EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: Â EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
“IS IT TRUE” JUNE 15, 2023
Any comments posted in this column do not represent the views or opinions of the City-County Observer or our advertisers.
Senator Braun joins letter calling for Special Counsel to investigate Biden business dealings
WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun joined Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator J.D. Vance in calling for a Special Counsel to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by Hunter Biden, President Biden, and his family in their business dealings.
As reported in the New York Post, “[The letter comes] a day after Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) revealed that the Ukrainian businessman who allegedly paid $5 million apiece to Joe and Hunter Biden in 2015 and 2016 claimed to keep 17 audio recordings of the president and first son as ‘insurance.’â€
The Senators wrote,
“Recent reports indicate that Burisma—a Ukrainian natural gas firm where Hunter Biden sat on the board—allegedly paid then-Vice President Biden $5 million to influence United States policy decisions—conduct that would clearly constitute bribery. To make matters worse, the FBI has stonewalled congressional oversight of this matter, refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House Oversight Committee. Additionally, both Joe and Hunter Biden pursued numerous business deals that were allegedly arranged by individuals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).â€
“Given these concerning allegations that continue to come to light with each passing day, we urge you to appoint a special counsel to investigate any wrongdoing by President Biden and his family in their business dealings. Only then—with the appointment of a neutral and independent special counsel with broad authority to investigate these credible claims of the Biden family’s corruption—can the American people be assured that there is truly one set of laws in this country and that they apply to everyone equally, regardless of their viewpoint or political affiliation,†continued the senators.
LINKS OF ORDINANCE G-2023-12 AUTHORIZING REVENUE BONDS FOR FIFTH AND MAIN PROPERTY
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ATTACHED BELOW ARE LINKS TO ORDINANCE G-2023-12 AUTHORIZING REVENUE BONDS FOR FIFTH AND MAIN STREET PROPERTY An Ordinance of the Evansville Common Council Authorizing the City of Evansville, Indiana, to Issue Two Series of Economic Development Revenue Bonds, and Approving and Authorizing Other Actions in Respect Thereto. Sponsor(s): Heronemus, Beane. Â Discussion Led By: Finance Chair Beane Discussion Date: 6/12/2023 Notify: Marco DeLucio, ZSWS |
G-2023-12 Attachment:Series 2023B Evansville Fifth and Main — Trust Indenture(26586294.1) Attachment:FOOTNOTE: On Monaday evening of this week members of the Evansville City Council approved the above Financial Agreements docuements without having all the detaiis (interest rates, terms of the loan, etc.) concerning the loans. Â The above Financial Agreements was passed by City Council without very little discussion. Â
Attorney General Todd Rokita Doubles Down On TikTokÂ
Attorney General Todd Rokita doubles down on TikTokÂ
Cooper & Kirk attorneys tell court: It’s hardly political posturing
to show how the Chinese government steals Americans’ identities,
even their facial features
Attorneys at Cooper & Kirk joined Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita today in his ongoing fight to hold TikTok accountable for collecting personal data from app users — information that is then accessible to the Chinese Communist Party. Today, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General filed an amended lawsuit against TikTok.
“The district court’s criticisms of the initial complaint were misguided and unfounded,†said David Thompson of Cooper & Kirk, the state’s lead outside counsel. “Is it considered ‘irrelevant posturing’ to express concern that Americans may be unknowingly posing for CCP facial recognition files?â€
Even journalists at left-leaning CNN have now accepted the credibility of testimony “that the Chinese Communist Party accessed the data of TikTok users on a broad scale, and for political purposes.†Recent sworn testimony from a former employee of ByteDance, TikTok’s Beijing-based parent company, reveals the depths of their deception.
Such testimony provides just one example of TikTok’s insidious practices — despite the company sparing no expense to deny it to Congress, the media and American consumers.
“TikTok has engaged in a massive PR campaign in which their statements and omissions paint a false, deceptive and misleading picture for Indiana consumers that there is minimal risk of the Chinese government accessing and exploiting their data,” Thompson added.
In December 2022, Attorney General Rokita led the way by filing two separate lawsuits against TikTok — both related to false claims made by the company about its video-sharing app. This week, Attorney General Rokita amended the state’s data-privacy complaint against TikTok to reflect the recent revelations that TikTok users’ data is subject to Chinese law and may be intercepted by the Chinese government.
Previously, TikTok removed the state’s case to federal court, but on May 23 the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana agreed with Attorney General Rokita’s office that the case should proceed in state court. The district court criticized the complaint as “posturing” — an opinion not shared by the patriots fighting against TikTok.
“Not only do TikTok’s false, deceptive and misleading practices blatantly violate Indiana law — but they also endanger individual Hoosiers,†Attorney General Rokita said. “Too many U.S. policymakers put their heads in the sand while the Chinese Communist Party steals data and uses it to advance its own strategic agenda.”
The amended complaint is attached.
Gov. Holcomb announces largest EV investment in state history attracting a more than $3B battery plant
New General Motors, Samsung SDI EV Battery Plant to Create 1,700 Jobs in St. Joseph County
NEW CARLISLE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced plans to bring a more than $3 billion EV battery cell plant to St. Joseph County, creating 1,700 manufacturing jobs. The new battery cell plant, a joint venture between Michigan-based General Motors and Korea-based Samsung SDI, is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.
“GM has long been one of America’s most iconic brands and deeply rooted in Indiana. For decades, Hoosier communities like Marion, Bedford and Fort Wayne have been part of the production of countless firsts for family vehicles. And, now today, I couldn’t be more excited to again see GM alongside one of Indiana’s newest world class companies, Samsung SDI, take this giant leap and make this $3 billion commitment that will transform the automotive industry aided by our proud Hoosier workforce,†Gov. Holcomb. “This historic investment is further proof that Indiana has turned it up and shifted into a higher gear when it comes to helping create the future of mobility and more customer options out on the open road.â€
GM and Samsung SDI, which announced their joint venture in April, will build the plant just east of New Carlisle at Larrison Boulevard and Indiana 2 to supply GM’s growing EV production needs. GM plans to install more than 1 million units of annual EV capacity in North America in 2025 and accelerate from there.
The new facility will house production lines to build nickel-rich prismatic and cylindrical cells and is expected to help significantly increase the accessibility and affordability of EVs. Once complete, the plant will have more than 30 GWh of capacity.
“This joint venture and the 1,700 people there will help supply cells for millions of all-electric vehicles for customers across North America,†said Mary Barra, GM Chair and CEO. “The strong support of local and state leaders in Indiana and the combined resources and expertise of GM and Samsung SDI will help us move faster than we could on our own.â€
“Through establishment of a battery joint venture with GM, we are grateful that Samsung SDI can contribute to boosting the economy of Indiana and creating new jobs here,” said Yoonho Choi, President and CEO of Samsung SDI. “Securing Indiana as a strong foothold together with GM, Samsung SDI will supply products featuring the highest level of safety and quality in a bid to help the U.S. move forward to an era of electric vehicles.”
GM has a considerable presence in Indiana with five facilities across the state that employ more than 5,700 Hoosiers. The company recently announced plans to invest $632 million in its Fort Wayne Assembly to expand operations and upgrade equipment to support its growing full-size truck business. GM also announced plans to invest $491 million to expand and upgrade its Marion, Indiana, facility to support its growing EV production. Â
“GM and Samsung SDI doubling down on their commitment to growing in Indiana further solidifies our state’s pole position in the growing EV space,†said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers. “Indiana has long been a global business destination, and our momentum continues as we further build Indiana’s future-focused economy and usher in incredible opportunities for Hoosiers. Transformational projects like these not only help bolster Indiana’s economy but enrich the surrounding communities and will directly benefit Indiana residents for decades to come.â€Â   Â
Construction is planned to begin within the next year and support more than 1,000 jobs during the build. The companies plan to start production in New Carlisle in 2026.
“St. Joseph County is deeply appreciative that General Motors and Samsung SDI have selected our community for its EV battery plant,†said Carl Baxmeyer, President of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. “This project represents the largest single investment and job commitment in St. Joseph County in the last 75 years and will impact our region for decades. Our region has a long history of innovation in the automotive industry, and for generations have built vehicles or parts that have been included in vehicles around the world. As the industry evolves, we’re thrilled to once again be at the center of this transformational time for the industry, and we look forward to a long partnership with GM and Samsung SDI as they move forward on their first battery plant as partners.â€
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is working with GM and Samsung SDI to finalize a performance-based incentive offer to support the joint venture’s investment and job creation plans. St. Joseph County, Indiana Michigan Power, and Northern Indiana Public Service Company offered additional incentives.
About General Motors  General Motors (NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is the Ultium battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Cad
About Samsung SDI  Samsung SDI is a manufacturer of rechargeable batteries for the IT industry, automobiles, and energy storage systems (ESS), as well as cutting-edge materials used to produce semiconductors and displays. Our executive managers and staff members focus efforts to develop the next generation’s growth drivers in order to secure Samsung SDI’s place as a creative leader in the energy and cutting-edge materials industry. Â
Four TSF Reporters Receive National SPJ Honor
Four TSF Reporters Receive National SPJ Honor
Taylor Wooten, a 2022 graduate from Clarksville, captured first place in the Breaking News Category for her story on the 2022 transgender sports bill before the Indiana General Assembly. Alexa Shrake, a 2022 graduate from Martinsville, Isaac Gleitz, a 2023 graduate from Corydon, and Sydney Byerly, a senior from New Albany, claimed first place in the General News Category for their series onthe criminal case involving former Franklin College President Thomas J. Minar.
Shrake and Wooten are both reporters in Indianapolis, with Shrake covering law at the Indiana Lawyer and Wooten covering business developments at the Indiana Business Journal. Gleitz recently graduated with a double major in multimedia journalism and Spanish. Byerly will continue reporting for TheStatehouseFile. coming the fall, finishing her last year at Franklin College.
“I am extremely proud of these student journalists,†Franklin College President Kerry N. Prather said. “The journalism profession demands creativity, critical thinking and the pursuit of truth. They not only captured the essence of these qualities in their work but have also demonstrated the ability to navigate the evolving media landscape effectively. Their accomplishments will inspire future Franklin College journalism students.â€
The awards honor the best in student journalism. Franklin College students competed against students from every other college or university in the country with an enrollment of less than 10,000. Winners were previously recognized by receiving first place in one of SPJ’s 12 regional competitions held earlier this spring. Each first-place regional winner then advanced to the national competition, where judges were to choose only those entries they felt were outstanding work worthy of national honor.
The students’ work will now advance to the MOEy Best in Show Award contest, SPJ’s top prize given to students at the Mark of Excellence Awards on June 17.
University of Evansville to Launch Esports Program
EVANSVILLE, IND. (06/14/2023) With competitive gaming on the rise throughout the world, the University of Evansville (UE) is excited to announce the launch of an on-campus collegiate Esports program.
UE believes the creation of this program will be a promising avenue to attract new students, integrate future academic offerings, and enhance student engagement on campus.
Esports, or electronic sports, is the term used to describe organized competitive video gaming, which is typically played in a multiplayer setting as part of a league or tournament. Esports has the potential to shape students’ knowledge, skills, and future employment opportunities in careers spanning the tech industry, communication, content creation, software and network engineering, and sports management.
Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with programs implemented in over 8,600 US high schools and a global audience of over 500 million people.
UE’s Esports Center will be located in a renovated two-story lounge inside Schroeder Residence Hall to include areas for team practice, competitive play and open game play. Based on the enrollment and progress of the program, the University will activate a second phase of the initiative by expanding space within the Esports Center.
The University has hired Samuel Henderson to serve as the Esports Coordinator and Head Coach. He comes to UE from his hometown of Moline, Illinois, and has spent the past year as a coach at St. Ambrose University in Iowa. Henderson brings prior experience as a success coach, academic advisor, and coordinator of youth programs.
“This opportunity is a testament to the growing recognition of Esports as a legitimate and thriving sport, and I am honored to be part of an institution that embraces the power of digital competition,” said Henderson. “Together, we will nurture talent, shape champions, and pave the way for the future of Esports at the University of Evansville. Let the games begin!”
Renovation efforts will begin in June with team competitions slated to begin during the fall semester.
“Esports is more than just a game; it is a rapidly growing industry that has the power to bring people together and transcend geographical and cultural barriers,” said Rachel Carpenter, DPS, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students who served as the chair of the Esports Task Force. “I’m enthusiastic about the potential of introducing Esports at UE, as it will expand our impact on students seeking new opportunities for campus engagement and career development.”
To learn more about UE Esports, visit evansville.edu/Esports.
Robyn Scherr-Wells Inks Contract Extension With Purple Aces
Scherr-Wells Is Entering Her Third Season At UE
JUN@ 15, 2023Â
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – With two years of steady improvement to the University of Evansville women’s basketball program, University of Evansville Director of Athletics Ziggy Siegfried has announced a contract extension for head women’s basketball coach Robyn Scherr-Wells.
“Robyn is one of the most driven coaches that I have ever worked with in my career. She has shown a commitment to academics, the student-athlete experience and competitive excellence, and her engagement with the campus and community has been fantastic,†Siegfried stated. “Robyn is committed to being at UE and understands that commitment takes time. We are proud to show that commitment to her. I have no doubt that she is a leader who can and will build a championship program.â€
In a short amount of time, Scherr-Wells has made significant progress in building the Purple Aces program. The first season under her direction saw the team post its highest amount of wins in five seasons. Her team followed that up with an 11-win campaign last season, which was marked the first double-digit win season and the highest victory total since the 2016-17 season.
“I would like to thank President Pietruszkiewicz, Dr. Siegfried, and Sarah Solinsky for their belief in me and their commitment to Evansville Women’s Basketball. I am grateful to lead the Purple Aces,†Scherr-Wells said. “We have made great strides forward in the last two years, and I am excited to continue to build upon that. When I was hired in 2021, I wanted the job because of the top, private school education that UE offers combined with high mid-major basketball in the MVC.â€
“We fit a unique niche in Division I basketball that not many schools can offer, and I am so proud to recruit student-athletes to UE. I will continue to work tirelessly to build UE Women’s Basketball into an MVC championship program!â€
Scherr-Wells’ system has led to a much higher pace of play. In four seasons prior to her arrival, UE averaged 59.5 points per game and under. Since she took the helm, the team has averaged 66.1 and 64.6 points, respectively. Her staff has recruited and coached four All-Missouri Valley Conference selections and that success translated to increased attendance and the first sellout in program history.
Off the court, her impact has been just as important. The team GPA for the women jumped from 3.0 in her first season to 3.3 last year. Her efforts have also translated to an increase in fundraising. During the 2022-23 campaign, her program raised over five times the amount of funds as it did in the season prior to her arrival.