Good morning, Evansville.

Evansville first responders will host the first Battle of the Badges Blood Drive on April 9th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge Meeting Room—community members will donate blood and vote for their favorite department as the Fire and Police Departments challenge each other—to help meet patient needs.

The 17th Annual Homeless Connect of Southwest Indiana is held today at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, offering services like housing, legal advice, birth certificates, employment help, health screenings, hair cuts & recovery groups.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During Wednesday's Board of Park Commissioners meeting, Evansville Parks and Recreation announced that a new splash pad at Tepe Park will begin installation this spring and will open soon after completion.

Plans for new play spaces at Garvin Park and Fulton Park — funded by the $24 million Parks Bond passed in 2024 — were also revealed.

A second teen, 16-year-old Derrick Brifil, was arrested Tuesday afternoon on Lodge Ave—he faces charges of murder, robbery and child in possession of a gun in connection with a drug deal gone wrong that left 19-year-old Dalton Collins dead and another man injured, with both teens held in jail without bond.

Evansville experienced thunderstorms starting Wednesday evening and will face 8—10 inches of rain with heavy flash flooding risks through Saturday night as the National Weather Service warned to take cover quickly.

Other parts of the Tri-State are under high risk for severe storms with a 30—44% chance of tornadoes in western Kentucky and southern Illinois.

The EPA is testing soil and will remove contaminated soil from 350 yards in several Evansville neighborhoods on the west and south sides as part of an ongoing lead and arsenic cleanup—work that follows earlier findings of widespread contamination.

The Dream Center Evansville will host Love Your Neighbor Day on April 12th from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.—a community event to cover topsoil with mulch and inform residents about the risks.

Evansville City Council President Ben Trockman will host a town hall on Saturday, April 5 at noon at McCollough Library to discuss current issues and future plans for the city’s east side—residents, business owners and community members may join an open discussion with leaders from various city departments.

Birmingham Bulls vs. Evansville Thunderbolts

7-11 p.m. — Ford Center — Cost varies — Wear your cowboy boots and flannels to show off your country side at this exciting hockey match.

Dueling Pianos Night at Warehouse 410

8-11:30 p.m. — Warehouse 410 — 21+ event — Experience a high-energy night of music and comedy featuring electrifying dueling pianos.

MD Wildcat 5K Run/Walk

7-9 p.m. — Garvin Park — Entry fee varies — Participate in a community run/walk to support the Mater Dei Marching Band.

Wolfe's Collector Car & Memorabilia Sale

9 a.m. — Wolfe's Auto Auction — $20 weekend pass (children free) — Celebrate classic cars and collectibles with auctions, food, and community spirit.

World Ballet Company - The Great Gatsby

7-8:30 p.m. — Old National Events Plaza — Tickets required — Experience the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties through a captivating ballet rendition of The Great Gatsby.

Ralph Shayne • SPEAK: An Explorative Lecture Series

7-8 p.m. — Victory Theatre — Free entry — Engage with innovative ideas in an educational lecture featuring Ralph Shayne.

Love Our City: Festival of Nations

5-8 p.m. — Old National Events Plaza — Free entry — Join teams to uplift the community through volunteering opportunities such as clean-ups and home projects for the elderly.

Innovate WithIN Pitch Competition

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Old National Bank — Free entry — Experience the creativity of young entrepreneurs as they pitch innovative business ideas.

Taking Steps for Autism Walk & 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Vanderburgh 4-H Center — Registration fees apply — Participate in a supportive community event for autism awareness and run or walk for a great cause.

Woman Arise 25: ASCEND

7 PM - 10 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Evansville — $89 — Experience transformative worship and teachings at this year's empowering women's conference.