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.”
As high school seniors start thinking about their post-graduation plans and begin applying to colleges, my office is pleased to host a “College Readiness Webinar” with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) to help make this process as seamless as possible.
This webinar will offer students and parents more insight into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Indiana Pre-Admissions: Your Path to College program, and state student assistance options like the 21st Century Scholars Award and the Frank O’Bannon Grant.
College Readiness Webinar
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025
Time: 6 p.m. CDT
Location: Virtual
Please note that all participants will be required to register by 4 p.m. CDT, Oct. 1, which can be completed by clicking here or visiting my website.
I hope that you will join me in exploring the different options and paths available for prospective college students. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office for more information.
Indiana politicians across the political spectrum denounced political violence after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday, with many Republicans describing the populist ally of President Donald Trump as an influential figure.
Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer and co-founder of Turning Point USA, poses beside Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith at Purdue University in April.
Screenshot by The Indiana Citizen.
U.S. Sen. Jim Banks, one of Kirk’s closest allies in Indiana, said Kirk was “one of the most influential leaders in the conservative movement” and “a warrior and a friend.”
“He inspired so many students with open and honest dialogue on college campuses across the country,” said Banks, a Republican. “There is no place for political violence in the United States of America. Amanda and I are praying for his wife, children, and the millions of Americans impacted by this horrific assassination.”
Kirk, 31, dropped out of college in 2012 to co-found Turning Point USA. He built a massive social media following through events on college campuses that often led to viral moments. Kirk had been scheduled to appear Oct. 21 at Indiana University Bloomington as part of his “American Comeback Tour.” Kirk appeared at Purdue University in April.
Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday afternoon while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk was answering audience questions under a tent when a bullet struck him in the neck.
Kirk’s death also rapidly reverberated nationwide. Kirk was hailed by President Donald Trump on Truth Social as “Great, and even Legendary.”
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, in the immediate aftermath of the shooting, posted urgent requests for prayers for Kirk. Beckwith has a long history with Kirk and his organization Turning Point USA; he has attended and hosted Kirk or other leaders with Turning Point USA for years.
Beckwith wrote on X that he and his wife “lost a dear friend” Wednesday. He posted a photo of himself and Kirk with their wives.
Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith shared a photo of himself, conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, and both of their wives in a heartfelt post about Kirk after he was shot and killed Wednesday.
Screenshot by The Indiana Citizen.
He said Kirk “now joins the company” of slain American figures like Revolutionary War spy Nathan Hale, Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy and Civil Rights Movement icon Martin Luther King Jr.—“heroes who gave their lives for liberty and righteousness.”
“This moment will be remembered as a turning point for America,” Beckwith said.
Kirk’s killing comes amid heightened concerns over political violence in the United States following several recent high-profile attacks. Earlier this year, a Minnesota Democratic state lawmaker and her husband were assassinated in their home, and Trump survived two attempts on his life during the 2024 campaign.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, called the shooting “a dark day for America.”
“Political violence is abhorrent and unacceptable. We must come together and ensure such actions have no place in our country,” Young said.
U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Indiana, wrote that Kirk “spoke truth into the world and always believed that honest conversation, not heinous actions were the way to solve political differences.”
U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Indiana, noted Kirk had just encouraged students to pursue faith “minutes before his passing.”
Gov. Mike Braun, Attorney General Todd Rokita and Secretary of State Diego Morales emphasized Kirk’s role as a husband and father as well as his impact on young conservatives.
Democrats also spoke out against the attack. U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, D-Indiana, said “Political violence is never ok and must be stopped,” adding his condolences for Kirk’s young children. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Indiana, urged Americans to move forward “with peace as a nation.”
The Indiana Democratic Party issued a statement on X denouncing political violence. “We strongly oppose political violence in all forms and in every part of our nation. No one should ever have to fear for their safety while exercising their First Amendment rights,” the party said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Charlie and his family during this difficult time.”
This article was published by TheStatehouseFile.com through a partnership with The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed, engaged Hoosier citizens.
STATEHOUSE — The Indiana State Comptroller’s Office has again received the highest honor in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), announced State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla today.
“This affirms that the accounting of Indiana’s finances is performed with discipline, transparency and accuracy,” stated Comptroller Nieshalla. “Indiana continues to set the standard for fiscal responsibility, and our office is proud to receive this award that acknowledges the excellence of our State’s financial reporting. The achievement of accuracy in accounting and reporting is critical to obtaining the state’s AAA credit rating.”
As announced by Gov. Mike Braun last week, Indiana again earned a AAA credit rating from all three major rating agencies: Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings. That distinction reflects the State’s continued financial strength, balanced budgets and precise reporting.
“We are proud to contribute to our State earning a AAA credit rating,” said Comptroller Nieshalla. “With a high credit rating, we can borrow at lower interest rates which saves taxpayer dollars. For investors, it signals confidence. For Hoosiers, it means stability and long-term value.”
Indiana’s financial standing is among the strongest in the nation as the fourth lowest debt per capita state with well-funded pensions and a healthy cash reserve.
GFOA awarded the State Comptroller’s Office the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, recognizing the team’s dedicated efforts on Indiana’s 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).Prepared annually by the State Comptroller and audited by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, the ACFR provides a complete and transparent account of Hoosier tax dollars at work.
In addition to financial data, the ACFR includes demographic, economic and statistical information that helps policymakers, analysts and the public understand the full scope of Indiana’s fiscal health.
It’s no secret that Indiana’s voting performance is abysmal. Hoosiers have no problem registering to vote but often don’t make it to the polls.
That’s why I was intrigued by a meeting on two election proposals — moving municipal elections to even-numbered years and expanding vote centers to all counties — held in Indianapolis last week.
Lawmakers mandated that Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales host a series of meetings on the ideas and provide a report for possible action in the 2026 legislative session.
Increasing voter turnout should be everyone’s goal. To me, the vote center proposal is an easy yes.
Instead of having dozens of precinct locations scattered across a county with voters assigned to only one, officials set up a handful of large locations that anyone can use regardless of where they live.
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales speaks during a public hearing on potential election law changes on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
The model is used in 67 of Indiana’s 92 counties. It costs less and requires less staffing. The latter is important as many longtime poll workers age and can no longer volunteer.
Boone County, where I live, moved to vote centers in 2014. It was a smooth transition and has been a welcome change. I have voted in Lebanon on my way to the grocery store or in Whitestown on my way to work. I’m not pinned to only one location — I can fit voting within my day more easily.
I have never waited more than 15 minutes. Counties still need to provide enough machines to avoid long lines, though, and they shouldn’t skimp and set up too few vote centers.
Indiana law requires at least one vote center location per 10,000 voters but I consider that a minimum and believe officials should plan for more than that.
Allen County is the largest that doesn’t use vote centers, but officials there are in discussions to change that. They have 110 polling locations, which would be consolidated into 53 — or one for every 5,000 voters.
A vote is planned for Sept. 15 and must be unanimous.
The second proposal Morales is studying isn’t ready for prime time: moving municipal elections to even-numbered years alongside major races such as president, the U.S. House and Senate, governor, other statewide offices and the Indiana House and Senate.
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The data is clear that turnout is much lower in municipal races.
In 2023, for example, turnout in Indiana’s municipal elections was about 27% statewide. That compared with roughly 42% voter participation in the 2022 midterm elections and 61% in the 2020 presidential election.
But that isn’t the whole picture.
Right now, your mayoral race or city council contests are the focus of that election cycle. Candidates, news media and voters can focus on local issues, from growth strategies and road funding to zoning issues and crime.
But if you add those to an already busy ballot, those races will be buried behind federal and state politics. If voters make it all the way through those races — and that’s a big if — they will be without the benefit of a sustained and direct season focusing only on local matters.
Local races in recent years have gained real importance, whether it be related to controversial data centers or solar panel farms. People are paying attention, and I would hate to see that jeopardized.
While those are the only two proposals under consideration, I did want to mention a few other election changes that have been passed in other states to make elections more efficient and flexible for voters.
Extended voting hours. Indiana’s polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day and I think that’s plenty. Especially since Hoosiers have four weeks beforehand to cast an early vote in person at the county courthouse or other satellite location, there is plenty of time for people to vote.
Same-day registration. Indiana had 4.8 million registered voters for the 2024 general election, while the state has a total population 0f 6.9 milliion. And of course, some residents aren’t old enough to vote. I personally don’t think registration is issue. The problem is getting people to the polls. This change would be a heavy lift for no real improvement.
Ranked-choice voting. Some jurisdictions are adopting this and have seen turnout increases of between five and seven percentage points. This option allows voters to rank candidates for an office in order of their preference. If a candidate receives more than half of the first choices, that candidate wins, just like in any other election. However, if there is no majority winner after counting the first choices, the race is decided by an instant runoff. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and voters who ranked that candidate as their first choice will have their votes count for their next choice. This process continues until a majority winner, a candidate with more than half of the vote, wins. It’s complicated and I don’t think Hoosiers are ready for it.
I wish I knew the answer to getting more voters to go to the polls. I understand frustration over House and Senate districts, which people may feel are predetermined by gerrymandered maps.
But most races are statewide and local, where every vote absolutely cou
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EVANSVILLE, Ind.– University of Southern Indiana Men’s Soccer falls to crosstown foe the University of Evansville 3-0 in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup Saturday night at Strassweg Field.
Following a season-high two goals in the loss to Indiana University Indianapolis on September 6, the Screaming Eagles were unable to find the back of the net against the Purple Aces.
Evansville came out of the gate firing, scoring in the first four minutes of the match. The offensive intensity continued for the Aces as they put another one in the net at the 10:35 mark. The Eagles’ defense continued to falter with a third first-half goal allowed in the 23rd minute of the match.
USI trailed 3-0 entering the half, while being outshot 13-3. The Eagles applied offensive pressure of their own, tallying a shot on goal from both freshman Chase Smith and freshman Brian Novillo. Freshman goalkeeper Jacob English saved two shots in the first 45.
The second half saw the Eagles’ defense tighten up, not allowing a goal despite giving up 11 second-half shots. Junior goalkeeper Kael McGowan subbed in at the start of the second half, recording a season high six saves.
USI’s best second-half opportunity came off the head of sophomore forward David Davilain the 78th minute, which was caught by the Aces goalkeeper. Davila had both of USI’s second-half shots on goal, taking his season total to a team high four.
In the game, USI was outshot 24-5 and 11-4 on goal. The Eagles were only able to generate one corner kick in the game compared to 10 taken by the Aces. Southern Indiana led in total saves, as the combination of goalkeepers tallied eight saves on the night compared to Evansville’s four.
USI concludes its five-game homestand on Wednesday as it hosts Belmont University at Strassweg Field. Kickoff for Wednesday’s match is slated for 6 p.m. and can be seen with a subscription to ESPN+.
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville men’s soccer team secured the Mayor’s Cup for the third straight season on Saturday night, taking down USI 3-0 at Strassweg Field. All three Evansville goals were scored by freshmen, as Andres Escudero (San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain IES Joan Miro) posted his first career brace and Chase Ricker (Albuquerque, N.M./La Cueva) scored his first collegiate goal.
Evansville’s attack was active early, as the Aces jumped on the Screaming Eagles with three goals in the first 23 minutes of play. In the fourth minute, Álvaro Timón (Toledo, Spain/Valencia International University) found Will Bencic (Cincinnati, Ohio/Lakota East) on the left wing, who put a beautiful cross into the box for Escudero. From there, the freshman snuck a shot past the USI keeper to give the Aces the lead.
Evansville struck again just over six minutes later on a scoring chance started by Matt Hawkins (Louisville, Ky./Male), who sent a long ball to Ricker for a one-on-one scoring chance. After making his way into the left side of the box, the freshman unleashed a laser of a shot over the keeper and into the back of the net for his first collegiate goal.
The scoring continued in the 23rd minute when the Aces drew a foul in the box to earn a penalty kick. Escudero stepped up to the spot and buried a shot, securing the brace and giving Evansville a 3-0 lead.
UE would continue to threaten throughout the remainder of the first half, putting up seven more shots, but the Aces were not able to add onto their lead. Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill./Elk Grove) kept his clean sheet in-tact with a diving save just before halftime to help his team go into the break with a 3-0 lead.
Evansville did not let up in the second half, tallying 11 more shots. However, the Aces were kept off the board, while Mroz made two more saves to secure his first shutout and Evansville’s first win of the season.
“I thought the first half performance was really good,” said Head Coach Robbe Tarver. “Obviously some great goals to start the game with Andres after a nice passing sequence and then Chase just hitting a banger. It was probably our most complete first half that we’ve had.”
“Obviously really happy about win number one. It’s hard to win, so we’re going to celebrate wins that we get, and now we need to use this to keep moving forward.”
Evansville matched a season-high with 24 shots, out-shooting USI 24-5, while the Aces’ 11 shots on goal marked a season-high. Timón tallied a game-high four shots, while Escudero, Martin Wurschmidt (Stavern, Norway/Thor Heyerdahl VGS) and Armon Haghighat (Irvine, Calif./Irvine Valley CC) each had two shots on goal.
With the win, Evansville moves to 1-2-4 on the season. The Aces will be back in action on Wednesday for a road test at Dayton. Kick-off is set for 6 PM CT.
