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Super Bowl LIX is set and ready to go as the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles get ready to clash in New Orleans on Feb. 9.
The Chiefs make it back to their third Super Bowl in a row after taking down the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in Kansas City on Sunday.
The Eagles return to the Super Bowl for their third time since 2018. They got here after holding off the Washington Commanders in a dominating fashion at home 55-23.
Kansas City is looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls and are the first team ever to make the Super Bowl after winning the previous two.
How they got here
Kansas City dominated, going 15-2 in the regular season with their two losses coming from the Bills in week 11 and the Broncos in week 18.
The Chiefs have a knack for the close game this year as 11 of their wins were within one score.
The NFL Playoffs consist of 14 teams competing in their own conferences (the AFC and NFC) to make it to the Super Bowl. The Chiefs had the best record in the AFC and earned the coveted No. 1 seed.
The No. 1 seed gave the Chiefs an extra week of rest and preparation as well as guaranteed home-field advantage. Due to Kansas City’s regular season dominance, their path to the Super Bowl was easier than most teams.
The Chiefs’ playoff path included taking down the fourth-seed Houston Texans 23-14 in the divisional round. Then they defeated the No. 2 seed Bills, winning them the AFC championship and Lamar Hunt Trophy for the fifth time.
The Eagles got here after a 14-3 season. After a 2-2 start to the season, a 10-game winning streak put early-season concerns to rest.
The Eagles came into the playoffs as the No. 3 seed and bested the seventh-seed Green Bay Packers 22-10 in the wild card round, then in the divisional round in a snowy battle came out on top over the fourth-seed Los Angeles Rams. And with a commanding display in the NFC championship game against the sixth-seed Washington Commanders, they won their fourth NFC title.
Players to watch
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback, has accomplished something no quarterback has ever done in the history of the NFL by making it to seven straight AFC championship games.
Mahomes will be heading to the Super Bowl for his fifth time and is looking for his fourth victory. With a fourth ring, it would make Mahomes just the fourth quarterback to win four or more Super Bowls and put his name on the list with legends such as Terry Bradshaw (four), Joe Montana (four) and Tom Brady (seven).
Travis Kelce, the Chiefs tight end, has been Mahomes’ right-hand man since the quarterback entered the league. Kelce looks to also win his fourth Super Bowl and add another piece to his Hall of Fame resume.
The Eagles offense has been led by their star running back Saquan Barkley, who ran for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season. Barkley has continued his dominance into the postseason; in the three games this postseason, he has 442 yards and five touchdowns.
Jalen Hurts, quarterback for the Eagles, looks to win his first career Super Bowl. The former Oklahoma and Alabama star QB won a national championship with the Crimson Tide in 2017. A Super Bowl win to go with that would make Hurts just the third QB all-time to win both, the other two being Joe Namath and Joe Montana.
Two storied teams face off
Philadelphia comes into this game with a large chip on their shoulder as, just two years ago, the Chiefs defeated the Eagles in the Super Bowl 38-35. The teams have only played each other once since that Super Bowl, and the Eagles defeated them in Kansas City 21-17.
Outside of the Super Bowl loss, the Eagles have played the Chiefs 10 times in their history as a franchise and have a record of 5-5.
By making it back to the Super Bowl, Eagles quarterback Hurts breaks a 35-year curse. The last 19 quarterbacks to make their Super Bowl debut and lose never made it back to the Big Game.
The New Orleans Super Bowl experience
New Orleans is no stranger to hosting the Super Bowl and has thrown America’s largest sporting event a record-tying 11 times. No other city has hosted the Super Bowl more than New Orleans and Miami.
The last time New Orleans hosted the event was in 2013, which was between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Super Bowl XLVII is infamous for the stadium’s power outage that occurred a minute and a half into the third quarter.
The failure in the electrical distribution system resulted in a frustrating 30-minute delay for all parties involved. The city of New Orleans and Caesars Superdome will look to prevent any similar malfunctions from occurring.
The first time New Orleans hosted the Big Game was in 1970 for the fourth Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings. The Chiefs were 13.5-point underdogs but ended up crushing the Vikings 23-7, winning their very first Super Bowl.
There will be plenty of events for fans down in New Orleans as Super Bowl Opening Night, the teams’ only public appearance before game day, kicks off the week on Monday at Caesars Superdome and the Super Bowl Experience, a NFL fan festival, opens Wednesday at the New Orleans Convention Center. The Louisiana Culture Festival at French Market starts on Friday, and the host committee parade is on Saturday. There are plenty of other events for fans of all ages to attend.
Yes, Taylor Swift increases TV ratings
The NFL has long been America’s No. 1 sport in terms of viewership, and yet the impact of Taylor Swift has led the league’s popularity to unprecedented levels.
In July 2023, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Kelce mentioned on his podcast that he had gone to one of Swift’s concerts. It was only a few months later, on Sept. 24, that she made her first appearance at a Chiefs game.
She sat right next to “Mama” Kelce and watched Kansas City defeat the Chicago Bears 41-10.
The Chiefs-Bears game saw a 63% increase in female viewership between women 18 and 49 years old, and Kelce’s jersey sales saw a 400% increase.
Swift’s presence drove the NFL’s viewership up to an average of 17.9 million views per game, which was up 7% from the previous season, and female viewership rose by 9%.
Not long after the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII—in which the Chiefs beat the 49ers 25-22—Swift and Kelce were confirmed to be in a relationship. It was the most-watched Super Bowl of all time and averaged 123.7 million viewers.
The halftime show
Kendrick Lamar will be performing this year’s halftime show, following up Usher’s performance a year ago, which drew in a record 129.3 million people.
For the third straight year, the NFL selected a hip-hop artist to perform, as Lamar is widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Lamar’s popularity skyrocketed in 2024 due to his entertaining feud with Drake. The two artists released several diss tracks, which gave millions the joy of witnessing two music titans battle through song.
The Super Bowl’s cultural impact
The Super Bowl is America’s largest sporting event in terms of TV viewership, with the game expected to hit over 200 million viewers, according to a 2025 Super Bowl Spending Survey. More than 113.7 million people are expected to throw a party.
Super Bowl ads are a big draw for some fans, as companies use the massive viewership to promote their brands. A 30-second ad costs $7 million, and all the ad space sold out in August, according to a report from Variety.
Caleb Crockett and Ryan Gage are reporters for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. The Statehouse File’s new sports team will be reporting all the Super Bowl happenings live from New Orleans Feb. 2-10.
Super Bowl 101: Everything to know before the Big Game in the Big Easy
EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT
FOOTNOTE: 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” FEBUARY 4, 2025
The Future of NIL: Building a Pathway for Athletic Success
The Future of NIL: Building a Pathway for Athletic Success
By Joe Wallace
February 4, 2026
In 2021, the landscape of college athletics changed dramatically when the NCAA adopted new rules allowing student-athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). For private universities like the University of Evansville (UE), establishing an NIL program could not only provide transformative opportunities for student-athletes but also enhance the school’s visibility and competitiveness in the evolving world of collegiate sports.
What Are NIL Programs?
NIL programs are initiatives that enable student-athletes to receive compensation for activities such as endorsements, sponsorships, social media partnerships, appearances, and even creating their own businesses. Previously, NCAA rules prohibited athletes from earning income related to their athletic identity. The new NIL regulations empower athletes to profit while maintaining their collegiate eligibility, leveling the playing field with opportunities already available to non-athlete students.
In practice, NIL programs often involve the creation of a collective or fund, managed by an independent or university-affiliated entity. These funds pool resources from alumni, local businesses, and other donors to support athletes. The goal is to provide financial incentives while fostering personal and professional development for the athletes.
How NIL Programs Work
To establish and manage an NIL fund, a university typically works with alumni networks, local businesses, and other stakeholders to secure contributions. The collected funds are then distributed to athletes who engage in approved NIL activities. Universities and athletic departments often provide guidance, education, and resources to ensure compliance with NCAA rules and state laws. Transparency is key, as the funds must not be tied to athletic performance or recruitment promises.
For example, athletes might receive compensation for:
- Social media promotions featuring local businesses.
- Participating in autograph signings or meet-and-greet events.
- Endorsing regional or national brands.
- Offering sports clinics or personalized training sessions.
The university’s role is primarily to educate athletes on how to navigate contracts, taxes, and brand management while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Why the University of Evansville Should Act
The University of Evansville, with its rich athletic history and strong community ties, is well-positioned to benefit from an NIL fund. Here’s how:
- Recruitment Advantage: In the competitive world of collegiate sports, NIL programs are a valuable recruitment tool. Prospective athletes are increasingly drawn to schools that offer structured opportunities to monetize their NIL.
- Retention of Talent: An effective NIL program can help retain talented athletes who might otherwise transfer to larger programs with better NIL resources.
- Community Engagement: By partnering with local businesses and alumni, UE can strengthen its community relationships while providing athletes with meaningful opportunities to connect with the region’s businesses and fans.
- Enhanced University Profile: A well-managed NIL program can elevate UE’s brand nationally, attracting not only athletes but also students and faculty interested in being part of a progressive institution.
- Financial Growth for Athletes: The program ensures that student-athletes benefit directly from their contributions to the university’s success, creating a more equitable and rewarding athletic experience.
Examples of Similar Universities Leveraging NIL
Several private universities with similar profiles to the University of Evansville have successfully launched NIL initiatives:
- Valparaiso University: With an enrollment of about 3,000 students, Valparaiso’s athletic department has collaborated with alumni and local businesses to develop an NIL collective that focuses on regional partnerships. This effort has helped the university’s athletes build personal brands while promoting community involvement.
- Drake University: A private institution in Iowa with just over 4,800 students, Drake has embraced NIL by educating its athletes and fostering partnerships with local businesses. Their focus on compliance and athlete education has made their NIL program a model for small private universities.
- Butler University: Butler, with an enrollment of approximately 5,500, launched the “Bulldog Collaborative,” an NIL fund designed to connect athletes with Indianapolis-based businesses. This initiative has enhanced recruitment and bolstered Butler’s competitive position in the Big East Conference.
To establish an effective NIL fund, the University of Evansville could take the following steps:
- Engage Alumni: UE has a passionate alumni base that could be tapped for financial support and mentorship opportunities. Alumni can provide resources, advice, and professional connections for athletes.
- Partner with Local Businesses: Evansville’s business community is an untapped resource. By forming partnerships, UE can create mutually beneficial opportunities that promote both the city and the university.
- Educate and Empower Athletes: UE should prioritize education on NIL regulations, financial literacy, and personal branding to ensure athletes are equipped to maximize their opportunities.
- Leverage Digital Platforms: Social media and other digital tools can amplify athletes’ visibility, making it easier for them to attract sponsorships and other NIL opportunities.
- Collaborate with Legal and Compliance Experts: Ensuring compliance with NCAA and state regulations is critical to the program’s success and sustainability.
Conclusion
By investing in an NIL fund, the University of Evansville has the opportunity to position itself as a leader among small private universities in the NIL era. Such a program would not only attract top athletic talent but also foster deeper connections between the university, its alumni, and the broader Evansville community. In doing so, UE can ensure a brighter future for its athletic programs and its student-athletes, both on and off the field. The only downside to the NIL programs nationally is that the universities with the most money will have better players. The talent gap will get wider than it has already gotten. The Purple Aces will have a better chance to compete with an NIL program in place and as we all know, winning teams sell tickets.
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
ROOM 301, CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025
NOON
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS
3. MEETING MEMORANDUM JANUARY 22, 2025
4. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Request Re: Approve and Execute Park Property Use Permit Application with Franklin Street
Events Association for the “2025 Franklin Street Bazaar”. – Crook
b. Request Re: Approve and Execute Park Property Use Permit Application with SWIRCA & More
for the “21st Annual Brewfest” at the West Side Library Park on July 12, 2025. – Crook
c. Request Re: Approve and Execute Park Property Use Permit Application with Tri State Creation
Care for “EV’s for Evansville” car show at Wesselman Park on October 4, 2025.- Crook
5. OLD BUSINESS
N/A
6. NEW BUSINESS
a. Request Re: Any Other Business the Board Wishes to Consider and Public Comment.
7. REPORTS
Danielle Crook- Executive Director
8. ACCEPTANCE OF PAYROLL AND VENDOR CLAIMS
9. ADJOURN
House bill would update Indiana’s Safe Haven law for surrendering infants
FEBRUARY 4, 2025
As the 2025 legislation session is ramping up, scores of bills are waiting to be introduced to different committees with hopes of potentially becoming law—such as House Bill 1099, which passed its second reading in the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee last week.
HB 1099 would raise the maximum age an infant can be safely given up to 60 days and change the definitions of “abandoned child” and “foster youth.”
Indiana has a Safe Haven law that allows a person the ability to anonymously give an infant up without being arrested if there’s no sign of intentional abuse and no information required. With this law, the infant has to be 30 days of age or younger.
That was a law that passed in 2000, and in 2016, Indiana started installing “baby boxes” in certain locations, such as fire stations and hospitals. The baby boxes can be used to safely surrender an infant. The latest baby box was installed in Mishawaka, making 141 locations in Indiana with a baby box and 300 in the nation.
In an interview with TheStatehouseFile.com, bill author Rep. Dale Devon, R-Granger, said what prompted him to write a bill about baby boxes was serving on a summer study committee reviewing child fatalities.
“Every time a child dies in Indiana, each county has a fatal review team, and it’s made up of different people, from prosecutors to law enforcement, public defenders and doctors, and we look at the process of what happened to that child and why it died,” he said.
“And so every year, on average, it’s sad to say, but it’s about 60 children die every year in Indiana from neglect and abuse. Over 300 die, but a lot of times, it’s car accidents, drowning or a disease, but neglect and abuse is one thing that as chairman of the family and children’s committee, we have to review those reports that come back and to try to determine what can we do in the state.”
DeVon challenged the Department of Child Services to do a deeper dive to see the commonalities from year to year.
With about seven years of reporting, DCS said 11% of kids that pass away every year die under the age of 2 months.
“So a few years ago, we created these safe haven boxes that if a mother or a father wanted to surrender their child without any penalty, they could put this child in a safe haven box,” DeVon said. “And so we increased the age from 30 days to 60 days to make it less harmful for a mother to surrender her child if she didn’t feel she could be worthy of a mother.”
The initiative is a DCS recommendation, focusing on proactive measures to save children’s lives by placing them in safe environments early.
FOOTNOTE DeMarion Newell is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
O’Brien statement on House Bill 1489 passing House
Note to the Press – State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) issued the following statement in regard to legislation he authored, House Bill 1489, passing the House of Representatives. The legislation, which would establish an Indiana-Ireland trade commission, now moves to the Senate for further consideration:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2025) – “Indiana has long had strong cultural and economic ties to Ireland and establishing an Indiana-Ireland trade commission would strengthen that foundation. This commission could open doors for new business opportunities, encourage investment and bolster our state’s position on the global stage. I’m proud to author this bill and see it pass the House and look forward to its consideration in the Senate.” – State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville)