No. 8 Trailblazers use strong second half to pick up Region 24 win over Lincoln Trail

02/06/2025

VINCENNES, Ind. – The Vincennes University Trailblazers made another big jump in this week’s NJCAA Division I National rankings, moving up eight spots to No. 8 in the country, No. 3 in the Nielsen File Top 25 rankings and No. 5 in the JUCO Advocate Media Poll.

The Trailblazers got their first opportunity to back up this big jump in the rankings Wednesday night when the Blazers hosted Lincoln Trail College from Robinson, Ill. inside the P.E. Complex.

Vincennes got off to a tough start in the first half and headed into the locker room trailing the Statesmen by three but were able to come out firing in the second half to put up 62 second half points and close out the 93-72 victory over Lincoln Trail.

Things got off to a rocky start Wednesday night for the Trailblazers, as Lincoln Trail was the first team to break away with an 11-1 run to go ahead by 11 late in the first half.

Vincennes was able to rally back and close the margin before halftime however, ending the first half on a 10-3 run to head into the locker room break trailing the Statesmen 34-31.

Coming out of the locker room VU Hall of Fame Head Coach Todd Franklin opted for a new lineup and this group would prove to be the spark as the Blazers opened the second half with nine straight points to take a 40-31 lead.

The Trailblazers continued to ride this momentum, outscoring the Statesmen 41-17 at one point during the second half as VU began to pull away with a 76-54 lead.

Vincennes was able to put the game in cruise control late and empty the bench as the Trailblazers came away with the big 93-72 victory over Lincoln Trail College.

VU was led offensively by a big second half from freshman Dayton Williams (Louisville, Ky.) who finished off his fourth double-double of the season with 22 points, 10 rebounds and a team-high five assists.

Freshman Jalen Calloway (Chicago, Ill.) provided a big spark for the Trailblazers at both ends of the floor, coming away with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Sophomore Hussein Elmaraghy (Cairo, Egypt) once again set a new season-high in points, coming off the bench to finish his night with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Freshman Travelle Bryson (Anderson, S.C.) was the fourth VU scorer in double figures, coming off the bench to add 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.

The Trailblazers as a team shot 64 percent from the floor in the second half Wednesday night, including hitting 73 percent from behind the three point arc, hitting eight of 11 shots.

Men’s basketball falls short against Salukis

02/06/2025

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SIU takes 68-59 win on Wednesday

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Trailing by 20 points in the second half, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team stormed back to get within four points before Southern Illinois rebounded to take a 68-59 win on Wednesday night at the Ford Center.

Leading the way for UE was Tayshawn Comer who posted a game-high 25 points. He was 7-of-19 from the field and knocked down 7 of his 10 free throw tries. Gabriel Pozzato completed the game with 13 points.

“I want to give SIU and their staff a ton of credit – they were ready to play tonight and had a great amount of energy,” UE head coach David Ragland said. “They usually do not shoot as well from three but tonight, we left them open and they hit them.”

Comer was on fire to start the game, knocking down a pair of early triples to give the Purple Aces a 6-3 lead. Southern Illinois’ second triple of the game tied the score at 6-6, however, Connor Turnbull hit a long jumper to put UE back in front.

Over the next two minutes, the Salukis took control with a 9-0 as they converted three more from downtown. Comer’s eighth point of the contest put a temporary halt to the stretch as SIU added to the lead for the duration of the half. With 6:43 remaining, the lead reached 13 as another 3-pointer gave the Salukis a 27-14 advantage.

Tanner Cuff found Turnbull on an alley oop to get within 10, but Southern continued to have an answer. Knocking down 10 triples in the opening stanza, SIU led by as many as 17 in the half before taking a 38-23 lead into the halftime break. The Saluki defense held UE to just 28.1% shooting in the first 20 minutes.

Southern Illinois knocked down another early triple to push the lead to 20 points for the first time. With SIU up 49-29 at the 13:08 mark, UE worked its way back into the game. Holding the Salukis to 0-for-5 with three turnovers over the ensuing five minutes, the Aces outscored SIU by a 17-1 margin to get within four.

Pozzato opened the stretch with a triple and, following a Saluki free throw, Comer connected on another triple to cut the deficit to 15. A deadball technical on Southern Illinois saw Comer convert both free throws while a Josh Hughes layup finished off a 4-point possession as UE made it a 50-41 game. Hughes added another basket while Gui Tesch picked up a triple to make it a 4-point game.

SIU overcame the rally as they scored the next six tallies to extend the lead back to 10 at 56-46 inside of six minutes remaining. Despite the deficit, UE cut it in half to get within five, but SIU fended off the challenge to take the win.

Jarrett Hensley and Ali Dibba paced the Salukis with 18 points apiece. SIU shot 37.5% while holding the Aces to 34.4%. They also outrebounded UE by a slight 42-39 margin.

Evansville welcomes Bradley on Saturday evening for a nationally televised game on CBS Sports Network. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

Board of Public Safety Minutes

02/06/2025

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CITY OF EVANSVILLE

Board of Public Safety

Civic Center Complex, Room 301

Evansville, IN 47708

Minutes

February 5th, 2025

Building Commission – Johnny Mc Alister Jr Transportation & Services – Todd Robertson City Engineer’s Office – Mike Labitzke

Police Department – Chief Phillip Smith

Fire Department – Chief Tony Knight

~ Pledge Of Allegiance ~

A. OLD BUSINESS

1. Emergency Approvals By City Engineers Office On Agenda For Public Record.

a. Lane Restriction

780 S. Governor Street

Vanderburgh County Building Commission – Stemaly Excavating

WHEN: Monday, February 3rd And February 4th From 7:00 A.M. To 4:00 P.M.

PURPOSE: Demolition Of House And Removal Of Debris

B. Departmental Reports

1. Police Department – Captain John Mc Quay

Motion By La Toya Johnson To Approve, 2nd By Diane Masterson And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Evansville Police Foundation Requests Permission To Donate The Following Items To The Evansville

Police Department:

The Following Equipment:

a) Eight (8) K-9 Vests – Gemini II/Spike2, Panels K-9

b) Eight (8) K-9 Vests – Tex 10, Carrier, K-9

c) Forty (40) Pepperball Blast Live-X 1 Pack

d) Eighty (80) Pepperball Blast Inert Refill 1 Pack

e) One (1) EVVSN-2 Tier 2 Surveillance Pod

f) Four (4) Ballistic Sheilds – Patroller Level III Shield 18×33 W/4×11 Level III View Port, 5×9 Forearm

Pad, Hook & Loop Fabric On Back And Horizontal Handle.

g) Four (4) Ballistic Shields – Shield Accessory Fox Fury Taker B30 Shield Light W/Wrap Around

Chord, 1000 Lumen Light External Battery Pack And Pressure Switch.

h) Four (4) Ballistic Shields – Shield Accessory Reflective Decal “POLICE” In White On Shield Strike Face.

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

b. Requests Approval Of Contract With Deaconess Clinic – Annual Physicals And Lab Work For All EPD

2. Fire Department – Deputy Chief Kim Garrett

Motion By La Toya Johnson To Approve, 2nd By Diane Masterson And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Requests Approval Of Contract With Fire Catt, LLC For Hose And Ladder Testing For Apparatus – 3 Year

Contract. 2025: $31,300.00 2026: $32,300.00 2027: $33,500.00

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

b. Requests For Approval To Surplus The Following Items

1) Two (2) Existing Dive Masks

2) Two (2 First Stage Regulators For SCUBA

3. City Engineering – Jennifer Blankenship

4. Special Event Permit – Sgt. Adam Will

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Bethel Temple Requests Approval Of Their Java Jolt 5K

CLOSING: S. Congress By Bethel Temple -> John Street -> State Hospital Grounds

WHEN: Saturday, March 1st From 8:00 A.M. To 10:00 A.M.

PURPOSE: Raise Money For Local & International Children’s Projects

BARRICADES REQUESTED – PENDING VALID COI

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

b. Evansville Goodwill Industries Requests Approval Of The 36th Annual Fifth Third Bank Turkey Day 5k

Closing: Walnut @ Martin Luther King Jr Blvd → Riverside → Riverside Drive Closed From Ohio Street To

Cherry Street.

WHEN: Thursday, November 27th From 8:00 A.M. To 10:00 A.M.

PURPOSE: Fundraiser For Evansville Goodwill.

BARRICADES REQUESTED

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

c. Rise Up And Run Events LLC., Is Requesting Approval Of Their Run Of Luck Event

CLOSING: Main Street → Riverside → Court → Cherry

WHEN: Saturday, March 15th From 9:00 A.M. To 11:00 A.M.

PURPOSE: Charity Event For Evansville Firefighter Bag Pipe Band And Hadi Shrines Highlander Bagpipe

Band.

BARRICADES REQUESTED

Ken Schultheis, President

Diane Masterson, Vice President

La Toya Johnson, Member

Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney

Board of Public Safety

Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE

Board of Public Safety

Civic Center Complex, Room 301

Evansville, IN 47708

812.436.7897

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

d. Rise Up And Run Events LLC., Is Requesting Approval Of Their St. Patrick Day On Main Event

CLOSING: Main Street Between 2nd And 3rd

WHEN: Saturday, March 15th From 5:00 A.M. To 11:00 P.M.

Purpose: Charity Event For Evansville Firefighter Bag Pipe Band And Hadi Shrines Highlander Bagpipe

Band.

BARRICADES REQUESTED

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

e. Evansville Events Requests Approval Of Their Evansville Mac & Cheese Festival

CLOSING: 9th Street Between Locust & Sycamore And Main Street Between 9th And Sycamore

WHEN: Friday, March 28th From 5:00 P.M Thru Sunday March 30th At 5:00 P.M.

PURPOSE: Family Fun And Food Festival

C. Consent Section

1. Road Closures – Request Approval Of The Following:

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Intersection Of N 4th Ave & E Uhlhorn St Going East Approximately 275’ To N 3rd Ave.

Klenck Company – Mathew Elfreich

WHEN: Monday, March 17th

, Through April 18th

PURPOSE: New 12” Water Main Installation.

Emergency Services Will Not Be Able To Pass Through

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

b. 8204 Spry Road

Altstadt Hoffman Plumbing – Tasia Phillips

WHEN: Tuesday, February 11th

, From 7:00 A.M. To 4:00 P.M.

PURPOSE: Water Main Tap.

Emergency Services Will Not Be Able To Pass Through

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

c. Intersection Of N 4th Ave & E Uhlhorn Street Going East Approximately 275’ To N 3rd Ave

Klenck Demolition – Matthew Elfreich

WHEN: Monday, March 17th Through April 18th

.

PURPOSE: 12” Water Main Installation.

Emergency Services Will Not Be Able To Pass Through

Ken Schultheis, President

Diane Masterson, Vice President

La Toya Johnson, Member

Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney

Board of Public Safety

Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE

Board of Public Safety

Civic Center Complex, Room 301

Evansville, IN 47708

812.436.7897

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

d. Court Street Between NW Riverside Drive & NW 1st Street

Deig Brothers

WHEN: Wednesday, February 12th At 7:00 A.M. Thru Wednesday, March 5th, 4:00 P.M.

PURPOSE: To Repair A Sinkhole And Storm Sewer.

Emergency Services Will Not Be Able To Pass Through

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

e. 2042 Lincoln Ave – Lane Restriction

Altstadt Hoffman Plumbing – Tasia Phillips

WHEN: Thursday, February 13th Thru February 14th From 7:00 A.M. To 4:00 P.M.

PURPOSE: Tapping Water Main.

Emergency Services WILL Be Able To Pass Through

2. Dumpster In The Street – Request Approval Of The Following:

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. 2605 W. Virginia Street

Service Master DRCS

WHEN: February 4th Through April 04th

PURPOSE: House Clean Out Due To Fire

3. Truck Permits – Request Approval Of:

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Superior Ag Resources Cooperative, INC. Requests Approval Of Truck Permits

Start Location: Riverside Drive

End Location: Waterworks Road (Including Veterans Memorial PKWY.)

Freightliner, FLD120, Tandem Dry Tender Plate A405767

International/9400, Tandem, Dry Tender, Plate A405765

International, Tandem, Liquid Tender, Plate A405764

Sterling/AT9513, Tandem, Liquid Tender, Plate A421124

Sterling/AT9513, Tandem, Liquid Tender, Plate A421123

Freightliner/M2, Single, Liquid Tender, Plate A405768

International/4300, Single, Liquid Tender, Plate A437006

Freightliner/FLD, Tandem, Dry Tender, Plate A405769

International/8600, Semi Tractor Trailer, Plate 3247658

Freightliner/FLD120, Tandem, Dry Tender, Plate A406129

Ken Schultheis, President

Diane Masterson, Vice President

La Toya Johnson, Member

Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney

Board of Public Safety

Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE

Board of Public Safety

Civic Center Complex, Room 301

Evansville, IN 47708

812.436.7897

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Parking Permit – Request Approval Of:

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Altstadt Hoffman Plumbing

Caleb Reed

Year: 2023 Make: Nissan Model: Sentra Plate: CDW510

PURPOSE: Working On Vault Project.

5. Horse Drawn Carraige – Request Approval Of:

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Riverwind Carriage Co., INC Requests Approval Of Their Horse Drawn Carraige Permit

Number Of Carriages To Be Operated:4

Seating Capacity Of Each Carriage: 6

Rate: $30 Up To 6 Persons.

6. Massage Therapy – Requests Approval OF:

Motion By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The Following:

a. Salty Rewaxation Spa

320 Eagle Crest Drive, Suite B

Number Of Employees: 3 Number Of Massage Tables: 3 Number Of Shower Stalls: 0

OWNER: Amanda Carter

Ken Schultheis, President

Diane Masterson, Vice President

La Toya Johnson, Member

Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney

Board of Public Safety

Evansville, IndianaCITY OF EVANSVILLE

Board of Public Safety

Civic Center Complex, Room 301

Evansville, IN 47708

812.436.7897

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

D. OTHER BUSINESS:

Motion To Approve By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The

Following:

1. Approve Claims:

Motion To Approve By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The

Following:

2. Approve Minutes From January 22nd, 2025

3. Announcements:

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 26th, 2025

Motion To Approve By Diane Masterson To Approve, 2nd La Toya Johnson By And So Ordered And Approved The

Following:

4. Adjourned: ________1:15 p.m.__________________

X

Ken Schultheis

Diane Masterson

LaToya Johnson

President

Vice President

Member

Ken Schultheis, President

Diane Masterson, Vice President

La Toya Johnson, Member

Aaron Allen, Counsel Attorney

Board of Public Safety

Evansville, Indiana

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

02/06/2025

0

Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

Vanderburgh County Recent Booking Records

02/06/2025

0

Booked Last 24 Hours-Public

Several bills are passing out of committee that could have an impact on the voting process.

02/06/2025

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Several bills are passing out of committee that could have an impact on the voting process.

by Johnny Kincaid

FEBRUARY 6, 2026

In the current Indiana legislative session, elections are on many lawmakers’ minds. They’re not worried about re-election since incumbents have the upper hand, but how elections are conducted.

Several bills are passing out of committee that could have an impact on the voting process.

Senate Bill 201 would change Indiana’s primaries from the current open system, which allows people to select whether they want a Democrat or Republican ballot when they go to the polls on primary election day, to a closed system requiring that they declare their party affiliation about four months before the election.

Primary elections have traditionally been, like party conventions, an opportunity for party members to nominate a candidate for office. However, they are still seen as a party activity rather than a public election. In the general election, party members decide who to run, and the general public votes for the person who will serve the community.

Some years ago, a different belief permeated the world of elections, and states started introducing open primaries. This allowed Democrats to encourage members of their party to vote in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

Some argue that closed primaries will discourage voter turnout, but I contend that they return the primary to its original purpose of nominating candidates. The closed primary system has damaged unity in both parties and allowed them to become more complacent.

But as with all legislation, the devil is in the details, and the requirement to register party affiliation 119 days before the primary is a poison pill that may sink this legislation. The voter registration deadline is only 29 days before the election, which adds the extra level of difficulty that we have come to expect from most legislation.

If Senate Bill 284 passes, the early voting window could be cut in half to 14 days. The current four-week span drains resources and is difficult to staff. Will reducing the number of days drastically reduce voter turnout, as some people believe?

Senate Bill 10 would require college students to obtain a state-issued photo ID in addition to their student ID in order to vote.

School board elections are currently non-partisan, but that could change with the passage of Senate Bill 287.

What do you think? Do we need these changes in the election process?

Hoosiers protest Trump, Musk and Project 2025 at the Statehouse Wednesday

02/06/2025

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Hoosiers protest Trump, Musk, and Project 2025 at the Statehouse

Erin Bruce, TheStatehouseFile.com

February 6, 2025

What began as a grassroots social media campaign appeared on the front steps of the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday.

A crowd of protestors gathered at noon, a fairly uncommon sight during this legislative session so far. But standing under a gray sky on a dry lawn, a speaker welcomed the group, reminding them of their shared purpose.

The “50501” (50 states, 50 protests, one day) demonstrations spread online through grassroots efforts on websites and social media, using phrases like #buildtheresistace and “reject fascism.” The protests were expected to appear at statehouses in all 50 states, as well as a handful of major cities throughout the country.

The protests were organized in opposition to Project 2025 and President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders. Project 2025 is a compilation of proposed legislative actions created by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.

Protestors also expressed disdain at the state’s agenda this legislative session, chanting “All Braun, no brains,” referring to Indiana’s new governor, Mike Braun.

Hoosiers protest Trump, Musk and Project 2025 at the Statehouse Wednesday — **Kendra Harter. Photo by Jyllian Antle, TheStatehouseFile.com.**

“I’m here to stand up for the members of our community,” said Kendra Harter. “Democracy will die if there’s silence”

“I’m here because I believe in the freedoms for all Americans,” said Brandywine Wills, who handed out American flags.

“Until the bans, I was pro-life,” said Sonya Hayes. “Mind your business, it doesn’t affect you, you don’t need to be involved in it.” “And Musk, what is that?”

“I’m here to protest all the actions that President Trump has been taking,” said Brian Jonasen, who was joined by Sandra Kaufman Jonasen. “I’m a 30-year veteran with the Air Force, and I’m very disappointed in our country right now.”

“Like everybody, I’m just so upset about what’s happening,” said Laurie Klinger. “It’s so horrible for everybody that’s involved.”

“We’re against Trump being elected, against Project 2025,” said Rebecca Miller.

“I see the rights that I fought for in my youth—I am 63 years old now—and they’re trying to strip them away,” said Bradley Harvey.

“To stand up for people that can’t,” said Whitney Chenevert. “It just shows everything that our ancestors fought for and those before us fought for.”

“I hope we can change peacefully. I hope there’s change, and I hope it can come at whatever has to happen to make it come,” said Carlos Ramirez.

Erin Bruce is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. Kate Breeden contributed to this report.

Rep. McNamara’s bill protecting first responders’ use of mental health resource moves to Senate

02/06/2025

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STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2025) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously passed State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill to protect first responders’ confidentiality when debriefing after a traumatic event.

McNamara said many first responders use critical incident services management (CISM) debriefings after a traumatic event so they can manage the stress of the incident and not suffer any long-term mental health issues. Through House Bill 1118, any first responder using a CISM debriefing would not be compelled to disclose any of those conversations in a civil, criminal or administrative proceeding.

“Our firefighters, emergency medical personnel, police officers and other first responders need a way to decompress after facing a traumatic event,” McNamara said. “This bill would protect what they say during these debriefings so they can feel safe using this mental health resource.”

According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, there are more than 40 CISM teams in Indiana, made up of trained peer volunteers who arrive at the scene to help first responders or provide care in the following days.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimated that first responders develop depression, PTSD and other behavioral health conditions more than the general population.

Additionally, in 2017 there were more than 100 firefighter and police officer suicides nationally, which is more than the number of firefighters and police officers who died in the line of duty, according to the Ruderman Family Foundation.

McNamara said this legislation could help address the mental health needs of those who serve our communities, bolstering both public safety and mental wellness.

House Bill 1118 now moves to the Senate for further consideration. To learn more about the bill and follow session, visit iga.in.gov.

2024-2025 SIAC ALL CONFERENCE WRESTLING TEAM

02/06/2025

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Weight First Team Second Team

106 113 120 126 132 138 144 150 157 165 175 190 Alden Walker (9) Mater Dei Brady Elfreich (10) Mater Dei David Alstadt (11) Mater Dei Ty Henderson (12) Mater Dei Caleb Schaefer (10) Mater Dei Isaiah Schaefer (12) Mater Dei Landen Horning (12) Memorial Grant Voelker (11) Mater Dei Cale Bonenberger (11) North Camden Baumann (11) Mater Dei Matthew Pegram (12) North Caden Thacker (11) Mater Dei Karson Bachelder (10) Castle

Caleb Patterson (12) Jasper

Nolan Mullins (10) Jasper

Peyton Pfettscher (12) Reitz

Colton Pfettscher (12) Reitz

Caydan Ramos (10) Jasper

Matthew Schroeder (11) Mater Dei

Nate Phillips (12) Central

Gavin Winegard (10) Mater Dei

Cooper Collins (10) Vincennes Lincoln

Drew Schapker (12) Mater Dei

Mason Gegogeine (12) Jasper

EPA Renames Its Gulf Division to Honor the Gulf of America

02/06/2025

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WASHINGTON – In accordance with President Trump’s Executive Order, “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness,” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking action to immediately rename its Gulf of Mexico Division to the Gulf of America Division (GAD).

“The Gulf of America is a flourishing economic resource critical to our nation’s economy. This body of water is one of the most abundant oil and gas regions in the world, providing roughly 14% of America’s crude-oil production and a wealth of natural gas. EPA is committed to protecting the 1,630 miles of this watershed, comprised of a vibrant marine ecosystem made from 33 rivers draining from 31 U.S. states. The Gulf of America will help power our Great American Comeback. We are pleased to recognize it and ready to protect it,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The Gulf of America is home to vibrant American fisheries teeming with snapper, shrimp, oysters, grouper, stone crab and other species. It is recognized as one of the most productive fisheries in the world, with the second largest volume of commercial fishing landings by region in the nation – contributing millions of dollars to local American economies. EPA is committed to helping develop voluntary, nonregulatory actions and public-private solutions to improve water and habitat quality through its Gulf of America Division.

The Gulf of America program, founded in 1988, is one of the EPA’s Great Water Body programs. The Gulf of America watershed is made up of 33 rivers draining from 31 U.S. states and Mexico and encompasses 1,630 miles of U.S. coastline. It is recognized worldwide as a vast and productive body of water with tremendous ecological, economic and social value.