Good morning, Lafayette.

McAllister is hosting a new pumpkin decorating contest at its Fall Festival where for $5 attendees will pick up a pumpkin on Oct.

14 and drop it off on Oct. 24 at the McAllister Center; voting to choose the top three pumpkins will take place at the festival from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 26.

Prince, the 18-year-old llama, retired from Columbian Park Zoo today and will join a local farm as he ages to live out his retirement—providing a new chapter for a favorite zoo animal.

This fall, Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette said local events including football games and festivals are boosting Lafayette's economy—tourist spending exceeds $250 million a year and football weekends bring in $16 million.

On Sept. 23, Purdue professor Irith Pomeranz received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Test Technology Technical Council Lifetime Contribution Medal for her research in semiconductor test technology—her work includes developing first-in-class test compaction methods and reducing storage needs.

Eighteen Indiana counties remain under burn bans today because firefighters report extreme dryness—affecting White, Benton, Warren and Fountain counties—and officials have prohibited all open fires until conditions improve.

CityBus announced route 41, a free connector between Lafayette and West Lafayette, is suspended through the end of the year due to an operator shortage—riders will now need to pay for other bus options.

Lafayette police are asking for candy donations + sponsors for the Cops and Goblins event on October 25 from 1-4 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Safety Center; they are also seeking volunteers to help run the event.

Seven Lafayette area high school football players were nominated for Ivy Tech Journal & Courier Football Player of the Week based on performances last Friday.

The poll remains open until Oct. 10 & readers can submit nominations to sports reporter Ethan Hanson via social media.

Ivy Tech Journal and Courier has opened voting for Athletes of the Week nominees from Sept.

29-Oct. 4 including tennis, soccer and volleyball players who achieved key wins in recent matches; the poll will end on Oct. 9. Last week's winners were Faith Christian golfer Addy Brown and soccer player Carter Hodgson.

Purdue's wide receivers showed talent but need more regular play as offensive coordinator Josh Henson said players like Michael Jackson III—who leads with a 61-yard average—stand out while others struggle with drops and injuries.

Coach Barry Odom stressed that every receiver must step up to help the team improve as the season goes on.

Lafayette Jeff and McCutcheon boys soccer teams combined for 11 goals during the IHSAA sectionals — the intense scoring barrage showed each team played aggressively.

Direct From Sweden - A Tribute to ABBA

7:30-9 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic hits of ABBA performed live in a tribute show that captures the essence of their music.

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Purdue Boilermakers Women's Volleyball

8 p.m. — Holloway Gymnasium — As Low As $224 — Witness an exciting volleyball showdown as the Cornhuskers take on the Boilermakers.

Free In-Person Coding Workshop for Kids

11 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. — Comfort Inn Lafayette I-65 — Free entry — Dive into robotics with expert guidance in this hands-on workshop for kids aged 7-14.

Lafayette Family YMCA Trunk-or-Treat

Evening — YMCA of Lafayette Indiana — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with family by exploring creatively decorated trunks filled with treats.

Purdue Boilermaker Half-Marathon & 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Ross–Ade Stadium — Registration Fee — Lace up for the 14th Annual race event attracting over 4,000 competitors.

Tom Segura Live Comedy Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Elliott Hall of Music — Ticket prices range from $48 to $227 — Experience a night of laughter with comedian Tom Segura.

Purple Pearl Trip to Inspired Fire

12-6 p.m. — Inspired Fire Glass Studio — Cost varies — Experience a day of creativity with live glassblowing and hands-on artistry at a renowned studio.

The Phantom of The Opera - Silent Film

2-5 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Not Rated — Experience a classic horror/fantasy silent film with live organ accompaniment by Ken Double.

The Minks Live in Lafayette

6-9 p.m. — People's Brewing Company & Taproom — Tickets TBA — Enjoy a night of psyched out bluesy Rock&Roll with The Minks returning to the stage.

Postmodern Jukebox Concert

7-9 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience top pop hits transformed into vintage classics.