AGP Executive Report

Election Oversight: With Election Day nearing, the Justice Department plans to send monitors to Lake and Marion counties, drawing questions from Indiana Senate Democrats. Secretary of state candidate Greg Ballard is also asking a judge to compel the Election Commission to hear campaign-finance complaints before Nov. 3; a ruling is expected Monday. Jobs & Economy: Gov. Mike Braun announced nearly $19 million in federal workforce-training grants as Indiana’s unemployment rate rose in September. Fort Wayne’s Northern Indiana Anodize is expanding, and River View Farms’ Orleans expansion could add up to 63 jobs. Infrastructure & Energy: The state approved $19.1 million for local roads, while Sen. Jim Banks announced a $3 million federal rail grant for northeast Indiana. Indiana’s agricultural task force also recommended creating a cabinet-level secretary of agriculture who would report directly to the governor.

City Budgets: Jasper approved a $29.52 million 2027 budget and gave initial approval to water-rate hikes that would add about $7.84 a month for a typical household next year. Election Watch: The Justice Department plans to monitor voting in Marion and Lake counties on Election Day, as early voting expands in Allen County and Hoosiers prepare to decide a bail-reform amendment. Schools: A Randolph County judge ruled a state law targeting Union School Corp.’s closure unconstitutional, allowing the district to remain open. Flood Recovery: FEMA has sent more than $150 million to nearly 40,000 eastern Indiana households; eligible residents must apply by Sunday. Business and Infrastructure: Indiana approved nearly $19 million for local roads, while a federal grant of up to $3.2 million will fund rail upgrades across Wells, Huntington and Grant counties. More than 50 counties are also restricting data centers as proposals raise questions about energy and land use. Fever Shake-up: President Kelly Krauskopf has stepped down and general manager Amber Cox was fired after Indiana’s first-round playoff exit, leaving the franchise with major leadership decisions ahead.

Election Watch: Indiana’s secretary of state race drew a fresh national spotlight after President Trump endorsed Republican Max Engling against Democrat Beau Bayh. The Justice Department will monitor voting in Marion and Lake counties, while Attorney General Todd Rokita filed felony voter-fraud charges against a Terre Haute resident. State & Economy: Indiana unemployment stayed below the national average in September. Gov. Mike Braun also announced nearly $19 million in federal workforce-training grants and $19.1 million for local road projects. Data Centers & Power: More than 50 Indiana counties are restricting data centers amid debate over their impact. Separately, AEP, Amazon and X-energy are exploring a proposed nuclear plant in Indiana, and the Navy selected a microreactor prototype for Crane. Agriculture: Indiana Farm Bureau’s 2027 agenda calls for rural investment, tax relief and stronger food-system resilience. Indianapolis also hosted the National FFA Convention, drawing about 70,000 visitors. Local Governance: Columbus City Council voted to expand its downtown social district, potentially bringing the historic Inn at Irwin Gardens into the zone. Women’s Basketball: Fever president Kelly Krauskopf is stepping down after helping build the franchise and lead it to its 2012 championship.

Election 2026: Secretary of State candidates Beau Bayh and Max Engling clashed over who should investigate outgoing incumbent Diego Morales, while the Justice Department says it will monitor voting in Marion and Lake counties. Storm Recovery: Hoosiers affected by August flooding have until Sunday to apply for FEMA assistance; more than 60,000 people statewide have filed applications. Jobs & Business: Indiana’s unemployment rate remained below the national average, but exports to China fell 43.6% last year, among the steepest declines nationwide. The state also secured nearly $19 million for workforce training and apprenticeships. Data Centers: More than 50 Indiana counties are restricting data centers as local officials weigh new rules and residents raise concerns about development. Hoosier Sports: Tyrese Haliburton returned from an Achilles injury with 23 points and 12 assists to lead the Pacers past New Orleans. No. 6 Indiana football heads to Michigan on Saturday seeking a rare second straight win in the rivalry.

Election Enforcement: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced felony charges against a Vigo County man accused of registering and voting in six elections while ineligible; the case is the state’s first prosecution of a noncitizen for illegal voting, his office says. Courts: A federal appeals court declined to reconsider a ruling blocking Indiana from punishing Planned Parenthood for telling minors about legal out-of-state abortion care. Hoosier Economy: Gov. Mike Braun announced nearly $19 million in federal workforce-training grants, while Indiana advanced $19.1 million for local roads. A separate $7.9 million federal grant will replace aging rail and improve crossing safety in southern Indiana. Energy and Industry: The Navy selected Radiant Industries to deploy a prototype microreactor at Crane, as Indiana explores other nuclear projects to meet rising power demand. Data center rules are also spreading: more than half of Indiana counties now restrict such developments. Schools: A Knox County district says lunch debt has reached $10,000 as fewer students qualify automatically for free meals following federal SNAP cuts.

Election Watch: Indiana’s early-voting satellite centers open Oct. 24 ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Attorney General Todd Rokita has also filed five felony counts against a Terre Haute resident accused of registering and voting illegally; the allegations have not been proven. Data Centers and Energy: More than half of Indiana counties now restrict data centers as concerns grow over their resource demands. NiSource and Microsoft have reached a long-term power deal for a La Porte data center, while Gov. Mike Braun has announced a nuclear-energy partnership with a Canadian firm. Utility Costs: Aqua Indiana’s proposed sewer rate increase could raise typical monthly bills by at least $10; lawmakers are pressing for another public hearing as regulators weigh the request. Storm Recovery: Hoosiers affected by August storms and flooding have until Oct. 25 to apply for FEMA aid. The state has also advanced $19.1 million for local road work and another gas-tax-holiday reimbursement.

Road Funding: Indiana approved $19.1 million for local roads as part of the state’s fourth gas-tax-holiday reimbursement, while the State Board of Finance also advanced a $70 million highway-fund transfer. Election Watch: With Nov. 3 approaching, corruption ranks as a top concern for one in four Indiana voters. Comptroller candidates are vying for the office that oversees state payments, tax distributions and the public spending portal. Data Centers & Energy: Proposed data centers are becoming a flashpoint in local politics, with residents raising environmental concerns near Fort Wayne and officials weighing zoning rules. Indiana is also considering a 6-gigawatt nuclear project, whose backers say it could boost grid supply and lower bills. City Budgets: Indianapolis approved a $1.9 billion budget that includes $400 million for public safety, drawing Republican opposition over unmet priorities. Household Costs: Midwest inflation reached 4.2% in September, above the national 3.7%, with gasoline prices up sharply year over year. Hoosier Sports: No. 6 Indiana heads to Michigan seeking a rebound after Ohio State ended its 22-game winning streak.

State Investment: Gov. Mike Braun announced new defense-sector projects and investments across Indiana, while the state approved $19.1 million for local road work. Energy & Data Centers: AEP, Amazon and X-energy are studying a 960-megawatt nuclear project at a retired Sullivan County power plant to meet rising electricity demand. Near Fort Wayne, residents plan to discuss concerns about Google’s data-center expansion, including diesel generators, wetlands and utility costs. Workforce: Spencer County leaders are exploring ways to expand child care, with 908 young children needing care but only 290 regulated seats available. Election Watch: One in four Indiana voters say government corruption is a top concern ahead of Nov. 3; local races are also putting public trust and state spending in focus. Local Projects: Fort Wayne City Council approved more than $2.5 million for neighborhood street and sidewalk improvements.

Road Funding: Indiana approved $19.1 million in gas-tax-holiday reimbursements for local governments, part of a $103 million statewide payment for road and bridge funds. Energy and Growth: Amazon and AEP are exploring a 960-megawatt small modular nuclear project in Indiana, while Microsoft signed a 20-year power deal tied to a planned data center campus. The projects add to growing scrutiny of data centers’ effects on utilities and communities. Wildlife Alert: Bird flu was confirmed in geese in Hamilton County and blue-winged teal in Greene County; state officials advise avoiding sick or dead birds. Indianapolis Budget: The City-County Council passed a 2027 budget that includes $400 million for public safety. State Politics: Republicans are favored to retain their Indiana Senate supermajority, though Democrats are targeting two competitive seats. Fayette County candidate Jaime West acknowledged drinking three beers before a televised forum that drew widespread attention. Colts: Indianapolis fired general manager Chris Ballard after a 2-4 start and a loss to Tennessee.

Colts Shake-Up: Indianapolis fired general manager Chris Ballard after the team blew a 13-point lead to Tennessee and fell to 2–4. Assistant GM Ed Dodds will oversee player personnel for now. Indianapolis Budget: The City-County Council approved Mayor Joe Hogsett’s $1.9 billion 2027 budget. It boosts police and public-works spending while cutting some food-access and jail-reentry programs. Power and Growth: Amazon, AEP and X-energy are studying a proposed 960-megawatt nuclear project in Indiana; NiSource also signed a 20-year power deal tied to a planned Microsoft data center. Voting: Early voting is underway, with partisan labels appearing beside some school board candidates for the first time. Voters should check their selections, since straight-ticket voting may not cover every school board race. Rural Health: Parkview Health plans to acquire Ovation Healthcare, which supports more than 500 health organizations, as it develops a broader rural-health platform.

Energy & Investment: Amazon, AEP and X-energy are studying a 960-megawatt small-reactor project at the retired Breed coal plant in Sullivan County. Amazon would buy the power if the project proceeds; AEP says it will assess costs for customers. Separately, Microsoft and NiSource have signed a 20-year power deal for a planned Northern Indiana data center. Small Business: Gov. Mike Braun and Ivy Tech Bloomington launched a pilot to help businesses in Orange and Martin counties assess their value and plan for growth or ownership changes. Indiana Politics: Candidates for state treasurer differ on transparency and state investments, while a recent poll found government corruption a leading concern for Hoosier voters. Colts: Indianapolis fired general manager Chris Ballard after the team’s 2-4 start and loss to the previously winless Titans; the search for his successor begins immediately. Hoosier Football: Ohio State edged Indiana 19-15, ending the Hoosiers’ 22-game winning streak.

State Elections: Indiana treasurer candidates Coumba Kebe and Daniel Elliott differ on transparency and state investments. Kebe says financial reports should be easier to understand and the office should do more public outreach. A recent poll found government corruption is a top concern for one in four Hoosier voters. Indiana Business: Fort Wayne-based Parkview Health has agreed to acquire Ovation Healthcare, which provides support services to more than 500 health organizations nationwide. The price was not disclosed, and the deal awaits regulatory review. Public Health: Indiana’s measles count reached 45 by Oct. 16, including eight cases in Adams County and 14 in Wayne County. Travel and Industry: Air Canada plans to launch nonstop service between Montreal and Indianapolis next summer. Indianapolis-based Telix is also collaborating on plans to expand U.S. production of astatine-211, a scarce isotope being studied for cancer treatment.

Hoosiers: Ohio State edged Indiana 19-15 in Bloomington, ending the Hoosiers’ 22-game winning streak and handing them their first loss since 2024. Politics and Voting: New polling points to growing dissatisfaction with President Trump and Gov. Mike Braun, with government corruption a leading concern for Hoosiers. IU groups are working to boost student turnout ahead of Nov. 3; Indiana had the nation’s lowest youth turnout in the 2022 midterms. Data Center Debate: Microsoft and NiSource signed a 20-year power agreement for a planned Northern Indiana data center campus, as officials debate how data centers should cover their energy costs. Storm Recovery: Braun announced low-interest loans for Indiana residents and businesses affected by June’s severe weather, while the state is also developing a housing plan for people displaced by August’s disaster. Public Safety: An Indiana family is accused of stealing nearly $375,000 in copper from interstate construction projects.

Hoosiers Football: Ohio State edged Indiana 19-15 in Bloomington, ending the Hoosiers’ 22-game winning streak. Indiana had a chance to win late, but Nick Marsh stepped out of bounds on a would-be touchdown catch. Public Safety: Several people were injured when a deck collapsed at an off-campus Bloomington home Friday night; officials have not released details on the injuries. Farming and Fuel: A federal directive expands access to tax-exempt dyed diesel through year’s end, and Indiana’s governor has made a similar move. The change offers relief to farmers facing high fuel costs but does not eliminate the diesel tax. Business and Energy: Microsoft and NiSource struck a 20-year power deal for a planned Northern Indiana data center campus. Election 2026: More than 100 people rallied outside Indiana’s governor’s residence to encourage early voting ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Noblesville Investigation: Police arrested five men in an online predator operation; all face preliminary child-solicitation charges, and two also face human-trafficking charges.

College Football: No. 5 Indiana hosts No. 4 Ohio State in a high-stakes Big Ten rematch. The unbeaten Hoosiers bring a six-game winning streak into the matchup after beating the Buckeyes in last season’s conference title game. Data Centers & Power: NiSource and Microsoft signed a 20-year deal to supply power to Microsoft’s planned La Porte data center, adding 1,100 megawatts from 2028. NiSource projects $1.75 billion in savings for existing customers, while data-center growth is drawing scrutiny over electricity costs and tax breaks. State Politics: Recent polls point to voter discontent: one found Indiana voters disapprove of President Trump, Gov. Mike Braun and data centers; another found government corruption is a leading concern. Storm Recovery: Braun announced low-interest federal loans for residents and businesses hit by June storms and flooding, with assistance available in affected and neighboring counties.

Hoosier Politics: A new poll found 54% of likely voters disapprove of President Trump, while many Hoosiers are also unhappy with the state’s direction and data centers. Secretary of State Race: Democrat Beau Bayh leads Republican Max Engling 43% to 35% in a new poll; campaign filings show Bayh also outspent his rivals. Election Security: Marion County’s clerk is correcting viral false claims that poll-worker marks can invalidate ballots, noting state law requires those marks. Power and Growth: NiSource expanded its 20-year deal to supply Microsoft’s Indiana campus, projecting $1.75 billion in customer savings, as data-center power and water use draw scrutiny. Rural Jobs: River View Farms plans to expand in Orleans, potentially adding 63 jobs by 2029.