South Bend officials dismiss Newsweek report

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — South Bend officials are dismissing a list on a Newsweek website that describes the city as "dying."

The website ranked the northern Indiana city No. 8 among 10 cities with bleak futures ahead. Mayor Steve Luecke told the South Bend Tribune he thought the list was "unfortunate and irresponsible" because the only criteria used were the largest percentage declines in total population and population younger than 18.

Common Council President Derek Dieter says South Bend, like many Midwestern cities that have lost many jobs, is looking for an identity. But he says he strongly disagrees with the dying tag.

Council member David Varner questioned how a city with a hospital and the University of Notre Dame and other colleges could be described as dying.