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BREAKING NEWS: Bally’s Remains Open After Car Drives Off Bally’s Parking Garage

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Updated November 25, 2024 at 7:30 PM
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.”

State library, Commission for Higher Ed and other agencies see layoffs this week

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  • A 2022 file photo of the Indiana State Library in downtown Indianapolis.

    On June 10, 39 state education employees learned they were being laid off. Three were from the Commission for Higher Education, six from the Department of Education, 14 from the School for the Deaf and 16 from the Indiana State Library. 

    Additionally, 12 positions—eight from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), three from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) and one from the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet—were eliminated this week. This has contributed to the removal of a total of 49 positions within the Office of Commerce, mostly in the form of employee attrition beginning in January.

    The reduction in force (RIF) was enacted to align with the state budget in response to a “$2 billion budget shortfall,” according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary of Education sent to TheStatehouseFile.com

    The recent layoffs were a final resort following other measures like refraining from filling vacant positions and utilizing alternative funding sources, it said. 

    “We have had to make difficult decisions regarding our agencies’ operations to adjust to the realities of a much tighter budget. This includes adjusting staffing levels,” the statement said. “This is not something that was taken lightly. We are grateful for the work of each of these colleagues to serve our agencies and Hoosiers.”

    The state expects to save a combined $7.4 million, it said.

    “These changes support Governor Braun’s key priorities: upskilling Indiana’s workforce, supporting existing businesses, launching the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship focused on Main Street Indiana, and advancing a regional economic development model,” The Governor’s Office said in a statement forwarded by the Office of Commerce.

    Olivia O’Neal is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students.

VHS Announces Rebranding of Pet Food Pantry

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(Evansville, IN – June 11, 2025) – The Vanderburgh Humane Society is rebranding its pet food assistance program of more than 20 years to, “Margie’s Pet Food Pantry” in honor of a longtime volunteer who passed away in 2024.

Margie Cox was a critical volunteer at the VHS for more than 23 years, alongside her daughter Cheri. Vanderburgh Humane Society Director of Advancement Amanda Coburn says, “When we look back at our recent history, it’s very difficult to imagine without Margie. In fact, she and Cheri were there the day that we moved into our current facility in June of 2004, helping move the dogs & cats in.”

Margie volunteered in a variety of capacities over those years. She and Cheri fostered hundreds of litters of puppies & kittens (and their moms!) who wouldn’t have had a chance otherwise, in their personal home.

Margie helped at events, unloaded transports, and cleaned cages when times were tough. One staff member said after she passed, “Margie was the most giving, caring, and dedicated person – she spent so much of her time focusing on things to help others. I wish I knew the number of animals that Margie & Cheri have helped us save, because it would be astronomical.”

And lastly, she was an integral part of the VHS’ pet food bank. The food pantry keeps pets in the homes they already have and ensures they don’t go hungry. For more than 2 decades, on the third Monday of the month, Margie was there…. Passing out pet food to our most vulnerable community members.

When she passed away last February, the VHS leadership team had to evaluate the pet food bank program since it had lost its core volunteer. After reworking some protocols under the leadership of Events & Outreach Coordinator Mackenzee McKittrick, VHS says they’re proud that the expanded program has now serves families within 3 business days, rather than just once a month.

But the biggest change is the name and the official new logo:

VHS Marketing & Communications Specialist Megan Baggett designed the logo with a few very special features in mind:

2) The font used for her name was modeled after Margie’s handwriting on the label of her food bin that was still floating around the shelter months later.

3) The brown in the logo was chosen, obviously, because pet kibble is brown… but the blue is a denim-colored blue, in honor of the denim shirts Margie wore a lot.

Coburn says, “We look forward to remembering Margie in this way for years to come. And when people might look at that logo and say, ‘Hey, who’s Margie?’ We’ll say, ‘She was a wonderful volunteer who loved this program. She loved animals… particularly Dachshunds. And she loved helping people just like you, too.’”

The Vanderburgh Humane Society team also wishes to thank the many volunteers who are keeping Margie’s Pet Food Pantry running efficiently, and keeping pets’ bellies full in the community.

USI Women’s Golf adds Lopez de Haro Juste ahead of 2025-26

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Golf has added graduate transfer Valeria Lopez de Haro Juste to its roster ahead of 2025-26.

Lopez de Haro Juste, from Madrid, Spain, spent the previous four years at Emmanuel University while working toward her undergraduate degree. Lopez de Haro Juste was an all-conference golfer and helped Emmanuel to multiple team podium finishes in four seasons at Emmanuel.

Lopez de Haro Juste is coming off a solid 2025 campaign on Emmanuel’s conference championship runner-up team. Lopez de Haro Juste placed inside the top 15 on the player leaderboard at the conference championship. Earlier in the season, Lopez de Haro Juste earned a top-10 finish at the 2025 Emmanuel Spring Invitational and helped the team win the 2025 Agnes McAmis Memorial after tying for second place on the player leaderboard.

“We are thrilled to add Valeria to our team this season,” USI Women’s Golf Head Coach Ann Sullivan said. “She is a great golfer who will bring a lot of experience to our team. She had a great college career at Emmanuel University, and we are excited to have her finish up her college golf career here at USI.”

Lopez de Haro Juste joins the squad alongside incoming freshman McKenna Lowe. The Screaming Eagles are coming off an improved finish at the Ohio Valley Conference Championship this season with a young, talented roster that featured the program’s first OVC postseason selection in Brianna Kirsch, who earned OVC All-Newcomer Team honors at the end of 2024-25.


Six Flags theme parks join Red Cross to Help Build Summer Blood Supply

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Give blood with the Red Cross and Six Flags Theme Parks
INDIANA, (June 12, 2025) — The American Red Cross and Six Flags theme parks are teaming up this summer to encourage community members to roll up a sleeve and donate blood. Those who come to donate blood or platelets at select blood drives will receive a free ticket to a Six Flags theme park of their choice, in thanks for helping save lives.
The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood supply, all from generous volunteer donors. Changes to the blood supply can happen in an instant, and unexpected events can cause a sudden drop in the availability of lifesaving transfusions. Donors of all blood types, especially those giving type O blood, help ensure patients never have to wait for vital care.
Please visit RedCross.org/2025SixFlagsDrives to find participating blood drives near you and to schedule an appointment using the sponsor code or zip code listed. This page will continue to be updated throughout this summer as additional participating blood drives are announced.
How to donate blood
Donors can visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or learn more information about blood donation. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

HOT JOBS

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Coordinator/Patient Scheduler

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Program Supervisor – Maternal Health Program

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USI signs Bynum for 2025-26​​​​​​​

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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the signing of guard Ahamad Bynum for the 2025-26 season.

“Ahamad brings that Chicago toughness and grit to our ball club,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard “He has played for some great coaches, and programs such as Mac Irving Fire, Chicago Simeon Academy, DePaul, and recently at UTEP.

“Ahamad shot the ball last season at a high clip and brings instant offense to our team,” continues Gouard. “He has deep range with good athleticism and skill, providing us with another guy that can make shots from the perimeter.”

Bynum is transferring to USI after spending last season at the University of Texas El Paso. He appeared in 25 games for the Miners last season, averaging 10.4 points, 1.7 rebounds per contest, and 0.9 assists per game.

The 6-3 guard posted a season-high 24 points versus Kennesaw State University. He also grabbed a season-best five rebounds against Middle Tennessee State University and dished four assists at Florida International University.

Prior to playing last year for UTEP, Bynum earned NJCAA second-team All-America honors at Trinity Valley Community College in 2023-24 after averaging 18.3 points per game. He also played for DePaul University as a freshman, seeing action in 11 games in 2022-23.

Bynum lettered in basketball at Simeon High School (Chicago, Illinois) before starting his collegiate career. He put up 20.5 ppg, 5.3 rpg, and 3.2 apg to help lead Simeon to its 10th Chicago Public League title in 2020-21.

The USI Screaming Eagles are a member of the Ohio Valley Conference and will be NCAA Tournament eligible in 2025-26 following the completion of the accelerated transition from Division II. USI has reached the OVC Championship in two of the first three seasons of Division I action.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.

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Howey Daily Wire  April 8, 2025

 

Happy Tuesday!

Gov. Mike Braun is sticking with a return-to-office directive for state employees. Watch for the latest news about property tax legislation from State Affairs later today. More news below. — Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs

Braun holds firm on return-to-office order for state employees: Braun signed the executive order eliminating work-from-home options for potentially thousands of state employees on Jan. 15. (Davies, State Affairs)

State attorneys general seek common ground amid national contentions: The National Association of Attorneys General in Nashville runs through Wednesday and will cover topics like prison mobile phone jamming legislation, Supreme Court cases, human trafficking, cannabis and artificial intelligence. (Baker, State Affairs)

STATE

State to host national nuclear energy planning retreat: The office of Gov. Mike Braun announced a retreat co-sponsored by the National Governors Association and the U.S. Department of Energy is slated for sometime this summer and will focus on enhancing nuclear energy education and engagement. (Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs)

Indiana needs to retrain 82k+ workers annually to meet demand, Ivy Tech finds: “Indiana needs to improve productivity with the workforce it already has,” according to a report from Ivy Tech Community College, which found that about 70% of job openings across four in-demand industries will require additional training. (Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Rural communities finding solutions to EMS coverage issues: As rural communities are taking the brunt of the hit caused by an EMS and paramedic shortage, communities, nonprofits and government officials are taking action to provide more coverage for rural areas. (Joslin, Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Measles case confirmed in Allen County: The Allen County Health Department said in a press release that one case of measles was found in an unvaccinated minor and that the patient is in stable condition and recovering. (Murphy, WANE-TV)

Trade war expected to batter RV industry: Ball State University economist Michael Hicks says President Trump’s trade war with Canada and Mexico will cause economic pain all over North America, and it will especially hurt the Elkhart area’s RV industry. (Parrott, WVPE-FM)

Trump orders new review of Nippon-US Steel merger: The White House said a fresh look conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. would help the president determine whether further action would be appropriate. (The Wall Street Journal)

USDA, ISDA award $6.7M to 17 farming organizations: The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it has partnered with the Indiana State Department of Agriculture to award $6,714,042 million for 17 grants to “build resilience across the middle of the supply chain while strengthening local and regional food systems.” (Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs)

LOCAL

Questions about property tax reform, federal funding, tariffs prompts Tippecanoe County commissioners to put juvenile detention center on hold: Planning for a juvenile detention center in Tippecanoe County Jail was put on pause with county commissioners pulling back to wait out questions about property tax reform proposals in the General Assembly, federal funding doubts and uncertainty on construction prices due to tariffs. (Bangert, Based in Lafayette)

Noblesville attracts 89 new households through MakeMyMove project: “We’ve (seen) 89 new households relocate to Noblesville and 224 residents come to Noblesville,” Mayor Chris Jensen said of the project offering incentives to attract new residents. “Out of those 224, with their average wage accounted for, we’re going to see a $38 million economic impact over the next five years because of that investment.” (Todd, The Current)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Senate OKs fix for state comptroller’s error affecting three Region cities: The plan to fix a state comptroller’s error that mistakenly paid $12.2 million in extra gaming revenue to Gary over the past three years, while shorting East Chicago and Michigan City, is close to becoming law. (Carden, NWI Times)

Language making it a crime to sleep on public property inserted into SB 197: Senate Bill 197 originally focused on unsafe buildings but an amendment added language that would charge unhoused people who sleep on public property with a crime. (Potter, WTHR-TV)

General Assembly schedule: The House and Senate will convene at 1:30 p.m. Five meetings are scheduled.

CONGRESS

Young proposes to bring more funding to Great Lakes ports: A news release announced Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., introduced bipartisan legislation “aimed at ensuring that Great Lakes ports receive a fair share of existing federal funding available for port infrastructure upgrades and repairs.” (Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs)

Young letter to WSJ editor urges ending legacy or donor college admissions preferences: In a letter to the editor published by The Wall Street Journal, Sen. Young voiced support for calls for more transparency in college admissions and wrote “Legacy and donor preferences serve no public interest — they simply preserve access for the already well-connected.”

Spartz says Ukraine not positioned to keep land in peace talks: Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., Congress’s only Ukrainian member, isn’t afraid to upset her former countrymen, telling The Telegraph they must accept the ceding of territory to Russia and replace wartime leader Volodymyr Zelenskky if they don’t wish to lose their entire country.

Thune: Bill to curb Trump’s tariff power doesn’t have a future — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said a bipartisan bill to curb President Trump’s tariff power backed by seven Republican senators, including Sen. Young, doesn’t have a future in Congress because Trump has already threatened to veto it. (The Hill)

Congressional schedule: The House will meet at 10 a.m. and begin legislative business at noon with budget matters on the agenda. Votes are scheduled no later than 3 p.m. The Senate will convene at 10 a.m.

CAMPAIGNS

Carson faces likely primary challenge: Rep. André Carson, D-Ind, could soon join the ranks of veteran House Democrats facing primary challenges as George Hornedo, a local Democratic operative, eyes launching a bid for his seat this week. (Axios)

Stutzman talks tariffs, DOGE cuts at Steuben County GOP event: Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., spoke in detail about tariffs imposed last week by President Donald Trump and said Congress will not touch Social Security and Medicaid benefits during an appearance at the Steuben County Republican Chairman’s Breakfast in Angola. (Marturello, KPC Media)

PRESIDENTIAL 2025

Bondi: Trump admin to seek federal death sentences ‘whenever possible’ — The Trump administration will pursue death sentences against federal defendants “whenever possible,” according to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. (Hale, WFIU-FM)

NATION

Supreme Court lifts order blocking deportations to El Salvador: The court said the detainees were entitled to notice that they were being removed and an opportunity to challenge their deportations before a federal judge in Texas, near the immigration lockup where they have been held. (The Wall Street Journal)

Stellantis offers to help suppliers pay tariff costs: Jeep owner Stellantis NV is willing to help its suppliers pay tariff costs to withstand the initial shock of President Donald Trump’s trade war. (Bloomberg)

White House schedule: President Donald Trump will participate in a commemorative tree planting at 10:30 a.m. and an “Unleashing American Energy Executive Order Signing Event” at 3 p.m. He will deliver remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee Dinner at the National Building Museum at 6:45 p.m.