South Bend metro regular gasoline: essentially flat vs. yesterday

AAA shows South Bend metro regular gasoline at $3.368/gal as of 7/18/26. These are metro-average prices—your local station can be higher or lower.

Since yesterday:

• Regular: $3.368/gal (7/18/26) vs. $3.369/gal yesterday — about a one-tenth-of-a-cent change.

Looking beyond today:

• Week ago: $3.274/gal
• Month ago: $3.410/gal
• Year ago: $3.267/gal

So what for commuters and households: When regular stays basically the same from one day to the next, your usual “best station” and timing often matter more than waiting for today’s change.

South Bend metro diesel: higher than yesterday

AAA shows diesel at $5.006/gal as of 7/18/26, up from $4.988/gal yesterday.

Since yesterday:

• Diesel: $5.006/gal (7/18/26) vs. $4.988/gal yesterday — an increase of $0.018/gal.

Diesel also shows bigger swings across timeframes:

• Week ago: $4.910/gal
• Month ago: $5.539/gal
• Year ago: $3.822/gal

So what for delivery drivers, contractors, and fleet users: A daily bump can show up quickly when you’re burning through a lot of fuel. Still, diesel is down versus last month—so this week’s budgeting impact may be smaller than what you saw earlier in the month, even while it remains well above a year ago.

National and U.S. trend context (AAA + EIA)

AAA’s national averages were also modestly higher for both fuels on 7/18/26: regular at $3.992/gal (up from $3.981 yesterday) and diesel at $5.088/gal (up from $5.058 yesterday).

EIA’s latest weekly U.S. update likewise shows increases in its readings for 07/13/26 vs. 07/06/26: U.S. regular gasoline rose from $3.777 to $3.855, while U.S. on-highway diesel rose from $4.578 to $4.796.

Quick price tip for the road

Because regular and diesel are moving differently right now, it can pay to check both fuels before you commit to a “quick fill,” especially if you run mixed-use vehicles—or if your business fleet isn’t the only one that needs fuel today.

Share with other readers: What are the highest and lowest pump prices you’re seeing in the South Bend area right now—and are you shopping for regular or diesel?

Sources

• AAA Fuel Prices — Indiana (South Bend metro)
• EIA — Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update

The city opened applications on April 20 and says the program is handled through the Department of Public Works. Eligible owners can seek reimbursement for curb, sidewalk and ADA ramp work inside South Bend city limits.

The two rules that matter most are simple: get city preapproval before construction starts, and hire a bonded contractor. The application packet says the city inspects the site before work begins and that contractors must be bonded and properly permitted.

That matters because curb and sidewalk work can get expensive fast, especially for property owners dealing with required repairs along the public right-of-way. If the rules are followed, the program can reduce what owners pay out of pocket.

Anyone planning this kind of work should review the application packet first. Starting before approval could put reimbursement at risk.

Sources

• City of South Bend announcement: 2026 curb & sidewalk reimbursement program
• WNDU local report on South Bend reimbursement program

The closure is not a short-term patch job. City material says the work is part of a phased project that includes utility work, reconstruction, and streetscape changes, with the current timeline expected to run into September 2026. That means the traffic pattern downtown is likely to keep changing as crews move through different stages.

What the city says is closed

The city’s closure notice says Colfax Avenue is shut down in the downtown area for the project’s opening phase. It also lays out detour routes and explains that the work will proceed in phases rather than all at once. For commuters, that matters because the safest route around the work zone may not stay the same from week to week.

The city also tied Colfax to its broader 2026 paving and reconstruction season, which helps show that this is part of a larger public-works effort rather than an isolated repair. The official bid-opening packet for the Colfax Streetscape project shows the work moving through the city’s normal public-works process.

Why it matters for downtown

For people who live, work, shop, or deliver downtown, the main effect is access. A closure on a central corridor like Colfax can change how customers reach nearby businesses, how employees get to work, and how rideshare, delivery, and service vehicles move through the area.

WNDU reported that the closure was already affecting downtown traffic patterns shortly after the city announced it, and ABC57 also reported on the project as a re-pavement effort set to begin April 13. Those reports match the city’s notice that this is a longer project with real day-to-day disruption for drivers.

That does not mean the corridor is off-limits for the entire season, but it does mean residents should expect detours, delays, and changing access as the project advances. For businesses along or near Colfax, the practical issue is not just construction noise. It is whether customers know how to get there and whether deliveries can still reach the block efficiently.

What to watch next

The key date in the city’s notice is the expected September 2026 timeframe. Until then, the most useful update for commuters is to keep checking for phase changes, since the city says the project will move in stages.

For now, the safest assumption is simple: if your route uses downtown Colfax Avenue, leave extra time and be ready to use a different way through the city center.

Sources

• City of South Bend closure notice
• WNDU local report
• ABC57 local report

City officials said the work began the week of April 22 and should continue through July 4. The building was described as having suffered partial roof and building collapses, which pushed it into the city’s unsafe-building process rather than ordinary maintenance or cleanup.

The project is being carried out under Indiana’s Unsafe Building Law. In city records, the South Bend Redevelopment Commission is funding the demolition, and the contract amount is listed at $365,000.

Why the city moved forward

The Qualex site had been vacant for years, and the city said the structure had fallen far enough that demolition was the safer option. That matters for nearby residents and businesses because long-neglected buildings can create hazards even before they are fully condemned, including structural risk and ongoing blight.

South Bend’s Board of Public Works materials show the project as the demolition of 921 Louise Street, with the legal and procurement steps already completed before crews started work on site. Meeting minutes from March 10 also show the city had already been working through the bid process before the award was finalized.

What happens next

For now, residents near Louise Street should expect active construction through early July as crews remove the structure and stabilize the lot. City officials say the cleared site may then be available for future redevelopment, but that does not mean a new project has already been approved.

That distinction matters. Demolition is the current action; redevelopment is only a possible next step after the site is cleared and stabilized.

For South Bend, the project is another example of how the city is dealing with aging, unsafe buildings that have sat vacant long enough to become a neighborhood problem. For nearby property owners and commuters, the practical short-term effect is simple: a major teardown is underway, and the block will be an active work zone for the next few weeks.

Sources

• City of South Bend demolition announcement
• South Bend Board of Public Works award bid memo
• South Bend Board of Public Works meeting minutes
• ABC57 report
• South Bend Board of Public Works request to advertise

Friday is starting on a cautious note for drivers across South Bend and St. Joseph County as snow showers move through the area. Roads are slick in spots, especially on untreated side streets, bridges, and highway ramps. Forecasters say a heavier burst of snow earlier this morning should ease as the day goes on, but lingering impacts could still affect travel.

City crews were out overnight treating major routes, focusing on high-traffic corridors and known trouble spots. Even so, officials are reminding residents that conditions can change quickly, particularly during the morning commute when traffic volumes are highest.

Cold temperatures are expected to stick around, which means melting snow could refreeze later today and after sunset. Drivers and pedestrians alike are encouraged to slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and watch for icy patches that may not be immediately visible.

Spring Marathon Registration Now Open

Looking beyond the snow, signs of spring planning are already appearing. Registration is now open for the fourth annual St. Joseph Marathon, giving runners the chance to lock in their spot months ahead of race day.

The event has continued to grow each year, attracting participants from across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Organizers say the upcoming race weekend will once again include multiple distance options, making it accessible for seasoned marathoners as well as newer runners looking for a shorter challenge.

The course is expected to remain focused on downtown South Bend, showcasing local neighborhoods and scenic river views. In addition to the athletic draw, the marathon is anticipated to bring economic benefits, with visiting runners and spectators filling hotel rooms and dining at local restaurants throughout the weekend.

Looking Ahead

For now, winter remains firmly in control, and city officials continue to urge residents to stay weather-aware and monitor local alerts when snow is in the forecast. Small precautions taken early in the day can help prevent larger problems later on.

At the same time, the opening of marathon registration serves as a reminder that the calendar is moving forward. Community events returning to the schedule point toward warmer, busier months ahead, even as South Bend works its way through the heart of winter.

Sources

• https://www.wndu.com/
• https://stjosephpost.com/

South Bend police have issued a Silver Alert for 18-year-old Evita Garcia, who was last seen on February 3, 2026, around 4 p.m. Garcia is described as 5’2″ tall, weighing approximately 105 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink Nike zip-up hoodie, ripped blue jeans, and blue and white Nike shoes. Authorities believe she is in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact the South Bend Police Department at 574-235-9202 or call 911.

Madison Lifestyle District Development Approved

The South Bend Redevelopment Commission has unanimously approved the “Madison Lifestyle District,” a $150 million project set to transform two blocks south of Memorial Hospital along Michigan Street. The development will include 240 housing units, a 100-bed hotel, and 40,000 square feet of retail space. Mayor James Mueller emphasized the project’s potential to create hundreds of jobs and stimulate significant investment in the city. The initiative is a collaboration between Beacon Health System, the city of South Bend, and Great Lakes Capital.

Heavy Snow Causes School Closures and Travel Advisories

Recent heavy snowfall in the South Bend region has led to school closures and travel advisories. The South Bend Community School Corporation is closed, while School City of Mishawaka and the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation have implemented e-learning days. Several counties, including St. Joseph, LaPorte, Marshall, and Starke, are under travel watches, and Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, LaGrange, and Pulaski counties are under travel advisories. Residents are advised to exercise caution when traveling and stay updated on local conditions.

Sources

• Silver Alert Issued for Missing Teen
• Madison Lifestyle District Development Approved
• Heavy Snow Causes School Closures and Travel Advisories

South Bend, IN — February 3, 2026 — The South Bend Community School Corporation has announced closures today due to heavy snowfall, while neighboring districts opt for e-learning days.

Impact on Local Education

The heavy snowfall has also caused multiple Michiana counties to go under travel watches and advisories, according to WNDU. St. Joseph, LaPorte, Marshall, and Starke counties are under a travel watch, while Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, LaGrange, and Pulaski counties are under a travel advisory.

Travel Conditions

Residents throughout the region can expect more snow today. The National Weather Service says snow showers are likely before 10 a.m., with a total daytime accumulation of 1-2 inches possible.

Safety Precautions

Local authorities advise residents to exercise caution when traveling and to stay updated on weather conditions. For the latest information on school closures and travel advisories, please refer to official channels.

Sources

• Heavy Snow Causes Delays, Closings in South Bend Region

Man Charged in December Murder

South Bend authorities have charged 39-year-old Rashawn Moffitt with the murder of 26-year-old Raejaun Jones. The incident occurred on December 20, 2025, near Taylor Street and Indiana Avenue. Moffitt faces charges of Murder and Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun.

Accidental Shooting at Mishawaka Discount Tire

A tragic accident took place at the Discount Tire store on Grape Road in Mishawaka, where 29-year-old employee Curtiss Walker accidentally shot himself in the head while handling a friend’s semi-automatic handgun. The incident occurred on January 28, 2026, around 5 p.m. Walker was married with three young children.

South Bend Cubs Hiring for 2026 Season

The South Bend Cubs are expanding their game-day team for the 2026 season. Available positions include concessions, custodial services, ballpark ushers, and video production roles. Interested applicants can apply online or attend upcoming job fairs on February 17 at Aloft South Bend and February 24 at Howard Park.

Sources

• 39-year-old man charged with December murder
• Coroner: employee accidentally shot himself in head while working
• South Bend Cubs open applications for 2026 season

The South Bend Human Rights Commission hosted a Fair Housing Workshop titled “Fair Housing and Housing Scams” at the St. Joseph County Public Library Community Learning Center on January 28, 2026. The event aimed to educate the public on the history of the housing market in South Bend, discrimination issues, and various housing scams, along with strategies to avoid them. Katrina Lee, Executive Director of the South Bend Human Rights Commission, emphasized the importance of education in preventing housing discrimination. Instructor Leigh Holland highlighted the value of sharing information through handouts and online resources to empower attendees. This workshop underscores the community’s commitment to promoting fair housing practices and protecting residents from potential scams.

Mayor Mueller Addresses City Concerns

On January 28, 2026, South Bend Mayor James Mueller discussed several pressing issues affecting the city, including the recent spike in violence, the rising costs of snow removal, and the upcoming Restaurant Week. The mayor’s insights provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and initiatives currently shaping South Bend’s urban landscape. His comments offer valuable perspectives on the city’s efforts to address public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement through events like Restaurant Week.

South Bend Lyric Opera Announces 10th Anniversary Gala

The South Bend Lyric Opera is set to host a 10th Anniversary Gala, celebrating a decade of musical excellence in the community. The event promises an evening of performances, reflections on the organization’s journey, and a look ahead to future endeavors. This milestone event highlights the Lyric Opera’s significant role in enriching South Bend’s cultural scene and its dedication to providing high-quality musical experiences to residents and visitors alike.

Why it matters locally

• Fair Housing Workshop: Educates residents on housing rights and scams, promoting equitable housing practices in South Bend.
• Mayor’s Address: Provides insights into city challenges and initiatives, fostering community awareness and involvement.
• Lyric Opera Gala: Celebrates a decade of cultural enrichment, strengthening South Bend’s artistic community.

Sources

• Fair housing workshop at the St. Joseph County Public Library
• South Bend mayor discusses snow removal costs, violence spike and restaurant week
• South Bend Lyric Opera to host 10th anniversary gala