AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Health: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling ending Temporary Protected Status for Haitians could hit Indiana’s healthcare workforce, where about 11,000 Haitians live and thousands work in critical jobs. Statehouse & Infrastructure: Hendricks County lawmakers say more than $2.2 million in state road and bridge grants is headed to local projects through the Community Crossings program. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana’s MWBE contracting program is under fire after Gov. Braun and AG Rokita said they’ll stop enforcing it, calling it unconstitutional. Business & Agriculture: General Mills, ADM and Walmart are teaming up to expand regenerative wheat efforts across 40,000 Midwest acres. Energy & Reliability: Federal officials will grill grid operator PJM over rising electricity bills and the growing supply-demand squeeze affecting Illinois and Indiana. Sports (Hoosier): Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark is one technical foul away from a one-game suspension after her seventh. Tech & Entertainment: Amazon’s Luna cloud gaming is now built into Prime Video on Fire TV in the U.S. and UK.

WNBA Security Talks: The WNBA and the WNBPA held a videoconference Tuesday about racist, hateful, and abusive messages aimed at players, with the league pledging to keep boosting security resources and work with the union on ongoing solutions. Local Education Leadership: North Harrison Community School Corporation named Denyael Owsley as the new principal for North Harrison Elementary for the 2026-27 school year, while also approving several staffing changes. Public Safety Upgrades: Harrison County’s EMA and 911 renovations are now complete, including a new training room and updates meant to improve morale, leadership, and dispatcher hiring. Space & Jobs: Gov. Mike Braun joined Redwire executives for the grand opening of a new Georgetown facility tied to space research and microgravity work, aiming to support NASA and life sciences manufacturing. Housing Finance: Indiana Finance Authority approved low-interest housing loans totaling $25M for six communities, including Fort Wayne, to help fund up to nearly 1,500 units. Community Health Event: Bowen Health is hosting a free backpack giveaway and immunizations fair today in Fort Wayne for back-to-school needs. Sports Spotlight: Brionna Jones returned from a knee injury and made an impact for the Atlanta Dream in her season debut.

Pacers & Statehouse: Tyrese Haliburton married longtime partner Jade Jones in an Indianapolis courthouse, with a bigger Aug. 1 ceremony planned. Rural Policy: State Rep. Kendell Culp held an Indiana Rural Communities Roundtable on healthcare, high-speed broadband, childcare, and local schools to shape the 2027 legislative session. Indiana Economy: Indiana’s state budget reserves jumped 60% to about $4B, and the state is moving to reimburse local governments after the gas tax suspension with a $121M transfer. Food Safety: Indiana remains tied to the national cyclospora situation tied to lettuce distribution, as health officials track cases and updates. Business & Jobs: United Soybean Board named Courtney Knupp as incoming CEO, and Gov. Braun highlighted entrepreneurship and workforce efforts through community grants. Space & Tech: Redwire opened a new Southern Indiana research and microgravity payload facility in Georgetown.

Women’s Sports Court Fight: WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham says she’s “in the middle” after backlash over her stance on biological males in women’s sports, arguing she wants to protect young girls in locker rooms and competition. Indiana Politics & Governance: Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana child care centers have “excess capacity” and could expand if voucher funding is restored, after earlier CCDF cuts and enrollment freezes. Energy & Infrastructure: Indiana Michigan Power asked regulators to approve a new 1,520 MW natural gas plant at Rockport to meet rising demand as coal units retire. Local Business Growth: Columbus opened an Advanced Machine and Vehicle Innovation Center with $9.1M in total funding, including state and private investment. Education Policy: DeKalb Eastern schools discussed an AI policy limiting classroom use to teacher-approved purposes, with oversight and privacy safeguards. Public Safety & Courts: A Marion County judge dismissed tax charges tied to a Broad Ripple bar owner, prompting the police union to demand answers about next steps. Sports & Indiana Fans: The Fever host the Connecticut Sun Wednesday as Indiana looks to keep momentum after recent wins.

Indiana Ethics Watch: Indianapolis’ ethics commission is supposed to police city conduct, but it has met just once under Mayor Joe Hogsett—now residents are being told how to file complaints and what details they must include. Food Safety & Health: The FDA says a cyclospora lab test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, but the agency says the recall and outbreak investigation still stand as thousands of illnesses are reported nationwide. Local Economy & Growth: LaGrange County is getting READI funding for a new innovation center, and Owen County’s population growth is bucking the slowdown seen in many rural areas. Business Expansion: iSolutions is expanding its embedded payments platform into Canada, while Platinum Equity is investing in Grand Appliance to grow an independent appliance distribution network. Sports & Community: Redbud 400 drew a busy weekend in Indy, and Valparaiso University says athletics generated more than $80 million in average annual economic impact over four years.

Student Loans: A new AP look shows a record wave of borrowers entering default after pandemic-era protections ended—about 9.5 million people, or 1 in 5 federal borrowers, are now in default, raising fears of wage and Social Security garnishment. Federal Court/Local Money: An Indiana developer tied to the Mishawaka Fieldhouse project faces a federal lawsuit alleging he misused more than $2 million in taxpayer funds to buy a Florida home; prosecutors seek forfeiture of the property. Food Safety: The FDA says a prior Cyclospora lab result tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, but the agency stresses the outbreak investigation and recall guidance still stand for certain shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana and other states. Space & Industry: Redwire officially opened a new southern Indiana research and manufacturing facility in Georgetown, expanding microgravity work for space tech and life-science research. Health Coverage: New federal data finds ACA marketplace enrollment dropped by 2.6 million after enhanced premium tax credits expired, leaving millions facing higher costs or losing coverage. Youth Violence Prevention: Indianapolis-area nonprofit Mended Arrows Academy of Barbering launches its first class Aug. 11, pairing barber licensing training with mentorship and violence-prevention support.

Food Safety Fallout: Indiana is in the middle of a multistate cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell suppliers; Taco Bell pulled affected lettuce, and federal officials say a key Taylor Farms test was later ruled a “false positive,” though the recall response continues. Public Health & Consumer Alerts: The FDA/CDC-linked outbreak has sickened about 1,644 people across multiple states, with hospitalizations reported, while other food recalls keep piling up nationwide. Local Infrastructure: INDOT announced overnight I-69 lane and ramp closures in Madison County this week, with multiple stretches affected and weather-dependent scheduling. Workforce & Tech: Valgotech launched a drone battery certification training program in Indianapolis, aiming to build homegrown talent for UAV energy storage. Politics & Immigration: Activists say Greene County’s jail has held record ICE detainee numbers, fueling renewed debate over local roles in federal immigration enforcement. Indiana Business Spotlight: Healthpeak and Brookfield formed a $2.1B outpatient medical buildings joint venture that includes Indiana properties.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark’s Fever kept rolling in a 110-107 thriller over the Seattle Storm, with Clark praising Seattle’s “young core” after her record-setting 45-point, 10-assist night. Food Safety: A cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has triggered a widening recall across 27 states, including Indiana, as Taco Bell and regulators continue tracing the source. Local Government & Growth: Indiana County’s final comment deadline is Monday on possible county controls for future data-center development, as protests and pushback grow nationwide. Statehouse Culture Clash: An Indiana Statehouse food truck was removed over a slogan reading “meat in your mouth,” leaving the owner calling it censorship. Legal Fight: A federal civil lawsuit now includes 35 women accusing Central Indiana Teen Challenge/Refuge Girls Academy of forced labor, trafficking, and abuse. Sports & Community: Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson hit her 100th career point in a home win, while the Days of the Dead convention highlighted local independent horror filmmakers at Indianapolis.

Indiana Politics: The Lincoln Party is gaining traction in Indiana by placing former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on the secretary of state ballot, a move framed as part of a broader national political realignment. Local Governance: Pike Township school board president Terry Webster’s home was vandalized after a town hall, with officials stressing threats and intimidation are illegal. Recruiting & Sports: Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti landed five-star WR Monshun Sales, boosting the Hoosiers’ recruiting momentum. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark and the Fever kept rolling—Clark logged a face-hit and early technical in a win, while Kelsey Mitchell powered a 108-88 rout of the Liberty. Public Health: Taylor Farms expanded a cyclospora-linked iceberg lettuce recall to 27 states, including Indiana, as federal and state officials investigate. Environment & Weather: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed Chicago-area air quality to unhealthy levels, and northwest Indiana saw an extended alert. Business & Tech: Nationwide protests against AI data center expansion drew 142 demonstrations across 42 states.

Food Safety: The FDA says a shredded iceberg lettuce sample from Taylor Farms de Mexico tested positive for cyclospora, even though it’s not part of the company’s current recall—raising questions about whether more product could be risky. Public Health & Consumer Impact: Health officials link the outbreak to Taco Bell lettuce in Indiana and four other states, with guidance to avoid the affected shredded lettuce while investigations continue. Indiana Politics: Gov. Mike Braun moves to end Indiana’s race- and sex-based diversity contracting preferences after AG Todd Rokita’s opinion, shifting to merit-based procurement. WNBA & Indiana Fever: WNBA commissioner Adam Silver calls Caitlin Clark’s treatment a “political football,” while Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello apologizes after being suspended for calling Angel Reese a “protected species.” Local Weather: Severe storm and flood warnings remain active in parts of the Midwest and Northeast, with wildfire smoke also affecting the Chicago area. Sports: IndyCar driver David Malukas was transported to a hospital after a practice crash in Nashville.

Food Safety: The CDC says shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia is linked to a growing cyclospora outbreak, with federal officials warning people not to eat the product and tracing it to a Mexico supplier tied to Taylor Farms; Taco Bell and the supplier are moving to pull the lettuce. Local Government: Merrillville extended its data center moratorium by six months, pushing the end date to Jan. 1, 2028, as residents keep pressing for limits on new projects. Statehouse & Economy: Indiana closed fiscal year 2026 with a $1.86 billion surplus and nearly $4 billion in reserves, while Gov. Braun highlighted affordability and workforce initiatives. Infrastructure: INDOT is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, and drivers should watch for lane restrictions tied to Rockville Road utility work and I-70 bridge maintenance in Wayne County. Sports: Caitlin Clark’s Fever keep rolling after a record-setting 45-point game, with the next matchup against the New York Liberty on Saturday.

Food Safety Crisis: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations is behind a cyclospora outbreak, warning Hoosiers not to eat the lettuce in Indiana (plus Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia) as CDC and FDA trace the supply chain and Taco Bell stops using the identified supplier. Local Justice/Business: The FBI raided Westfield developer Andy Card’s home and business as federal prosecutors sought asset forfeiture tied to the Mishawaka Fieldhouse project, alleging misuse of city-financed funds. Democracy Watch: Voting-rights advocates rallied at the Indiana Statehouse to prepare for a potential redistricting fight in 2027, launching a new petition and pressing candidates on whether they’ll support midcycle map changes. Sports Spotlight: Caitlin Clark hit 200 career WNBA 3-pointers in 74 games, fastest in league history, while Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham and other WNBA stars keep drawing attention off the court. State Policy: Rep. Craig Haggard highlighted new Indiana laws taking effect this July, including tax relief for working Hoosiers and new safeguards for minors on social media. Arts & Economy: Indiana announced READI 2.0 arts and culture grants totaling more than $62 million, including major theater restoration funding in Columbus.

Public Health: The CDC and FDA say shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia is linked to the Cyclospora outbreak, with 1,644 confirmed cases and 94 hospitalizations; Taco Bell says it removed the implicated lettuce supplier and will stop using it. Sports & Politics: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Caitlin Clark “a political football,” saying the WNBA controversy isn’t mainly about officiating after reports tied him to pressure over an incident involving Alyssa Thomas. Indiana Business/Community: Zionsville homeowners are fighting a proposed gas station near Holliday Farms and U.S. 421, citing traffic, noise, and potential impacts to the Eagle Creek watershed. State Policy: Indiana’s Diversity Business Enterprises program is under fire after Gov. Mike Braun moved to eliminate race- and gender-conscious goals, with critics saying it cuts opportunities for minority- and women-owned contractors. Local Economy: LeBron James still won’t name his next team, but he’s signaling the decision is close as he appears at Fanatics Fest and CNBC’s Game Plan Summit.

State Budget: Indiana’s cash reserves jumped 60% over the past year to nearly $4 billion, as tax collections beat expectations and spending stayed tighter than planned. Energy & Utilities: Gov. Braun is pushing nuclear readiness as Indiana looks for more power for growth, while regulators move to investigate utility profits and bill charges and issue affordability action items. Local Economy & Housing: New Haven cut the ribbon on Z Place Village, a 135-unit luxury townhome complex, and Lake County approved a $10 million bond plus a $20 million cumulative fund for parks projects. Public Health: Cyclospora cases keep rising in Indiana, and federal investigators are zeroing in on lettuce tied to Taylor Farms in a Taco Bell-linked outbreak. Food Safety: General Mills recalled about 736,000 Pillsbury bread rolls over possible glass contamination, including distribution in Indiana. Business Moves: Big Brand Tire & Service announced it will acquire Belle Tire, expanding across Indiana and neighboring states. Sports & Culture: LeBron James still won’t name his next team, but says the decision is close; meanwhile, Indiana’s Monshun Sales is set to announce his college commitment Friday.

Indiana Immigration: A Supreme Court move is setting up the end of temporary legal protections for thousands of Haitians in Indiana, leaving families bracing for what comes next. Public Health: Indiana and nearby states are reporting rising cyclosporiasis cases, with officials pointing to possible food sources as investigators work to identify the outbreak. State Policy & Courts: Indiana’s “Fairness Act” fight continues after a judge sided with a sheriff over whether the law is likely unconstitutional, keeping the spotlight on how state rules interact with federal immigration enforcement. Energy & Data Centers: New analysis says data-center power demand is expected to drive billions in wholesale electricity costs across the PJM region, including Indiana—adding pressure on ratepayers. Business & Tech: Everwise Credit Union is rolling out an enterprise AI CRM platform to unify departments and speed up member service. Local Economy: A regional program in East Central Indiana is launching to help early-stage entrepreneurs get practical support and move toward formal business ownership. Sports & Culture: Caitlin Clark again called out a missed foul after a Fever game, as the national debate over her treatment keeps spilling into headlines.

Racial Justice in Sports: Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray says “enough is enough” after a Hilton Grand Vacations employee was fired for allegedly sending her a racist slur online; Gray called the harassment part of systemic racism and urged people to stop ignoring it. Local Economy & Community: Dayton-area small shops are pushing “shop local” during the holiday season, saying independent businesses keep more money circulating in the community than chains. Statehouse Infrastructure: White County and Jasper County lawmakers announced millions in Community Crossings matching grants for road and bridge work, with the next funding call set for September. Data Centers & Accountability: Indianapolis’ DC Blox project cleared a key use-variance vote despite neighborhood opposition, while Michigan leaders unveiled a data-center accountability plan that critics say lacks enforceable penalties. Indiana Budget Watch: Indiana closed the fiscal year with a $1.86B surplus and nearly $4B in reserves, drawing both praise for efficiency and criticism that more should go to services. Public Safety: Indiana health officials reported more than 200 cases of cyclosporiasis, with investigations ongoing into where people are getting infected. Consumer Alerts: The FTC warned Hoosiers about scammers spoofing FTC phone numbers to steal money.