Good morning, South Bend.

Comfort Cases held a packing party at the Charles Martin Youth Center in South Bend where volunteers filled 200 backpacks with new pajamas, blankets and books for foster youth.

The nonprofit, in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, used the event to call for more help and reform for foster families—ensuring children enter care with dignity.

Angel Shidaker, 41, faced battery charges after police were called to Potawatomi Zoo on Thursday just after 1 p.m. when witnesses said she assaulted her four-year-old child—police noted the child had a bruise and red spots on the skin.

South Bend students enrolled in the Community School Corporation can apply for the Venues, Parks and Arts Sneaker Art Competition, which takes place at Howard Park on June 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. + The top five winners in each division will travel to Indianapolis on Aug.

16 to represent South Bend at the Indiana State Fair, with applications due by May 30.

Police officers, city leaders, and families gathered Friday evening at South Bend Police Department for the annual Fallen Officer Memorial Service, which honored 15 officers and one county officer who died on duty since 1831.

Hosted by FOP Lodges 36 and 155, the ceremony featured a candle for each fallen officer and a flower given to each family—marking the close of National Police Week.

Bendix Drive between Cleveland and Portage roads will close for paving and full reconstruction starting Monday, May 19 as crews work to replace the deteriorated road base.

Motorists will detour along Portage Avenue — Cleveland Road while businesses remain accessible and work is expected to finish by Tuesday, June 3 if weather permits.

The Saint Joseph County Assessor, Mike Castellon, will hold a town hall today at 10 a.m. at the Howard Park Event Center in South Bend to discuss property tax assessments, the appeal process, tax bill concerns, and deductions.

Residents will have the opportunity to voice their frustrations and ask questions during the meeting.

Allergy season is causing more intense symptoms today as rising pollen levels and humid weather worsen itchy eyes, sore throat, and runny nose, noted Dr. Sohaib Aleem at the South Bend Clinic — he urged residents to check local pollen counts and consult their doctors.

Kevin Ellis added that his three-year struggle with severe allergies has made this season particularly difficult.

The NIC, NLC, Indiana Northern State and Duneland Athletic conferences crowned champions at this week’s track meets with Penn, Warsaw, Bremen, Chesterton and Valparaiso winning the team titles.

Several South Bend area athletes set records and event wins — and the IHSAA postseason starts with girls on Tuesday, May 20 and boys on Thursday, May 22.

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!

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.

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay

8:45-11:00 p.m. — South Bend Scottish Rite — Candlelight experience — Enjoy a mesmerizing tribute to Coldplay's greatest hits performed by a string quartet.

Pizza and Paint: A Mental Health Awareness Gathering

5-7 p.m. — St. Joseph County Public Library Community Learning Center — Free entry — Enjoy a creative painting session paired with delicious pizza while raising mental health awareness.

The Big Run 5K

7-8:30 p.m. — Central Park — Free entry — Celebrate Global Running Day with a 5K and support community initiatives.

Lowbrow Sideshow 2025

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. — Brett Gordon's Towing and Repair — $8 Pre-Sale, $10 Door — Celebrate local art, music, and custom vehicles at this vibrant annual festival.

South Bend Women’s Small Group

6:45-7:30 a.m. — South Bend, Indiana — Contact for details — Engage with the community in a supportive women's group setting.