Good morning, Lafayette.

Families in West Lafayette will be able to pick up a free backpack and school supplies at upcoming back-to-school events (held over the next few weekends) provided by The Salvation Army in partnership with WLFI.

Rocco's Barbershop will offer free kids' haircuts during National Night Out on Aug.

1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Columbian Park, and the event will also feature boat, train and carousel rides, bounce houses and food trucks while supplies last.

A century agave at Purdue University began a rare death bloom as its flower stalk climbs over 45 feet tall and soon drops seeds before the plant dies.

Purdue is offering greenhouse tours and a live webcam for visitors to watch the bloom unfold.

Makayla Spray, a longtime 4H participant, was crowned 2026 Miss Tippecanoe County 4H Fair Queen on Friday night at the fair, fulfilling a lifelong dream (she has mentored younger contestants).

She will join ribbon presentations and an antique tractor parade and prepare for the state fair queen contest in January.

The 4-H Fair canceled its poultry show scheduled for Tuesday at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds after infectious coryza was confirmed among the chickens, and all birds were sent home to prevent the disease from spreading.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management awarded $308,300 to 23 Solid Waste Districts for tire cleanup projects across Indiana.

The grants aim to help communities recycle tires and reduce hazards (fire and pest risks).

Purdue Football head coach Barry Odom says his team is prepared with strong mental conditioning + recruiting to face Big Ten competition.

The players are excited to prove themselves in front of passionate fans at Ross-Ade Stadium this season.

Readers can vote to decide which Indiana high school gym is the best in a poll that runs until 11:59 p.m. Saturday, July 25.

The vote follows a July 9 feature on the historic gym sizes in the state’s basketball scene.

The fifth annual Indy Classic will take place Dec.

19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Purdue facing Colorado and Butler playing Georgia Tech in a college basketball showcase — ticket info and game times will be announced later.

Lake Freeman Brews Cruise

4-7 p.m. — Madam Carroll — Cost varies — Enjoy craft beers from local breweries while cruising beautiful Lake Freeman.

Wine After Work

4:30-7:30 p.m. — Wildcat Creek Winery — Enjoy great wine, live music, and delicious food from local food trucks.