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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.”

USI finishes strong at Payne Stewart Memorial​​​​​​​

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Golf finished strong and finished ninth in the 2025-26 opening Payne Stewart Memorial in Springfield, Missouri. The tournament was hosted by Missouri State University at Twin Oaks Country Club.
 
Day 1 (36 holes):
USI was 10th of the 11 teams after the first day of the tournament, following a two-round 637 (317-320). The Screaming Eagles were ninth after the first 18 holes but dropped back to 10th following round two. Sophomore Fernanda Vera and graduate Valeria Lopez led the Eagles with each posting a two-round 154 (77-77). Vera and Lopez were tied for 32nd after the first 36 holes.
 
Day 2 (18 holes):
The Eagles improved 12 strokes, as a team, in the final round to return to the ninth with a 308 in the third 18 holes. Vera and junior Tora Timinsky tied for the team lead in the third round, each posting a 76. Freshman McKenna Lowe followed with a 78.
 
Final Results:
The Eagles shot a three-round 945 (317-320-308) as a team, finishing ninth ahead of Oklahoma City University (10th) and Western Illinois University (11th). Missouri State won its home tournament with an 866 (287-288-291).
 
Individually, Vera tied for 31st overall with a 54-hole score of 230 (77-77-76). She had 10 birdies during the tournament.
 
Lopez was close behind, tying for 35th with a 232 (77-77-78), while sophomore Brianna Kirsch was nine strokes back with a 241 (80-81-80) to place 53rd. Timinsky and Lowe rounded out the Eagles, placing 55th and 58th, respectively. Timinsky shot a 244 (83-85-76), while Lowe rounded out USI’s five with a 250 (85-87-78).
 
NEXT UP FOR USI:
USI continues the 2025-26 fall season September 15-16 by playing in The Velvet, hosted by Murray State University at Country Club of Paducah in Paducah, Kentucky. The Eagles finished 13th a year ago at The Velvet and return four of the five players who scored in the tournament.
 

Aces Welcome Xavier for Midweek Match

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The University of Evansville men’s soccer team wraps up a three-match homestand on Wednesday, hosting Xavier at Arad McCutchan Stadium. Kick-off is set for 6 PM.
Last Time Out
Evansville dropped their second contest of the season last Thursday night, falling to Lindenwood 1-0 at Arad McCutchan Stadium.

The first 45 minutes of the night were scoreless, with Lindenwood out-shooting Evansville 5-2. Evansville nearly broke through early in the second half on a set piece, but a header from Nacho Garcia (Zaragoza, Spain/UNIR) was saved and the Aces were kept off the board.

Lindenwood found the winner just over ten minutes later, netting a goal off a set piece in the 59th minute. The Lions’ defense held strong for the remainder of the contest, withstanding four Evansville shots to secure the shutout.

Series History 
Thursday marks the 27th all-time meeting between the former MCC foes, with the Purple Aces holding a 19-5-2 advantage. Wednesday’s match will be the second meeting between the two sides in as many seasons and the fifth meeting since 2010. Xavier has won the last three match-ups, including a 2-0 win last season in Cincinnati.

Scouting Xavier
Xavier brings a 1-2 record into Wednesday’s match, defeating Saint Francis to open the season before falling to Bellarmine and Northwestern.

Attorney General Todd Rokita leads 17 states in effort to end unconstitutional race, gender rules in INDOT contracts

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Attorney General Todd Rokita is leading a 17-state effort in support of the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) request for a waiver from the discriminatory and unlawful race and gender-conscious requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

DBE program regulations require INDOT to consider race and gender when hiring contractors for infrastructure projects.  In many cases, the regulations require INDOT to allocate a portion of federal highway, transit, and airport funds to small businesses owned by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Federal regulations also force INDOT to employ a presumption that businesses owned by women or members of certain minority groups automatically qualify as disadvantaged, thus placing businesses owned by men or individuals of races that aren’t given special preferences by federal regulations at a competitive disadvantage and undermining fair competition. That presumption impermissibly introduces race and gender classifications into the DBE program.

To ensure it is acting consistent with the Constitution, INDOT has requested that the U.S. Department of Transportation waive the requirement that INDOT use the discriminatory presumption in how it administers the DBE program.

In a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Indiana-led, multistate coalition argues that the DBE program’s race and gender-based rules are unconstitutional, violate the Equal Protection Clause, and conflict with the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The states also argue that granting INDOT waiver would advance President Trump’s historic work eliminating DEI from federal government programs and practices.  Indiana and other states have also previously submitted an amicus brief arguing that the racial and gender aspects of the DBE program are unlawful in the case of Mid-Am. Milling Co., LLC v. USDOT , where private contractors have challenged the presumption’s legality.

“Forcing INDOT to prioritize contractors based on race or gender is unconstitutional and undermines fair competition,” said Attorney General Todd Rokita. “Granting thewaiver INDOT is requesting, is well within the Department of Transportation’s authority and would be a critical step toward ensuring that Indiana’s transportation projects are awarded based on merit, not arbitrary classifications, and aligns with our constitutional duty to uphold equal protection under the law.”

In a related effort, Attorney General Rokita has worked to ensure state procurement policies are aligned with equal protection principles by requiring state contractors to commit not to discriminate on the basis of race and sex in the name of DEI.  That effort complements Governor Braun’s actions to eliminate discriminatory DEI initiatives. In January 2025, Governor Braun issued an executive order forbidding executive branch state agencies from using state funds, property, or resources to “support diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, departments, activities, procedures, or programs if they grant preferential treatment based upon one person’s particular race.”

President Donald Trump, Attorney General Rokita, and Governor Braun have taken aim at discriminatory DEI programs in a variety of ways to ensure equal opportunity for all. Attorney General Rokita’s letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation is just another step in accomplishing this shared goal.

Read the letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation here.

Mayor Stephanie Terry, Rep. Alex Burton, and Councilor Ben Trockman to Speak at Disability Town Hall in Evansville

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Evansville, IN — The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) invites community members to join an upcoming Disability Town Hall on Tuesday, September 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CT at the DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville.
This free event will feature Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, State Representative Alex Burton, and Evansville City Council President Ben Trockman, who will speak directly with the disability community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and engage on issues that matter most to Hoosiers with disabilities.
Discussion topics will include healthcare, transportation, and other key priorities that impact the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities.
“Events like this town hall are essential in ensuring that policymakers hear directly from the disability community about the barriers and solutions that affect their daily lives,” said Mike Foddrill, Executive Director of INSILC.
The event is sponsored by AARP Indiana.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Announces New Appointments to the Medicaid Advisory Committee

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) today announced the appointment of new members to the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC), a body established under Indiana Code 12-15-33 to provide public input and feedback on Indiana’s Medicaid program.

The MAC serves as a forum for stakeholders—including providers, beneficiaries, advocates, elected officials, and citizens—to advise the state Medicaid agency on program policies and proposed changes. Meeting quarterly, the committee ensures that Indiana’s Medicaid program remains responsive to the needs and concerns of Hoosiers.

The newly appointed members are:

Provider Representatives

  • Terry Cole – CFO, Indiana Hospital Association (Hospitals)
  • Donna Elbrecht – CEO, Easterseals of Northeastern Indiana (Waiver Providers)
  • Richard Nussle – Executive Director, Indiana Osteopathic Association (Osteopathic Medicine Providers)
  • Kent Rodgers – Advisor to the Board of Directors, CarDon & Associates (Assisted Living & Nursing Facility Providers)
  • Sarah Bosslet – Indiana Pediatric Association / Traders Point Pediatrics (Pediatric Medicine Providers)
  • Zoe Frantz – President & CEO, Indiana Council of Community Mental Health Centers (Mental Health Centers)

Managed Care Entity Representatives

  • Blaire Hadley – Director of Government Relations, Insurance Institute of Indiana
  • Christina Hage – Plan President & CEO, Managed Health Services (MHS)

Consumer Advocacy & Community-Based Organization Representatives

  • Kim Dodson – CEO, The Arc of Indiana (Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities)
  • Cara Veale – CEO, Rural Health Association (Rural Health)

Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Commission Members

  • Neil Samahon
  • Kate Miller
  • Gale Everett
  • Abigail Beckham
  • Mindi Ramsey
  • Chris Grosse

Legislative Appointees

  • Sen. Jean Leising – District 42
  • Sen. Ed Charbonneau – District 5
  • Sen. Fady Qaddoura – District 30
  • Sen. Shelli Yoder – District 40, Minority Caucus Leader
  • Rep. Brad Barrett – District 56
  • Rep. Ed Clere – District 72
  • Rep. Chris Campbell – District 26
  • Rep. Robin Shackleford – District 98

Ex-Officio Members

  • Mitch Roob – Secretary, Family and Social Services Administration
  • Lindsay Weaver, MD – Commissioner, Indiana Department of Health
  • Megan Ornellas – CFO, Indiana Department of Child Services (Commissioner Designee)
  • Sarah Sailors – Director, Division of Mental Health & Addiction

 

Rucks Family $50,000 Gift Establishes Scholarship for Education Students at UE

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EVANSVILLE, IND. (09/09/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) has received a $50,000 planned gift from the late Gerald L. Rucks and Carol A. Rucks ’64, creating an endowed scholarship fund to support future educators. The Carol (Umbach) and Gerald Rucks Endowed Scholarship Fund for Education Students will assist those pursuing degrees in education and, when possible, history majors or minors with a demonstrated commitment to service.

Carol (Umbach) Rucks, an Evansville native, graduated from F.J. Reitz High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at UE in 1964. During her college years, she was active in Beta Sigma Omicron sorority and formed friendships that lasted throughout her life. The education she received at UE prepared her for a distinguished career as an educator and reading specialist in Hinsdale, Illinois, where she became known for her dedication to literacy and student success.

Gerald “Jerry” Rucks, who shared nearly 50 years of marriage with Carol, was a U.S. Army veteran whose career spanned business, teaching, and public service. He managed his family’s dry-cleaning business, taught electronics, and later worked at the Illinois Unemployment Office. Known for his fairness and compassion, Jerry also devoted time to community organizations. After retiring, the couple moved to Tucson, Arizona, where they remained active in civic and cultural life through groups such as the Sons of Norway, with Jerry serving as treasurer and Carol as a board member.

The couple’s planned gift underscores their lifelong belief in the power of education. “Carol and Jerry Rucks understood the power of education to shape lives, communities, and futures,” said Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, UE president. “Through their generous gift, they are creating a lasting impact that will inspire students to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and carry forward the spirit of changemaking that defines the University of Evansville.”

The Rucks’ journey from Evansville to Illinois to Arizona was marked by service, humility, and generosity. Their legacy will now endure through the scholarship that bears their names and through the students whose education it supports.

 

Lammers Earns Second Consecutive MVC Goalkeeper of the Week Nod

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – After recording her second clean sheet in as many starts and helping the Purple Aces win their third game in a row, University of Evansville goalkeeper Allie Lammers (Cincinnati, Ohio/Mount Notre Dame) earned her second consecutive MVC Goalkeeper of the Week award, the league office announced Tuesday morning.

Lammers ran her scoreless streak to 225 minutes in Thursday’s win over Austin Peay, setting a career-high with four saves. With her team leading 1-0, the sophomore made three saves in the second half to seal the win and help the Aces improve to 4-1 on the season, their best start since 2021. Since entering in the second half against Purdue on August 28, Lammers has earned three wins without allowing a goal, facing 32 shots with nine saves. Lammers is one of five qualified goalkeepers in the country to have not allowed a goal this season.

The nod marks UE’s fourth MVC weekly honor this season, the most of any Valley school, while Lammers becomes The Valley’s first repeat weekly honoree of the year.

Evansville looks to win their fourth game in a row on Thursday with a road contest at UT Martin. Kick-off is set for 7 PM.

Sammy Dowd promoted to Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach

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 Dowd joined the program in 2022

 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville head men’s basketball coach David Ragland has announced the promotion of Sammy Dowd to a Assistant Coach – Director of Player Development with the Purple Aces program.

“I’m thrilled to share the news of Sammy Dowd’s elevation to Assistant Coach – Director of Player Development. Since our arrival in Evansville, Sammy has made a tremendous impact on our program. His journey has been one of steady growth and commitment — from player, to Graduate Assistant, to Director of Operations, and now stepping into this well-earned role on our coaching staff,” Ragland said. “Anyone who knows Sammy understands the contagious energy and unwavering work ethic he brings every single day. No task is beneath him, and his dedication to our players’ development — both on and off the court — is unmatched.

I have full confidence that Sammy will thrive in this new position. He is a rising star in our profession, and we’re lucky to have him continue growing within our program.”

After joining the program as a graduate assistant prior to the 2022-23 campaign, Dowd was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations in 2024. In his work with the program, Dowd has contributed in a number of facets including team logistics, managing practice schedules, facilitating communication between the coaches and student-athletes, operations, and compliance.

“It is an incredible honor to step into a new role for the Purple Aces program. I am grateful to Coach Ragland for his belief in me and for the opportunity to continue learning under his leadership, as well as from the rest of our outstanding staff,” Dowd exclaimed. “Excited to step into a greater role where I can continue to impact the student-athlete experience both on and off the court. Heading into year four with such a special group makes this moment even more meaningful. Let’s keep building together. Go Aces!”

Dowd, a native of Seattle, Washington, came to Evansville after concluding his playing career for the University of the Philippines in 2020. He played his final two collegiate seasons at Idaho State where he saw action in 56 games while making 10 starts. His top performance came against Portland State where he scored 13 points.

Following his junior campaign in 2017-18, Dowd was the recipient of the US Basketball Writers Association’s Most Courageous Award,, which was presented at the NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Registration open for Fall 2025 USI healthcare conferences and workshops

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During the fourth quarter of 2025, USI’s Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning will offer the following conferences and workshops designed to provide essential continuing education and professional development opportunities for health professionals across disciplines.

Suturing Workshop – Tuesday, October 7

This interactive, hands-on workshop is designed to enhance basic suturing skills for wound repair. The suturing techniques are applicable to most primary or urgent care settings.

The workshop welcomes all skill levels. All supplies and practice materials will be provided. Enrollment is limited to optimize the learning experience.

The deadline for reduced registration is Tuesday, September 23. For more information, visit USI.edu/suturing. 

Pharmacology Update for Healthcare Professionals Webinar – Friday, October 24

This all-day, virtual workshop focuses on updating clinical pharmacology knowledge. The content is appropriate for pharmacists, physicians, physician assistants, nurses and advance practice nurses in ambulatory and acute care settings. Participants will have an opportunity to review new therapies for the treatment of common chronic diseases, review the pharmacology and clinical use of select drugs and discuss common practice scenarios.

The deadline for reduced registration is Friday, October 10. For more information, visit USI.edu/pharmacology. 

Healthcare Educator Virtual Conference: Igniting Educational Excellence – Friday, October 31

The Healthcare Educator Virtual Conference is designed for healthcare educators at every stage of their career, from newcomers to seasoned professors. In a region where educator development conferences are few and far between, this is your unique opportunity to enhance your teaching skills, discover cutting-edge strategies and explore the latest technologies shaping healthcare education.

This virtual conference will empower attendees with the knowledge and tools to elevate their teaching and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The deadline for reduced registration is Thursday, October 16. For more information, visit  USI.edu/healthcare-educator. 

Professional Ethics Seminar – Thursday, November 20

This insightful seminar is designed to help health professionals navigate the complex ethical issues and dilemmas they face in today’s healthcare environment. Participants will enhance their knowledge and skills to better identify and address these challenges in their professional practice.

This seminar is jointly provided by the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning, Ascension St. Vincent Evansville and Deaconess Health System.

The deadline for reduced registration is Wednesday, November 5. For more information, visit USI.edu/health/ethics. 

Anticoagulation Care Opportunities

Health professionals can expand their knowledge in anticoagulation care with three specialized online certificate programs.

  • Anticoagulation Therapy Management Program: An intensive eight-week program exploring oral and parenteral antithrombotic agents, complex patient scenarios and evidence-based protocols and tools (40 contact hours). Next start date is Monday, October 20.
  • Oral Anticoagulation: An independent study course with three modules providing a refresher of key drug differences, therapeutic guidelines and patient management strategies (10 contact hours).
  • Bridging Therapy–Current Practices for Bridging Between Blood Thinners: Concise two-hour course offered on-demand provides practical guidance for identifying patients who require bridging therapy (two contact hours).

For information, call toll-free 1-877-USI-HLTH (874-4584) or 812-461-5217 or email usi1nhpcert@usi.edu. The entire list of 2025 conferences and workshops is on the Center’s website. 

About the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning

The USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is committed to providing quality and excellence in interprofessional continuing education. In addition to in-person events, the USI Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning also offers a variety of online programs for those looking to expand their knowledge in a specific disease state or care niche.

Continuing Education Continuing Education (CE) hours are available for nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers and health facility administrators. CE hours will also be available for Indiana licensed marriage and family therapists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, mental health counselors and dental professionals.

Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, the University of Southern Indiana Center for Health Professions Lifelong Learning is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

State of Indiana
The University of Southern Indiana has been approved by the Indiana State Board of Health Facility Administrators as a sponsor of continuing education programs for health facility administrators. License number: 98000033A

The University of Southern Indiana is an approved provider of continuing education for several professionals licensed in the state of Indiana, including social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, mental health counselors and dental professionals.

Gov. Mike Braun leads the nation in removing discriminatory business practices

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Indiana is the first state to request DBE waiver from USDOT

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – At the end of August, Indiana became the first state to request a waiver from federal requirements to implement race and gender conscious components of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, as outlined in  49 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 26. If granted, the waiver requested by the Indiana Department of Transportation (“INDOT”), would eliminate contract-specific DBE goals based on race, ethnicity or gender on federally assisted highway construction contracts.

The waiver request is prompted by a U.S. District Court preliminary injunction in the Mid-America Milling Company, LLC (MAMCO) v. U.S. Department of Transportation lawsuit. In the case, Indiana sub-contractor Mid-America Milling Company, LLC, alleges the federal DBE program’s statutes and regulations unlawfully discriminate.

“I am a firm believer in offering equal opportunity for all to compete and succeed. If granted, this waiver will further position Indiana as a state one would want to do business with and as a place to grow your business,” said Gov. Mike Braun.

Under the proposed waiver, INDOT would transition to a race- and gender-neutral implementation strategy. The new methodology for setting goals and certifying businesses would focus exclusively on the availability of economically disadvantaged small businesses within specific geographic and industry markets. Attorney General Todd Rokita is leading a 17-state effort in support of the request for a waiver from the discriminatory and unlawful race and gender-conscious requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.

“Forcing INDOT to prioritize contractors based on race or gender is unconstitutional and undermines fair competition,” said Attorney General Todd Rokita. “Granting the waiver INDOT is requesting is well within the Department of Transportation’s authority and would be a critical step toward ensuring that Indiana’s transportation projects are awarded based on merit, not arbitrary classifications, and aligns with our constitutional duty to uphold equal protection under the law.” 

To support small businesses during this transition, INDOT will continue to offer a variety of supportive services to DBEs across Indiana. These services include business development programming, virtual learning opportunities, and DBE forums and networking events.

The proposed waiver is requested for a three-year period, which aligns with the timing of INDOT’s next Disparity Study, expected to be completed in 2028. The results of that study will be used to determine a new DBE goal based solely on economic criteria. During the initial waiver period, INDOT will collect and analyze participation data, continue to submit annual reports to the Federal Highway Association, conduct its full Disparity Study, and follow all federal rules and regulations implemented with respect to DBEs.

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