Good morning, South Bend.

A Granger man died and two family cats perished after a small basement fire on May 6 in the 13000 block of Lexington Circle as his family waited outside while firefighters from Mishawaka, Edwardsburg, Cleveland Township and Osolo Township quickly put out the blaze, and Clay Fire together with the state fire marshal are investigating the cause.

Notre Dame celebrated the election of American Pope Leo XIV on May 8 by ringing the Basilica bells and holding a Mass of Thanksgiving at 5:15 p.m. Father Bob Dowd said the church was proud of the new pope—born in Chicago and having served in Peru—whose election ended decades of questions about an American leader.

Local and regional leaders in South Bend released statements praising Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost after he was selected as Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope who was born in Chicago.

Indiana officials, including Senator Todd Young and Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, noted the historic win — national figures and the Notre Dame community also expressed their support.

South Bend International Airport set a new March record with 50,602 passengers—up 24.6% from the previous year—due to new airlines and routes.

The airport has high 88% load factors and will add flights and larger aircraft as it aims to serve over one million total passengers by year’s end.

St. Joseph County director Bill Schalliol said big tech companies are coming in because the region has power, water, connectivity, and land.

Indiana Michigan Power will double its capacity by 2030—using nuclear, natural gas, and renewables—while local experts worry that rising energy demand may raise costs for consumers.

The City of South Bend announced that today's construction at the Ireland Road and Ironwood Drive intersection will focus on center lanes—left turns and east/west through lanes will be closed.

The project reconstructs pavement, realigns curbs and upgrades traffic signals and is expected to be complete by early July if the weather permits.

St. Joseph County Assessor Mike Castellon said property assessments grew because of raised cost tables, inflation, rising construction costs and decades of outdated data.

Four town halls are scheduled (May 17 at Howard Park, June 14 at New Carlisle, Sept. 20 at Walkerton, Dec. 13 at Palmer Funeral Home) to answer taxpayer questions on property taxes, appeals, assessments and deductions.

Portage Township has launched a rental inspection program to protect low-income renters by requiring landlords to provide safe and healthy homes—property inspectors will visit within 24 to 48 hours after a rental assistance application is filed, and landlords who do not make needed repairs may face additional inspections and fines.

Juday Creek Golf Course in Granger is preparing for a busy season nearly one year after an August fire destroyed its clubhouse—blueprints for a new clubhouse featuring popular golf simulators are nearly complete and construction may begin this month with a ribbon cutting planned before this time next year. A local golfer expressed excitement about returning to the course soon.

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.

Kevin James: Stand-Up Comedy

7:30-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughs with comedian Kevin James, known for his engaging stand-up and hit sitcoms.

4th Annual Oaklawn's Got Talent

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Lerner Theatre — Ticket information available online — A lively evening showcasing local talent for a great cause supporting mental health and addiction treatment.

Annual Senior Fair

10 AM – 12 PM — South Bend Tech Resource Center — Free entry — Enjoy food, fun, and activities suitable for seniors and all ages.

To Have and to Hold: Marriage Music

Celebrate wedding season with a wide variety of choral music written for or about weddings or the institution of marriage. Composers range from John Tavener and John Ritter to John Legend, with a “wedding” reception to folllow!

Art League Luncheon Series Featuring Robert R. Williams

11:30 a.m. — Morris Park Country Club — Cost not specified — Enjoy a luncheon with award-winning artist Robert R. Williams as he shares insights on portrait art.

Candle Making Classes

2:30-4:00 p.m. — 304 S Main St — Materials included — Unleash your creativity while making your own unique candles.

German Township Community Picnic

9:30 p.m. — 51755 Portage Rd, South Bend, IN — Cash donations or pantry items — Enjoy an evening with Martin's chicken, sides, and beverages at this community gathering.

Women’s Wellness Awareness Event

4-6 p.m. — OneRoof Southeast Neighborhood Center — No RSVP needed — Engage in crafts and resources while enjoying snacks at this family-friendly wellness event.