Good morning, South Bend.

The City of South Bend and the Housing Authority of South Bend held a community input meeting on Wednesday to discuss Phase 1 of the Western Avenue Transformation District — the redevelopment of the former Rabbi Shulman and Monroe Circle Block into mixed-income housing.

City leaders and the developer gathered public feedback on the plan.

Potawatomi Zoo held a groundbreaking ceremony on August 14th to begin a two-acre big cat exhibit that expands the zoo from 23 to 25 acres—officials said the design, featuring waterfalls and cliffs, will create a natural tiger habitat funded by nearly $3.5 million in donations.

The Plymouth Fire Department responded to a crash at the Zentis facility for a chemical spill at 7:46 a.m. Thursday—South Bend Hazmat also joined the scene—and one person was injured and taken to South Bend Memorial Hospital in stable condition as crews worked to mitigate the spill and advised the public to steer clear of the area.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is asking the University of Notre Dame and Butler University for more details on their DEI practices as part of an investigation into possible racial discrimination.

Notre Dame must reply by Aug 27 and Butler by Sept 3 as his office probes whether these policies break state law.

South Bend city leaders and police discussed regulating air guns at a meeting held last Thursday; police chief Scott Ruszkowski explained that pellet guns can be very dangerous — and council member Sheila Niezgodski warned that new rules could affect family sports.

The council will return to the issue to decide what should be done.

A water main break on Western Avenue today has closed roads and forced local businesses, including a laundry mat, to stop operations—utility workers are working to fix the issue and restore service by Sunday, August 24.

New Day Intake Center in South Bend moves forward with construction at 4022 Old Cleveland Road after the redevelopment commission approved a land purchase and funding agreement—this $18.8 million project will replace Motels4Now with a 120-bed facility featuring clinics, meeting rooms, and a secured entrance, with groundbreaking set for the end of September and completion expected by December 31, 2027.

South Bend police support Officer Travis Kukla, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this summer, by selling 'Kukla Strong' shirts, bracelets, and pins—all proceeds will help his family with treatment and expenses.

Running Wild: 5K Trail Run & 3K Fun Walk

8:30-10:30 a.m. — St. Patrick's County Park — Varies, see RunSignup for details — Annual FUNd-raising run and walk supporting St. Joseph County Parks with a pet-friendly nature scavenger hunt.

Open House at 3410 Addison Street

6-8 p.m. — 3410 Addison Street — Free entry — Explore this beautifully maintained one-story home with modern updates and a lovely backyard.

South Bend Cubs Baseball Night

7:05-8:35 p.m. — Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium — $5 tickets — Experience an evening of baseball cheering on the South Bend Cubs with friends and family.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame — Tickets starting at $69.95 — Enjoy a hilarious murder mystery dinner while solving a thrilling crime.

Marshall County Blueberry Festival

12-9 p.m. — Centennial Park — Fun for all ages — Celebrate blueberries with rides, games, crafts, and plenty of delicious blueberry treats.

Yart Arts and Music Festival

9 p.m. — Keria Trail, South Bend, IN — $30 for 1 day, $50 for weekend — Experience a unique arts and music festival set deep in the woods.

Grateful Dead Night with The Happy Campers Band

6-10 p.m. — Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium — Details subject to change — Enjoy a night of groovy Grateful Dead jams under the stars.

Dermot Kennedy Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Notre Dame Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful folk-pop sounds of Dermot Kennedy live on stage.

Open House Event

2-4 p.m. — 52117 Tammy Dr — $340,000 — Explore a well-maintained 4-bed ranch home with a cozy sunroom and inviting backyard pool.

Football Hospitality Experience: Texas A&M Aggies at Notre Dame Fighting Irish

3:30-9:00 p.m. — Notre Dame Stadium — Not a game ticket — Cheer on the Fighting Irish during their home opener with premium hospitality close to the stadium.