-thons (with help from the Lions Club), opened yesterday to promote literacy.

South Shore Line will launch its new Monon Corridor on March 31, running from Munster/Dyer to Hammond Gateway with stops at Munster Ridge and South Hammond.

The service's first southbound train departs at 11:45 a.m., and passengers transferring to Chicago must connect to the Lakeshore Corridor+.

In a determined recovery, injured lineman Charles Jagusah, sidelined after a severe UTV accident last July, underwent a procedure yesterday to reinsert hardware and address an infection (he has been counseled by team psychologist Joey Ramaeker) while his return timeline remains undetermined.

After the 2025 CFP snub, Notre Dame football has used an extended offseason to build strong conditioning and training sessions under head coach Marcus Freeman as the team prepares for a competitive 2026 season aimed at chasing a national title.

Former Notre Dame captain Ned Bolcar was in town for Coach Holtz’s funeral and recalled how legendary mentors Lou Holtz, Chuck Knox (and) Don Shula shaped his career.

His reflections honored their lasting impact on football and his personal growth.

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.

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.

Polish Easter Food Blessing

12-6 p.m. — St. Joseph Young Men's Society — Free entry — Celebrate culture with traditional Polish food and community activities.

Easter Elegance: Brunch with the Bunny

2-4:30 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend — Reservations required — Celebrate Easter with an elegant brunch featuring prime rib, action stations, and Bunny photos.

Fence Games 2026

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Custom Machine Motioneering Inc. — Ticket costs vary — Experience a two-day national fence competition showcasing craftsmanship and innovation in real-world conditions.