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HOT JOBS
Governor Braun’s Bold Strategy to Put Hoosier Wage Growth First Shows Massive Boost in Efficiency for Taxpayer Dollars
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun is leading a transformation of Indiana’s economic development approach focused on efficiency and putting wage growth for Hoosiers first, and it’s showing major results: in just ninth months, state spending-per-job incentivized has been cut by more than half and the average wages of those jobs increased by 10%: a 270% increase in efficiency of average wage for each state dollar spent.
“Our new approach to economic development is all about growing wages and creating new job opportunities for Hoosiers. Each taxpayer dollar is doing more for our state.” — Governor Mike Braun
At today’s event, Governor Braun highlighted a $40.95 average hourly wage for 2025 projects, approximately 17% higher than the US average wage, and 42% higher than Indiana’s average wage. This average hourly wage is also 13% higher than the 2024 new project wage.
Since January, the average wage of jobs incentivized by the IEDC to come to Indiana increased from $36 to $41, a 10% increase. That’s over $8,000 annually per job.
Of the 7,844 new jobs created from state-incentivized projects so far this year, 92% were above the county average wage, 86% were above the state average wage, and 61% were above the national average wage.
Results are going up, and costs are coming down: since Governor Braun took office, the average cost per incentivized job was cut by more than half, from $47,000 per job to $16,000 per job.
Hazardous toys, appliances, and more recalled in September Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers to act now to protect themselves and their families
Dangerous toys and appliances in your home could put your family at risk. Attorney General Todd Rokita is calling on all Hoosiers to check this month’s recall list to protect your loved ones. Items include children’s toys, a countertop oven and other items that can cause serious burns or even death.
“Hoosiers need to know if purchased items are defective or could harm them or their children,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “This month, several recalled products are related to children, so parents must pay close attention to ensure their kids’ safety. If you purchased a recalled item, stop using it immediately.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following consumer products were recalled in September:
Children’s Products
These products pose risks such as strangulation, suffocation, choking, or head injury, particularly to young children.
- Persilux Brand Zebra Blinds: Strangulation and entanglement hazards; violates federal rule for window coverings; sold on Amazon.
- Autoez Brand Bamboo Shades: Strangulation and entanglement hazards; violates federal rule for window coverings; sold on Walmart.com.
- LXDHSTRA Baby Loungers and Crib Bumpers: Suffocation and fall hazards; violates federal standards for infant sleep products and crib bumper ban; sold on Amazon.
- URMYWO Baby Loungers: Suffocation and fall hazards; violates mandatory standard for infant sleep products; sold on Amazon by Pomona.
- YooxArmor Multi-Purpose Kids’ Helmets: Risk of head injury; violates mandatory standard for bicycle helmets; sold on Amazon by YooxArmor.
- Youbeien Crib Mobiles: Risk of battery ingestion; violates mandatory toy standard for batteries; sold on Amazon by GKKBSJ.
- Shierdu Children’s Toys: Choking hazard; violates small parts ban; sold on Amazon by Yiwu Shiyi Trading.
- AMTRADING Hoovy Cooling Gel Insert Pads for Car Seats and Strollers: Burn hazard; sold by AMTRADING.
- In My Jammers Button Flare Pajama Sets: Burn hazard; violates mandatory flammability standards.
Home Appliances
These products present fire, burn, or laceration risks in household settings.
- Sunbeam Products Oster French Door Countertop Ovens: Burn hazard; over one million units recalled.
- Wuensche USA Ambiano Cotton Candy Makers: Fire hazard; sold at ALDI.
- Epoca International Paris Hilton Mini Beauty Fridges: Fire and burn hazards.
- Makita U.S.A., Inc. Cordless Grease Guns and Grease Gun Hoses: Laceration hazard.
Personal Care and Health Products
These products pose risks of poisoning or fire, particularly to children or users.
- Mad Rabbit “RELIEVE” Lidocaine Numbing Cream: Risk of poisoning to young children; violates child-resistant packaging standard.
- Blueroot Health Bariatric Fusion Iron Multivitamins: Risk of child poisoning; violates child-resistant packaging standard; manufactured by VitaQuest International.
- Arizer Solo II Portable Vaporizers: Fire and burn hazards; imported by 7111495 Canada.
Other Products
These products include miscellaneous items with risks such as fire, burn, or serious injury.
- Anker Power Banks: Fire and burn hazards; manufactured by Anker Innovations.
- IcyBreeze Cooling Portable Misting Fans: Fire hazard.
- Five Below Tabletop Fire Pits: Risk of serious burn injury from flame jetting and fire hazards.
- EnHomee Dressers: Risk of tip-over and entrapment; violates mandatory standard for clothing storage units; sold by EnHomee Direct.
- StopBox USA AR-15 Chamber Lock Pros: Risk of serious injury or death.
If you believe you recently purchased a recalled product, stop using it, and check its recall notice (linked above for all products). Then follow the notice’s instructions, including where to return the product, how to get the product fixed, how to dispose of the product, how to receive a refund for the product, or what steps must be taken to receive a replacement product.
Developers Break Ground on $13 Million Franklin Lofts Project in Evansville
Redevelopment effort that restores a historic landmark and delivers 56 new housing units
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (October 7, 2025) – Today, Franklin Street Lofts, LLC, led by project owners Aaron Gabe and John Clark, joined Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry, local officials, and regional economic development leaders to celebrate the groundbreaking of Franklin Lofts, a $13 million mixed-use development on Franklin Street.
The project will adaptively reuse the historic Hercules Plow factory, transforming the site into 56 market-rate apartments with dedicated parking along Franklin Street, adjacent to the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage. The development will provide much-needed housing to support Evansville’s growing workforce while strengthening Franklin Street’s small businesses and the region’s urban core.
“The Franklin Lofts project represents exactly the kind of investment Evansville needs right now: a transformational development that strengthens the neighborhood, expands housing options, and breathes new life into a historic property,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “This is the largest modern, market-rate residential development the Franklin Street area has seen in decades. The City is proud to be part of this public-private partnership reinforcing our shared commitment to close the housing gap in our community.”
Franklin Lofts exemplifies how public-private partnerships can bring lasting value to the community. The project preserves a historic landmark, delivers modern housing with direct Greenway access and strengthens Evansville’s broader placemaking vision.
“As a third-generation West Side family, it is an honor to be a part of the revitalization of the historic Hercules building on Franklin Street,” said Aaron Gabe, Owner, Franklin Lofts. “We believe this project supports the Mayor’s vision for Evansville and E-REP’s greater plan for Southwestern Indiana. We look forward to its grand opening in 2027.”
Franklin Lofts is the first project in the Evansville Region to receive funding through the Lilly Endowment Initiative, managed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) as part of READI 2.0. This investment underscores the project’s significance as a catalyst for regional economic growth and placemaking.
“This development represents more than just new housing—it’s an investment in the future of our community,” said Beth McFadin Higgins, President of the Southwest Indiana Redevelopment Authority. “With support from READI funds, Franklin Street Lofts will provide high-quality, modern apartments that will attract new residents and add momentum to the growth already underway on Franklin Street.”
Indiana Trauma and Emergency Medicine Symposium Focuses on Mass Casualty Preparedness
INDIANA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
October 7, 2025 (Bloomington, Ind.) – Health care leaders, emergency responders, and public health officials from across Indiana gathered last week at the Monroe Convention Center for the Indiana Hospital Association’s (IHA) 2nd Annual Indiana Trauma and Emergency Medicine Symposium.
This year’s event, themed “Mass Casualty Incidents — Are You Prepared?” brought together national and state experts to share lessons learned from real-world crises and to strengthen Indiana’s readiness for responding to large-scale emergencies. The program was funded by an Indiana Department of Health Division of Trauma and Injury Prevention educational grant and presented by the Indiana Hospital Association.
Madeline Wilson, IHA Trauma System Development Manager, emphasized the urgency of the issue:
“Although Indiana excels in many areas of trauma care, the reality today is that mass casualty events are no longer rare — and we have more work to do to be ready. National and state subject matter experts with real-world experience presented to teams from EMS, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, health care coalitions, and community decision-makers. Together, attendees began working as teams to troubleshoot, identify areas of opportunity, and strengthen our system so we can deliver the best possible care to Hoosiers who experience these tragic events.”
The symposium also featured remarks from Dr. Lindsay Weaver, Indiana State Health Commissioner, and a breakout session with former United States Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams. The second day focused on hands-on education with a variety of facilitators.
Symposium sessions covered a wide range of preparedness topics, including:
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Hospital and EMS response to mass shootings and natural disasters
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Mental health and resiliency for frontline providers
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Innovations in trauma system development
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Best practices for multi-agency coordination
The symposium’s focus on mass casualty preparedness was particularly timely, following incidents in 2025 across Indiana and the country that have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive trauma response planning.
UE, Hanover College Create Direct Pathway for Athletic Training Students
EVANSVILLE, IND. (10/07/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) has signed a new agreement with Hanover College that creates a direct pathway for Hanover students to continue their education in athletic training at UE. Through this partnership, undergraduate students in Hanover’s Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology (KIP) program, and other related majors who complete the necessary prerequisites, can apply for a direct entry spot in UE’s Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program.
The connection began in fall 2024 when Cheryl Shafer, Operations Administrator for the School of Health Sciences, attended a graduate school fair at Hanover and identified strong similarities between Hanover and UE students. Later that semester, discussions began to explore a formal partnership.
“This partnership provides an exciting opportunity for Hanover students who are passionate about athletic training to continue their education in a nationally recognized program,” said Jeff Tilly, Master of Athletic Training Program Director and Department Chair and Professor of Athletic Training. “It also strengthens our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of health science professionals.”
Under the agreement, Hanover students who maintain at least a 3.30 GPA after their sophomore year can apply for direct entry into the MSAT program. Each year, up to five students will be accepted through this process following an application and interview with UE’s Athletic Training faculty.
Mroz Named MVC Defensive Player of the Week
- LOUIS –After recording his fourth shutout in the last five matches over the weekend, University of Evansville goalkeeper Michal Mroz (Elk Grove, Ill/Elk Grove) has been named MVC Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Tuesday afternoon. Mroz posted his second consecutive clean sheet in Evansville’s win over Western Michigan on Saturday, matching a season-high of five saves.
Mroz has been key in the Purple Aces’ recent success, allowing just one goal over the last five matches to help UE to a three-match winning streak and a six-match unbeaten streak. The unbeaten streak is the program’s first of six matches in a single season since 2009.
Against the Broncos last weekend, the sophomore made all five of his saves in the final 20 minutes of the match, helping Evansville move to 2-0 in MVC play for the first time since 2016 and sit atop the conference standings as the only team with two wins.
For the season, Mroz ranks third in the MVC and 49thnationally with a .909 goals against average, while he is tied for the Valley lead with four shutouts. Mroz is the only MVC keeper to post two shutouts in conference play this season.
The Defensive Player of the Week nod is the second of his career, having been honored once last season (10/25/24). Mroz is the first Ace to be named Defensive Player of the Week this year and is the second Ace to earn an MVC weekly honor after Andres Escudero was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week last Tuesday.
Mroz and the Purple Aces are back in action tonight for a non-conference test at Northwestern before traveling to unbeaten Drake for a key MVC clash on Saturday. Kick-off for tonight’s match is set for 6:30 PM will be streamed live on Big Ten Plus.
THUNDERBOLTS SIGN GOALTENDER KRISTIAN STEAD
Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the signing of goaltender Kristian Stead for the 2025-26 season. The Thunderbolts will raise their President’s Cup Championship banner prior to their 2025-26 home opener at Ford Center on Saturday, October 25th against the Quad City Storm.
Stead, now entering his fifth professional season, joins the Thunderbolts after playing the entirety of the 2024-25 season with the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals, compiling a 6-11 record in 17 games played. Stead has spent time in the ECHL in all four previous seasons, with the South Carolina Stingrays in 2021-22, Cincinnati Cyclones in 2022-23, Tulsa Oilers in 2023-24 and the Admirals in 2023-24 and 2024-25, putting together a total record of 13-16-2 and an .889% save percentage in 32 games played. In the SPHL, Stead was a main component of the Knoxville Ice Bears goaltending tandem between 2021-2024, with whom Stead posted a 40-19-1 record and .912% save percentage in 71 regular season games. The Merritt, British Columbia native was a standout in junior hockey, particularly with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Nipawin Hawks between 2015-2017, amassing a 56-24-5 record and .925% save percentage, and in 2016-17 was named the SJHL’s Goaltender of the Year and Most Valuable Player, also earning Top Goaltender honors in the same season for the CJHL, of which the SJHL is a branch of. Following junior hockey, Stead attended the University of Alaska-Anchorage between 2017-2021, playing in 23 total games of Division 1 NCAA hockey before turning professional. Stead also played in the Australia Ice Hockey League in the Summer of 2023 with the Perth Thunder, posting a 12-4 record in 16 games played.
“I remember the atmosphere being great whenever I played in Evansville, the rink is top notch, the fans are passionate, and the Bolts always played a hard-nosed, honest game mixed with skill,” commented Stead when discussing previous trips to Evansville with the Ice Bears. “The city and organization seem great, I’ve heard and seen nothing but great things about this organization.” Highlighting the ECHL experience he brings to the Thunderbolts, Stead commented: “I’ve been fortunate enough to play for several ECHL organizations, which both improved my game and allowed me to meet some great people.” With the arrival of training camp, Stead closed by saying: “I’m really excited to be a Bolt, meet all the locals, and get to work with the guys. I know the team is looking to have another successful season and I’m happy to be a part of it!”
On the addition of Stead, Head Coach Jeff Bes commented: “When the opportunity to sign Kristian became available, it was a no-brainer for us to get him to Evansville. He is an experienced goalie who has played and had success in both the ECHL and SPHL. Steader is a big, calm goalie, competes on every shot and hates to get scored on. Having that experience in the net and the locker room will be a tremendous asset to our club.”
THUNDERBOLTS NAME JACKSON STOTTS HEAD EQUIPMENT MANAGER
Evansville, In.: The Evansville Thunderbolts and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Jeff Bes are pleased to announce the hiring of Jackson Stotts as Head Equipment Manager for the 2025-26 season. The Thunderbolts will raise their President’s Cup Championship banner prior to their 2025-26 home opener at Ford Center on Saturday, October 25th against the Quad City Storm.
Stotts previously served as Head Equipment Manager of the Thunderbolts during the 2022-23 season before joining the Philadelphia Rebels of the NAHL in the same role for the 2024-25 season. Stotts also served as Head Equipment Manager for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers in the 2021-22 season. The Huntsville, Alabama native learned much of his skills while assisting the equipment staff of the Huntsville Havoc for many of his teenage years before beginning his career in earnest with Des Moines. In response to the hiring of Stotts, Head Coach Jeff Bes commented: “We’re happy to have Jackson back, and looking forward to having a great season with him as our equipment manager.”
HOT JOBS
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