Good morning, Lafayette.

Purdue opened South Hall today — a new dorm with nearly 900 beds linked to Helen Brandt Hall near campus bus stops — to help meet growing student housing needs.

On Friday, the Purdue board approved a 10-year capital project to renovate the Student Union, library, and Potter Engineering Center in West Lafayette and add a new building in Indianapolis.

The plan aims to ease housing and parking shortages amid growing student enrollment.

The Pink Team Foundation launched its Music Pathways program yesterday with a brunch celebration and is now accepting gently used and new guitars+keyboards for free one-on-one music lessons for local kids.

Purdue trustees approved a new athletic director, construction projects, and a 10-year campus plan as classes near start.

Tommy McClelland will begin in two weeks, and three projects (costing over $30M in total) will update key campus facilities.

Purdue University dedicated its new South Hall on Aug.

7, adding 900 beds for students near Hillenbrand and Harrison halls on MacArthur Drive next to campus bus routes and Discovery Park District.

On Friday, Purdue Board of Trustees approved the 2027 health plan for employees, ensuring no premium increase for current staff while adding benefits including earlier paid parental and sick leave plus a digital security benefit.

The plan sets a modest deductible increase and a 5% premium rate rise for early retirees.

Wabash Avenue will be closed near the Cargill plant for construction starting Monday, Aug.

10 at 6:30 a.m. and ending Wednesday at 8 p.m. — drivers must follow a detour along South/Columbia Street, Tapawingo Drive, South River Road, U.S. 52 and Teal Road.

Purdue AD Tommy McClelland, hired last week, said his in-state joke did not land well during his Thursday briefing and warned recruits who are not championship-minded to look elsewhere.

He is now settling into his new role in West Lafayette, coming from Rice and planning to boost academics and sports.

The Lafayette Aviators ended their season after a strong postseason run at Loeb Stadium.

Players said the summer helped them grow skills and build a bond — like family — that goes beyond winning games.