Evansville, IN — The Indiana Statewide Independent Living Council (INSILC) invites community members to join an upcoming Disability Town Hall on Tuesday, September 23, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM CT at the DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville.
This free event will feature a Policymaker Q&A with the following panelists:
Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry
State Representative Alex Burton
Retired Toyota Executive Ted Brown
Evansville City Council President Ben Trockman
The panelists will speak directly with the disability community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and engage on issues that matter most to Hoosiers with disabilities.
Discussion topics will include healthcare, transportation, and other key priorities that impact the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities.
“Events like this town hall are essential in ensuring that policymakers hear directly from the disability community about the barriers and solutions that affect their daily lives,” said Mike Foddrill, Executive Director of INSILC.
The event is sponsored by AARP Indiana.
ASL interpreters and CART services will be provided. Additional accommodation requests can be directed to Info@INSILC.org.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 22, 2025) – State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) is hosting a “College Readiness Webinar” scheduled for Oct. 1, in partnership with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), to assist high school seniors navigating college applications and financial aid.
O’Brien said this webinar will offer students and parents more insight into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Indiana Pre-Admissions: Your Path to College program, and state student assistance options like the 21st Century Scholars program and the Frank O’Bannon Grant.
“High school seniors who are thinking about their post-graduation plans and applying for colleges can take advantage of this free webinar,” O’Brien said. “The goal is to help make the financial aid process as seamless as possible for students and parents.”
O’Brien, who is chair of the House Ways and Means K-12 Subcommittee, noted that participants must register by 4 p.m. CDT, Oct. 1, which can be completed by clicking here or visiting O’Brien’s website.
The Bureau of Disabilities Services is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Money Follows the Person effective September 1,2025. Indiana’s Money Follows the Person is an enhanced federally funded demonstration through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assist qualifying individuals in moving from institutions to return to their community of choice.
The MFP program was developed to help states move individuals from institutional settings to home-and community-based settings of their choice. Money Follows the Person has been funded to support 345 waiver slots across the PathWays for Aging waiver, the Health & Wellness waiver, and the Community Integration and Habilitation waiver between now and the end of calendar year 2025.
Individuals interested in Indiana’s Money Follows the Person Program should contact their local BDS office and/or local AAA for additional information and steps to apply.
“Indiana’s historic Main Streets consist of more than just buildings,” Lieutenant Governor Beckwith said. “They are a symbol of community pride. Congratulations to North Vernon for creating opportunity, growth and prosperity.”
PreservINg Main Street is a joint effort between OCRA, Indiana Humanities and Indiana Landmarks. The multifaceted community development program is designed to build a sustainable historic preservation community ethic, increase local capacity for Main Street programs and serve as a comprehensive downtown revitalization model.
“Congratulations to North Vernon on this great achievement,” OCRA Executive Director Fred Glynn said. “The community’s pride and enthusiasm for the PreservINg Main Street grant opportunity was evident during the site visit. Our team at OCRA looks forward to working with North Vernon and seeing how this program transforms the downtown corridor.”
A Historic Preservation Commission will be formed by the community as a result of the grant program. Additionally, through the program, North Vernon will create enhanced design guidelines in conjunction with Indiana Landmarks to tell North Vernon’s story with the help of Indiana Humanities.
“For the past four years, Indiana Humanities has been proud to partner with OCRA and Indiana Landmarks on the PreservINg Main Street Grant,” said George Hanlin, director of grants at Indiana Humanities. “Not only has the grant helped to save important structures in the recipients’ downtown districts, it has also brought communities together to learn history, tell stories, and celebrate shared bonds, which has had a hugely positive impact.”
Through this grant, North Vernon Main Street and the City of North Vernon will continue the momentum of downtown redevelopment already taking place and gain the energy needed to bring residents and visitors to the Main Street district.
“Indiana Landmarks is pleased to partner with OCRA and Indiana Humanities on the PreservINg Main Street initiative to revitalize and sustain our historic downtowns,” says Mark Dollase, vice president of Preservation Services. “North Vernon was the ideal selection for this program, showing a combination of need, planning and enthusiasm. We look forward to working with the community to preserve its historic character and strengthen their small businesses.”
All PreservINg Main Street projects must be completed by December 2027.
As part of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education’s annual College GO! campaign, the University of Southern Indiana invites Indiana students to submit their undergraduate admission applications for free, Sunday through Friday, September 21-26.
2-3:30 p.m. Monday, September 22
USI Romain College of Business to host Silicon Valley entrepreneur to kickoff Romain Market Makers Speaker Series
The USI Romain College of Business is proud to welcome David Siminoff, noted Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor and innovator, as the inaugural speaker in the College’s new Romain Market Makers Speaker Series.
1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 23
USI Center for Communal Studies Lecture Series presents Dr. Tristra Newyear September 23
The USI Center for Communal Studies is excited to offer a presentation by Dr. Tristra Newyear, Chief Strategy Officer at Rock Paper Scissors in Bloomington, Indiana, titled Radical Women in Early Indiana. The presentation will take place at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 23 in Kleymeyer Hall (LA 0101), located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This event is open to the public at no charge and will also be offered online via Zoom.
4:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 23
USI College of Liberal Arts to present poetry reading by Ruth Awad and Natalie Louise Tombasco
The USI College of Liberal Arts is proud to present A Celebration of Poetry: a reading and reception with Ruth Awad and Natalie Louise Tombasco from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, September 23 in the USI Performance Center. The poets will read from their recently released collections, followed by a brief Q&A and the opportunity to purchase books and have them signed by the authors. This event is open to the public at no charge.
3 p.m. Friday, September 26 USI Multicultural Center to host 15th annual Essence of Excellence Summit
The 15th annual USI Multicultural Center (MCC) Essence of Excellence Summit will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, September 26 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West. This year’s theme, “Developing Your Blueprint,” aims to provide all college students knowledge, tools and skills to achieve better versions of themselves.
SAVE THE DATE
October 16
USI to celebrate Inauguration of fifth President, Steven J. Bridges, October 16
The public is cordially invited to attend the Inauguration of Steven J. Bridges as the fifth President of USI and first alumnus in the role. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 16 in Liberty Arena, Home of the Screaming Eagles. Doors will be open at 9 a.m., and guests should be seated by 10:15 a.m. Attendance is free and seating will be open, but those who plan to attend the ceremony are asked to RSVP at https://www.usi.edu/inauguration/inauguration-rsvp. Following the ceremony, a luncheon for all guests will be held in the adjacent Screaming Eagles Complex.
October 24
USI to host Health Professions Day for high school students October 24
The USI Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions is hosting a Health Professions Day for high school juniors and seniors exploring careers in healthcare on Friday, October 24. The day will incorporate hands-on experiences within various health professions programs, as well as interaction with USI faculty and current students.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Released Monday, September 15
USI sees third year of freshmen enrollment growth, increase in graduation rates
For the third year in a row, the University has reported an increase in first-time freshmen enrollment. The Fall 2025 entering class includes 1,367 first-time freshmen, a 3.5% increase over 2024, building on last year’s 3.0% rise and continuing a positive trend of growing and academically well-prepared incoming classes.
USI celebrated 60th anniversary at annual Founders’ Day reception September 15
The University celebrated 60 years at its annual Founders’ Day event on Monday, September 15. The reception, which took place in Carter Hall on campus, hosted nearly 150 attendees made up of USI employees, students and retirees.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. High school diploma or equivalent required.
Flexible schedule within regular business hours. Able to work part-time (at a minimum of 20 hours a week) with the choice to stay part-time or ramp up to full-…
Working alongside our CFO, the successful candidate will optimize their productivity and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on establishing efficient…
401(k) with employer match (after one year of service). George Junior Republic in Indiana seeks a community-based Administrative Assistant/Data Coordinator for…
The Information Desk Receptionist, under the direction of the Business Office Manager, is responsible for welcoming and directing patients and visitors in a…
This role is essential in providing excellent customer service and ensuring the smooth operation of our front office. High school or equivalent (Required).
The EVSC works diligently to ensure employees maintain the position that they are hired for but in some cases, transfers may occur in order to effectively serve…
HOURS: Regular full-time 40 hours. REPORTS TO: Director of Loan Services, AVP. FLSA: Non – Exempt STATUS: Full Time. Researches and resolves routine problems.
ACLU, free speech experts warn about “chilling” effect as Gov. Mike Braun links teachers’ licenses to social media posts.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun warned Wednesday that teachers who post online in celebration of political violence could face suspension or even revocation of their professional licenses. But free speech advocates quickly raised concerns that the governor’s threat risks trampling constitutional protections and chilling lawful speech.
“Teachers play a critical role in the shaping of our youth,” Braun wrote in a post to X. “As a result, we hold them to a higher standard. The vast majority of Indiana’s educators live up to that standard; but sadly, in recent days a few have not.”
Braun’s comments followed the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist who was killed at a college speaking event in Utah last week. The Republican governor said disagreement on political issues “should never lead to the type of horrific tragedy we witnessed last week.”
David Keating, president of the Institute for Free Speech (Photo courtesy of the Institute for Free Speech)
“There have been some terrible things shared, particularly across social media,” Braun wrote, referring to online discourse about Kirk’s death. “While we must protect the First Amendment, calls for political violence are not freedom of speech and should not be tolerated.”
Braun emphasized that Indiana’s Secretary of Education “has the authority to suspend or revoke a license for misconduct and the office will review reported statements of K-12 teachers and administrators who have made statements to celebrate or incite political violence.”
David Keating, president of the Institute for Free Speech, said that threat raises “serious” constitutional concerns.
“My initial reaction was, I don’t understand why he would call for suspending, like revoking, a teacher’s license,” Keating said. He noted that Indiana law typically ties license revocations to criminal acts or serious misconduct.
State and school officials “would be totally justified, in many situations,” to cancel a teacher’s contract, Keating added, “but I just think it’s a tougher thing to go and revoke a license.”
He also pushed back on Braun’s claim that “calls for political violence are not freedom of speech.”
“That’s actually not true,” Keating said. “You are allowed to call for violent overthrow of the government. You’re allowed to even call for assassinations. Obviously, this is not the sort of thing that you want an elementary school teacher to have in their background. But I don’t think it meets the standards for a license revocation.”
Licenses under review?
It remains unclear whether any licensure reviews are already underway in Indiana, however.
The Indiana Department of Education — helmed by Secretary of Education Katie Jenner — “does not comment on open investigations or during the pendency of administrative proceedings,” said agency spokesperson Courtney Bearsch in a Thursday statement to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
“IDOE is aware of social media comments made by a small number of Indiana educators following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and is reviewing each matter accordingly,” Bearsch said. “These isolated comments do not represent Indiana educators as a whole, the vast majority of which hold themselves to the highest professional standards and work diligently to model good citizenship.”
She explained that — upon being notified of a complaint against an educator — IDOE “investigates to determine whether the facts meet the statutory threshold for suspension or revocation.”
If the facts are “sufficient to satisfy statute,” a formal complaint is then filed with the Office of Administrative Law Proceedings, initiating the administrative process. Under state statute, OALP serves as the final administrative authority in issuing an order on an educator’s license.
IDOE maintains a public database of educators who have been disciplined, most often for criminal convictions. As of Thursday, no license suspensions or revocations had been recorded in the database since Aug. 25.
Stevie Pactor, senior staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana (Photo courtesy Indiana University)
At least 25 licenses have been revoked since Jan. 1 — most of which were for offenses by educators and school employees who were convicted of one or more of 37 serious felonies that are listed in state statute. Conviction is automatic grounds for a license to be revoked.
Aside from criminal offenses, seven educator licenses were revoked since the start of the year for “immorality” and one for “misconduct,” according to IDOE.
There are more than 230,000 licensed teachers in the state of Indiana.
Stevie Pactor, an attorney with the ACLU of Indiana, warned that Braun’s threat could have broad implications for teachers’ speech.
“Teachers still have First Amendment rights when they’re talking as private citizens about matters of public concern on their social media or anywhere else,” Pactor said. “This idea of chilling their speech is absolutely where my mind went to.”
She pointed to a line from a 1978 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, which asserted that “The First Amendment needs breathing space to survive.”
“If I were a K-12 educator, I would absolutely be very, very cognizant of what I was putting on social media in this climate, and to a degree that’s not really justified by what the law allows,” Pactor continued. “These posts are clearly their private speech. There’s no question that this is private speech.”
Indiana’s Constitution also has its own speech protections: “No law shall be passed, restraining the free interchange of thought and opinion, or restricting the right to speak, write, or print, freely, on any subject whatever; but for the abuse of that right, every person shall be responsible.”
What the law says — and what’s less clear
Indiana law gives state education officials authority to suspend or revoke a teacher’s license under limited circumstances.
The Department of Education is permitted by statute to take such action “upon the written recommendation of the state superintendent of public instruction” if a teacher is found guilty of “(1) immorality; (2) misconduct in office; (3) incompetency; or (4) willful neglect of duty.”
But because “immorality” is not defined in state code, how it applies to off-duty speech — especially speech on personal social media accounts — is open to interpretation, Keating said.
He cautioned that even the governor’s public threat could have consequences.
“Teachers face this kind of pressure for actually bringing up real issues of public concern,” he said, noting that off-duty speech cases are highly fact-specific and courts have often deferred to school districts. “Taking away their license — I mean, you look at the other standards for taking people’s licenses away. Those are by and large criminal convictions.”
The free speech expert noted, too, that the legal definition of incitement requires more than offensive online rhetoric.
“Some random person posting on social media — just for whoever out there might or might not be reading it — that’s not incitement,” Keating added, pointing to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brandenburg test, which limits punishable incitement to speech likely to produce imminent lawless action.
State law also spells out what qualifies as “official misconduct.” According to Indiana Code, a public servant commits official misconduct if they knowingly or intentionally commit an offense while performing their official duties; solicit or accept unauthorized property in connection with their work; misuse nonpublic information for personal gain; or fail to turn over public records or property to a successor. The statute classifies the offense as a Level 6 felony.
Administrative rules also provide more detail on how the license review process works.
Under Indiana’s Administrative Code, a license suspension can last up to three years, while a revocation can extend for an indeterminate period. A teacher whose license is revoked has the ability to petition for reinstatement after three years.
State officials are required to consider several factors when reviewing a case or a reinstatement petition.
Those include whether the conduct adversely affected students or colleagues; how long ago the conduct occurred; whether the conduct is likely to recur; and whether denying reinstatement could “chill constitutional rights.” Officials are also directed to weigh evidence of rehabilitation, such as counseling or community service.
Proceedings to suspend or revoke a license are subject to public hearings and can take months or years to resolve.
If I were a K-12 educator, I would absolutely be very, very cognizant of what I was putting on social media in this climate, and to a degree that’s not really justified by what the law allows.
– Stevie Pactor, ACLU of Indiana attorney
Pactor underscored that the threshold for punishing speech is high.
“The school district, in order to prohibit or punish a teacher for their speech, can only do that if that speech would cause a significant disruption to the learning environment or impair the effective operation of the school or the school district,” she said. “And that’s a really high standard.”
She stressed that licensing actions face the same constitutional constraints as school discipline.
“All government action is subject to the same standard,” Pactor noted. “You know where the First Amendment says you’ve got to stop.”
If the state proceeds with discipline, Pactor said litigation is likely.
“I would certainly expect it to be challenged in court,” she said. “And of course, if any impacted government employee, including educators, believe that their First Amendment rights have been violated in any of these circumstances, they should absolutely contact us.”
A wave of scrutiny
Braun’s threat comes as other educators and public employees have already faced consequences for social media posts about Kirk’s killing.
Indiana’s Department of Child Services, for example, announced via social media on Sept. 13 that a worker was no longer with the agency after making a comment that was in poor taste and “does not reflect the values of this agency or the standards that have been set by this administration.” The agency later confirmed the employee resigned.
Since then, at Ball State University, a director of health promotion and advocacy was fired Wednesday after writing on Facebook that Kirk’s death “is a reflection of the violence, fear and hatred he sowed. It does not excuse his death, AND it’s a sad truth.”
The university said the statement was “inconsistent with the distinctive nature and trust” of her leadership role and had caused “significant disruption” on campus.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Todd Rokita has directed his office to investigate similar statements made by K-12 teachers. His “Eyes on Education” online portal — a site already used to collect complaints about schools — now features a section highlighting social media posts by educators that appear to justify or celebrate Kirk’s death.
Among those listed as of Thursday was a Riley High School teacher in South Bend, who allegedly wrote on Facebook, “I’m not saying it’s right, but I’m saying it’s only fitting.”
An Elkhart teacher was also flagged, prompting Elkhart Community Schools to circulate a letter reminding staff that online speech can significantly affect how the community views both individuals and the district.
The Indiana State Teachers Association condemned violence but warned Braun’s threat could chill lawful speech.
“ISTA condemns violence in all forms, including political violence. Indiana’s educators devote their lives to creating safe and welcoming classrooms, and the vast majority do so with professionalism, care and deep commitment to their students every day,” the state’s largest teachers union said in a statement Thursday. “While celebrating violence is unacceptable, threatening educators’ licenses for lawful speech risks silencing those who are teaching honestly or sharing personal view
FOOTNOTE: EPD DAILY ACTIVITY REPORT information was provided by the EPD and posted by the City-County-County Observer without opinion, bias, or editing.
MUNCIE, Ind. – Jamison Ousley earned a top 20 finish while leading the University of Evansville men’s golf team to a 6th place finish at the Earl Yestingsmeir Invitational.
Ousley was the top finisher for the Purple Aces tying for 18th place at Delaware Country Club. After opening the 3-round tournament with a 74, Ousley posted scores of 68 and 67 to finish his three rounds with a 1-under 209.
Finishing one stroke behind him was Luke Price. He improved in each round going from a 71 to a 70 before carding a 1-under 69 in the third round. He tied for 21st with a 210. Tying for 38th was Julian Kiessling. His low round was a 2-under 68 in the second 18 holes. His final tally checked in at 215.
Daniil Romashkin and Omar Khalid were next for UE tying for 47th with scores of 217. After recording scores of 74 and 75, Romashkin lowered his score to a 68 in the final round. Khalid opened play with a 75 before shooting a 71 in each of the final two rounds. Playing as an individual, Andrew Rottschalk tied for 57th with a 220. His top round was a 2-under 68 in the opening 18.
Samuel Harris and Luke Johnston of Ball State tied for the individual championship with final tallies of 198. The Cardinals took the team championship with an 813. Theyt defeated Butler by three strokes with Belmont and Wright State tying for third. Evansville came in 6th place with an 842.
Next weekend, the Aces travel to Nashport, Ohio for the Virtues Intercollegiate hosted by Miami Ohio.
