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🌱 Patch AM: What prompted a South Bend teacher’s paid leave and outside investigation?

You won't want to miss Monthly Board Meeting on the South Bend Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 15th Patch AM
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Greetings South Bend! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What prompted a South Bend teacher's paid leave and outside investigation?
  • Two South Bend mothers missing; here's what police need you to know
  • How Dallas Golden's return could reshape Notre Dame's punt return game.

Also on today's calendar: Board of Public Safety Regular Meeting and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 86 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Wednesday: A shower and t-storm; humid, temps: high: 79, low: 70.
  • Thursday: Humid with a few showers, with a high of 78 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. South Bend teacher on leave amid student relationship allegations (southbendtribune.com) — A South Bend Community School Corp. math teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave while independent investigators review allegations of a past romantic relationship with a former student. District leaders say no current or former administrators will handle the probe and are promising no further comment until findings are complete, emphasizing student safety as their top concern for South Bend families.
   

2. Police searching for two missing South Bend mothers (wndu.com) — South Bend police have opened a missing persons investigation for two local mothers, 24‑year‑old Vanessa Bautista and 23‑year‑old Alexa Navarro, who vanished early Sunday while driving a gray 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Their last known location pinged in Niles, and authorities are asking anyone with information about the women or the vehicle's whereabouts to contact police immediately.
   

3. Dallas Golden shakes off injuries to make 2026 debut for Notre Dame (southbendtribune.com) — Notre Dame sophomore defensive back Dallas Golden finally saw the field in South Bend against Rice after back and shoulder injuries limited his offseason, logging 15 defensive snaps and work as a punt returner. Coaches say his missed time cost him early playing opportunities, but his solid debut helps rebuild confidence in the Irish punt return game for local fans.
   

4. 16 News Now at 6:30 p.m. - Monday, Sept. 14, 2026 (wndu.com) — A local newscast highlights an urgent search for two missing South Bend mothers last seen early Sunday, with police tracking their movements from Elkhart toward Niles. It also spotlights South Bend designer Darris White's viral New York Fashion Week moment, a new veterans' riding arena in Warsaw, CASA volunteer milestones, and a cross-country charity run touching Michiana.
   

📸 Around South Bend

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Upscale resale store with a cause.
    Great place to shop, donate & volunteer. Over 1 million donated locally to Michiana animal welfare organizations (Nextdoor Eastgate)
  • Once again looking for anyone interested in a part time babysitting gig in the south bend/roseland area!!
    I work 6am-2pm and it would just be twice a week during the week and occasionally on weekends if available! needing help ASAP starting this Tuesday… (Nextdoor River Commons )
  • CROSSMARK posted a job opening for Retail Inventory Specialist - Part Time in South Bend. Apply here.
  • Globe Life posted a job opening for Life Insurance Sales Representative in South Bend. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near South Bend here.

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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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