Good morning, Lafayette.

Columbian Park Zoo staff have set up heaters and extra bedding as temperatures drop to keep the animals cozy (zookeeper Haley Tomilson said some creatures will remain indoors until it stays warm outside).

Officials responded to a chemical spill on Oct.

8 at 6:40 p.m. when a leak from a semi-trailer caused a spill that stretched about four miles along South Street, Interstate 65, and State Road 25 North; soda ash and water neutralized AQUCAR GA 50 Water Treatment Microbiocide, and cleanup operations were completed on Oct. 9.

Rossville Consolidated School District has added grab-and-go breakfast options on two-hour delay days to support student nutrition and learning.

On Oct. 7, the delayed meal option reached 58% of regular participation (48 meals served) compared to a normal school day.

Purdue Board met Friday to discuss expansion plans for the Indianapolis campus that include new pre-medicine, health, and sports management programs and additional transit stops.

The board also approved housing and dining rates in West Lafayette for the 2027/28 academic year to keep costs low for students.

Researchers from Purdue and the Archaeological Legacy Institute are nearing Nikumaroro—an island linked to Amelia Earhart—aboard the Marin Mainiku, with plans to begin remote sensing upon arrival at midday Monday, Oct.

12. They will use magnetometers and sonar before moving equipment for excavation.

Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith warns Lafayette drivers to stay alert during deer season, especially when passing fields with active harvesting.

He urges drivers to avoid distractions (such as using cell phones) and report deer collisions promptly.

On Friday, the YWCA of Greater Lafayette and local leaders proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The organization said it will raise awareness and promote available 24-hour support services for community members.

Jacinda Jaymes, a breast cancer patient diagnosed during pregnancy who completed chemotherapy and radiation, is finishing her last round of targeted drugs in time for Christmas, sparking hope for a future Disneyland trip with her family.

She advises others to take each day at a time.

On Friday, Oct. 9, high school football games in the Lafayette area saw Lafayette Jeff defeat Marion 71-6, while other local matchups posted varied results (statewide scores were also released).

Purdue Women’s Basketball previewed its 2026-27 season during media days at the Donald E.

Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on Thursday night. The team introduces seven international players to help rebound from a 13-17 record last season.

Sports 18’s Riley Woodall interviewed junior guard CJ Cox during Big Ten Media Days held at the Donald E.

Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont on Thursday. The discussion highlighted Purdue’s plans for the 2026 season as the team looks to replace its senior class with new talent.

Four high school football games on Friday night highlighted local rivalries as Danville faced McCutcheon, Roncalli met Harrison, Covenant Christian played Faith Christian, and Tipton competed against West Lafayette in the Lafayette area (competitive scores marked strong plays).