Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Eva Martin Project donated 1,500 stuffed animals to pediatric patients in emergency rooms and inpatient units at Franciscan Health sites in Lafayette, Crown Point and Indianapolis to ease stress and bring comfort during medical care. Journal & Courier
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette School Corp. will host Kindergarten Round Up on March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at area elementary schools (online registration is available from March 4 through April 30), and children must be five by Aug. 1 with required immunization records to enroll. Journal & Courier
- ➤ Purdue’s faculty senate approved resolutions on Monday to ask administrators to create a sustainability task force by year’s end—faculty and student leaders said the move is needed to boost renewable energy efforts on campus. Journal & Courier
- ➤ Last Saturday, Purdue announced a $25 million donation from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation to its Victories & Heroes campaign, which will support urban expansion in Indianapolis, One Health, and the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Star City News
- ➤ Purdue Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Agronomy and plant geneticist Gebisa Ejeta is set to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame on May 7 in Washington, D.C.—his research into drought resilient and disease resistant grain sorghum hybrids has helped save lives internationally. Star City News
- ➤ The Indiana Court of Appeals hosted its Appeals on Wheels program today at Ivy Tech, offering a live demonstration of a trial to explain how the court works. Over 100 community members attended to learn about legal arguments and the roles of judges (a closer look at our judicial process). Star City News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ West Lafayette will remove the historic Kissing Tree on Grant Street near West Lafayette High School due to safety and sidewalk concerns during spring break starting March 16, with residents invited to share one final kiss on March 9. The city will plant a new tree and use wood from the removed landmark to honor its legacy. Star City News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ NBA star Zach Edey returned to his alma mater on Tuesday, Feb. 17, where fans cheered him during a game. He assisted longtime coach Gene Keady (89) to his seat, adding a warm moment to the event. Journal & Courier
- ➤ Tuesday night at Mackey Arena, Purdue basketball lost to top-ranked Michigan with a 91-80 final as the Wolverines built a large lead early in the game. Purdue's Braden Smith recorded six assists while the team fought to close a big first-half gap. Journal & Courier
- ➤ McCutcheon girls basketball won the Class 4A regional title on Feb. 14 and will play Northridge in the semi-state finals this Saturday, Feb. 21 at LaPorte High School. The Mavericks need two wins—one in the first game and another later—to reach their first state final in 33 years. Journal & Courier
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West Lafayette Polar Plunge
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Lambert Fieldhouse — Registration required — Dive into winter fun while supporting Special Olympics Indiana athletes.
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Pink Droyd: A Pink Floyd Tribute
7:30 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience a theatrical tribute to the unforgettable music of Pink Floyd.
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KenVentus Card Show
10 AM – 4 PM — Ross Camp — Entry fee not specified — Explore a variety of vendors showcasing collectible cards.
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Randy Travis: More Life Tour
7:30 PM — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience the timeless music of Randy Travis live in Lafayette.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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