Good morning, South Bend.

A Rosie Place for Children cut the ribbon for its new HeARTworks Studio off Quince Road on September 15.

The over-2000 sqft space (designed for medically fragile and special needs kids) lets children create art traditionally or with AI, and director Sherina Gonzalez said it was highly awaited.

El Campito hosted its seventh annual Taco Battle fundraiser on Tuesday in South Bend, where local vendors served taco samples and gathered votes to raise money for a scholarship fund for children at the center (El Campito Child Development Center), with activities continuing until 7:30 p.m.

Notre Dame and South Bend-based MTI received $4.6 million in federal funding to develop a low-force friction-welding process for safer, more durable rail tracks — a three-year project that gives students hands-on research experience.

Notre Dame’s home opener boosted local tourism as the local tourism group (Visit South Bend Mishawaka) reported over $36 million in economic impact for hotels, restaurants, and home rentals.

The boost also raised innkeepers’ tax revenue and highlighted football’s role in driving the region’s economy.

A LaGrange County business donated $1,000 to Crossroads United Way for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which sends free books to over 8,000 children, and the nonprofit is launching an endowment to raise $2 million so funding will cover about $100,000 a year + secure long-term reading support.

Leslie Witkowski, a 28-year veteran, will assume her role as director of St. Joseph County Parks & Recreation on Sept.

19; she succeeds Steve Slauson and will oversee projects including Anderson Trail County Park as part of the department's Five-Year Master Plan.

Traffic slowed in South Bend as paving projects began on Tuesday.

Portage Avenue from Scott to Navarre, Riverside Drive, and Angela Boulevard were closed or had delays, and crews will return next week to install pavement markings.

Construction for the Lodge at Potato Creek is 65% complete after early weather setbacks and it is set to open in spring 2027 at Potato Creek State Park.

The building will offer guest rooms, an aquatic area, and a conference center.

South Bend Tribune has opened a poll to select the top non-football athlete from Sept.

7 to Sept. 12, and voting will end at 5 p.m. ET Friday, Sept. 18.

Notre Dame hosts Michigan State this Saturday, Sept.

19 at 7:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium, with tickets starting at $156 (select lower level seats remain under $200).