Good morning, South Bend.

Two local CASA volunteers, Thomas Brown and Myles Robertson, each helped 100 children this week by speaking up for them in court cases (their work supports kids in St. Joseph County finding safe homes).

They encourage others in the community to consider volunteering.

This week, Pet Refuge introduced Mazel, a playful 2-year-old cat, as its 2nd Chance Pet on 16 News Now at Noon, inviting potential adopters to visit the shelter at 4626 S.

Burnett Drive in South Bend (call 574-231-1122).

Monterrey Mexican Bar & Grill owner Megan Ramirez has run the restaurant for 13 years.

The dining spot features a family seating side, bar area & event space.

South Bend designer Darris White unveiled early pieces of his DWstyles collection at the New York Fashion Week airport event last week (the design, inspired by a famous film scene, quickly went viral with over 1.5 million views).

South Bend and nearby communities host live music events this week, from free outdoor concerts at Lemon Creek Winery on Sept.18 to shows at Merrimans’ Playhouse + The Livery from Sept.

14 to 20. Locals can enjoy diverse tunes across different venues.

Studebaker National Museum will hold a lecture on the 100-year history of the local proving ground at 1:30 p.m., Sept.

16 at 897 Thomas St.—archivist Andy Beckman and engineering manager Austin Bourdon will explain the site’s transition from automotive testing to modern innovation.

The Tribune invites local readers to vote for their favorite high school student in arts programs, with the poll open online until noon Thursday, Sept.

17. A feature on the winning nominee will run Saturday.

Traffic slowed in downtown South Bend as a milling and paving project began on Monday on Western Avenue between Walnut and Arnold Streets (drivers should expect restrictions until work ends by Thursday).

A new safe haven opened its doors in Warsaw on Monday, Sept.

14 to provide equine-assisted therapy for veterans and first responders battling trauma. The 14,000 sqft Warriors Arena offers round-the-clock access plus a program pairing participants with 25 therapy horses.

Dallas Golden made his 2026 Notre Dame debut on Sept.

14 in South Bend against Rice after missing practice with a strained back and shoulder injury. The sophomore defensive back played 15 defensive snaps and served as a punt returner as coach Marcus Freeman praised his recovery.

The South Bend Tribune invites local voters to cast their ballot for the Sept.

11 Football Player of the Week poll featuring 11 high school nominees, and voting will close at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, Sept. 17.