Drugs Seized, Impaired Drivers Removed, Lives Saved

INDIANAPOLIS – Today, Governor Mike Braun commended the Indiana State Police for their exceptional work to keep Hoosiers safe by aggressively targeting drug trafficking and removing impaired drivers from Hoosier roads.

“One of our top priorities is to ensure Hoosiers have a safe place to raise their families. Thanks to the incredible work of the Indiana State Police, who have gone above and beyond to remove drugs from the streets and impaired drivers from the roads, Indiana is a safer place. I want to thank them and all our Hoosier law enforcement for all they do to protect our communities and families.”  – Gov. Mike Braun

Removing Drugs from Hoosier Communities

In 2025, ISP interdiction teams delivered major blows to drug trafficking organizations operating in and through Indiana, intercepting multiple high-volume narcotics shipments, including:

• 499 kilograms (1,100 lbs) of cocaine seized from a U-Haul truck.
• 32 kilograms (70.5 lbs) of heroin seized from a semi-truck.
• 70,000 THC vape cartridges confiscated, preventing distribution of unregulated products to youth.

Across all operations, ISP seized 630 kilograms (1,389 lbs) of cocaine and 38 kilograms (83.8 lbs) of opioids, representing a significant disruption of cartel supply lines into Indiana.

ISP detectives used advanced investigative tools, including wiretaps, to dismantle drug rings embedded in small and midsize Indiana communities. These operations targeted not only couriers, but the suppliers directing distribution into the state. As a result, opioid seizures increased by 117% in 2025.

Most importantly, these efforts helped drive a 60% decrease in overdose deaths statewide, a powerful measure of lives saved and families spared tragedy.

ISP kicked off 2026 strong over the weekend with a seizure of 140 kilograms (309 lbs) of cocaine in a traffic stop, an estimated $7 million street value. Our law enforcement across the state are keeping their foot on the pedal and remain committed to protecting Hoosiers from these dangerous drugs.

Keeping Hoosiers Safe from Impaired Drivers

ISP also intensified enforcement against impaired driving last year, removing dangerous drivers from the road before they could cause harm.

• OWI arrests increased from 3,406 in 2024 to 3,985 in 2025 (+17.0%).

These arrests prevented hundreds of potential crashes and kept impaired drivers from endangering the public.

Stronger enforcement produced major decreases in roadway fatalities:

• Statewide fatal crashes dropped by 8.3% (804 to 737) in 2025 owing in part to targeted and aggressive traffic enforcement by the ISP and their law enforcement partners.

EVANSVILLE, IN (01/05/2026) The University of Evansville (UE) is grateful to announce a $50,000 gift from alumna Kristin Bailey ’81, establishing the James ’79 and Kristin ’81 Bailey Endowed Scholarship to celebrate the enduring connection Kris and her late husband, Jim Bailey, shared with UE. The endowed fund will support undergraduate students in the College of Education and Health Sciences, helping them pursue meaningful careers in fields that reflect the Baileys’ lifelong dedication to service.

For Kris, the scholarship is a heartfelt tribute to both her husband’s life of service and the education that shaped their shared journey.

“UE has always been near and dear to our hearts,” she said. “It’s where we met. We served on several committees together, including student government and Union Board. We got to know each other through those experiences, and many of the friendships we made then have lasted to this day.”

A 1981 nursing graduate, Bailey served as a registered nurse in both teaching and community hospital settings, and in private practice. She credits UE’s nursing program with preparing her for a lifetime of compassionate care.

“We were taught critical thinking skills and given a broad base of clinical understanding,” she said. “Our instructors were fabulous, both in the classroom and in clinical settings. Over the years, I’ve compared what I received at Evansville to other programs I’ve encountered, and I continue to hold UE among the very best.”

She added, “There’s such a need for advancement in education and health sciences. Our healthcare system is growing so quickly, and we need well-educated people to provide those services. I know that pursuing an education requires tremendous dedication and sacrifice, and I hope this scholarship can help open doors and create opportunities for students who are working toward their dreams.”

Jim Bailey, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from UE in 1979 and later an MBA from the University of Dallas, dedicated his life to serving others. He built a respected career as a funeral director in Portage, Indiana, and served his community through the Rotary Club, the Orak Shrine Center, and the Masonic Lodge.

“Jim served our community in so many ways,” Kris shared. “He was very active in Rotary and the Shrine, and we both believed deeply in using our lives to serve others. I am confident he’d be thrilled to know that UE students will benefit from this scholarship.”

Kris also reflected on the values instilled at UE that continue to guide her life. “Even back then, there was an underlying intention for service,” she said. “We were taught that the world exists beyond our own little bubble and that we have a responsibility to make it better. That’s always stayed with me.”

Bailey hopes this scholarship will inspire other alumni to give back. “I just think if you can, you should,” she said. “If you’ve been blessed by your education and your experiences at UE, then pass it along. Even a small amount can make a difference for a student who needs a little help.”

“This gift from the Baileys will make a remarkable difference in the College of Education and Health Sciences,” said Dr. Andy Lampkins, dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences. “Their generosity strengthens our program’s ability to expand opportunities for students to learn, lead, and serve. Their gift will prepare future professionals who will carry forward the compassion and dedication that have defined the Baileys’ lives.”

Each graduate who benefits from this scholarship will carry their spirit of compassion, service, and courage into the world, continuing the example that Kris and Jim set at UE.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Office of Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released the following statement to provide an update on Congressman Baird’s recovery after his vehicle was struck in an accident:

“Congressman Baird is in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, and he is extraordinarily grateful for everyone’s prayers during this time. Congressman Baird looks forward to continuing his work on behalf of Hoosiers. The Office of Congressman Baird will continue to provide services and support for those who need it. Congressman Baird and his office remain steadfast in their commitment to serving constituents and focused on advocating for Hoosiers at the highest levels of government.”