Indiana flood warnings and storm damage, IMPD officer alleged misuse of Flock camera, Deery raises questions on overturned primary win, IPEC Director salary, Chicago Bears site update

WFYI Podcasts are brought to you by Gregory and Appel Insurance. Dedicated to helping people and businesses navigate the complexities of risk management, employee benefits, and private client insurance. More at GregoryAppel.com. WFYI podcasts are sponsored by Sun King Brewery, home of sunlight cream ale. More information at sunkingbrewing.com, fresh local beer. This is WFYI News Now, and I'm Sarah Neal Estes. It's Friday, August 14th, and here are today's Central Indiana and statewide stories. Flash floods are forecast today across the state with severe warnings along the White River in central Indiana. Travel advisories are in place, and Jeremy Rubin reports the storms have already damaged many roads. Officials say the worst of the damage happened in Wayne County on the state's eastern border. State Road 38 and I-70 had actual sections of the roads swept away in the torrential downpour and ensuing floods. I-70 is projected to open within 48 hours of the storm's passing. The Indiana's Department of Transportation says repairs on State Road 38 will take more time, possibly up to two weeks. Some Muncie residents were evacuated from the south side of the city after heavy rain flooded homes, and multiple roads were flooded in Marion County, making them impassable until the water receded. Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency in response to storm and flood damage. Live updates about roads around the state can be found at 511in.org. I'm Jeremy Rubin. Storm impacts also include severe power outages. In northwest Indiana, thousands of Nipsco energy customers are still without power, and crews are expected to work into next week to restore it. In Indianapolis, an IMPD officer is under criminal investigation for using the license plate reading flock cameras for personal use. The department said in a statement, quote, technology itself is not the problem, misuses. It revoked the officer's police powers and said IMPD chief Tanya Terry recommended termination. He is suspended and his access to the surveillance system is revoked. Did a conflict of interest flip election results in a Republican state Senate race? State Senator Spencer Deary is questioning connections between the recount commission that overturned his win and the Trump-backed candidate he opposed. Ben Thorpe reports. Hoosier Leadership for America is a dark money group connected to U.S. Senator Jim Banks. The group took out roughly $1 million in ads supporting Paula Copenhaver, Deary's Republican primary opponent. Deary is also raising questions about Paul Mullen, a member of the recount commission with ties to Senator Banks. Mullen was sitting in judgment of a campaign financed by his longtime friend's organization, essentially. And so I think the public deserves to know as much as we can about that relationship. Derry is expected to challenge the recount's decision in court. Paul Mullen declined to comment for this story. I'm Ben Thorpe.

Public schools in Indianapolis will face considerable changes in the next few years. A new mayor-appointed board will make decisions on transportation and school closures. Caroline Beck reports on how much the board's first executive director will be paid. Kariga Rausch will be earning an annual salary of $285,000 and is expected to begin his work on September 17th. The salary was based on the board's research of what surrounding school superintendents and municipal corporation presidents are paid. Rauch will be responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation. He will oversee its work as it begins to make decisions affecting transportation, finances, and possible school closed. in the city. Rauch's initial pay contract also includes a $200 per month cell phone allowance, and the board can reimburse him for allowable expenses. I'm Caroline Beck in Indianapolis. And for our last story today, the Chicago Bears say they remain focused on Hammond for a future stadium site. Michael Gatlinberger reports. Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren says the team continues to have occasional meetings with Illinois lawmakers, but its sole focus remains on building a stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana. We've been working diligently to complete all of the topographical studies, the geographical studies, environmental studies, in addition to assembling the land that's needed. During a press conference Thursday, Warren said a lost marsh site was found to be viable, while due diligence continues on a nearby Wolf Lake terminal site. I'm Michael Gallenberger in Elkhart.

That's all for this episode of WFYI News Now. Our podcast is produced by Zach Bundy with support from the news team at WFYI and public media journalists across the state. Kendall Antron produced our music. And if you liked today's episode, remember to subscribe and share and follow WFYI on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to get the latest updates from our newsroom anytime. I'm Sarah Neal Estes. Thank you for listening and we'll see you Monday. WFYI Podcasts are sponsored by Sun King Brewery, home of sunlight cream ale. More information at sunkingbrewing.com, fresh local beer.