Good morning, South Bend.

South Bend Heritage held a ribbon cutting for its SB Thrive affordable housing complex on Oct.

21 — the $15.1 million project brought together community partners and future residents in a local celebration.

On Wednesday afternoon, county officials broke ground on Anderson Trail County Park in Granger on a 115-acre site east of Beech Road, starting phase one of construction that will include excavating ponds if water levels are right and planting natural grasses for a planned temporary opening next spring.

The Better Business Bureau advises homeowners to contact their insurer right after a storm damages property when a tree falls on a porch roof, and to document the damage with photos, videos, and receipts – while also checking contractor credentials to avoid scams.

Homeowners are urged to keep detailed records and follow up promptly with their insurers regarding any claims.

Adam Driver, who grew up in Mishawaka (a local connection), said he spent two years with director Steven Soderbergh on a pitch for a Star Wars film (The Hunt for Ben Solo) about his character, Ben Solo, but Disney rejected the idea because executives did not see how he could be alive after dying in The Rise of Skywalker.

Indiana Landmarks and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District secured a 100-year lease for the historic pink Beverly Shores depot to preserve it as a museum, art gallery and gift shop along the South Shore line between South Bend and Chicago—$50,000 in funds will pay for repairs that meet National Historic Register standards.

Wilson Elementary in South Bend held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new playground on Wednesday morning.

The playground features a slide, monkey bars, and other equipment — school officials said it offers a safe outdoor space — for students with limited park access.

Officials from the Portage Township Trustee Office announced that the Portage Pantry is in urgent need of donations to meet rising demand for food and hygiene items.

Monetary gifts (with every $10 helping feed a family for a day) and essential supplies may be dropped off at 340 Columbia Street in South Bend.

The South Bend school board will hold a public meeting on Oct.

27 at 5:30 p.m. at the Brown Administration Building to present a tentative collective bargaining agreement for teachers if an agreement is reached — otherwise, the meeting may be canceled. Board counsel said the district and the teachers' union are very close to finalizing the deal.

A WSBT 22 Investigates report found that rising rents are forcing many South Bend residents and full-time workers to spend up to 50% of their income on housing — state experts describe this trend as a growing housing crisis in Indiana.

The report explains that affordable housing is becoming out of reach as more people struggle to balance wages with high rent costs — a situation that may lead to long-term challenges.

Notre Dame basketball will host DePaul at Purcell Pavilion at 6 p.m. Friday, October 24 — a game that renews a rivalry dating back to 1912 with the Irish holding a 62-44 series lead from their last meeting in 2018.

Notre Dame has quietly added backup power forward Matthew MacLellan to its 2025-26 basketball team.

The 6-foot-9 graduate student from Canton, Michigan—who averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 27 blocks last season—will provide veteran depth and steady leadership on the front line as coach Micah Shrewsberry plans for the upcoming season.

During the NIC meet on Oct 4 at Ox Bow Park, Penn High School won both boys and girls titles—Penn’s Brody Lederer earned boys NIC MVP and Shreya Nayee earned girls NIC MVP—while coaches Mike McCarthy of St. Joe and Michael Clements of Penn were honored as NIC Coach of the Year.

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.

Thanksgiving Cheerleading Throwdown

Nov 22-23 — Century Center — In Person — A competitive cheerleading event featuring exciting exhibitions and championship bids.