| October marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Indiana General Assembly is doing its part to spread awareness, support early detection and encourage more research.
According to the American Cancer Society, there were more than 300,000 estimated new cases of breast cancer in the U.S. in 2024 and over 42,000 deaths. Early detection and screenings are critical when it comes to prevention and treatment. This session, I authored a new law to help advance more breast cancer treatment and prevention research, creating a dedicated fund for innovative research into novel forms of treatment and therapies. The law also created a fund for pediatric cancer research. |
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[To learn more about the new Breast Cancer Research Fund and Pediatric Cancer Research and Treatment Fund, click here.]
Last year, the General Assembly improved breast cancer screening protocols and awareness by ensuring patients with dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect, are informed of their increased risk. The law also outlined the protocol for mammogram examinations and documentation, and expanded insurance coverage on breast cancer rehabilitative services and reconstruction surgery. It’s important to get annual screenings for breast cancer, which can be present even if there are no symptoms. To learn more about low- or no-cost mammograms, click here. Together, we can raise awareness of breast cancer risks and treatment options, and support Hoosiers who are bravely fighting this disease. Sincerely, |
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Joining the fight against breast cancer
This Week at USI
UPCOMING EVENTS
11 a.m. Monday, November 3
Wright Administration Building construction press conference
The University will host a press conference at 11 a.m. Monday, November 3 in the Redwood Lounge, located in the Wright Administration Building on campus. A media alert with additional information was sent Thursday, October 30 and earlier this morning, Monday, November 3.
Monday through Friday, November 3-7
Annual Distance Learning Week to begin at USI November 3
USI Online and Adult Learning is hosting its second annual Distance Learning Week Monday through Friday, November 3-7. Presented in conjunction with the U.S. Distance Learning Association’s (USDLA) National Distance Week, this event promotes online and distance learning, exploring issues and trends in distance and online learning while highlighting best practices.
Monday, November 3 through Sunday, December 7
56th annual USI Efroymson Family Fund Juried Student Art Show on display in McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries
The USI annual Efroymson Family Fund Juried Student Art Exhibition, a presentation of selected student artworks from the past academic year, is being held Monday, November 3 through Sunday, December 7 at the McCutchan Art Center/Pace (MAC/Pace) Galleries, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This year’s exhibition features 85 artworks chosen by the juror from 229 submitted entries.
1 p.m. Friday, November 7
USI Psychology Department to host third annual Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference
The USI Psychology Department will host the third annual Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference (UPRC) at 1 p.m. Friday, November 7 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. The event is open to the public at no charge, but registration is required. If you are not a presenter, mentor or moderator, register for the conference by completing this form before Monday, October 20.
SAVE THE DATE
November 15
USI Norwegian Foot March happening November 15
A USI tradition is celebrating its 21st anniversary on Saturday, November 15. The 21st annual Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, will take participants 18.6 miles (30 km) through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line generally in under four and a half hours depending on age and gender.
November 15
USI Ceramics Department to host Filling Empty Bowls for Veterans event at Barker Brewhouse
The USI Ceramics Department will host the Filling Empty Bowls for Veterans event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 15 at Barker Brewhouse, located at 96 N Barker Ave. With a $20 donation, attendees will receive a USI ceramic made bowl (while supplies last) plus soup and bread from Mother Truckers food truck. The event is open to the public.
November 26
USI accepting proposals through November 26 for second annual TEDxUSI event
The University will host the second annual TEDxUSI—an independently organized TEDx event—on Thursday, February 26 as part of the Core Speaker Series. The three-hour event will feature engaging talks and interactive Discover USI sessions at the USI Performance Center. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments, thought-provoking presentations and hands-on activities throughout the evening.
December 4-7
USI 54th annual Madrigal Feaste returns December 4-7
The USI Chamber Choir will host the 54th annual Madrigal Feaste Thursday through Sunday, December 4-7, in Carter Hall, located in University Center West on the USI campus. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, December 4-6, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., and the Sunday, December 7 matinee performance will begin at 1 p.m. with doors opening at 12:30 p.m.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Released Wednesday, October 29
USI Historic New Harmony program receives $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc.
USI has received a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support Historic New Harmony’s efforts to strengthen exhibitions and programs focused on the history of religion and spirituality in New Harmony. Lilly Endowment made the grant through its Religion and Cultural Institutions Initiative.
Downtown Evansville Holiday Décor Installation
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Holiday Row: 38 trees bases wrapped in lights along Riverside Drive
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Tunnel of Light: 13,930 lights illuminating the tunnel at Old National Bank’s headquarters at One Main St. Anticipated installation date of Monday, November 10.
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NEW FOR 2025 Spool of Lights: 18 oversized vintage-style light bulbs on the 100 Block of Main
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Chandelier Tree: 17 chandeliers in the tree on the 100 Block of Main with newly wrapped lighting around the tree base
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12′ nutcrackers and the lighted archway: Custom painted nutcrackers, garland, and lights on the archway at Second and Main
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10′ Christmas Tree: On the 200 Block of Main
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Santa’s Mailbox Presented by Edward Jones-Financial Advisors: Jessica Engel, Steve Harding, Janet Schultheis, and Jenni Vaughn: Mailbox at Third and Main
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Decorated Fountain: Fresh greenery and oversized vintage-style light bulbs in the fountain on the 300 Block of Main
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Heart of DTEVV lighting installation: 2,220 lights on the 400 Block of Main
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12′ Snowflake: 3,000 lights on the 500 Block of Main and new lighting décor in the corresponding alley
Gov. Braun Celebrates Tip-Off of Big College Basketball Season for Indiana
“In 49 states, it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana!”
INDIANAPOLIS – With the NCAA men’s basketball regular season set to begin today, Monday, Nov. 3, Governor Mike Braun is celebrating Indiana’s central role in American basketball and the economic impact for Hoosiers.
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis will host the men’s Final Four and National Championship game in April.
“In 49 states, it’s just basketball — but this is Indiana. Hoosiers across the state are excited to tip off the 2025-2026 NCAA basketball season, and we’re especially proud that this year’s men’s NCAA season will culminate in the Final Four and National Championship game right here in the basketball capital of the world.” — Governor Mike Braun
Indiana will also be host to the Division II and Division III Men’s Basketball Championships, as well as the Men’s Basketball National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
Indiana is the home of the NCAA headquarters, which employs 500 people in its national office in Indianapolis and generates substantial economic activity for the state of Indiana.
$400 million of economic impact is anticipated from the following NCAA events to be held in Indiana in 2026:
- Division II Men’s Swimming & Diving Championships – March 10-14, 2026
- 2026 Division III Men’s Basketball Quarterfinals and Semifinals – March 19 and 21, 2026
- 2026 Division III Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships – March 18-21, 2026
- 2026 Men’s Final Four – April 4 and 6, 2026
- 2026 Division II Men’s Basketball Semifinals – April 5, 2026
- 2026 Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship – April 5, 2026
- 2026 Division III Men’s Basketball National Championship – April 5, 2026
- 2026 Men’s Basketball National Invitational Tournament (NIT) – April 2-5, 2026
- Notre Dame will also be hosting the men’s and women’s National Collegiate Fencing Championships.
USI to begin major renovation and expansion of Wright Administration Building
Who: Steven J. Bridges, President, and Jim Wolfe, Director of Facility Operations and Planning
What: The University of Southern Indiana is preparing to break ground on a transformative renovation and expansion project that will reshape the very first building constructed on campus in 1969: the Wright Administration Building. Constructed under the leadership of Dr. David L. Rice, USI’s founding President, the Wright Administration Building was completed just two years prior to a Campus Master Plan that laid out the vision for today’s modern and vibrant campus.
At the press event, remarks will be given by President Bridges, followed by opportunities to capture b-roll of the existing building, view renderings of the new and renovated spaces and conduct interviews.
When: The event will take place at 11 a.m. today, Monday, November 3. It will begin promptly at 11 a.m., so please come a few minutes early if you need time to set up.
Where: The event will take place in the Redwood Lounge, located in the Wright Administration Building on campus. A map of campus, featuring the Wright Administration Building, is available at USI.edu/map. You may enter at the double doors adjacent from the Orr Center on the east side of the building. Someone will be there to meet you to take you to the Redwood Lounge.
Join us for our November meeting!
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Protect Hoosiers from crypto ATM scams
AMBRE MARR by Indiana Capitol Cronicle
Other states have enacted legislation — but not Indiana.
Criminals have discovered a new way to steal millions from older Americans — and Indiana lawmakers have the power to stop it.
Cryptocurrency ATMs, often called “crypto kiosks,” are popping up in convenience stores, gas stations, and retail locations across the country. These machines allow users to conduct legitimate cryptocurrency transactions, but their lack of regulation compared to traditional financial institutions has made them a prime target for fraud.
Consumers in 2024 reported losing a total of $246.7 million via crypto ATMs — a 31% increase from 2023, according to the FBI. Among the crimes where the victim’s age was known, 86% of the losses occurred among Americans over 60. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg — many victims never report being scammed.
These crimes often start with a phone call or text message claiming an urgent financial matter. Victims are instructed to withdraw large sums of cash from their bank account — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars — and deposit it into a cryptocurrency kiosk. Once the money is transferred, it’s usually gone for good.
There are more than 20,000 cryptocurrency ATMs across the United States, and Indiana is no exception, with hundreds across the state. This means that, due to the lack of consumer protections, Hoosiers are left vulnerable. That’s why AARP Indiana is fighting to save older Hoosiers from losing their savings to criminals.
During next year’s legislative session, Indiana lawmakers have an opportunity to act. Seventeen other states have enacted legislation, and cities are also taking steps to protect consumers. For example, Evansville recently passed an ordinance after law enforcement saw a steady increase in fraud cases connected to crypto ATMs.
Older Hoosiers—and frankly, all consumers — deserve stronger safeguards against this type of fraud. States like Arkansas, Iowa and Nebraska, and cities like Evansville have already set the standard with commonsense protections: clear fraud warnings, upfront customer service contact information, and refunds for outrageous fees tied to fraudulent transactions.
These measures work, but that’s not enough. There should be daily transaction limits, and consumers need receipts with detailed information to help them and law enforcement track suspicious activity. We also need direct communication channels between ATM operators and law enforcement — because when fraud happens, time matters. And for operators who ignore these rules? Serious penalties should apply.
Regardless of where they live in the state, Hoosiers should have peace of mind knowing their hard-earned money is secure. No one should have to worry about being tricked into handing over their retirement funds to a scammer hiding behind a screen. These criminals can be remarkably clever, often manipulating even the most knowledgeable individuals.
These dangerous loopholes can be addressed by state leaders, and with thoughtful collaboration, we can ensure all Hoosiers — especially older adults — are protected from fraud and confident their savings will stay where they belong. AARP Indiana is ready to help make that future a reality.
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.
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