FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — The Indiana Township Association is against efforts to dissolve all Indiana townships.

Debbie Driskell, the executive director of the Indiana Township Association, said efforts to take away township governments will harm Hoosiers by taking away services.

“You’re removing those that were elected further from the people,” Driskell said. “So, that’s actually diminishing democracy.”

Driskell said townships have been around for centuries to protect the poor and public safety.

“Originally, township trustees were called overseers of the poor in Indiana, and we did just that,” Driskell said. “Took care of the poor, and then over time, we evolved, and now, we offer life-saving services in fire protection and EMS services.”

Townships can offer rental and mortgage assistance to residents and provide services for the homeless.

“It’s the trustee that gets our homeless folks off the street and sheltered,” Driskell said. “But, at any rate, a family can come in and make an application to have help with their rent.”

Driskell said this bill does not say which agency, if any, would be responsible for those services. The county emergency management director would manage fire and EMS services.

“That’s a big job to lay on top of a department that is already charged with some pretty important duties,” Driskell said.

Driskell said fire and EMS consolidation can be more expensive in the long run despite the effort to make government more efficient.

The bill was referred to the Committee of Local Government. It has not been heard yet.

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All eyes in the NBA has been on the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, sending Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Davis to the Dallas Mavericks. Now, fans have one question: who will be Doncic’s first opponent as a Lakers? Well, it looks like the answer is the Indiana Pacers.

According to a recent report, there is “optimism” that Doncic will debut in the purple and gold this Saturday against the Pacers. This will be the first time the Lakers and Pacers face off this season.

Additionally, an Eastern Conference rival has pulled off a massive move ahead of the trade deadline, sending away a former NBA Champion, multi-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist.

Here are some stories about the Indiana Pacers that will help you get all caught up. Click the title to see the entire story:

‘Optimism’ Luka Doncic Could Play First Lakers Game vs Pacers

Pacers Rival Pulls Off Huge Trade Ahead of Deadline

Pacers Star Named East Defensive Player of the Month

Pacers May Be Forced to Do Something For First Time In Over 20 Years

Pacers Being Linked to $94M Forward Again Before Trade Deadline

Pacers Forward Could Be Odd Man Out Heading Into Trade Deadline

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday that seeks to keep transgender women and girls from competing in school and college-level sports around the country.

Among those who joined Trump in the East Room of the White House for the signing was Indiana state Rep. Michelle Davis, a Whiteland Republican who authored a state bill banning transgender girls from youth sports.

In addition, the president thanked Sage Steele, an Indiana University graduate and former ESPN sportscaster for her support on the issue.

Under Trump’s order, federal officials could withhold funding from schools that allow transgender athletes in women’s sports and block transgender athletes from entering the United States for the 2028 Olympics.

“It’s an honor to join President Trump in protecting the integrity of women’s sports,” Davis said in a statement. “As a former athlete and mother, I know firsthand the dedication and sacrifices female athletes make to compete at the highest levels. I have fought for these protections in Indiana and am grateful for the leadership of President Trump at the federal level to ensure a level playing field for women and girls competing in sports across the country.”

Female athletes also attended the ceremony.

Davis was invited because of her past legislative actions, according to a news release. Her 2022 bill saw protests, legal challenges and a veto from then-Gov. Eric Holcomb that was later overturned by the Indiana General Assembly.

This year, Davis filed new legislation, House Bill 1041, that seeks to expand Indiana’s ban to college sports.

She was first elected to the Indiana House in 2020 and represents portions of Johnson County.

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USA TODAY contributed to this story.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X@CarloniBrittany.