Dismantling of administrative state by SCOTUS could bring new dawn of American liberty, says Attorney General Todd Rokita
By overturning the so-called “Chevron deference” rule that gives outsized power to federal agencies in interpreting laws, the U.S. Supreme Court is helping restore American liberty and the proper balance of powers, Attorney General Todd Rokita said today. His office — along with 26 other states — asked the court months ago to take the critical step of overturning the Chevron rule because it created an unaccountable administrative state.
“We are seeing truly remarkable progress in dismantling an administrative state that has oppressed Americans and their liberties for far too long,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The U.S. Constitution gives authority to Congress, not unelected bureaucrats, to enact laws. For 40 years, we tolerated a precedent that turned that principle on its head.”
That precedent — Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council — became null and void with the Supreme Court’s decision Friday in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo.
When disputes arise over the meaning of laws, those disputes should be settled in the courts rather than the back rooms of federal agencies, Attorney General Rokita said.
“Hoosiers and all freedom-loving Americans can be grateful the Supreme Court is curbing the excessive power that has been given to executive-level agencies,” Attorney General Rokita said. “When we rely on the administrative state to govern us, we lose the checks and balances inherent in the system created by America’s founders.”
The Supreme Court has also indicated a willingness to trim back the powers of the administrative state in other recent cases — such as on Thursday when it stayed the EPA’s so-called “Good Neighbor Rule” that imposes extreme emissions-control measures on “upwind” states like Indiana to mitigate pollution in “downwind” states. That case will continue to be litigated in appellate and circuit courts.
Lt. Gov. Crouch, IHCDA announce additional placemaking funding to benefit Hoosiers 50-plus
Crowdfunding will receive match funds through IHCDA’s CreatINg Places and AARP Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (July 1, 2024) – CreatINg Livable Communities, a partnership between AARP Indiana and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA), will continue to benefit Hoosiers over 50 for another year. In an effort to further the missions of AARP’s Livable Communities program and IHCDA’s CreatINg Places crowdgranting program, CreatINg Livable Communities assists Indiana communities in funding place-based projects for aging in place. This year, AARP Indiana has committed an additional $25,000 to the CreatINg Livable Communities program to support CreatINg Places projects that benefit Hoosiers 50 and up.
“CreatINg Livable Communities is not just about improving physical spaces – it is about fostering a sense of belonging and accessibility for all Hoosiers regardless of age,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Through CreatINg Livable Communities, we’re ensuring that Indiana remains a place where older adults can thrive.”
Projects must provide a clear and tangible benefit to Hoosiers over 50 and satisfy additional requirements around the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, as well as demonstrating a connection to existing community efforts, stakeholder engagement and relevance to AARP Indiana’s key priorities for older Hoosiers.
Last year, five communities were awarded $5,000 each from AARP Indiana in addition to the funds raised from their successful crowdfunding campaigns. With IHCDA’s matching grants, total community investments for these projects exceeded $180,000.
“Every year it becomes more and more important to invest in projects that make our communities livable and welcoming for the growing population of older Hoosiers,” said AARP Indiana State Director Sarah Waddle. “Across our state we’ve seen leaders step forward with exciting ideas that will have lasting impacts. AARP Indiana is excited to partner again with IHCDA to help turn these proposals into reality.”
Eligible projects must have a total development budget of between $15,000 and $105,000. Projects must crowdfund between $5,000 and $50,000 according to CreatINg Places guidelines through Patronicity’s crowdfunding platform. Unsuccessful crowdfunding campaigns will not receive grant funding from IHCDA or AARP Indiana. CreatINg Places projects have a high crowdfunding success rate thanks to the one-on-one coaching that Patronicity provides, helping communities crowdfund over $10 million since the program launched in 2015.
Project applicants will be reviewed and approved on a first come, first serve and case-by-case basis until all funds are exhausted.
USI’s Southern Indiana Review releases Spring 2024 issue
USI’s Southern Indiana Review Releases Spring 2024 issue
July 2, 2024
The Southern Indiana Review (SIR), the University of Southern Indiana’s nationally recognized literary journal published by the USI College of Liberal Arts and English Department, has released its Spring 2024 issue.
The front and back cover feature a digital painting and oil painting on canvas, respectively, by Paris Fithian ’23. This marks the first time a USI alum has been featured and created both covers. Fithian, an illustrator and fine artist currently based in Indiana, works with both digital and traditional media. She often uses self-portraiture to capture a single moment—like the climax or falling action—of a larger narrative, drawing inspiration from creative writing, the supernatural and suspenseful media, focusing on the humanity of action.
“As the Art Director for the Southern Indiana Review, I am thrilled that we were able to include cover artwork by one of our recent graduates from the Art and Design Department,” says Dr. Greg Blair, Art Director of SIR and Assistant Professor of Art and Design. “Paris Fithian is an extremely talented illustrator and painter, and her artwork seemed like a natural fit for the type of design that we were looking for in the Spring 2024 publication. The fact that we were able to approach one of the recent graduates of the Art and Design Department to be a cover artist for SIR also speaks to the rigor, quality and exceptional instruction happening in the Art and Design Department at USI.”
This issue of SIR features an impressive range of poetry contributors, including established luminaries like Haryette Mullen, author of 10 books of critically acclaimed poetry and a finalist for the National Book Award, as well as several recipients of distinguished honors such as Guggenheim Fellowships and National Endowment for the Arts grants. Internationally recognized writers, including Adadayo Agaru (Nigeria), Anzhelina Polonskaya (Russia) and Raymond Antrobus (Britain), are also featured alongside emerging writers like Matthew Kelsey and Oak Morse.
Rosalie Moffett, Assistant Professor of Art, began serving as Poetry Editor for the Spring 2024 issue. She is the author of the poetry collections Making a Living, Nervous System, chosen by Monica Youn for the National Poetry Series Prize and listed by the New York Times as a New and Notable Book, and June in Eden. Moffett was awarded a Wallace Stegner Fellowship from Stanford University, and her work has appeared in magazines like The American Poetry Review, New England Review, Narrative, Kenyon Review and Ploughshares.
SIR was founded in 1994 by Matthew Graham and Tom Wilhelmus, both USI Professor Emeriti of English. The next issue will celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the journal.
Readers are encouraged to watch the web interview series Inside the Issue by Dr. Casey Pycior, Associate Professor of English and Fiction Editor for SIR, where he discusses each fiction contributor, their stories and the processes they took in crafting them.
The Spring 2024 issue is $12 and can be purchased on the SIR webpage. For more information, contact Ron Mitchell, Instructor in English and Editor of SIR, at rmitchel@usi.edu or visit the SIR website.
USI Volleyball announces 2024 schedule
EVANSVILLE, Ind.- The University of Southern Indiana Volleyball has announced its schedule for the 2024 season. The Screaming Eagles kick off their third season of NCAA Division I play with three matches against St. Thomas University, Depaul University, and Bradley University on August 30-31 in Peoria, Illinois.
USI travels south on September 6-8 to take on Ohio State University, Florida University, and University of South Florida in Gainsville, Florida.
Next, the Eagles tackle the Indiana Invitational for the second straight season hosted by Indiana University. USI takes on the Hoosiers on September 13. The Eagles turn around to battle Ball State University and Chicago State University on September 14.
The home opener is set for September 21, at Screaming Eagles Arena against cross-town rival University of Evansville. USI stays at home to battle the Jaguars of Indiana University-Indianapolis on September 22 to conclude non-conference play.
“We’re excited to take the next step as a program and I believe the opportunities our Fall schedule presents us will help us get there,” says head coach Jeffrey Aucoin. “There will be many challenges throughout our non-conference schedule that will allow us to be battle tested come OVC conference play.”
Southern Indiana’s third season of Ohio Valley Conference play kicks off on September 27-28, hosting Southeast Missouri State University. USI enjoyed a nine-game conference improvement last season, reaching the OVC tournament semi-final.
“For many, last years results were a surprise, but for those in our locker room it was not. We knew what we were capable of doing and we wanted to prove it,” says Aucoin. “That “prove it” mentality is the heartbeat of this program and will continue to help us compete for championships.”
The conference slate features 18 games playing every OVC team twice with home matches against SEMO (September 27-28), University of Tennessee at Martin (October 1), Western Illinois University (October 18-19), Tennessee State University (November 8-9), and Morehead State University (November 18-19).
The OVC road slate features matches against Eastern Illinois University (October 3-4), University of Arkansas at Little Rock (October 11-12), UT Martin (October 22), Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (November 1-2), and Tennessee Tech University (November 14-15).
USI looks to compete for the OVC Tournament Championship, which takes place on November 24-26. The host site is decided upon the leagues top seed in the regular season.
Blazer Karyiek Dixon signs with NCAA D-II Emporia State
Blazer Karyiek Dixon signs with NCAA D-II Emporia State
July 1, 2024
VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University sophomore Karyiek Dixon (Enfield, London, UK) announced earlier this week that he has signed to continue his basketball career next season at NCAA Division II Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan.
“Emporia State is where I have decided to continue my basketball career,” Dixon said. “Coach Billeter won a National Championship in 2016 and is aiming for another one. That is a goal we share, similar to how it was at VU. Coach Franklin is a Hall of Fame Coach, who also won a National Championship and over the two years I played at VU, we competed to try to win another one and went to Hutch both years.”
Dixon made a major improvement in his sophomore season, being a key figure in the Trailblazers front court, averaging 8.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in 29 starts for VU.
Dixon was a consistent member of the VU lineup all season, being one of only three players to play in all 34 games this past season for the Blazers.
Dixon’s best stretch of games came early in the 2023-24 season when he scored in double figures in six out of seven games, including recording three double doubles during that run.
Dixon’s best game came with 18 points and 12 rebounds in VU’s win over then No. 25-ranked Monroe College in November.
Dixon closed out his VU career with 367 total points and 303 rebounds, scoring in double figures 16 times and recording five double doubles in his two season with the Blazers.
Dixon helped guide the Blazers to a 60-10 record over the last two seasons, including an Elite Eight appearance as a freshman and winning the NJCAA Division I Region 24 Championship this past season.
Dixon is the fifth VU sophomore to sign to play at the next level, following Michael Osei-Bonsu (Bolingbrook, Ill.), Victor Lado (Louisville, Ky.), Kris King (Washington, D.C.) and Kent King (Washington, D.C.).
Osei-Bonsu signed last month with Division I Missouri State University, with Lado heading to Division II Colorado State University-Pueblo and Kris and Kent King signing with Division II Chaminade University in Hawaii.
“Going to Hutch and competing against the other top teams in the country has helped prepare me to play at the next level,” Dixon added. “At Vincennes University, they also emphasized the importance of academics, which I liked. VU prepared me to further pursue a degree in accounting.”
Dixon is joining a Hornets squad that finished last season with a 19-12 record, including a 12-10 record in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) conference and a 14-3 record at home.
Dixon will get to play for newly hired Head Coach Tom Billeter who comes to Emporia State after 21 seasons at Division II Augustana University, including winning the 2016 Division II National Championship.
The Vincennes University Athletic Department would like to congratulate Karyiek Dixon on his commitment to continuing his education at Emporia State University and wishes him good luck as he continues his basketball career next season.
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UE women’s basketball hires Tyler McCormick as Assistant Coach
UE women’s basketball hires Tyler McCormick as Assistant Coach
JUNE 2, 2024
The Purple Aces round out their bench staff for the 2024-25 seasoEVANSVILLE, Ind. – The University of Evansville women’s basketball team and Head Coach Robyn Scherr-Wells have announced the hiring of Assistant Coach Tyler McCormick.
Following two years at Pittsburg State, Illinois native Tyler McCormick has joined the Purple Aces on the bench. “I am thrilled Tyler has chosen to join our staff!” exclaimed Scherr-Wells. “His energy, his passion for developing players, and his desire to be a part of building a championship program at Evansville has set him apart. I know he will be a tremendous asset to Evansville Women’s Basketball!”
McCormick has spent the past two years on the men’s basketball staff at Division II Pittsburgh State in Kansas. While with the Gorillas, McCormick handled a variety of duties with a focus on scouting and player development. McCormick was a part of multiple facets of player development including individual workouts, managing academics, and coordinating community service projects. Along with scouting and player development duties, McCormick handled team graphics for Pitt State contributing to the Gorilla’s social media strategy.
“I am super excited to be joining the staff at the University of Evansville!” says McCormick. “Coach Robyn’s program is special, and she is a special leader as well. I look forward to getting to know everyone at UE and this opportunity!”
Before his time at Pittsburg State, McCormick was a student assistant for the Missouri Southern State men’s basketball team for three years. With the Lions, McCormick organized practices with film coordination and charting possessions. McCormick also helped with equipment management as a student assistant. He also served as a practice player for the Lions women’s basketball team.
McCormick holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Missouri Southern State. He then obtained his master’s degree in health, human performance, recreation, sport, and leisure management from Pittsburg State. McCormick is a native of Colfax, Ill.
STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE HOOSIERS TO DISPOSE OF RECALLED DIAMOND SHRUUMZ PRODUCTS
INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is encouraging individuals to not buy, eat, sell, or serve Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies following a recall issued by the manufacturer.
Indiana officials are investigating reports of severe acute illnesses potentially associated with consuming Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, and gummies marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushrooms. As of June 24, 2024, there have been 39 total illnesses reported from 20 states with 23 hospitalizations, including three confirmed cases in Indiana. No deaths have been reported.
People who became ill from eating Diamond Shruumz brand products reported a variety of severe symptoms including seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, agitation, abnormal heart rates, changes in blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.
Diamond Shruumz brand products can be purchased online or at a variety of retail locations nationwide including gas stations, smoke/vape shops, or places that sell hemp-derived or CBD products.
Those who become ill after consuming these products should seek medical treatment. Call the Indiana Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 to report symptoms and seek information. Callers should let Poison Control know they have recently consumed Diamond Shruumz brand chocolate bars, cones, or gummies.
FSSA announces launch of Indiana PathWays for Aging Medicaid managed care program, new waivers
Hoosiers eligible for waiver services will begin to be invited to continue process
INDIANAPOLIS —The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced today that Indiana PathWays for Aging launched for more than 123,000 eligible Hoosiers aged 60 and over.
“This is an exciting day for Indiana as we go live with this transformative program,” Indiana Medicaid Director Cora Steinmetz said. “We thank our partners across the state who have been instrumental in helping us design a program that will make a difference for this population, and the state.”
PathWays for Aging is a Medicaid managed care program designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the Hoosiers it serves, provide choice for those members who want to age in their homes or communities, and better manage the rising costs of providing Medicaid coverage to the aging population. This becomes the state’s fourth managed care program in addition to the Healthy Indiana Plan, Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Care Connect.
“Before PathWays, the aging individuals on Medicaid had to navigate a complicated healthcare and supports system on their own,” FSSA Secretary Dan Rusyniak, M.D., said. “Now, individuals need only one point of contact for assistance, making it easier for more Hoosiers to stay in their homes, surrounded by family and friends.”
On PathWays, individuals contact a care coordinator who can help them access services or find other resources to meet their needs.
Some individuals on the PathWays program will qualify for additional services based on their needs and will be eligible for the PathWays home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver.
July 1 also marks the end of the Aged and Disabled Waiver. Two new waivers, the PathWays Waiver for individuals aged 60 and older and the Health and Wellness Waiver for individuals 59 and younger, will provide home and community-based services to eligible Hoosiers who need nursing facility level of care.
Per the federal approvals, both waivers have a designated number of slots available. A slot can only be used by one person during the July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 waiver year and cannot be re-used by a different person if a member no longer needs services, for example if the individual moved out of state.
- PathWays for Aging Waiver: 39,842 slots, of which 29,268 are filled by Hoosiers already receiving services. 10,574 slots will remain for newly eligible individuals.
- Health and Wellness Waiver: 16,127 slots, of which 13,190 are filled by Hoosiers already receiving services. 2,937 slots will remain for newly eligible individuals.
In April, FSSA established a waiting list for the former Aged and Disabled Waiver. Beginning this month, the agency will begin inviting eligible individuals on the waiting list to continue the process to access either the PathWays Waiver or Health and Wellness Waiver.
Individuals currently receiving waiver services through the former Aged and Disabled Waiver, now transitioned to the Health and Wellness Waiver or PathWays Waiver, do not have to complete this process.
No waitlist will exist for the overall PathWays program, only individuals eligible for waiver services under PathWays may be placed on a waitlist.
At this time, 9,015 people are on the waiting list for the PathWays Waiver, and 3,762 are on the waiting list for the Health and Wellness Waiver.
FSSA will invite a group of individuals to continue the process to begin receiving services each month as long as capacity remains. Based on the number of slots, the number of people on the waiting list, and the steps that must be taken, FSSA plans to invite individuals as follows:
- 125 individuals per month to Health and Wellness HCBS Waiver
- 800 individuals per month to PathWays HCBS Waiver
These estimates are based on the steps that must be taken following invitation, with the goal of allowing eligible members to access services as quickly as possible. For example, face-to-face level of care assessments must be completed, and functional eligibility and Medicaid eligibility must be determined. Individuals invited to proceed will receive a letter with further details.
Transition Structured Family Caregiving or new Attendant Care caregiver
As announced early this year, legally responsible individuals are no longer permitted to provide Attendant Care as of today. Two options were offered: Structured Family Caregiving or Attendant Care from a caregiver who is not a legally responsible individual.
More than 1,700 members, or the vast majority of those affected, had completed a newly approved service plan and can begin their new services. After July 1, all Health and Wellness waiver members 17 and younger who select Structured Family Caregiving for the first time will be assessed by care managers to determine the appropriate tier of service. Families who transitioned to Structured Family Caregiving before the July 1 start were placed in a tier based on the Attendant Care hours they were already utilizing.
In mid-2025, a new Structured Family Caregiving Level of Service Assessment will be in place.