Good morning, Lafayette.

Brooke and Nirvana Grant have transformed their home (off 4th street south of downtown) into a festive display with blowups and lights that let kids take photos with Santa.

The couple said they will add more decorations in future years.

Several tech companies are developing data centers in Indiana and nearby states as part of a Midwest boom fueled by growing AI demand (with projects including an upcoming Amazon facility west of South Bend).

Locals are watching closely as these investments raise both economic hopes and concerns over energy consumption.

Tuesday, Burnett Creek Elementary held its annual Day of Giving where fifth graders created no-sew blankets, pet toys and scarves for local organizations.

Parents donated materials to support transitional housing, a humane society and nursing homes+ the event spread holiday cheer.

Three high school students received Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships this morning from the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette.

Keiley Eads, Lucas Learman, and Antonio Figueras — from McCutcheon and Harrison High Schools — earned full tuition for four years at any Indiana university.

The Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission approved adding the Long Center and City Hall to local historic districts as a step to protect Lafayette’s heritage.

The recommendations will be presented to City Council at their Jan. 5 meeting.

LPD officers gave $100 holiday gifts to three Goodwill employees at a south side store, but a manager reportedly warned that employees risked losing their jobs if they did not turn over the funds per department policy.

The Columbia Street Bridge will close today at 7 p.m. for 3-6 hours to allow Duke Energy to place transformers at the John Purdue Block project site, and westbound traffic will be rerouted north on 4th Street to Salem Street via the Harrison Bridge.

Indiana Wish granted a wish to Kendal Rider, a Manchester University student, by providing her a German shepherd service dog named Koda who alerts her when her blood sugar drops dangerously low + Koda has already proven vital in keeping her safe from severe hypoglycemia.

Three Purdue volleyball juniors were named All-Americans on Wednesday after the season ended Saturday with a 27-7 record; Wollard (the Midwest Region Player of the Year), Anderson, and Heaney earned honors, with Anderson logging 1,420 assists and Wollard ranking sixth nationally with 577 kills.

Several Purdue football players have announced plans to enter the transfer portal when the window opens on Jan.

2 through Jan. 16 as coach Barry Odom prepares to evaluate talent for the 2026 season — a change following the elimination of the spring portal window.

Help Hounds Live Performance with Jon St. Bourbon

6-9 p.m. — People's Brewing Company & Taproom — Free entry — Help Hounds returns with Jon St. Bourbon for an evening of Americana tunes in a cozy brewery setting.

Christmas Eve Pancake Walk/Run 5K

1-5 p.m. — 500 Sagamore Pkwy W, West Lafayette, IN — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 5K run/walk followed by delicious pancakes on Christmas Eve.

Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers Women's Basketball

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Mackey Complex — Cheer on our lady Boilers to victory against Ohio State.

Vision Board Party

1-3 p.m. — West Lafayette Indiana Nutrition — $10 for board and supplies, $20 for board, supplies & drink — Create a vision board to outline your goals for the year ahead.

The Hobbit

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical journey of The Hobbit in a charming local theater setting.