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Prisoners have no constitutional right to sex-change surgeries, Attorney General Todd Rokita tells court 

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Attorney General Rokita co-leads 24-state brief supporting Trump executive order 

Federal and state authorities are operating well within the boundaries of the U.S. Constitution when they deny inmates’ requests for sex-change surgeries or hormone treatments, Attorney General Todd Rokita told a U.S. district court this week.

“Across the country, medical professionals and policymakers are engaged in intense dialogue over how to address surging cases of gender dysphoria,” Attorney General Rokita said. “The Constitution leaves policy choices about best medical practices to politically accountable policymakers.”

Attorney General Rokita is co-leading with Idaho a 24-state amicus brief defending an executive order by President Trump setting new guidelines affecting federal inmates claiming to experience gender dysphoria.

The order — titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” — prohibits inmates in federal prisons and immigration detention centers from obtaining taxpayer-funded sex-change procedures and requires biological males to be housed in men’s correctional facilities.

On behalf of several transgender inmates, the American Civil Liberties Union and Transgender Law Center have sued the Trump administration. They claim the executive order constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment” in violation of the Eighth Amendment.

“Nothing in the Eighth Amendment’s text or history allows prisoners to demand whatever medical interventions they desire,” Attorney General Rokita said.

Attorney General Rokita is also continuing a legal battle in Indiana to defend the state’s own ban on using taxpayer funds to provide sex-change surgeries to prisoners. A federal judge has ordered that state officials must accommodate a convicted baby-killer’s desire to obtain such procedures in order to assume the identity of a woman.

“Hoosiers Deserve Best-in-Class Customer Service” — Governor Braun Signs Executive Orders to Modernize BMV, Streamline Permitting in Transportation

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“Customer service was always my top priority when I was building my business, and it’s my top priority for Hoosiers as well.”

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun today signed two executive orders to improve customer service for Hoosiers: one modernizing technology at the BMV to better serve Hoosiers, and another to streamline the permitting process in Indiana’s transportation network.

Executive Order 25-41: Maintaining Best-in-Class Customer Service and Ensuring Prudent Use of Taxpayer Funds by Establishing a 5-Year Strategy for Digital and Technological Advancement of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles

The BMV’s System Tracking and Record Support (STARS) software system was first implemented in 2004 for a total implementation cost of around $50 million. STARS is now twenty years old and nearing the end of its expected lifespan, costing around $10 million to operate and maintain annually.
Digital technology has come a long way since 2004. It’s time for the BMV to take advantage of these advances to better serve Hoosiers.

This executive order authorizes the Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure to develop a comprehensive strategy for digital and technological enhancement and advancement of the BMV, specifically to modernize the BMV’s digital and technological systems such as STARS.

“Customer service was always my top priority when I was building my business, and it’s my top priority for Hoosiers as well. Governor Mitch Daniels revolutionized the BMV twenty years ago, and the time has now come to build on that progress with a new modernization effort.  The BMV is the one place where nearly everyone interacts with their state government, and these modernization solutions will allow the BMV to deliver the best-in-class customer service Hoosiers deserve.” – Governor Mike Braun

Executive Order 25-42: Maintaining Best-in-Class Customer Service and Ensuring Prudent Use of Taxpayer Funds by Reforming Permitting Along Indiana’s Transportation Network

While INDOT has earned national acclaim for maintaining one of the most efficient and resilient infrastructure networks in the country, currently the right-of-way and permitting operations system lacks consistent standards and efficiency across various offices, which can result in delays, confusion, and frustration for applicants.

This executive order authorizes the Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure to oversee a comprehensive review of INDOT’s permitting processes, establish uniform statewide standards, modernize the Electronic Permit System, and make all regulatory requirements necessary to obtain a permit clearly visible on the INDOT website.

“The Crossroads of America has to be the gold standard for transportation permitting, and that means clarity, predictability, and best-in-class customer service. This new permitting modernization effort led by the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure will streamline the process with uniform statewide standards, an improved Electronic Permit System, and clear regulatory requirements available to all applicants.” – Governor Mike Braun

UE men complete Butler Spring Invitational

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 Aces finish in 7th place

INDIANAPOLIS – Posting his third round at 1-over-par, Andres Rodriguez led the University of Evansville men’s golf team to a tie for 7th place at the Butler Spring Invitational at Highland Country Club.

Rodriguez completed all three rounds with a 71.  His total of 213 for the tournament saw him finish in a tie for 18th place.  Finishing second on the team and tied for 34th overall was Daniil Romashkin.  Matching Rodriguez’ score of 71 in the third round, Romashkin’s final tally was a 216.

Next up was Omar Khalid.  Carding a 2-over 72, Khalid matched his low round of the weekend, which he also accomplished in the opening round.  His final score of 219 tied him for 52nd.  Julian Kiessling wrapped up the tournament with a 222.  On Tuesday, he registered a 74 on the way to a tie for 68th.  Masatoyo Kato was fifth for the Purple Aces.  Posting a 74 on Tuesday, he matched his low score of the weekend.  His 3-round score checked in at 226.

Jamison Ousley tied for 52nd playing as an individual.  Ousley recorded his low round of the tournament on Tuesday, posting a 2-over 72.

Butler took the team championship by 11 strokes over DePaul.  Loyola came in third place and finished 23 strokes off the lead.  Evansville came home in a tie for 7th, wrapping up the event at 25-over.  Leo Zurovac from Butler was the medalist with a score of 206.

On Saturday, the Aces are back in action at the Hoosier Collegiate in Bloomington, Ind.

USI College of Liberal Arts to host second annual Summer Academy for local high school students

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The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts will host the second annual Summer Academy Monday through Friday, June 2-6. The Academy includes classes in poetry, psychology, art and design, geology, leadership development, film and many others to introduce high schoolers to the world of the liberal arts.

Students can create a short film, make a ceramic bowl, learn to be a community leader, get psyched about psychology, write haikus and much more during this week of fun and learning. “We want to provide a fun and meaningful enrichment opportunity for young people who are thinking about their future and exploring college,” said Dr. Del Doughty, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts.

Registration is $150 for the week and includes activities, materials, food and drinks. Children of USI faculty and staff will receive a $25 discount on registration, and full scholarships are available to all participants based upon need. Drop off will be 8 to 8:30 a.m., and pick up will be 2 to 2:30 p.m. at the McCutchan Art Center/Pace Galleries, located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center.

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING

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AGENDA

VANDERBURGH COUNTY COUNCIL –

APRIL 2, 2025 – 3:00 PM

CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX, ROOM 301

1. OPENING OF MEETING

2. ATTENDANCE ROLL CALL

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4. INVOCATION

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

A. County Council Meeting – March 5, 2025

6. PERSONNEL REQUESTS:

A. Circuit Court

1. Request to fill vacancy or resulting vacancy if filled internally for Probation

Officer 10001360-136164

B. Clerk

1. 2. 3. C. Sheriff

Request to fill vacancy for Jury/Expungement Clerk 10001010-101125

Request to fill vacancy for Circuit/Superior Counter Clerk 10001010-101134

Request to fill vacancy for M/T Subpoena Summons Clerk 10001010-101158

1. Request to fill vacancy for Deputy Sheriff 10001050-105107

D. LIT – Jail

1. Request to fill vacancy for Clerk III 11701320-117090

E. Prosecutor IV-D – Child Support Division

1. Request to fill vacancy for Deputy Prosecutor 10001400-140033

F. Cumulative Bridge

1. Request to fill vacancy for Laborer 11350000-113515

2. Request to fill vacancy for Truck Driver 11350000-113518

G. County Highway

1. Request to fill vacancy for Heavy Equipment Operator 11760000-117631

2. Request to fill vacancy for Laborer 11760000-117646

H. Health Department

1. Request to fill vacancy for Public Health Nurse I 11590000-115920

2. Request to fill vacancy for Environmental Health Specialist I 11590000-115936

I. Local Public Health Services

1. 2. 3. Request to fill vacancy for (2) Community Health Worker I 11610000-116111

and 116112

Request to fill vacancy for Client Advocate I (Pre to 3) 11610000-116113

Request to retitle and reclassify Environmental Health Specialist II 11610000-

116120Page 2 of 2

J. Health Dept – WIC

1. Request to fill vacancy for WIC Local Agency Director 84030000-840325

2. Request to create the position of Interim WIC Local Agency Director 84030000-

199000 (Extra Help) and then fill vacancy

K. Health Dept – Evansville Promise Neighborhood Grant

1. Request to fill vacancy for Community Health Worker I 84390000-843902

L. Health Dept – TANF

1. Request to fill vacancy for Community Health Worker I 84420000-844205

7. PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS:

A. Superior Court

1. Court Reporter 10001370-137121

2. Court Reporter 10001370-137122

3. Court Reporter 10001370-137123

4. Court Reporter 10001370-137124

5. Court Reporter 10001370-137125

6. Court Reporter 10001370-137126

7. Court Reporter 10001370-137127

8. Court Reporter 10001370-137158

9. Court Reporter 10001370-137174

10. Court Reporter 10001370-137197

8. APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE:

A. Sheriff

B. Jail

C. Public Defender

D. LIT Public Safety-Jail

9. REPEALS – None

10. TRANSFERS:

A. County Commissioners

B. Prosecutor IV-D Child Support Division

C. County Highway

11. OLD BUSINESS – None

12. NEW BUSINESS:

A. Deputy Sheriff Recruitment – Sheriff Noah Robinson

13. AMENDMENTS TO SALARY ORDINANCE

14. PUBLIC COMMENT

15. REMINDER OF UPCOMING MEETING DATES/TIMES:

A. B. Personnel & Finance Meeting – April 30, 2025 – 3:00 PM

County Council Meeting – May 7, 2025 – 3:00 PM

16. ADJOURNMENT

Virtual Author Talk: Jodi Picoult | April 2

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Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Time: 6 PM

Location: Streaming Online

 

Join us on for an exclusive Virtual Author Talk with #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult as she discusses her newest novel, By Any Other Name.

 

This sweeping historical novel follows two women—one in Elizabethan England, one in the present day—both fighting for their voices to be heard in the world of theater. It’s a powerful story of ambition, sacrifice, and the price of being remembered.

 

About the Author:

Jodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-nine novels, including By Any Other Name, Mad Honey (co-authored with Jennifer Finney Boylan), Wish You Were Here, The Book of Two Ways, and My Sister’s Keeper. Known for her thought-provoking storytelling and deep exploration of ethical dilemmas, her books have been translated into thirty-four languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. In addition to her novels, she has also written short stories, stage adaptations, and a Broadway musical. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband.

 

The views expressed by presenters are their own and do not constitute an endorsement by Willard Public Library.

VCSO SWBH Holds A News Conference

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Petrova moves into top five in second round

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Aces sit 5th entering final 18 holes

 PAWLEYS ISLAND – Tying for the low round of the day, Kate Petrova posted a 1-under 70 to lead the University of Evansville women’s golf team in the second day of the Golfweek Stifel Spring Challenge at True Blue Golf Club.

Petrova was one of six players to post a 70 in the second round.  Combined with her 72 on Monday, she holds a score of 141 to rank 4th on the individual leaderboard.  She is just four behind Sara Sarrion of Coastal Carolina, who leads the field with a 137.

Second for the Purple Aces is the duo of Mallory Russell and Elizabeth Mercer.  After pacing the squad on Monday, Russell carded an 80 in the second round. Mercer continued a consistent tournament, following up her opening-round tally of 75 with a 76 on Tuesday.  Both have scores of and rank in a tie for 30th.

Louise Standtke and Trinity Dubbs are tied for the 54th position with scores of 156.  Standtke made the largest jump of the day for UE.  She followed up Monday’s 81 with a 75 on Tuesday while Dubbs’ scores have finished at 79 and 77.

As a team, the Aces moved from 7th place into the top five with a score of 594.  Coastal Carolina continues to lead the team standings with a 569.  Middle Tennessee State is in second with a 579 while Morehead State (585) and Akron (586) round out the top four.

The third and final round of the event is set for Wednesday morning.

EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT

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EPD

 

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.

THUNDERBOLTS CONCLUDE REGULAR SEASON WITH COUNTRY, FAN APPRECIATION NIGHTS AGAINST BULLS

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Evansville, In.:  As the regular season winds down, the Thunderbolts will finish up their final games before the playoffs against Birmingham, as they host the Bulls for Country Night this Friday and Fan Appreciation Night this Saturday.
Week In Review:
 
                Evansville was shut out 5-0 at Huntsville on Friday night.  On Saturday, Evansville came back to tie twice with goals from Logan vande Meerakker and Benjamin Lindberg, however penalties in the third period came back to haunt Evansville as the Havoc won 5-2.  On Sunday against the Rivermen, Evansville again rallied twice to tie on goals from Bronson Adams and Tyson Gilmour, while Scott Kirton scored in overtime to win the game for Evansville 3-2.  Talor Joseph stopped 28 of 30 shots to pick up the win in his Thunderbolts debut.
The Week Ahead:
The Thunderbolts will finish the regular season on Ford Center ice against the Birmingham Bulls on Friday, April 4th for Country Night and Saturday, April 5th for Fan Appreciation Night.  Country Night will feature Evansville-area PBR Bull Riders Brandon Ferguson and Dakota Warnken, who will be available for autographs, photos, and demonstrations, with a live bull outside on the plaza.  16 oz. cans of Busch Light, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra will be on sale for $3 each the entire night.  Country Artist and Member of 3 Doors Down Justin Biltonen will be in attendance, will be performing his new country songs during intermission, and will be available for a Meet and Greet/Autograph Session.  A special bundle of (1) ticket to PBR on May 24th and (1) ticket to Country Night is available for $30 at the Ford Center Box Office.  Fans who purchase the bundle will be entered to win a Thunderbolts/3 Doors Down jersey signed by Justin Biltonen.  Fan Appreciation Night will feature giveaways from local sponsors throughout the game, and a post-game jersey auction.  There will be a Party on the Plaza between 4:00-6:00pm featuring Food Trucks from La Plaza and Stuft Burger, and the Ford Center Corner Club will be open to purchase beverages before doors open at 6:00pm.  Fans will receive (3) free raffle tickets upon entry that can be placed in any combination of buckets in the lobby to win prizes from over 20 sponsors with the option to purchase additional tickets, 5 tickets for $5 and 25 tickets for $20.  A special Fan Appreciation Night bundle of (4) tickets and $40 of food vouchers for $80 is available at the following link:https://fordcentervictorytheater.formstack.com/forms/fan_appreciation_family_pack .
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