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March 2, 2026
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West Lafayette Student Reaches Final Round of State Poetry Out Loud Contest: Julie Yousfi, a junior at West Lafayette Junior/Senior High School, was selected as a finalist in the Indiana Poetry Out Loud competition held in downtown Indianapolis on February 21. She was one of 11 high school participants in this national arts education event, which encourages poetry study and public speaking. The event, featuring works celebrating American history, was judged by a panel of established poets and educators. The competition emphasized clarity, understanding, and accuracy in students’ recitations. (Source: Journal & Courier on Mar 2)
February 24, 2026
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Proposed School Cell Phone Ban in Indiana Sparks Debate Among Parents and Lawmakers: Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit cell phones in schools, drawing mixed reactions from parents and political parties. The debate has intensified following national guidance urging phone restrictions for students, citing both safety and mental health concerns. A recent lockdown incident in Monroe County highlighted differing views about student communication during emergencies. The proposal reflects wider discussions on balancing safety and connectivity for students. (Source: Journal & Courier on Feb 24)
February 20, 2026
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Purdue Surplus Hosts Annual $1 Chair Sale Marking 1985 Basketball Incident: Purdue Surplus is holding its annual chair sale, offering chairs for $1 each in West Lafayette. The event coincides with the anniversary of the 1985 Purdue-Indiana University basketball game, when IU coach Bob Knight threw a chair during a game against Purdue. The sale was originally inspired by a similar event at Indiana University and serves as a practical way for Purdue Surplus to reduce chair inventory. This tradition has now continued for six consecutive years. (Source: Journal & Courier on Feb 20)
February 19, 2026
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Live Music and Comedy Events Highlight Weekend Activities in Greater Lafayette: The Delphi Opera House in Delphi celebrates its 10th anniversary season with performances by Livingston Taylor on February 21 and My Brother’s Keeper, a progressive bluegrass band, on February 28. In Lafayette, the Civic Theatre hosts The Improvised Bachelorette Show by local improv troupe One Size Fits All on February 20. The upcoming schedule also features the Warrior Kings performing Led Zeppelin classics in early March. These events offer a range of entertainment for local residents. (Source: Based in Lafayette on Feb 19)
February 17, 2026
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Greater Lafayette Playwrights Gather to Share and Develop New Theater Works: Local playwrights in the Greater Lafayette area are convening at MatchBOX Coworking Studio to present and refine their latest scripts. This recurring showcase gives writers a forum to share original works both with each other and with the wider community. The event highlights creative collaboration and aims to nurture new voices in Lafayette’s theater scene. Local audiences are offered a chance to engage with evolving productions before they reach the stage. (Source: Based in Lafayette on Feb 17)
February 3, 2026
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West Lafayette Council Rejects Study Resolution on Incentives for Affordable Housing: The West Lafayette City Council voted against a resolution that would have initiated a study on affordable housing incentives. The proposal sought the involvement of the Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission to examine potential zoning changes modeled after practices from Bloomington. While several councilors and residents agreed on the importance of addressing affordable housing, disagreements over definitions and the need for more public input led to the measure's failure. The council remains divided on how to proceed. (Source: Journal & Courier on Feb 3)
January 30, 2026
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Accused in Purdue Student Murder Remains Incompetent to Stand Trial: Ji Min Sha, a former Purdue University student accused of killing his roommate Varun M. Chheda in October 2022, continues to be declared mentally unfit for trial. Sha remains hospitalized at a state facility, and no progress can be made in the criminal proceedings until his competency is restored. Legal representatives and the Tippecanoe County prosecutor agreed to pause further actions until his mental health improves. An insanity defense is expected if the case proceeds in the future. (Source: Journal & Courier on Jan 30)
January 22, 2026
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Winter Storm Forecasted to Bring Significant Snow to Lafayette, Muncie, and Richmond: A winter storm is expected to impact central and northern Indiana, including Lafayette, Muncie, and Richmond, from Saturday evening through Sunday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch, predicting 3 to 6 inches of snow in these regions, while areas further south such as Indianapolis and Bloomington may see up to 8 inches. Hazardous conditions from strong winds and subzero wind chills are likely, though forecasts remain uncertain as the storm has not fully developed. (Source: Journal & Courier on Jan 22)
December 31, 2025
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Notable Indiana Figures Remembered for Their Contributions in 2025: In 2025, Indiana mourned the loss of several influential residents, including Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and high school athlete Mason Alexander. These individuals left a mark on the state through roles in sports, philanthropy, the arts, and business. Their legacies include impacting local communities, mentoring younger generations, and helping shape Indiana's identity. The year brought significant losses felt throughout Greater Lafayette and across Indiana. (Source: Journal & Courier on Dec 31)
December 5, 2025
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Lafayette Community Reflects on Laundromat Shooting One Year Later: One year after the deadly shooting at Lafayette Laundry, the community is still coping with its impact. On December 5, 2024, Louis McGlothlin traveled from Nebraska and fatally shot Keith Ford inside a Lafayette laundromat before taking his own life. Survivor Renee Martin continues to deal with both physical and emotional trauma, while witnesses remain deeply affected. The tragedy has left a lasting mark on those touched by the incident and local residents alike. (Source: Journal & Courier on Dec 5)
November 17, 2025
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Indiana University Faculty Face Bias Reporting, While Purdue Adopts Different Approach: Indiana University has implemented a broad classroom bias reporting process in response to state legislation requiring universities to monitor faculty for impartial teaching. This system, established after Senate Enrolled Act 202, makes it straightforward for concerns about classroom bias to be submitted and reviewed. In contrast, Purdue University has introduced a less accessible and more opaque reporting protocol, sparking differences in how each institution addresses legislative requirements. The changes raise ongoing debate over academic freedom and university oversight. (Source: Journal & Courier on Nov 11)
November 7, 2025
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New Book Chronicles Marquis de Lafayette's U.S. Tour and City Namesake Roots: A newly published book by author Ryan Cole explores the influence of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to the United States, focusing on how his tour helped inspire the naming of Lafayette, Indiana. As the city marks its Bicentennial year, the book provides historical context for William Digby's choice in 1825 to name the settlement after the French general. Cole discusses the widespread admiration for Lafayette following his major role in the American Revolution. The work offers insight into the local heritage and the broader national enthusiasm for Lafayette's legacy. (Source: Based in Lafayette on Oct 9)