Rokita leads a multistate inquiry into financial company’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party
Attorney General Todd Rokita leads a multistate inquiry into financial company’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party
(Webull Financial LLC may have exposed customers’ data to CCP)
Attorney General Todd Rokita is leading a multistate inquiry into whether a Chinese-owned financial company — Webull Financial LLC — may have exposed clients’ personal information to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“Hoosiers and the rest of the American public deserve to know more about Webull’s ownership and connections to the CCP,” Attorney General Rokita said. “As Indiana’s Attorney General, I have pledged since Day One to hold China accountable, and we are making good on that commitment.”
On behalf of Hoosiers, Attorney General Rokita previously brought a complaint against Chinese-owned social media company TikTok for allegedly violating data privacy laws and deceiving app users into believing their information is protected when that data is subject to Chinese law and may be intercepted by the CCP.
On March 13, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which would ban TikTok from operating in the U.S. unless it separates from its Chinese owner, ByteDance. The Act is now working its way through the Senate.
“Webull’s data protection practices and representations also warrant serious scrutiny,” Attorney General Rokita said. “In fact, Webull appears to collect more personally identifiable information and sensitive financial data from U.S. customers than TikTok.”
The company is a U.S.-registered broker-dealer that allows customers to trade U.S. stocks, options, and certain cryptocurrencies. Webull is owned by Hunan Fumi Information Technology Co., a Chinese company, and it appears to conduct substantial operations for its U.S. business using personnel and resources located directly in the People’s Republic of China.
In a letter to Webull’s CEO, Attorney General Rokita and the other attorneys general request answers from the company to 11 questions to shed more light on its data protection practices on behalf of customers.
Gov. Holcomb, IDHS announce next round of personal protective equipment for volunteer fire stations across Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security today announced a $10 million state investment in new personal protective equipment (PPE). This new equipment will allow volunteer firefighters across Indiana to better serve their communities.
Most Indiana communities are served by volunteer fire departments, and many operate on shoestring budgets and with dilapidated equipment. Some wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) that may be more than a decade old.
Through Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, $17.7 million was allocated to firefighters through PPE and new training facilities for volunteer stations across Indiana. This investment marks the first time the Indiana General Assembly has dedicated funds specifically to firefighters. The only other funding source for firefighters is the tax revenue from the sale of fireworks in Indiana.
“While most people run from dangerous situations, firefighters run toward them to serve their community,” said Gov. Holcomb. “This investment is long overdue in our state. Nothing could be more important than for these brave men and women to be both properly suited and trained. It’s how we can best serve them as they serve us.”
The $10 million will purchase 940 complete sets of PPE and SCBA, benefiting 66 fire departments across every Indiana fire district. The selection process addressed the poorest volunteer departments first and those with the oldest equipment. The attached map outlines the areas where the equipment will be delivered.
“I travel extensively across the state, and I’m shocked sometimes at the rags that some of these men and women are wearing on fire scenes. They run into burning buildings and are supposed to feel protected,” said Indiana State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. “The volunteer fire service is the backbone of Indiana fire protection. This investment is long overdue, and we will be working hard to find additional funding to enhance safety even more in the years to come.”
The funds are administered by the Indiana Fire and Public Safety Academy, led by the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The vendor, MES Inc., will work directly with individual firefighters to measure and fit the equipment before delivery.
IDHS accepted submissions for several months in 2023 to determine the highest need departments. The application process is now closed.
TheStatehouseFile.com Named The Top website In The Indiana Collegiate Press contest
TheStatehouseFile.com Was Named The Top Website In The Indiana Collegiate Press Contest
The Indiana Collegiate Press Association announced the results of its annual journalism contest, and TheStatehouseFile.com came up as a winner in several categories, competing against colleges and universities of all sizes across the state.
The Franklin College Pulliam School of Journalism’s 18-year-old immersive-learning program, which sends journalism majors to the Indiana Statehouse to cover state politics and disseminate their work across the state, was honored as having the best overall website, cited for its organization and high-quality content.
TSF also placed first for its use of social media.
“The mission to cover the Statehouse is what journalism is all about. It’s great that college journalists are tackling this important topic,” wrote the judge in their comments. “The coverage of the Indiana State Fair is [also] fun. Who wouldn’t want to read about a “9-year-old chicken fanatic“? Good use of each platform.”
Franklin College junior Ashlyn Myers won third place in the features category for her profile of Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, as a new lawmaker realizing a lifelong dream to hold office. “Sometimes it’s hard to humanize politicians in a manner that doesn’t smack of public relations or party, but you certainly achieved that here,” wrote the judge. “This story kept my attention through the end.”
Myers also took second place in the entertainment column/review category for her write-up of one of Taylor Swift’s Cincinnati appearances.
Franklin senior Sydney Byerly took third place in the animation/interactive graphic category for her how-to-vote graphic based on the board game Life. “A tough call in a tough category, but the overall value of this graphic, combined with its use of simple and yet helpful elements allowed it to carry the day. A nice piece,” wrote the judge.
TheStatehouseFile.com has learned it also won awards in the Indiana Pro Society of Professional Journalists annual contest—where TSF student reporters compete against the professionals—and SPJ’s regional collegiate contest, whose winners compete nationally. There are no details on those awards yet.
EPA Launches New Website to Improve Transparency in Permitting
WASHINGTON –The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the launch of a new website, epa.gov/permits, a centralized web-based platform for information about federal environmental permitting. It highlights EPA’s permitting and environmental review programs and shares information on related statutes and environmental justice initiatives. In support of EPA’s commitments under Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41), it also displays the status of EPA permits for large-scale infrastructure projects covered by this statute. The website is a resource for the public, permit applicants and federal agency partners.
“EPA’s new website is making it easier for the public and stakeholders to learn about the agency’s permitting process and our programs,”said EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe. “This new, comprehensive website provides a one-stop portal for the public, permit applicants and colleagues from other federal, state, and local agencies to quickly find information about EPA’s permitting program and how these permits are helping to protect public health and the environment in communities across our nation.”
“EPA has been working diligently to increase the transparency of information regarding our permitting resources, requirements and timelines, especially as we implement President Biden’s ambitious Investing in America Agenda. We are pleased to make this site available to all,” said Vicki Arroyo, Associate Administrator for EPA’s Office of Policy, which oversees permitting and environmental review work for EPA.
The new website provides:
- Centralized information about all EPA permitting programs, information on delegations of authority to states and descriptions of other requirements that are often applicable (such as Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act consultation).
- Public-facing reports and resources, including environmental justice and civil rights in permitting information.
- FAST-41 information, including an explanation of EPA’s roles under the Act and a table that shows the status of EPA permits needed for FAST-41 projects and project tracking.
- Inflation Reduction Act information regarding funding allocated to EPA for improving efficiencies in permitting.
THUNDERBOLTS TAKE ON RIVERMEN IN PRESIDENT’S CUP SEMIFINAL
Evansville, In.: Following their first-ever playoff series victory over the Birmingham Bulls in three games, the Thunderbolts’ journey continues into the second round, where they will play the Peoria Rivermen for the opportunity to play in the President’s Cup Final.
Week In Review:
The Thunderbolts began the series against the Bulls with a close 5-4 defeat in game one in Pelham, with goals from Dmitri Yushkevich, Myles Abbate, Brendan Harrogate, and Logan Vande Meerakker. In do-or-die game two at Ford Center on Thursday, Mark Zhukov’s goal forced overtime, where Chays Ruddy became the overtime hero in Evansville’s 2-1 victory, forcing game three at Birmingham.
The series was decided in overtime in game three on Saturday, with Matthew Hobbs scoring the series-winner just over five minutes into overtime. Saturday’s regulation goals were scored by Vande Meerakker, Vadim Vasjonkin, and Yushkevich. Cole Ceci played all three games in goal for Evansville, stopping 29 of 34 shots in game one, 34 of 35 shots in game two, and 56 of 59 shots in game three.
USI events and updates for the week of 4/15/2024
Wednesday, April 17
USI conference focuses on healthcare research, evidence-based practice
A former member of the USI Nursing faculty will be the keynote speaker at the 28th annual USI Research, Evidence-Based Practice and Performance Improvement in Healthcare Conference, slated for Wednesday, April 17 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West.
1 p.m. Thursday, April 18
USI to host Eykamp String Quartet concert April 18
The USI College of Liberal Arts will host a concert by the Eykamp String Quartet from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 18. The group will be performing in the Rice Library 2nd Floor Reading Room as a special thank you to the University for our collaboration on the recent opera.
Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 21
USI Theatre closes 2023-24 season with The Wolves
The USI Theatre Department is proud to present its last production of the 2023-24 season, The Wolves, written by Sarah DeLappe and directed by Eric Altheide, Professor of Theatre. Performances will run from Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 21 in the USI Performance Center. Shows begin at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. for the Saturday and Sunday matinees.
University of Evansville’s Center for Innovation & Change launches New Dance Program for Seniors
EVANSVILLE, IND. (04/16/2024) The University of Evansville’s (UE) Center for Innovation & Change, in collaboration with the Sol and Arlene Bronstein Foundation, is excited to announce the launch of the Silver Aces Dance Team, a unique opportunity for seniors aged 55 and above who are interested in socializing and dancing while experiencing the mental and physical health benefits that are associated.
In partnership with the UE Dance Company and UE’s physical therapy, physician assistance, and nursing programs, the Silver Aces program will offer dance lessons and health screenings to examine the impact of social dance on a wide range of wellness indicators. This innovative collaboration will celebrate the vibrancy and talent of older adults while underscoring UE’s commitment to inclusive, lifelong learning opportunities for everyone.
The inaugural session is scheduled for Sunday, April 28, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA), with subsequent sessions to follow. However, with only 20 spots available, interested individuals are encouraged to register early to secure their place or get on the wait list.
Transportation assistance to SWIRCA is available for those who require it. Interested parties can contact Sylvia DeVault at sy5@evansville.edu for more information or to arrange transportation.
To register, please contact SWIRCA at 812-464-7800. If you have questions, email Erin Lewis at el131@evansville.edu.
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.