Good morning, South Bend.

Local holiday shopping events run from today to Nov 8 and offer craft shows, bazaars and cookie walks at churches and community centers in South Bend, Mishawaka and nearby towns—each with unique gifts, baked treats and artisan creations.

Many events require pre-orders or have entry fees and will feature special activities like kieflie sales and seasonal giveaways.

Local sports events in South Bend and nearby areas bring residents together during these divided times—football games and family routines show that unity can ease political tensions.

Residents near New Carlisle opposed rezoning farmland for a proposed data center after a Planning Commission hearing and domestic violence advocates warned that reduced federal funding raises risks for survivors.

Regeneration Farm opened its new deli counter at University Park Mall in Mishawaka on Oct.

3, serving a range of sandwiches, soups, and desserts. Owner Gary Pappas prepared items such as turkey club, Italian sub, and pastrami on rye—appealing to local tastes.

Mishawaka High School is one of 25 finalists chosen from over 2,000 schools in T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights Competition and will compete for a $1 million prize as community voting remains open until October 24th.

The school, the only one in the state in the running, will be honored at Steel Stadium during its home game on October 17th—an event featuring games, giveaways, and concessions.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman is set to earn $7,421,201 for the 2025 season, not including potential bonuses, while his buyout remains undisclosed due to Notre Dame's private status—USA TODAY’s survey ranks him No. 26 nationally and No. 1 among Independents.

Chicago Cubs face elimination as they battle at Wrigley Field while South Bend shows pride in its connection, with 18 former local players including Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw on Chicago’s 40-man roster.

Construction at Four Winds Field will complete a 48 million expansion by April 3—preparing young players for a major league future.

No. 16 Notre Dame will host NC State Saturday for the second of three straight home games as four key players—LB Caden Fordham, RB Hollywood Smothers, WR Jordan Faison and DE Boubacar Traore—will test the Wolfpack defense in a matchup that is expected to be competitive.

The Irish recently won three straight games and will build on that momentum in the regular season.

Beatles vs Rolling Stones Tribute Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying mash-up duel between top tribute bands of the iconic British rock legends.

Fall Frolic 5K/2K Race

12-11 a.m. — The Montessori Academy Edison Lakes — Registration fees vary — Celebrate the tradition with a heartwarming race for a good cause.

Object Oriented Analysis and Design Training

Mon, Oct 20 – Fri, Oct 24 — South Bend Community School Corporation Adult Education — Cost info not provided — Enhance your software development skills through an intensive training on UML.

Bloodline 2025

4:00 PM — The Well Coffee House — Free entry — Experience the dynamic performance of singer-songwriter James Koan III with lyrical poetry.

St. Joseph County Health Fair

4-7 p.m. — Century Center — Free entry — Access free health screenings, vaccines, and community resources with special giveaways for the first attendees.

Foot Chase 5k/10k

8:30 AM – 12:30 PM — Central Park — Registration required — Enjoy a family-friendly run along the scenic Riverwalk paths of Mishawaka’s Parks.

South Bend Indoor Fantasy Faire

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — $25+ — Immerse yourself in a magical celebration featuring enchanting merchants, authors, and character meet-and-greets.