Daily
Lafayette
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ LTHC Homeless Services will launch a monthlong campaign in June to support veteran housing services and raise $12,500; the effort will culminate on June 20 with a Motorcycle (Jeep) Ride at Hunter’s Moon Harley-Davidson, 225 Progress Drive. Journal & Courier
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Columbian Park Zoo opened its season on April 11 and the city shared photos on Facebook. Star City News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Phillip VanFossen was confirmed as dean of the College of Education on Thursday, Apr. 16 after serving as interim for four years. The Purdue press release highlighted his close ties with faculty, staff, and students following a lengthy leadership search. Journal & Courier
- ➤ Rossville teacher Quentin Smith was selected to attend C-SPAN Classroom's 2026 Summer Educators' Conference (July 27–29) in Washington, D.C., where about 30 educators will receive training on using free classroom resources to boost civic education. WLFI
- ➤ Purdue University has named Phillip VanFossen as the new dean of the college of education to manage teacher training programs for preschool through grade 12. He served nearly four years as interim dean (he joined the faculty in 1997). Star City News
- ➤ Purdue Agriculture’s Spring Fest takes place today on campus, offering demonstrations, immersive activities and art-and-science swag to all attendees. The free event brings together technology, engineering and the arts for a full day of exploration. Star City News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office data shows first-quarter deaths fell from 284 last year to 217 this year; officials have completed 54 autopsies as they investigate 111 cases. Star City News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ West Lafayette softball posted a 6-1 season record—strong leadership and rigorous offseason practice helped the team—and will face Western in a conference matchup on Monday. Star City News
- ➤ Former Indiana All-Star and Phoenix Mercury draftee Macee (Overman) Williams has accepted the head coaching job for Attica girls basketball, ending a seven-year streak without a winning team; she will also continue as a sixth grade math teacher at Attica Elementary. Journal & Courier
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The Logan Kirby Band Live
7:30-11:59 p.m. — Rat Pak Venue — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening of classic country music with hits from legends like Hank Williams and Merle Haggard.
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Broom Workshop
1-3 p.m. — Castle-Brooks Spiritual Supply — Bring your own broomstick — Create a unique piece of art while learning about broom history.
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Daniel Tiger Visits Your Neighborhood!
1-3:30 p.m. — West Lafayette Public Library — Free entry — Meet Daniel Tiger and enjoy arts and community activities with your family.
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Starry Knight - Pick Your Blacklight Color!
1-3 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — $39 per person — Create a unique blacklight painting with step-by-step guidance from local artists.
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2026 Midwest Glaciology Meeting
May 11-12 — Purdue University — Informal participation encouraged — Dive into the fascinating world of glaciology with talks and a lab tour.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lafayette
Welcome to the Daily Lafayette, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lafayette, Indiana community. If you like the Daily Lafayette, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lafayette.
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