Good morning, South Bend.

Thousands of runners and walkers will run today in the Sunburst Race, with participants picking up packets at the Century Center by 7 p.m. Friday as the event continues a two-decade effort that has raised more than $1 million for Beacon Children's Hospital.

Race finishers will receive medals and enjoy a post-race party featuring the UltraFab band.

A car crashed into Masonry Cosmetics on East Dubail Avenue in South Bend Friday night — no one was injured and police are investigating the incident near Miami Street.

St. Joseph County Police declared a Silver Alert for 63-year-old Kenneth Johnson of South Bend — he was last seen Thursday at 1:40 p.m. wearing a blue hat, grey sweatshirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes and carrying a silver cane — and police say he is believed to be in danger and may need medical help.

South Bend Community School Corp approved a $494,000 contract with Relay Graduate School of Education on May 29 to provide professional development programs for educators to help ensure equitable learning opportunities for students.

The contract will fund two year-long programs and a day-long workshop during the 2025-26 school year—using Title I and II funds that needed to be spent by Sept. 30.

The CASA Program of St. Joseph County is urgently seeking volunteers to serve as court-appointed advocates for children in abuse and neglect cases+Volunteers will complete a 35-hour training in the Juvenile Justice Center basement in South Bend beginning June 16 and ending July 22 before being assigned to cases.

St. Joseph County Parks held its second open house forum Thursday to get input on the Anderson Road Park design in Granger—where plans for casual recreation are being shaped.

The county council will vote on the bond on June 10th—moving the project closer to development.

Strawberry season began at Ziegler’s U-Pick Strawberries, where owner Joe Ziegler harvests about 12,000 pounds each season and welcomes visitors to pick chemical-free berries sold locally — his field also features a petting zoo with goats, chickens, and bunnies.

Mild spring temperatures helped the yield grow, but he said hot, sunny days will shorten the season.

South Bend Animal Resource Center has a friendly dog named Dixie who is 1 year and 7 months old and weighs 37 pounds.

She loves outdoor adventures and indoor cuddles and gets along well with other dogs.

At the IHSAA Goshen boys track and field regional on May 29, top athletes set records and finished in ways that let them advance to state finals in Indianapolis on June 6.

Mishawaka sophomore Leon Fowler won the long jump with a jump of 23 feet and 2.5 inches and helped Warsaw earn 74 points—showing strong promise heading into the state meet.

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.