Friday, May 16th, 2025

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Good morning, Lafayette. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lafayette is celebrating its 200th birthday during Memorial Day Weekend from May 24 to 26 at Columbian Park with a pop-up exhibit in the Carousel Building, discounted fees at the zoo, Express train ride and pedal boat rides starting at 10 a.m., and events such as a baseball double-header, open field day, Memorial Day program, and bicentennial concert on Memorial Island. The city invites residents to join in the celebrations—marking a milestone with special offers, food trucks, and family activities throughout the weekend. Journal & Courier
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Gregory Dwayne Smith Jr. was convicted of rape, attempted rape, criminal confinement and sexual assault for an August 7 incident outside the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center + he faces a combined sentence of three to 16 years for rape along with an extra eight to 20 years as a habitual offender with sentencing scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on July 1. Journal & Courier
- ➤ On May 8, West Lafayette police said a 17-year-old teen fled a traffic stop near Brown Street and Tapawingo Drive and discarded a handgun, leading to felony charges for dangerous possession and unlawful carrying of a handgun and misdemeanor charges for resisting law enforcement, with court records showing he was previously charged for a similar offense in July. Star City News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Steve Earle, 70, will perform at the Long Center for Performing Arts on June 18 as part of his Fifty Years of Songs and Stories tour–his Lafayette connection comes from his ex-wife who signed Guns N’ Roses after discovering Axl Rose. Earle will perform his well-known hits and share stories from his long music career as he visits Lafayette this summer. Journal & Courier
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Purdue University professor Adriana Harmeyer was eliminated in the May 14 Jeopardy! Masters tournament in West Lafayette — she won a $15,000 prize after a close contest with fellow champions. Journal & Courier
- ➤ University of Saint Francis is expanding its health sciences programs to Lafayette using the former Bill Long Medical Building (donated by Franciscan Health) and a $3.5 million anonymous gift that will help fund new associate and bachelor's degree courses. The building will be renamed Our Lady of Lourdes Hall and will host programs in sonography, radiologic technology, and nursing (applications for online prerequisites open this fall and in-person labs and clinicals begin in 2026). WLFI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Lafayette’s post office will move to a new 1,100 square foot facility in the 47901 ZIP code after losing its lease at the Halleck Federal Building. The branch stays open until the new location is ready — workers were told on May 9 that they have until Dec. 1 to relocate. Journal & Courier
- ➤ South 9th Street in Lafayette will close for five days starting May 19 as Norfolk Southern conducts repairs on the railroad tracks — work will begin at 8 a.m.— Homes and businesses near the track will remain accessible while drivers plan alternate routes. Star City News
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Lafayette.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Zero Balancing I Course with Deanna Waggy
8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — The Spine Worx — $795 full tuition, discounts available — Explore the art of Zero Balancing in a hands-on, transformative workshop.
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Flower Press Workshop
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Bennett's Greenhouse — All materials provided — Embrace botanical creativity and learn the art of flower pressing.
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Saturday Social: Tea Party
1-3 p.m. — Grant's House — Free entry — Enjoy light snacks and good company at a community tea party event.
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Open House in Commons Subdivision
5-7 p.m. — 3923 Regal Valley Dr — Free entry — Explore your dream home featuring spacious bedrooms and a backyard gazebo in Lafayette's charming Commons subdivision.
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On-Site Tour of Senior Living Community
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — 5307 N 50 W, West Lafayette, IN — Free entry — Experience the best in senior living with exceptional meals and support services.
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Tom Papa Live Comedy Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of laughter and insightful comedy with Tom Papa's unique storytelling and humor.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Lafayette.
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