WTRC-FM (Niles, MI)

Hensley Legal Group and the South Bend Cubs are partnering to bring the Backpacks 4 Good program to South Bend for the first time, providing free backpacks filled with school supplies to students ahead of the new school year. The event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon CDT at Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium, 501 W. South St., South Bend.

West Nile Virus detected in LaPorte County Share0 unsplash.com Health officials have confirmed the first West Nile virus-positive mosquito pool of the year in LaPorte County. While most people who become infected experience mild flu-like symptoms or none at all, officials recommend taking precautions. That includes wearing insect repellent, avoiding mosquito activity at dawn and dusk, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Jury trial delayed for Elkhart man accused of murdering roommate Share0 photo supplied / pixabay The jury trial for an Elkhart man accused of murdering his roommate and hiding the body inside a Christmas tree box has been delayed. Jose Ortiz Diaz is charged in the death of 44-year-old Margarito Estrada Hernandez. Police say Hernandez’s body was discovered during a search of their Village Lane home after he was reported missing.

Indiana Senator Jim Banks says Canada should face sanctions over wildfire smoke that’s blanketing parts of the United States. Banks says the smoke has created hazardous air quality across Indiana and argues Canada should cover health care costs and other damages caused by the fires. President Trump also criticized Canada in a social media post, saying the country has failed to properly manage its forests.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Deputy shot, suspect arrested Share0 A Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s deputy is in stable condition after being shot Friday morning while responding to a report of a theft from a vehicle. Authorities say the deputy struggled with the suspect, who allegedly stole the deputy’s patrol vehicle and led officers on a chase before crashing near the sheriff’s office. The suspect was taken into custody and is receiving medical treatment before being booked into jail.

Ribbon cut on new Miracle League Complex Share0 unsplash.com City leaders in Mishawaka cut the ribbon Saturday morning, July 18, on the new Miracle League Complex at Normain Park. The fully accessible playground and baseball field allow children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities to play safely. The grand opening also celebrated the completion of a new splash pad, softball field, and the Sona Arch Interactive Play Feature.

Danville police are investigating the death of a dog. Officers responded to a home on Bedford Drive, near the Hendricks County Fairgrounds, just before 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. They found a dead black schnauzer with no access to water or shade. Purdue University veterinarians will perform a necropsy on the dog. A necropsy is the animal equivalent of an autopsy. “The Danville Police Department is treating this incident with the seriousness it deserves,” Detective Sgt. Nate Lien said in a release.

A Chicago man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading an Indiana State Police trooper on a pursuit along the Indiana Toll Road. According to Indiana State Police, the incident began around 6:40 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, when a trooper reported a silver Dodge pickup traveling eastbound at 104 mph near mile marker 90. A second trooper located the truck several minutes later near mile marker 104, where police say it was still traveling at more than 100 mph.

Potawatomi Zoo celebrates first red panda birth in 5 years Share0 Photo supplied- Potawatomi Zoo The Potawatomi Zoo is celebrating its first red panda birth in five years. A male cub, born June 13 to mother Raya and father EJ, is the lone survivor of an unusually large litter of five. Zoo staff stepped in to hand-raise the cub after Raya was unable to care for him. Known as “Big Red,” he’s healthy, growing well, and giving hope for the endangered species’ future.

Indiana is among five states where health officials are warning Taco Bell customers about shredded lettuce linked to a cyclosporiasis outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday lettuce imported from Mexico and served at select Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia has been identified as the source of the outbreak. Dr. Kavita Patel says it could still take time to control the outbreak.