AGP Executive Report

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark is set to start her third straight WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago, joined by Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, while the league’s voting process is also drawing heat after reports that only about 85 of roughly 180 players submitted ballots and some Sparks players didn’t receive their forms. Local Sports Culture: Angel Reese called it “disrespectful” that the Atlanta Dream had no starters named, adding to the ongoing debate around the 30th anniversary marketing and player recognition. Indiana Economy & Jobs: A new Federal Reserve look at entry-level hiring points to tougher job searches for young Hoosiers, with AI cited as a factor behind shifting skill demands. Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension again, keeping prices among the lowest in the nation while local governments press for reimbursement clarity. Business: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65B, expanding its Midwest and Mid-Atlantic footprint including stores in Indiana. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Wabash opened a $12M railroad overpass aimed at reducing train-crossing delays and collision risks.

Independence Day & Local Economy: Fort Wayne fireworks retailers say sales are up about 20% as Indiana’s 250th birthday boosts foot traffic and first-time buyers. Statehouse Watch: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax holiday through Aug. 6, keeping pump prices among the lowest in the nation, while warning any further extensions would need lawmakers’ OK. Sports (WNBA): The WNBA named Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell as 2026 All-Star starters for July 25 in Chicago. Immigration Enforcement: The warden of Indiana’s Miami Correctional Facility, which houses ICE detainees, resigned after years marked by staffing shortages and strained community relations. Public Safety: Federal agents are offering a $5,000 reward in the east-side Indianapolis shooting death of rapper “Lil E” (Eric Butler). Workforce Training: Indiana is opting into new Workforce Pell Grants to fund faster, direct-to-workforce training at Ivy Tech and Vincennes University. Animal Welfare: Indianapolis Animal Care Services is investigating after a dog died from severe heat stroke, with staff procedure failures cited.

NBA Blockbuster: Boston traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George and draft picks, a move that reshapes the East fast. Indiana Politics: Gov. Mike Braun appointed three new IU trustees—Matty Ferguson, Steve Henke and Mel Raines—replacing trustees whose terms expired. State Watch: New Indiana laws kicked in, including earlier eligibility for driver’s licenses at 16 and changes tied to immigration enforcement and animal-in-hot-car protections. Local Governance: Officials in Jeffersonville say they still have questions about the Second Street/Clark Memorial Bridge plans and want clearer answers from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Health & Costs: A new look at hospital pricing argues higher costs are squeezing paychecks and driving up premiums. Workforce & Education: Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant is restricting new applications as demand outpaces funding, prioritizing certain students. Business: Kroger announced plans to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, keeping the Giant Eagle name for stores. Weather: Extreme heat advisories were in place ahead of July 4 events in Indianapolis.

Groceries & Jobs: Kroger is buying Giant Eagle for $1.65B, expanding its Midwest footprint; Kroger says it plans price cuts, while shoppers in the region are watching for what changes next. Utilities & Cost of Living: Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission member David Veleta resigned, giving Gov. Mike Braun a new opening to reshape the five-person panel as energy prices stay a top concern. State Politics: Rep. Beau Baird landed summer interim committee roles, including chair of the Interim Study Committee on Environmental Affairs. Public Safety & Housing: Indiana’s ban on public camping is now in effect, raising worries from sheriffs that it could push homelessness cases into jail overcrowding. Local Government: Jeffersonville reported a second road collapse on Gateway Drive after a storm pipe failure, with repairs expected next week. Sports: Purdue named Mitch Daniels interim president again after Mung Chiang’s abrupt exit. Business Growth: Do it Best and True Value are centralizing their headquarters in Fort Wayne’s Electric Works district. Health: Healthier Moms and Babies trained 10 community-based doulas to serve Allen County families.

Heat Safety & Local Life: Central Indiana pools are opening for the 2026 season, with officials urging residents to hydrate and watch for heat illness during ongoing excessive heat warnings. Property Taxes: Indiana’s assessed values rose about 10% statewide from 2025 to 2026, with residential up 7.3% and bigger jumps for commercial and industrial properties, setting the stage for 2027 property tax bills. Health Coverage Pressure: Indiana hospitals are seeing more emergency visits as more Hoosiers go uninsured or shift to high-deductible plans, raising concerns about delayed care and higher costs. Statehouse Watch: Gov. Mike Braun says he’ll decide whether to extend Indiana’s gas tax suspension before it expires July 7, while also moving to reimburse local governments for lost revenue. WNBA Fallout: Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas says she’s received death threats and racial slurs after her suspension tied to a throat-contact incident involving Caitlin Clark, and she criticized WNBA leadership over player safety. Community & Education: Centerville-Abington schools are dropping Cognia accreditation to save money, while continuing internal reporting to meet state and district goals.

New Indiana laws take effect July 1: The state rolls out major changes, including a “bell-to-bell” school cellphone ban and a crackdown on camping/sleeping on public property, plus the FAIRNESS Act aimed at illegal employment and requiring local cooperation with ICE. Local government funding: Gov. Mike Braun directed Indiana to reimburse cities and counties for revenue lost during the gas tax holiday. Immigration enforcement fight: Attorney General Todd Rokita is pushing the FAIRNESS Act in Mishawaka and is also in a dispute with Merrillville over ICE-related actions. Utility costs and oversight: Braun is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission after Commissioner David Veleta’s resignation, amid scrutiny of recent rate decisions. Heat and public safety: Extreme heat advisories continue, with cooling centers and beach safety tips highlighted across the region. Sports headlines with Indiana ties: Alyssa Thomas says she received death threats and racial slurs after her WNBA suspension tied to a Caitlin Clark incident; and Indiana’s school board races are heating up as multiple candidates file.

Statehouse & Taxes: Gov. Mike Braun has ordered Indiana to reimburse local governments for road funding lost during the spring gas tax suspension, with a July 21 request expected to send payments within a week. Public Safety: The National Weather Service issued a statewide heat advisory through July 2, warning of heat index values up to 108 degrees and urging Hoosiers to limit outdoor work and watch for heat illness. Local Government & Immigration: Indiana AG Todd Rokita says Merrillville officials interfered with ICE real estate deals, threatening legal action if “sabotage” continues. Education Policy: New Indiana rules taking effect July 1 require students to keep cellphones and wireless devices out of sight and stored away for the full school day, with limited exceptions. Politics & Campaigns: Secretary of state hopeful Greg Ballard said he narrowly avoided a crash during a campaign trip after another driver ran a red light. Business & Health: R1 Therapeutics announced a Scientific Advisory Board for its kidney drug program, as it advances AP306 into Phase 2b development. Community & Culture: A Covington native, Chuck Jones, received the Sagamore of the Wabash from Gov. Braun.

Education & Work-Based Learning: Indiana University Northwest is partnering with CorePlacement Personnel Services through Parker Dewey micro-internships, giving students paid, short-term real workplace experience to help employers spot attitude and fit. Local Development: Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens “Up Top” building is set to return to use as an after-school center after approval to convert the historic 1945 structure into classrooms, a gym and meeting space. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Indiana AG Todd Rokita says Merrillville is “sabotaging” a new ICE detention facility and threatens a lawsuit, escalating the fight over local obstruction of federal enforcement. New Indiana Laws July 1: More than 100 bills signed by Gov. Mike Braun take effect, including major changes for schools and youth, such as phone limits and tighter social media rules. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Jeffersonville closed 8th Street after a road collapse; crews are investigating. Economy & Cost of Living: Indiana Farm Bureau reports July 4 cookout basket prices are down about 7% from last year. Sports & Community: Fort Wayne FC and the TinCaps mark Independence Day with games and fireworks, with added security planning for large crowds.

Recycling Funding: Indiana is opening grant applications for the Recycling Market Development Program, offering $50,000 to $500,000 for projects that boost collection or use of recyclables, cut waste to disposal, and strengthen community partnerships; proposals are due July 29. Indiana Economy & Taxes: New state data shows Indiana assessed values rose about 10% from 2025 to 2026, with residential up 7.3% and bigger jumps for commercial and industrial property—fueling fresh debate over how the market-based assessment system works. Elections Watch: A new Indiana GOP secretary of state nominee, Max Engling, is positioning his campaign around election administration and voter policy changes, including audits and early voting rules. Homelessness Rules: After the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, more states and cities have tightened enforcement; Indiana’s ban on unauthorized camping, sleeping, and sheltering on public land takes effect in July. Business & Growth: Kite Realty Group announced a $300 million private offering of exchangeable senior notes due 2032. STEM Spotlight: Make48’s national STEM competition is set to air starting July 1, with a Red Wing team among the featured competitors.

Northwest Indiana Stadium Watch: The Chicago Bears are testing land near Hammond’s Wolf Lake, with soil-drilling spotted at Wolf Lake Terminal as the team weighs sites for a new stadium and mixed-use district. The Bears say it’s part of “normal site evaluation,” while the project still hinges on additional local taxes and approvals. Heat & Safety: An extreme heat warning is set for Chicago-area counties, and a heat advisory is also in effect for parts of northwest Indiana (Lake, Porter, Newton and Jasper). Officials warn of dangerous heat index values and urge hydration and staying cool. Severe Weather Fallout: Kentucky flooding tied to heavy rain has killed four people, with Gov. Andy Beshear declaring a state of emergency; the National Weather Service also flagged flooding risks for parts of Indiana. Indiana Sports Buzz: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham explained the viral pointing moment involving DeWanna Bonner after a heated game incident at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Community & Health: The American Red Cross of Wisconsin named Indiana native Melinda Lanham as Regional Chief Development Officer.

WNBA Spotlight in Indiana: The Fever’s Sophie Cunningham is defending Caitlin Clark after a viral 22-second finger-pointing moment at Phoenix’s DeWanna Bonner, saying it started with her questioning why Clark got a technical while Bonner didn’t. Fever on the Court: With Clark out for a back issue, Indiana beat the Los Angeles Sparks 111-87, led by Kelsey Mitchell’s 26 points and Aliyah Boston’s 17. League Fallout: Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas was suspended for one game after a Flagrant 2 on Clark, and the debate over officiating and physicality is still heating up, including a cryptic post from Tiffany Hayes. Public Safety: IMPD reported three men injured in related shootings on Indianapolis’ near northeast side early Sunday morning. Weather Disaster Nearby: Kentucky’s governor declared a state of emergency after flash flooding killed four people, with warnings also affecting parts of Indiana. Local Government/Utilities: Deerfield approved a generator replacement for its Well House 3 system to keep water operations running during outages.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: Sophie Cunningham’s viral 22-second pointing stare-down at Phoenix’s DeWanna Bonner is fueling fresh debate after Fever-Mercury tensions, with Cunningham also defending Caitlin Clark and saying players are “targeting” Clark while officials “do absolutely nothing.” Sports Betting Policy: The Indiana Gaming Commission tabled an NCAA request to ban player-specific college prop bets, keeping game-outcome wagers legal while pushing the decision to September. Public Safety: Indy TSA officers intercepted two live smoke grenades hidden in checked luggage at Indianapolis International Airport, including one inside a peanut butter jar. Flooding Watch: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed four deaths from flash flooding tied to heavy storms, with warnings also affecting parts of Indiana. Local Justice & Care: Porter County is adding an occupational therapist to its juvenile detention reentry outreach program, funded by a $143,000 state grant. Community Spotlight: A Bob Ross original painting tied to “The Joy of Painting” is set for auction June 30 to benefit Ball State PBS in Muncie.

Hoosier Politics: Indy Democrats are pushing a modest ethics change after an investigation into Mayor Joe Hogsett’s campaign practices, including a proposed one-year “cooling off” period for senior officials. State Policy: Republican Rep. J.D. Prescott is floating a plan to end Indiana’s property tax system and replace it with a 7% sales tax on services, aiming to shift local funding for schools, public safety and infrastructure. Local Business: Velvet Plum Vintage & Consignments in Noblesville says it will close July 15 after downtown construction and sales drops made it impossible to keep the storefront open. Public Safety & Health: Indiana SNAP payment errors are rising, increasing the chance the state could be on the hook for benefits. Community & Education: Indiana FFA wrapped up its state convention with new officers and service projects, including packing thousands of meals for Hoosiers facing food insecurity. Higher Ed: An IU doctoral student is suing over alleged retaliation tied to pro-Palestine advocacy.

Buttigieg Hoax: Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says Michigan authorities responded to an anonymous “false report” alleging he posed a danger to his 4-year-old twins; police and Child Protective Services interviewed the kids and later determined the claim was false. Concert Noise Rules: In Hope, new limits will cap concert sound levels at Creekbend Co., after years of resident pushback and a negotiated agreement. School Fees in Allen County: Several Allen County districts are again charging parents $40–$60 per child for consumable classroom materials, aiming to protect budgets for teachers. SNAP Accuracy Worry: Indiana’s SNAP payment error rate rose to 9.77%, raising the risk the state could owe up to $140M annually if accuracy doesn’t improve. Storm Recovery Reporting: Putnam County EMA is urging residents and businesses to report June storm damage through Indiana 211 to strengthen eligibility for state and federal aid. Local Grants: The Putnam County Community Foundation announced 2026 Community Impact Grant awards totaling over $230,000. Death Penalty Update: Indiana’s new Westville Correctional Facility is reportedly built to support both lethal injection and firing squads, even though state law currently authorizes only lethal injection.

SNAP Crackdown in Indiana: Starting July 1, Indiana will tighten SNAP rules, including citizenship/eligible residency requirements and limits tied to “junk food” definitions—plus a judge has already blocked the restrictions, setting up a legal fight over whether Indiana must roll them back. Data Centers vs. Costs: U.S. Rep. André Carson joined Sanders and AOC on a bill to pause data center development until guardrails are in place, as Indiana counties and residents keep pushing back over energy use and neighborhood impacts. AI Workforce Push: Former Gov. Eric Holcomb is launching RAISE US, a national effort backed by major tech and employers to retrain workers for an AI-driven economy. Indiana Politics/Elections: Indy Democrats are calling for modest ethics changes after an investigation into Mayor Joe Hogsett’s campaign, while GOP delegates chose Max Engling as the next secretary of state nominee. Utility Rates & Death Penalty: A new Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission chair shift is already tied to a major rate hike, and a new Westville prison complex is reportedly built to support both lethal injection and firing squad executions. Stalking Case: An Indianapolis man faces felony stalking charges involving Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was suspended one game and fined after a flagrant foul 2 for “recklessly” making contact with Caitlin Clark’s throat during the Fever-Mercury game in Indianapolis; the league says it happened at 6:52 in the second quarter, while Indiana coach Stephanie White called it “egregious” and said officials claimed they didn’t see it. Statehouse & Education: State Sen. Jeff Raatz will serve as vice-chair of Indiana’s interim education study committee, focusing on how Name, Image and Likeness affects high school athletes. Local Schools: Indiana Connections Academy says more than 1,000 students graduated in the Class of 2026. Public Safety: TSA at Indianapolis International Airport intercepted two live smoke grenades hidden in checked luggage, including one inside a jar of peanut butter. Economy Watch: A new CPI read shows the Midwest running hotter than the national average for May, with gasoline among the biggest drivers. Community & Business: Bloomington’s Pillar Arts is exploring buying the Herald-Times building for an integrated arts creative hub.