Good morning, Lafayette.

Lafayette Renew's Green Infrastructure Manager Jake Talley will host a gardening presentation at IU Health Arnett Hospital this Friday from 1-2 p.m. The event will teach tips on collecting native plant seeds, growing tree saplings, and building rain gardens for gardeners of all experience levels.

The USDA asked Indiana to pause sending November SNAP benefits for nearly 600,000 Hoosiers because of the ongoing government shutdown—food banks are preparing to help as many federal workers may not receive their pay on time.

Caterpillar Inc. announced on Tuesday a $5 million plan to boost Indiana manufacturing education at its Lafayette facility (the funds will support vocational training and STEM programs).

The move follows a $725 million expansion that added 100 full-time jobs, and Gov. Mike Braun praised Indiana's strong manufacturing base.

Lafayette officials and project workers will host a public meeting on Poland Hill Road Project next Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at River City Community Center to gather local feedback on the planned improvements.

Purdue point guard Braden Smith signed an NIL deal with Trueblood Real Estate—headquartered in Fishers with a local office in Lafayette—that will include internal appearances and social media promotions ahead of his exhibition match against the Kentucky Wildcats tomorrow.

Smith was recently named the Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year.

Sports editor Austin Hough shared his predictions for Indiana high school football postseason play, including his picks for each class and key matchups as teams prepare for sectional games and regional rounds beginning October 31—local teams like Lafayette Jeff are featured among the forecasts. His analysis details favorites and darkhorse teams and outlines the pressure of a grueling season with games played in all weather conditions.

Brooks Barnhizer, a Lafayette Jeff graduate, made NBA history on October 21 when he became the first rookie to wear a debut patch on his jersey during the Thunder's season opener against the Houston Rockets — Topps removed the patch to feature it in a one-of-a-kind autographed trading card.

Fifteen Lafayette area high school football matchups were previewed for Friday's IHSAA playoffs as 21 teams are set to compete.

The report outlines key players and game strategies for contests such as Central Catholic+Seeger and West Lafayette+Western to help fans know what to expect.

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.

PMO Fall Show

7:30 p.m. — Long Center for the Performing Arts — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of choral performances featuring Purdue student groups in a historic venue.

McCutcheon Holiday Bazaar

9 AM – 2 PM — McCutcheon High School — Free entry — Explore crafts, vendors, and food trucks to kick off the holiday season.

Natalie Grant Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Elliott Hall of Music — Ticket prices vary — Experience an uplifting night of music featuring Natalie Grant alongside MercyMe.

The Wizard of Oz

7 p.m. — Rohrman Performing Arts Center — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the timeless magic of Oz in a mesmerizing performance.

Young Frankenstein Musical

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a comedic twist on the classic monster tale at this local favorite venue.