Good morning, South Bend.

Memorial Day falls on May 26 and many groups plan events—such as the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., parades, museum programs, and family festivals—to honor military service in South Bend and nearby areas.

Locals are invited to attend these gatherings throughout the weekend to remember those who served our country.

Two new police dogs, Thor and Apollos, began working Tuesday at the St. Joseph County Jail to detect drugs and stop contraband smuggling—Warden Andrew Finn said the dogs add an important security layer.

High school graduations for the Class of 2025 in St. Joseph County are scheduled from May 23 at LaVille Jr.-Sr. High School through June 9 at Penn High School—events include ceremonies at venues such as the Compton Family Ice Arena, Joyce Center, and local gyms, with different school corporations hosting at various times from morning to evening. The schedule covers both in-person and virtual settings across South Bend, Mishawaka, and New Prairie so residents can cheer on their graduates.

The City of South Bend announced that the Ireland Road and Ironwood Drive Intersection Improvement Project will move into phase four today—work on the southwest corner will restrict traffic to one through lane and one left turn lane, with eastbound drivers on Ireland Road following a detour via Bremen Highway and the US 20 Bypass. The project includes pavement reconstruction, curb realignment and upgraded traffic signals and is set to complete by early July, weather permitting.

South Bend International Airport will begin a $12 million renovation this summer to improve traffic flow and passenger comfort—adding separate commercial lanes, updated terminal facades, larger canopies and improved walkways with work set to finish by the end of summer 2026.

Pat Garrity was named general manager for Notre Dame’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, making him the first to hold the role and tasked with guiding the teams after a series of losing seasons.

The former NBA player and 1998 graduate brings roster building and management experience (he played nine NBA seasons) to help shape the program’s future.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman earned more than $7.4 million during the 2023 to 2024 academic year before signing a contract extension through the 2030 season—making him the school’s highest-paid employee, federal tax documents show.

Notre Dame alum Pat Garrity will return as the school’s General Manager for men’s and women’s basketball and serve as the primary sports administrator for the men’s team, and he will address the media at a press conference on May 22 at 11:30 a.m.—his return comes 27 years after his 1998 graduation.

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.

Watercolor Painting Class for Beginners

10 AM – 12 PM — Howard Park, Farmer Room — $5/class, $30/session — Learn the basics of watercolor painting with an enthusiastic instructor focused on technique and creativity.

Ben Folds Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Tickets range from $78 to $176 — Experience the musical stylings of Ben Folds in an intimate concert setting.