AGP Executive Report

Capital Punishment: Indiana prison officials say they’ll proceed with Jeffrey Weisheit’s Nov. 5 execution after Tennessee’s botched lethal-injection attempt left Christa Pike alive and prompted a pause and review. Elections & Voting: Indiana’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 midterms is Monday, with early voting starting Tuesday. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana AG Todd Rokita announced a new 287(g) partnership with ICE, urging county sheriffs to sign on. Fuel Prices Relief: Gov. Mike Braun renewed Indiana’s gas tax suspension and expanded untaxed diesel relief for farmers and timber harvesters on public roads. Data Centers & Local Control: Amazon says it will invest $1B over five years in data-center communities and stop using NDAs with government agencies, as opposition grows. Sports & Indiana Interest: Colts open NFL London play Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Washington, with kickoff set for 2:30 p.m. BST. Education Governance: An Indiana school board president earned the ISBA Presidents’ Gold Seal Leadership Certification.

Bears Stadium Talks: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state legislative leaders met NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Thursday as the Bears weigh a move to Northwest Indiana, keeping the “stay in Illinois” option alive. Local Government: Allen County officials say the Allen County Council must approve the budget for a new unified fire district under state law, warning of potential penalties if the process isn’t completed. Ballot Watch: Indiana voters will decide two constitutional amendments on Nov. 3—one on bail eligibility exceptions and another on residency rules for city and town court judges. Public Safety & Gambling: Florida authorities seized 164 illegal slot machines in Englewood during a targeted operation involving state and local law enforcement. Drugs & Courts: Attorney General Dan Rayfield announced a $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, seeking court approval. PFAS Lawsuit: Indiana AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan effort to block DuPont’s asset-shuffling plan tied to “forever chemical” cleanup liabilities. Indiana Economy: Gov. Braun highlighted September jobs and wages wins, including defense contractor GovParts’ Fort Wayne expansion. Tech & Government Spending: A column on “tokenomics” warns Indiana agencies about unpredictable AI pricing that could blow budgets.

Statehouse & Elections: Secretary of state candidate Greg Ballard says the top elections job should be nonpartisan, calling for a ban on endorsing, fundraising for, or donating to candidates. Local Government: Vincennes City Council advanced a first reading of a $23.7 million 2027 budget, including property-tax rates and major spending for fire/EMS and public safety. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana State Police is short nearly 200 troopers statewide and is hiring; separately, Indiana AG action against IHSAA’s race-based board quota remains a major legal flashpoint. Energy & Agriculture: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax pause through early November and temporarily loosened rules so farmers can use red dyed off-road diesel in vehicles hauling crops and livestock. Disaster Relief: FEMA expanded Indiana eligibility for individual and public assistance for counties hit by August storms, with new application steps for residents and local governments. Health & Education: Workforce Pell is rolling out, with Ivy Tech set to use Pell for an eight-week medical assistant program; Indiana also faces pressure over Medicaid autism therapy access. Consumer/Policy: Indiana’s election registration deadline is Oct. 5, and early voting begins Oct. 6.

Homelessness Response: Bloomington’s “Heading Home” launched the Streets to Stability model downtown, pairing rental help and case management with a short-term, encampment-focused approach aimed at closing and restoring areas after 4–6 weeks. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana AG Todd Rokita is partnering with ICE under a 287(g) agreement, a move that some southern Indiana sheriffs say conflicts with their focus on local public safety. Election Deadline: Indiana voter registration closes Oct. 5 ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Statehouse Watch: Indiana’s attorney general is also pushing legal fights tied to election and governance rules, including a focus on the Indiana Secretary of State race. Public Trust: A national poll finds Americans’ trust in the federal government continues to slide, with Hoosiers among those expressing low confidence. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show mixed but generally higher prices statewide in the week ending Sept. 19, with diesel and premium costs trending up.

Election Watch: Indiana’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 5, with online submissions due by 11:59 p.m. and BMV branch applications also required by the deadline. Public Safety & Tech Oversight: Five Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers were investigated and charged over alleged misuse of Flock automatic license plate reader cameras, with IMPD saying the conduct crossed into criminal behavior. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced an agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program, urging more Indiana sheriffs to sign on. Statehouse/Policy: A new Indiana Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce process is underway to map how local governments will handle shifting tax support after property tax reform. Local Government & Counties: The Association of Indiana Counties’ annual conference drew hundreds of county officials, with sessions on finances, public safety, housing, and cybersecurity. Federal Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced charges tied to more than $1.3 million in alleged Social Security benefits fraud. Crime & Courts: A 15-year-old boy in Anderson was sentenced to 100 years after a shooting tied to a gang-related botched hit. Energy & Costs: States are moving to rein in fuel prices, and Indiana’s gas tax suspension remains in effect through Oct. 6.

AI Policy Clash: A growing slate of 2026 candidates is breaking with President Trump’s push for AI self-regulation, backing tougher government guardrails like safety testing, corporate liability, and protections against deepfakes and AI discrimination. Federal Immigration & Indiana: A new GAO report says the Trump administration dropped plans for an immigrant detention center at a South Jersey military base, with officials also telling investigators they did not move forward with facilities in Indiana. Indiana Courts & Public Safety: Federal investigators say “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos filmed church memorial candles and then sent the video to gamblers tied to his alleged extortion ring, as prosecutors argue he remains dangerous. Education & Community: Latinos Count held its Viva College! Scholarship Lunch in Fort Wayne, spotlighting student pathways and awarding $2,000 scholarships. Local Governance: Tri-County School Corporation expanded work-based learning opportunities, adding a dedicated WBL coordinator to connect students with employers. Statehouse/Policy Watch: Indiana’s DEI fight is moving from the Statehouse into classrooms, with school board elections turning more partisan.

License Plate Reader Debate: Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana lawmakers should consider regulating license plate readers after allegations that Indianapolis officers misused Flock-style cameras, while insisting the tech can still be “beneficial” and the legislature should weigh civil liberties. Local Government & Courts: Richmond is weighing next steps after a federal jury found the city 40% at fault in a 2023 plastics fire, with attorneys exploring an appeal and post-verdict rulings. Elections & Accountability: Indiana’s Jennings County Sheriff William “Kenny” Freeman faces felony charges tied to alleged theft of political yard signs, including claims of obstruction and perjury. Statehouse & History: Indiana is moving gubernatorial portraits into public Statehouse hallways, expanding access to the official collection. Federal Policy Watch: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling ends a long-running battle over voter maps, while Indiana-related election guidance continues to circulate ahead of the 2026 General Election. Indiana Economy & Jobs: A freight-sector distress report flags job cuts and facility shutdowns affecting about 1,850 workers across multiple states, including Indiana. Sports Business: The NFL cut London ticket prices for the Colts-Commanders game after slower sales, drawing fan backlash over full-price purchases. Public Safety & Community: A Senior Care Authority franchise opened in Kentuckiana, expanding local eldercare placement services.

Economic Development: Indiana Economic Development Corporation highlighted 69 business moves to the state, including Amazon, projecting 5,000+ jobs and $437M in new payroll, while Gov. Mike Braun backed a $5M supercomputer grant tied to IU and NVIDIA to boost AI research and data-center investment. Local Government Finance: Gibson County municipal leaders and a council member agreed to submit a non-binding local income tax implementation plan under HEA 1210, a “trial run” as property tax reform reshapes local revenue starting in 2028. Public Safety / Fire-EMS Consolidation: Allen County officials are debating a proposed unified fire and EMS district; a councilwoman warned the Oct. 19 budget vote depends on an excess levy appeal still awaiting final DLGF approval. Elections / Criminal Justice: Kosciusko County Councilwoman Kimberly Cates faces a felony OWI charge after a weekend arrest, raising questions about her unopposed November re-election bid. Workforce & Industry: Stelco plans to idle Hamilton, Ontario operations indefinitely citing “market uncertainty,” a move that could affect up to 500 employees. Education & Civic Life: Purdue student Luke Schilling’s “Big Doug” seasoning earned him a national FFA American Star Award finalist spot, with proceeds supporting charity.

Indiana Federal Grid Funding: Indiana is set to receive $175 million from the federal government to upgrade a key “choke point” in the regional electric grid, aiming to unlock 2,000–4,000 megawatts of transfer capacity. Statehouse & Elections: Indiana voters get a clear reminder on how to vote in the 2026 General Election, with attention also on the secretary of state race and what candidates say about Indiana roots and voting access. Courts & Public Safety: Indiana courts saw expungement filings jump 52% over a decade, but relief can still be slowed by unpaid fines, fees, and long eligibility waits. Local Government & Housing: Mobile home owners say they’re trapped as lot rents rise, and a bill is being pitched to provide relief. Education & Workforce: Indiana’s higher ed continues to track international enrollment declines, while IU Indianapolis and other campuses lean on data and programs to improve student success. Public Health & Environment: A new federal-record review finds the herbicide atrazine contaminating nearly a quarter of continental US rivers at levels that can harm wildlife and potentially people. Indiana Law Enforcement: Indiana State Police is accepting applications for its next recruit academy class, with applications due Oct. 11.

Federal Energy Funding: Indiana is set to receive $175 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to upgrade an electric-grid “choke point” at the seam between MISO and PJM, unlocking 2,000 to 4,000 megawatts of transfer capacity. Statehouse & Elections: A Supreme Court decision restores Trump’s mass voter citizenship checks, raising new questions for Indiana’s 2026 election landscape. Courts & Civil Rights: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the Indiana High School Sports Association over a race-based board quota, arguing discrimination; the fight is now headed through the courts. Public Safety & Immigration: A massive ICE operation in Indiana reportedly netted 426 arrests across five days, fueling GOP calls to lock the crackdown into law. Community & Faith: Hundreds attended a Catholic Mass at Miami Correctional Facility, promoted statewide, with the prison holding about 800 ICE detainees. Sports (Local Impact): The Indiana Fever were routed 102-85 by the Las Vegas Aces in Game 1 of their playoff series.

Indiana Energy & Courts: The Trump Energy Department ordered Indiana’s R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley coal plants to stay available through Dec. 18 after a federal appeals court struck down similar emergency authority for another plant, keeping reliability and cost arguments in the spotlight. Immigration Enforcement: Sen. Jim Banks is pointing to a five-day ICE operation that netted 426 arrests in Indiana as GOP momentum to lock Trump’s crackdown into law. Medicaid Work Requirements: As Medicaid work rules begin for some beneficiaries, Indiana is among states facing pressure over how “medical frailty” is documented, with advocates warning tougher-than-required proof demands could block care. Statehouse/Policy Watch: INDOT reminded Hoosiers that political and advertising signs can’t go on state-owned roadways and will be removed if they threaten safety or sightlines. Local Justice: An Evansville woman received a two-year sentence after pleading guilty to a meth-fueled crash that killed two pedestrians. Sports & Culture: Indiana’s horse “Austrian Painter” was renamed after antisemitism complaints, and IU Indianapolis held its Regatta homecoming on the downtown canal.

Election 2026 Voting Plan: Indiana voters have until Oct. 5 to register for the Nov. 3 General Election, with early voting starting Oct. 6; the state requires photo ID at the polls and offers early in-person and mail-in options. Statehouse & Courts: Indiana’s AG Todd Rokita is suing the IHSAA over a race-based board quota, arguing discrimination in how the association is governed. Local Ballot Fight: A “No Casino” forum in Allen County highlights opposition ahead of a northeast Indiana ballot referendum on a proposed casino. Public Safety Tech: A Senate hearing put Flock Safety under scrutiny after the company acknowledged limited oversight of how police search its license-plate camera data. Energy Policy: The U.S. Energy Department ordered Indiana coal plants R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley to stay available longer after a court challenge to emergency orders. Higher Ed & NIL: A new look at NIL shows how college sports money rules are now a patchwork of state laws, NCAA policy, and court decisions.

Indiana Elections: Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifts Indiana secretary of state race to a toss-up, signaling a tighter GOP-Dem contest ahead of Election Day. Statehouse & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sues IHSAA over a race-based board quota, adding to the legal fight over how sports leadership is structured. Public Safety & Surveillance: Indianapolis prosecutors charge five officers for misusing Flock license-plate-reader cameras; separate reporting also highlights broader scrutiny of Flock-style tech and calls for transparency. Medicaid Policy: Work requirements for some Medicaid beneficiaries begin under federal rules tied to Trump-era changes, but advocates warn some states are demanding tougher proof of “medical frailty.” Federal Voting: U.S. Supreme Court revives an expanded voter citizenship verification system, a move critics say could disenfranchise eligible voters. Local Government: Montgomery County Highway Superintendent Jake Lough earns a statewide award for road projects and grant work. Health & Consumer: FDA reports a 1.7 million-pound sugar recall affecting Indiana due to potential wheat allergen. Sports: Indiana survives Northwestern in a Big Ten opener as coach Curt Cignetti goes viral defending officiating.

Indiana Elections & Voting Rights: Common Cause Indiana says Gary voters are asking basic questions like whether they need a passport to vote, as election-law changes and court fights leave people confused ahead of November. Statehouse & Courts (Education): Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued the IHSAA over a board “minority seats” quota, arguing it’s unconstitutional and discriminatory; the association says it supports broad representation. Public Safety & Policing: Five Indianapolis officers face criminal charges tied to misuse of Flock license-plate cameras, while a former Steuben County sheriff’s detective was indicted on felony sexual misconduct with a minor. Energy & Utilities: Indiana won $175M in federal funding to relieve a regional electricity “choke point,” and frustration continues for NIPSCO customers amid outages and rate hikes. Disaster Response: Gov. Braun says FEMA approved adding more Indiana counties to August’s major disaster declaration, expanding individual assistance. Local Government: Mishawaka renamed the Battell Community Center after former Mayor Bob Kovach. Higher Ed: Oakland City University resigned accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, effective June 30, 2027.

Indiana Pension Update: Indiana officials say a $1B annual payment to the pre-1996 teacher pension fund likely won’t be needed within a couple years, with projections pointing to full funding by the 2028 fiscal year—though state pension leaders warn investment risk could still require future help. Election Law: The Indiana Supreme Court ordered six rejected absentee ballots in the Senate District 23 GOP primary to be counted, restoring Spencer Deery’s narrow win over Paula Copenhaver after ballots lacked a clerk’s signature/seal. Local Government & Flood Recovery: Cambridge City residents pressed town leaders over delays in rebuilding flood-damaged properties, while officials outlined a 2027 budget plan that may require a slightly higher tax rate to cover emergency costs. Public Safety Tech: Indianapolis-area reporting highlights ongoing fallout from Flock license-plate reader misuse, with multiple officers charged and the city moving to address camera practices. Education & Policy: Indiana education leaders continue to respond to property-tax-driven staffing cuts and the rollout of Healthy Indiana Plan work requirements.

Sports & Community: Sobremesa Foundation has reopened the IU Campus Farm as the Daisy Garton Community Farm, reviving regenerative growing and community produce donations after prior campus-farm closures. Federal Funding & Energy Grid: Indiana won $175M to relieve a regional electricity “choke point” between MISO and PJM, aiming to unlock thousands of megawatts of transfer capacity and cut congestion costs. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: Indianapolis charged five officers over alleged misuse of Flock license-plate camera access; the department says it tightened safeguards and is auditing for more problems. State Government Tech: Indiana earned an A-grade for the sixth straight year in the Digital States Survey, highlighting improvements like the Ask Indiana AI chatbot and data-management upgrades. Legal Fight Over Sports Governance: Indiana sued the Indiana High School Athletic Association, alleging an unconstitutional, discriminatory racial quota on its board. National Security Memorial: A bill introduced in Congress would honor fallen Covington Air Force Capt. Ariana Savino and her Zeus 95 crew with a monument near Arlington National Cemetery. Medicare Consumer Protection: Medicare Agents Helpline launched new guides to help seniors vet Medicare agents before enrolling.