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Hello West Lafayette! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Purdue’s $25 million boost, Randy Travis live, and Howl Nights at Wolf Park + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Capital campaign fuels university growth: Purdue announced a $25 million commitment from the Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation for Strategic Pillars, including expanding the White Lodging-J.W. Marriott, Jr. School to Indianapolis in Fall 2026 — get all the details.

A family’s healing mission: Indiana Franciscan Health hospitals received more than 1,500 stuffed animals from The Eva Martin Project, bringing comfort to kids in ERs and inpatient units while honoring 3-year-old Eva Martin’s memory — read the full story.

Early lessons on equality: West Lafayette Elementary celebrated Black History Month with a presentation featuring five Black leaders, including Siara Carpenter. Over 600 kindergarten through third graders participated after parent Donna Raymons sparked it — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Discuss homelessness, join the Community Pledge
• Explore maple syrup from tree to table
• Hear Randy Travis’ iconic hits live
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Small plates, big mood: Downtown feels easy at RITUAL with shareable bites like pulled pork sliders with truffle fries, mini beef Wellington, and elote street corn bites, plus well-made cocktails and a cozy candlelit vibe. Ideal for low-key midweek catch-ups when you crave flavor without the full sit-down marathon.

Dial in your setup: New bow to sight in, a quick pre-weekend tune, or clarity on jigs? At Geneo’s Hunting and Fishing, get certified crossbow repairs, pro bow service, fishing tackle, bowfishing supplies, and straight-talk advice from folks who actually spend their time outdoors.

Movie night, leveled up: Skip the Indy trek and catch that new release close to home. GQT Eastside 10 IMAX makes it easy with nearby screens, cushy seats, and towering sound and picture. It’s the reliable plan B that somehow plays like plan A… effortless, local, and always a good call.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🧶 The Most Colorful Quest: A Homeschool Textile Adventure @ Flourish Studio & Classroom | Wednesday (3/4) at 1:30 PM – If your homeschooler’s art time needs a plot, send them on a four-week quest to restore Colorhues. They’ll design a hero and banner, weave a basket with handles, build a yarnscape, finger-knit talismans, and outwit one dramatic warlock. Bonus, the saga continues with Part 1.2.

🌿 Songs & Sketches from Nature’s Edge @ Lilly Nature Center | Wednesday (3/4) at 6:30 PM – Celery Bog gets the artsy treatment, with favorites Joe Peters serenading while Rena Brouwer paints a live watercolor for Wednesdays in the Wild’s 25th. Think campfire tunes meets plein air magic, minus mosquitoes. Registration required by noon Mar 2, call or email, Facebook doesn’t count.

❄ Winter Market @ Lahr Atrium | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Whether you’re clinging to your scarf or spotting shamrocks, hit the indoor Winter Market at 117 N 5th Street. Shop favorite farmers market vendors, hear Grant Spence strum, and let the kids burn energy, while you chat with neighbors and pretend it’s cardio.

🧵 LCS Craft Fair @ Lafayette Christian School | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Take a break from spring cleaning and wander the annual spring craft fair, where local makers show off the good stuff you actually want. Think handmade finds, thoughtful gifts, and the kind of neighborly chatter you pretend you’re too busy for, then savor anyway.

🍁 Maple Sugaring @ Fort Ouiatenon | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Skip errands and do maple sugaring and history at the Fort Ouiatenon Blockhouse. Reenactors unpack the fur trade, Native American and French culture, with Warren-Piece activities for all ages. Free admission, free parking, all weekend, Feast vibes, minus the mud.

🦉 DIY Owl House Workshop @ Halsema Custom Crafts | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Build an owl house, impress the backyard HOA of feathered pest control, and call it quality time. This beginner-friendly workshop sends you home with a hand-built, decorated wooden roost, all materials included, kids 6+ welcome, and $35. Save a spot: https://square.link/u/mmdzHXck

🐺 Howl Nights @ Wolf Park | Saturday (3/7) at 6:30 PM – Saturday nights at Wolf Park mean swapping small talk for howls. Stroll the park trail to spot ambassador wolves, foxes, bison, and one judgmental box turtle, then learn wolf speak and join a group howl that beats karaoke. Advance tickets recommended, bring your moon face.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 West Lafayette report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 53°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 55%

A chance of rain and patchy fog before 8am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain between 8am and 11am, then rain likely and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a high near 53. East wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely and patchy fog before 7pm, then rain likely and a chance of thunderstorms and patchy fog between 7pm and 11pm, then rain and areas of fog and a chance of thunderstorms between 11pm and 3am, then rain and a chance of thunderstorms and patchy fog. Cloudy, with a low around 49. Southeast wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 64°F – Low: 50°F – Precip: 91%

Rain and a chance of thunderstorms and patchy fog before 7am, then rain and patchy fog and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 64. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 50. South southwest wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This executive home sits on nearly an acre at the end of a cul-de-sac in Capilano By The Lakes, minutes from Purdue. Lush landscaping, a koi pond, and deck set the scene. Inside, a gourmet kitchen, three fireplaces, and a room off the foyer impress. Upstairs includes a Jack-and-Jill bath. The finished lower level hosts a theater and wet bar.

Take a peek inside →