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2025 VCDP Poker Run, Get Your Tickets Now!
Governor Braun Makes Appointments to IU Board of Trustees, Various Boards and Commissions
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun today announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions, including the Indiana University Board of Trustees.
Indiana University Board of Trustees:
Marilee Springer (Hamilton County) – Partner at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, effective immediately until term expires on June 30, 2028
David Hormuth, M.D. (Jupiter, FL), effective immediately until term expires on June 30, 2028
Isaac White (Wayne County), IU Student Trustee, effective immediately until term expires on June 30, 2026
Appointments:
Environmental Rules Board
John Graham (Monroe County), Term Expires on June 30, 2026
Allen County Judicial Nominating Commission
Stephanie Veit (Allen County) – Vice President/Commercial Banker at JPMorgan Chase, Term Expires June 30, 2029
Joe Jordan (Allen County) – President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Indiana, Term Expires June 30, 2029
Mark Boyd (Allen County) – Financial Advisor for Summitt Financial Group, Term Expires June 30, 2029
Commission on Improving the Status of Children in Indiana:
Audrey Arbogast (Marion County) – Chief of Staff, Indiana’s Office of Health and Family Services, Representing the Governor’s Office
Chad Ranney (Hamilton County) – Indiana State Budget Director, Representing the Governor’s Office
Lawmakers will study AI, maternal mental health, K-12 school funding, and more in the interim
Lawmakers will study AI, maternal mental health, K-12 school funding, and more in the interim
The Indiana General Assembly’s Legislative Council met Wednesday to assign topics for lawmakers to study during the 2025 legislative interim, according to a press release from the office of Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville.
The Legislative Council is comprised of eight members of the Indiana Senate and eight members of the Indiana House of Representatives. This year, Bray is serving as chair and House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, is serving as vice-chair.
“Interim study committees provide a venue outside of the legislative session for members to take an in-depth look at issues facing Indiana,” Bray said. “These bipartisan, bicameral committees will review a variety of topics like government efficiency, maternal mental health, artificial intelligence and recreational land use. The work done by these committees will help provide a baseline for the 2026 legislative session, and I look forward to reviewing the results of their work.”
House and Senate leaders will assign members to each study committee in the coming weeks. Interim committees, which will be chaired by the Senate this year, will meet during the summer and fall months in preparation for the 2026 session of the General Assembly.
The resolution outlining the assigned topics can be found here. It stipulates that the study committees must “make findings and recommendations concerning the following topics assigned to them and submit a final report to the Legislative Council in an electronic format … before November 1, 2025.”
Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, a member of the Legislative Council, stated after the meeting.
“I am glad to see bipartisan assignments for the 2025 interim study committee topics. Many of the topics selected examine issues that act as significant barriers to improving life for Hoosiers,” she said.
“I am glad that the state is looking into the issue of medical debt. For those without health insurance, and even some with it, getting sick or injured could result in crushing debt that prevents any chance at economic prosperity in the future. Hoosiers don’t deserve to face financial ruin just for needing medical care, and I am pleased there will be a committee looking for ways to prevent that.
“Postpartum support for Hoosier mothers is another topic that will be studied during the interim. Indiana has some of the worst maternal mortality statistics in the country, with Black and brown populations disproportionately impacted. Finding ways to increase access to medical services for postpartum care is a significant step in trying to improve our maternal health outcomes.”
Following is a list of committees tapped by the Legislative Council, with descriptions from the resolution:
Agriculture and Natural Resources Study Committee
“The economic value of public land for recreation in Indiana. The study must include all of the following: (i) The direct and indirect economic impacts of public recreational lands on local and regional economies. (ii) Tourism, employment, and small business development associated with recreational use of public lands. (iii) The value of ecosystem services and health benefits provided through recreational access to public lands. (iv) Best practices from other states in valuing public land used for outdoor recreation.”
Child Services Study Committee
“Review reports of state and local child fatality review teams and the Department of Child Services concerning child safety.”
Commerce and Economic Development Study Committee
“Barriers to entry into licensed professions and identification of professions that require accreditation from a non-governmental entity.”
Corrections and Criminal Code Study Committee
“Multi-year review of current trends with respect to criminal behavior, sentencing, incarceration, and treatment.”
Courts and the Judiciary Study Committee
“Medical debt, including protection of an individual’s principal residence from liens or sale to satisfy medical debt and other issues covered in SB 317-2025, including the study the following: (i) Caps on monthly payments for medical debt. (ii) Limitation on collections or liens of property for satisfaction of medical debt. (iii) Limitations on garnishment of salary for medical debt. (iv) Defining charitable care for non-profit and county hospitals. (v) The requirement for non-profit and county hospitals to offer payment plans and appropriate notices to patients as it relates to their medical billing.”
Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Study Committee
“Review annual reports of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.”
Environmental Affairs Study Committee
“Pollution from lead, heavy metals, plastic, and other harmful materials above ground and underground from improperly discarded cables.”
Financial Institutions and Insurance Study Committee
“Use of long term care insurance and changes to federal and state law that can bring down the costs of these programs.”
Fiscal Policy Study Committee
“The following as they relate to public school funding: (1) Salaries for K-12 Administrators. (2) K-12 Administrator to Student Ratios as well as Teacher to Student Ratios.”
Pension Management Oversight Study Committee
“Review annual reports concerning the status of pension local accounts, contributions, contributions rates, actuarial reports concerning the status of each supplemental allowance reserve accounts, and other financial reports and stress tests.”
Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services Study Committee
1. “The following: (i) Requiring the Department of Education to develop curricula regarding water safety. (ii) Need for and importance of requiring a school corporation to provide instruction on water safety as a part of the health education curriculum for students enrolled in K-12.”
2. “The following: (i) Integrating maternal postpartum mental health screenings into pediatric visits. (ii) Establishing hospital and health provider procedures to ensure that a woman who has given birth and is either a Medicaid recipient or eligible for Medicaid schedules a follow-up appointment for a postpartum checkup not later than 60 days after the date the woman gives birth. (iii) Necessary followup services for women identified as needed postpartum support.”
3. “Approval of agreements with private attorneys and private entities when the Child Support Bureau determines that a reasonable contract cannot be entered into with a prosecuting attorney to administer the child support provisions of Title IV-D of the Federal Social Security Act.”
Roads and Transportation Study Committee
1. “Advise the Bureau of Motor Vehicles regarding the suitability of a special group to have a special group recognition license plate.”
2. “Vetting of road and bridge renaming resolutions.”
Audit and Financial Reporting Subcommittee
“Oversight of the State Board of Accounts and preservation of the independent status of the State Board of Accounts.”
Artificial Intelligence Task Force
1. “Conduct a study of: (i) artificial intelligence technology that has been used, developed, or considered for use by state agencies as reported under IC 4-13.1-5; and (ii) recommendations issued by other state, institutional, or academic bodies regarding use of artificial intelligence technology in government.”
2. “Assess documented and potential: (i) benefits and risks to state agencies of state agency use of artificial intelligence technology; and (ii) effects of state agency use of artificial intelligence technology on the rights and interests of Indiana residents, including on the: (a) constitutional and legal rights; (b) privacy interests; (c) employment; and (d) economic welfare; of Indiana residents.”
Code Revision Committee
“Preparation of one (1) or more technical corrections bills to resolve technical conflicts and correct technical errors in statutes.”
Government Reform Task Force
“The following: (i) Review external policies and standards of procedure implemented by agencies. (ii) Review and make recommendations regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of the various State Boards, Commissions, and Councils with a focus on how they are funded and the work they have produced and are responsible for.”
Probate Code Study Committee
“Needed changes in the probate code (IC 29-1), the trust code (IC 30-4), or any other statute affecting the administration of a decedent’s estate, guardianship, probate jurisdiction, trust, or fiduciary.”
State Fair Advisory Committee
“Do the following: (i) Serve as liaison between the State Fair Commission IC 15-13-2-1(Commission), the State Fair Board (the Board), and the General Assembly. (ii) Review policies affecting the activities of the Commission, the state fair, the facilities at the fairgrounds, and the property owned by the Commission (iii) Provide long-range guidance for the Commission and the Board. (iv) Review annually the budgets of the Commission and the Board and other accounts and report financial conditions to the Legislative Council. (v) Further advise the Budget Committee regarding appropriations and other financial matters concerning the Commission and the Board. (vi) Propose, review, and make recommendations concerning legislation affecting the Commission and the Board.”
Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records
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University of Evansville Mourns the Passing of President Emeritus Dr. James S. Vinson
EVANSVILLE, IND. The University of Evansville is deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. James S. Vinson, the institution’s 21st president, who led the university with vision and integrity from 1987 to 2001. Dr. Vinson passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 84.
Dr. Vinson took office during a pivotal time in the University’s 170-year history, following a national search that drew more than 150 applicants. Then serving as vice president for academic affairs and professor of physics at Trinity University, he was selected for his academic distinction and a deep commitment to student success.
During his 14-year presidency, the University experienced significant growth in academic programs and student opportunities. Dr. Vinson was admired not only as a leader, but also as a teacher and mentor, often beginning his days in the classroom teaching 8 a.m. physics courses.
His passion for education was matched by his love of exploration. A lifelong learner and adventurer, Dr. Vinson traveled to all seven continents, embracing the wonder of the world and the people in it.
“Dr. Vinson believed deeply in the potential of the University of Evansville and the people who make it special,” said UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Through his leadership, he changed lives-lives that would go on to change the world. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of this institution and continues to inspire our mission to prepare students to think critically, act bravely, serve responsibly, and live meaningfully.”
The University extends heartfelt condolences to Dr. Vinson’s wife, Susan, their daughters Suzannah and Elizabeth, and the entire Vinson family. His contributions to UE will forever be remembered as a vital part of the University’s story.
Attorney General Todd Rokita secures protections for Hoosiers’ DNA amid 23andMe bankruptcy
Attorney General Todd Rokita continued his leadership in the fight to hold tech companies accountable for consumer privacy today, announcing that the entity buying 23andMe has agreed to consumer protections as part of a bankruptcy sale.
“Hoosiers who have provided sensitive information to this company deserve assurance that their data will remain confidential and secure amid these bankruptcy proceedings,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The agreement we forged with the new owners of 23andMe helps achieve this objective, and I’m proud of our team’s work toward achieving a resolution.”
Before 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March 2025, Attorney General Rokita co-led a coalition of 44 attorneys general to investigate a 2023 data breach that impacted over 6.9 million 23andMe customers.
After the breach, sensitive data stolen from 23andMe customers was posted on the dark web for sale, including targeted sales within days of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel of the data of at least 1 million individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Attorney General Rokita demanded that 23andMe comply with security and privacy safeguards to protect consumer data.
Undeterred by the bankruptcy filing, Attorney General Rokita took additional decisive action, including:
- Issuing a consumer alert to Hoosiers reminding them of their right to delete their 23andMe accounts if they choose.
- Being the first state to appear in the bankruptcy proceeding to stand up for consumers’ right to control their own genetic information.
- Pressing the Indiana General Assembly to pass HEA 1521, Indiana’s new genetic privacy law, on an emergency basis, effective May 6, 2025, to further protect Hoosiers and ensure direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies like 23andMe act responsibly.
- Leading states to work with the entity buying 23andMe to include consumer protections in the sale order, including security and privacy safeguards that Indiana demanded 23andMe adopt before it filed for bankruptcy.
TTAM — a nonprofit created by 23andMe founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki — was selected as the winning bidder in the bankruptcy sale. Key conditions of the sale include:
- No transfer of customer DNA – Because TTAM is affiliated with 23andMe, no genetic data will be transferred to a third party.
- Customer control over data – TTAM has agreed, in perpetuity, to allow consumers to permanently delete their data at any time, with new mechanisms in place to ensure that deletion requests are honored and verifiable by the Attorney General.
- Compensation for data breach victims – TTAM’s $305 million bid will help pay claims to the over 6.9 million people affected by 23andMe’s 2023 data breach.
- Preserving scientific research – The nonprofit status of TTAM enables it to partner more freely with other public institutions and researchers, ensuring ongoing progress in critical health and medical research for data of consumers who have opted in to such research.
- No disruption to services – With the same founder at the helm, consumers who wish to continue to receive the services they paid for will see no meaningful change in ownership or use of their data.
Attorney General Rokita will continue monitoring the transition closely, including enforcement of data deletion rights and compliance with privacy and data security laws.
Fireworks on the Ohio Presented by Bally’s Evansville is Friday, July 4th
UE Athletics announces launch of 50/50 raffle benefitting Purple Aces Club
Full information available at EvansvilleHalfpot.com
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville Athletic Department is excited to announce the launch of the Purple Aces 50/50 Raffle, a dynamic new way for fans to support their favorite teams and possibly win big! Proceeds from the raffle will directly benefit the Purple Aces Club, the official fundraising organization dedicated to enhancing the experience of UE student-athletes.
Each raffle gives participants the chance to walk away with half the jackpot, while the other half goes toward providing critical resources for Purple Aces Athletics — including scholarships, facility enhancements, and program development across all 17 varsity sports.
Fans can purchase raffle tickets in person at UE athletic events and at the Carson Center Ticket Office during operational hours, with drawings held throughout the year. The more tickets sold, the bigger the prize — and the bigger the impact on UE’s student-athletes and programs.
Ticket Prices:
- 5 Tickets – $10
- 20 Tickets – $20
- 50 Tickets – $40
- 200 Tickets – $100
All proceeds directly support Purple Aces student-athletes through the Purple Aces Club.
Artists Among Us exhibition now on display in the USI MAC/Pace Galleries
The Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries at the University of Southern Indiana is proud to present its summer exhibition, Artists Among Us, now open to the public. The exhibition is on display now through Friday, August 29.
This unique exhibition invites viewers to explore the creative talents of USI’s faculty, administrators and staff members who do not teach art courses. In an open call to showcase hidden talents, Artists Among Us highlights the artistic pursuits of those whose day-to-day work lies outside the traditional boundaries of the Art and Design Department.
Featuring work by 27 creative makers from across campus, the exhibition includes contributions from David Angel, Ella Avolio-Alschbach, John Baburnich, Shari Baird, Terri Bischoff, Daniel Craig, Del Doughty, Jaclyn Dumond, Trent Engbers, Spence Farmer, Adam Funkhouser, Barbara Goodwin, Kerry Hall, Sharri Herriott, Kristin LaFollette, Trista Lutgring, Meghana Makoday, Julie Minnette, John Morris, Laura Norrington, Jenna Pajdo, Erin Parchman, Susan Todd, Wendy Turner, Beth Weigand, McManus Woodend and Carrie Wright.
“Although I don’t teach art courses, I appreciate having a space where my work—and the work of others in roles across the University—can be represented,” said Shari Baird, Content Marketing Specialist for the College of Liberal Arts. “It’s inspiring to see just how many of my colleagues are creative individuals and to witness the diverse talents they pursue outside of their professional responsibilities.”
A reception and awards ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 22 in the MAC/Pace Galleries. Participating artists, along with their friends, families and members of the public, are warmly invited to attend.
The Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center and the Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries are located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. Summer gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.