Rick has been a member of the WFPL News team since 2001 and has covered numerous beats and events over the years. Most recently he’s been tracking the Indiana General Assembly and the region’s passion for sports, especially college basketball.
Indiana Governor-elect Mike Pence has announced three cabinet appointments.
All three appointees work in the current administration of Governor Mitch Daniels.
Pence announced today that Ron Wynkoop will continue as commissioner of the Department of Administration and Mike Alley will stay on as commissioner of the Department of Revenue.
Anita Samuel, who has been serving as Daniels’ general counsel, will become director of the Department of Personnel in the Pence Administration.
Pence will be publicly sworn in as Indiana’s next governor on January 14.
The Indiana Board of Education has approved changes to Indiana's teacher licensing requirements despite arguments from opponents that the new rules could hurt the quality of classroom instruction.
The board voted in favor of the rules changes supported by outgoing Republican state schools superintendent Tony Bennett. Incoming superintendent Glenda Ritz, a Democrat, had asked the board to delay action until after she takes office next month.
A federal judge has placed tougher bond restrictions on former McMahan Fire Chief Paul Barth.
Barth was sentenced last month to 41 months in prison for embezzling nearly $200,000 intended for the Crusade for Children charity. He was given up to 60 days to report to prison.
The new bond restrictions were imposed after prosecutors learned that Barth failed to report recent real estate transactions, including the sale of a Florida condo, that would have affected his ability to make restitution prior to his sentencing.
The lead sponsor of last year's effort to allow the teaching of creationism in Indiana schools is altering his efforts this year in favor of a so-called "truth in education" measure.
Senate Education Committee chairman Dennis Kruse says the proposal would encourage students to question a broad range of topics in the classroom. Lawmakers approved such a measure over the governor's objections in Tennessee, where that has translated into questioning evolution.
Kruse led an effort during the 2012 session to allow teaching of creationism in Indiana's public schools.
University of Louisville football coach Charlie Strong says he won’t discuss any rumors that he’s a candidate for coaching vacancies as the Cards prepare for their Sugar Bowl matchup next month.
Strong spoke to reporters a day after learning that the Cards will play Florida in the BCS game January 2nd in New Orleans.
Last week as the Cards were preparing for their season finale at Rutgers, Strong shot down a report that he had interviewed for the Auburn coaching job.
A hearing will be held this week in U.S. District Court on the bond conditions set for Paul Barth, the former McMahan Fire Chief who pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $200,000 intended for the Crusade for Children charity.
Prosecutors requested the hearing after Barth did not disclose two real estate transactions that could have impacted his ability to pay restitution.
The University of Louisville men’s soccer team fell short in their bid to reach the Final Four of the NCAA tournament, losing 3-1 at Maryland today.
The Cards were vying for their second-ever trip to the College Cup national semifinals. They finish the season with a 14-6 record. Maryland moves on to play Georgetown Friday.
The Indiana Board of Animal Health has released a report on its study on the sale of raw or unpasteurized milk for human consumption.
The Indiana General Assembly ordered the study amid a growing chorus of calls for the legalization of raw milk sales in the Hoosier State.
Advocates say unpasteurized milk contains nutrients that are destroyed by the heating process required by state law, and the raw product tastes better.
The University of Louisville men’s soccer team can advance to the Final Four of the NCAA tournament with a victory tomorrow at Maryland.
The Cards are 14-5 on the season and 3-3 on the road, with one of those losses coming at Maryland in late August.
Coach Ken Lolla says his team is ready for the rematch.
"Psychologically, I think it helps us that we got pounded a little bit (in the first game)," he said. "Our guys are looking to have another crack at them. We’re a much different team, so we’re looking forward to going back there."
