Good morning, South Bend.

Downtown South Bend Inc. will host a free Backyard BBQ on Friday, July 3 (5 to 9 p.m.) on South Michigan Street.

The event will feature a BBQ cook-off, live music, a car show, lawn games and a fireworks display at Howard Park and Seitz Park.

A video shows kids cooling off at the splash pads in Howard Park and Southeast Park during today's heat wave — local families enjoy water play to beat rising temperatures.

South Shore Line riders faced service disruptions after 13 empty freight cars derailed on a bridge between East Chicago and Hammond last week, and buses continue running between Miller and Hegewisch while crews install replacement parts (officials confirmed no injuries or major damage to the bridge or power lines).

Patrick Industries and Lippert reached a merger agreement that gives Patrick Industries shareholders 52% & Lippert shareholders 48% after their talks were halted two months ago.

Patrick Industries CEO Andy Nemeth will lead the combined company in Elkhart, and the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027.

92 years ago, on a hot summer day, notorious outlaw John Dillinger carried out his final bank robbery on Wayne Street in South Bend and a two minute gunfight left Police Officer Howard Wagner dead while $28,000 was stolen.

Today, South Bend schools enforce a cell phone directive for the 2026-27 school year that requires students to store devices in lockers and power them off until dismissal; the policy details a tiered consequence system — from warnings to suspension — and will soon be shared with parents.

EnrichYou CEO Leslie Wesley defended her company at a school board meeting on Monday, June 29 before trustees ended its contract, and her remarks came ahead of an upcoming schools vote.

South Bend’s Urban Tree Canopy Initiative plans to add 100,000 trees by 2050 + its new Half Moon Tree Nursery is set to grow 3,000 trees for city use.

The effort will support local green goals and boost the community’s tree cover.

Indiana hunters can apply for reserved spots starting July 6 through an online portal — applications must be submitted by July 29 to qualify for dove, waterfowl, squirrel, and youth deer hunts managed by the Department of Natural Resources.

South Bend firefighters are following a rehab system today to limit strenuous work to 40 minutes followed by 20 minutes of rest in a cooler area, as officials say it helps reduce heat-related illnesses during 100°F conditions.

They advise the public to stay hydrated before outdoor activities.

Roofers in South Bend are changing work routines to avoid dangerous heat as temperatures soar through July 3.

Crews start early, slow their pace, rotate shifts & take frequent breaks to stay safe during extreme conditions.

Concours d'Lemons

12-5 p.m. — Studebaker National Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the quirkiest cars and most ridiculous trophies at this fun automotive show.

Softball Summer Day Camp II - Pitching & Catching

3:00 – 6:30 PM — Melissa Cook Stadium — Check in 45 minutes prior — Experience what it's like to train like the Irish with pitching and catching fundamentals.

Michiana Kennel Club Dog Show

July 18-19 — 5117 Ironwood Rd. — Entry fees apply — Experience top-tier competition showcasing purebred Labrador Retrievers in an exciting canine event.

18th Annual Old Car Show

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — La Porte County Historical Society — Registration fee for participants — Celebrate vintage cars and community spirit at this festive auto showcase.

Pilot Explorers Summer Camp for Teens

One-week day camps — Bethel University — Registration required — Experience hands-on learning in STEAM subjects including art, theatre, and esports.

B-29 Superfortress Ride Experience

10:00–11:00 a.m. — Atlantic Aviation SBN — Ticket purchase required — Experience a ride on the iconic B-29 Superfortress, honoring veterans and showcasing aviation history.

Sequoia Rose at Tabor Hill Winery

2:30-6:30 p.m. — Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant — Ticket information not provided — Experience the unique musical blend of soulful vocals and intricate instrumentals by Sequoia Rose.

Bluey's Big Play

6-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience Bluey live in a whimsical theatrical adaptation with captivating puppetry.

21st Lube-a-Thon for Hospice

7 a.m.–6 p.m. — Tom's Car Care Center — $50 donation — Get an oil change and a car wash while supporting a great cause for hospice care.