Indiana Attorney General and former Secretary of State Todd Rokita co-leads 22 states incalling on Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act
July 23, 2023
Attorney General Todd Rokita and Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird are co-leading a 22-state letter calling on Congress to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (“SAVE”) Act. This bill would strengthen our electoral process by upholding the rule of law and prohibiting individuals who are ineligible to vote like illegal aliens from doing so. Even as Rokitaand Bird demand action on the national level, the American public should find it absurd that such a letter to Congress is needed in order tobolster the very foundation of our country’s system of government – free and fair elections. “This commonsense piece of legislation is needed to ensure what should be two simple concepts – that our elections are secure and our elections are protected from illegal voters,” Attorney General Rokita said. “With millions of illegal aliens entering the country on President Joe Biden’s watch, it’s imperative that we take these steps to ensure our elections are safe and secure.” Under the SAVE Act, individuals must provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. It also will help states identifyand remove illegal aliens from their voter registration rolls. With broad support among all Americans and the U.S. House of Representatives passing the bill last week, Attorney General Rokita is demanding the U.S. Senate to take action. “As Indiana’s former secretary of state, I know that increasing public faith by securing the electoral process is a hallmark of our democracy – a system that is unfortunately and ironically being blocked by members of a political party named for this exact system of representative government,” Attorney General Rokita said.
Attached is the letter sent to congressional leaders.
Loaded debate: Indiana’s struggle with gun control
By Mia Frankenfield, TheStatehouseFile.com
Indiana has a Republican majority House of 70 to 30, and with that comes people who want less restriction on owning guns.
Despite knowing Indiana as a whole is Republican, there have been instances where Senators have tried to challenge the majority, which residents in Indiana have mixed feelings about.
In 2024 alone, over 10 bills were introduced in the House and Senate regarding firearms, one of which being Senate Bill 24.
Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago, authored the Senate Bill to raise the minimum age to carry a handgun to 21.
Much like Senate Bill 144 introduced in 2023 — the same bill as Sen. Randolph’s Senate Bill 24 — the 2024 bill did not have a long life span.
Some Hoosiers are still talking about how such bills could be a significant step toward limiting gun violence among minors.
Graphic by Mia Frankenfield, TheStatehouseFile.com
In Indianapolis alone, handgun homicides have increased over 25% since 2018 and Everytown data shows firearms as the leading cause of death among children and teens in Indiana and the nation.
Across the United States, there have been over 2,000 shootings and 286 teens have died due to gun violence as of mid-March. Over 50 of those shooting incidents were in the Hoosier State, four of them among citizens under the age of 18.
Taking into account how many incidents involved citizens under 18 in the year 2024 alone, teens and minors are getting their hands on more and more guns every year.
And to narrow the types of shootings, according to the Washington Post, there have been 394 school shootings since Columbine, which happened in 1999.
Of the biggest school shootings like Parkland and Uvalde, the shooters were people under the age of 21.
Cathy Weinmann, a Moms Demand Action volunteer, believed the chances of Randolph’s bill to raise the minimum age passing to be “zero to none.”
“The odds were slim. People choose guns over people every time,” Weinmann said. “It’s a battle we will fight everyday.”
Everytown data shows that over the next decade, 300k lives could be saved if stricter gun laws were enforced.
A list from Everytown ranks each U.S. state based on how strong gun laws are and compares them to the death rates due to guns. The list shows California as the state with the strongest gun laws and the lowest gun deaths and gun ownership.
Of the 50 policies regarding gun control, California enforces 48 of them.
Some of the major laws in California restricting guns require gun purchasers to go through a background check. Buyers also need a purchase permit as well as a “concealed carry” to legally carry in public.
In Indiana, bills that reflect California’s gun laws have been turned down.
While some advocate for stricter laws like those in California, others remain strong in their support of gun rights in the Hoosier state.
Although Indiana does not look to be a state where laws will mirror the laws in California, Weinmann has hopes for other states to follow The Golden State’s lead.
There are some organizations who think otherwise, though. Hoosiers Concerned About Gun Violence President Jerry King had high hopes for Randolph’s bill.
“We [HCGV] believe that the majority of Hoosiers support reasonable reform,” he said. King seemed to be optimistic about SB 24’s chances.
“Our job is to call our members and partners to speak out and make the most forceful presentation that they can,” he said. “Especially by communicating with the chairs of committees to which some of these important bills get assigned to read. We insist that these bills need to be heard.”
But the question people seem to have is what “reasonable reform” is.
“Truly all these bills would do is take the ability for people who don’t outright want to cause harm to others away due to them actually caring and following the law or rules put in place,” Zach Alexander, a Marine until February of 2024 and now a correctional officer at the Johnson County sheriff’s office said.
“I believe a majority of individuals who carry a firearm in public do train with that gun, although it may not be professionally, they are still comfortable with that weapon and the responsibilities associated with carrying it in public,” he said.
While Alexander says he trusts that most people have good intentions while carrying, students and young adults in the same area do not.
Some Franklin College students reported that they believe if they are not allowed to buy alcohol until they are 21, there is no reason they should be able to buy a gun.
The debate over gun control in Indiana reflects broader national discussions on balancing individual rights with public safety; everyone has their own opinion.
Despite efforts to introduce legislation aimed at curbing gun violence, such as Senate Bill 24, the political landscape and deeply entrenched beliefs make progress challenging.
FOOTNOTE; Mia Frankenfield is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.
The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.
The Haitian Center Of Evansville Was Founded To Help The Haitian Community
WRITTEN BY JOHNNY KINCAID FOR CCO
(information compiled by JOHNNY KINCAID from The Haitian Center Of Evansville Website)
The subject of immigration has flown Under the Radar in Evansville for several years. The city is far enough removed from the border that locals watch the problems that other cities have had with immigration while believing that such problems could never exist here.
Some non-governmental organizations in the Evansville area are in place to assist immigrants and refugees with food, housing, and employment. These agencies have operated quietly, not drawing undue attention in the community.
Three of the agencies that work with refugees and immigrants in Evansville are “God is Good”, an organization that has resettled 25 refugees since 2022, the Haitian Center of Evansville, providing resources for the growing “Haitian community in Evansville”, and the “International Center of Kentucky“, a group that is currently helping refugees commute from Owensboro to Evansville for work.
We have recently learned from reliable sources that the “International Center Of Kentucky” is considering opening an Evansville branch with assistance from a $100,000 planning grant from an unnamed source.
The following information about the Haitian Center of Evansville is taken from their website:
About The Haitian Center Of Evansville
The Haitian Center of Evansville was founded to help the Haitian community thrive and grow. We partner with other community organizations to meet the needs of the blossoming Haitian population in our area.
United Way of Southwestern Indiana is serving as the fiscal sponsor of The Haitian Center of Evansville. Donations to support The Haitian Center of Evansville should be made payable to United Way of Southwestern Indiana, with The Haitian Center of Evansville noted. All charitable gifts will be used for the sole purpose of supporting The Haitian Center of Evansville. None of these donations are retained by United Way of Southwestern Indiana.
Mission
Our mission is to provide resources to the Haitian population of Evansville and the surrounding area in one central location. These resources will help them achieve independence, increase overall well-being, and enhance future community development.
Vision
Our vision is the successful integration of the Haitian population into the Tri-State area while maintaining their cultural identity.
The Haitian Center of Evansville was founded to help the Haitian community thrive and grow.
The Haitian Center of Evansville was founded to help the Haitian community thrive and grow. We partner with other community organizations to meet the needs of the blossoming Haitian population in our area.
United Way of Southwestern Indiana is serving as the fiscal sponsor of The Haitian Center of Evansville. Donations to support The Haitian Center of Evansville should be made payable to United Way of Southwestern Indiana, with The Haitian Center of Evansville noted. All charitable gifts will be used for the sole purpose of supporting The Haitian Center of Evansville. None of these donations are retained by United Way of Southwestern Indiana.
Meet The Individuals Who Provide Resources To The Haitian Community In Evansville
The board comprises a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds dedicated to providing resources to help the Haitian community in Evansville grow and thrive.
Gelina Mascoe: FC Tucker Emge
Elysse Ruggles: Lumiere D’Education Foundation
Margaret Stuckey: United Way of Southwestern Indiana
Guillermo Guevara: ECHO Community Healthcare
Dr. Pearl Quartey: Deaconess
Lisa Peter: Community Advocate
Moise Duge: Haitian Association of Indiana
Sarah Jenkins: Deaconess
How We Can Help
We offer a variety of services to the Haitian community. See our Calendar for upcoming events or schedule an appointment for one-on-one assistance.
ESL Classes
We have partnered with Vincennes University to provide ESL classes. We can also refer clients to other local ESL classes.
Resource Referrals
Our staff provides personalized resource referrals. If you need help, we are happy to point you in the right direction!
Employment Assistance
We strive to provide a number of employment services to help our clients gain job skills. Referrals, resume workshops, and more!
Interpretation Services
We can help arrange interpretation services if you need help at an appointment. We also provide services to organizations and businesses.
Computer Literacy
Our classroom hosts workshops regularly to help our clients learn basic computer skills.
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
We regularly hold immigration workshops to teach our clients about the immigration process and the next steps toward citizenship.
HAITIAN CENTER OF EVANSVILLE
Hours Monday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Phone: 812-437-5285
FOOTNOTE: THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER POSTED THIS ARTICLE WITHOUT BIAS.
Freedom, Indiana – AuthorAndrew Horning is the Libertarian Party of Indiana’s candidate for Indiana’s US Senate seat in 2024.
No doubt all independent and so-called “third party” candidates hear the same tired canards about “stealing votes,” “throwing elections,” and, “voting for you, just elects <evil candidate X>.” These manipulations have been debunked often and conclusively enough, that I seldom respond, as the people who utter such nonsense, tend to be immovably loyal partisan parrots. Besides, those of us who’ve spent our own time and money opposing the crony crime ring of global authoritarians would delight in “spoiling” corrupt, bought, fraudulent elections…if only we could.
So, especially given how comically awful our political puppet show has become, it’s the “wasted vote” self-deception we need to address.
Both crony parties are absolutely sold-out, and all of us know it. Too many decent, well-intentioned people have wasted their money, time and even lives, trying to fix the multi-trillion-dollar, divide-and-conquer scam that’s fully owned and operated by Big Pharma, Big Ag, Big Food, Big Tech, PACS, NGOs, INGOs, the CCP, the military/monetary industrialists, spies, lies and various wealthy crooks. The very best of our currently elected “major party” politicians like Thomas Massie, can do no more than sustain false hope, as our nation accelerates toward self-destruction. What we’ve been doing is not working. This anti-constitutional system cannot be fixed. It must be replaced.
Blunt truth – ANY vote for ANY Democratic or Republican Party candidate, who has, after all, voluntarily chosen to represent a destructively corrupt system, is a vote for corruption. It’s a vote for unsustainable debt spending, unending war, and wealth transfer from the bottom and middle to the top, by means of the Cantillon Effect built into an inflationary crony banking system that’s robbed us of both wealth and opportunity since 1912. It’s blowing re-electoral kisses to the Donor Class, and all the genuinely evil puppet-masters bent on global domination.
That is a wasted vote. Worse, that is a vote for impoverishing violence, injustice, social fracturing, and societal collapse. How could anything get better as long as we keep re-electing this monstrous criminal enterprise? More to the point, what’s the only way to win anything better?
Voting against the whole rotten system is what we’re supposed to do. Elections are not for hiring politicians. Politicians hire themselves if you let them. In a Republic, the democratic process is for firing tyrants – to replace them with public servants. Elections are supposed to be a flush lever and toilet plunger. They’re our weapon of peaceful revolution so that we don’t have to have…the other kind.
How can we make it work? Look me up. Let’s talk.
Liberty or Bust!
Andy Horning
FOOTNOTE: This article was posted by the City-County Observer without bias, or editing.
The University of Southern Indiana Romain College of Business is launching a new Financial Institutions Certificate this Fall. The certificate program will prepare students for careers with banks, credit unions and the agencies responsible for regulatory oversight of these institutions.
“The Evansville region is blessed to have several financial institutions including publicly traded banks and leading credit unions,” said Dr. Tom Noland, Chair of the Accounting and Finance Department.
Dr. Sudesh Mujumdar, Dean of the Romain College of Business, added, “The Romain College of Business is in the forefront of building competencies that create new and unique value for our stakeholders. The Financial Institutions Certificate represents another important initiative in this realm.”
The certificate, geared toward students seeking a bachelor’s degree or non-degree-seeking adult learners who meet the pre-requisite requirements, will require 12 credit hours and consists of three required courses in economics, finance and accounting along with one elective course.
Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls nearly 9,300 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education and School of Graduate Studies. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.
It’s almost time! Germania Männerchor’s 62nd Annual Volksfest is August 1st-3rd. The Volksfest is a celebration of German food, music and tradition and is one of the Tri-State’s longest running events. Germania is located at 916 N. Fulton Ave in Evansville.
NEW this year are local popular bands playing under the tent each night! Troy Henning will play Thursday night, Haywire on Friday & Retro Shock on Saturday – all three from 8-11pm. The traditional German bands of Cincinnati Schnapps, Rhein Valley Brass and The Rathskeller Band will also perform.
German cuisine – including Bratwurst, Pig Knuckles, Mashed Potatoes plus Germania’s famous Kraut Balls, homemade Potato Salad and other items – will be sold starting at 11am each day. Meals are $14 each. Over the three days, one ton of brats, 1,250 lbs of knuckles, 15,000 kraut balls & 1,000 lbs of potatoes will be eaten!
A Nightly Half Pot drawing returns this year! Tickets will be $5 each, three for $10 or seven for $20. A winning ticket will be drawn all three nights at 8pm and posted on Germania’s Facebook page.
Opening ceremonies and the traditional tapping of the first keg are 6pm Thursday under the beer garden tent. Special activities include Kids Corner Saturday 9am-Noon with free food, back packs, games, EFD fire truck and other activities for children 12 & UNDER.
Free admission for all ages until 2pm each day. 21 and over after 2pm with $5 admission charge after 4pm. 25 and under should have two forms of government ID with one having a photo.
Gov. Holcomb breaks ground on first READI 2.0 project, kicks off unprecedented
quality of place investments statewide READI 2.0 projects are now underway in Indiana, ushering in another $500 million in state funding to cultivate vibrant communities
KOKOMO – Governor Eric J. Holcomb joined local and regional officials in Kokomo today to break ground on the first quality of place project supported by the recent expansion of the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0), which increases the state’s overall program commitment to $1 billion, marking an unprecedented state-led investment in cultivating vibrant communities that attract and retain top talent. In Kokomo, READI 2.0 funding will facilitate the expansion of University Park at Indiana University Kokomo, adding critical student housing and amenities to retain and attract top talent and support significant job creation plans in the region’s growing electric vehicle (EV) industry.
“The expansion of the READI program was initiated in large part due to the enthusiasm and demand for continued quality of place investments from communities across the state,” said Gov. Holcomb. “READI 2.0 will accelerate our collaborative efforts to cultivate vibrant, modern and sustainable regions that attract and retain future-focused businesses and residents. This is an incredible day for Kokomo, for North Central Indiana and for the state as a whole as we break ground on the first READI 2.0 investment that is poised to transform and support the city’s growing workforce.”
READI 2.0, which was a part of the governor’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, was a direct response to the significant demand for quality of place investments from communities across the state. The expansion allocates another $500 million – growing the state’s overall commitment to $1 billion – to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that are expected to transform Indiana communities, attract talent and improve the quality of life for Hoosiers in the short and long term. READI 2.0 funding allocations were awarded in April to 15 regions representing all 92 counties. These regions will also have the opportunity to submit projects and programs for an additional $250 million in funding made available by the Lilly Endowment Inc. to accelerate blight remediation and arts and culture initiatives.
In Kokomo, READI 2.0 matching funds are being used to support the two-phase, $32.8 million expansion of University Park ($3.75 million READI 2.0 allocation), a recently developed 125-bed student housing complex on S. Lafountain Street. The expansion will establish the Villages at U Park, creating up to 280 multi-family units and 474 beds along Kokomo Creek with views of the American Legion Golf Course to meet increased demand for student housing at IU Kokomo. The first phase of investment is expected to be complete by summer of 2026, paving the way for additional development that will create community-centered and business-focused spaces, such as additional trailways, gaming courts and commercial space for up to three small businesses.
“Today’s groundbreaking is the perfect example of how Indiana is tackling economic development on all fronts,” said Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “Kokomo is experiencing unprecedented business growth thanks to its skilled manufacturing talent and the commitment of future-focused mobility leaders. Here, in partnership with the North Central region, we’re leveraging READI 2.0 funds to meet the needs of today’s businesses, ensuring they have the talent needed to grow and succeed, while increasing housing and amenities tailored to residents and to growing the city’s population and workforce pipeline.”
The University Park expansion comes at a critical time for Kokomo and the surrounding region as it experiences transformational economic growth, particularly in the battery and EV industry. Stellantis and Samsung SDI are establishing two StarPlus Energy gigafactories in Kokomo with plans to invest $6.3 billion and create 2,800 new jobs. The first next-generation electric vehicle manufacturing facility, which was announced in May 2022, is currently under construction and targeted to launch in the first quarter of 2025. The region has also attracted additional growth from industry suppliers and partners, such as soulbrain MI and Jaewon Industrial, which are both establishing new operations in Kokomo to serve lithium-ion battery manufacturers and the state’s growing EV supply chain.
“Projects like this show just how great it is to live and do business in Indiana,” said Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore. “The implementation of the State’s two READI programs, along with other investments in which Kokomo has partnered with IEDC, has changed the economic landscape of our community and has truly helped take Kokomo to the next level.”
Kokomo is part of the North Central region – led by the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council – that was awarded $65 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds to maximize and build on recent regional momentum to ensure long-term dynamic growth. The region’s READI 2.0 plan is focused on accelerating leadership in innovation investment and advanced manufacturing and technological innovation by growing a skilled workforce; enriching the region with quality-of-life assets, such as housing and childcare; and supporting entrepreneurship and small business.
READI 1.0 awarded $487 million to 353 unique projects and programs across the state, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0 allocations, along with the partnership of the Lilly Endowment, is expected to yield at least another $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
We welcome new and experienced staff and enjoy teaching. We are looking for compassionate, caring, and dedicated Clerical Associates to join our team and help…
We are looking for compassionate, caring, and dedicated staff to join our team and help us continue our tradition of excellence. Schedule: Full Time – 80, Day.
Associate degree in business administration or related field is preferred. Berry Global, headquartered in Evansville, Indiana, is committed to its mission of …
ECHO Community Healthcare is committed to creating the best possible work environment for our employees and offers a competitive compensation and benefits…
Hours: Part-time 20 hours. Must be available to work all public service hours; which includes weekends and occasional Sundays. High School Diploma or GED.
Become a Key Part of Our Mission at Goodwill’s Brand New Headquarters as an Office Coordinator!!! Goodwill Headquarters with Virtual Responsibilities for…
We also offer a lucrative PTO plan and 401k with a matching component. We also offer a modified schedule, working 9 hours four days a week and one 4 hour shift…
Seton Residence is the home to 65 retired Catholic Sisters, we’re located on the West Side of Evansville just down the road from University of Southern Indiana…
INDIANAPOLIS (July 22, 2024) –Indiana Grown and the Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice (INFMP) announced the Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market is returning this summer for its second year. Previously called the Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market Challenge, this contest is a chance for customers across the state to vote for their favorite hometown farmers market to encourage local engagement and statewide recognition.
“The Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market allows for communities to support their local farmers market by voting for their favorite,” said Christina Ferroli, INFMP Program Coordinator. “Not only can consumers show support of their favorite farmers market, but by voting, it helps others discover local products.”
Is your farmers market the best? Nominate them for the Indiana’s Ultimate Farmers Market distinction on INFMP’s website beginning July 19 through July 26. Once the nomination period is complete, voting will begin July 29 and will run through Aug. 11. Farmers market fans are allowed one vote per person, per day. The winning farmers market will be announced Aug.13.
“One thing is certain, Hoosiers love their farmers markets,” said Caroline Patrick, Indiana Grown Program Director. “Farmers markets are an integral part of Indiana communities’ economies, and it is great to see consumers supporting them!”
