AGP Executive Report

Big Tech & Jobs: Meta is launching a major Indianapolis bootcamp for data center technicians, pledging $115 million for paid training, credentials, and a job guarantee through its America’s Workforce Academy. Data Center Push: AWS says it will invest about $7 billion for a Wheatfield, Indiana data center campus and will pay $1.25 billion to offset higher energy costs for local ratepayers. Statehouse Watch: Indiana AG Todd Rokita says his office will use federal lists to target employers using unauthorized workers starting July 1, with possible lawsuits and sanctions. Driver’s License Change: Indiana’s BMV will let teens get driver licenses on their 16th birthday starting July 1, with the same core testing and supervised-driving requirements. Local Health Leadership: Clark County health officer Dr. Eric Yazel is moving to a state role at the Indiana Department of Health. Sports & Hoosier Interest: Colts QB Daniel Jones is back in 7-on-7 drills but still not cleared for full 11-on-11 work after his Achilles injury; Jonathan Taylor reiterates he wants a “Colt for life” extension.

Education & Civil Rights: The U.S. Education Department admitted it violated a federal court order in Title IX cases tied to gender identity and sexual orientation, after a whistleblower complaint was backed by the Office of Special Counsel. Public Safety & Health: AES Indiana says customers will see a temporary summer bill increase tied to a fuel adjustment clause, while Indiana groups warn new federal Medicaid “medical frailty” rules could tighten eligibility and disrupt coverage starting in 2027. Weather & Local Impacts: Damage assessments continue in Corydon after flash flooding washed out roads and bridges, following heavy rain that also hit Lanesville with boil-water advisories. State Politics & Policy: Attorney General Todd Rokita is urging the EPA to tighten controls on mifepristone over concerns about drinking-water contamination. Tech & Jobs: AWS is proposing a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with a reported $1.25 billion payment aimed at offsetting higher energy costs for local ratepayers. Sports & Culture: Texas Tech athletic director Kirby Hocutt backed QB Brendan Sorsby after a court injunction, as the college football gambling fallout spreads.

College Sports & Gambling: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play after a gambling admission, sparking fresh debate over NCAA rules and hypocrisy as schools weigh whether to schedule Texas Tech. Indiana Economy & Energy: AWS is proposing a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with a reported $7B investment and a $1.25B payment aimed at offsetting energy-cost impacts for ratepayers. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including several in the region—over missing price transparency, with penalties up to $2M annually. Indiana Weather & Safety: Flash flooding hit Lanesville, and Wayne County drivers saw a bright-blue road after a non-toxic herbicide dye spill. Local Life: Indiana’s gas tax holiday was extended, and West Lafayette drivers face intermittent lane closures for new traffic camera installs. Business/Tech: Bill Gates urged AI data-center builders to stop raising household power bills without local buy-in.

College Sports Fallout: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play this fall despite NCAA ineligibility for gambling, drawing sharp backlash from the NCAA and Big 12 leadership. Bears Stadium Push: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun welcomed the Chicago Bears after the team advanced its Hammond, Indiana stadium plan, while Illinois lawmakers unveiled new proposals to keep the franchise in-state. Data Center Tensions: A Hobart group is seeking an injunction over Amazon Web Services data center site-plan approvals, citing notice and impact concerns, as another Indiana mayor faced backlash for remarks about data center opponents living in “sh—y houses.” Healthcare Costs & Rules: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals to post clearer price information or face steep penalties, spotlighting transparency pressure nationwide. Indiana Flooding: Extreme flash flooding hit Lanesville with more than 8 inches of rain, trapping people and damaging businesses as crews monitored hazards like propane tanks and downed power lines. Energy & Prices: Jet fuel costs are rising amid Middle East disruptions, and diesel prices remain pressured—hitting Indiana farmers and the broader economy.

College Sports & Courts: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play this fall despite an NCAA gambling ineligibility, sending shock waves through college athletics and prompting the NCAA to say it will appeal. WNBA: Caitlin Clark hit a late 3 as the Indiana Fever beat the Washington Mystics 78-76, finishing with 19 points in a win that sets up the next home stretch. Energy & Industry: U.S. Steel says it will invest up to $2.5 billion in Mon Valley Works upgrades, aiming to preserve about 3,000 jobs and generate thousands more through the work. Tech & Jobs: Meta launched a nationwide skilled trades academy with job guarantees after training, including Indiana, as it ramps up AI data-center construction. Local Economy & Infrastructure: AWS is proposing a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with plans tied to nearby power infrastructure and a large payment to offset energy-rate impacts. State Policy: Indiana lawmakers passed new rules to reduce regulations on farm markets, a move supporters say helps small vendors.

Chicago Bears Stadium Push: The Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be picked—an update that Indiana and Northwest Indiana leaders quickly seized on, even as Illinois officials warn it’s not settled. College Sports Court Fight: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction against the NCAA after a gambling eligibility ban, setting up an appeal and raising fresh questions about how far courts will go in NCAA enforcement. Indiana Politics Recount: A state commission set dates for a recount in Senate District 23 after Deery won by three votes, with subpoena requests to be handled only after the recount. Public Safety & Community: Fort Wayne Roller Derby marked 20 years with a fundraiser for Food Not Bombs. Kids & Health: Kids Count data ranks Indiana 29th overall, with education at 11th but family/community slipping to 36th. Internet Safety: Indiana experts warn of rising online risks for children, pointing to apps like Snapchat, Roblox, and Discord. Local Government: Clarksville named an interim town manager as it continues its search for a permanent replacement. Food Assistance: USDA says Indiana is among states restricting SNAP purchases of non-nutritious items.

Local Funding Boost: Hoosier National Forest counties are set to receive a combined share of $248 million nationwide through the Secure Rural Schools program, with Indiana’s nine eligible counties using the money for schools, roads and emergency services. Indiana Politics: A push for closed primaries is back in the spotlight as an Indiana GOP candidate seeks a recount over alleged crossover voting, reviving stalled legislation and a new coalition effort. Statehouse Candidates: Indiana Democrats named Jessica Bailey for state comptroller and Coumba Kebe for state treasurer, both pitching transparency and better communication with everyday Hoosiers. Tech & Power in Indiana: AWS plans a major data center campus in Wheatfield, estimating a $7 billion investment and offering $1.25 billion to offset energy-cost impacts on local ratepayers. Democracy Mood Check: An AP-NORC poll tied to America’s 250th anniversary finds fewer Americans view the U.S. as exceptional and growing unease about the future of representative government. Community & Culture: The Indiana State Fair’s Featured Farmers program returns for its 11th year, spotlighting 15 farm families across the state. Sports Spotlight: Simone Biles shared that she recently had a serious health scare, calling it the “scariest experience” of her life. Business Deal: TruckMountForums acquired Indianapolis-based Bane-Clene, aiming to preserve the brand while expanding products and training for cleaning professionals.

Bears Stadium Watch: The Chicago Bears’ push to build in Hammond is moving forward, with Indiana lawmakers calling it a “done deal” while Illinois leaders and fans keep pushing back. State Politics: Indiana Democrats picked Beau Bayh as their nominee for secretary of state, setting up a statewide race. Tech & Power: Amazon Web Services plans a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with a reported $1.25 billion payment aimed at offsetting energy-cost impacts on local ratepayers. Local Growth: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail says a new report links it to $3 billion in assessed property value and highlights continued development pressure. Public Safety & Surveillance: Evansville is part of a nationwide debate over Flock Safety license-plate camera networks and how data is used. Health & Community: Drug Free Randolph County is opening 2026 grant applications for prevention, treatment, and justice/law enforcement programs. Sports Business: Knicks NBA Finals tickets at MSG are priced higher than most Super Bowls, underscoring how big Indiana sports demand is getting nationwide.

Elections: Beau Bayh won the Indiana Democratic nomination for secretary of state, beating Blythe Potter 1,385 to 883 at the state convention, with delegates calling it “blue pride” and Bayh promising an audit and a corruption-focused campaign. Public Safety: Lafayette Police clarified there’s no new golf cart ban—current state rules don’t allow carts on public streets without local authorization. Housing: Greensburg’s redevelopment effort moved forward with a ribbon cutting for an 88-unit apartment complex aimed at easing local housing demand. Health & Care: CMS data shows Majestic Care of Bloomington (Monroe County) held a 3-star rating in Q1 2026 with no fines or penalties reported. Business/Travel: Southwest launched nonstop Indianapolis–San Juan service and added Puerto Rico routes from the Midwest, boosting travel options for Hoosiers. Sports: The Indiana Fever fell to the New York Liberty 83-75 after a late-game collapse; Caitlin Clark had 10 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.

Bears Stadium Saga: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance the team’s Hammond, Indiana stadium plans, but Illinois leaders say the door isn’t shut since no final site is locked and lawmakers still want a deal in Arlington Heights. Indiana Politics: At the Indiana Democratic State Convention, Jessica Bailey was chosen as the party’s nominee for state comptroller. Public Safety & Weather: Central Indiana schools and families are bracing for storms; Ben Davis High School postponed graduation due to lightning risk. Crime & Courts: Indianapolis prosecutors charged a 14-year-old in the fatal shooting of Indiana University graduate Brett Scrogham, with a push to move the case to adult court. State Health Policy: FSSA will survey SNAP recipients about the “Smart SNAP” changes tied to Gov. Mike Braun’s “Make Indiana Healthy Again” initiative. Sports: The NCAA reaffirmed Brendan Sorsby’s ineligibility after gambling allegations, while the Fever’s Sophie Cunningham brought her mom on a big road trip to face the Liberty. National/Local Economy: PNC and the TinCaps named Fort Wayne businesses Copper Spoon and Three Rivers Electric as 2026 “Going To Bat For Small Business” winners. Aviation: Southwest reportedly plans nine new nonstop routes in 2027, including an Indianapolis to West Palm Beach flight.

Chicago Bears Move: The Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be selected, after years of stalled Illinois talks and a failed Illinois bid for tax certainty—leaving Illinois lawmakers insisting the door isn’t fully shut. Statehouse Watch: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker criticized the team’s “shifting” and said it hindered progress, while Indiana leaders point to their faster path to incentives. Privacy & Data: Indiana lawmakers are weighing guardrails to limit sharing of license plate camera data as states face growing scrutiny over automated surveillance. Health Care Safety: Indiana’s new law expanding protections for health care employees takes effect July 1, adding tougher penalties for violence against staff. Public Health: Indiana hospitals report a double-digit rise in emergency visits since 2025, tied to more Hoosiers going uninsured. Business & Regulation: An Indiana research firm, Inotiv, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy amid past animal welfare violations tied to its Envigo subsidiary.

Bears Stadium Shuffle: The Chicago Bears took a major step toward leaving Illinois, with their board voting to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, though the exact site is still to be chosen; Indiana Gov. Mike Braun welcomed the move as Illinois lawmakers failed to pass a plan that could have kept the team in-state. Local Water Planning: Allen County officials heard plans to revise the St. Marys Watershed Management Plan, last updated in 2009, using $159,509 in state grant funding to guide smarter long-term water improvements. Business Incentives: Wayne County commissioners approved an economic incentive package that could bring a $756 million capital investment and create nine jobs, with the company’s name kept confidential under nondisclosure agreements. Public Safety & Crime: New York reported record-low gun violence in 2026, crediting large numbers of guns seized off the streets, while noting a higher share of shootings involving kids than last year. Health & Research: At the AUA 2026 meeting, Indiana University Health urologist Clint Bahler discussed how imaging, biomarkers, and risk-based care are shaping prostate cancer treatment, including the push for long-term outcomes data on focal therapy.

Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s emergency suspension of gasoline taxes for another 30 days, keeping the state’s pump prices among the lowest nationwide. Health Coverage Crunch: A new KFF analysis says fewer Hoosiers are insured through ACA exchanges and Medicaid, driving higher emergency department use and raising fears of delayed care and more medical debt. Coal Push: President Trump announced nearly $700 million in federal support for coal power and exports, using Cold War-era Defense Production Act authority; Indiana is listed among states tied to the plan. Local Politics Backlash: Shelbyville Mayor Scott Ferguson faced backlash after a secret recording surfaced in which he mocked “No AI data center” protesters and described some residents’ homes in derogatory terms; the mayor’s office issued a clarification. Pride vs. “Nuclear Family Month”: Indiana’s “Nuclear Family Month” proclamation is drawing criticism from LGBTQ parents who say it excludes many families during Pride season. Education Funding: Indianapolis Public Education Corporation is holding listening sessions on whether to ask voters for a new school funding referendum later this year.

Life Sciences Jobs: Gov. Mike Braun announced Boston Scientific will build a $138M global medical device distribution facility in Plainfield, aiming for up to 300 new jobs. Local Economic Development: Braun also said Capital Group will expand in Carmel with a $13.5M investment and up to 200 new high-wage jobs by 2028. School Policy: Indiana is among states moving toward stricter cellphone rules in classrooms, as lawmakers respond to concerns about distraction and screen time. Energy & Politics: President Trump unveiled a $700M coal push using the Defense Production Act, including support tied to plants in Indiana and a new export terminal in Oakland, California. Public Safety: Vanderburgh County identified 83-year-old Trudy Judge as the victim in a fatal I-69 crash involving a passenger vehicle and tractor-trailer. Government & Taxes: Braun ceremonially signed a veterans property tax relief expansion, boosting benefits for disabled veterans. Cybersecurity: Lawsuits claim Hogan Transports mishandled employee data after a 2025 breach. Road Work: INDOT shared plans for the Ind. 64 “big dig” project in Princeton, targeting downtown improvements through 2029.

Prison Safety: Indiana’s IDOC commissioner Lloyd Arnold says “something else should have been done” after devastating fires at Indiana State Prison, promising costly system changes to better protect inmates and staff. NBA Expansion: Adam Silver says the NBA’s Europe league plan is still on track for a 2027-28 launch, with franchise bids due soon and Spurs star Victor Wembanyama adding momentum. Amazon in Indiana: Amazon is pushing ahead on a major data center campus in Wheatfield, Jasper County, with an estimated $7B investment and a plan to offset energy-cost impacts for local payers. Local Business & Growth: Governor Mike Braun will headline Innovate Southwest Indiana in Evansville on June 9, focusing on workforce, entrepreneurship, and regional expansion. Health Care Watch: CMS reports Brickyard Healthcare–Brandywine Care Center in Hancock County earned a 1-star rating in Q1 2026. Sports Media Storm: The Indiana Fever continue to deal with fallout from Caitlin Clark coverage and credential disputes as the team prepares for another key matchup.

WNBA/Media Clash: Indiana Fever revoked reporter Scott Agness’ credentials after he reported on Caitlin Clark’s May 20 back-injury situation, with the team citing “inaccurate and unsubstantiated information” and the Professional Basketball Writers Association pushing back. Team Reset: After a rough 0-2 road trip and a Clark–Stephanie White sideline flare-up, guard Sophie Cunningham says the Fever held a long Monday meeting to “turn the page” and refocus on identity and defense. Local Politics/Public Safety: U.S. Sen. Jim Banks called Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears “a prosecutor gone rogue” following the fatal shooting of Brett Scrogham, while Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith suggested the prosecutor role should be appointed. Statehouse/Cost of Living: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax holiday through July 7, aiming to keep prices down, while raising questions about longer-term road funding. Public Services/Tech: A widespread fiber outage hit southeastern Indiana providers after a fiber line was cut, leaving some customers without internet and phone. Crime/Consumer Fraud: A Jackson County investigation led to the arrest of a man accused of selling $38,000+ in fake silver bars (and trying to sell fake gold), after metal testing showed the bars weren’t genuine. Driving Rules: Indiana lowered the driver’s license minimum age to 16 starting July 1, removing a 90-day wait.