GAVEL GAMUT

By Jim Redwine

www.jamesmredwine.com

(Week of 29 September 2025)

UP STAIRS, DOWN STAIRS

Donald Trump will be forever associated with escalators. Much of the world, at least the part I am part of, had paid little attention to The Donald until he and Melania descended those moving stairs at Trump Tower in New York City, New York on June 16, 2015. Then there was the non-moving escalator at the United Nations building September 23, 2025. President Trump demanded an investigation.

President Trump spoke to the assembled countries of the world that day. He began his lecture with:

“I’m really good at this stuff. Your countries are going to hell.”

Perhaps he has information about the world from some higher source the rest of us are not privy to. Next, he criticized the United Nations; he alleged the U.N. sent strongly worded letters but took no action. Then he dismissed the recognition of Palestine by 157 of the world’s countries while he ordered the United States to stand with currently Zionistic Israel, and formerly Nazi Germany and formerly Fascist Italy and Japan in refusing to demand human rights for Palestinians. 

I can relate to how The Donald felt about the mal-functioning escalator system at the U.N. It is a common human frailty to ascribe our personal problems to others. In Trump’s case, the United Nations organization did an almost immediate investigation and determined Trump’s difficulties were caused by members of his own staff abetted by U.N. funding deficiencies due to Trump Administration policies.

It is not that most of us never fall victim to feelings that the world revolves around us and that misfortunes are intentional blows from an evil or uncaring universe. Narcissism, to some degree, is just part of being human. But for most people, the assumptions are normally that snafus

are not personal but coincidental.

I have concluded that most of my misfortunes are not due to fortune but to my own errant decisions or just dumb luck. I believe most of humanity eventually comes to similar realizations. As for The Donald, his narcissism is just part of his character. However, the fact remains he did make a successful descent down that escalator in 2015 and is now in a position where untested aspersions cast upon others can be dangerous. We can only hope for more introspection.

For more Gavel Gamut articles go to www.jamesmredwine.com

EVANSVILLE, IND. (09/25/2025) The University of Evansville (UE) has received a $100,000 gift from Dr. Robert L. H’11 and Mrs. Terry Bowen. Dr. Bowen is the founder and chairman of Bowen Engineering Corporation. Their investment will provide funding to fuel hands-on, innovative teaching and learning in the University’s Construction Management program, further enhancing its quality and reach in a high-demand industry.

“A degree in construction management means immediate opportunity, and I believe this program is poised for great success,” Dr. Bowen said. “Evansville’s program comes at exactly the right time. Right now our industry is short-handed across the board, managers, engineers, and workers.”

Bowen, an honorary alumnus of UE and a nationally recognized leader in civil engineering, has maintained a strong connection to the University for decades. His company has hired UE graduates and maintained an Evansville office for more than 30 years. Robert and Terry have also supported engineering and computer science programs at the University, including establishing the Robert and Terry Bowen College of Engineering and Computer Science Endowment for Faculty Development and the Bowen Engineering Corporation College of Engineering Dean’s Endowment.

In addition to academic program support, Robert and Terry Bowen generously provide annual scholarships for around 15 University of Evansville students each year. These scholarships support students from many different majors, reflecting their heartfelt dedication to uplifting the entire campus.

“I love Evansville,” Bowen added. “This community has been very good to me, and giving back is what life’s all about. Terry and I want to share our success by investing in students and building the next generation of leaders.”

Bowen also noted that philanthropy has been central to his and Terry’s lives for decades. “We’ve been blessed,” he said. “So now it’s about building Evansville and helping young people get their start. That’s the legacy we want to leave.”

UE President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz said the Bowens’ $100,000 gift will accelerate the growth of the Construction Management program.

“Dr. Bowen and Terry’s generosity is a true reflection of their lifelong commitment to opening doors through education,” said University of Evansville President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz. “Because of their investment, our students will be better prepared for meaningful careers in one of the fastest-growing fields in the country.”

“With this generous contribution from Dr. Robert and Mrs. Terry Bowen, we will be able to create a transformative learning environment where collaboration between students takes place – blending classroom knowledge with hands-on experiences that prepare them to lead in the construction industry,” said Dr. Suresh Immanuel, Schroeder Family Dean of the College of Business and Engineering.

The Bowens’ philanthropy builds on their dedication to servant leadership embodying the spirit of changemaking through the Bowen Foundation, which has funded scholarships for many students across Indiana.

As Dr. Bowen reflected on the gift, he summed it up simply, “When people look back on this gift, I hope they’ll say, ‘This works, I should do the same thing.'”

WEEKLY DEATH REPORT AUGUST 25 TO AUGUST 31, 2025

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 25, 2025) – Today, Taiwan signed two Letters of Intent with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Soybean Alliance to purchase nearly $6.4 billion of U.S. corn and soybeans over the next four years.

As part of the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission, the Letter of Intent between the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Taiwan Feed Industry Association states that Taiwan will purchase nearly $2.12 billion of U.S. corn and corn products from 2026 – 2029. The Letter of Intent between the Indiana Soybean Alliance and the Taiwan Vegetable Oil Manufacturers Association states that Taiwan will purchase between $3.44 billion and $4.2 billion of U.S. soybeans from 2026 – 2029.

“Selling our corn and soybeans around the world keeps Indiana’s farm economy strong,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture said. “These agreements mean more markets for the crops our farmers work hard to grow, and they show that other countries count on Indiana to deliver quality corn and soybeans year after year.”

Tim Gauck, president of the Indiana Corn Marketing Council, and Denise Scarborough, chair of the Indiana Soybean Alliance, signed the letters of intent on behalf of their respective organizations.

“It’s a tough farm economy right now. That’s why the farmer-leaders on our corn checkoff board guide investments that move corn in all forms to customers worldwide,” said ICMC President Tim Gauck, a farmer from Greensburg, Ind. “This Letter of Intent from Taiwan signals continued interest in purchasing U.S. corn and beef, which is good news for farmers. Corn, of course, is a major feed source for U.S. beef, so international demand for both is a win-win for our corn growers. This reinforces why our checkoff invests in growing and maintaining strong relationships in global markets.”

“As a farmer, I see this as an encouraging step because we are always looking to strengthen existing export markets and open the door to new ones,” said ISA Chair Denise Scarborough, a farmer from LaCrosse, Ind. “This Letter of Intent reflects years of checkoff-funded work and partnerships focused on building long-term demand for U.S. soybeans. ISA works closely with the United Soybean Board and the U.S. Soybean Export Council to connect farmers like me to buyers around the world. Efforts like this matter because they help keep soybeans grown here in Indiana moving into the global marketplace.”

The ceremony was witnessed by Gov. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Don Lamb, who served as official signatories for Indiana.

“Grain exports added more than $3 billion in value to Indiana’s economy in 2023,” said Director Don Lamb. “Continuing to develop relationships and expand current markets like Taiwan is key for economic growth for Indiana farmers, especially in today’s farm economy.”

The Taiwan delegation included the Taiwan Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Wen-Jane TU, along with leaders and members from animal, sugar, livestock, poultry, and feed industries, local cooperatives, U.S. Soybean Export Council, U.S. Grains Council, Taiwan Foreign Ministry, the embassy and the consulate in Chicago.

Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Wen-Jane Tu, and Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago, Lei Yen-Feng, value the partnership with the U.S.

“For Taiwan, the U.S. is a reliable agricultural product market, which ensures food security as well as food supply chain resiliency,” said Wen-Jane Tu, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture. “Taiwan firmly believes that the events today will further strengthen the rock-solid ties between Taiwan, Indiana and the U.S., based on our shared values of fundamental freedom and opportunity, fair trade, and a deep love of peace and prosperity for our people.”

“Relations between Taiwan, the U.S. and specifically Indiana, have grown significantly in various aspects in recent years,” said Dennis Yen-Feng Lei, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Chicago. “Taiwan and the U.S. are strong partners in security, economy and trade cooperation, and we share common values and complementary ties. I express my pleasure that this signing ceremony will help Taiwan, through this agricultural delegation, to further strengthen the sound cooperative relationship with the U.S. and Indiana, as well as to build robust and resilient industrial supply chains and ecosystems.”

The Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission is held biennially and 2025 marks its 15th mission. These missions are focused on building relationships with states and strengthening bilateral agricultural cooperation. Since its inception in 1998, these missions have facilitated the purchase of 5.4 billion bushels of U.S. grains, which has totaled nearly $34.7 billion.

Proposed Cuts to Medicaid Cast Shadow on State’s Economic Future

INDIANAPOLIS — Every year, Indiana hospitals serve approximately 640,000 inpatients and 2.6 million emergency department patients. Now, a new report from the Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) reveals the impact hospitals have — not just on patients — but on the Hoosier economy.

According to IHA, data shows that Indiana hospitals generated more than $63 billion in annual economic activity in 2024 from jobs, wages, and spending. However, proposed cuts to Medicaid funding by the federal government are casting a shadow over Indiana’s economic future.  

“First and foremost, Hoosiers depend on their local hospital for lifesaving care, and nothing is going to divert a hospital from that mission — as long as its doors remain open,” said IHA President Scott B. Tittle. “While our record of service will always be a hospital’s most valuable contribution, let’s not forget about all the jobs, community investment, and spending on goods and services with local businesses that hospitals are also responsible for, all of which are now at risk by proposed cuts to hospital funding.”

As a major source of local employment and purchaser of goods and services, the report cited 111,520 Hoosiers who were directly employed by hospitals in Indiana plus an additional 129,028 Hoosiers whose jobs were indirectly created by the hospital industry.

Data from the report indicated $11.8 billion was spent on hospital wages while $12.8 billion was spent by employees on everything from buying groceries and dining at restaurants to monthly car payments and home mortgages.

“Every day, the hardworking people who staff our hospitals and provide care and support to millions of Hoosiers are also the people driving Indiana’s economy,” said Tittle. “That’s why keeping our hospitals strong is essential to keeping our economy strong.”

Threats to Indiana Hospitals and Hoosier Communities 

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which contains drastic cuts to Medicaid that will be felt by all Hoosiers, regardless of their health insurance.

According to the Urban Institute and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the expected Medicaid reductions from the OBBBA will result in $12.7 billion in cuts for Indiana hospitals over the next decade, the seventh-highest total dollar impact across the nation. Only six other states will see higher cuts than Indiana.

Hospitals also will face even lower Medicaid reimbursement than they receive today, which is currently just 57 cents on the dollar and far below actual costs. To make up the difference, Hoosiers who have commercial insurance will likely see their rates go up in order for hospitals to cover the additional uncompensated care.

Such drastic cuts could lead to hospitals being forced to eliminate services that patients depend on, increased wait times in emergency departments, potential layoffs, or closing facilities altogether. Unless drastic action is taken, the financial stability of Indiana’s health system is at risk, and with it, the economic health of every city and town.

“Taking away your hospital would mean taking away the lifeline that keeps your community thriving and sustains your own quality of life,” added Tittle. “We need to work together — hospitals, policy leaders, insurance companies, and employers — to find workable solutions that protect the stability of hospitals and our economy.”