Home Blog

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

0
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 parts ways with Santoro

0

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Athletics announced that Men’s Soccer Head Coach Mat Santoro will not return for the 2026 season. USI will conduct a national search for the next men’s soccer head coach.

Santoro, who has been with USI for 17 season, is USI’s all-time winningest coach and posted a record of 117-144-37.

“Mat has led our men’s soccer program for the past 17 years with class and integrity,” said USI Vice President/Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall. “We truly appreciate the effort and energy he has put towards the young men he has coached and mentored. We wish Mat and his family the very best.”

During the 17 seasons, Santoro led the Screaming Eagles to eight winning seasons, a pair of NCAA II Tournament appearances, and seven trips to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament. The 2018 season was Santoro’s best with the Eagles when he was named the GLVC Coach of the Year after posting a 13-4-1 overall mark.

USI was 2-10-5 overall and 1-4-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference in 2025.

 

Slow start proves costly in Screaming Eagles loss to UIC

0
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball rallied from a 20-point second half deficit but slow starts to both the first and second halves proved costly as the Screaming Eagles fell to the University of Illinois Chicago, 84-73, to conclude the Gieco Boardwalk Battle Saturday evening.
 
The Screaming Eagles (1-5) spent the opening half working to overcome an early 8-0 deficit before heading into the intermission in a 37-27 hole.
 
UIC (4-2) opened the second half with seven straight points to expand its lead to what was then a game-high 17 points.
 
USI, which trailed by as much as 13 in the opening stanza, was able to cut the Flames’ advantage down to five (32-27) when senior guard Cardell Bailey scored on a tip-in layup with just under two minutes before halftime.
 
The Flames, however, ended the first half on a 5-0 run and their 7-0 run to begin the second period had the Screaming Eagles down 44-27 with 18 minutes left in the contest.
 
USI’s deficit grew to 20 points (67-47) with seven minutes left in the contest, but the Screaming Eagles kept fighting. A 14-3 run in the next three minutes cut the Screaming Eagles’ deficit to single digits with four minutes to play.
 
The Screaming Eagles used a 5-0 run to get to within five points at 76-71 as senior guard Ismail Habib hit a three-pointer with just over two minutes on the clock following a basket by junior forward Tolu Samuels.
 
UIC, however, answered with eight consecutive points to seal the victory and hand USI its second straight loss.
 
Samuels had 16 points, three blocks and a game-high 14 rebounds to lead the Screaming Eagles. Habib added 13 points and seven assists, while Bailey chipped in 12 points. 
 
Junior guard Kaden Brown and senior forward Ola Ajiboye each had 10 points to round out USI’s double-figure scorers.

UIC was led by junior guard Ahmad Henderson II, who had a game-high 20 points.
 
Next Up For USI:
USI returns to the Midwest during Thanksgiving week for a pair of games. The Screaming Eagles finish their three-game road swing with a trip to Valparaiso University November 26 for a 2 p.m. tipoff before coming home to Liberty Arena to face off with Kentucky State University November 29 at 3 p.m.
 
The Valpo Beacons are 4-1 to begin this year, falling only to ninth-ranked Kentucky. Last week, Valpo posted a home win over Bryant University, 68-50, and a road win at Cleveland State, 90-75. The USI-Valpo matchup will be the first meeting in men’s basketball.
 
Kentucky State, a former rival in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, is off to a 1-3 start to begin 2025-26. The Thorobreds lost to Benedict College Saturday and hosts Fort Valley State University Tuesday before coming to Liberty Arena.
 
USI led the all-time series with Kentucky State, 20-3, during its Division II and GLVC years. The last meeting was in a non-conference game in 2015-16 when the Eagles won, 95-68.

 

Eagles finish tenth at the House of Champions

0

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.– University of Southern Indiana Women’s Swimming and Diving finished tenth at the House of Champions hosted by Indiana University Indianapolis Saturday evening. The Screaming Eagles shattered three records over the three-day event in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Each event featured prelims in the morning to qualify for the championship finals, consolation finals, C finals, or D finals in the evening slate, where points were awarded to the teams. The athletes could earn points for their universities in each final, ranging from 45 points at the top of the championship finals to two points at the bottom of D finals.

The team finished with 620 total points, 330 behind ninth-place Butler University and 150 points in front of 11th-place Lewis University. Ball State University took the top spot with a final score of 2995.5, over 870 points ahead of second-place Missouri State University.

USI opened the first day of competition, breaking two records, which contributed to the team’s 175-point day-one performance. Sophomore Emma Gabhart recorded a 2:04.91 200 individual medley time, putting her atop the school record books.

The second broken record for the Eagles came in the 400 medley relay team of Gabhart, freshman Hannah Pryor, sophomore Elizabeth Ketcham, and junior Caiya Cooper, in which they tallied a program-best 3:52.02.

The record-setting performances continued into the second day, as Pryor achieved an exceptional 57.11 time in the 100 backstroke, earning a top-20 slot. The freshman also recorded a top-16 finish in the 200 backstroke, cementing 22 points for the Eagles.

The Eagles had impressive performances throughout the competition. Ketcham tallied a top 12 finish in the 50 backstroke following a 26.50 round. The 200 freestyle relay team, consisting of freshman Audrey Kalvaitis, sophomore Simone Green, Gabhart, and Ketcham, notched a 10th-place finish.

Gabhart earned 26 points for the team with a 4th-place finish in the consolation finals, recording a time of 58.68 in the 100 individual medley.  The sophomore also recorded a sixth-place finish in the 200 breaststroke preliminaries, which led to a 7th place finish in the championship final, netting 35 points.

The USI divers also excelled during the competition. Junior Maranda Uttke earned a spot in the one-meter championship final, finishing eighth overall with a 225.55 score. In the three-meter, freshman Lucia Tenny finished with a 214.40 preliminary score, earning 12th.

The Eagles are back in action beginning on December 3 at the Toyota U.S. Open in Austin, Texas, hosted by the University of Texas. The competition will take place over three days, finishing on December 6.

THUNDERBOLTS TIE TEAM RECORD WITH SEVENTH-STRAIGHT WIN

0
 
Evansville, In.:  The Thunderbolts once again battled late in regulation by breaking a late 1-1 tie with three goals in the final 3 minutes, defeating the Knoxville Ice Bears 4-1 on Saturday at Ford Center, and tying a franchise record with seven consecutive wins.  The Thunderbolts’ next home game at Ford Center will be on Friday, December 5th against the Macon Mayhem at 7:00pm CT.
                After a scoreless first period, Evansville broke the deadlock late in the second period as Myles Abbate found Will van der Veen moving up from the blue line amidst a mad scramble in the Knoxville crease, with Van der Veen scoring at 17:50 to give Evansville the opening lead, also assisted by Matt Hobbs.  Knoxville broke the shutout bid for Evansville 11:43 into the third period as Davide Gaeta finished off a similar scramble in the Evansville zone.  Tied 1-1 down the stretch, Evansville stole the puck deep in Knoxville territory, Jordan Simoneau found Abbate, and Abbate scored with 2:20 remaining to put Evansville back ahead 2-1.  The Thunderbolts added two unassisted empty net goals, Eelis Laaksonen at 18:43 and Derek Contessa at 19:43, to seal the victory for Evansville at 4-1.  Laaksonen’s goal was also his first in professional hockey.  The win ties the Thunderbolts franchise record win streak at 7 games, previously accomplished in the 2019-20 season between November 29th and December 20th.  The Thunderbolts will have the opportunity to break the record this Wednesday, November 26th on the road at Macon.
Abbate scored the game-winning goal and added an assist, while Van der Veen, Laaksonen and Contessa scored one goal each.   In goal, Kristian Stead finished with 35 saves on 36 shots on goal for his 9th win of the season.  The Thunderbolts and Ice Bears meet again on Friday, March 6th at Knoxville Civic Coliseum, with Evansville leading the season series 2-0.

The Word in 120, by Jerome Stewart

0

Joy Is In Him by Jerome Stewart

There is good news today. There is so much joy for those who trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, despite all the negativity we are bombarded with everyday, much more than the good. 

The words by Jesus throughout the book of John bring so much joy especially in knowing that this life is temporal, and what awaits the redeemed. The words of Jesus serve as a constant reminder that the joy we have comes in knowing what His love has done for all of mankind. 

He erased the penalty for sinful behavior. As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday when families will come together please take a moment and collectively express some sincere thanks to Jesus for His sacrifice. 

For those who have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus, there is an understanding that the ways of this world cannot give us joy, nor take it away, as long as we remain faithful to Him. For us eternal life means something, unlike those who have no belief in Jesus, or eternity. Be advised there is always hope in Jesus Christ. Which begs the question? Do you know Jesus? If not you need to. 

Jesus says to His disciples in chapter John 10 vss. 27 and 28; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” 

Chapter 15 vss. 9 thru 11 Jesus says; “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Faithfulness is the key to having His joy. Jesus did not sugarcoat the words to the disciples, who chose to no longer follow Him, and He did not leave out the Apostles whom He appointed.   

John chapter 6 vss. 63 and 64 Jesus says; “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I speak are spirit and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” Vss. 66 and 67 says; From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”  

Before we get to Peter’s response think about where those of us who have been washed in the precious blood of Jesus Christ would be today, without His sacrifice? The answer is lost forever.

Vss. 68 and 69 Peter responds. The bible says; But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Happy Thanksgiving! 

One Deceased After Officer Involved Shooting

0

On 11/22/2025 officers were dispatched to the unit block of E. Louisiana at just before 8:30 pm in

reference to a 911 hangup. The caller stated her son and husband were about to fight. When the officer arrived,

both males were still inside the home. As the officer entered, a female stated that there was a gun in the home.

The officer then confronted a male subject who had what appeared to be a gun pointed in their direction. The

officer gave commands to put the gun down before discharging his service weapon at the male subject. The

male was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. There were no other injuries in this

incident, and the investigation is ongoing at this time.

PIO Sergeant Anth

Governor Braun Presents 2025 Torchbearer Awards to 5 Hoosier Trailblazers

0

 

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Governor Mike Braun recognized five outstanding Hoosier women with 2025 Torchbearer Awards during a ceremony held in the Governor’s Office at the Indiana Statehouse.

Governor Braun personally presented this year’s honors, commending each recipient for their achievements across diverse fields, industries, and causes.

“The Torchbearer Awards recognize Hoosier women for their exceptional achievements in their community, our state, and our nation. These Hoosier women are outstanding leaders in their fields. Today I was proud to recognize each of them for their trailblazing accomplishments and the examples they’ve set for future generations.” — Governor Mike Braun

This year, four women were named Torchbearers and one woman was honored with a lifetime achievement award.

Lifetime Achievement Award: 

Betsy Wiley was honored with the lifetime achievement award for her extensive public service to Indiana’s students in many areas, including school choice. Betsy Wiley’s steadfast support for parents’ rights to lead their own children’s education, and advocacy to improve schools and outcomes for all Hoosier children, have been assets for Indiana’s success in education.

Torchbearers:

Monica Kelsey was named a Torchbearer for her advocacy to save babies’ lives through Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Her work has made Indiana the national leader in preventing child abandonment. Indiana’s Safe Haven law celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

Grace Estabrook stood up for fairness in women’s sports while a member of the swimming and diving team for Penn State. Grace Estabrook blew the whistle on issues of competitive fairness, safety for female athletes, privacy in changing areas, and coercion from officials to keep concerns about biologically male athletes competing against female athletes quiet. Grace’s voice on this issue was an important part of the national conversation and yielded significant policy changes to support fairness.

Kristian Stricklen became President of the Madame Walker Legacy Center in 2021. She was honored for her visionary leadership of the Walker Center, leading the organization into a new era of financial sustainability and cultural impact. The Madame Walker Legacy Center honors the legacy of Madame CJ Walker, who built a cosmetics and hair care empire in Indianapolis at the turn of the 20th century. Her legacy of self-made success has been an inspiration to women business leaders for a century.

Erin Houchin serves Hoosiers in Congress as the representative for Indiana’s 9th district. She was honored for her leadership for Hoosiers on the national stage. Representative Houchin was elected to House Republican leadership in 2024, serving as the House Republican Conference Secretary for the 119th Congress, making her the second-highest-ranking woman in the Republican House majority.

Governor Braun presented the awards on behalf of the Indiana Commission for Women (ICW). The ICW initiated the Torchbearer Awards in 2004 to celebrate extraordinary contributions made by Hoosier women.

Hoosier History Highlights

0

Surpassing $82.5 million, Attorney General Todd Rokita and team return record-shattering amount of unclaimed property to Hoosiers

0

Amount returned in 2025 has already eclipsed previous record from calendar year 2023 — credit goes to great staff and strong messaging 

Attorney General Todd Rokita announced today that his office has shattered the all-time record for the amount of unclaimed property returned to Hoosiers in a single year. As of this month, the Unclaimed Property Division has delivered more than $82.5 million to rightful owners during 2025 — eclipsing the prior record of $81 million set in 2023.

“From day one, our team has been laser-focused on getting every possible dollar back to its rightful owner, and breaking our own record just two years later shows what’s possible when we set our minds on a goal,” Attorney General Rokita said. “I’m proud of this milestone, but we’re not done — there’s still plenty of money out there waiting for Hoosiers.”

Attorney General Rokita commended Unclaimed Property Division Director Amy Hendrix for her leadership and her entire team for this record-breaking achievement.

“This record is a team victory,” said Hendrix. “We’ve worked extremely hard and reached further than ever to find owners before they even know to look. Every claim processed means real money back in Hoosier hands — and with weeks left in 2025, we’re pushing to return even more.”

New property is added to IndianaUnclaimed.gov regularly. With nearly a billion dollars waiting to be claimed, Attorney General Rokita encourages everyone to spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, or others.

Examples of unclaimed property include:   

  • Unclaimed wages or commissions    
  • Money orders  
  • Safe deposit box contents  
  • Savings and checking accounts  
  • Refunds  
  • Overpayments such as:  
  • Credit card balances  
  • Cell phone bills  
  • BMV payments . 

High-value unclaimed property returned to Hoosiers this year: 

  • $1,707,790.55 returned to a Hoosier in South Bend;
  • $1,313,287.58 returned to a Hoosier in Goshen;
  • $1,189,791.95 returned to a Hoosier in Indianapolis;
  • $609,571.36 returned to a Hoosier in Valparaiso;
  • $550,106.11 returned to a Hoosier in Auburn; and
  • $503,300.37 returned to a Hoosier in Fishers.

How to keep your property from going unclaimed:  

  • Keep a record of all bank accounts.
  • Cash all checks promptly
  • Change address form with the US Postal Service when moving
  • Open all the mail (in case there is a due diligence letter from the company holding their funds)
  • Record all utility deposits, including telephone, cable, and electricity deposits.
  • Record all stock certificates and be sure to cash all dividends received.

Men’s basketball continues Paradise Jam on Sunday versus Akron

0

Game time set for 7 p.m. CST

 

SAINT THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands– With its sights set on a berth in the Paradise Jam championship game, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team takes on Akron in the second round of the tournament on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. CST. ESPN+ and the Purple Aces Radio Network will have the broadcast.

Last Time Out

– In a solid performance across the board, the Purple Aces led for over 32 minutes on their way to a 73-69 win over Oregon State in Friday’s opener in the Virgin Islands

– Four UE players reached double figures led by Josh Hughes’ 16 points

– Bryce Quinet (15 pts) and Leif Moeller (14 pts) scored career-highs while Connor Turnbull finished with 10 points

Another Double-Double

– For the second time this season and third in his career, Josh Hughes picked up a double-double in the win over Oregon State

– Hughes recorded 16 points and a career-high 12 rebounds in the victory

– The junior has reached double figures in scoring in all six games and is 18th in the MVC averaging 13.17 PPG

– His average of 7.00 rebounds per contest is tied for fifth in the conference while his tally of 3.50 offensive rebounds/game paces the league

Keeping it Rolling

– Bryce Quinet put together another stellar performance in the win over the Beavers as he completed the game with his top scoring effort of the year with 15 points

– He was 7-for-8 from the line and added four boards, three assists, and two steals

– For the season, Quinet’s average of 1.50 steals per game is tied for 12th in the league

First in Double Figures

– Leif Moeller picked up his first double digit scoring game of the season with 14 tallies versus Oregon State

– He added another assist and continues to rank third in the MVC with 5.17 per game while sitting 11th in assist-to-turnover ratio at 2.21

Scouting the Opposition

– – Akron comes into Sunday’s match-up with a 4-1 record following a 96-75 win over Iona to open the Paradise Jam on Friday

– The Zips only setback came on the road at Purdue by a final score of 97-79

– Akron’s other wins include James Madison, Princeton, and Penn State-Shenango

– Five Zips average double figures led by Tavari Johnson’s 15.8 points per game

– Shammah Scott and Amani Lyles have chipped in 13.2 and 12.4 PPG, respectively

123...7,439Page 1 of 7,439