Operations are returning to normal at Bally’s after a strange incident this morning.
In the midst of the normal morning routine at Bally’s Casino, the sense of normal disappeared in one frightening moment when a car came crashing through the roof of the conference center. That car came from the top floor of the attached parking garage.
At the time of the crash, Koorsen Fire and Safety was hosting a conference for building inspectors and firefighters at the site. Koorsen is the fire protection company for Bally’s, and they aided in getting the building’s systems turned off. Firefighters and others attending the conference rendered aid at the scene.
The vehicle hit a concrete barrier, causing it to drop through the roof of the conference center, followed by the Ford SUV. The driver of the vehicle was the only injury.
A crane was brought in during the afternoon to lift the SUV and the concrete barrier out of the conference center.
The unanswered question is, “Why?” Police are putting together all of the information, looking at video footage, and planning to talk to the driver to determine what happened.
Bally’s was able to continue with normal casino operations through the day today and the parking garage will remain close until further notice.
Bally’s released the following statement: “We are currently investigating an incident involving a vehicle that drove off the seventh floor of our parking garage and will provide updates as necessary. Upon initial review, the incident appears to be the result of driver error. There are no signage or structural issues with the parking garage. The safety of our guests and staff remains our top priority.”
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Seeking their first regular season conference title since 1991 with two MVC matches remaining, the University of Evansville men’s soccer team welcomes Northern Illinois on Friday night in the final regular season home game of the season. Evansville and Northern Illinois, along with Drake, are tied atop the MVC table with nine points. Kick-off from Arad McCutchan Stadium is set for 6 PM.
Last Time Out
Evansville senior Tancredi Fadda (Monza, Italy/University of Milan) notched his first career brace and freshman Devin Shepherd (Denver, Colo./Arapahoe) added a goal to power the Purple Aces to their first win over Louisville since 2001 on Monday night, taking down the Cardinals by a score of 3-1. The win was Evansville’s first over a power conference opponent since 2013 and the first over the Cardinals in Louisville since 1991.
Evansville jumped on top early in the match, scoring in the fourth minute to take a 1-0 lead. Fadda capitalized on a Louisville mistake, grabbing a loose ball at the top of the box and finding the back of the net for his third goal of the campaign.
Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain/IES Joan Miro) nearly doubled the lead in the 11th minute, but his shot went just wide of the far post to keep it a one-goal game. Aces keeper Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill./Elk Grove) was tested for the first time in the 17th minute and faced another shot on target in the 27th minute, but collected saves on both chances.
Evansville saw another near scoring chance in the 36th minute off a free kick, taken by Ben Zec (Carmel, Ind./Carmel). Zec placed a ball near the penalty spot for Håkon Edstrøm (Baerum, Norway/Norges Toppidrettsgymnas), but his header went just over the crossbar.
Just before halftime, the Aces broke through for their second goal of the match, with Shepherd scoring his fourth goal of the year. The chance was created by Zec once again, who lifted a ball from midfield line on the near side down towards the far side of the box for Shepherd, who uncorked a laser past the Cardinals keeper to make it a 2-0 game.
Louisville battled back in the second half, scoring a goal in the 64th minute to cut the Evansville lead back down to one. However, the Purple Aces kept their foot on the gas pedal and continued to threaten the Cardinals back line. Shepherd nearly secured his second brace of the season in the 72nd minute, putting a left-footed shot on target, but a great save by Louisville keeper Alex Svetanoff denied the freshman.
In the 78th minute, Escudero created another chance for the Aces, earning possession along the sideline in the Evansville attacking end. From there, Shepherd took the ball near the box before giving it back to Escudero, who delivered a beautiful cross into the box for Fadda. Off one touch and a spin, Fadda ripped a shot into the bottom right corner for his second goal of the night, delivering the dagger for a 3-1 win.
Series History
Monday marks the fifth all-time meeting between Evansville and Northern Ilinois. The Purple Aces have won all four previous matchups, including a 2-1 win in DeKalb last year.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men’s and women’s cross country teams return to the course on Friday morning for the MVC Championship, hosted by UE at Angel Mounds Cross Country Course in Evansville.
The day begins at 10:30 AM with the women’s 6k, followed by the men’s 8k at 11:30 AM. Live results can be foundhere.
Last Time Out
Evansville sophomore Chase Hayes (Noblesville, Ind./Western) had a career day at the Angel Mounds Invitational, posting the fourth-best 6k time in women’s program history at 21:53.4, while junior Samuel Lea (Worcester, United Kingdom/Worcester Sixth Form College) recorded the sixth-best 8k time in men’s program history at 24:34.5. As a team, the Purple Aces’ men’s squad finished seventh of 17 teams, while the women placed tenth of 19.
Lea paced the Aces once again, finishing 12th of 209 runners. James Cruse (Melbourne, Australia) placed 43rd overall and 38th in the collegiate race, while Rafael Rodriguez (Segovia, Spain/Colegio Claret) and Woody Burrell (Cedarburg, Wis. Cedarburg) landed in the top 60 overall finishers at 55th and 57th, respectively. Five Aces, Tommaso Losma (Lombardia, Italy/Liceo Scientifico David Maria Turoldo, Zogno (Bg)), Nathan Whitehead (Vincennes, Ind./Vincennes University), Nathan Campbell (Bloomington, Ind./Bloomington North), Oliver Wilgocki (Chesterton, Ind./Chesteron) and Alejandro Navarrete (Mogadore, Ohio/Mogadore), notched personal bests. Evansville’s seventh place finish as a team was the best of three MVC teams competing in the meet.
On the women’s side, Hayes led the way for the Aces, finishing 18th in the 163-runner field. Kyleigh Wolf (Columbus, Ind. Columbus North) also finished in the top 50, placing 45th, while Avery Stephens (Newburgh, Ind./Castle) placed 53rd overall. Seven Aces, Hayes, Wolf, Stephens, Lauren Bradley (Russiaville, Ind./Western), Kyndall Anthis (Patoka, Ind./Princeton Community), Rebekah Sachs (Milwaukee, Wis./Milwaukee School of Languages), and Veronica Wilgocki (Chesterton, Ind. Chesterton HS), notched personal bests.
Meet Information
Friday’s meet will be hosted at the Angel Mounds Cross Country Course (8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville, IN 47715) with a cash-only admission fee of $5.
Located on the banks of the Ohio River in southwest Indiana, Angel Mounds is on the site of a historic Mississippian Native American village. Within its nearly 600 acres, Angel Mounds is home to an interpretive center, nature preserve, hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole disk golf course, and a top-tier cross country course. Angel Mounds State Historic Site is home to the cross country programs at both the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana.
The flat and fast course is divided into 2k and 3k loops to accommodate 5k, 6k, 8k, and 10k courses. 15-20 feet of elevation change per loop. The course has hosted events such as the NCAA DII Cross Country Midwest Regional, NCAA DII Cross Country National Championship, NCAA DI Cross Country Great Lakes Regional, Great Lakes Valley Conference Cross Country Championship, and Missouri Valley Conference Cross Country Championship. Later this fall, the course will host the NCAA DI Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Great Lakes Regional (November 14).
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Soccer had two Screaming Eagles recognized with postseason Ohio Valley Conference honors on Wednesday. The league’s head coaches and communication directors voted on the postseason accolades. Sophomore defender Emma Schut and freshman defender Tierney Mullady were recognized by the conference for their performances in 2025, receiving their first career postseason honors. Schut was named All-OVC Second Team, and Mullady was selected to the OVC’s All-Newcomer Team. Both Schut and Mullady had a significant hand in anchoring the left side of USI’s defensive backline after moving into their respective roles. Schut initially started the season in the midfield before transitioning to left back. Mullady came off the bench in USI’s first two matches of the season before starting at centerback in every game she appeared in for the rest of the season. Statistically, Schut recorded 122 interceptions and won over 65 percent of her defensive one-on-one battles in on-ball defensive situations. Mullady tallied 70 takeaways on the season and won over 75 percent of her defensive one-on-one duels. Additionally, the freshman had a success rate of 70 percent in winning aerial battles for 50-50 balls in the air. Schut and Mullady were also impactful on the offensive end, with each registering a goal and combining for 24 shots in the regular season. The Screaming Eagles concluded the 2025 regular season as the fifth seed in the Ohio Valley Conference Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament, going 7-7-4 overall and 4-2-3 in conference play. USI’s seven overall wins are a program best at the D-I level. USI is making its fourth consecutive OVC Tournament appearance in four years as an OVC member. In Thursday’s first round, USI faces eighth-seeded Southeast Missouri State University at Noon CT from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. The winner advances to face the fourth-seeded host Panthers on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.
INDIANAPOLIS—Today, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the state will embrace the Crossroads of America motto.
“Indiana is proud to be the geographic Crossroads of America, and we are also proud to be at the crossroads of the nation’s leading industries, such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, motorsports, and defense,” said Governor Mike Braun. “We will look for opportunities to lean into this identity and incorporate it into our work.”
Governor Braun also announced the appointment of Josh Richardson as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), effective immediately.
As president of the IEDC, Richardson will oversee the state’s efforts to strengthen workforce alignment and support both the attraction of new businesses and the growth of existing employers through region-led planning.
“Josh brings a rare combination of economic insight and workforce experience,” said Governor Mike Braun. “He understands that growth starts with people—and that the best way to strengthen Indiana’s economy is to make sure our employers, universities, and regional leaders are all moving in the same direction. I have full confidence in his ability to continue driving the state’s momentum and to create lasting opportunity for Hoosiers.”
Richardson most recently served as Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), where he led statewide initiatives to connect Hoosiers to training and high-wage employment, emphasizing employer-led upskilling, data-driven policy, and partnerships that prepare Indiana’s workforce for the demands of a modern economy.
Mike Smith, who has served as Chief Financial Officer of DWD, will assume the role of Interim Commissioner to ensure continuity in the agency’s operations and its ongoing focus on developing talent and supporting employers statewide.
“Indiana’s success has always come from its regions—from leaders who know their communities best and who build growth from the ground up,” said David J. Adams, Secretary of Commerce. “Josh understands the direct connection between talent and industry growth better than anyone. His leadership will ensure that the IEDC continues to support region-led partnerships that grow wages, strengthen productivity, and attract people and investment to Indiana.”
A native of Blackford County, Richardson earned his undergraduate degree from Ball State University and his law degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
Opioid Settlements alone total over $1.1 Billion under Rokita Administration
Attorney General Todd Rokita is distributing $21,763,819.19 to Indiana cities, counties, and towns in the latest round of payments from opioid settlements secured under his leadership. These settlements were secured from companies that allegedly contributed to the state’s opioid epidemic through irresponsible and/or unlawful actions.
“These funds empower our communities to fight back against the devastating impact of opioid addiction,” Attorney General Rokita said. “While no settlement can undo the harm caused, this money supports critical efforts to prevent future crises and provide meaningful support to Hoosiers in need.”
The payments stem from settlements with CVS, pharmaceutical distributors (McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen), Allergan, and Teva. Under Attorney General Rokita’s leadership, Indiana’s opioid settlements now exceed $1.1 billion.
Local governments have flexibility in using these funds, which can support drug disposal programs, drug task forces, regional treatment hubs, early intervention, crisis support, and other programs aimed at addressing or preventing opioid use disorder and overdoses. Guidelines are available on the Attorney General’s website: https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/.
The settlement framework maintains a 50-50 split between the state and local governments. The over $21.7 million allocated to local communities represents 50 percent of this round’s payments, with the other 50 percent directed to the State of Indiana. Local communities are encouraged to seek information about the state’s share to access additional resources.
Board Games Brought to Life – Halloween Hoopla
Thursday, Oct. 30, 3-5 p.m.
Ivy Tech Community College Evansville Main Campus
Enter through Door C, Colonial Ave. side of building
Background: Families are invited to dress up in costume and participate in “Board Games Come to Life” which will include Halloween-themed giveaways, fun activities featuring different departments and student organizations, as well as indoor Trick or Treating throughout the building. The event is free and open to Ivy Tech families and the public.
This outreach activity is sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Staff Council.
On Monday, Gov. Mike Braun announced a special session to consider early redistricting. The last special session in 2022 outlawed most abortions in the state, drawing thousands of protestors to the state capitol. Now the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and others are calling for citizens to converge on the capitol.
Harvard researchers say protests against the Trump administration are greaterin volume and range than those held in 2017 during his first term. The No Kings movement held its second protest on Oct. 18, drawing nearly 7 million people across the nation, including in more than 40Indiana communities.
Early redistricting—in hopes of sending even more Indiana Republicans to Congress—and other Trump administration goals were on the minds of the protesters at the Indiana Statehouse. Statehouse File Olivia O’Neal asked several Hoosiers about why they gathered.
Through the lens of a mother and woman
Alissa Impink, right.
Photo by Olivia O’Neal, TheStatehouseFile.com.
As Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) Board commissioner, Alissa Impink has seen the effects of the Trump administration on education—and she’s also seen it through the lens of a mother and a woman. She discussed this viewpoint at the No Kings 2.0 protest, taking a break on the ground with a coffee in hand.
Impink’s two children are just beginning their education journey in IPS, one in kindergarten and the other in first grade.
“I want them to be able to graduate,” she said.
The largest obstacle may be funding. Impink saw this firsthand when the Trump administration temporarily froze more than $6 billion in federal education grants over the summer. At IPS, Impink said the effect was uncertainty as the school wondered if it would have enough staff and education services, especially those related to special education.
“It was threatening,” Impink said. “I don’t think that is fair when public education is a public good.”
As a member of the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, a nonpartisan foundation advocating for women’s rights, Impink’s concerns extend to school-aged girls. Mental health has been a challenge in teen girls, and Impink said she has heard stories from school social workers and nurses who see it firsthand at IPS. This especially manifests in decreasing attendance. The fear of losing funding, especially considering the $1 billion stopped for school mental health, were some of Impink’s reasons for attending the No Kings 2.0 protest.
Homemade pastries and hard conversations
Kristen Kruger.
Photo by Olivia O’Neal, TheStatehouseFile.com.
In the middle of the crowd at the No Kings 2.0 protest was a foldable table laid out with homemade goods: puppy chow, popcorn, pumpkin muffins and hamantaschen—a triangular pastry filled with jam. Standing over the table, Kristen Kruger from McCordsville said she loved the strawberry jam hamantaschen. The other kinds were peach and blueberry, all with homemade jams.
Kruger gave protestors the opportunity to grab something sweet and maybe chat for a minute or two about concerns like their anxiety that immigration arrestshave caused and the rights of transgender people—a subject she is particularly close to.
Having previously worked at Riley Hospital for Children, Kruger said she used to work with many children who were not able to receive gender-affirming care. As a result, they left the state in search of a place they could express their gender identity freely. If the Trump administration continues to target transgender people, these places could vanish, Kruger worries.
“That’s I think the most disruptive thing is having to flee for your kids to feel safe in school and everything,” she said.
‘I thought my protest days were over’
Joseph Kellar, left.
Photo by Olivia O’Neal, TheStatehouseFile.com.
Joseph Kellar, an Indianapolis resident, remembers protesting for the right to marry in the ’80s and ’90s at the Indiana Statehouse.
“I thought my protest days were over,” he said.
His husband, now deceased, used to accompany him. At the No Kings 2.0 protest, he brought a cooler filled with water bottles to offer to fellow protestors.
“Well, not yet, but I’m afraid of it,” he said in response to whether the Trump administration has done anything to affect him.
He has concerns that Project 2025 will target the LGBTQ+ community and that the Supreme Court may revisit the decision on gay marriage. On top of this, Kellar was protesting violence.
“I don’t like the idea of the sheer brutality that I see on the news,” Kellar said.
‘There are people that are actively being hurt’
Jack Howell.
Photo by Olivia O’Neal, TheStatehouseFile.com.
Jack Howell from Indianapolis has a lot of issues with the Trump administration, from the push to redistrict early to the Supreme Court visiting conversion therapy.
“The big thing that I really hate is not necessarily policy, it’s the way they speak about half of the American public,” Howell said. “Just because you don’t agree with them, now you’re suddenly an enemy, and this is the antithesis to all things that are American.”
He said that the administration is working to divide the American people despite creating issues that affect everyone.
“I don’t think America is nearly as divided as they’re trying to make it sound like. Even here in ruby-red Indiana, I don’t think it’s nearly as sharply divided as what they’re showing and portraying in the media and what this administration is trying to say,” he said.
Having friends who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, Howell has major concerns for people—especially children—who could be affected by loosening regulations on conversion therapy.
“There are people that are actively being hurt,” he said. “I feel so strongly for those people right now … I feel so horrible for even for the MAGA people who are being misled. … They’re hurting just like you are.”
From students to advocates
Quinn McComas, left.
Photo by Olivia O’Neal, TheStatehouseFile.com.
It was Quinn McComas’ and Al Aylesworth’s first protest.
As students at Butler University, they said they are most concerned about declining free speechon college campuses and the removal of DEI programs.
Their concerns stem to other education platforms.
McComas’ mom runs an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) clinic for individuals with autism and other behavioral disorders. Medicare changes are making it harder to afford and find speech therapy and behavioral therapy for the families who need it.
“Stuff that would really make these kids’ lives easier,” McComas said.
The University of Southern Indiana annual Juried Student Art Exhibition, a presentation of selected student artworks from the past academic year, is being held Monday, November 3 through Sunday, December 7 at the McCutchan Art Center/Pace (MAC/Pace) Galleries, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This year’s exhibition features 85 artworks chosen by the juror from 229 submitted entries.
The works are chosen by an expert in the field of art, invited by the Art and Design faculty for their expertise and understanding of undergraduate art works. This independent juror is brought in to ensure an objective selection of artworks and awards and to provide an educational experience for students in preparation for professional careers in art.
The Fall 2025 juror is Garrick “The Grik” Hargrove, Assistant Professor of Fine Art, Sculpture at Herron School of Art and Design, Indiana University Indianapolis. Originally from San Diego, California, Hargrove is an award-winning composer, artist and educator who is always in pursuit of learning and making a difference in the world. Hargrove has been showing and performing worldwide for the better part of 20 years. His work involves his multi-hyphenated skillset to create immersive and memorable experiences.
This year’s participating artists are Shelby Altman, John Atkinson, Jeraldi Barrientos, Abigail Bigge, Clementine Blair, Abigail Brown, Ella Ellerbrook, Amy Elsner, Luke French, Madelyn Galindoi, Ian Girten, Nancy Grant, Rachel Greenwell, Faith Guzman, Deanna Hardy, Ava Harmon, Daniel Heeke, Payton Henn, Judah Henson, Sincere Howard, Michelle Hutchinson, Sebastion Fisher, Holly Karges, Renea Kerchief, Kye Klemczewski, Abbie Kline, Ava Lamey, William Le, Isaiah Lowe, Emily Matheis, Katherine Medina-Martinez, Vanessa Mejia, Madilyn Piper, Hannah Rasche, Angelina Redd, Anthony Reeves, Justin Reherman, Ethan Reherman, Abby Rodocker, Geneva Sagers, Abby Scheller, Delaney Smith, Rae Spears, Baron Stevens, Terry Stuckey, Gwendolyn Stuckey, Addison Sumner, Brielle Taylor, Maxwell Wheeler, Noah Whitler, Sydney Young and Kyhlee Young.
At 4 p.m. Thursday, November 6 in Rice Library (RL0017), the juror will give a lecture about their design work and creative process, as well as speaking to the process of selecting artworks for this exhibition.
A reception for the exhibition will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, November 16. This will include an awards ceremony in the Galleries beginning at 2 p.m. Participating artists and their friends and family are encouraged to attend.
EVANSVILLE, IND. The University of Evansville (UE) has been recognized as one of College Raptor’s 2026 “Hidden Gem Colleges” in the Great Lakes Region. The designation highlights outstanding institutions that deliver exceptional academic quality, student outcomes, and personalized education experiences.
Now in its eleventh year, College Raptor’s Hidden Gems list celebrates colleges and universities that combine excellence with attainability. Institutions selected typically enroll fewer than 7,000 undergraduate students, receive fewer than 5,000 applications annually, and maintain an acceptance rate above 10 percent. Rankings are based on factors such as retention and graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratio, endowment per student, and overall selectivity.
College Raptor is a leading college planning platform that uses AI-driven tools to help students and families identify colleges that align with their academic goals, financial resources, and personal preferences. The Hidden Gems list is designed to highlight exceptional schools that may not always appear in traditional national rankings but provide strong academic programs and supportive campus communities.
More than 37 million students and families have used College Raptor’s platform to explore personalized college matches, estimate costs, and plan for success in higher education. Full details on the Hidden Gem methodology and rankings are available at CollegeRaptor.com.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Evansville, In.: After opening the home schedule against Quad City and Huntsville, the Thunderbolts’ six-game homestand at Ford Center continues this coming weekend as they host the Peoria Rivermen on Friday for Halloween Night and Saturday for Disco Night.
Week In Review:
The Thunderbolts dominated the Quad City Storm on Friday by a 5-1 score, with Scott Kirton scoring twice, along with goals from Will van der Veen, Tyson Gilmour, and Derek Contessa. Evansville ran out of luck on Saturday against the Storm at Ford Center, falling 5-1 with Connor Federkow scoring the Thunderbolts’ goal. On Tuesday morning, Evansville got goals from Kirton and Myles Abbate, but the Huntsville Havoc came up victorious 6-2.
The Week Ahead:
Get ready for a frightfully fun night of hockey! Your Evansville Thunderbolts take on the Peoria Rivermen this Halloween night, Friday, October 31st at 7:00 PM at the Ford Center! Enjoy the perfect post trick-or-treating event! Come in costume and cheer on your Bolts in a night full of tricks, goals, and chills on the ice! The first 1,000 fans in the building will receive a Thunderbolts bucket presented by Amcor, and there will be a costume parade on the ice during the first intermission. Get ready to boogie, Bolts fans! It’s Disco Night at the Ford Center on Friday, November 1st at 7:00 PM as your Evansville Thunderbolts face off against the Peoria Rivermen! Throw on your best disco threads, get down to some funky tunes, and groove through an unforgettable night of hockey action and good vibes!
Coming Soon:
Military Appreciation Night presented by National Vet Help is Friday, November 7 at 7:00 pm against the Huntsville Havoc! A discounted $12 goal zone or $17 center ice ticket is available for all current and former military personnel and up to 5 people with proof of identification using this link: bit.ly/MilitaryAppreciation25 . Game worn specialty jerseys will be auctioned off after the game and replicas will be available at the merchandise stand outside of Section 102.
