AGP Executive Report

Local Public Safety Tech: Fort Wayne is weighing whether to renew its Flock Safety license plate reader contract, with a vote expected Aug. 25, while other Indiana cities are taking different approaches to retention and oversight. Homelessness Policy: Jeffersonville must clear a homeless encampment near I-65 under a new Indiana law banning camping on state-owned property, raising concerns about whether enough outreach and housing options exist. Education Elections: Chalkbeat reports Indianapolis Public Schools board candidate Lindsey Cornett listed a Democratic affiliation without meeting Indiana’s voting threshold requirements, prompting a dispute over party certification. State Government & Energy: NIPSCO is seeking to recover about $38 million from customers tied to federal orders keeping coal units running longer than planned. Sports & Culture War: The WNBPA says it “will not be used as political pawns” amid the Sophie Cunningham trans-athlete controversy, while Enes Kanter Freedom declares for the 2027 WNBA Draft and challenges how eligibility rules apply. Alcohol Regulation: Bloomington delayed new downtown alcohol permit rules and restated its police salary ordinance, adding a lieutenant position.

Indiana GOP Primaries: A Trump-backed streak hit a rare snag as Rep. Andy Ogles lost a GOP primary in Tennessee’s newly redrawn 5th District, underscoring how endorsement power doesn’t guarantee wins. Utility & Energy: Gov. Mike Braun tapped Indianapolis councilor Josh Bain to fill Andy Zay’s seat on the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, with the IURC set to weigh whether to revisit AES Indiana’s controversial rate increase. Coal Cost Pressure: NIPSCO is seeking $38M from customers for forced continued operation of coal units, after federal orders kept plants running longer than planned. Public Safety: Indiana State Police joined a multi-state commercial truck sweep, pulling hundreds of unsafe drivers/vehicles and detaining dozens while targeting fraud and credential violations. Elections & Voting Access: Indiana is among states challenging a Trump push that would let USPS help determine who can vote by mail. Sports Policy: Sens. Josh Hawley, Jim Banks, and Tommy Tuberville filed an amendment to protect state women’s sports laws from federal preemption under the Protect College Sports Act. Local Governance: South Bend Mayor Mueller vetoed a bill pausing the Midwest Continental Divide Trail, citing “false and misleading claims.” International Trade: Pakistan’s ambassador visited Indiana textile firm Calderon Textiles to highlight Pakistan–U.S. business ties. Health & Care: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman backed stronger Medicaid fraud enforcement, with Indiana among supporting states. Community Development: Indiana’s OCRA announced Stellar Pathways applications will open this fall, with a new option for communities to apply individually.

Death Penalty Fight: Attorneys for Jeffrey Alan Weisheit are pushing back against Indiana setting an execution date, citing issues ranging from past legal performance to lethal-injection drug availability. Energy & Affordability: Gov. Mike Braun and AG Todd Rokita are again pressing to keep coal plants running, arguing data-center growth requires it, while critics question whether Braun’s latest gas-tax extension is legally defensible. Utility Regulation: Braun appointed Marion County councilor Joshua Bain to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission days after firing Andy Zay, with “affordability” front and center. Local Government & Housing: INDOT plans to bulldoze a large Jeffersonville homeless camp near Eastern Boulevard and Hospitality Way, with residents facing an Aug. 13 move-out deadline; separately, WFYI and the Indianapolis Recorder rolled out a Central Indiana Housing FAQ on tenant rights, eviction rules, and homebuying help. Public Safety Funding: Knox County commissioners advanced a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All plan using a $200,000 grant to reduce serious crashes and injuries. Healthcare Oversight: HHS is moving to decertify Kentucky’s Network for Hope organ-donation nonprofit, which serves Indiana among other states, after safety concerns. Elections & Ballot Politics: In northeast Indiana, a pro-casino PAC is ramping up ahead of the Allen County casino referendum this fall. Sports & Community: Indiana’s DCI World Championship prelims kicked off at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston shared a glam photo shoot tied to the team’s national spotlight.

Utility Regulation: Indiana’s IURC pulled a contentious $71M AES Indiana rate increase from its agenda after Gov. Mike Braun fired Commissioner Andy Zay, setting up a possible delay and a fresh vote once vacancies are filled. Energy Costs: Braun also extended Indiana’s gas tax holiday through Sept. 5 via a new statewide energy emergency, citing disruptions tied to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Canadian wildfires. State Politics & Elections: Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is entering the race for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, aiming to give voters a third option. Local Government & Public Safety: Gosport is weighing a fire territory to stabilize volunteer fire coverage and funding as volunteer ranks decline. Sports & Culture: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she wants the focus back on basketball after her transgender-athlete comments sparked national backlash. Housing & Services: Indianapolis’ point-in-time homelessness count stayed nearly flat year over year, with the city reporting 1,821 people experiencing homelessness. Local Development: Pike County is discussing whether to pursue a TIF for battery storage tied to a solar project, while also considering vehicle taxes to protect road funding.

WNBA & Women’s Sports Culture War: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she wants the focus “back to basketball” after her comments on transgender athletes sparked national backlash and rallies, ahead of a game vs. the Las Vegas Aces. Sports Media Backlash: A separate national debate continues over whether WNBA coverage is “sticking to sports,” with critics and supporters trading barbs over league leadership and fan culture. Statehouse & Utilities: Gov. Mike Braun fired Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Commissioner Andy Zay, citing alleged policy violations and affordability concerns, and says he’s searching for a replacement. Energy Costs: Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax holiday again by declaring a new statewide energy emergency tied to global oil shipping disruptions and other factors, keeping relief at the pump in place. Elections: Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, running as an independent for Indiana Secretary of State, says Indiana’s election system is too “closed” and argues for more competition. Public Health: A multi-state cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce continues to expand, with Indiana named among affected states. Organ Donation Oversight: HHS decertified Kentucky’s Network for Hope organ procurement organization after findings of patient safety failures, a move that also affects parts of Indiana. Legal/Firearms: A federal judge ruled parts of the National Firearms Act are unconstitutional, potentially ending federal registration requirements for suppressors and certain short-barreled firearms. Local Schools: Silver Creek students return with new phone rules under Indiana law and adjusted start times, while construction continues on U.S. 31.

Indiana Medicaid: Indiana is moving into a new phase of Medicaid eligibility reviews, with more frequent renewals and new work/community reporting rules that could mean more coverage churn for Hoosiers who struggle to keep up with changing requirements. Early Learning Deregulation: Gov. Mike Braun’s administration is pushing child-care deregulations that would loosen provider requirements, and parents say the changes could trade affordability for lower quality. Statehouse Religion Fight: A Ten Commandments monument tied to a Bedford church is back in the spotlight as Indiana officials and the ACLU clash over whether it can return to the Statehouse grounds. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana’s public defense system is warning of a funding crunch as counties fall short on collecting constitutionally required defense fees. Cybersecurity: Indiana is standing up a new Office of Cybersecurity to coordinate defense against hacker attacks. Federal Health Policy: AG Todd Rokita and other attorneys general are urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act to expand states’ ability to pursue beneficiary fraud. Midterm Politics: National Democrats are adding 12 GOP-held districts to their midterm target list, including Indiana’s Victoria Spartz.

Cybersecurity & State Government: Gov. Mike Braun signed an executive order creating an Indiana Office of Cybersecurity inside the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate statewide cyber preparedness, incident response, and resilience across state agencies, local government, critical infrastructure, and private partners. Medicaid Oversight: Indiana Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a coalition of 16 AGs urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand Medicaid Fraud Control Units to investigate and prosecute beneficiary and recipient fraud, not just provider fraud. Public Health: Indiana’s Medicaid enrollment fell by 343,000 people in a year, an 18.5% drop, with “noncompliance” renewal failures cited as a major driver—leaving hospitals and advocates bracing for more uninsured Hoosiers. Local School Funding: Lake and Porter County districts secured approvals for November property-tax referendums under Indiana’s newer property tax rules, including multiple districts seeking to maintain programs and staffing. Sports & Courts: Indiana football’s Stephen Daley is back on the roster after a Colorado judge’s preliminary injunction gives some 2022 high school athletes an extra year of eligibility, with the NCAA signaling it will appeal. College Sports Eligibility: A federal court ruling could trigger transfer-portal chaos nationwide as athletes gain eligibility under a “five-for-five” model. Indiana Sports: Indiana women’s basketball freshman Zoe Jackson will miss the 2026-27 season after a knee injury requiring surgery and rehab.

Indiana Medicaid: Indiana’s Medicaid rolls fell by more than 343,000 people in a year (down 18.5%), with “noncompliance” driving much of the drop and families reporting coverage gaps that disrupt care. Energy & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita asked a federal judge to block retirement of a Rockport coal unit, arguing the state needs “all-of-the-above” power as demand rises. Cybersecurity: Gov. Braun’s administration is standing up a new Office of Cybersecurity to coordinate defense against hacker attacks. School Funding: New property-tax rules pushed a record 38 Indiana school districts to seek fall referendums totaling about $500 million. Statehouse Leadership: Sen. Rodric Bray will step down as Indiana Senate president pro tempore, reshaping GOP leadership dynamics. Sports & Culture War: The Sophie Cunningham/WNBA trans-athlete debate continues to spill into Indiana sports headlines, with rallies and high-profile reactions after Minnesota’s Cheryl Reeve wore a “Trans Kids Belong” shirt. Education Testing: ILEARN results are delayed as the state finalizes new cut scores after exam changes.

Indiana Cybersecurity Push: Gov. Braun launched a new Office of Cybersecurity inside the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, aiming to coordinate state, school, local, and private-sector defenses against hackers and AI-fueled scams. Utility Regulator Shakeup: Braun fired IURC Commissioner Andy Zay just weeks after he backed an AES Indiana rate hike and was demoted from chair, citing alleged policy and disclosure violations. Senate Leadership Fallout: Sen. Rodric Bray said he won’t seek re-election as Indiana Senate president pro tempore after Trump-linked threats tied to redistricting. Immigration Enforcement Fight: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville over its opposition to a potential ICE detention site, arguing the town violated the state’s Fairness Act. WNBA Culture-War Spillover: Caitlin Clark said the trans-athlete debate isn’t discussed in the Fever locker room, while the Sophie Cunningham controversy continues to draw national attention. Public Safety/Justice: Indiana officials warned competency restoration for criminal defendants is overwhelming psychiatric hospital capacity. Health & Consumer Watch: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce continues, with Michigan reporting deaths.

Cybersecurity: Gov. Mike Braun announced an Office of Cybersecurity inside the Indiana Department of Homeland Security to better coordinate defenses and prevent attacks. AI in Government: Indiana agencies have rapidly expanded AI use, with the state Management Performance Hub approving 135 AI plans from Jan. 2025 to June 2026, while stressing risk reviews and readiness assessments. Immigration & ICE: Indiana’s AG sued Merrillville, alleging town officials illegally blocked ICE enforcement tied to a potential detention facility. State Politics: Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray says he won’t seek re-election to his leadership post, setting up a scramble over Indiana Senate committee power. Healthcare: Indiana Medicaid enrollment fell by more than 343,000 people in a year (down 18.5%), with procedural closures and coverage gaps disrupting care. Public Safety/Tech: Indiana is also expanding AI tools for police, legal and public services, alongside broader cybersecurity moves.

Immigration & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville, alleging town officials blocked ICE operations tied to a new state law aimed at stopping local interference with immigration enforcement. Public Safety: The Middle Fork Vermilion River was declared a restricted boating area after hazardous currents, debris, and submerged structures. State Government & Tech: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith used a Marion town hall to argue data centers are needed to “beat China,” but opposed tax abatements and suggested locating them on military or government land. Higher Ed (IU): IU published explainers for students on key administration roles and the Office of International Services, including how it supports immigration-status compliance. Sports & Eligibility: Former Indiana center Sam Alexis announced his return for a fifth season after a court injunction opened the door for extra eligibility. WNBA & Culture War: Sophie Cunningham’s trans-athlete comments kept driving national backlash, with Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wearing “Trans Kids Belong” during Fever-Lynx coverage. Transit: NICTD approved a new 20-year South Shore Line plan, including track and service upgrades and potential station relocation to cut grade crossings. Local Community: Indiana State Fair announced a baseball theme plus new attractions.

Office of Cybersecurity: Gov. Mike Braun announced the creation of an Office of Cybersecurity within the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, aiming for a “whole-of-government” coordination plan to help Indiana prevent and recover from cyberattacks, especially for critical infrastructure. Immigration enforcement fight: The ACLU of Indiana is reviewing a state lawsuit targeting the Merrillville Town Council over its opposition to an ICE detention facility, arguing First Amendment concerns and warning SEA 76 can’t be used to punish local speech. ICE and local politics: Indiana’s immigration crackdown continues to collide with local control as Fishers saw a large counterprotest to a planned “mass deportation” rally, with organizers cutting the event short due to lightning risk. Sports culture war: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham remains a national flashpoint over transgender athletes, with renewed debate after ESPN coverage and further commentary from WNBA and media figures. Public safety and courts: A 15-year-old Indiana boy was sentenced to 100 years in prison for a gang-related shooting in Anderson that killed a woman, underscoring the state’s harsh sentencing for organized-crime enhancements. USDA workforce push: USDA launched a hiring initiative to recruit veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses into federal agricultural careers, including opportunities tied to Indianapolis.

Cybersecurity Push: Gov. Mike Braun announced an Office of Cybersecurity within the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, aiming for a “whole-of-government” playbook to prevent and respond to cyberattacks. Immigration & Protest Politics: About 1,000 Hoosiers marched in Fishers to counter a pro-deportation event that was moved to Greenfield, with Sen. Fady Qaddoura comparing the rally’s tactics to Indiana’s past scapegoating. College Sports Legal Fight: A federal judge’s injunction in Colorado restored a fifth year of eligibility for NCAA athletes from the Class of 2022, and the NCAA says it will appeal—setting up more chaos as the transfer portal opens Aug. 3. Indiana GOP Leadership Shakeup: Indiana Senate leader Rodric Bray said he won’t seek re-election as Senate leader after thwarting a Trump-backed redistricting push, drawing sharp Trump backlash. Sports Culture War: Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s anti-trans comments continue to spark rallies and counterprotests around Fever games, including outside Portland’s arena. Workforce & Agriculture: Indiana farmers urged Congress to pass H.R. 9535 to fix the agriculture workforce crisis, arguing the current H-2A system is too slow and costly. NCAA/Eligibility Ripple for Indiana: Former Hoosier Sam Alexis received a court injunction granting an extra year of eligibility, potentially reshaping Indiana men’s basketball depth.

Indiana Senate Leadership: Sen. Rodric Bray says he won’t seek reelection as Senate president pro tem in November, setting up a scramble inside the GOP caucus over who fills the leadership void after the bruising mid-decade redistricting fight. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sues Merrillville, alleging town officials illegally blocked an ICE detention facility under the state’s FAIRNESS Act. Public Safety & Courts: A 6-month-old abducted from Indiana was recovered in Kentucky after a multistate effort; the suspect faces federal kidnapping charges. Sports & Culture War: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s trans-athlete comments keep driving backlash, including a viral sideline moment and renewed rallies around women’s sports. Health Policy: Indiana Medicaid expands access to GLP-1s for eligible Hoosiers, adding another pressure point in the state’s obesity and drug-cost debate. Statehouse & Faith Politics: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith held a Marion town hall, pushing constitutional changes tied to religious oaths while fielding questions on data centers, immigration, and Medicaid. Business/Local: New Columbus-area restaurant openings leaned heavily into carbs, while closures included Applebee’s and Maple Street Biscuit. Federal Trade Enforcement: CBP seized $28 million in counterfeit luxury watches tied to shipments through the Port of Louisville.

WNBA Culture War Hits Indiana Connections: A Seattle Storm co-owner was suspended and fined after a courtside confrontation involving Sophie Cunningham supporters, with the dispute tied to a broader push to keep transgender students out of girls’ athletics—sparking national backlash and more debate that Indiana Fever fans can’t ignore. Indiana Public Safety & Courts: Indiana State Police say a Kosciusko County motorcyclist fled a traffic stop, was tracked by K9, and now faces resisting and driving while suspended charges. Federal Legal Twist: Prosecutors moved to drop charges against former Olympian David Hearn over alleged Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool damage, saying the damage came from a botched renovation, not vandalism. State Government Tech: Gov. Mike Braun announced an Indiana Office of Cybersecurity to coordinate defenses across state agencies. Higher Ed & Policy: Sen. Todd Young backed renewed bipartisan legislation to ban legacy admissions, arguing it blocks opportunity for less-connected students. Local Governance: Allen County launches a monthlong “Community Conversations” series to connect residents with county leaders.

Medicaid & Health Care: Indiana is expanding access to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for eligible Hoosiers on Medicaid, with officials pitching more predictable state pricing and details on eligibility/timing to come. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville, accusing the town of blocking efforts to add an ICE detention facility and violating state cooperation requirements. Elections & Voting Access: A Tippecanoe County recount fight in Senate District 23 hit a wall as the recount commission denied subpoenas and depositions, with clerk Julie Roush pushing back on claims of misinformation. Public Safety: Indiana’s town of Lynn mourned Town Marshal Brad Fisher after he was killed during a stop-sticks deployment; tributes poured in as Indiana State Police said they’ll assist local investigators. Sports & Policy: A federal NCAA eligibility lawsuit in North Carolina seeks extra seasons for dozens of former athletes after the NCAA shifted to a five-year model. Higher Ed Admissions: Senators including Indiana’s Todd Young unveiled a federal push to ban legacy and donor preferences in college admissions.