Good morning, South Bend.

Organizations in South Bend are offering many ways to give back this Christmas.

Residents can donate toys, clothing and money or volunteer for programs like the Salvation Army Angel Tree program and the South Bend Cubs food and toy drive — all to help families in need during the holiday season.

Local leader Hollis Hughes, known for his work in housing and volunteer programs at Ball State University and in South Bend, died at 82—he was a long-time community advocate and board member who helped shape local initiatives.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 8 in South Bend, and he is survived by his wife and three stepchildren.

Today, the First Source Foundation gifted Potawatomi Zoo $100,000 for its Big Cat Tracks project, which will give tigers and leopards modern habitats and a new breeding facility.

Renderings show rockwork, natural trees and ample height to help the animals thrive.

Yesterday, Bob Evans in Roseland closed after a grease fire broke out before opening that damaged the kitchen with no injuries, and officials did not confirm if the restaurant would reopen Tuesday.

South Bend’s History Museum will host a presentation on the origins of Christmas caroling at 1:30 p.m. Dec.

3rd at 897 Thomas St.—curator Amber Gabel will explain how the tradition began. Visitors will then tour the holiday-decorated Oliver Mansion—original home of the J.D. Oliver family with period furnishings.

South Bend Community School Corporation increased teacher pay by 13% over the next two years, with newly hired teachers earning $53,000 this year and $55,000 next year.

Operation Education is examining how the district managed its budget amid state funding cuts—an effort that could serve as a model.

Indiana and Michigan do not have specific laws for leaving children home alone, so parents decide based on a child’s maturity, safety risks, and environment.

Experts suggest children 12 or older may be ready, though child protective services will intervene if a child is at risk — the final call rests with parents.

Notre Dame basketball won 68-63 against Rutgers in Las Vegas on Tuesday at the Players Era Festival.

Junior guard Markus Burton, who returned after a knee injury, scored 21 points—head coach Micah Shrewsberry said the win earned $1 million in NIL funds and showed the team still made many mistakes—leaving the Irish focused on improvement in their next game.

North Shore Triangle Turkey Trot

8 AM — 221 Marquette Ave — Free entry — Enjoy a scenic 5K in the North Shore neighborhood while supporting local food donations.

A South Shore Christmas featuring The Bergamot

7:30-9 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the Christmas season with heartwarming tunes and stories from The Bergamot.

Saint Nick Six

9:30-11:30 a.m. — Saint Joseph Grade School South Bend — Registration fee applies — Celebrate Saint Nicolas with a unique running event featuring runs and walks for all ages.

Dav Pilkey & Dog Man: Guinness World Records Attempt

6 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Free ticket required — Break a world record and enjoy a live performance of Dog Man: The Musical.

John Crist Live Stand-Up Comedy

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Morris Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with one of today’s fastest-rising comedians showcasing clean humor and relatable commentary.

Christmas with Luminos

7-9 p.m. — 530 E Ireland Rd — Free-will offering — Experience the joy of the season with timeless carols and holiday favorites from Luminos.

Straight No Chaser Live Performance

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating harmonies of a modern male a cappella group known for their humor and musical talent.

Hadestown Musical

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Morris Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a Tony Award-winning musical that intertwines mythical tales of love and fate.

Christmas at Loretto

Join us for this beloved holiday choral tradition in the beautiful acoustic of the Church of Loretto on the Saint Mary’s College campus. Enjoy amazing new Christmas music and familiar carols in exciting new arrangements, with conductor Nancy Menk and organist Kevin Vaughn, concluding with our traditional candle-lit Silent Night.