EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
UPDATE: Indiana General Assembly Overrides Holcomb’s Veto Of “Trans Athlete Bill”
MAY 26, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS—Two months after Gov. Eric Holcomb vetoed House Enrolled Act 1041, which would only allow participation in school sports based on biological sex, the Indiana General Assembly voted to override the veto.
The Indiana House of Representatives voted 67-28 on Tuesday when it convened for technical corrections day, while the Indiana Senate voted 32-15. They only needed a simple majority to overturn the veto.
“Today’s action only strengthens the promise of Title IX, which has had the most profound impact on ensuring women have equal opportunity in sports for nearly 50 years,†House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said. “It’s important for Indiana to not only recognize the contributions and achievements made by female athletes but to also ensure those opportunities are secured now and in the future.â€
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana quickly responded, announcing it filed a lawsuit shortly after the vote.
“The lawsuit was filed on behalf of A.M., a 10-year-old girl who plays on her school’s all-girls softball team. The new law, which would go into effect July 1, 2022, would deny A.M. the right to rejoin her team because she is a transgender girl,†the group said in a press release.  Even with this new case, there is not a large number of transgender athletes in the state, which partially guided Holcomb in his decision, he said.  “The presumption of the policy laid out in HEA 1041 is that there is an existing problem in K-12 sports in Indiana that requires further state government intervention,†Holcomb wrote in his explanation of the veto. “It implies that the goals of consistency and fairness in competitive female sports are not currently being met. After a thorough review, I find no evidence to support either claim even if I support the overall goal.â€
Holcomb also pointed to the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s policy as proof that the legislation is unneeded.
The policy looks at cases on an individual basis, and IHSAA commissioner Paul Neidig said he only knows of two applications in the past 10 years. One was regarding a student who was transitioning to male and was allowed to compete on a male cross-country team. The other applicant, who was transitioning to female, decided against continuing to pursue the issue.
In both sessions, the governor’s veto was read aloud. Where they diverged was in what followed. While there was no debate in the House, the Senate spent over an hour talking about the bill.
Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, presented the bill and said it was important no matter if there were only one case. She also mentioned other states that have passed similar legislation.
Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, who spent much of his 30-minute-long speech speaking about Republicans like Holcomb and Utah Gov. Spencer Cox who oppose this and similar bills, responded to Donato by saying many of those laws are currently being challenged in courts.
Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, also spoke and asked if this was a worthy use of the Senate’s time.
“We are spending our time to make children feel bad about themselves,†Yoder said. “This bill is in no way a solution to a problem. It is a problem.â€
Before the sessions began, members of the public stood in lines outside the House and Senate chambers waiting to be admitted.
LaKimba DeSadier, state director of Planned Parenthood, said she was there to “hold our legislators accountable.â€
“We just want them to be accountable and truly represent their community,†DeSadier said.
John Lapp, who has a transgender child, said, “I feel very strongly that this is a hateful bill.â€
“Everyone’s a human,†said Natalie Auberry. “It goes against my values to discriminate like this.â€
She continued: “You know, I was very happy to see, personally, that there are more people here on this side of the issue than on the other side.â€
A recent survey by American Principles Project, a conservative think tank, suggests that when it comes to Hoosiers overall, they do support the bill.
In a survey of around 1,000 likely voters, 64.5% said they would “support legislation that banned biological male students that identify as transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports programs at Indiana K-12 public schools. Some 53% disapproved of Holcomb’s veto.
Seven Republicans split with their party to vote to uphold the veto. They were Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany; Rep. Tom Saunders, R-Lewisville; Rep. Cindy Ziemke, R-Batesville; Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette; Sen. Phil Boots, R-Crawfordsville; Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso; and Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus.
City-County Observer Footnote: Area Lawmakers who voted to override the governor’s veto to protect the integrity of the “Trans” Athlete Bill in Indiana were TIM O’BRIEN (R), WENDY MCNAMARA (R), MATT HOSTELLER (R), AND CINDY LEDBETTER (R). Â The lone area Democrat who voted not to overturn the Governor’s veto was RYAN HATFIELD (D).
At press time we had a problem verifying how Indiana State Senators Becker (R) and Toomes (R) voted on this issue but shall provide our readers an update once we find the results.
The City Of Evansville Department Of Parks And Recreation Released Finalized Designs For Sunset Skatepark.
The City Of Evansville Department Of Parks And Recreation Released Finalized Designs For Sunset Skatepark.
MAY 25, 2022
The new concept for the Riverfront park was developed by Hunger Skateparks and incorporates features requested during a March public input session. Updates include a refreshed design for the manual pad in the center of the rink, redesigned ledges to include out and ride-on options, an Amoeba Bowl, and a reconfigured bike zone.
“We’re proud of our local skate community for leading this effort,” said Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “When completed, Evansville will be home to one of the largest and most diverse skateparks in our state.”
Hunger Skatepark designers added plans for rain gardens to mitigate stormwater runoff. The design team also ramped up appearances by pulling creative inspiration from the historic Mississippian culture that once thrived during 1000-1450 A.D. a few miles from the park’s location.
“Sunset Skatepark will be located between Mickey’s Kingdom and the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility Sunrise Pump Station,” said Deputy Mayor and interim Director of Parks & Recreation Department Steve Schaefer. “By this time next year, a section of our Riverfront will be completely transformed into a public space where residents can ride, play, relax and learn.”
Construction on the park will begin this fall.
FOOTNOTE: Follow the park project on the Sunset Skatepark Facebook page or at skatesunset.com.
Download the renderings: https://we.tl/t-fR2ive5lKP
It’s Time To Wish ‘Good Luck’ To These Five Student Journalists
It’s Time To Wish ‘Good Luck’ To These Five Student Journalists
From left, Ashlyn Myers, Isaac Gleitz, Ari Lovitt, Taylor Wooten and Maddie Alexander pose outside Shirk Hall on the Franklin College campus, home to the Pulliam School of Journalism. The five reporters just finished a successful stint at TheStatehouseFile.com.
From left, Ashlyn Myers, Isaac Gleitz, Ari Lovitt, Taylor Wooten and Maddie Alexander pose outside Shirk Hall on the Franklin College campus, home to the Pulliam School of Journalism. The five reporters just finished a successful stint at TheStatehouseFile.com is saying goodbye to its spring 2022 class of reporters.
This week, Franklin College senior Taylor Wooten, senior Ari Lovitt, junior Isaac Gleitz, junior Maddie Alexander, and freshman Ashlyn Myers completed a four-month stint working in “the Shack”—The Statehouse File’s office in the press corps of the Indiana Statehouse—as well as on campus and in the field.
As part of the Pulliam School of Journalism‘s 16-year-old immersive learning program, they attended some 70 meetings during the 2022 legislative session and published almost 100 articles plus photos and videos on TheStatehouseFile.com. Their work also appeared in 35 Indiana media outlets that subscribe to TSF as a news service.
“A real newsroom is the best classroom for a student journalist,” said Colleen Steffen, The Statehouse File’s executive editor. “It can be hard and stressful for students, but for me, it’s extremely satisfying to watch the growth they’re able to accomplish in such a short time.
“This group was a joy to work with.”
This semester’s crop of J majors was challenged by an extraordinarily contentious session that saw partisan fighting over handgun licensing, the right of trans youth to play sports, post-redistricting primary races and how to respond to a possible knockdown of Roe v. Wade among other polarizing issues. Some members of staff, along with members of campus newspaper The Franklin, also continued a reporting series on disgraced former FC president Thomas Minar standing trial in Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, the Indiana College Press Association named TheStatehouseFile.combest overall website, beating out much larger state schools.
“TSF was rather challenging for me,” said Myers, new to college life and the youngest of the group. “In September, when I first started writing, I was what most would consider a complete rookie. I didn’t know a lick of AP style, and I certainly didn’t know how to craft a lede or call up legislators.
“However, I did have fellow reporters and two editors that cared enough to help me grow both my writing skills and my confidence. I learned all about state government, but I also learned about myself. I learned that I love feature writing, and that I thrive under a deadline. I learned about how to show empathy, and how to accept when you’re wrong.
“TSF helped me to fall in love with journalism, and I have no intention of stopping.”
Ashlyn is from Franklin and recently took home the college’s Damaris Knobe Endowed Journalism Scholarship. She will continue working with The Statehouse File this summer as a freelancer, as will Alexander, an Indianapolis resident and social-media content creator with over 280,000 followers on TikTok who rediscovered a love for writing.
“TSF taught me how to better my writing skills and made me more confident about what I am doing and asking when talking to politicians,” Alexander said. “It brought me new friends that I could bond over writing with.”
Gleitz, of Corydon, was a finalist in the Thomas R. Keating Competition for college feature writers this past fall and won the Jerry Miller Award from the college this spring. “I learned that there is a way to be creative and add one’s personal flavor to every topic, even when it comes to the most mundane,” he said.
He is off to a study-abroad experience in Barcelona while TSF’s two seniors will plunge into the job market. Lovitt, of Greenwood, dreams of a reporting job in music or tech.
“TSF for me was a new adventure every day,” she said. “It was the most and the fastest I’ve ever pushed myself as a journalist—with results and improvement to boot. The team made writing and working fun … I’m so grateful for the opportunity!”
As for Wooten, of Clarksville, her accolades as a senior include second place in the Keating competition and the Harvey C. Jacobs Journalism Award, and she is off to the POLITICO Journalism Institute, a prestigious workshop accepting just 16 young journalists from across the nation, while interviewing for jobs.
“Being able to cover the session in person this semester alongside professional journalists really helped me build confidence in myself and in my choice to pursue journalism,” said Wooten. “That, with support and guidance from Colleen and Kevin, really made me feel capable despite the usual young-adult doubts.”
Kevin Morgan helps mentor TSF reporters as part of a partnership between TheStatehouseFile.com and The Indiana Citizen.
“After a 2021 session that saw our Statehouse bureau essentially shut down by COVID, forcing us to report remotely, it was good to return to the Statehouse in 2022,” he said. “This year’s group made the most of it, producing in both quantity and quality. I enjoyed working with them, wish our departing seniors the best, and look forward to working with those who return next year.”
You can support TheStatehouseFile.com and the education of future journalists by subscribing as a reader or as a media outlet.
FOOTNOTE: Over the last several years many of the above students wrote articles for the City-County Observer and we thank them for their excellent work. Â
Franklin College School Of Journalism has proven to be a valuable media partner of the City-County Observer,
Local Lawmakers Override Governors Veto “To Protect Girls’ Sports”
Local Lawmakers  Voted  To Override The Governors Veto to “Protect Girl Sports” In Indiana
MAY 25, 20022
Indiana State legislators voted on Tuesday to override the governor’s veto of House Enrolled Act 1041, which prohibits biological males from competing in K-12 girls’ sports in Indiana. The vote came as part of technical corrections day, where lawmakers can take up any vetoes and fix technical errors in laws passed during the prior session.
“Young women have fought hard for the same opportunities as men, and it’s only right to protect the integrity of girls’ sports in Indiana,” State Representative Bartels (R) said. “Overriding this veto was important so we can prevent unfair competition throughout our state.”Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. Lindauer said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls’ athletic events across the nation.
“Female athletes work hard to win titles and earn scholarships, and shouldn’t watch from the sidelines because a biological male took their playing time,” State Representative Lindauer (R) said. “This is about fairness, and overriding the veto was the right thing to do.”
There are certain biological differences that give males an unfair advantage over females in sports, like greater muscle mass, bone density, and cardio capacity. Lindauer said the vote Tuesday was especially important as June marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which ensures women have an equal opportunity to play and compete in sports.
In Indiana, a gubernatorial veto can be overridden with a constitutional majority vote in both chambers, and the bill becomes a law without the governor’s signature. For more information about House Enrolled Act 1041, effective on July 1, 2022, visit iga.in.gov.
Area Lawmakers who voted to override the governor’s veto to protect the integrity of girl sports in Indiana were TIM O’BRIEN (R), WENDY MCNAMARA (R), MATT HOSTELLER (R), AND CINDY LEDBETTER (R). Â The lone area Democrat who voted not to overturn the Governor’s veto was RYAN HATFIELD (D).
FOOTNOTE: At press time we had a problem verifying how Indiana State Senators Becker (R) and Toomes (R) voted on this issue but shall provide our readers an update once we find the results.
We also find it interesting that our local lawmakers didn’t make any comments concerning their vote on this issue. We feel that it’s very important for the voters of this community to find out the rationale why our local representatives voted on this issue the way they did.Â
David Ragland Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach At UE
David Ragland Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach At UE
Evansville Native Brings A Wealth Of Experience To The Program
 EVANSVILLE, Ind. – David Ragland has been named the 16th head men’s basketball coach in University of Evansville history. The announcement of the 8th Division I head coach in Purple Ace’s history was made by Director of Athletics Dr. Kenneth “Ziggy†Siegfried.
Media is invited to meet with Coach Ragland and Ziggy Siegfried inside Meeks Family Fieldhouse between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, May 25. Each station/publication will receive a 10-minute 1-on-1 opportunity with Ragland and Siegfried. Those who would like to reserve their time are asked to RSVP to Bob Pristash at rp113@evansville.edu.
At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a community introduction will take place at Meeks Family Fieldhouse. The event will be open to the public. Media is invited to cover the event; however, interviews with Ragland and Siegfried must be conducted at the earlier media opportunity.
“As we moved through the search process for our new head men’s basketball coach, David Ragland separated himself from the other candidates and established himself as the clear choice to lead our program,†Siegfried said. “David brings a pedigree that will help our program in every way while his familiarity with the Evansville community will help to reengage our supporters.â€
In a coaching career that has spanned nearly two decades, Ragland’s experience has seen him contribute to an impressive group of programs that includes Butler, Utah State, Valparaiso, Vincennes, Northern Kentucky, Bowling Green, Indiana State, and Frank Phillips College. He joins the Evansville program following a 1-year stint as an assistant coach at Butler University.
Prior to his tenure with the Bulldogs, Ragland enjoyed a successful tenure at Utah State where his squads achieved at least 20 wins in each of his three seasons while finishing with an overall mark of 74-24. The Aggies made two NCAA Tournament appearances during his tenure while the 2019-20 squad posted a 26-8 mark before the postseason was canceled due to COVID-19.
“I want to thank Dr. Siegfried and President Pietruszkiewicz for putting their trust in me to lead this program. It is a dream come true to return home. Evansville is such a special place for my family and myself and the opportunity to come back to where it all started means the world,†Ragland exclaimed. “Growing up in the city, I understand what the Purple Aces program means to the community. From day one, I will work to establish a program that the entire University of Evansville campus community and the city of Evansville will be proud of. My family and I are excited to be home.â€
Ragland has worked at two current Missouri Valley Conference institutions, including a 2-year stint at Valparaiso. His first season with the program saw them accumulated 24 victories in 2016-17 while finishing with a Horizon League regular season championship and a spot in the postseason NIT. Highlighting the roster for VU was Horizon League Player of the Year Alec Peters, who was the 54thpick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
From 2010 through 2014, Ragland was an assistant coach at Indiana State where the Sycamores put forth one of the top stretches by a mid-major program in recent memory. ISU recorded 80 victories along with four postseason appearances, including a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2010-11. Ragland was an assistant at Northern Kentucky (2015-16) and Bowling Green (2014-15) following his stint with the Sycamores. He contributed to a 24-11 mark at NKU, which included an NCAA Tournament berth.
His first head coaching opportunity came at Vincennes University where he led the Trailblazers to a 44-19 record in two years at the helm. The 2009-10 campaign saw them post a 22-10 mark and a run that took the program to the NJCAA District Tournament Finals. Ragland opened his coaching career at Frank Phillips College where he was part of a squad that went 25-5 in 2004-05.
Graduating from Harrison High School, Ragland was named an All-State Honorable Mention basketball player. He began his collegiate career at Missouri Southern State College in Joplin, where his team went on to the NCAA Division II Final Four during his freshman year. Following his sophomore year, he transferred to the University of Sothern Indiana where he played two seasons, propelling the Screaming Eagles to a total of 47 victories and leading the team in assists both years.
Ragland and his wife, Annie, have two children: Ava and Joshua.
California Bill Would Allow Parents To Sue Social Media Platforms For Kids’
California Bill Would Allow Parents To Sue Social Media Platforms For Kids’ Addictions
Written By Dannie McIntire
The California Assembly passed a measure Monday that would allow parents to sue social media companies for up to $25,000 per violation if their child becomes addicted to media platforms. The proposed law now goes to the California state senate for additional hearings and would go into effect in January 2023 if passed.Â
I have a better idea, why doesn’t the California legislature pass a simpler law requiring a parent to actually be a “parentâ€. If your child is obsessed with and spending too many hours on social media whose fault is that?
It’s not the media site’s fault, it’s not the child’s fault, the blame lies squarely with the “parentingâ€. If your child is spending too much time on social media sites, limit their time on such sites, and if necessary take their device away, it’s as simple as that! Â
Unfortunately, this malady is not only affecting our children. I can’t count the number of instances I’ve been in a restaurant and observed a family out to enjoy a meal together, everyone in the family with a cell phone in hand with hardly a glance or word was spoken to one another. How often have you seen a group of apparent friends out together, each one in their own little world glued to their cell phones, with little or no conversation between them?
The art of conversation is being replaced by texting. Now I’m hoping my wife doesn’t read this article. I’ve heard her cell phone “dinging†constantly to the point I think an ice cream truck must be driving by. Me-“who is textingâ€, wife-“Oh I’m texting with my sisterâ€, Me-“why don’t you just call herâ€, wife-“angry stare at my intrusion into her textingâ€.Â
Don’t even get me started on when my wife has a group text going with her “Bunco Girlsâ€, the sound effects are equal to listening to a “lightsaber†fight in “Star Warsâ€.Â
Don’t get me wrong, I do appreciate the world of technology we are now living in, however, sometimes it does seem to upset the rules of the universe. Adults should be the teacher, I recall the look on my wife’s face when her then seven-year-old great-niece Grace asked quizzically, “Auntie L, why are you typing, just speak into the phone like this and it will do the text for youâ€, her expression was “WHATâ€! But then at age 68, my wife is still trying to learn how to Cha Cha, I wonder if technology can help with that. Â
when her then seven-year-old great-niece Grace asked quizzically, “Auntie L, why are you typing, just speak into the phone like this and it will do the text for youâ€, her expression was “WHATâ€! But then at age 68, my wife is still trying to learn how to Cha Cha, I wonder if technology can help with that.   Â
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