Good morning, South Bend.

At Potawatomi Zoo, one of Indiana's oldest in South Bend, popular animals will soon get a new space— the zoo is raising $5.5 million for its Big Cat Tracks Project and plans to break ground this summer.

Parents and guardians in South Bend will visit the free Summer Activities Expo at the Century Center on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. where local organizations will demonstrate various summer opportunities for kids.

South Bend began celebrating IDEA Week on Tuesday with the launch of the new Momentum Hub downtown—an Ok Go themed dance party marked the start of the event.

Today, the Community Learning Center at the downtown library hosts hands-on workshops while keynote speakers will finish the week on Thursday.

City officials and community members will join a ceremonial walk and ribbon cutting tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the corner of Notre Dame and Angela Boulevards; the event will conclude at 10:30 a.m. when the new 1.5-mile Link Trail—connecting downtown to the University of Notre Dame—opens to the public.

The westbound lanes on U.S. 20 Bypass between S.R.23 and S.R.2 are closed right now after an INDOT truck was involved in a two-vehicle crash—motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Traffic along the Bypass was diverted after a car struck an INDOT vehicle at the Mayflower Road exit near Four Winds Casino—one northbound lane closed and injuries were reported as minor.

In South Bend, two eagle eggs at St. Patrick’s County Park will not hatch this spring because they are three weeks past their due date + trilliums and other wildflowers are blooming in local woods, and Indiana’s inland trout season will begin on April 26 with events and fish stocking planned.

Molly E. Donnelly, a Notre Dame alum, has been named Magistrate Judge by the St. Joseph Circuit Court—she will handle civil protective orders, felony filings and domestic cases as she fills Judge Gammage's vacancy.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita warned lawmakers Tuesday that Senate Bill 478 would reclassify high potency THC products as hemp — he said the bill’s loopholes risk public safety and create legal confusion.

Rokita urged legislators to revise the measure to set clear THC limits and protect Hoosiers.

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.

Great Boss Workshop

8 AM - 3 PM — Four Winds Field — Cost varies — Unlock your leadership potential and develop higher-performing teams with expert guidance.