Good morning, Mishawaka.

88.1 WVPE Public Radio received a $500,000 grant from the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County to expand its local journalism; the station will add two journalists (with about $166k per year) over three years to boost coverage in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

Meritage Hospitality Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Sept.

17 as rising beef costs and lower sales affected its Wendy’s operations. The firm, which runs local outlets, plans to restructure and may close or sell underperforming locations.

Guests booking at Studio 6 Extended Stay on Main Street reported being turned away and facing delayed refunds last weekend when no rooms were available; one traveler from Ohio said she arrived around 12:30 a.m. and was advised to email customer service (multiple reviews cite similar problems).

Fusion Fest returns this weekend at Howard Park with 100 food vendors & artisans on five stages, plus a biergarten, roller rink, and a Saturday 8 p.m. drone show.

The free event runs Noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Noon-6 p.m. Sunday and enforces a clear bag policy with rules for minors.

Washington High School juniors and seniors welcomed Notre Dame Women's Basketball coach Niele Ivey today during college application week, when she offered advice plus shared her personal struggles.

The school gifted her a personalized jersey and sang a pre-birthday celebration.

Eighth-grade students from South Bend and Mishawaka attended a hands-on CPR training event at Four Winds Field today, with local EMS, police, fire and medical professionals instructing them on lifesaving techniques.

State officials will hold a town hall today (9:00 to 10:00 a.m.) at South Bend Technology Resource Center on Franklin Street to explain the new work requirements for the Healthy Indiana Plan; residents applying for benefits in January must meet these rules starting next month.

The St. Joseph County Health Department is hosting a free car seat clinic at South Bend’s Near Northwest Neighborhood Community Center next Tuesday, Sept.

29 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) to help mothers and pregnant women learn proper installation and safety steps to lower infant and maternal mortality rates.

St. Joseph County Health will host a Bicycle Safety Rodeo and Youth Bike Repair Clinic at the Ice Rink at Ironworks Plaza from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept.

26. Registration ends today and children ages 5-18 can practice safety, get free bike repairs, and earn helmet giveaways.

Notre Dame will play its first true road game on Saturday, Sept.

26 when it visits Purdue. Coach Marcus Freeman said the team’s careful preparation this week is key to stopping Purdue’s quarterback Ryan Browne (a versatile threat on run and pass).