State Rep. Ledbetter: Funds available to communities for recovery housing
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 19, 2025) – Communities can access funding to provide transitional housing for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder through the Indiana Recovery Housing Program, said State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).
Communities can use these funds to build recovery residences or rehabilitate existing facilities. Ledbetter said that providing long-lasting and high-quality recovery housing helps people recovering from substance use disorders maintain sobriety and rebuild their lives, impacting not only individuals but strengthening communities.
“This is a program that addresses one of the biggest chokepoints for sustained recovery from substance abuse,” Ledbetter said. “Providing stable temporary housing helps people in recovery maintain sobriety and move toward self-sufficiency.”
The program uses funds from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant and is administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. Nearly $5 million was granted to the program from 2020 to 2024.
Eligible cities, towns and counties can submit proposals until Dec. 21 and applications for the Recovery Housing Program will be accepted until Feb. 22, 2026.
CenterPoint Energy completes first round of “Community Connect” events in southwestern Indiana
Saturday marked the fifth and final event held throughout southwestern Indiana territory to listen to customer priorities and highlight local community investment and involvement
Customers received in-person, one-on-one support from company representatives and were provided with information CNP’s affordability actions, financial assistance programs and local infrastructure investments to improve reliability
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Nov. 19, 2025 – This past Saturday, CenterPoint Energy held the fifth and final Community Connect event at the Ohio Township Phoenix Event Center in Newburgh, Ind., wrapping up a series of events hosted as part of its commitment to listen to local feedback, highlight local energy improvements and address customer priorities.
Each customer who attended the five Community Connect events was provided the opportunity to speak with a member of CenterPoint’s customer support team one-on-one to resolve any issues or concerns, as well as speak to employees at a number of informational stations about local infrastructure investments designed to strengthen the electric and natural gas systems, recent affordability actions, the importance of emergency preparedness and financial assistance and other programs available.
“Our initial Community Connect events were an excellent opportunity for us to engage with our customers face-to-face and listen to their feedback . I’d like to thank those community members, as well as local officials, who joined us at our events. And I also want to thank the 100+ employee volunteers who staffed the events and the entire Indiana CenterPoint team who remain committed to serving our customers every day ,” said Mike Roeder, President of CenterPoint Energy Indiana.
“We will share more information soon on how we will continue to show up and engage our community on a more consistent and frequent basis going forward as we execute our previously announced affordability actions.”
Community Affordability Actions
In late October/early November, CenterPoint announced the first phase of actions it has recently taken to prioritize affordability, including:
- Two-Year Rates Stability: Starting in early 2026, stabilizing electricity bills by keeping any rate change below or near the rate of inflation for the next two years.
- Cancelling nearly $1 billion in uneconomic generation projects, an action that equates savings for residential customers of approximately $18/month of avoided costs through 2027.
- Offset October Rate Increase: Reducing bills for average residential customers by December 2025 through a combination of bill adjustments and credits, which will more than offset rate changes that took effect in October.
- Community Energy Improvement Fund: Investing $5 million through the CenterPoint Energy Foundation over the next two years to support expanded customer resources and cost-saving programs and local economic development efforts, in partnership with local elected leaders and community organizations.
Gov. Mike Braun continues push for fair maps
“I am glad to see Speaker Huston and House Republicans publicly endorse the need for fair maps. We look forward to them returning in December to vote to advance them. Momentum is building and it’s time now for our state senators to commit to showing up for work.
“Unfortunately, Sen. Rod Bray was forced to partner with DEMOCRATS to block an effort by the growing number of America First Senators who wanted to have a vote on passing fair maps. Now I am left with no choice other than to explore all options at my disposal to compel the State Senate to show up and vote.
“I will support President Trump’s efforts to recruit, endorse, and finance primary challengers for Indiana’s senators who refuse to support fair maps.” – Governor Mike Braun
USI Counseling and Psychological Services receives IACS accreditation
University of Southern Indiana Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has been accredited by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS), the premier leader in setting the benchmark for the full range of professional counseling services on college and university campuses worldwide.
IACS’ rigorous accreditation process involves detailed documentation, a comprehensive site visit evaluation and multiple peer reviews in five areas: relationships within the college/university community, counseling and clinical services, ethical standards, personnel and resources/infrastructure.
“On behalf of the USI CAPS staff, I would like to share how grateful we are for this accomplishment. So much of our interactions with students are confidential and behind the scenes, so this accreditation confirms to the USI community that we are meeting a high standard of care,” says Dr. Robin Sanabria, Director of USI CAPS. “We are thankful to those who came before us and laid the groundwork, enabling us to take USI CAPS to the next level. It is very gratifying to know that all the hard work that has been going on in our space for decades is now formally recognized for the high-quality service that we provide.”
USI CAPS was evaluated by IACS and was found to offer a high standard of competent and reliable mental health professional services to its student community. Approval by IACS is also dependent upon evidence of continuing professional development as well as demonstration of excellence in counseling performance.
“The services being provided by CAPS, and the work of their entire staff, is a testament to their commitment to not just meet the mental health needs of all students, but to meet those needs at a very high level,” said Annie Patterson, IACS Executive Director. “This is apparent via their ability to go through the rigor of the IACS accreditation process, including a months-long in-depth self-study, multi-day campus site visit evaluation, multiple peer reviews and ultimately found to be meeting or exceeding industry best practices. IACS is immensely proud of the work being done at USI CAPS.”
For more information about USI CAPS and the resources it offers to the University community, visit USI.edu/caps.
About IACS
The International Accreditation of Counseling Services (IACS) is the premier leader in setting the benchmark for the full range of professional counseling services on college and university campuses. Through a comprehensive peer review process, IACS confirms the highest standards are being met, validates professional excellence, and distinguishes standout counseling centers with its accreditation seal of approval. Continuing a legacy that dates back to 1949, IACS is committed to advancing quality worldwide, encouraging and working with all centers seeking accreditation. www.iacsinc.org
Warrick Humane Society Announces Annual Holiday Auction Benefiting Rescue Pets
Newburgh, IN — Warrick Humane Society is excited to announce that its Annual Holiday Auction is officially live. This beloved seasonal fundraiser brings together community members and local businesses to support the rescue pets who rely on WHS for care, comfort, and second chances.
The Holiday Auction features a wide variety of gift baskets, handmade items, experiences, décor, and holiday-ready gifts. All proceeds directly support the animals of WHS, helping fund veterinary care, daily supplies, and lifesaving programs.
Bidding opened November 17 at 9 a.m. and will run through November 23 at 8 p.m. Supporters can place bids now by visiting: https://onecau.se/_dsut31
Winning bidders may pick up their items November 26 through December 3 at Warrick Humane Society during regular business hours. WHS is grateful for the generous donations from supporters and local businesses whose contributions make this auction possible each year
For more information about the Holiday Auction, volunteer opportunities, or additional ways to support the mission of Warrick Humane Society, visit warrickhumanesociety.org or follow Warrick Humane Society on Facebook.
About Warrick Humane Society: Warrick Humane Society, a no-kill shelter located in Newburgh, Indiana. It was founded in 1983 by a handful of dedicated volunteers who rescued lost, injured and neglected animals. Since WHS opened their building in 1997 and began actively working with Animal Control agencies and other rescue organizations, WHS has saved thousands of animals and placed them in loving homes. Warrick Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) no-kill rescue dedicated to improving companion animals’ lives. WHS does not receive any funding from taxes or any national organizations. WHS is funded entirely by individual and corporate donations, bequests, grants and fundraising events. Because all animals adopted by WHS are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, treated for parasites and microchipped as well as receiving any other special care they may need, finding enough funding is always a challenge.
Congressman Baird Statement on Voting to Release the Epstein Files
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Epstein Files Transparency Act to release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell:
“The American people want and deserve answers on the horrific crimes committed by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. While Epstein and Maxwell entrenched themselves with some of the most powerful and influential people in the world, they committed terrible crimes that ruined over 1,000 young girls’ lives. On September 3, 2025, the House passed H. Res. 668, which directed the House Oversight Committee to continue its ongoing inquiry into Epstein. I voted for this legislation to allow Chairman Comer to conduct a thorough investigation that included depositions with many former high-ranking government officials, subpoenas for the Epstein estate, and appropriate protections for the victims. The Department of Justice has also been fully cooperating with the House Oversight Committee’s investigation, and the committee has released over 60,000 pages of documents related to the investigation. Today, I voted for a bill to direct the Department of Justice to publicly release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein or Ghislaine Maxwell. I am deeply disappointed in the actions of my House Democrat colleagues, as evidence has come to light about Democrat officials’ ties to the disgraced and deceased financier. My vote today in favor of this legislation will ensure transparency in this ongoing investigation and hopefully deliver some long-overdue justice for the victims.”
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USI comes up short versus UIW, falls 87-81 Screaming Eagles to play in consolation Saturday
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball’s offense cooled in the second half and fell to the University of the Incarnate Word, 87-81, in the first round of the Boardwalk Battle at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Screaming Eagles go to 1-4 in the non-conference schedule, while UIW is 3-2.
Despite being on fire through the first 20 minutes, USI led only once in the first half (2-1 on a basket by senior guard Ismail Habib) and trailed by three at the break, 41-38. The Eagles shot 57.7 percent from the field (15-26), 55.6 percent from beyond the arc (5-9), and 75 percent from the stripe (3-4).
USI trailed by as many as nine points (29-20) once in the first half but battled back with a 10-4 run in the final two minutes before halftime to trail by three. Senior guard Cardell Bailey led USI’s comeback with 13 points off the bench, including a trio of field goals beyond the three-point arc.
UIW took command in the second half with a 20-8 run in the first seven minutes to lead 61-46 with 13:14 to play. USI also would go without a field goal for seven minutes (15:25 to 8:17), managing only seven free throws to trail 67-53.
After falling behind by as many as 16 points twice, the Eagles tried to rally in the final eight minutes. USI used a 22-13 run to pull to within five points, 80-75, with 36 seconds left on the clock after Bailey converted an old-fashioned three-point play. Senior forward Ola Ajiboye led the USI run with nine of the 22 points, while Habib and Bailey added six points and five points, respectively.
The Cardinals stopped the Eagles’ offensive push by connecting on seven-of-eight trips to the free throw line in the final 36 seconds to close out the 87-81 final.
In the second half, USI fell below 50 percent from the field by shooting 42.9 percent (15-35) and was 0-of-12 from beyond the arc in the final 20 minutes. The Eagles also lost the battle on the boards, 38-27, for the contest.
For the game, Habib reached 21 points for the second-straight game to lead the USI scorers. He was eight-of-15 from the field, including a three-pointer, and a perfect four-of-four from the stripe.
Bailey and Ajiboye posted season highs with 18 points each. Bailey finished seven-of-12 from the field, three-of-seven from beyond the arc, and one-of-two from the stripe. Ajiboye was six-of-eight from the field and six-of-nine from the charity stripe.
Next Up For USI:
USI finishes out the Boardwalk Battle Saturday at 4 p.m. (CST) when it plays the loser of the University of Illinois Chicago – High Point University game. UIC and High Point play this afternoon at 1:30 p.m.
UIC is 3-1 overall after starting the year with a win and has won its last two outings. High Point is 4-1 in 2025-26, starting the year with a three-game winning streak before splitting its last two contests.
After this week’s trip to Florida, USI has a trip to Valparaiso University November 26 for a 2 p.m. tipoff and comes home to Liberty Arena to face off with Kentucky State University November 29 at 3 p.m.