Latest news with #Checks&Balances
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump VA Secretary says replacing Indy's aging VA medical center is a priority despite DOGE cuts
Doug Collins, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Trump administration, in a visit to the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center said a new VA facility for Indianapolis "is very much a priority" for his agency, despite concerns that it was on the chopping block due to DOGE cuts. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center is more than 60 years old and members of Indiana's congressional delegation have pushed for commitments from the VA to kickstart work on a new facility in Indianapolis. But earlier this year the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency reported it canceled a $1.9 million contract for a feasibility study on construction of a new VA medical center in Indianapolis. As of May 28, the canceled contract is still listed on the DOGE website as part of its list of cuts. "We're having to look at our whole construction schedule right now," Collins said. "We're wanting to make sure that facilities like this get the attention they need. There's a process that goes through though. Frankly, I have my members of Congress here. This is a budgetary issue that they're going to have to look at." Collins toured the Roudebush VA on May 29 and participated in a recognition ceremony for staff members at the Indianapolis facility. He was joined at Roudebush by Gov. Mike Braun, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve, U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz and U.S. Rep. André Carson. The Secretary said he also stopped at Crown Hill Cemetery. Collins' Indianapolis stop is among several VA facility visits the secretary has made around the country since he was confirmed in early February. On May 28 he toured Evansville's VA Health Care Center with U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer. But the Roudebush visit also comes following reports of disruptions to health care for veterans since Collins took over the agency, claims he denied. Additionally, the VA in March was reportedly considering cutting nearly 80,000 jobs as part of President Trump's plans to reduce the federal workforce. In Indianapolis, Collins said cuts to his agency would primarily be administrative and focused on removing "artificial barriers" that get in the way of veterans receiving care. The secretary said the VA is looking at avoiding cuts to doctors and nurses, but emphasized that employees not doing their jobs or hurting veterans would no longer have jobs. "The days of upward promotion in the VA, of you do something wrong and we promote you or we put you in an in a more administrative role, those days are over," Collins said. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Trump VA Secretary Doug Collins on Indy's aging Roudebush Medical Center
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Richmond philanthropist among 19 confirmed deaths from Kentucky severe weather
A Richmond philanthropist is among 19 people who were killed by severe weather and tornadoes in Kentucky over the weekend. Debra Edelman, 93, died of carbon monoxide poisoning while she was staying on a houseboat, according to Mark Coots, a county coroner for Russell County in Kentucky. She was at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the death toll from the severe weather had risen to 19. An EF3 tornado with maximum wind gusts of 155 miles per hour was earlier confirmed in Kentucky. The severe weather over the weekend, which included deadly tornadoes and storms that stretched across the Midwest including in Indiana, also claimed the life of another Indiana resident: a 33-year-old named Allison L. McCammon of Dugger. The National Weather Service confirmed that at least one EF2 tornado also hit southern Indiana Friday night. Edelman was a prominent member of Richmond's business community and philanthropist. Edelman and her late husband of 64 years, Jack, founded Recycling Center Inc. in Richmond and had several other businesses. In 2024, Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recognized Edelman with a "benefactor award" which honors the generosity of donors and volunteers. "Debra is passionate about giving back to the community, supporting the Ivy Tech Foundation and many other organizations," Ivy Tech Richmond said last year in a news release. She also recently gave nearly $82,000 to Richmond High School for new band uniforms, according to Western Wayne News. The recently opened Debra Edelman Healthcare Education Center at Ivy Tech also serves as a space to train future health care workers. There's also a police and fire training center in Richmond named after Edelman's son, Israel "Izzy" David Edelman, who died in 1984 in a fraternity house fire. At the time the center was named after her son, Edelman said she was "overwhelmed by the honor." "I'm just thrilled," she said back in 2019. Courier-Journal reporter Leo Bertucci contributed to this report. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Richmond philanthropist among 19 confirmed deaths in Kentucky
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What will the weather be for the Indianapolis 500? Here's the forecast 1 week out
What kind of weather do race fans have in store for the 2025 Indianapolis 500? The forecast one week out from this year's race is looking much better than last year, when lightning and storms caused a delay in the race. The Weather Channel is projecting a partly sunny yet windy day with a high of 67 degrees. Winds are estimated at between five to 10 miles per hour, according to the forecast. AccuWeather has a similar forecast for next Sunday, saying there will be a high of 70 degrees with wind up to five miles per hour. Some wind gusts could be up to 17 miles per hour, according to AccuWeather. The chance of precipitation and thunderstorms is low. AccuWeather says there's a 1% probability of precipitation and 0% probability of thunderstorms. Those outlooks - if they hold - are a stark improvement over last year's weather at the Indianapolis 500. That morning, lightning started moving toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, causing officials to pause its pre-race ceremonies and move fans out of the grandstands and the Snake Pit. Police encouraged fans to seek shelter in their vehicles. Strong winds and severe thunderstorms caused more issues. Spectators were allowed to return to the grandstands at IMS that afternoon, with the weather finally allowing the race to take place. Leading up to the Indy 500, there might be some rain and thunderstorms this week during Indy 500 lead-up events. There's a good chance of showers and possible thunderstorms on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service forecast for Indianapolis. The weather is supposed to clear up Thursday, with precipitation chances falling. Friday is supposed to be mostly sunny with a high near 67 degrees, a likely reprieve from the rain on Carb Day. Saturday, known as Legends Day, is also expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 70 degrees, according to the NWS. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What will be the weather for the Indy 500? Here's the forecast 1 week out
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Braun signs contract for an IEDC audit costing taxpayers up to $800,000. Here's why
The state of Indiana could pay up to $800,000 on a forensic audit initiated by Gov. Mike Braun of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and its affiliate entities. The state-funded entity has been increasingly maligned by Republicans for its lack of transparency, culminating in Braun announcing that he wants to investigate the quasi-governmental entity for possible impropriety. The IEDC has been by funded by taxpayers since its 2005 founding under Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration but has faced criticism over the years for its sometimes-opaque practices. Braun's administration has already frozen the funds of IEDC affiliate Elevate Ventures, a nonprofit investment entity that's doled out nearly $200 million to Indiana startups, while the audit takes place. He also earlier this year signed an executive order that will result in increased financial transparency over entities like the related Indiana Economic Development Foundation, which has funded international travel for past governors. Braun's Secretary of Commerce David Adams signed a one-year contract earlier this week with Washington, D.C.-based firm FTI Consulting Inc. The firm will be paid an hourly rate of $595 for its work up to $800,000, unless the contract is eventually renewed. The firm will provide "forensic review and support services" for the state, according to a letter from the firm, which has locations worldwide including an office on the north side of Indianapolis near Carmel. Braun previously has stopped short of accusing anyone specifically of wrongdoing, but has said "transparency is essential." A Hannah News Service story published in April raised several issues, including IEDC's alleged struggles to get financial and investment data from the Elevate Ventures affiliate. "We are not rushing to any conclusions," Braun said on April 24. "We want to make sure things are reviewed independently." Elevate Ventures' CEO Toph Day, meanwhile, has defended the organization and has said it is "eager to participate in the forensic audit." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Braun signs contract for IEDC audit costing taxpayers up to $800,000
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Braun signs contract for an IEDC audit costing taxpayers up to $800,000. Here's why
The state of Indiana could pay up to $800,000 on a forensic audit initiated by Gov. Mike Braun of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and its affiliate entities. The state-funded entity has been increasingly maligned by Republicans for its lack of transparency, culminating in Braun announcing that he wants to investigate the quasi-governmental entity for possible impropriety. The IEDC has been by funded by taxpayers since its 2005 founding under Gov. Mitch Daniels' administration but has faced criticism over the years for its sometimes-opaque practices. Braun's administration has already frozen the funds of IEDC affiliate Elevate Ventures, a nonprofit investment entity that's doled out nearly $200 million to Indiana startups, while the audit takes place. He also earlier this year signed an executive order that will result in increased financial transparency over entities like the related Indiana Economic Development Foundation, which has funded international travel for past governors. Braun's Secretary of Commerce David Adams signed a one-year contract earlier this week with Washington, D.C.-based firm FTI Consulting Inc. The firm will be paid an hourly rate of $595 for its work up to $800,000, unless the contract is eventually renewed. The firm will provide "forensic review and support services" for the state, according to a letter from the firm, which has locations worldwide including an office on the north side of Indianapolis near Carmel. Braun previously has stopped short of accusing anyone specifically of wrongdoing, but has said "transparency is essential." A Hannah News Service story published in April raised several issues, including IEDC's alleged struggles to get financial and investment data from the Elevate Ventures affiliate. "We are not rushing to any conclusions," Braun said on April 24. "We want to make sure things are reviewed independently." Elevate Ventures' CEO Toph Day, meanwhile, has defended the organization and has said it is "eager to participate in the forensic audit." Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Braun signs contract for IEDC audit costing taxpayers up to $800,000
