AGP Executive Report

WNBA Playoffs: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever saw their season end in Game 3, falling 94-83 to the Las Vegas Aces; Clark said the team “weathered a lot” but felt it left opportunities on the table. College Football (Hoosiers): Indiana heads to Rutgers for its first road trip of the season after an “inconsistent” home win over Northwestern, with the No. 6 Hoosiers trying to tighten up before Big Ten play. Statehouse/Legal: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued members of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission, alleging retaliation and “lawfare” over his protected speech. Public Safety: Indiana State Police are investigating a fatal early-morning Kokomo crash after a vehicle struck a utility pole and the driver died at the scene. Local Politics: In Allen County, voters weigh casino referendums against concerns about addiction and crime, while a separate school board story shows most candidates are running with party labels—leaving limited options to keep boards nonpartisan. Community & Education: Indiana literacy gains show more students meeting IREAD reading targets, and Tipton students hit a 98% proficiency pass rate.

WNBA Playoffs: A’ja Wilson poured in 36 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 94-83 in Game 3, ending Indiana’s season and sending the Aces to the semifinals. Public Health & Flood Recovery: After August White River flooding, Indianapolis residents face ongoing mold and water-safety risks as Marion County’s public-health funding drops sharply for 2026. Death Penalty Scrutiny: Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike is renewing national questions about lethal injection protocols, while Indiana prison officials say they’ll proceed with Jeffrey Weisheit’s scheduled execution. Statehouse/Immigration: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced an ICE partnership under the 287(g) program and urged all 92 sheriffs to join. Cost of Living: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension and farm diesel relief through early November. Local First Responders: Vanderburgh County paramedics can now carry blood on ambulances to treat trauma and severe bleeding before hospital arrival.

WNBA Playoffs (Fever vs. Aces): Indiana’s season stays alive with a winner-take-all Game 3 tonight in Las Vegas after a 99-89 Game 2 win led by Caitlin Clark; the league says A’ja Wilson won’t be suspended or fined after a fan confrontation, with officials determining she stayed in the court area and was only assessed a technical. Public Health (Measles): Indiana health officials report 24 confirmed measles cases and warn the virus will likely keep spreading as cold-and-flu season ramps up. Local Safety (Gun threat): Police say a 21-year-old mom at an Indianapolis children’s store pulled a handgun after workers told her toddler couldn’t play inside; she was charged after the July incident. Sports (Colts): Jonathan Owens is being credited for bringing “energy” and veteran leadership as Indianapolis prepares for its London matchup. Statehouse/Policy (Fuel relief): Gov. Mike Braun is suspending dyed diesel restrictions for farmers during harvest, aiming to cut costs as diesel prices stay high. Infrastructure (Fountain Square): A $14 million Fountain Square drainage project is finished early, reopening Shelby Street and adding storm sewers and rain gardens. Crime/Justice (Ballot amendments): Two proposed Indiana constitutional amendments—bail eligibility and residency rules for city/town court judges—head to voters on Nov. 3.

WNBA Playoffs (Indiana): The Indiana Fever host a win-or-go-home Game 3 vs. the Las Vegas Aces at 9 p.m. Thursday, with Caitlin Clark listed as probable despite her back issue after her Game 2 surge (27 points, 15 assists). Sports & Local College Football: Indiana RB Turbo Richard is expected to play Saturday at Rutgers after a late injury scare, setting up a reunion with QB Dylan Lonergan. Statehouse & Utilities: Indiana lawmakers grilled NIPSCO over the Aug. 11 storm power outages, with an IURC investigation approved into restoration practices. Energy Costs: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax relief through early November and loosened dyed diesel rules for farmers. Education Access: College Goal Sunday returns with free FAFSA help at IU South Bend and sites across Indiana. Public Health: IDEM opened a 30-day comment period on proposed AES Petersburg wastewater permit changes affecting discharges into the White River. Community & Safety: FEMA expanded eligibility for individual and public assistance for additional Indiana counties hit by August storms.

Education & Testing: Only 31.5% of Hoosier students hit proficiency in both English and math, and northeast Indiana districts lag the statewide rate, with the gap widening since two years ago as ILEARN results were posted quietly. Local Politics: Frankfort voted 5-2 to back DataOne’s proposed $7 billion data center, but opponents say public support is thin and the project still needs additional steps before construction can start. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana AG Todd Rokita’s office is partnering with ICE under a 287(g) program, while some southern Indiana sheriffs push back and prioritize local calls. Public Health: Allen County health officials warn of possible measles exposure at the Fort Wayne Zoo and urge MMR checks and quarantine guidance for those exposed. Sports (Indy): The Colts head to London for a matchup with the Commanders after a win over Houston, with QB Daniel Jones focused on cutting turnovers. Business & Community: Meijer opened a new Fishers grocery store with local donations, and a new southern Indiana co-working and wellness space is set to open Oct. 23.

WNBA Playoffs (Indy): Caitlin Clark powered the Indiana Fever to a 99-89 Game 2 win over the Las Vegas Aces, posting 27 points and a historic 15-assist first-half double-double to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in Las Vegas. Fan Confrontation Fallout: The night also turned into a controversy after A’ja Wilson confronted a heckling fan courtside; the Fever said security found no violation of its fan code, while Wilson called the behavior “unacceptable,” and the WNBA later explained Clark’s foul-out came from a landing-zone violation. Local Crime (Indy East Side): Police are still seeking answers after a late-night shooting on Indianapolis’ east side left two people hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Utilities/Storm Response (NW Indiana): Lawmakers and officials grilled NIPSCO over storm outages from August, citing communication and execution failures as residents faced weeks without power. Education/Schools: Indiana superintendents warn property tax reform could mean staffing cuts, while new ILEARN results highlight strong performance in Rossville schools. Community & Culture: Newfields at Newfields unveiled “Giants” with Swiss Beatz and Alicia Keys, and Guggman Haus Brewing launched “Books, Brews & Boos” pairing horror authors with fall beers. Sports (Indy 500): Two-time Indy 500 champion Gordon Johncock died at 90.

WNBA Playoffs: The Indiana Fever host the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces in a must-win Game 2 after a 102-85 Game 1 loss; Caitlin Clark logged a first postseason technical in the opener and the Fever are trying to slow A’ja Wilson and flip the series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Gas Prices: Indiana average gasoline fell 7.8 cents to $2.83/gal, while diesel dipped to $3.629 nationally, per GasBuddy. Public Safety: A driver fleeing police led to a fatal Indianapolis crash, and a separate I-465 school bus crash with an ISP pickup left 11 hospitalized; investigators are seeking a third vehicle involved. Storm Fallout: Northwest Indiana lawmakers grilled NIPSCO over Aug. 11 derecho outages, with residents and officials demanding better communication and emergency planning. Statehouse & Agriculture: Reps. Beau Baird and Jim Pressel are pushing Gov. Braun to explore diesel-cost relief for farmers, including allowing off-road diesel use during harvest. Community & Education: Brookville was nominated for Opportunity Zone 2.0, and Latinos Count awarded $2,000 scholarships to 18 students in Fort Wayne. Sports & Local News: Gordon Johncock, a two-time Indy 500 champion, died at 90; West Creek hired Joe Luce as its next boys basketball coach.

WNBA Playoffs: The Indiana Fever host the Las Vegas Aces for Game 2 after a 102-85 Game 1 loss, with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston listed as probable but fans still furious over injury updates and coaching questions. Statehouse & Utilities: Indiana lawmakers plan a hearing on NIPSCO’s derecho response after weeks-long outages left residents dealing with heat, spoiled food, and mold concerns. Education Costs: Indiana ranks 38th for teacher pay, and local districts in Howard, Tipton and Miami counties are still scrambling to attract and retain staff despite recent raises. Public Safety Tech: Gov. Braun says lawmakers should consider regulating license plate readers after allegations involving Flock-style cameras. Local Government Fallout: Richmond, Indiana weighs next steps after a federal jury found the city partially responsible for a 2023 plastics fire. Consumer & Business: Starbucks plans to close about 250 stores across North America, and Indiana residents are watching for which locations are affected. Sports & Community: Gordon Johncock, a two-time Indy 500 winner, has died at 90.

Colts rebound: Spencer Shrader nailed a 58-yard and a 53-yard kick to beat the Texans 19-17, snapping Indy’s five-game skid and ending a long losing streak to Houston. Pacers health update: Tyrese Haliburton told reporters he’s “100%” and expects no restrictions as Indiana opens the 2026-27 season. WNBA must-win: Caitlin Clark and the Fever face a do-or-die Game 2 vs. the Aces after a 102-85 Game 1 loss in Las Vegas. IU football injury news: Curt Cignetti says Turbo Richard is day to day after an ankle scare, with Rolijah Hardy also expected back soon. Space Academy push: Sen. Jim Banks is urging the U.S. Space Academy to be based at Grissom Air Reserve Base. Power outage probe: Indiana lawmakers plan to review NIPSCO’s handling of weeks-long outages after the Aug. 11 derecho. Public safety & courts: A Kosciusko County councilwoman was charged with OWI after a stop; a Fort Wayne man was sentenced to 15 years for sexually exploiting a child. Economy & jobs: Gov. Mike Braun highlighted IEDC growth, including major wins tied to Amazon and other employers. Civic tech debate: Braun said Indiana should consider regulating license plate readers.

WNBA Playoffs: The Indiana Fever’s season is on the brink after a 102-85 Game 1 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, with Caitlin Clark calling Indiana’s effort “sloppy” and grading the defense “An F.” The Aces scored 28 points off Fever turnovers, and A’ja Wilson poured in 38. Indiana now must win Game 2 at home to avoid elimination. Statehouse/Power Grid: Indiana is set to receive $175 million in federal funding to relieve a regional “choke point” at the MISO-PJM seam, with officials saying it could unlock 2,000–4,000 megawatts of transfer capacity and cut congestion costs. Public Safety: Indiana State Police is taking applications for its next recruit class, including trooper trainees and lateral transfers, with applications due Oct. 11. Courts/Voting: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for states to access the federal SAVE citizenship database, a move Indiana officials have used as part of election-roll checks. Education: Indiana schools report early wins from bell-to-bell cellphone bans, citing fewer phone-related discipline issues and more classroom focus.

WNBA Playoffs: A’ja Wilson went off with 38 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks as the Las Vegas Aces routed the Indiana Fever 102-85 in Game 1, taking a 1-0 series lead. NFL (Indy): Spencer Shrader kicked four field goals, including a 53-yarder with 16 seconds left, to lift the Colts over the Texans 19-17 and snap Indy’s nine-game losing streak. Local Courts: Court proceedings began for five IMPD officers charged in the Flock camera scandal, including allegations of misuse of license-plate reader data tied to intimate partners and stalking. Energy & Infrastructure: Indiana is set to receive $175 million from the federal government to boost regional electric grid transfer capacity at a key “choke point,” aiming to move power faster and more reliably. Sports (Hoosier College): Indiana women’s soccer fell 2-0 at Northwestern, while Indiana football dropped to No. 6 in the AP Top 25 after a narrow win over Northwestern.

WNBA Playoffs (Indiana): The Indiana Fever open the 2026 postseason Sunday, Sept. 27, with a first-round matchup against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces—Caitlin Clark is listed probable with a back issue, while Aliyah Boston is questionable and Tyasha Harris is out after breaking her left fibula. Local Sports (Indy): The Colts also debut fresh “Anvil Strike” alternate uniforms Sunday as they host the 0-2 Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium (CBS/Paramount+). Energy Policy: After a court fight over emergency authority, the U.S. Energy Department ordered Indiana coal plants R.M. Schahfer and F.B. Culley to stay available through Dec. 18. Public Safety/Police Tech: Five Indianapolis officers face charges tied to misuse of ALPR surveillance cameras, part of a wider national crackdown on automated police tracking. Community & Weather: IU Indianapolis’ Regatta returns along the downtown canal, and Indianapolis starts Sunday sunny near 50 with a warm, dry stretch before rain chances build later in the week.

WNBA Playoffs: Indiana Fever will open a best-of-three series Sunday at Las Vegas without guard Tyasha Harris after she broke a bone in her lower left leg, a major blow as Indiana tries to bounce back after a rough finish. College Sports: No. 18 Indiana field hockey shut out No. 13 Michigan 1-0 in Bloomington to start 2-0 in Big Ten play, while IU Indy women’s soccer fell 3-1 to Wright State. Local Safety: Firefighters rescued a 63-year-old woman from a house fire on Indianapolis’ east side; she’s in critical condition. Higher Ed/Student Life: IU placed fraternities Beta Theta Pi and Pi Kappa Phi on cease-and-desist orders for hazing-related issues, with investigations ongoing. State Policy/Environment: Clean Water Indiana grant participants in Fayette and Union counties must submit reimbursement documentation by Oct. 30 to get paid. Politics/Community: A “No Casino” forum drew residents in Allen County ahead of a northeast Indiana ballot referendum. Sports Business/Pro Football: Colts placed WR Alec Pierce on injured reserve and elevated Anthony Gould as Indianapolis prepares for Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Local Crime: IMPD is investigating two early Saturday shootings—one on East 10th Street just before 2:30 a.m. and another downtown near South Meridian Street around 3 a.m., with the second victim reported stable. Big Ten Football: No. 5 Indiana survived Northwestern 29-23 in its Big Ten opener as Lee Beebe Jr. rushed for 203 yards after Turbo Richard left with a lower-leg injury; Indiana improved to 4-0 and extended its 20-game winning streak. Coaching Controversy: Curt Cignetti went viral after referee penalty calls on the opening plays, comparing the chaos to “Pearl Harbor” and later criticizing execution and tackling issues. Jobs & Industry: Amazon plans a more than $100M Greenwood manufacturing operation expected to create 300 jobs by 2028. Logistics: Maersk is taking over PUMA’s North American distribution network across three automated warehouses, including Whitestown. WNBA Playoffs: The Fever open the postseason Sunday against the Las Vegas Aces, with Caitlin Clark and Indiana looking to bounce back after a rocky finish. Public Safety: Indiana officials are urging motorists to slow down and stay alert for farm equipment during harvest season.

Big Ten Football: No. 5 Indiana opens conference play at home tonight hosting Northwestern, with the Hoosiers heavily favored after a strong start and a defense that’s been shutting teams down. WNBA Playoffs: Indiana Fever’s playoff run follows a rough regular-season finale loss to the Minnesota Lynx, where Caitlin Clark struggled and injuries hit the roster. Energy & Utilities: Indiana is set to receive $175M in federal funding to relieve a regional electricity “choke point,” aiming to cut congestion and lower costs for ratepayers. Public Safety: A Hancock County deputy was arrested over alleged intimidation and misuse of automatic license plate reader cameras, with claims of unauthorized database searches. Local Government/Services: Floyd County Fire Territory is merging with additional departments and building its own EMS program, with major staffing and response changes planned for 2027. Sports Injuries: Colts receiver Alec Pierce is ruled out for Week 3, while Jonathan Taylor is cleared to play. Business/Community: Meijer opens a new Fishers store next week, adding jobs and a full grocery lineup.

WNBA Playoffs Setup: The Indiana Fever’s regular-season finale ended in an 86-66 rout by the Minnesota Lynx, dropping Indiana to the No. 6 seed and setting a first-round matchup on the road against the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces; Caitlin Clark managed just 2 points on 1-for-12 shooting, while Aliyah Boston and Tyasha Harris left with lower-leg and ankle injuries. Local Safety & Roads: INDOT will begin daytime flagging on U.S. 136 over the Sugar Creek bridge starting Oct. 1 through April 2027 (weather permitting) as crews waterproof the structure. Police Accountability: Five Indianapolis officers face fraud and misconduct charges tied to alleged misuse of Flock license-plate-reader cameras, including tracking women and an ex-wife’s car. Education Finance: Indiana officials say a major $1B-a-year teacher pension payment likely won’t be needed soon, with the pre-1996 fund projected to reach full funding by fiscal 2028. Health & Consumer Watch: Consumer Reports warns e-scooter speeds now reaching 20 mph are tied to a sharp rise in injuries, urging caution.