Good morning, South Bend.

Students from St. Joseph Grade and High School walked from their school to St. Vincent de Paul Center carrying bags of donations in memory of Eric Henry, who died in a car accident in 2002 after making a promise during Lent to help those in need—continuing his legacy.

The walk helps students learn about food insecurity while keeping his promise alive each year.

On April 17, the South Bend firefighters memorial was reassembled at re-imagined Seitz Park while final concrete work was still needed; the park will formally open soon as retired firefighter Tim Janowiak and Fire Chief Carl Buchanon were present.

At a public safety meeting held Thursday, police reported that crime in South Bend dropped in nearly every major category for the first quarter—with a 50% decrease in criminally assaulted shooting victims, zero open murder investigations, and zero fatal shootings—while stressing that even one incident is too many. City leaders also announced plans to add 10 new recruits at Saturday’s Spring Prospect Day to help keep the community safe.

On Wednesday night, 26 Michiana student-athletes were honored at the 50th Annual Moose Krause Memorial Foundation Scholar-Athlete dinner held at St. Hedwig Parish Hall, where Notre Dame Head Football Coach Marcus Freeman spoke and answered questions from high school athletes.

The foundation awarded two scholarships to help cover college costs and noted many past honorees later worked in fields like medicine—law and research.

After a month-long pause, Goshen’s urban forestry program resumed with $1 million in federal grant money to support tree planting and job training in agriculture and horticulture.

Local partners like Bushelcraft Farm are planning tree giveaways and planting seminars as part of the initiative.

A federal judge denied the ACLU of Indiana’s request for a temporary restraining order protecting seven international students whose F-1 status was terminated by Homeland Security on April 3, saying that the evidence did not show irreparable harm— the organization is considering its next steps.

South Bend common council member Sharon McBride said she is temporarily living with her mother until repairs are made to her home while a judge will hear residency allegations on Tuesday.

She and her insurance company also settled a 2021 lawsuit over damage and coverage.

Fourth-year junior Steve Angeli entered the transfer portal after playing in the Blue-Gold Game on April 12th—this move cuts Notre Dame’s quarterback battle from three to two as redshirt freshman CJ Carr and third-year backup Kenny Minchey prepare for fall practice.

OK Go Concert with Special Guest L.A. Exes

7-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience innovative music and creativity with OK Go and the lively L.A. Exes.

Randy Travis Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — Tickets starting at $50 — Experience the timeless country sounds of Randy Travis live in concert.

Poker Run

During this fundraiser, participants collect a card at five different locations in downtown South Bend to try to get the best hand. You can buy $10, $25, or $50 hands with proceeds benefiting local refugees.

2025 Autocross (Solo) Event #1

Full day — Tire Rack Technology Center — $37.50 for SCCA members, $50 for non-members — Experience exciting autocross challenges with courses designed for all skill levels.

Manuscripts in May – Free Book Signing Event

6-8 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Free entry — Local authors discuss their works and sign books at this engaging event.

Run Happy 50K Event

8 AM - 4 PM — Potato Creek State Park — Registration required — Enjoy a fun and relaxed running experience through beautiful nature trails.

Camerata Singers Concert

4-5:30 p.m. — Wellfield Botanic Gardens — $20 Adult, $8 Child — Experience a unique choral concert exploring the beauty and struggle of Earth.

South Bend Women's Small Group Meeting

6:45-7:30 a.m. — South Bend, Indiana — Free entry — Engage in weekly discussions and foster community connections among local women.

Cirque Italia - Water Circus

7:30-9 p.m. — University Park Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable show featuring a stunning aquatic stage and breathtaking performances.

PetPalooza

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Century Center — Vendor fees apply — Celebrate all things furry, feathered, and scaly at this vibrant pet gathering.