AGP Executive Report

Utility Regulation: Investment analysts warn Indiana’s investor-owned utilities could face profit pressure after the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s disputed firing of a regulator and shifting return-on-equity approach. Small Business Exports: Gov. Mike Braun announced $765,000 in federal SBA funding for Indiana’s IN-STEP program to help small firms expand export sales and reach overseas markets. Election Prep: Indiana voters have until Oct. 5 to register or update their information for the November general election. Data Center Debate: A Northwest Indiana Forum explainer pushes back on myths about data centers after AWS’s approval for a Project Rise facility near Wheatfield, addressing concerns about water, costs, and emergency services. Medicaid Work Requirements: Indiana FSSA says it still doesn’t know who will qualify for a “medical frailty” exemption as HIP work rules near in January. Workforce & Growth: Braun touts workforce gains and congratulates Kokomo on a new READI-backed conference center and hotel. Local Politics: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith says home property taxes could be ended in the next session, while also urging rural engagement on issues like data centers.

Delphi Murders Appeal: The Indiana Court of Appeals heard arguments from Richard Allen’s team as they push for a new trial, with claims his confession was driven by psychosis tied to solitary confinement. Local Courts & Safety: An Indianapolis tort claim alleges sheriff’s deputies used excessive force during a City-County Council meeting, while Allen Superior Court Judge Brent Ecenbarger highlighted new juvenile programs aimed at reducing youth violence and detention. Education Funding: Northwest Allen County Schools laid out an $118 million budget, banking on cash reserves to blunt impacts from Senate Enrolled Act 1 property tax changes. Emergency Management: Allen County commissioners named Chris Fleischer as the new director of emergency management, replacing Bernie Beier after 24 years. Public Order: Jasper County’s Oldham Grand Jury issued a dozen indictments after a Sept. 11 meeting, including charges tied to burglary, DUI and more. Policy & Health: State officials warned Hoosiers about Medicaid work requirements coming in January, with concerns about coverage losses. Opinion: A column argues Indiana should turn its accidental cannabis market into a permanent one.

Education & Schools: Indiana’s “bell-to-bell” K-12 cellphone ban is making enforcement easier for teachers, who say the state law turns what used to be loose rules into consistent consequences. Elections & Governance: Indiana’s first school board elections with party labels are heating up, with conservatives pushing back on DEI and using new reporting tools and social media to target specific classrooms and practices. Immigration & Public Safety: A Bedford woman was arrested on a felony forgery charge after allegedly falsifying a hospital note to excuse probation violations. State Politics: Former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission member Andy Zay is disputing allegations about campaign funds and says his removal may have been tied to the AES Indiana rate fight. Local Government & Community: Upland has a new police chief, TikTok-famous Marshal Richard Craig, whose social media approach grew out of his work as a school resource officer. Economy & Cost of Living: AAA reports Michigan gas prices jumped about 60 cents in a week, with Great Lakes refinery issues pushing up prices across Indiana and nearby states.

Colts Discipline: Indianapolis WR Keenan Allen, formally charged in downtown Indy after an OWI arrest with a reported .224 blood-alcohol level, is facing a minimum three-game NFL suspension, with the league able to extend it if intoxication levels are higher. Public Safety: South Bend police are investigating a Notre Dame game-night gunfire incident that left two people injured, including an officer, with the suspect described as having run from the scene. Police Conduct: Fort Wayne footage shows officers arresting a man after an alleged traffic-stop flight, while a bystander reports an officer told him to “disappear” to avoid getting pulled in. Local Economy: GasBuddy reports show diesel prices in parts of Indiana remain volatile, including a Decatur County low of $5.89/g and Marion County’s lowest diesel at $5.89/g for the week ending Sept. 12. Elections & Enforcement: A separate national AP report highlights ICE activity and scrutiny of enforcement actions, underscoring ongoing debate over immigration policing.

Indiana Politics & Government: South Bend Mayor James Mueller issued an executive order barring city staff from signing data-center non-disclosure agreements, after council members pushed a ban and raised concerns about an Amazon data center’s wastewater disclosures; Mueller says the NDA language is more symbolic than restrictive, while the council’s bill would be first read Sept. 28 and Mueller says he’d veto it. Elections & Law Enforcement: The U.S. Justice Department announced charges against 16 people across multiple states in alleged illegal voting and election crimes, including noncitizens accused of casting ballots in federal elections. Immigration Enforcement: A report on people detained during “Operation Midway Blitz” says release doesn’t necessarily mean freedom, with detainees describing prolonged limbo after being freed from ICE processing. Public Safety: A shooting near Notre Dame Stadium left a woman and a South Bend police officer injured; a suspect was still at large late Saturday. Sports & Indiana News: Colts WR Keenan Allen faces a likely minimum three-game NFL suspension after police reported a blood-alcohol level of .224, about triple the legal limit. Workforce & Industry: Meta announced a $115M “America’s Workforce Academy” to train skilled trades workers for data-center construction, with Indianapolis among pilot sites.

Election Integrity/Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested a Guatemalan national in Indiana tied to alleged illegal voting in a federal election, part of broader DOJ/ICE election-fraud enforcement. Courts & Voting Rules: A federal appeals panel heard arguments on whether North Carolina’s “ballot selfie” ban violates the First Amendment, after a voter posted a selfie of a marked ballot online. Local Government & Development: Michigan City’s council tabled a proposed data-center moratorium after residents and environmental groups pushed back, keeping the debate over permits and tax abatements alive. Indiana Energy/Infrastructure: Indiana’s gas-tax reimbursement program continues to move through local channels, with state leaders highlighting payments to help offset holiday-related revenue losses. Public Safety/Technology: Indiana lawmakers and advocates continue to debate Flock-style license plate reader surveillance and accountability after recent reporting and court-related discussion. Community & Accessibility: A legally blind visitor toured Indiana Dunes National Park with a guide dog, highlighting accessibility at major public sites. Sports/Politics Culture: Pat McAfee faced backlash after appearing to smoke on-air, underscoring how national media moments spill into political and cultural arguments.

WNBA/Indiana Sports: Caitlin Clark says she’d welcome an overseas WNBA game as the league expands internationally, after Team USA’s World Cup run in Berlin; Indiana Fever also kept momentum with a 103-85 win over Toronto, highlighted by Kelsey Mitchell’s single-season scoring record and Clark’s 28-point, 14-assist night. Election Integrity & Voting Access: A Delaware County jury convicted an Indianapolis man of murder and related charges; meanwhile, Indiana election coverage spotlights nonpartisan voter help from the League of Women Voters (Vote411) and renewed debate over “cheat like hell” rhetoric and election conduct. State Government/Benefits: Indiana approved expanded SNAP benefit replacements for storm-impacted counties, with FSSA loading replacement amounts to EBT cards around Sept. 26. Public Accountability: A public dispute in Harrison County is reigniting scrutiny of parks department credit card controls after prior state audit findings. Immigration Enforcement: DHS/ICE announced an Indiana arrest tied to alleged illegal voting, underscoring the administration’s election-integrity push. Courts/Policy: Indiana abortion-rights advocates hailed a 7th Circuit win striking down an Indiana abortion law. Local Development: Newburgh unveiled donor dedication signs for Lou Dennis Community Park after a $1.8M READI 2.0 investment.

WNBA Eligibility Fight: Indiana Rep. Marlin Stutzman and other GOP lawmakers pressed the WNBA to tighten “women” eligibility rules, citing player and fan safety concerns after high-profile trans-athlete eligibility disputes. Public Safety Tech Scrutiny: Indianapolis police Chief Terry suspended an officer and recommended firing after improper use of the department’s automated license plate reader system, with tighter rules and tracking planned. Local Law Enforcement Manhunt: Indiana State Police are searching for an armed suspect in LaPorte County after shots were fired at officers; residents are told not to approach and to call 911. Education & Cybersecurity: Gov. Mike Braun will visit Bloomfield Middle and High School to showcase Indiana’s military-aligned cybersecurity pathway, aiming to scale from dozens of schools to hundreds. Infrastructure in NW Indiana: Gary Chicago International Airport broke ground on a new, taller air traffic control tower funded largely by FAA grants. Courts & Legal Deadlines: A new explainer lays out Indiana’s wrongful death claim filing deadline and what families need to know before pursuing compensation. Marion County Prosecutor Race: Coverage highlights the contrast between incumbent Ryan Mears’ conviction-rate focus and challenger Philip Foust’s push for tougher enforcement. Energy Costs: Gas prices are spiking again, with Chicago singled out as especially high. Community & Housing: Allen County council discussions include the implications of a unified Fire and EMS district, while Vincennes advanced an economic development agreement tied to new downtown apartments.

WNBA & Indiana Politics: A Sept. 17 House letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert—signed by an Indiana member—demands answers on eligibility and safety, reigniting the Sophie Cunningham debate over who should be allowed to play. Indiana Courts & Utilities: The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments in a Duke Energy Indiana dispute that could reshape associational standing and who can sue on behalf of others. Hoosier National Forest: A federal judge ordered staff to stop clearcutting, logging, burning and herbicide use in parts of the Houston South project after years of litigation. Secretary of State Race: Campaign finance complaints are multiplying in Indiana’s secretary of state contest, with the election commission’s next steps still unclear. Data Centers in Indiana: Gary’s mayor issued a one-year pause on new data center development tied to city infrastructure impacts, as residents and officials push for more transparency. Energy Costs: AES Indiana’s $71M rate increase is back in the spotlight as parties set a procedural path for reconsideration and rehearing. ICE Enforcement: A five-day Indiana ICE operation ended with 426 arrests, fueling renewed scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement.

SNAP Storm Relief: Indiana will automatically replace SNAP benefits for households in 19 counties where food was lost in the Aug. 11 outages, with USDA approval and deposits landing on or around Sept. 26 (no paperwork; replacement levels depend on when benefits were originally issued). Local Housing & Surveillance: Bloomington City Council approved zoning changes aimed at housing affordability and introduced a license plate reader ban, following earlier transparency limits and Monroe County’s move to end its Flock contract. City Budget: Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker released a proposed 2027 operating budget totaling $257.7 million, with neighborhood street and sidewalk investments and a 2.9% increase tied to shifting local tax rules. Public Safety: Wayne County reported 25 warrant-category jail bookings for the week ending Sept. 13, while Indiana also saw a five-day ICE operation net more than 400 arrests statewide. Economy Watch: Gas prices stayed volatile in Indiana’s latest GasBuddy reports, with E85 and diesel averages rising week over week as national fuel costs remain sensitive to global oil and refinery conditions. Indiana Courts & Civic Education: A senior special judge visited East Allen County Schools for Constitution Day, using a student voting-registration moment to stress civic responsibility. Business/Restructuring: Meritage Hospitality filed for voluntary Chapter 11 as it seeks a stronger balance sheet while continuing restaurant operations during the process.

Colts/Legal: Colts WR Keenan Allen was formally charged with two misdemeanor OWI-related counts after an Aug. 30 arrest in Indianapolis; court records say his BAC tested at .224, triggering a higher alcohol-concentration charge. Indiana Courts/Child Advocates: Indiana lawmakers heard complaints about inconsistent standards for guardian ad litems and court-appointed special advocates, with parents alleging problems in how cases are handled and how complaints are reviewed. Statehouse/Infrastructure: INDOT reminded Hoosiers that political and other campaign signs are prohibited on state right-of-way and crews can remove unpermitted signs. Storm Recovery: Indiana’s disaster aid for August storms is moving out the door, with more than $1 million already approved for hundreds of homes after IDHS sped up its review process. Energy/Business: Hallador Energy closed up to $675 million in debt financing tied to its Turtle Creek Gas project, aiming to fund construction and related obligations. Tech/Economy: Indiana’s Regenstrief Institute announced a partnership with West Coast Informatics to support LOINC development and delivery. Sports/Local Interest: The Heartland Film Festival returns Oct. 8-18 in Indianapolis with more than 100 indie films and major Hollywood names.

Criminal Justice & Public Safety: Colts WR Keenan Allen was formally charged in Indianapolis with two misdemeanor OWI counts after an Aug. 30 arrest, including operating with an alcohol level of .15 or more (.224 reported in court records). Education & Local Governance: IPS is ending its participation in the Enroll Indy enrollment portal and moving enrollment in-house for IPS-run schools and Innovation Network schools, starting with the 2027-28 school year. Immigration Enforcement: ICE confirmed “Operation Safe Community – Indiana” led to 426 arrests statewide from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3, with local businesses reporting major sales drops amid fear of enforcement. State Politics & Elections: A national voter-rights push is spotlighting Indiana turnout, urging Secretary of State candidates to adopt a “voter bill of rights.” Education Outcomes: Northeast Indiana lawmakers highlighted continued gains on the 2026 IREAD test, with more than 88% of third graders passing statewide. Energy Costs: GasBuddy data shows Indiana fuel prices remain uneven by county, with notable low points reported across E85, midgrade, premium, and diesel.

Indiana Election Access & Ballots: The Lincoln Party’s sunglasses-wearing Abraham Lincoln emblem is set for Indiana straight-ticket ballots, a quirky reminder that ballot rules can still shape high-profile secretary of state races. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: A new look at Flock Safety license-plate camera logs shows some Indiana-area officers typing “LMAO” and other jokes as search reasons, reigniting questions about oversight of mass surveillance tools. State Environment & Energy: The EPA moved toward approving Indiana’s coal combustion residuals (coal ash) permit program, putting the state in charge of a major chunk of CCR permitting. Local Budgets: Knox County council budget talks continue, with a proposed 2027 budget around $21 million and a focus on pay raises and insurance costs. Education Politics: Bloomfield School Board candidates filed for November, setting up a local campaign season with a meet-the-candidates event. Sports & Indiana Connections: Colts WR Keenan Allen was formally charged in Indianapolis with DUI-related misdemeanors after an Aug. 30 arrest. Business/Industry Watch: Reuters reports SK hynix is exploring a U.S. memory-chip deal with Intel, potentially tying into Indiana’s expanding chip supply chain.

Indiana Energy & Environment: The EPA is moving forward with approval of Indiana’s state-led coal ash permitting program, shifting authority from Washington to the Hoosier state while opening a 60-day public comment period. Public Safety: Indiana State Police is recruiting for a new lateral entry program for experienced officers and a traditional recruit class, with applications open through Oct. 13. Courts & Accountability: A viral Fort Wayne arrest video is sparking scrutiny after an officer allegedly told a bystander filming to “disappear,” with two officers placed on restrictive duty during an internal affairs review. Higher Education & Sports: Indiana University baseball player Jacob Gomberg faces allegations of posting sexually explicit images without consent, with the case referred to the university’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance. Local Government & Community: Indianapolis leaders are joining UniverSoul Circus for its opening weekend at Lafayette Square Mall, including guest ringmasters and community performances. National Policy Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked a Trump bid to restrict mail-in voting while voting is underway.

College Sports Policy: Sen. Jim Husted (R-Ohio) is teaming with Rep. Tim Walberg on the TEAM USA Act, which would cap international student-athletes at 20% of rosters at schools taking federal student aid, with annual reporting to the U.S. Department of Education and a start date aimed at 2029-30. Election Law: The U.S. Supreme Court blocked President Trump’s push to tighten mail voting rules, keeping states’ existing processes in place as ballots are already going out in places including Indiana. Indiana Courts & Governance: Lake County is seeking applicants to fill two Superior Court vacancies after retirements, with interviews set for late October and nominees headed to Gov. Mike Braun. Higher Ed & Speech Rules: Indiana public colleges reported a jump in complaints about professors’ classroom speech under the state’s intellectual diversity standards—33 in 2025 versus 14 in 2024. Gender-Transition Litigation: A federal court entered final judgment for Indiana, ending the ACLU’s remaining challenge to the state’s ban on gender-transition procedures for minors. Voter Outreach: The Congressional Black Caucus Institute launched “SO VOTE” to boost turnout among Black and rural voters, with Jim Clyburn helping lead the effort. Indiana Democracy 101: A new guide explains how Indiana bills become law and how the legislative process works.

Utility Regulation Watch: Indiana’s utility bills are getting a fresh look as the IURC weighs how much investor-owned utilities can charge customers, breaking down fixed service charges and variable base-rate costs that could shift after recent AES and other base-rate approvals. Public Safety: Indiana State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting after a Benton County deputy attempted a traffic stop that led to a pursuit and a foot chase in Benton and Warren counties. Local Government: The Spencer Redevelopment Commission is adjusting its procurement approach for real estate services, moving from direct interviews to a short solicitation period for quotes. Elections & Courts: The Indiana Supreme Court continues to drive high-stakes election outcomes, including rulings tied to disputed Republican primaries. Health Policy: Guardant’s Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening is set to gain coverage under EviCore by Evernorth starting Jan. 1, 2027, expanding access for eligible Hoosiers and others. Higher Ed & Transfers: DegreeSight rebranded around “Credit Transparency” as colleges lean harder on transfer enrollment and new federal transfer rules. Business & Jobs: Purdue is expanding partnerships with Rittal and Eplan through a new engineering technology lab. Nonprofit Funding: United Way of Danville Area kicks off its campaign with a Radio Takeover fundraiser aimed at boosting local endowment goals.