AGP Executive Report

IU Governance: Gov. Braun appointed three IU alumni—Matt Ferguson, Steve Henke, and Mel Raines—to the Indiana University Board of Trustees, replacing expiring terms and setting new service through June 30, 2029. Public Safety: Braun and Indiana State Police are pushing strict holiday enforcement for the Fourth of July, citing last year’s crash and alcohol-related fatality numbers and joining the statewide C.A.R.E. blitz. Courts & Crime: A Bloomington-area man charged with murder is set for trial in Owen County on July 21. Federal Law Enforcement: A federal indictment alleges a prison-directed Indiana drug trafficking network run from Westville Correctional Facility, naming 12 defendants. Immigration & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, a ruling that Indiana officials and professors say will shape local policy and enforcement debates. State Budget/Local Funding: Braun ordered reimbursement to make municipalities whole for gas tax losses tied to the suspension. Health & Policy: Indiana Humanities is launching a multi-year “Matters of Religion” initiative exploring how religious liberty shaped Indiana’s public life. Higher Ed/Loans: The U.S. Department of Education reclassified theology as nonprofessional for federal loan purposes, affecting borrowers as legal challenges continue. Local Government/Infrastructure: Greencastle received $1 million in Community Crossings funding from Braun. Transportation: A passenger disturbance on a United flight from Indianapolis to Houston led to an arrest and a return to IND.

Indiana Utility Regulation: Gov. Mike Braun has a new vacancy to fill on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission after member David Veleta resigned, opening the door for a fourth appointment; applications are due July 7 and interviews set for July 16. Public Safety & Law: Indiana’s new “hot car rescue” rule takes effect July 1, shielding civilians from vehicle-damage liability if they break in to save a domestic animal in imminent danger—so long as they call 911, use no more force than necessary, and wait for responders. Elections: The GOP primary recount in Indiana’s 23rd state senate district is complete; written arguments are due later this month as the Recount Commission decides between incumbent Spencer Deery and challenger Paula Copenhaver. Immigration Courts: A Monroe County judge temporarily blocked part of Indiana’s FAIRNESS Act from being enforced locally against Sheriff Ruben Marté, citing Fourth Amendment concerns over compliance with ICE detainer requests. Voting Rights Litigation: Georgia AG Chris Carr filed an amicus brief backing Indiana’s voter ID law, urging the Seventh Circuit to reverse a district court’s temporary block of the educational-document restriction. Community & Health: Fort Wayne is accepting applications for opioid settlement grants (up to $50,000 per cycle) focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, with a July 30 deadline. Business & Competition: Kroger’s planned $1.65B acquisition of Giant Eagle could reshape grocery options across Indiana and the region, with closing expected in 2027 pending regulators.

Statehouse Watch: Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana will reimburse local governments for gas tax revenue lost during the fuel tax suspension, with the first State Board of Finance request slated for July 21 and payments expected shortly after approval. Public Safety: Braun and Indiana State Police are urging Hoosiers to drive sober over the Fourth of July weekend as the C.A.R.E. blitz ramps up patrols for impaired driving and other crash-causing behavior. New Indiana Laws (July 1): Lawmakers highlighted a slate of changes taking effect next week, including measures aimed at energy affordability and utility accountability, expanded employer childcare tax credits, added oversight in DCS child-fatality cases, and steps framed as supporting farmers and small businesses. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender women and girls competing in women’s sports, keeping Indiana’s athlete restrictions in place. Local Government: Indiana’s gas tax suspension is already forcing counties to adjust roadwork plans, even as reimbursement timelines move forward. Sports (Indiana ties): The NBA Cup championship game is headed to Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis this season.

Statehouse & Local Roads: Gov. Mike Braun announced $84M in Community Crossings infrastructure grants for 147 Indiana cities and counties, while also directing the state to reimburse local governments for revenue lost during the gas tax holiday—requests tied to April/May, with payments expected by Nov. 1. Local Governance: Marshall County Auditor Angie Johnson Birchmeier was selected to serve on the AIC Legislative Committee, underscoring continued focus on county-level fiscal oversight. Elections & Ballot Access: Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard submitted 74,000 signatures for Indiana secretary of state under the Lincoln Party, setting up verification by county clerks. Public Safety & Law: Indiana’s fire marshal pushed fireworks safety after 13,000 U.S. injuries last year; separately, TSA said an Indianapolis passenger tried to smuggle live smoke grenades in peanut butter through airport security. Sports & Culture Wars: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on trans girls playing on girls’ teams, with nearby states including Indiana likely to keep similar rules in place. Child Welfare & Social Policy: New Indiana laws taking effect July 1 include tougher penalties for child predators, expanded social media protections for youth, and stronger background-check requirements for child service providers.

Immigration & Education: New Indiana laws kick in July 1, including rules tied to immigration detainer requests, tighter limits on student cell phone use during instructional time, and new requirements for kids’ social media accounts—plus a statewide camping/sheltering ban on certain public land with a 48-hour notice before enforcement. Local Land Use: Whitley County is moving toward a data center moratorium while it drafts an ordinance, after residents packed hearings to raise zoning and resource-use concerns. Public Health & Safety: Indiana’s SNAP eligibility changes begin July 1, with advocates warning the new restrictions will reduce enrollment and push more families toward food pantries. Sports & Community: South Bend Schools will require phones to be powered off and stored away during the school day starting July 1, aligning with the new state law. Statehouse/Policy Watch: Indiana’s utility regulator shakeup continues as Gov. Braun removes an IURC chair after an AES Indiana rate hike. National/Indiana Angle: A U.S. Marine missing from a ship off Southern California was declared dead—an incident that will likely resonate with Indiana military families.

Data Center Backlash: Residents in Jefferson County renewed calls for a data center moratorium after zoning approval tied to the Jefferson Proving Ground, citing worries about water, electricity, eminent domain, and decommissioning costs. Local Governance: Whitley County commissioners also moved toward a data center moratorium while an ordinance is drafted. Utility Regulation: Gov. Mike Braun removed IURC chair Andy Zay and named Anthony Swinger, framing the change around affordability after an AES Indiana rate hike. Immigration Enforcement: AG Todd Rokita demanded Merrillville stop “sabotage” of ICE detention plans, warning of a lawsuit if the town doesn’t comply by July 15. New Indiana Laws: Lawmakers highlighted July 1 changes ranging from childcare tax credits and tips/overtime tax cuts to stronger immigration enforcement, social media protections, and bans on cell phones during school. Public Safety & Housing: Indiana’s new camping ban begins Wednesday, with a local profile showing how it affects unhoused residents. Health & Economy: The FDA selected Eli Lilly and Regeneron for a pilot to speed reviews of new U.S. drug manufacturing facilities, including Lilly’s Indiana site. Sports & Culture: IU academic freedom and civic life is the focus of a guest column, while a separate piece spotlights a new Sunderland/Elvis-themed kit.

Indiana GOP Secretary of State race: Max Engling won the Republican nomination, setting up a November contest against incumbent Diego Morales; Engling says he’ll focus on election integrity, voter roll audits, and early voting rule changes. Death penalty logistics: Indiana corrections officials confirmed the new Westville facility is built to support both lethal injection and firing squad executions, even though state law currently allows only lethal injection. Property taxes: Indiana assessed values rose nearly 10% from 2025 to 2026, with residential growth at 7.3% and bigger jumps for commercial and industrial property, feeding fresh pressure over how the state’s assessment system works. Homelessness enforcement: Two years after the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass decision, more than 350 cities and 14 states have adopted tougher street homelessness measures; Indiana’s new public camping ban takes effect in July. Immigration impact in Indiana: A Supreme Court ruling upheld the Trump administration’s authority to end Haitian and Syrian TPS protections, raising concerns for thousands of Haitians in Indiana. Humanitarian aid: India’s Operation Amistad relief reached quake-hit Venezuela with a field hospital and 66 tonnes of supplies delivered by C-17 aircraft. Local politics & governance: Indiana Humanities’ Matters of Religion initiative is rolling out local grants and a speakers bureau to explore religion’s role in Hoosiers’ lives. Lottery: Hoosier Lottery results for June 28 include Cash 5 (05-10-16-33-37) and Daily 3 midday (9-4-8) / evening (1-9-7).

Louisiana GOP Senate: Trump-backed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won the Louisiana GOP Senate nomination in a runoff, beating state Treasurer John Fleming and setting up a general election to replace Bill Cassidy. Indiana Law & Kids: New Indiana rules taking effect July 1 tighten child-welfare oversight, including in-person DCS caseworker visits within 30 days of closing cases and faster public reporting after child deaths or near-deaths. Indiana Government Watch: Indiana is rolling out an interactive online map to track tobacco retailer compliance, using state and federal inspection results to show which stores passed or failed recent youth checks. Housing & Housing Policy: Indiana Sen. Todd Young pushed back on a proposed Iran payment plan and also weighed in on a housing bill tied to Sen. Jim Banks’s RESIDE Act, arguing zoning and local land-use rules drive costs. SAVE America Act: House Speaker Mike Johnson said the chamber will pass the SAVE America Act again, aiming to move it via reconciliation while Senate GOP leaders struggle to reach the votes. Indiana Courts/Crime: A Columbus man, Brent J. Clayburn, was sentenced to 35 years for attempting to murder his ex-wife in a 2024 ambush that triggered a neighborhood SWAT standoff. Local Events: Fishers drew thousands to its Spark!Fishers festival, with multiple stages, local vendors, and fireworks. Indiana Sports Culture: Caitlin Clark’s Fever honored an usher’s family with a surprise reunion during “Inspiring Women Night,” a moment Clark highlighted publicly.

WNBA Fallout in Indiana: Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts defended Alyssa Thomas after her one-game suspension for a throat-area incident involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, calling the WNBA’s process “not a thorough investigation” and rejecting “cheap shot” claims. Indiana Sports Betting: The Indiana Gaming Commission tabled an NCAA request to ban player-specific college prop bets, keeping traditional game bets legal while pushing the issue to a September meeting. Public Safety at Indy Airport: TSA says it confiscated two live smoke grenades from a checked bag at Indianapolis International Airport, including one hidden in a peanut butter jar. Healthcare Fraud Crackdown: DOJ announced charges against more than 25 people tied to Tren de Aragua, with cases filed in Northern Indiana among other districts. Lottery: Hoosier Lottery results for June 27 included Hoosier Lotto 03-25-33-42-43-46 and Cash 5 09-25-29-37-44. Regional Politics Watch: U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow won Louisiana’s GOP Senate nomination, a Trump-backed replacement bid for Bill Cassidy.

Indiana Politics & Government: Indiana joined 16 states in suing California over its plastic packaging law, arguing the measure unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and raises costs for everyday goods. State Policy & Public Safety: Tennessee Rep. Lowell Russell advanced a bill requiring “non-English proficient” commercial drivers to be issued out-of-service orders, with CDL suspension until an English test is passed. Courts & Elections: Indiana’s secretary of state race is heating up, with a new field of GOP, Democratic, Libertarian, and Lincoln Party contenders and fresh ballot-access moves. Public Universities: A new report highlights lawmakers’ growing interference in how public universities operate. Local Government & Justice: Porter County is adding an occupational therapist to its juvenile detention reentry outreach, funded by a state DOC grant. Sports (Indiana tie-ins): The WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for contact with Caitlin Clark, and Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts criticized the league’s process; meanwhile, Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton shared an encouraging health update.

Immigration & Courts: Catholic bishops are urging Congress to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians after the Supreme Court halted lower-court blocks, warning the move could force unsafe returns. Higher Ed & Free Speech: An Indiana University doctoral student is suing over alleged retaliation tied to pro-Palestine advocacy, saying she was removed from an event and punished for speech. Tax Policy: Republican Rep. J.D. Prescott is developing a plan to end Indiana’s property tax system and replace it with a 7% sales tax on services like construction labor and legal fees. Public Safety & Weather: Tornadoes hit parts of Indiana and Illinois, with officials reporting damage and ongoing cleanup and power restoration. State Government & Local Impact: Gov. Braun’s temporary gas tax pause is easing costs for drivers but may reduce road funding for cities and counties. Labor & Business: A proposed class-action claims Hy-Vee (including Strack & Van Til) failed to pay overtime by using management titles to avoid federal rules. Local Government: Fort Wayne earned a top national “best-run city” ranking, placing 7th among large cities.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians, a decision that hits thousands of Hoosiers, including a sizable Haitian community in Logansport. ICE Detention: Attorneys for a Milwaukee-area mosque leader in ICE custody say he’s being denied diabetes care and has lost 30 pounds since his April detention, while DHS says detainees receive proper treatment. Indiana Politics & Accountability: Indianapolis Rep. Andrew Ireland is urging Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears to investigate Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration after IndyStar and Mirror Indy reports, arguing journalists can’t do the fact-finding a law enforcement probe can. Child Welfare Law: New Indiana child-protection rules take effect July 1, including faster in-person DCS visits after case closures and expanded public reporting after child deaths or near-deaths. Public Safety & Death Penalty: Indiana’s new Westville Correctional Facility is reportedly built to support both lethal injection and firing squads, as lawmakers continue debating whether to authorize the firing-squad method. Local Government: Clarksville’s interim town manager says he’s moving quickly on ongoing downtown and redevelopment projects. State Policy & Health Tech: Indiana’s new law limits insurers from using AI to downcode medical claims without a record review, starting July 1. Environment & Community: Ouabache Land Conservancy will host a free tallgrass prairie walk July 1 near St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Housing & Growth Signals: Indiana single-family building permits rose slightly in May but remain down year-over-year, reflecting ongoing affordability pressure.

Indiana Education/Local Appointments: Indianapolis Public Schools picked Chris Bultman to fill the District 4 seat, appointing him through January while he and finalist Lindsey Cornett both run in November. Indiana Politics & Governance: The Indiana GOP’s “dateable” candidate strategy is getting attention as Beau Bayh’s campaign leans into social-media branding. Indiana Courts/Policy: A federal appeals court upheld Michigan’s fight to keep voter data private, a reminder that states are pushing back on federal efforts to access personal voter information. Indiana Economy/Industry: Michelin will close its Tuscaloosa tire plant by end of 2028 and consolidate BFGoodrich production in Fort Wayne. Indiana Energy/Local Government: Sullivan County approved bridge funding and got an update on RWE’s Bear Run Solar plan, including projected local tax revenue and a proposed tax abatement deal. Indiana Public Safety/Health: Indiana’s animal-travel rules are in the spotlight as New World screwworm spreads, raising concerns about how pet owners will navigate restrictions. Indiana Culture/Community: Purdue students in Indianapolis built a World Cup-themed pinball machine with partners in Germany. National/Legal Watch: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Indiana, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law.

Supreme Court & Immigration: Indiana politicians reacted to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could end Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Haitians in the state, with AG Todd Rokita and Sen. Jim Banks calling it a win for the rule of law while Rep. André Carson called it inhumane. Public Safety & Courts: The ACLU of Indiana says it may file a new lawsuit over long-running conditions at the Monroe County Jail after meeting with inmates, arguing years of promises haven’t produced fixes. Statehouse Watch: Indiana lawmakers are setting up interim study work, including Sen. Daryl Schmitt on government responsiveness and Sen. Jim Tomes on public safety and military affairs. Local Government: Bloomington residents raised concerns about Flock license-plate cameras after a request for internal emails tied to the program. Education Policy: Southwestern Jefferson County schools adopted a July 1 cell phone ban policy under the new state law. Taxes: Rep. J.D. Prescott is pitching a plan to eliminate Indiana property taxes, but supporters admit it faces an uphill fight—especially over school funding. Health & Workforce: A new nonprofit, RAISE US, backed by major employers and philanthropists, aims to help workers adapt to AI-driven job disruption. Business/Legal: Indiana is among 17 states suing California over its plastics packaging law, arguing it drives up costs and overreaches.

NFL Supplemental Draft Fallout: The NFL told Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby he must wait until 2027 after declining to hold a supplemental draft this year, citing integrity concerns tied to his petition and prior litigation. Public Safety & Courts: A Pike County grand jury indicted a driver in a fatal SR 57 crash that killed 17-year-old Sean Davis Campbell. Amber Alert Push: U.S. Rep. Rudy Yakym is backing a Hailey Buzbee-named bill to expand Amber Alert eligibility to more “high-risk missing” cases, after an Indiana teen’s disappearance was treated as a runaway. Indy Homelessness & Spending: Mayor Joe Hogsett is seeking Indianapolis City-County Council approval for a $19.5M package covering shelter construction overages and road repairs, funded through supplemental income tax. Local Ethics Scrutiny: Hogsett blasted reporting that his campaign arranged donor “wish lists” for city contracts to be delivered to a former public works official. Stalking Case: Kevin Singh was charged with stalking and sending threatening, explicit messages to Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. Policy Watch: A new July 1 public camping ban (SEA 285) sets misdemeanor penalties and allows emergency detention in dangerous weather. State Politics: Indiana Republicans endorsed property tax elimination and closed primaries in the party platform, while a GOP lawmaker is pitching a property tax phase-out plan. Community & Culture: Madam Walker Legacy Fest returned to Indiana Avenue, spotlighting Black history and music. Indiana Data Centers: Pike County residents pressed commissioners over data center concerns, with organizers warning the county is “more vulnerable” than many realize. Lottery: Hoosier Lottery results for June 24 were published, including Hoosier Lotto and Cash 5 numbers.

Utility Regulation: Gov. Mike Braun named IURC Commissioner Anthony Swinger as chairman, and Swinger vowed to “heavily scrutinize” utility rate requests, noting utilities carry the burden of proof. Public Safety & Courts: A former Twin Lakes Middle School band director, Timothy Bulow, was sentenced to 15 years after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old student. Statehouse Watch: Local lawmakers are highlighting July 1 changes, including new social media safeguards for youth, housing and education deregulation, and tighter age verification for vape sellers. Homelessness Policy: A new Indiana law making camping or sleeping on public property a Class C misdemeanor takes effect July 1, with advocates warning it doesn’t expand shelter capacity. Healthcare & Fraud: The DOJ announced a sweeping national healthcare fraud takedown involving 455 defendants and $6.5B in alleged false claims. Local Crime: Two separate reports detail charges tied to alleged stalking of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, including threats connected to a Pacers security executive. Energy/Industry: Environmental groups sued the EPA over inaction on a challenge to U.S. Steel Gary Works’ operating permit renewal. Education & Workforce: Indiana is expanding a statewide cybersecurity pathway for high school students, linking coursework to colleges, the Indiana National Guard, and employers. Sports/Legal: The NFL declined to hold a 2026 supplemental draft for Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby, pushing his NFL path to 2027.