South Bend Tribune
The Cascade reaches construction milestone
SOUTH BEND — Three Twelve at The Cascade is preparing to start vertical construction on Phase II of The Cascade riverfront mixed-use condominium and office development. In 2025, The Tribune was told construction on the second phase was to begin by...
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‘It’s so moving and meaningful’
South Bend “is and will always be the place that shaped” Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg was inducted into the South Bend Community Hall of Fame alongside six others Tuesday, Oct. 13 in front of 611 checked guests at South Bend Education Alliance’s...
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‘Prioritizes a variety of prevention efforts’
The night that Liz Sands’ life changed started like any other. Like other teenagers in the late ‘90s, she was driving around one evening, running errands, visiting a friend at work and stopping for gas on her way back to her Fort Wayne home. What she...
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Studebaker Proving Ground turns 100 with big party
It was a perfect Saturday to celebrate 100 years of the Studebaker Proving Ground and the nearby charming Clubhouse. Both opened in 1926 and continue to be part of local history and the area’s collective memories. A drive on Indiana 2 coming from...
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REBRANDING NICOTINE
An ironic development emerging alongside the “Make America Healthy Again” movement is the portrayal of nicotine as a wellness and performance-enhancing product. Across social media, podcasts, wellness communities and tech startups, prominent wellness...
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Bridge rehabilitation plan to detour drivers
As drivers and pedestrians travel down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, they’ll notice significant construction happening to Colfax Avenue Bridge with a minor detour at the Colfax Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard...
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Expect more political Ai-generated ads
Tensions heightened in the race for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District between Rebecca Cooke, a Democrat, and Republican incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden on Sept. 30 when Cooke sent Van Orden a ceaseand-desist letter directing him to stop posting...
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Portage Manor sold after board vote
SOUTH BEND — The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved St. Thomas More Academy's purchase of Portage Manor and 13 additional acres for $400,000, with the caveat that the school invests $9 million in the property, allowing it to consolidate...
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‘We have sent a message’
South Bend Common Council member Oliver Davis doesn’t typically tell companies to follow in the footsteps of Amazon, he said, but after Amazon Web Services announced Oct. 2 that it will no longer use nondisclosure agreements with government agencies,...
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Golf range, entertainment venue proposed at The Creek
MISHAWAKA — A new locally owned golf range and entertainment venue, similar to Topgolf, has been proposed on the north side of Douglas Road, just east of Fir Road and was approved for a fiveyear tax abatement by the Mishawaka Redevelopment...
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Expanding options
SOUTH BEND — Flyers leaving South Bend and those returning have three new dining options at South Bend International Airport: Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’ and locally owned bar The Lauber Overlook. Officials from Sky Dine, The Lauber, South Bend, St. Joseph...
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Voting and candidate info online for Nov. 3 election
The Tribune is partnering again this year with the League of Women Voters of the South Bend Area and the American Democracy Project of Indiana University South Bend to publish candidates’ answers to questions on the issues. The League, with local help...
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‘Keep fighting for him’
When most adults imagine parenthood, they likely envision driving to and from Little League practices while mudstained cleats leave behind shoeprints on the car’s floorboard, taking away video game consoles as punishment or cheering from the bleachers...
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Community’s Choice Award winners express gratitude
SOUTH BEND — The 2026 Community’s Choice Awards attracted recordbreaking voting numbers and brought more than 200 local business owners to Four Winds Casino’s Ribbon Town event center Sept. 29 to celebrate the city’s favorite local spots and...
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Lafayette Falls residents call for fire aid agreement
A fire in the south side neighborhood Lafayette Falls left one family with a “total loss,” according to a neighbor, and two South Bend Common Council members are now pushing for a mutual aid agreement between the South Bend Fire Department and Centre...
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Humorous or anxiety-inducing?
SOUTH BEND — “Did you leave your oven on?” The question has haunted travelers flying through South Bend International Airport for over a month and a half thanks to a new Notre Dame Federal Credit Union ad campaign. But after a digital creator, Molly...
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A slice of kindness — ‘Pie Guy’ delivers 1,000th pie
Welcome. Today’s column will have several short items about pies and good people. A pie is a beautiful thing. Warm apple pie with a nice brown crust. Sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top. Perhaps this is close to nirvana. However, ice cream on the side...
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TAKING OWNERSHIP
There was a time, pastors Michael and Tina Patton said, the Near Northwest Neighborhood was plagued with violence, prostitution and vagrancy. The couple had a front row seat to the neighborhood’s deterioration through their church, Kingdom Life...
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Trump, Xi exchange toasts, gifts at dinner
Wild mushrooms are in their peak season across the United States in late September – and for a second time, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan were treated to the fungi at the White House. On the menu for the state dinner hosted by...
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VPA budget proposes cutting 15 positions
SOUTH BEND — The 2027 budget proposal from Venues Parks & Arts (VPA) includes 15 personnel reductions across several areas of the department, a move VPA officials say will reduce 5.8% of the department’s budget in response to cuts from Senate Enrolled...
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Trump asks U.N. leaders’ help in isolating Iran economically
UNITED NATIONS — President Donald Trump urged world leaders to join the United States in isolating Iran, using an address before the United Nations General Assembly to justify the war that’s unpopular with most Americans, talk up his tariffs and...
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Candidates for prosecutor, sheriff discuss shootings
SOUTH BEND — Two separate shootings less than a mile from the University of Notre Dame — at Eddy Street Commons and the 1300 block of Bissell Street — on Saturday, Sept. 19, resulted in two people dead, two people injured, including a police officer,...
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‘ENJOY & EXPLORE’
Abdallah Alsalama and Jordan Al didn’t have a typical path to running a restaurant. In fact, Alsalama doesn’t even live in South Bend. The native Palestinian lives in Fishers, Indiana, and is a truck driver throughout the week, he said. But working in...
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Bishop Rhoades rededicates St. Joseph Grade School
The oldest continuously operating elementary school in South Bend is at Colfax Avenue and Hill Street. The St. Joseph Grade School building was dedicated Jan. 10, 1926, with Bishop John Francis Noll and Mayor Chester Montgomery in attendance. The...
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‘COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT’
As a baby in the late 1970s, Rebekah Go lived with her parents on Scott Street in the Near Northwest Neighborhood. But when the area started to decline, and an arsonist started terrorizing the neighborhood, Go’s family decided it was time to move. Go...
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UAW chief opposes China auto production in U.S.
LANSING, MI – United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain blasted the idea of the federal government allowing a Chinese company to manufacture cars in the United States, something President Donald Trump recently suggested might be possible. At a UAW...
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Externship program helps local students, businesses
Adams High School counselor Jessica Fuller said she knows how to help kids apply to college, but if they’re interested in a career in the trades, it’s a different story. “They ask me about the trades and apprenticeships, and I have no idea how to...
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Proposed NDA ban spurs debate on SBC Council
South Bend At-large Common Council member Oliver Davis and 5th district council member Sherry Bolden-simpson are proposing an ordinance to prohibit members of the city government’s legislative branch, administrative branch and clerk’s office from...
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A VOICE FOR MANY
When Jon “J.T.” Thompson was a sixth grader in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, he had the honor of reciting the Gettysburg Address in the town park on Memorial Day. “My voice might have been a little high, and squeaky but I got through it — and...
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South Bend native to paint Fever mural
SOUTH BEND – Indianapolis’ new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center will have a special artistic connection to South Bend. Alex Ann Allen, a South Bend native and muralist, has been selected from a statewide artist call to paint a mural on the...
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‘We can choose kindness’
Twenty-five years later, the sunshine, bright-blue sky and temperatures rising from the mid-60s to a projected high in the upper 70s Friday mimicked the glorious, late-summer day that the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, promised. Still in high...
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FROM ASHES TO ILLNESS
Ageneration later data now show that three times as many people have died with a confirmed 9/11-related illness than perished during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Some 9,677 people have died since their exposure to the toxic mix of chemicals...
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CPI shows prices rose again in August
U.S. consumer prices in August rose 0.4% from the month before, the Labor Department estimated Sept. 11, in line with forecasters’ expectations. A spike in gas prices drove the increase, rising 3.9% over the month as the war with Iran further limited...
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FIREFIGHTERS REFLECT ON 9/11
Most people who were alive and aware Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, can recall exactly where they were and what they were doing when they learned the United States had been attacked. Nearly 3,000 people were killed, and countless others have since died due...
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Local 9/11 memorial events to mark 25th anniversary
It has been 25-years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The following events will be held to honor and remember those who died because of those attacks. On. Sept. 11, the flag of the United States should be flown at half-staff from...
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‘First responders are truly heroes’
SOUTH BEND — When Realamerica Development President Mike Surak arrived to see the charcoaled remains of the south building of Stadium Flats apartments, he couldn’t believe how lucky they’d got. “We’re extremely fortunate that nobody was hurt, killed...
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WHAT’S IN A NAME?
Potawatomi Zoo has issued a call for the community to help name a male red panda cub before Sept. 18. Given the nickname Big Red from birth, the red panda cub was born June 13 alongside four siblings to the zoo’s red pandas, Raya and EJ. Originally,...
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Iran aims to tackle economic issues
DUBAI – Iran said it will step up efforts to tackle problems created by the U.S. sanctions that are crippling its economy, while a senior Iranian official warned of a “painful response” if it comes under further attack. Six months after U.s.-israeli...
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VICTORY
South Bend has been home to military vehicle manufacturing for nearly two centuries, predating the city’s formal incorporation in 1865. Over the 250 years the United States has been an independent nation, it has fought in over 36 major conflicts,...
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Space boom fuels need for launch pads
The surge in rocket launches across the United States has left officials with one burning question: How can the growing demand be met for coveted pads to get the vehicles off the ground? To find an answer, the Trump administration is seeking the...
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Investigation continues in fatal Sept. 2 house fire
MISHAWAKA — The investigation continues into a house fire that killed one person early Wednesday, Sept. 2. Fire crews responded just after 2 a.m. to a house in the 16000 block of Valley Trail, a short road between Dragoon Trail and Ireland Trail...
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South Bend sites among state’s most endangered
Indiana Landmarks on Aug. 31 released its annual 10 Most Endangered for 2026, which lists sites and structures in danger of disappearing due to neglect, lack of funding, potential new development and other challenges. The nonprofit chooses entries...
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Hart’s here for life
After being a three-sport athlete in his hometown of Emporium, Pennsylvania, Joe Hart turned down opportunities to play baseball at some small colleges to try out at West Virginia University. He ended up hurting his arm and undergoing shoulder...
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Afghan family reciprocates hospitality with Cultural Bites
Editor’s note: To protect the safety of himself, his family and uphold location anonymity after fleeing the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, The Tribune is referring to the main source of this story by the nickname Khan. SOUTH BEND — In October 2021,...
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City gearing up to move Amtrak to Union Station
There are still many years down the road before South Bend residents can hop on an Amtrak train at Union Station and head to the destination of their choosing, according to Mayor James Mueller. But that dream will become a reality sooner rather than...
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EARTH ENERGY
The University of Notre Dame has been able to decrease its carbon footprint by 48% since 2005 with the integration and construction of geothermal plants around campus. And most students don’t even notice the plants are there. In 2017, Notre Dame...
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Cattle ranchers fume over Trump plan
POWER, MT – When Tim Brunner was at an auction barn recently, he was surprised to see decent cows selling several hundred dollars cheaper than they were just a few weeks earlier. He largely blames President Donald Trump, and he’s not the only...
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Colfax Streetscape moves forward with opening
SOUTH BEND — It’s only a matter of time before Colfax Avenue between Niles Avenue and Eddy Street reopens to full traffic. The city began milling, and paving is expected to be completed by Thursday, Aug. 27, and open to drivers Tuesday, Sept....
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LOVE, ALWAYS
Dolly Parton, the “Queen of Country” singing and songwriting icon with a personality as bold as her signature blond coif and rhinestone-encrusted outfits, has died. She was 80. Parton’s death was announced by her family on her social media pages and...
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Century Center fate unknown
SOUTH BEND — The South Bend Museum of Art expects to learn Thursday, Aug. 27, whether the city will begin a required three-year lease expiration process. As for the fate of Century Center itself, where the museum is located, that remains...
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‘Mayor Pete’ headed to South Bend Hall of Fame
Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg leads the 2026 induction class for the South Bend Community Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame will welcome him and six other noted Hoosiers with local ties at its 39th...
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EPA says Beck’s Lake not a threat to public
SOUTH BEND — After nearly two decades of assessment, testing and excavation, Remedial Project Manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Demaree Collier said there is no imminent threat at Beck’s Lake. “The big take away right now is that...
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DATA DOMINION
NEW CARLISLE — On the frigid morning of Jan. 27, the Department of Energy ordered Amazon’s massive data center in northern Indiana to cut off 50 megawatts of electricity, about the amount needed to power 40,000 homes for one hour. Backup diesel...
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Iran vows ‘devastating’ response to threat
DUBAI – Iran said on Aug. 21 that its response to any new U.S. threats would be “devastating” after Washington pledged to impose the toughest financial penalties in history with the aim of toppling the Iranian leadership. Washington prepared for...
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South Bend, PHM students begin school year
The summer came and the summer went, as South Bend and Penn-harrismadison students began the school year Wednesday with hype and hoopla. South Bend’s Coquillard Elementary had firefighters and the mayor on site to greet kids. P-H-M’S Horizon...
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Freedom rolls into town
Ascreaming eagle landed in South Bend. h Canadian National commemorative locomotives traveling on a three-day Hometown Whistle Stop Tour to celebrate the United States’ 250th year of independence brought between 200 and 300 people outside Union...
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‘Several years of work finally becoming visible’
The South Bend Tribune moved into its longest-lasting home in April 1921, a custom-built building at 225 W. Colfax Ave. And from the corner of Colfax Avenue and Lafayette Boulevard, The Tribune helped draft the history of South Bend. The Tribune...
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Art Beat starts with rain, still gets sunshine
SOUTH BEND — A little bit of rain didn’t stop local residents from showing up to downtown South Bend’s largest annual event on Aug. 15, Art Beat, put on by Downtown South Bend Inc. and Everwise Credit Union. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Jefferson Boulevard...
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$27M Habitat for Humanity housing project is underway
MISHAWAKA — By next November, the former Oak Grove Mobile Home Park at the corner of Mckinley and Byrkit Avenues will be transformed by Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County into nine acres of affordable housing dubbed Woodfield Crossing. Before...
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‘What we do here matters’
There’s a saying at the South Bend Community Re-entry Center: Everybody has an out. Everybody shops at Walmart. The residents at SBCRC are men who were formerly incarcerated at high-level state prison facilities, often for many decades. They come here...
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U.S. tells Iran it will step up pressure
LONDON – Transit through the Strait of Hormuz appeared to grind to a near standstill on Aug. 14 after two more ships were attacked there and the United States said it could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely. A senior Iranian source said...
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Students eager as first day of class arrives
MISHAWAKA — School is back in session at School City of Mishawaka. Wednesday, Aug. 12, was the district’s first day of the 2026-27 school year, and the atmosphere at Lasalle Elementary was celebratory as faculty and staff welcomed students...
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Hums Elementary transformation continues
School City of Mishawaka leadership says construction on the new Hums Elementary School building is progressing well, with the $41 million project around halfway completed and on track to open in time for the start of the 2027-28 school...
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Making the transition back to school easier
The back-to-school season is officially here, and the last days and weeks before school is back in session are the perfect time for families to start helping their students prepare for the new school year. Here are eight tips and tricks to set...
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Island Eleven rolls out red carpet for customers
SOUTH BEND — At Island Eleven, where the food transports customers to the warm Caribbean islands, co-owner Courtney Graham said her business partner, also the head chef of the restaurant, Kerwin Huggins, often reminds her to slow down, take a breather...
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Mural honors local leaders who have made a difference
SOUTH BEND — With the unveiling of a new mural, a wall on South Bend’s West Side has been marked in honor of community members who left their own mark on the city. The mural, on the side of Faith Deliverance Center, 1415 Lincoln Way W., features...
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Safety tips for South Bend bicyclists
With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the warm weather with a bike ride. But whether you’re cycling through the streets of downtown South Bend or exploring some nature bike trails with the kids, it’s important to practice safe...
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U.S. employers shed 23,000 jobs in July
U.S. employers shed 23,000 jobs in July, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said Aug. 7, a figure far below analysts’ expectations, and downward revisions to job growth numbers for May and June reflect a weaker labor market than previously estimated. The...
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Groups demand schools act after justice report
Local activists say the findings in the recently released reparatory justice report codify what they have been admonishing for years: Disproportionality and inequity within South Bend schools have negative impacts on the district’s Black student...
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, COMEBACK
Grab a bag of popcorn and get comfortable. h A new movie theater might be making its way into the historic State Theatre thanks to a $4 million award of READI 2.0 Arts and Culture grants from the state. h In April, the South Bend Redevelopment...
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Buttigieg leaning toward running for president
Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor and U.S. transportation secretary in the Biden administration, is leaning toward running for president in 2028, he said on a podcast Aug. 3. But the Democrat is far from making any promises, only admitting...
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Inclusive Normain Heights Park to grow
MISHAWAKA — After receiving no bids last month, the Mishawaka Redevelopment Commission unanimously voted Monday, July 27, to demolish the former Mishawaka Fire Station No. 2 building at 2332 N. Main St. and use the land to expand Normain Heights...
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Project sees foundation work, internal demo prep
SOUTH BEND — Main Street Row has been stripped nearly to bare earth while the historic South Bend Tribune building remains seemingly untouched. But looks can be deceiving. As The Tribune has reported, development on the Colfax Corner project is well...
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Spinning community
SOUTH BEND — Alec Hoogland spent childhood nights in their bedroom in Northwest Indiana dreaming of becoming an architect. In the daytime, they fondly remember drawing houses with whatever medium they could get their hands on. “I’ve always had this...
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Different kinds of justice
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett likes to note that the black robes she and her colleagues wear show that the nine justices are “united symbolically.” h Despite different personalities, legal philosophies and backgrounds, the robes...
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Resident input sought for budget process
SOUTH BEND — How do you think South Bend should spend tax dollars? South Bend residents have an opportunity to weigh in on the city’s budget planning process until Sept. 27 as the 2027 budget season begins. The city announced the sixth year of Build...
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