Blue 812 News Issue 86 - September 20

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if you need an absentee ballot, have you already requested it?

FBI Director Kash Patel struggled through another Senate hearing last week. One embarrassing moment came when Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked Patel why the FBI decided to lift bans on new trainees who have engaged in bestiality. “Why would you even get into bestiality?” Kennedy asked. Patel answered with a grin: “We are not into bestiality.” And yes, it got even weirder, somehow.

In response to Sen. Kennedy asking Patel, “If Joe participated in bestiality, not as the animal but as the human, don’t you think he should be disqualified?” Patel said, “If he voluntarily did it, sure,” which does beg the question Sen. Kennedy fired back with: “How do you involuntarily do it?” This exchange was part of Patel’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, and he said that the new rules were put in place because he “did not want to punish victims of bestiality, victims who were trafficked.” Patel didn’t mention any specific cases in which this has happened, but said that people at the FBI who suggested the policy change “explained to me and showed me cases in which people were forced into it and had applied to the FBI, and so I thought they should be considered. It’s not an automatic disqualification.” I’m sorry, but statistically, it can’t have been that many! This was not the main point of Patel’s hearing; he was also asked about the investigations into the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, his firing of career FBI employees, and the FBI’s plans to patrol the upcoming midterm elections. Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) asked, “Do you pledge that you will not, in any way, interfere in the will of the American people when they go to the polls in November?” to which Patel responded, “I pledge unequivocally that I will not participate in your charade of lies.” Okay, buddy, let’s dial it back.

I’ve noticed in the last week or so, it feels as though we are entering a new era, a somehow even more unhinged one. We are now so untethered, so far from any sense of shared reality or normalcy, that to even play the “imagine if a Democrat did this…” game is like bringing a squirt gun to thermonuclear war. I think it was this Kash Patel bestiality stuff that really did it.

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Reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico said on Saturday, they were denied access to White House grounds after President Trump announced a ban on the three media outlets, citing negative coverage of his administration and saying media outlets shouldn't be able to constantly report "FICTION and LIES" when they cover him in one of his recent rants on his knockoff Facebook. All three news organizations signaled they will take legal action to defend the rights of their reporters.

The White House Correspondents’ Association, which represents the overall press corps, said Trump’s ban “violates the First Amendment.” White House Correspondents’ Association President Jacqui Heinrich said Saturday that the “American people, through a free and independent press, must be able to scrutinize those elected to power, regardless of whether government officials view it favorably. That’s why courts have repeatedly held that once the White House provides access to journalists, it cannot deny that access arbitrarily or based on the content of their reporting.”

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management have approved a permit for the developers of a Google Data Center to fill more protected wetlands in Fort Wayne. Last week, IDEM granted Hatchworks, LLC, an approval for 2.13 acres of protected wetlands to be filled and the construction of three additional buildings. Developers are required to purchase 4.26 acres of forested wetland mitigation, to replace and relocate the wetlands impacted in the project. The state mitigation program is regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Per federal regulations, land acquisitions and initial improvements on these mitigation projects generally must start within three years of the first sale in a given area. That regularly hasn’t happened in Indiana. When developers destroy wetlands or streams, the program allows them to purchase a credit from DNR that satisfies their obligations to mitigate the loss. The responsibility to restore, create, enhance or preserve a wetland then transfers to DNR. Of the more than one thousand credit purchases since the program’s launch, just 66 are considered fulfilled — meaning some form of mitigation happened in the service area of the disruption. Good thing we need data centers way more than wetlands!

According to an IDEM press release, Hatchworks, LLC, must follow several conditions following this approval, including clearly marking wetlands and streams that should remain undisturbed on the project site, carrying out their mitigation plan from their application and providing proof of purchase for the wetland credits within the next year. IDEM also advised developers not to clear trees within the project boundaries from April through September, to protect the endangered Indiana Bat and the federally threatened Northern Long Eared Bat, unless a waiver is issued. If developers do not comply with the terms, they could be assessed up to $25,000 and depending on the violation, could be found criminally liable.

A second Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer has been suspended with a recommendation for termination and is under criminal investigation in connection with improper use of automated license plate reader (APLR) technology, the department announced Sept. 18. According to IMPD, irregular usage of the APLR technology was flagged during internal audits by the department in August. The results of administrative and criminal investigations led to the officer being placed on administrative duty, with no police powers or access to the ALPR system. After gathering additional information, the officer was suspended and recommended for termination. The officer is the second IMPD officer to be suspended with a recommendation to be fired in a little over a month - on Aug. 13, Terry recommended the termination of an officer who was also determined to allegedly use the ALPR system for “personal reasons.” Neither officer has been publicly identified.

In August, IMPD made changes to their policy for using the ALPR technology, requiring every user to sign the new policy to maintain access to the system, police said. As part of the new protocol, all searches have to be tied to a case or incident number, as well as a National Incident-Based Reporting System offense code, the department said in the release. IMPD said it has also strengthened the auditing of the system to identify potential misuse more quickly. That got me thinking - I wonder what our local policies are? According to THPD, the THPD Transparency Portal contains a lengthy explanation of the policy and safeguards surrounding Flock cameras. According to me, a person who actually visited that website… it’s clear a man described the policy as “lengthy.” 👀

In mid-August, Flock changed its policy and recommended a seven-day ALPR data retention period and introduced measures to filter information and strengthen data security, expand transparency and reinforce safeguards around ALPR accuracy, access, sharing and review. Despite the recommendation, “We still utilize the 30-day storage period to ensure valuable evidence remains available for investigative purposes,” THPD Lt. Justin Sears, the department's public information officer, said. “Our policy is strictly enforced and requires that every use of Flock [cameras] have a documented, legitimate law enforcement purpose. Each search is recorded and subject to review… reducing retention to seven days could eliminate valuable evidence, particularly in cases involving delayed reporting or investigations where relevant information is not immediately identified." A recent THPD social media post said “Internal system audits are conducted daily, and THPD administrators regularly review audit histories to ensure searches are being conducted for legitimate law enforcement purposes and in accordance with department policy.”

Bloomington and Monroe County recently decided to end their Flock contracts early, the Town Council of Chesterton unanimously agreed Monday night to shut down and discontinue its contract with Flock as an investigation continues into its alleged misuse by a town police officer, who has since resigned, northwestern Indiana’s Starke County Sheriff's Office terminated the renewal of its Flock Safety contract, a special prosecutor being called in to evaluate the potential of criminal charges against a Porter County Sheriff's officer for alleged misuse, and a Michigan City police officer is resigning after a misuse investigation, but Terre Haute and Vigo County are still all in on APLR cameras. According to a recent TribStar article, cameras have recently been installed in several city parks, and THPD "are still waiting on permits for a few more along U.S. 41 to be installed as well." Sears added that the camera system will be expanding further in the future, explaining the city has 25 of its 30 cameras up and operational, “primarily at major entry and exit points and other high-traffic areas.” A Terre Haute city website reports that there are 42 LPR cameras in the city. Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell reported that he currently oversees 19 of the county’s 93 reported APLR cameras. So who is in charge of the other cameras in the area??

Vigo Superior Court 5 Judge Matthew Sheehan has been formally scolded by a state judicial panel. The Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications issued a public admonition of Sheehan on Monday, according to a news release issued by the panel. The commission admonished Sheehan for unreasonable delay in issuing a final ruling when he served as special judge in a marital dissolution matter in July 2022 in Sullivan Circuit Court. The Supreme Court removed Sheehan from the matter in July 2025, but before the new judge could issue a final decision, the wife passed away, deprived of justice.

Sheehan acknowledges that he violated the Judicial Code of Conduct including Rule 1.2 which requires judges to act in a manner that promotes public confidence in the independence, integrity, and impartiality of the judiciary and to avoid the appearance of impropriety, as well as the violation of Rule 2.5(A) which requires judges to perform judicial and administrative duties competently, diligently, and promptly. Sheehan accepted the admonition, so he will not face judicial ethical misconduct charges.

Judge Sheehan is currently up for re-election for his… judgeship (?), and has previously run into judgely issues. In 2023, he was found in contempt of court twice. The first time in Owen County in August 2023 due to failure to comply with court orders regarding payment of expenses and child support in an ongoing divorce case. In November 2023, Sheehan found in contempt of court for the second time for not following an order in a timely manner in connection to a decision issued in a case on January 26. He had to be ‘directed to comply’ in July, and again in October, before being forced to appear in person before the Court of Appeals. According to the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications’ annual reports, fewer than 1% of the 400+ Indiana judges receive public discipline in a given year, and multiple disciplinary actions for a single judge within a short period are rare.

Last week I listened to the HoosLeft interview with Jessica Bailey for State Comptroller. I was really interested in hearing about her ideas for a transparency portal, and the Porter County Votermobile!

Last week was the League of Women Voters forum for state senate and house candidates. Participants answered questions on school funding, data centers, redistricting, eminent domain, tolling on I-70, property taxes, and ALPR cameras. Seven candidates of the 10 local candidates participated. Candidates often voiced similar opinions on some of the more controversial issues, especially flock cameras, tolling, and eminent domain. Answers were most mixed regarding data centers, with State Senate candidate Goode responding that data centers "are very much a land use issue” and “every person attending the forum is accessing data because of a data center.” Brandi Vandivier, a Democrat running in House District 42, agreed “the land use is absolutely an issue,” but pointed out that there is a difference between traditional data centers and these larger AI data centers. District 42 incumbent Tim Yocum also stressed the local jurisdiction on decisions, while district 43 incumbent Tonya Pfaff said, “At the very least, no more NDAs. People don't know what is going on… Tell us how much electricity. How much water are you going to use? How much land are you going to use?" Amy Lore, Tonya’s opponent, strung together a mess of libertarian buzzwords so unparseable that the TribStar just published it in full: she supports “reasonable forward motion that includes adequate respect for our resources, but also not boxing ourselves out of economic development opportunities." Rebecca Mayfield, running for house district 45, said local infrastructure needs must be addressed before data centers locate in a community, and at bare minimum, Kacey Blundell (State Senate 38) says, data centers need to pay the sales tax for their utilities, something also voiced by Pfaff. Check out the TribStar for more coverage, or become a paid subscriber to receive my notes in your inbox.

There’s no replacing a good immigration lawyer, but they’re overburdened and can be too expensive to access for folks who desperately need them. With the camps filling up, the National Immigration Project is trying to make it easier for us to fight for our people. They’ve developed a new app called DetentionHelp with the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project and Human Rights First, designed to allow non-attorney advocates, loved ones and community members to assist folks held in detention with filling out a pro se habeas application. This coming Monday, they’re holding a training for community defenders on how to use this new tool at 7PM ET. You can sign up to learn more and spread the word to anyone you think would be interested!

ZuckOff, a free Bluetooth detection app built by 30-year-old Polish developer Pawel Szydlowski, will tell you whether there is a pair of smart glasses in the room with you. Camera glasses announce themselves over Bluetooth. ZuckOff listens for that and tells you when Ray-Ban Meta, Oakley Meta, Snap Spectacles or similar hardware is nearby. Nothing leaves your phone and there is no account.

Meta’s smart glasses have had a hefty share of scrutiny over the past few months. Unsolicited filming is a growing public safety concern, with venues like schools and cinemas increasingly banning their usage outright. The recording indicator light on these glasses have proven fairly easy to defeat with a bit of tape, allowing a growing number of wearers to record without being detected. Roughly seven million pairs of Meta’s smart glasses were sold in 2025.

visit the Blue812News Local Events calendar to see all upcoming events

Monday, September 21st at 6pm: Indivisible CommUnity meeting. Every big change starts with a local conversation. Whether you want to share a new concept, listen in, or find ways to get involved locally, there is a place at the table for you! Vigo County Public Library (Rooms AB&C) 6-7:30PM

Tuesday, September 22nd at 6pm: The League of Women Voters’ candidate forum series: Vigo County Council & Commissioner candidates at the Vigo County Public Library from 6-7:45pm. Paid subscribers get my comprehensive notes!

Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:30pm: Terre Haute City Council budget discussion between the mayor, comptroller and council in the City Hall courtroom.. No public-comment period.

Wednesday, September 23rd at 6pm: Democracy and Canvass - Join Kacey Blundell- State Senate District 38 and other candidates for a night of art and conversation! You’ve heard of cookies and canvas, now join us for Democracy and Canvas! No artistic ability required! Come create a canvas or simply enjoy good conversation with your candidates! Event is free and open to all from 6-8pm at Vigo Dems HQ (817 Wabash)

Tuesday, September 29th at 6pm: The League of Women Voters is hosting a candidate forum series at the Vigo County Public Library from 6-7:45pm. This one is for School Board & Township Trustees. Paid subscribers get my comprehensive notes!

Thursday, October 1st at 6pm: Terre Haute City Council Meeting at City Hall.

Thursday, October 1st at 6pm: Nasty Women of Vigo County meeting in Room A of the Vigo County Public Library from 6-7:30pm.

SAVE THE DATE:
Secretary of State Debate October 7, 2026, 7pm ET - Live on WFYI Public Television, streamed on WFYI’s YouTube channel, and streamed at www.indianadebatecommission.com. Hoosiers may submit questions at www.indianadebatecommission.com/submit-a-question/ through September 25, 2026.

The Postmaster General said that all work on Trump’s overhaul to the mail-in voting computer system has stopped, after the Supreme Court told them to. Kavanaugh’s decision did essentially tell Republicans to try again in 2028, so we’re not fully out of the woods yet. The Postmaster General is a guy named David Steiner, who once was a top executive at Waste Management Inc. (kind of on the nose for a Trump appointee, no?), and he reportedly has told people that he hates this job and wants to quit.

The House voted to end Trump’s war in Iran for a third time, this time with seven Republicans defecting to join Democrats – including two reps from battleground state Iowa, Rep. Zachary Nunn and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Rep. Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth. Mike Johnson had to send the House on recess until after midterms, he was so afraid it would pass!

Former VP Mike Pence has no plans to run for president.

A judge halted a commercial logging project that threatened the Indiana Bats’ habitat in Shawnee National Forest, violating the Endangered Species Act.

The DOJ is now 0 for 24 in its demand for your voter file. The Justice Department has sued 30 states and D.C. for unredacted voter rolls and on Thursday, a Vermont judge became the 24th to say no.

​After pivoting to planting crops under solar panels, farmer are seeing their plants “growing well for the first time.” Called agrivoltaics, the additional shade reduces evaporation and stress on the plants, all while generating clean electricity, and after solar farms in Minnesota turned the ground beneath their panels into pollinator-friendly habitats, native bee abundance rose 20-fold.

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