AGP Executive Report

Indiana Flood Fallout: Gov. Braun secured a federal emergency declaration after severe storms and flooding left at least five dead, collapsed a bridge in Carmel, and displaced more than 1,000 Hoosiers; officials also warned residents about scams and flooded-vehicle sales. Consumer Protection: The Indiana AG and Carfax cautioned that water-damaged cars may reappear “title washed,” urging buyers to check for flood damage before purchasing. Power Restoration Frustration: Northwest Indiana residents and leaders criticized NIPSCO’s slow outage recovery and unclear communication, with tens of thousands still without electricity days after the storms. Election Law Fight: State Sen. Spencer Deery asked the Indiana Supreme Court to take up his recount dispute against Paula Copenhaver, seeking to halt ballot naming while judges review six rejected ballots. Courts & Legal Process: A revised Indiana court rule starting Aug. 1 boosts sanctions for filings citing fictitious legal authority, including AI-made-up citations. Statehouse/Policy Watch: Indiana Senate Republicans announced paid spring internships for the 2027 session. Local Government & Public Safety: Porter Superior Court Judge Christopher Buckley pleaded guilty to OWI and temporarily suspended his campaign. Sports/Eligibility: Jawaun Northington received an extra year of eligibility to return to Murray State for 2026.

Indiana School Referendums: A record number of Indiana school districts are asking voters this fall for higher property tax rates, with Chalkbeat Indiana and WFYI compiling a guide to what’s on each ballot and why districts say they need the money amid rising costs and enrollment pressures. Education Funding Flexibility: The Trump administration is expanding waivers that let states consolidate federal education dollars; Indiana is among the states using a pilot to shift how some school performance measures are calculated. Local Roads: TheLloyd4U initiative is rolling out a new traffic pattern on the east side, with changes planned for the Cross Pointe Boulevard and Burkhardt Road intersections starting Aug. 17. Flood Aftermath: Central Indiana’s historic White River flooding has triggered evacuations and federal emergency action, with residents still dealing with unsafe areas and recovery needs. Public Safety & Policy: Indiana’s voter ID rules are again in the spotlight as more Republican-led states move to restrict student IDs at the polls. Workforce/Tech: A Navy cyber academy internship program is placing students into civilian roles tied to Navy supply-chain systems, including participants from Indiana-area schools.

Disaster Response: Indiana’s historic flooding crisis is still unfolding, with reports of at least seven storm-related deaths and widespread damage as rivers crested and power restoration continues across the northwest. Federal Aid: Gov. Mike Braun’s emergency push is backed by FEMA, with federal disaster assistance approved to supplement state and local response. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Utility crews faced renewed danger after reports of gunfire during restoration work in Gary, underscoring the security challenges tied to recovery. Nonprofit Funding Watch: New IRS Form 990-based rankings highlight how heavily some Indiana nonprofits rely on government grants in 2024, including Lafayette’s Greater Lafayette Commerce Comm and Economic Development Foundation (99.8% grant share) and Plymouth’s Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (37.9%). Community Events: The Indiana Military Museum in Vincennes announced a free World War II living history “Salute to World War 2 Veterans” event Sept. 5-6. Sports Culture: The Sophie Cunningham birthday post controversy keeps spilling into Indiana Fever coverage, adding another layer to the WNBA’s ongoing national debate.

Severe Weather & Federal Aid: Indiana is tallying deaths and damage after historic storms and flooding, with Indianapolis seeing its worst flooding in 30+ years; President Trump approved an emergency declaration and FEMA disaster assistance is available as evacuations and rescues continue. Utility Security: In Gary, NIPSCO power restoration resumed after a crew vehicle was shot at, prompting temporary pauses while law enforcement and security steps are coordinated. Education Policy: State lawmakers and officials highlighted rising 2026 IREAD results for the fifth straight year, with third-grade pass rates topping 88% statewide, alongside continued literacy support efforts. Housing & Local Growth: Attica won a $1.7 million low-interest loan to expand housing infrastructure and add 87 single-family lots, part of a broader push to increase supply. Tech & Privacy: A new license-plate surveillance system could link vehicle device signatures to people, raising fresh privacy concerns as Flock-style monitoring faces backlash. Sports & Culture: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes kept the national debate hot, while Indiana University’s Van Mathias made a splash at the Pan Pacs in his U.S. senior debut.

Flood Disaster Response: Indiana’s week of historic storms and White River flooding left at least five dead, with Gov. Mike Braun saying the Trump administration will approve a presidential emergency declaration to unlock federal help. Public Safety & Utilities: In Gary, NIPSCO crews restoring power were hit by gunfire; the city and Indiana State Police are ramping up security and NIPSCO paused restoration work while safety plans are set. Housing & Local Growth: Attica won a $1.7 million low-interest loan through the Indiana Finance Authority to expand housing infrastructure and build 87 single-family lots. Education Accountability: State Reps. Matt Lehman, Ethan Manning, and Heath VanNatter highlighted that IREAD pass rates rose for a fifth straight year, with more than 88% of third graders passing. Health Policy Impact: New Census data shows Bartholomew County’s uninsured adult rate fell roughly in half since 2010 after the Affordable Care Act expanded coverage. Agriculture: Indiana regained HPAI-free status after 28 days without new detections, a milestone aimed at reopening poultry trade.

Indiana Flood Response: Gov. Mike Braun asked for a presidential emergency declaration as severe weather and historic flooding continue, with evacuations and road closures stretching across multiple counties. Local Government & Public Safety: Indianapolis urged residents near the White River to evacuate ahead of floodwall gate closures, while Hamilton County declared a state of emergency after additional rainfall pushed rivers higher. Statehouse—Veterans: Indiana expanded property tax relief for eligible disabled veterans and surviving spouses, including a shift to credits for qualifying veterans starting with the 2026 assessment year. Courts & Public Records: A Defiance County grand jury returned indictments tied to assault, drug possession, and alleged juvenile-related harmful material. ICE & Immigration: A Morning Briefing report says several Springfield Haitians are in ICE custody in the Butler County Jail after enforcement increased following Haiti’s TPS end. Indiana Economy & Trade: Tariff refunds are starting to reach Indiana businesses, easing pressure for some small firms after Supreme Court action against the tariffs. Energy & Environment: Indiana AG Todd Rokita is pushing to intervene in a federal fight over closing 2,600 megawatts of Indiana power capacity tied to an old consent decree.

Severe Weather Response: Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency after record flooding and tornado damage across Indiana, with state agencies coordinating cleanup and power restoration. Public Safety & Oversight: Indiana Funeral Directors Association leaders pointed to a regulatory gap after decomposing bodies were found at an Illinois funeral home, arguing Indiana’s system avoids that kind of oversight failure. Education: Indiana lawmakers highlighted that third-grade IREAD results rose for a fifth straight year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Small Business & Agriculture: U.S. SBA chief Kelly Loeffler joined Sen. Todd Young on an Indiana visit to push expanded federal small-business lending as farmers and manufacturers face higher equipment costs. Law Enforcement: The FBI captured Ten Most Wanted fugitive Gregory Henderson Jr., accused of leading an Indianapolis gang tied to the Sinaloa Cartel. Federal Courts/Firearms: Indiana AG Jackley joined other states urging DOJ not to appeal a ruling striking down parts of federal firearm registration rules. Local History: A marker honoring former U.S. Rep. Charles A. Halleck will be dedicated in DeMotte next week.

Severe Weather & Recovery: Northwest Indiana and parts of Indiana are still digging out after major storms and tornado damage, with hundreds of thousands without power and local officials coordinating restoration and emergency response. Local Emergency Management: Wayne County set up a pet reunification program for flood evacuees, while Cambridge City issued a weeklong emergency curfew after flood damage. State Law—Cold Cases: Indiana’s “Carmen’s Law” was amended to expand access to advanced DNA testing for qualifying cold cases and allow more family members to request reviews. Indiana Politics & Governance: The state’s budget process continues at the county level, with Knox County commissioners preparing for council review and final property tax levy steps. Public Safety Tech Debate: Indiana is part of a broader national fight over Flock-style automated license plate cameras, with privacy and free-speech concerns driving pushback. Federal Funding Watch: A new analysis says Indiana took in $733 million less from the federal government last year, with competitive grants down sharply when Medicaid is excluded. Business & Jobs: U.S. SBA chief Kelly Loeffler visited Indiana to push expanded federal small-business loan limits, tying it to affordability and investment needs. Sports & Indiana Spotlight: The Chicago Bears’ stadium talks keep centering on Hammond, with team leadership reiterating the franchise name won’t change even if the venue moves. Hoosier Lottery: Aug. 13 Cash 5: 10-26-28-37-45; Daily 3 Midday: 6-4-4 (SB 6); Evening: 2-7-7 (SB 3).

Statehouse & Agriculture: Rep. Hunter Smith and Gov. Mike Braun celebrated House Enrolled Act 1424 at WonderTree Farm, saying the law cuts over-regulation for Hoosier farmers and small vendors while expanding access to affordable, homegrown food. Education: Marion County lawmakers highlighted 2026 IREAD gains, with more than 88% of third graders passing for the fifth straight year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Local Aviation & Economic Growth: Fort Wayne International Airport marked completion of its seven-year, $145 million “Project Gateway” modernization, including terminal upgrades and parking/rental-car improvements. Public Safety & Housing: Jeffersonville’s planned clearing of a homeless encampment was postponed after a new state law took effect, raising questions about how quickly services can meet people’s needs. Government Transparency: Indiana Public Access Counselor found New Albany violated the Access to Public Records Act by not turning over legal costs/invoices tied to the Providence Mill dam litigation. Election Integrity: A recount in Indiana Senate District 23 flipped the result to Paula Copenhaver, with reporting focusing on “human error” tied to missing court clerk seals on absentee ballots. Sports & Indiana’s Stadium Fight: Chicago Bears leadership reiterated its “sole focus” on Hammond for a new stadium, while Arlington Heights officials said they’re still hopeful Illinois and the team can reach a deal. Scam Warning After Storms: Indiana officials warned Hoosiers to watch for post-disaster scams targeting flood and tornado recovery.

IU Legal Fight: Former IU basketball head trainer Tim Garl sued the university trustees and athletic director Scott Dolson, alleging wrongful termination and age discrimination after he was let go in March 2025. Medicaid Oversight: Indiana Democrats on the Medicaid Advisory Committee are pushing for an independent audit of FSSA’s interRAI assessment tool after a jump in disability waiver denials. WNBA Eligibility Clash: The WNBA task force met amid the Sophie Cunningham-led trans athletes debate; the league says there are no immediate eligibility matters but denounces “bad-faith” attacks. Flock Camera Privacy: A new Indiana-focused push is urging lawmakers to limit police use of Flock surveillance cameras, citing privacy and data-sharing concerns. Transportation Funding: Indiana road and bridge groups warn that the gasoline tax suspension can’t become permanent and are calling for a long-term funding plan. Public Safety: The FBI added Gregory Henderson Jr. to its Ten Most Wanted list, offering up to $1 million for tips leading to his arrest. Higher Ed Branding: University of Indianapolis sued IU over “IU INDY” trademark use, seeking an injunction and damages.

Education & Medicaid: Health experts are celebrating Indiana Medicaid coverage for weight loss drugs, while other coverage changes are also in the mix for Allen County families. Marion County Schools: Indianapolis Public Education Corporation approved Karega Rausch’s $285,000 salary and paired him with incoming executive vice president Andrew Strope as IPS accountability and operations planning ramps up. Local Government & Homelessness: Fort Wayne will collect $2,500 from Hendricks Behavioral Health after the provider violated the city’s homeless relocation ordinance. Storm Response: Gov. Mike Braun says severe weather impacts are being felt statewide as Northwest Indiana communities dig out and NIPSCO reports its biggest outage ever. Data Centers & AI Power: Rep. Ro Khanna’s “Data Center Bill of Rights” would set distance rules, require public reporting, and limit state overrides—fueling fresh battles over AI power hunger. Public Safety & Courts: A TSA agent found stolen Civil War-era cannonballs in a passenger’s suitcase; Indiana also saw ongoing local arrest-log updates. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Indiana fuel prices easing in parts of the state, with multiple counties posting lowest-in-week regular and diesel figures. Sports/Legal: Colts Chief Legal Officer Dan Emerson announced he’ll retire later this year after 42 years with the franchise.

Education Funding Flexibility: Indiana is among states getting federal waivers to consolidate education dollars and bypass some requirements, part of a broader push to shift control from Washington to states. School Safety & Classroom Policy: Gov. Mike Braun is rolling out “bell-to-bell” cell phone limits and teacher pay boosts as Hoosier students head back to school. Medicaid Work Mandate: Indiana estimates up to 300,000 low-income Hoosiers could be pulled into new Medicaid work requirements, but key exemption and documentation details are still unsettled. Public Health & Families: State health officials are urging parents to double-check vaccination records for kindergarten, sixth grade, and 12th grade back-to-school deadlines. Housing & Local Government: Fort Wayne received nearly $9.9M for housing infrastructure, while Fort Wayne City Council voted not to discuss funding for an Anchor Resource Center homeless project. Courts & Corrections: ICE detailed medical and staffing problems at the Miami Correctional Facility holding immigration detainees. Public Safety: Severe storms hit the region, including a fatal tree-related incident in Jennings County. Drug Enforcement: Lilly sued six companies over alleged illegal sales of experimental obesity drug retatrutide. Local Crime: Charges were filed in a Lafayette-area shooting death in Carroll County. Weather Watch: Tornado warnings and widespread outages continued across the Midwest and northwest Indiana.

Indiana Elections: The Indiana Recount Commission overturned a Republican primary result in State Senate District 23, flipping the race to Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver after 10 ballots were tossed, leaving Spencer Deery narrowly behind. Ballot Access: Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum says a procedural filing error by the Indiana Democratic Party will keep him off the November ballot for State Senate District 39, clearing the way for GOP nominee Jeff Ellington. Public Safety & Courts: Preble County’s grand jury returned 14 indictments, including charges against Benjamin Henry Heggs tied to an alleged arson fire at a home in Eaton. Medicaid Enforcement: Attorney General Todd Rokita announced Indiana’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit was named “Unit of the Year” by HHS’s Office of Inspector General. Housing & Infrastructure: Elkhart received a $10 million low-interest state loan to expand housing infrastructure and redevelop an abandoned mall into a mixed-use project. Weather: Severe storms slammed the Midwest, knocking out power for nearly 1 million customers across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported the lowest E15 in Miami County at $3.49 and the lowest midgrade in Kosciusko County at $3.89 for the week ending Aug. 1.

Utility & Energy Politics: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension again, keeping relief going through Sept. 5 as the holiday nears its end and prices could jump otherwise. Regulators & Rates: Fired IURC chair Andy Zay sued Braun, arguing his removal was tied to his vote on an AES Indiana rate case and seeking to block the governor’s replacement while the dispute plays out. Local Government Finance: Indianapolis City-County Council overrode Mayor Joe Hogsett’s veto to approve vehicle tax hikes starting in 2027, aiming to raise $70M+ annually for road repairs. Public Safety & Schools: Indiana State Police and INDOT reminded drivers of the rules for stopping for school buses as the school year begins. Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A suspected Iranian-linked campaign hit U.S. water utilities, highlighting how small systems can be easy targets. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrests in East Chicago drew concern after detentions occurred near a coffee shop and an elementary school on the first day of classes. Healthcare Policy: FSSA plans to seek a federal waiver to reinstate HIP cost-sharing for able-bodied adults, potentially adding copays at point of service. Data Centers Debate: Indiana communities weighing data center moratoriums are being warned that blanket pauses can scare off investment and complicate negotiations. Sports Culture War: The DiJonai Carrington–Sophie Cunningham WNBA controversy keeps escalating, feeding a broader national fight over transgender eligibility in women’s sports.

Utility Regulation Fight: Fired IURC commissioner Andy Zay sued Gov. Mike Braun, arguing his removal was unlawful and tied to Zay’s vote on a contentious AES Indiana rate case; Braun has already appointed former Indianapolis councilor Josh Bain. Local Justice: Boone County prosecutors want to move a Zionsville Main Street arson case from juvenile to adult court after a July 10 fire caused more than $150,000 in damage. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana State Police arrested two Illinois men in Northwest Indiana for allegedly trafficking meth, seizing 21 pounds of packaged meth after a traffic stop. State Budget & Roads: Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s proposed 2027 budget includes a major road funding boost tied to a state matching-grant plan, with the city’s required match ramping up over time. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reported some of the lowest Indiana-area fuel prices for the week ending Aug. 1, including Christian County E85 at $2.99 and Noble County midgrade at $4.29.

School Referendums & Property Taxes: With Indiana’s 2026 election shaping up as a historic school referendum year, voters in districts like Noblesville will weigh operating tax questions amid rising property-tax pressure and a new wave of ballot measures. Utility Regulation & Energy Policy: Gov. Mike Braun continues to steer Indiana’s energy and utility agenda, including moves tied to gas-tax relief and appointments at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Public Safety & Local Incidents: A nine-hour Delaware County SWAT standoff ended with a suspect taken into custody after gunfire exchange; separately, prosecutors said no charges will be filed in the death of a 75-year-old Tim Hortons customer after a fight with a manager. Tech, Surveillance & Privacy: Indianapolis officials’ use of Flock cameras is again in the spotlight as residents and watchdogs question how surveillance tech is deployed and governed. Federal Policy Watch: Indiana Sen. Todd Young backs limits on congressional stock trading, pushing the Stop Insider Trading Act as a trust-restoring step. Sports & Culture Clash: The WNBA’s transgender-eligibility debate keeps spilling into Indiana politics and headlines, with league leadership setting up further talks after the Sophie Cunningham controversy.