Good morning, South Bend.

Members of the Studebaker Drivers Club South Bend Chapter are gearing up for the season with the Ironworks Car Show in Mishawaka today—followed by a general membership meeting on June 1 and a swap meet with a car corral at the county fairground on June 6, and anyone can join the club.

South Bend Police are still searching for the killer of Leah Bailey—a mother of two who was fatally struck by gunfire on the 1100 block of Queen Street on May 29, 2000—even though she was not involved in the fight that broke out that night.

La Porte County court postponed Shawn Akison’s bail hearing for the May 8 bus crash near New Prairie that injured baseball players and coaches to June 6 after his attorney requested the delay—he remains held on a $15,000 bond and is seeking a reduction.

For nearly 20 years, Merriman's Playhouse has brought jazz to South Bend from early experiments by husband-and-wife duo Stephen and Mary Merriman, and it has grown into a full-fledged club near the St. Joseph River.

Construction of the GM battery plant near New Carlisle is moving ahead of schedule as steel beams rise and the structure goes vertical.

St. Joseph County officials say the plant will be finished in 2026 with production starting in 2027 — a project expected to add about 1,700 new jobs — and may boost the local housing market over the next few years.

South Bend received below-average rain this spring — local farmers worry that dry soil may soon harm crops and air quality.

Experts say farmers will likely activate irrigation if warmer temperatures persist — and they advise using less tillage and cover crops to help soil retain moisture.

County officials scheduled an extra town hall meeting on June 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at the County-City Building — 227 W.

Jefferson Blvd — so property owners can ask about property taxes, appeals, assessments and deductions after many were turned away at the May 17 meeting. They said officials are exploring a livestream option for the event.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said he supports transfer quarterback Steve Angeli who left for Syracuse to get a better chance at starting + his exit now forces redshirt freshman CJ Carr and backup Kenny Minchey to battle for the starting job this fall.

Notre Dame football earned a top cover spot on EA Sports College Football 26 when junior running back Jeremiyah Love and coach Marcus Freeman took part in a photo shoot at the Rose Bowl in March; Freeman said he was told where to stand and noted he posed near famous names such as Tim Tebow + Reggie Bush. The game will be released on July 10.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman said he wants the school to play USC every year in a rivalry that has lasted almost a century.

USC, which moved to the Big Ten, has reportedly offered a Los Angeles game in 2026 to mark the series centennial — future matchups may adjust due to travel concerns and scheduling plans lie with the administration.

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.

South Bend Royal Princess Ball

12:00 – 3:30 PM — Holiday Inn Mishawaka — Ticket required — Experience a magical day of princess-themed fun with character meet and greets, performances, and games.

South Bend Women’s Small Group

6:45-7:30 a.m. — South Bend, Indiana — Contact for details — Connect with local women in a supportive and hybrid group setting.

Elkhart Jazz Festival Featuring Diana Krall

8 AM – 5 PM — The Lerner Theatre — Individual tickets from $34 — Experience a weekend of captivating jazz performances with headliner Diana Krall kicking off the festival.

Midwest Twilight Imperium Championship

9 AM – 10 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend — Free parking — Compete for galactic glory in the highly anticipated second annual Twilight Imperium tournament.