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Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has a peculiar genius.
He is better than anyone else around at identifying problems that do not exist and pursuing “solutions” that not only waste time, money and energy, but often court disaster.
Rokita has already demonstrated this unusual talent in his relentless and nonsensical persecution of Dr. Caitlin Bernard.
Bernard angered our attorney general by helping a 10-year-old Ohio girl who had been raped and by following the law while she did it.
If that sounds as if it shouldn’t have been a problem, then you aren’t Todd Rokita and don’t view life through his peculiar lens.
The doctor helped the little girl by performing, with her mother’s consent, an abortion. Bernard mentioned the abortion to an Indianapolis Star reporter, withholding the little girl’s name, where she lived and other information that might identify her.
Rokita rushed before the cameras at Fox News to condemn Bernard in terms so ludicrous and scathing that even Fox backed away from them almost immediately. Even when it became clear his criticisms of the doctor had no basis in reality, the attorney general didn’t back off.
He doubled down.
Much legal jousting followed.
Rokita managed to prosecute the doctor in front of a state medical licensing board made up of political appointees—including some who had donated money to his campaign and none of whom recused themselves—and secured a mild reprimand and a minimal fine of $3,000 for Bernard.
That punishment was pilloried by experts in legal and medical ethics across the nation, largely because those experts grasped two things the licensing board apparently did not.
Bernard had said nothing about her patient that wasn’t routinely found in medical journals.
And Rokita had said all the same things—and more—about the little girl before a much wider audience.
Hoosiers have paid a price for Rokita’s feckless, reckless campaign to save himself from the consequences of tripping over his own tongue.
His language during the initial Fox interview prompted a disciplinary investigation that led to the Indiana Supreme Court reprimanding his conduct. It was a sweetheart deal—any other attorney likely would have been punished more severely for similar actions—that two members of the state’s high court, including Chief Justice Loretta Rush, said wasn’t tough enough on Rokita.
Rokita escalated things by trashing the reprimand and contradicting an affidavit he did during the proceedings.
This prompted yet another disciplinary investigation, one of lord knows how many that are ongoing at this time.
To save himself from his own self-destructive impulses, Rokita has assembled a small army of outside legal talent. Because he sees drunken sailors as models of budgetary restraint, he’s capped the costs for these private firms defending him at $20 million—or roughly 6,667 times the amount of the fine the state collected from Caitlin Bernard.
Public officials such as Todd Rokita, children, are the reason we Hoosiers can’t afford nice things other states have.
Our attorney general has now decided to turn his attention to Notre Dame University.
His model is the same as it was in the Bernard imbroglio—condemn first, investigate later.
Rokita claims, without citing any evidence, that Notre Dame has violated the law by trying to recruit and make comfortable students regardless of their race or ethnic background. He says, again without offering evidence, that the Catholic university’s devotion to its own policies of diversity, equity and inclusion violates state law.
Notre Dame quickly responded.
“Notre Dame is a premier Catholic research university, and as such, seeks to serve and reflect the broader Catholic Church, which is the world’s most global, multicultural, and multilingual institution. We do not engage in unlawful discrimination in our hiring or admissions processes and look to attract the best and brightest to our campus,” the school said in a written statement.
The second half of the first sentence in that statement is the interesting part.
It points out that the university’s policies are part of the church’s mission and all but dares Rokita to try to tell the Catholic Church how to be a church.
Because this is Todd Rokita we’re talking about, he likely will take the dare.
Who knows how much more of our money he’ll waste when he does.
There is a problem that is real in all of this, but it’s not Caitin Bernard or Notre Dame.
No, it’s Todd Rokita.
John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The views expressed are those of the author only and should not be attributed to Franklin College.
Todd Rokita wants to teach Notre Dame how to be Catholic
University of Evansville Theatre announces 2025-2026 Season
EVANSVILLE, IND. (05/19/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre announces five productions for the 2025-2026 season in Shanklin Theatre and the May Studio Theatre. The Shanklin Theatre season kicks off with the emotionally captivating musical ONCE, book by Edna Walsh, music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, directed by Assistant Professor Wes Grantom ’03, with musical direction by Tyler Simpson. UE Theatre’s Rogue and Peasant Aces will again produce a free touring production, under the direction of Assistant Professor Stacey Yen, with William Shakespeare’s MACBETH.
In the spring semester, Yen will take the helm of PASSAGE by Christopher Chen, and Wes Grantom will direct THE STEADFAST, by 2001 UE Theatre alumnus Mat Smart. Directing in the May Studio next year will be Antonio Cortes Roman ’26, a theatre performance major from Metepec, Mexico and Landry Barker ’26, a theatre performance major from Ft Worth, Texas.
Dates and subscription tickets for the three-play Shanklin Theatre series as well as the two-play May Studio Theatre series will be announced later this year.
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.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY MAY 21, 2025
NOON
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. MEETING MEMORANDUM MAY 7, 2025
3. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Contract for the Use of Swonder Ice Arena by an
Independent Skating Professional, Jillian De Jesus.- Lord
b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Contract for the Use of Swonder Ice Arena by an
Independent Skating Professional, Elizabeth Barnes. – Lord
c. Request Re: Approve and Execute Umpire Services Agreement with Preston Waller.- Bedwell
d. Request Re: Approve and Execute Dog Town Boat Ramp Agreement with JP Boat Ramp.
-Bouseman
4. OLD BUSINESS
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Permission to seek bids for the replacement of the rooftop units at Swonder Ice
Arena.- Lord
b. Request Re: Permission to seek bids for Wesselman Park Restroom. – Bouseman
c. Request Re: Permission to seek bids for Fendrich Golf Course Irrigation System. -Bouseman
d. Request Re: Permission to seek bids for Helfrich Golf Course Irrigation System. – Bouseman
e. Request Re: Approve and Execute Next Level Trail Change Order in the amount of $18,669.09
-Crook
f. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comment.
6. REPORTS
Danielle Crook- Executive Director Parks and Recreation Department
7. ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
8. ADJOURN
BREAKING NEWS: Henderson Police arrested Anthony Kirk
Henderson Police arrested Anthony Kirk on multiple charges after responding to a 911 call from a family member who said he held them at gunpoint in their home.
Police responded to the 2300 block of Adams Ln on May 16th around 9:00 pm.
When officers arrived, they were told Kirk had pointed a handgun at two people and told them to get on the ground. The victims were told to put their hands behind their backs and Kirk said he was going to shoot them. When the victims attempted to leave, Kirk blocked the door. One of the victims received a minor injury while trying to get the handgun away from Kirk.
Officers located Kirk outside of the home and took him into custody. The handgun was found in the home and officers determined it was a replica firearm.
Kirk, who was out on bond on a previous case, was lodged in the Henderson County Detention Center on the following charges:
KRS 508.060 Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
KRS 509.020 Unlawful Imprisonment 1st Degree
KRS 508.080 Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree
KRS 431.064 Violations of Conditions of Release
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
City of Evansville Loan Administration Board Agenda
City of Evansville Loan Administration Board Agenda
May 23, 2025
Room 301 – Civic Center
9:30 a.m. Public Meeting
9:00 – Call to Order Executive Session
9:30 – Call to Order Public Meeting
1. Approve Minutes of February 28, 2025, Meeting
2. TruVest change in Loan Term
3. EDA Plan update due in July 2025
4. Update on loans and loan funds
5. Other Business
6. Adjournment
BURTON INVITES CONSTITUENTS TO ATTEND EVANSVILLE TOWN HALL
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) invites residents of greater Evansville to join him next Tuesday, May 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. CST at The Dream Center, for a town hall discussion.
This event offers residents a chance to hear about legislation passed during the recent session and to share their own thoughts, concerns and ideas directly with Burton.
To help guide the discussion, residents are encouraged to fill out this form, here , in advance with any topics they’d like addressed or questions they’d like answered. While not required for attendance, the form also provides a way for individuals unable to attend in person to ensure their voices are heard.
What: Town Hall Discussion with State Rep. Alex Burton
When: Tues., May 20, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. CST
Where: The Dream Center (1516 N. Main St., Evansville, IN 47711)
Dr. Darla Hoover Appointed as Next Superintendent of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation
Evansville, IN – The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) is proud to
announce the appointment of Dr. Darla K. Hoover as its next superintendent. Dr. Hoover has served the EVSC in various positions for the past 24 years, including her current position as Chief of Schools and Instructional Core. In this role, she oversees all district matters related to curriculum, instruction and academic support for the EVSC, as well as multiple innovative models and programs.
Dr. Hoover will officially begin her tenure as superintendent on July 1. She replaces Dr. David Smith, who is retiring after a 43 year career in the EVSC that includes serving as superintendent for the past 14 years.
Dr. Hoover’s demonstrated leadership has been pivotal in implementing academic programs and instructional practices to maximize student success throughout the district. Her EVSC experiences include chemistry teacher at Bosse High School, science department chair at Central High School, assistant principal of programming at Bosse High School, principal at Central High School, and central office administrator. Serving in these roles has provided her the opportunity to develop relationships with families and staff members across the district. Creating a team-centered focus has been a hallmark of her leadership style that has resulted in a collaborative environment with open lines of communication.
“Dr. Hoover’s appointment marks a new chapter for EVSC,” according to School Board President Karen Ragland. “Our trustees are confident that Dr. Hoover’s leadership will ensure our district continues its proud tradition of providing a high-quality, innovative education that benefits all students, their families, and this great community we serve.”
The educational credentials for Dr. Hoover include a Doctor of Education in Educational
Leadership from the University of Southern Indiana. She also holds an Education Specialist degree, a Master of Science in Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Chemistry. Additionally, she earned an Urban Leadership Certificate from Brown University and holds Indiana Education licenses as a Superintendent, Building Level Administrator, and Secondary Chemistry Teacher.
Dr. Hoover is a proud graduate of the EVSC from Bosse High School. Her youngest son is a current EVSC student, and her two older sons are EVSC graduates.
Hoosiers Shine at USA Diving National Championships
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana diving carried its momentum from the 2025 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships into the 2025 USA Diving National Championships last week, May 9-16 in Auburn, Alabama.
Last week’s event also acted as national team trials ahead of July’s 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Four athletes with ties to the IU program advanced to the international meet and seven Hoosiers combined for eight medals at nationals.
2025 signee Josh Hedberg and senior Carson Tyler qualified for world championships together as champions of the synchronized platform event with Hedberg also winning on platform individually. Sophomores Ella Roselli (platform) and Lily Witte (synchronized women’s 3-meter, individual 3-meter) each qualified for their first world championships.
Junior Maxwell Weinrich also saw success from the platform, earning a silver medal, with classmate Dash Glasberg, in the synchronized event and bronze in the individual event.
USA Diving also announced the members of its High Performance Squad, featuring nine Hoosiers in its national team. Hedberg, Tyler, senior Quinn Henninger and IU alumnus Andrew Capobianco made the “Tier 1” category. USA Diving also listed Witte in Tier 2 and Glasberg, Roselli, Sollenberger and Weinrich in Tier 3.
USI signs Brown for 2025-26
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball announced the signing of guard Kaden Brown for the 2025-26 season. Brown will have two years of eligibility at USI.
“We are thrilled to have Kaden (KK) join us at USI,” said USI Head Coach Stan Gouard. “He brings a level of toughness and experience that you simply cannot teach.
“KK plays with an edge, competes every possession, and will elevate our ball club,” continued Gouard. “What stands out is his infectious personality. He is the kind of teammate who lifts the energy in the gym and brings people together.
“We believe that KK is a perfect fit for our program’s culture, core values, and are confident he will thrive in the city of Evansville, both as a player and a person. We are excited to welcome him to the Screaming Eagle Family,” concluded Gouard.
Brown transfers to USI after spending 2024-25 with Grand Valley State University. The 2024-25 first-team All-GLIAC and GLIAC Sixth Man of the Year averaged 13.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 29 games last year. He also made six starts at GVSU.
The native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, posted a season-high 32 points versus the University of Indianapolis; six rebounds versus Hillsdale College, and three assists against Northern Michigan University.
Prior to playing for GVSU, Brown spent a season at Wright State University. He appeared in 29 contests, averaging 2.3 points in 8.8 minutes per game in 2023-24.
Brown lettered in basketball at Central Catholic High School, where he averaged 24.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game as a senior. He was named Michigan’s Associated Press Division II Player of the Year after shooting 46 percent from the floor overall and 39 percent from three-point range.
Brown also led Catholic Central to its first state title in 2021 and a finish as state runners-up in 2022. He finished his prep career with a four-year record of 80-12 and as Catholic Central’s career leader in points (1,577), field goals (543), three-pointers (204), and steals (187).
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.
USI Women’s Basketball adds pair of transfers
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Southern Indiana Women’s Basketball has added pair of transfers from Northern Illinois University, signing Shannon Blacher, a 5’10” guard from Burr Ridge, Illinois, and Madelyn Fay, a 6’1″ forward from Palatine, Illinois.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Maddy and Shannon to our team and our USI family,” USI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Stein said. “They are both a great fit with our program, culture, and style of play. We take pride in recruiting really good players, really great students, and outstanding people who can and will make an impact on our team right away. Their high-level experience, work ethic, leadership, and skills will impact our team on both ends of the court.”
In two seasons at Northern Illinois, Blacher played in 52 games. Blacher netted 58 points on 33 percent shooting. Blacher corralled 67 rebounds and dished out 39 assists while totaling 12 steals.
Before attending Northern Illinois, Blacher played at Montini Catholic High School. Blacher was named all-state twice and all-conference three times. Blacher was ranked as the No. 22 player in Illinois in the class of 2023 by Prep Girls Hoops.
Fay also played in 35 games in her first two collegiate seasons at Northern Illinois. Over the last two seasons, she tallied 40 points on 65 percent shooting while pulling down 50 rebounds for the Huskies.
Prior to Northern Illinois, Fay played at Fremd High School in Palatine, where she was an all-state honorable mention and two-time regional champion. Fay played club basketball for Illinois Elite between 2021-23.