Gov. Holcomb directs flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of fallen Indiana State TrooperÂ
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in the State of Indiana in honor and remembrance of Indiana State Trooper Aaron N. Smith who was killed in the line of duty.
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday, July 7. Gov. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags to half-staff.
JUSTICE TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER
Justice to the highest bidder
Even though we see fresh evidence of it almost daily, the contempt the corrupt have for the rest of us still astounds.
John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com
They don’t think we’re dumb.
They think we’re really, really, really dumb.
Two U.S. Supreme Court Justices—Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito—are among the latest examples. Both jurists have been caught accepting lavish favors from billionaires.
Alito and Thomas took these goodies—six-figure vacations, pricey libations, gourmet meals and financial help with projects involving family members—without declaring them on legally required forms designed to catch potential conflicts of interest. They also enjoyed the largesse without bothering to recuse themselves from cases involving their billionaire benefactors.
When news of the justices’ high-flying lifestyles while on the public payroll broke—through the work of dogged journalists—Thomas and Alito resorted to the time-tested dodges of the tainted.
Even though both men pride themselves on their erudition and their ability to dissect texts and legal codes with a surgeon’s skill, they claimed to be befuddled by the language requiring them to report gifts.
Thus, they did what so many people caught with their hands in the cookie jar have done. Given the choice of acknowledging moral and possibly legal corruption or pretending ignorance, they chose to rely on incompetence as a defense.
Two of what are supposed to be the best legal minds in the country claimed that they just didn’t understand a relatively simple legal requirement.
But that’s not the only way they leaned on their defense of innocence by way of incompetence.
Both justices also said they just didn’t know their rich friends had business before the court. No one told them and they didn’t ask. When it came to considering potential conflicts of interest, Thomas and Alito truly found ignorance to be bliss.
But resorting to the “we were too stupid to do our jobs properly†argument doesn’t reveal the audacious scope of the contempt Alito and Thomas have for the people they’re supposed to serve.
Both justices also contended that the gifts they received from their billionaire sugar daddies couldn’t possibly be conceived as attempts to influence Thomas and Alito as they pondered legal matters affecting the financial fortunes of their benefactors.
Oh, no.
Heaven forbid.
Rather, the billionaires showered the two justices with gifts totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars simply out of friendship. The rich guys flew the two jurists around on private flights, provided them with bottles of wine costing thousands of dollars and eased any financial pressures just because the moneybags guys loved, loved, loved the pleasure of Thomas’ and Alito’s company and were dazzled by the justices’ smiles.
Please.
The most insulting part of all this isn’t that two smart guys like Alito and Thomas are willing to pretend they’re morons to save their behinds and spare themselves public embarrassment.
No, what’s truly insulting about this is that they’re asking—no, demanding—that we all pretend that we’re morons too.
That we don’t understand what was going on here.
Thomas and Alito both like to present themselves as moral exemplars, men who occupy such positions of rectitude that they are entitled to lecture the rest of us.
That act is likely to flop in the future.
Most people can identify hypocrisy when they encounter it.
Many years ago, when I was a newspaper reporter, an assignment required me to interview some working prostitutes.
As I talked with those women, I was struck by the way they told their stories.
Most weren’t proud of where they were and what they did to make money. Often, desperate circumstances had forced them to do what they did.
But they didn’t lie to me about the work they did.
They didn’t pretend to be something other than what they were.
They owned the choices they’d made and acknowledged the parts of themselves they’d sold.
In doing so, they showed more honesty, honor and dignity than two members of this nation’s highest tribunal of justice.
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.
Gov. Holcomb Selects Judge Paul Felix to Join Indiana Court of Appeals
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Hamilton County Judge Paul Felix as the next member of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Judge Felix will replace retiring Judge Margret G. Robb.
“Judge Felix is passionate about ensuring all Hoosiers have access to the justice system,†Gov. Holcomb said. “Through his work he has become an expert in administration of justice, a team player with his judiciary counterparts and a community leader in juvenile justice reform. He serves Hamilton County with one goal in mind improving court services for all.â€
Since 2014 Judge Felix has chaired the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, where he has worked to significantly reduce the number of juvenile detainees utilizing an assessment tool to determine appropriate sentencing that facilitates rehabilitation.
Felix helped develop the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program (YAP) which prevents at-youth risk from entering the justice system. He assisted YAP leadership in working with the General Assembly to implement the program statewide.
Judge Felix serves as a board member for the Hamilton County Community Corrections and serves as an interviewer for the State Board of Law Examiners Committee on Character and Fitness. Previously he served on the Court Personnel Committee and proposed a rule change to reinforce the ethical responsibility of judges through ongoing staff trainings.
“I am immensely honored to have received the governor’s appointment to the Indiana Court of Appeals,†Judge Felix said. “It is quite humbling to follow Judge Robb’s tradition of judicial leadership and compassion for the community. I look forward to serving the people of the State of Indiana in my work as an appellate court judge, in promoting the efficiency of the judiciary, and implementation of programming that benefits children and families.â€
Felix was born and raised in Elkhart. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
Following graduation, Felix joined the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Officer where he was a deputy prosecuting attorney until 2006. He then served as a City Court Judge in Carmel. In 2008, he was elected to serve as the Hamilton Circuit Court Judge where he has served for 14 years.
Judge Felix continues to give back to the Hamilton County community. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Noblesville, a member of the board of managers for the YMCA of Fishers and co-chair of the Alumni Network for the Boy Scouts of America.
Judge Felix lives in Carmel with his wife Nicki, a realtor, and their three children.
A date for Felix’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Court of Appeals.
CenterPoint Energy customers to receive savings from first-of-its-kind financing in Indiana
Evansville, Ind. – July 5, 2023 – Indiana electric customers of CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) will see a decrease in their electric bills beginning this month as a result of the company’s securitization pilot, which allows for the removal of the remaining value of its A.B. Brown coal plant assets from customer rates.
In January 2023, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved a financing order for the coal retirement securitization bonds, which is expected to result in a total decrease to customers’ electric bills by an estimated $53 million when compared to traditional ratemaking.
All Indiana electric customer classes – residential, small commercial, industrial – will realize savings. Residential customers using approximately 900 kWh per month are expected to see a nearly $5 bill credit per month on their bills. The credits from the securitization of A.B. Brown assets will more than offset the new securitization charge added to customers’ bills to pay for the securitization bonds.
In 2021, legislation was passed in Indiana allowing for a securitization pilot program to benefit CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana electric customers. The company advocated for the opportunity to demonstrate how this tool could save customers money over traditional utility financing
“As we continue to execute our long-term electric generation transition plan, we are excited to implement this cost-effective strategy – a first-of-its-kind in the state of Indiana – to help reduce customers’ bills,†said Richard Leger, Senior Vice President, Indiana Electric. “Securitization financing assists us in our continued efforts to deliver safe and reliable service, while keeping customer savings a top priority.â€
CenterPoint Energy plans to retire the A.B. Brown coal units 1 and 2 in October 2023 as part of its long-term electric generation transition plan. The remaining value of the coal plants and other qualified costs are financed through the issuance of these securitization bonds at a lower long-term interest rate.
While CenterPoint Energy is the first utility to use securitization financing in Indiana, this is an established practice that has saved utility customers millions of dollars in nearly 30 states. CenterPoint Energy will einvest proceeds from the securitization bonds into its generation transition plan, including renewable resources such as wind- and solar-powered generation, both of which will be backed up by natural gas generation resources to maintain reliability.
For more information on CenterPoint Energy’s long-term electric generation transition plan, visit Centerpointenergy.com/smartenergyfuture.
Forward-looking Statement
This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “projection,” “should,” “target,” “will” or other similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions of management which are believed to be reasonable at the time made and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual events and results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any statements in this news release regarding future events, such as CenterPoint Energy’s ability to execute on its generation transition plan and to implement cleaner energy, the extent and amount of, if any, of anticipated customer and interest rate savings and any other statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement contained in this news release speaks only as of the date of this release. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the provided forward-looking information include risks and uncertainties relating to: (1) the impact of pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) financial market conditions; (3) general economic conditions; (4) the timing and impact of future regulatory and legislative decisions; (5) effects of competition; (6) weather variations; (7) changes in business plans; (8) continued disruptions to the global supply chain and increases in commodity prices; (9) legislative decisions, including tax and developments related to the environment such as global climate change, air emissions, carbon and waste water discharges; (10) CenterPoint Energy’s ability to execute on its initiatives, targets and goals and operations and maintenance goals and (11) other factors, risks and uncertainties discussed in CenterPoint Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, CenterPoint Energy’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 and other reports CenterPoint Energy or its subsidiaries may file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
INDIANA. FALLEN HEROES FOUNDATION
On Behalf of the Tell City Police Department the Indiana State Police is Releasing the Following Information
An account to benefit the family of Sergeant Heather Glenn who was tragically killed in the line of duty served for the Tell City Police Department has been established at German American Bank, Tell City, Indiana. Checks can be payable to “Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation Inc”. Individuals can make a note in the memo of the check that it is for the “Sgt. Heather Glenn Endowment”. Anyone can make a donation by stopping in the nearest German American Bank or mail a check to / German American Bank, PO Box 248, Tell City, IN 47586 which is Sergeant Glenn’s hometown. To locate a branch near you click the link below:
https://germanamerican.com/locations/locations-map/
Donations can also be made through the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization here:
https://indianafallen.org/fallen-heroes
If you, your company or organization would like to help with the funeral and other final expenses, please contribute directly to the Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation at:
Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation, Inc. 1710 South 10th Street Noblesville, IN 46060(317) 431-0755
Roosevelt Jones elevated to Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach
Jones was the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations last season
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Cementing his staff for the 2023-24 season, University of Evansville head men’s basketball coach David Ragland has announced the promotion of Roosevelt Jones to an Assistant Coach for the Purple Aces.
A former star at Butler University, Jones spent last season as the Director of Men’s Basketball Operations at UE. Before joining the Aces program, Jones was an assistant coach at the University of Indianapolis.
“I am pleased to announce the second promotion this off season for Roosevelt Jones. One of the toughest things to do in life and especially as a college basketball coach is to embrace all aspects of the job. Often times, coaches’ complete tasks that are explained as “other duties assigned” and many of those tasks are not glamorous. I was told prior to knowing Rose better that he is the ultimate teammate and I now know why after working with him,†Ragland exclaimed. “Winners, win and do so because of their willingness to sacrifice for those around them. Roosevelt is a student of the game of basketball. He understands the game, studies the game and can apply it to the court allowing student athletes to be the best version of themselves. Roosevelt will focus more on the recruiting of student athletes, on court instruction of our current roster, and assisting with the offensive game plan.â€
In his first season at UE, Jones excelled in assisting the program in multiple facets ranging from travel to coaching. He worked at UIndy as an assistant over the two prior seasons and made history in 2021-22, helping the program advance to its first-ever appearance in the GLVC Tournament Championship Game. The Greyhounds were 19-11 overall and 10-8 in conference action. In his first year with the Hounds, the team won 11 of their final 16 games to advance to the postseason.
His first coaching opportunity a came at IU-Kokomo where he worked for two seasons. The Cougars were 53-15 during his tenure and recorded two NAIA National Tournament appearance. They were ranked as high as 10th nationally.
“We had a great deal of interest in our assistant coaching position. I was humbled and impressed with the quality of candidates throughout the process of filling this position. I have a huge amount of respect for a lot of guys in this profession and was able to grow closer relationships with those interested in joining our staff,†Ragland stated. “However, I am an advocate of promoting from within. Roosevelt basically interviewed all season long on the type of connector and coach he has the ability to be with our student-athletes.  The fact that he knows our offensive and defensive philosophy, our programs terminology, our drills, how we function as a university and his relationships with both our returning players and newcomers led me to my decision to elevate Rose as a full-time assistant coach on our staff. I know Rose will continue to do a great job positively impacting our program.â€
Prior to his coaching days, Jones enjoyed a storied playing career. The legend at Butler University completed a record-breaking career with the Bulldogs that saw him rank at or near the top in starts (1st), assists (4th), rebounds (5th), steals (8th) and points (11th). The 2-time All-Big East Second Team player earned NABC All-District accolades in 2015-16.
Jones went on to play professionally for two years with the Canton Charge, the G- League affiliate of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, while additionally training players during the offseason in his hometown of O’Fallon, Ill.