Good morning, South Bend.

Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at Beacon Children's Hospital received a holiday treat Tuesday when local McDonald's owners visited to deliver festive clothes and treats, brightening spirits.

Martin’s Supermarkets and Miller Poultry in Goshen donated 14,000 pounds of chicken to the Food Bank of Northern Indiana on Tuesday night to help feed hundreds this holiday season; officials say the gift will boost available protein for families facing food insecurity.

Amazon plans a new data center west of South Bend as part of a Midwest boom driven by big tech demand; some locals worry about increased energy use while developers say the project will boost the local economy (more details are still coming).

Data centers are growing in Indiana with over 80 in operation and 24 proposed, including 13 in South Bend, while critics warn that AI centers may raise utility bills, use too much water and harm the environment even as projects promise new jobs.

Former South Bend Schools Superintendent Todd Cummings has requested an appeal hearing to contest his firing from an Arizona school district; he was placed on paid leave on Sept.

30 before the board unanimously terminated him for alleged contract violations.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on Dec.

16, ending his college career at Notre Dame; he is projected as a top-10 pick after finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting and earning first-team All-American honors (recording back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons).

Elkhart girls basketball senior Shaniyah Stout scored her 1,000th career point on Dec.

5 against South Bend Riley, a milestone inspired by her injured sister Samiyah. She now focuses on a NIC championship as the Lions (8-2) will host the Huskies on Dec. 19.

Bethel University’s sophomore guard Justyce Williams energized the team in a Dec.

11 contest at IUSB by scoring 13 points and making key steals, helping the Pilots reach a 7-4 start this season. The team will play at Ava Maria on Monday and Tuesday.

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.

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.

New Years Eve Dance Party featuring Nawty

9:00-10:30 p.m. — Four Winds Casino South Bend — Ticket pricing varies — Celebrate the upcoming year with a lively dance performance by Nawty.

Plant Sale & Swap at Potawatomi Conservatories

12:00-2:00 p.m. — Potawatomi Conservatories — $5 Adults | $3 Kids | Free for Members — Explore a variety of plants and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Adult & Youth Social Bowling Night

5-7 p.m. — Strikes & Spares Entertainment Center — $25 — Enjoy friendly competition and perfect your bowling skills with friends at this community event.