Good morning, South Bend.

South Bend celebrates America’s 250th birthday this weekend — with a free Backyard BBQ on July 3, a car and coffee gathering at Studebaker National Museum, live music in a local park, and a patriotic concert at Morris Performing Arts Center while an exhibit on American symbols runs in Elkhart.

CASA Program launches the annual Books and Basics Drive from July 1–Aug.

15 to collect books, school supplies and hygiene items for foster children in St. Joseph County, with donations accepted at the CASA Office in the Juvenile Justice Center at 1000 S. Michigan Street.

Barnaby's will have a soft opening on Saturday, July 4 in North Liberty — inside the former bowling alley, approved by the health department.

The restaurant will serve pizza and pretzels, with doors open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

A new hardcover book titled Echoes of Holtz celebrating former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz is available for pre-order at $39.95—compiled by South Bend Tribune and USA Today journalists, this 128-page tribute will begin delivery in September.

Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff launches a pre-fair block party Friday, July 10 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in St. Joseph, Mich., with $10 admission, followed by the fair on Saturday and Sunday with free shuttle service from Broad + State Street in South Bend.

Potawatomi Zoo today is managing extreme heat by moving some animals indoors, giving them ice treats, and using misters to keep them cool as visitor numbers drop (which feel over 100 degrees).

Fraudsters are targeting student loan borrowers with unsolicited calls, emails and texts that ask for upfront fees and sensitive details.

The Better Business Bureau advises using official websites and protecting personal information to prevent falling victim to these scams.

The Twelfth Street reconstruction project in Mishawaka will impose new traffic restrictions starting Monday, July 6.

Eastbound travel will follow detours, and further intersection closures are planned beginning Monday, July 13 (weather permitting until July 23) with continued restrictions through November 25.

An Army veteran in Countryside Village mobile home park removed his window air conditioner per policy and suffered breathing trouble during a heat wave, needing emergency care on Tuesday—local officials question the rule while a state senator pushes to change it.

Osolo Fire and Osolo EMS are now united as one organization, the Osolo Township Fire and EMS Department, after a year of planning.

The change will bring only cosmetic updates, such as new logos, while services remain the same for local residents.

Paige Sweikar, a Trinity sixth grader, became the youngest champion in the 99th Greater South Bend Women’s Metro golf tournament today after matching rounds of 76, and Bruno’s Pizza in downtown is giving her one free pizza each month for the rest of the year.

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.

Nature in the Arts at Lydick Bog

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Lydick Bog — Free entry — Explore the story of ancient glaciers and their impact on our landscape through an educational hike and volunteer workdays.