Good morning, South Bend.

South Bend officials have bolstered security with bag checks and a zero-tolerance policy ahead of the two-day Fusion Fest at Howard Park, following a weekend marked by violent incidents that left three people dead and several injured.

The festival will feature community food, music, and culture.

Local restaurants, including La Paz Diner and Angelo's Family Restaurant, are warning customers about fake Facebook posts selling merchandise they do not offer.

They urge patrons to verify offers directly with the businesses + avoid suspicious links.

AM General's credit rating was downgraded from B- to CCC by S&P Global on Sept.

18 due to an unsustainable capital structure & JLTV production delays. South Bend Regional Chamber CEO Jeff Rea said the issues do not pose an immediate threat to local jobs or operations.

Diesel prices reached record highs in South Bend and across Indiana on Sept.

22 and 23 — fueling worries that rising fuel costs will boost grocery bills. AAA data shows South Bend diesel prices nearly hit $6.95 per gallon.

Gas prices in South Bend have surged past $4 per gallon due to Middle East conflict and a refinery outage near Chicago that affected a 12-million-gallon-per-day facility earlier this month.

Experts advise drivers to wait a few days as the restart process may lower costs soon.

Dustin’s Place will host an overnight grief camp for kids ages 7—14, running Sept.

25 — Sept. 27 at Camp Ray Bird in South Bend. The free camp offers cabins, lodges, fishing, marshmallow roasting and emotional support.

Army veteran Sgt. Ricky Beaver shares his struggle with suicidal thoughts and urges fellow service members to seek help during National Suicide Prevention Month.

He credits support from Stop 22 plus his personal commitment to breaking the cycle of substance abuse for his recovery.

Beacon Health System is cutting jobs in its administrative and operational areas as it faces rising costs and lower insurance reimbursements.

The organization said the changes aim to strengthen its financial position.

Notre Dame football will face Purdue in West Lafayette this Saturday at 2 p.m. with players Drayk Bowen, CJ Carr, Don Saunders and Asaad Waseem set to influence the game; the Irish are favored by over 20 points in a rivalry with a long winning streak.

Notre Dame women’s basketball added sophomore Maya Gin and freshmen twins Bella and Mia Veith to its roster yesterday; the trio will boost team depth during early non-conference games and practice sessions — a move that strengthens the squad for potential injury needs.

Penn beat South Bend Adams on Wednesday, Sept.

23 in an intense NIC girls soccer match as both teams vied for third place in local standings.

Notre Dame’s sophomore running back Nolan James, Jr. has emerged as a standout player in the first three weeks of the season in South Bend; his strong performances have surprised fans and raised hopes for upcoming games.