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Today's riddle: What is the longest word in the dictionary? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. University of Notre Dame and Holy Cross College welcome students as tri-campus move-in begins (wndu.com) — Traffic is tightening around South Bend this weekend as thousands of students move into Notre Dame and Holy Cross College, with heavy congestion expected along State Road 933 and Angela Boulevard. Holy Cross is opening a new mixed-class residence hall, while Notre Dame debuts two new dorms, bringing more students and cars into the area through Sunday.
2. EPA declares LaSalle Park environmentally safe after years of cleanup (wndu.com) — LaSalle Park on South Bend's west side has been declared environmentally safe by the EPA after nearly a decade of cleanup, including removing lead-contaminated soil. Officials still advise against digging, but city leaders are encouraging neighbors to enjoy the improved park as monitoring continues and a community meeting is planned for this fall.
3. South Bend utilities commission meeting opens up discussion on data centers (abc57.com) — South Bend's utilities commission spent Thursday's meeting learning about the massive power demands of AI data centers and what a future proposal could mean for the city. Advocates urged caution and even a moratorium, while council members also pressed for discussion of potential jobs and economic benefits if a large data center ever comes here.
4. Under New Leadership: CEO Donna Kavanagh Steers Hoosier Enquirer Forward After Loss of Bobby Kern (hoosierenquirer.com) — South Bend readers will soon see more scrutiny of local government as Hoosier Enquirer opens a new office in the city to deepen investigations into northern Indiana courts, jails, and public records. Under new CEO Donna Kavanagh, the nonprofit watchdog is expanding programming, honoring late founder Bobby Kern, and planning a larger statewide footprint while keeping a strong focus on accountability reporting.
5. Man Books With American Airlines. Then He Sees What's Actually Transporting Him To Chicago: 'American Airlines Has Clowned Us' (boardingarea.com) — If you're flying out of South Bend, note that American's controversial bus connection to Chicago O'Hare is ending this fall, with three daily regional flights returning October 5. A viral TikTok from a traveler who unknowingly booked the bus leg has reignited debate over how clearly the service is labeled and whether passengers understand they're boarding a motorcoach instead of a plane.
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Ok South Bend! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Smiles, because it has a mile between "s". (Thank you Sharon M. for sending it in!)
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