Good morning, South Bend.

South Bend’s trick-or-treat hours will be set at the October 24 Board of Public Safety meeting—other area towns have already scheduled their celebrations for Halloween.

South Bend high schools that advanced in the ISSMA marching band competition will compete in semistate on Nov.

1 at Pike High School. State finals are set for Nov. 8 at Lucas Oil Stadium while Scholastic Finals are scheduled for Oct. 25 — key dates for these local bands.

The Indiana Afterschool Network launched a statewide initiative using grants to boost student reading scores after a decade-long decline.

Lakshmi Hasanadka presented the Literacy Playbook on Tuesday in South Bend (scores had dipped to 81.2 percent during the pandemic) (recent gains have lifted them to 87.3 percent but more improvement is needed).

Residents in South Bend have noticed a rise in small flies in their homes.

Entomologist Mark VanderWerp explains that seasonal pests such as vinegar flies—drawn by ripe or rotting produce and decay in drains—are common now, and homeowners should use proper traps and check their plumbing for issues.

After severe flooding in 2018 pushed Goshen to develop a flood emergency plan based on climate projections, an executive order in June removed scientists’ oversight of climate.gov and former NOAA staff launched climate.us—aiming to safeguard data like the fifth national climate assessment amid fears of political interference.

Residents of Lafayette Falls subdivision in South Bend voiced worries about heavy traffic and safety issues after learning nearly 200 houses are planned, especially after a motorcycle crash blocked the only entrance.

City councilors Sherry Bolden-Simpson and Oliver Davis met Tuesday night and promised a traffic study and a follow-up meeting on December 2—hoping to address the concerns.

Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow warned Tuesday that SNAP benefits might pause processing starting Nov.

1 due to the federal shutdown—over 600,000 Hoosiers rely on these funds, including 20,000 South Bend residents. He advised users to spread remaining funds and seek out local food pantries if extra help is needed.

South Bend Schools sold the old Marquette School building to the city for $60,750 after a unanimous vote Monday night—United Way will transform the vacant building into a One Roof Center that may offer childcare, early education, a mental health clinic and WIC offices.

The plan also includes possible housing assistance and a grocery store, and the building has been empty since 2010.

The St. Joseph County Parks Board approved the name Anderson Trail County Park for the new park in Granger along Anderson Road to honor the attorney after whom the road is named—groundbreaking is scheduled for today.

South Bend Medical Foundation has less than a day's supply of type O-negative blood—donors can walk in at 3355 Douglas Rd or schedule an appointment online to help meet urgent needs.

The St. Joseph County Department of Health is urging residents this October to test their homes for radon, an odorless gas that may affect one in four homes — free testing kits are being offered to help protect health.

The South Bend Heritage Foundation unveiled its largest affordable housing development, SB Thrive, on Tuesday on the East Side; the $15.1 million project offers 54 income-qualified units with one to four bedrooms and a mix of duplexes and townhomes — a model for future developments. This project transforms a long-unused area off McKinley Avenue into a vibrant neighborhood for local families.

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.

The Traveling Salvation Show

5:00–8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience Neil Diamond's greatest hits in a high-energy tribute show featuring stunning visuals and captivating performances.

Swan Lake Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Family-friendly event — Experience Tchaikovsky's classic ballet with a talented international cast and stunning scenery.

St. Joe Valley Happy Trail Run

8:15 AM – 12:30 PM — St. Patrick's County Park — Proceeds go to a local ministry — Experience the beautiful trails with race options from a mile to a half marathon.

Women Entrepreneur Summit 2025

9 AM – 4 PM — Rio Park Events — $99 VIP, $65 Late Registration — Engage with inspiring women entrepreneurs and gain valuable business insights.