Latest News
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 10, 2026
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Rossville High School Speech Team to Host Annual Lip Sync Contest Fundraiser: Rossville High School will hold its yearly Lip Sync Contest in the school auditorium following the boys' varsity basketball game on Friday, February 13. The $5 admission fee supports the Stinger Speech Team as they prepare for a competitive season with higher travel costs due to the national tournament taking place in Richmond, Virginia this year. Organized by senior speech class members, the event has become a long-standing tradition featuring student performances judged on a range of elements. Community participation is encouraged to help the team succeed. (Source: Journal & Courier on Feb 10)
February 3, 2026
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Indiana Landmarks Grants Support Historic Preservation Across the State: Indiana Landmarks has distributed over $3 million in grants for 2025 to aid the preservation of historic sites throughout Indiana. The funding will assist with a variety of projects including building assessments, restoration efforts, and educational initiatives. Notable recipients include the First Baptist Church in Lafayette, which secured a grant for assessing its historic church buildings. Multiple sites in Lafayette, Muncie, and Richmond are among those set to benefit from these preservation funds. (Source: Journal & Courier on Feb 3)
January 29, 2026
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Veronica's Drag Race and Local Improv Troupe Highlight Lafayette Weekend Events: This weekend in Lafayette, the Rat Pak Venue will host Veronica’s Drag Race, a competition featuring regional drag performers who will showcase their acts and personalities for judges and audiences. Additionally, One Size Fits All, the local improv comedy group, is transitioning its adult shows to the same venue following the closure of Lafayette Brewing Company, while continuing family-friendly performances at the Civic Theatre. These events emphasize the city's vibrant local entertainment scene. (Source: Based in Lafayette on Jan 29)
January 26, 2026
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Snowstorm Brings 7 Inches to Tippecanoe County, Higher Totals Eastward: A winter storm over the last weekend of January 2026 dropped around seven inches of snow in Tippecanoe County, with measured totals ranging from six to 7.5 inches near Lafayette and outlying areas. Muncie and Richmond saw higher accumulations, reaching up to 12 inches in some spots. Despite the snowfall, Tippecanoe County reported only minor vehicle accidents and few disruptions, attributed to effective public alerts. Communities generally stayed off the roads, helping maintain safety during the storm. (Source: Journal & Courier on Jan 26)
January 25, 2026
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Winter Weather Delays Monday Print Newspaper Delivery in Lafayette Region: The Journal & Courier in Lafayette, along with The Star Press and the Pal-Item, will not distribute print editions on Monday due to hazardous cold and snowy conditions affecting road safety. Carriers will deliver Monday's newspapers alongside Tuesday's editions. Online publication will proceed on schedule and print editions are expected to resume delivery as weather allows. These adjustments were made to prioritize the safety of delivery staff and the community. (Source: Journal & Courier on Jan 25)
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)
November 25, 2025
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Richmond Teen Charged With Felony Credit Card Theft and Unauthorized Purchases: An 18-year-old from the Town of Richmond has been charged with felony offenses after allegedly using stolen credit cards to make purchases exceeding $1,000. The suspect, identified as Karl Tyrone Smith, was arrested at his Honeoye residence and is accused of possessing two stolen credit cards. Authorities report that Smith accumulated $1,069.35 in unauthorized charges before his arrest. He was released with an appearance ticket and is set to appear in Canadice Town Court. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 25)
November 21, 2025
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Man Fatally Injured in Richmond Incident Involving Snowplow and Fence: A man died in Richmond, Ontario County, on Thursday afternoon after he was pinned between a snowplow and a fence, according to the Ontario County Sheriff's Office. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but the victim succumbed to his injuries. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Additional details, including the man's identity, were not immediately released. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Nov 21)
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Man Killed in Snowplow Accident While Assisting in Richmond, Ontario County: A 60-year-old man from Swaine died Thursday in the Town of Richmond, Ontario County, after being trapped between a snowplow and a fence. According to the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred at 4690 White Road as the man was helping to secure a snowplow onto a pickup truck. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but the victim was pronounced dead. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Nov 21)
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Man Fatally Pinned by Snowplow in Richmond, Ontario County: A 60-year-old man from Swaine lost his life Thursday in the Ontario County town of Richmond after being trapped between a snowplow and a fence. Authorities report the incident occurred while he was helping to attach the snowplow to a pickup on White Road, when the vehicle unexpectedly rolled forward. Emergency responders freed the man using a tractor and attempted lifesaving measures en route to the hospital. He was later pronounced dead, and the sheriff's office is investigating. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 21)
November 13, 2025
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Families File Lawsuits Against ByHeart Over Infant Formula Botulism Cases: Two families whose infants developed botulism after consuming ByHeart infant formula are pursuing legal action against the company. The lawsuits follow a nationwide recall of ByHeart formula due to contamination risks. The affected families are from Arizona and Kentucky, and allege that the company failed to prevent the contamination and protect consumers. The cases underscore ongoing concerns over product safety in the infant formula industry. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Nov 13)
November 11, 2025
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Ontario County Ballot Counting Ongoing, Canandaigua Supervisor Race Unresolved: Election authorities in Ontario County are still processing several hundred ballots, leaving the outcome of the Canandaigua town supervisor race uncertain. Over 200 mail ballots and additional affidavit ballots remain to be counted, with some votes still eligible to arrive by mail through November 12. Military and overseas ballots will be accepted until November 17, which may impact close contests. Official results are not expected until all ballots are scanned and canvassed next week. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Nov 11)