Good morning, Lafayette.

The Purdue Boilermaker Special crashed just before 4 p.m. Thursday on U.S. 52 when it crossed the median and collided with a southbound car, killing the driver while two people in the mascot vehicle were taken to a local hospital as a precaution—Tippecanoe County Sheriff's officials said the cause remains unknown.

Nearly 700 high school students from central Indiana attended the Hands-on Apprenticeship Expo at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds where industry professionals explained that career paths in trades can offer real upward mobility and practical training that avoids costly college debt—program leaders emphasized that the trades are a viable option for anyone interested in hands-on work.

The Indiana Senate passed a bill that will ban lottery courier services and now awaits the governor's signature.

The bill, approved by a 42-7 vote on April 22, targets companies that buy lottery tickets in bulk to resell them online.

Indiana lawmakers sent Senate Bill 289 to Gov. Mike Braun on April 24 to limit DEI actions in public schools and government while allowing lawsuits over alleged violations—voted 64 to 26 in the House and 34 to 16 in the Senate, the bill is expected to be signed soon.

Taylor Henderson, a Charlotte native and former UNC Wilmington guard, announced her transfer to Purdue and will join the women’s basketball team as an incoming junior after redshirting in 2022-23 due to injury—she averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in her sophomore season.

Her move adds a local tie as her younger brother plays defensive back for Indiana—Purdue expects her speed and size to boost its Big Ten lineup.

The 68th Purdue Grand Prix will take place in West Lafayette on Saturday with gates opening at 10 a.m. and the main race starting at 2:30 p.m. Sprint races at noon will decide six qualifying spots — drivers include freshman Aidan Fox and Raif Shah — as teams prepare for the college racing event.

Former Purdue center Gus Hartwig is known for his strong football IQ and size as he returns to Purdue to complete his unfinished business before the NFL Draft.

Coaches say his quick grasp of playbooks and five-year starter experience (he is ranked as the ninth-rated center) will help him earn an NFL offer.

Joel Gentz 5k 2025

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Engineering Fountain — Registration fee applies — Honor our service men and women through this spirited 5k run at Purdue University.

10th Annual GRANT'S HOUSE Celebration

6-10:30 p.m. — Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds — Fundraising event — Celebrate a decade of progress in supporting children with developmental disabilities.

Absolute Light Holistic Fair

10 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds — $10 per person — Explore intuitive readings, energy healings, and unique handcrafted items at this holistic fair.

Colton Dixon Concert

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket info available — Experience the inspiring anthems of Colton Dixon, a Christian music sensation.

Kelsey Greeson Project Concert

7-9 p.m. — The Arts Federation — Cost information unavailable — Enjoy a night of music with Scott Greeson, Vickie Maris, Michael Kelsey, and Courtney Von Drehle, featuring special guest artists.

Tippecanoe Sports Collectibles Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds — Autograph prices vary — Discover a variety of sports memorabilia and engage with sports legends.

Healthy Kids Running Series Spring 2025

3-7 p.m. — Ross Hills Park — Registration available — A fun and supportive running program for kids Pre-K through 8th grade encouraging active lifestyles.

The Michael Kelsey Band Live Performance

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Madam Carroll — No cover — Experience the rhythmic guitar mastery of Michael Kelsey as he creates a captivating musical journey on the water.

Bottles, Brushes & Brunch

1-4 p.m. — Exploration Acres — Ticket required — Kick off summer with a lively brunch party featuring painting, bottomless mimosas, and a live DJ.