IHSAA Basketball Milestone: Indiana sports history gets a fresh look at the day the IHSAA voted to move the boys basketball state tournament to a multi-class format, a change that rolled into other sports starting in 1996-97. WNBA in Indianapolis: The Indiana Fever host the Golden State Valkyries tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Kelsey Mitchell recently named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after a big road stretch. Immigration Fight in Congress: Indiana Sen. Jim Banks is reviving the birthright citizenship battle, introducing a bill that would deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to people he calls “invaders,” echoing Trump-era arguments. Local Government vs. State AG: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is pushing back against Merrillville’s town council over a proposed ICE-related facility, escalating a dispute over local control. Public Health Watch: The CDC reports nearly 7,000 Cyclospora cases nationwide, with investigators pointing to lettuce and salad greens as a possible source while Indiana remains on alert. Community & Conservation: Hoosier farmers planted about 1.58 million acres of cover crops, helping prevent sediment from washing into waterways. Sports & Tickets: Indiana football tickets for the 2026 season are already on sale, with a full schedule listing matchups including Ohio State and Purdue.
AGP Executive Report
Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
WNBA: Indiana Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell pinned the latest skid on defense, after a 106-92 loss at Los Angeles Wednesday. The good news: wins over the Mercury and Aces put the Fever up to No. 4 in ESPN’s WNBA Power Rankings, with Caitlin Clark back after back issues and Aliyah Boston returning strong. Sports & Culture: Clark’s throat-punch controversy keeps roiling—Chelsea Gray posted an alleged racial slur from a fan after the Fever’s 109-75 win over the Aces, adding fuel to an already tense moment for WNBA fans. Local Business/Indy: Indianapolis is weighing up to $56 million in tax breaks for a proposed Martindale Brightwood data center, with staff saying the project wouldn’t pencil out without abatements. Local Development: Hamilton Walker’s plans a second Indianapolis-area location in Broad Ripple, opening in early 2027. Community & Outdoors: Phase 2 of the Parke Community Rail Trail opened in Jessup, adding 2.5 miles of hard-surface trail. Public Safety: An Indiana man died after being pulled from Lake Michigan at Warren Dunes State Park; police said cardiac arrest is suspected. Politics: A recount in a tight Indiana Senate District 23 race is set for July 28.
Indianapolis Crime Update: A timeline is emerging in the killing of Makayla Pendley, whose body was found in Mexico after she and her seven children vanished from Indy; one suspect has been arrested, while the kids remain in Mexican protective custody with limited contact and no clear return date. Local Arts & Economy: The Logansport Art Association is among groups receiving READI 2.0 arts and culture grants, part of a broader push to boost “quality of place” across Indiana communities. WNBA—Indiana Fever: Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell powered a 109-75 rout of the Las Vegas Aces, while the league continues to swirl around Clark-related controversy and player treatment. Public Safety: Anderson police arrested an 18-year-old in a Saturday shooting that injured six people at a crowded gathering. Community & Hate-Crime Investigation: Zionsville officials are investigating a suspected hate crime after a building displaying an Israeli flag was torched; Mike Pence condemned antisemitism. Business & Jobs: FedEx is creating a standalone FedEx Life Sciences unit, and Evonik is investing $100M to modernize its Lafayette drug-manufacturing site.
Statehouse & Roads: Starke County is set to receive $750,189 in state matching grants for local road and bridge work, part of a broader $84 million round statewide. Local Governance: Neighbors in Cedar Lake say new development is restricting public lakefront access and are suing to restore what they call a public right of way. Statehouse & Policy: Reps. Lorissa Sweet and Craig Snow were named to 2026 interim study committees, with Sweet on government and Snow on fiscal policy and the budget. Environment & Health: Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management declared Air Quality Action Days for Northwest Indiana due to high ozone levels. Education: A Crawfordsville school board reviewed a new AI policy, while Indiana childcare rules approved by Gov. Mike Braun would loosen requirements and reduce required academic programming. Business & Jobs: JCBank promoted David Richardson to senior vice president and chief commercial lending officer. Public Safety: IMPD is asking for help finding 62-year-old Catherine Johnson, last seen on Bradley Avenue and using a walker. Sports: Indiana’s presence in national sports talk continues, from college football coaching chatter to local sports hall of fame updates.
Indiana Public Safety: Indiana State Police say a trooper was shot multiple times after a pursuit in Michigan City; the suspect was later found dead. Local Roads Funding: Washington City Council will weigh a wheel tax and motor vehicle excise tax tonight as cities look for new revenue for road repairs after property-tax caps. Infrastructure & Water: Vincennes Water Utilities highlighted more than $3M in READI grants for water and sewer line extensions. Hoosier Economy Watch: AAA puts Indiana’s Sunday gas average at $3.25 a gallon, with diesel averaging $4.89. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbs to $478M after no winner Saturday; Hoosier Lotto jackpot rises to $28.8M. Sports (Indy): The Indiana Fever routed the Las Vegas Aces 109-75, with Kelsey Mitchell scoring 27 and Caitlin Clark posting 12 points while on a minutes restriction. Transparency: A state website tool that let Hoosiers find specific state employees appears to have been removed. Community Health: Feeding America reports an Indianapolis “Food Is Medicine” partnership helped patients with food insecurity, tied to fewer hospitalizations and improved blood sugar.
WNBA Leadership Shakeup: The Los Angeles Sparks fired GM Raegan Pebley and will split interim GM duties between assistant GMs Zach Knowlton and Nate Nielsen after a 39-66 run. Hoosier Sports Spotlight: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham is getting major attention beyond basketball, including a surprise ring-card girl role at UFC 329. Public Safety: Munster police say a suspect shot a woman in the face, triggering a SWAT standoff before the suspect was taken into custody; no threat to the public. Statewide Community Events: “Cops Cycling for Survivors” continues its 25th annual Ride to Remember across Indiana starting Monday. Local Government: Lawrenceville city council rejected adding side-by-sides to on-road vehicles but approved about $6.9M in appropriations and a $500 donation to One Cause in Knox County. Road Work: INDOT plans a bridge deck overlay on S.R. 124 in Huntington County starting Monday, with detours and a mid-November target. Lottery: Powerball jackpot rose to an estimated $478M for Monday after no winner Saturday.
WNBA Spotlight: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham turned heads at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, serving as a guest Octagon girl and recreating her viral finger-pointing gesture during the co-main card. Hoosier Sports: The Fever head to face the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday night, with Cunningham set for a prime-time matchup after her UFC cameo. NBA Summer League: The Pacers rallied from a 24-point deficit but fell to the 76ers in overtime, 100-93, as Jalen Slawson led Indiana. Public Safety: A 51-year-old man from LaPorte drowned at Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan City, according to Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project reports. Local Government Watch: Indianapolis council president is calling for a pause on data center developments as more counties curb or ban them. Lottery: Hoosier Lotto and Cash 5 results for July 11 are out for ticket-checkers.
Public Safety: Indiana State Police Sgt. Justin Heflin is recovering after being shot multiple times during a chase that ended in a crash in Michigan City; the suspect was later found dead in a cornfield. Severe Weather: A flood watch is in effect for parts of Indiana and Ohio as storms roll through the Greater Cincinnati area, with officials warning residents to get to high ground and be ready for flash flooding. Health: Cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite that can cause severe, explosive diarrhea, are surging nationwide, including in Indiana, and health experts urge careful food and hand hygiene. Sports (Hoosier): The Colts are looking to lighten Jonathan Taylor’s workload heading into training camp. Community: A mother in Indiana safely surrendered a newborn using a Safe Haven Baby Box, and the baby is now in the care of the state for adoption. Business/Local Interest: Hear Indiana is expanding services to adults, aiming to improve access to hearing testing and treatment.
Data Centers vs. Local Control: WFYI reports nearly a third of Indiana counties now restrict data center development, with Marshall and Cass counties banning new projects outright—raising questions about water, electricity, and land impacts as the state courts major investment. Ag Grants for Women: Indiana Farm Bureau opened applications for up to five $1,000 grants for women-owned agriculture-related small businesses, with a deadline of Aug. 15 and awards at an event in Noblesville in September. Livestock Summit Focused on Innovation: Indiana’s Livestock Summit in Indianapolis highlighted collaboration across the animal ag value chain, with Gov. Mike Braun emphasizing diversification and entrepreneurship. School Fraud Allegations: A new report claims nearly $225 million in school fraud schemes across 24 states and Puerto Rico since 2019, including allegations involving Indiana districts. Public Safety on the Road: A multi-state “Move Over” enforcement push runs July 22-28, reminding drivers to move over or slow down for roadside emergency vehicles. Sports—Indiana Connections: The Pacers opened NBA Summer League with a 99-93 win over Cleveland, while Indiana’s high school football rules now broaden a ban on slapping opponents’ heads to apply to all players.
WNBA Accountability in Indiana Politics: 11 House Republicans, including Indiana members, pressed WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert for action after repeated physical attacks on Caitlin Clark, pointing to a June 24 throat incident that was later upgraded and led to a suspension. Public Safety & Health: Marion County confirmed 17 cases of cyclosporiasis as a parasite illness spreads across Indiana and nearby states, with health officials warning at-risk residents about dehydration. Indiana Courts & NFL Watch: A judge ruled Terrion Arnold doesn’t need a GPS tracker while awaiting trial, and multiple NFL teams—including the Colts—have shown interest. Local Government: Allen County commissioners passed ordinances to unify fire and EMS coverage, aiming to streamline emergency response outside Fort Wayne. Community & Culture: Indy Jazz Fest announced its 2026 lineup, and Tippecanoe County opted out of alcohol sales at its 4-H fair under a new state law. Transportation Funding: Ports of Indiana in Jeffersonville won a $25 million federal grant for expansion.
WNBA, Indiana sports: Kelsey Mitchell scored 29 points and hit the game-winning layup with 10.1 seconds left as the Indiana Fever held off the Phoenix Mercury 92-89, with Sophie Cunningham sealing it at the line; Caitlin Clark sat out with a back injury, but Aliyah Boston still contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. Congressional pressure on the league: Eleven House Republicans sent a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding answers by July 24 over what they call repeated physical hostility toward Fever star Caitlin Clark, including the June 24 throat-contact incident involving Alyssa Thomas. Public health, Marion County: Health officials confirmed 15 cyclosporiasis cases in Marion County, tied to a wider multi-state outbreak of the parasite that causes severe, explosive diarrhea; officials say the local cases’ source link hasn’t been identified yet. Statehouse/business: Gov. Mike Braun wrapped a week of travel across Indiana, highlighting jobs and public safety, including Do it Best Group’s move of True Value’s world headquarters to Fort Wayne. Local economy & utilities: Duke Energy is offering up to $250 in bill help for Indiana customers this summer, as regulators and advocates continue pushing over rate impacts. Semiconductors: Samsung and SK hynix face fresh U.S. pressure to expand chip manufacturing in the U.S. after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick urged both to build more production capacity. Indiana sports history: A feature looks at how Indiana girls basketball took off after the IHSAA sanctioned the first official season in 1975, following Title IX.
McConnell Health Transparency: Democrats and some Republicans are pressing for answers after Sen. Mitch McConnell’s hospitalization, with his office still not disclosing why he was admitted and GOP lawmakers calling it a “charade.” School Fraud Watch: A new watchdog report alleges nearly $225 million in fraud across U.S. schools over six years, including Indiana cases tied to inflated enrollment and misuse of education funds. Indiana Nonprofit Funding: Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker announced about $360,000 in CDBG/ESG grants for 21 local nonprofit programs supporting shelter, basic needs, jobs skills, and youth development. Health Care Access: Centerstone named Desirae Moore to its Indiana board and announced new officers. Public Safety & Community: A Safe Haven Baby Box case in Marion ended with a baby surrendered safely and placed with DCS for adoption. Local Infrastructure: Ports of Indiana secured a record $25 million federal grant for expansion at the Jeffersonville port, with construction targeting completion by 2028.
WNBA Fallout: A group of 11 Republican lawmakers sent a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert demanding “accountability” over “multiple attacks” on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, including claims some incidents may be racially motivated. Fever Update: Clark returned after a two-game back injury absence, playing 16 minutes in a 106-92 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, saying her body “feels great” but endurance will take time. State Consumer Watch: Indiana Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block Inc. over alleged deceptive Cash App practices tied to fraud and dispute handling. Local Safety: A Haubstadt resident urged added e-bike safety steps after a near-collision involving children riding on sidewalks and through an intersection. Community & History: Starke County marked America’s 250th with a public Declaration reading and a time capsule opening. Hoosier Sports: Indiana basketball transfer Samet Yigitoglu says the “big stage” and IU’s history drew him to Bloomington.
WNBA & Indiana Politics: Caitlin Clark is set to play Wednesday for the Indiana Fever against the Sparks after a back-problem scare, while a group of Republican lawmakers—including Indiana members—pushed the WNBA to do more to protect her from physical hostility. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana’s recount process for three close state legislative races is nearly done, but hearings and petitions are still moving forward. Statehouse & Utilities: Gov. Mike Braun is reacting to the IURC’s AES Indiana rate decision, promoting a commissioner and setting up a replacement process as ratepayer advocates weigh in. Infrastructure: Ports of Indiana won a record $25 million federal BUILD grant for a $32 million Jeffersonville port expansion, and Sen. Todd Young announced $57.8 million in BUILD funding for Indiana bridge and road projects. Business & Jobs: Riverside Mfg. cut the ribbon on a new Fort Wayne facility after investing more than $10 million. Crime & Federal Enforcement: Lowell Animal Hospital in Indiana was searched by the DEA as part of an investigation into alleged diversion of controlled substances. Sports: The Colts will induct Adam Vinatieri into the Ring of Honor.
WNBA/Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark says she’s “very hopeful” to return Wednesday vs. the Los Angeles Sparks, but may skip Thursday’s rematch in Phoenix as she manages her back injury and possible minutes limits. WNBA/Indiana Fever: Sophie Cunningham continues to be a steady bench contributor for Indiana, posting efficient scoring and shooting numbers as the Fever head into the Sparks stretch. Sports/College Basketball: Indiana’s summer slate winds down with an exhibition at home before the team heads to Peru for the FISU America Games, with coaches focused on how new pieces fit together. Public Safety/Crime: A major multi-country crackdown tied to Lawrence Bishnoi’s network has led to 24 arrests and charges tied to the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, with one Indiana suspect named among those charged. Local Roads & Funding: Multiple Indiana communities are set to receive more than $4 million in state matching grants for road and bridge repairs through the Community Crossings program. Business/Antitrust: Kroger’s planned $1.65 billion acquisition of Giant Eagle is expected to trigger store sales in Columbus to address overlap concerns. Weather: The Upper Midwest faces a renewed severe-storm and flash-flood risk, with Indiana included in the broader heavy-rain threat.
WNBA Update: Caitlin Clark is “optimistic” about returning for the Indiana Fever’s Wednesday game vs. the Sparks after missing the last two contests with a recurring back injury, while Geno Auriemma pushed back on the idea that Clark’s foul debate is a referendum on America. Statehouse Roads: Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is sending more than $4 million to Senate District 24 communities and $2 million to Senate District 20, targeting road and bridge repairs. INDOT Work: Chip-and-seal projects are set to affect U.S. 41 and Indiana 63, and the “Improve 64” project begins with overnight lane restrictions starting July 13 in Floyd County. Public Safety: A Chicago man was charged in the fatal Gary shooting of 10-year-old Montana Weathers, and Illinois authorities reported a targeted domestic shooting in Mundelein with two people taken into custody near the Indiana border. Business & Health: Spero Health bought CleanSlate Centers, expanding its Indiana footprint and avoiding closure for the opioid treatment provider. Politics: Democrats filed for nearly all Indiana legislative races while Republicans left more than 20 House seats uncontested.
Indiana Public Safety & Courts: A major sinkhole has shut down rural County Road 35 in Elkhart County east of Goshen, with officials calling the roadway “completely impassable” and citing heavy rainfall as a possible factor. Local Government: New Albany City Council advanced a proposed one-year moratorium on new data center construction, moving it toward a final vote later this month. Business & Industry: Fort Wayne Metals Research Products has changed hands, with Axel Johnson Inc. acquiring 100% ownership and Scott Glaze launching Glaze Development Group as the family’s new investment platform. Sports (Hoosier ties): Purdue landed 2027 point guard Kevin Savage, a verbal commitment for Matt Painter’s recruiting class. Community & Events: Randolph County and other local boards list meetings for July 7, while youth golfers Keller Halter and Lane Singleton posted top-five finishes at the Indiana Golf Foundation Age Group State Championship. Health & Consumer: The FDA issued a recall for select Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo lots after bacteria were detected.
Childcare Fight: Indiana childcare workers are warning that proposed FSSA rule changes could lower training and weaken the workforce, with providers saying it may mean less pay and higher risk for kids. Public Safety: A missing Indianapolis 4-year-old boy was found dead, and police say the investigation is ongoing. Roads & Bridges: Gov. Mike Braun announced new Community Crossings Matching Grant awards, including $1 million for Evansville and Madison receiving $460,672.50 for paving projects. State Politics: Indiana House Democrats say they’ve recruited candidates in 97 of 100 districts ahead of November, aiming to challenge the GOP supermajority. IndyCar: Scott Dixon and Felix Rosenqvist signed multiyear deals to join Arrow McLaren for the 2027 season, joining Pato O’Ward. Local Notes: A Little Free Library opened at First Financial Bank in Georgetown, and Indiana’s wildlife art contest is now accepting durable license card designs through July 31.
NBA/Indiana Sports: The Pacers added wing Kelly Oubre Jr. to a two-year deal worth just under $17M, but the move may leave them tight on salary-cap room for the rest of the offseason. Indiana Basketball: Forward Trent Sisley says he stayed put this offseason and got heavy one-on-one coaching on shot mechanics and defensive quickness. College Sports Business: Starting Aug. 1, the NCAA will allow commercial logos on uniforms, and IU is expected to explore uniform patch partners. WNBA: Kelsey Mitchell scored 27 as Indiana beat the Aces 84-68 in Las Vegas, with Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson sidelined. Hoosier Community/Health: IU Health opened an enhanced 3D Print Studio to create patient-specific anatomical models for pre-surgical planning. Energy/Economy: Hanwha Qcells will build a 200MW solar project in Gibson County for Meta, using about 320,000 modules and aiming to finish by end of 2027. Public Safety: Gary police report two separate shootings early Sunday, including a 10-year-old boy killed. Local Life: The Indiana State Fair will debut a new family train ride with a 15-minute loop around the fairgrounds.
Gary Violence: A 10-year-old boy, Montana Weathers, was shot and killed during Fourth of July celebrations in Gary; police also reported a separate shooting minutes earlier that left multiple people injured. Storm Aftermath: Thousands remained without power across Michiana after Friday’s severe weather, with Indiana Michigan Power reporting thousands of outages and restoration work continuing. Local Government Calendar: Northwest Indiana school boards and city councils are packed this week, with multiple boards scheduled to approve annual NEOLA policy updates ahead of the new school term. Holiday Weather Impact: Several inches of rain fell across Northwest Indiana over the holiday weekend, forcing at least some fireworks plans to shift. Sports & NCAA: The NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a major eligibility overhaul, moving to an age-based model that could extend eligibility for some athletes. Hoosier Housing Costs: A mortgage expert warned that even as mortgage rates ease, home prices remain high—making timing tricky for buyers. Politics Watch: Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard submitted more than 74,000 signatures to qualify as an independent for Indiana’s 2026 secretary of state race.
Sign up for:
Hoosier News Dispatch
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.