Good morning, South Bend.

Volunteers kicked off the annual Habitat for Humanity Women Build initiative yesterday in Mishawaka, as teams of four women focused on hanging exterior paneling on a home and raised funds to secure their build date.

The University of Notre Dame will require SAT or ACT for fall 2028 applicants starting in the 2027-28 admissions cycle (the change follows a review linking scores to classroom success) as part of a wider trend among top institutions.

Military veterans can enroll at Holy Cross in a new transfer program beginning fall 2027 that guarantees housing, meal plan, and future transfer to Notre Dame when GPA conditions are met (up to five veterans will be invited annually).

Indiana Natural Resources Commission announced adjustments to fall and winter 2026 hunting and trapping seasons, including a new bobcat quota of 400 (up from 250) and revised wildlife dates.

The seasons start in early September and run through December with schedules available online.

The Department of War announced that Indiana’s first nuclear microreactor will be built at Naval Weapons Station Crane by Sept.

2028. The privately owned reactor (MMR) will supply power independent of the grid and serve as a model for similar military projects.

No. 4 Notre Dame will host Rice on Saturday, Sept.

12 at home after a long break from high-stakes matchups. The contest will see key players Hardeman, Nwajuaku, Absher and Talich bring fresh energy to the field.

The 76th South Bend City Cross Country Meet was moved from Erskine Park (Sept.

3) to New Prairie and later canceled to avoid a scheduling conflict; coaches from six schools used times from New Prairie Kick-Off Classic to name unofficial champions with Trinity's Annika Lute and Adams' Gabriel Fulcher.

Notre Dame football is set to play Rice in its home opener after the team wrapped up its season opener against Wisconsin at Lambeau Field.

A former captain outlined the squad's renewed focus as fans prepare for the upcoming game at Notre Dame Stadium today.

Former Notre Dame captain Mike Kovaleski joins the Tribune crew to discuss the opening-week win against Wisconsin and his career — he will also preview this week's game with Rice.