AGP Executive Report

Indiana State Fair: The 2026 Indiana State Fair is officially underway, with new attractions and a packed food lineup drawing early crowds. Sports—Colts: Colts CB Cam Taylor-Britt is suspended for one game (personal conduct policy), sidelining him for the Week 1 opener vs. the Ravens. Sports—Pacers/Fevers: Tyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones held an official wedding celebration featuring 50 Cent; meanwhile, the Fever released Caitlin Clark’s status ahead of the Sky game, listing her as probable with a back injury. Public Safety: Eighteen sheep escaped after a crash on Indianapolis’ I-465; authorities say they were eventually caught. Statehouse/Policy: Lawmakers are pressing FSSA for answers after Medicaid waiver denials rise, with families of disabled children reporting lost coverage. Health/Food: Indiana reports six salmonella cases tied to recalled jalapeños; separate reporting notes cyclosporiasis cases continue climbing in parts of northeast Indiana. Local Business/Economy: Gov. Braun named Indianapolis councilor Josh Bain to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission seat. Education: Chalkbeat says an IPS board candidate, Lindsey Cornett, didn’t meet key voting thresholds for party listing.

WNBA: Chelsea Gray hit two buzzer-beaters to lift the Las Vegas Aces to an 86-84 overtime win over the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Caitlin Clark had 20 points and eight assists but missed late free throws in regulation and had a turnover that set up Gray’s OT winner. Colts: Jonathan Taylor signed a two-year, $44 million extension, keeping the star off the free-agent market through 2028. Energy & utilities: NIPSCO is seeking $38 million from customers for costs tied to keeping coal units running longer, while Gov. Braun tapped Indianapolis councilor Josh Bain to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Public safety: A woman was shot on Indianapolis’ east side and is in critical condition. Environment & health: Brightmark says it has temporarily idled plastics-to-fuel processing at its Ashley facility while it evaluates next steps. Healthcare: 53 Indiana hospitals were recognized by the American Heart Association for improving heart disease and stroke care. Statehouse/legal: Indiana is among states challenging a USPS mail-in ballot policy at the U.S. Supreme Court. Community/entertainment: The Indiana State Fair opens Friday with a Big Top Circus, nearly 50 new foods, and major concert acts.

Colts Contract News: Indianapolis locked up star RB Jonathan Taylor with a two-year, $44 million extension, keeping the 2021 rushing champ off next spring’s market. Injury & Roster Moves: The Colts also signed veteran TE Pharaoh Brown and placed TE Sean McKeon on injured reserve after a shoulder injury. IU Football Eligibility: Indiana is bringing back DE Kellan Wyatt for a fifth season after a Colorado court ruling tied to the NCAA’s “five-for-five” eligibility changes. Purdue Rivalry Talk: Purdue’s new AD Tommy McClelland sparked backlash with a jab at IU during his intro press conference. Gas Tax & Affordability: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension again via a new energy emergency, while critics questioned whether he overstepped and whether anyone will challenge it in court. Housing Help in Central Indiana: WFYI and the Indianapolis Recorder launched a Central Indiana Housing FAQ covering tenant rights, eviction basics, land contracts, and first-home programs. WNBA Fever Spotlight: Caitlin Clark earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors, and three Fever figures (Clark, Aliyah Boston, and coach Stephanie White) were named for Team USA’s FIBA World Cup roster. Local Safety: Indiana State Police identified a motorcyclist killed in a Toll Road crash in Porter County. Community & Culture: IU Indy is opening the 4,200-seat James T. Morris Arena this fall, and Drum Corps International is bringing performances to Putnam County. Shopping Affordability: Strack & Van Til launched a pricing initiative to keep identical grocery prices across its third-party delivery platforms, including Instacart, DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Statehouse & Utilities: Indiana regulators pulled a contentious AES Indiana rate-increase case after Gov. Mike Braun fired former IURC chair Andy Zay, with the new chair saying commissioners lacked consensus. Energy & Costs: Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension by declaring a new statewide energy emergency tied to global shipping disruptions, keeping pump savings going through Sept. 5. Medicaid: FSSA says Indiana Medicaid is “back in black,” returning $310 million to the general fund after reforms. Health & Community: United Way of Southwestern Indiana awarded nearly $1 million to expand mental health access in Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. Local Transit: IndyGo announced a $2.75 shuttle to the Indiana State Fair running Aug. 7–23 from near Ivy Tech’s Lawrence campus. Sports & Hoosier Pride: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she wants to refocus on basketball after her trans-athlete comments sparked debate; and the Colts’ WR3 battle continues with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine emerging early in camp. Roads: INDOT set a repair closure for S.R. 261 in Warrick County starting Aug. 10.

Gas Prices Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax holiday another 30 days, suspending the gas usage and excise taxes through Sept. 5 after declaring a new statewide energy emergency tied to global oil shipping disruptions and Canada wildfire impacts. Utility Oversight: Braun also fired Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Commissioner Andy Zay, citing alleged policy violations including improper gifts and financial disclosure failures, and said he’s now searching for a replacement focused on affordability. College Football: Indiana defensive end Stephen Daley returned to practice for the defending national champions after a Colorado court ruling reopened eligibility for 2022 high school grads; coach Curt Cignetti said Daley is on a modified program and game readiness is still unclear. WNBA Focus: Fever guard Sophie Cunningham said she wants attention to shift back to basketball after her transgender-athlete comments sparked national backlash, arguing WNBA media coverage too often chases controversy instead of the game. Public Safety: Fishers police say a crash at 96th and Allisonville killed an SUV driver; the other driver was arrested on a preliminary charge of driving while intoxicated causing death. Drugs: Indiana State Police seized 21 pounds of meth in Lake County after a traffic stop.

Indiana Utility Shakeup: Gov. Mike Braun fired IURC Commissioner Andy Zay, saying it was for non-adherence to state policies and laws, as the commission faces scrutiny over a recent AES Indiana rate hike. State Transportation: INDOT is advancing a reduced-conflict U.S. 41 intersection near Vincennes, using a U-turn style change tied to traffic needs from a nearby Amazon fulfillment center. Medicaid Watch: Indiana’s Medicaid system is heading into a tougher eligibility phase with more frequent renewals and new work/community reporting rules that could leave more people at risk of losing coverage. Public Safety & Courts: IndyStar’s investigation into the Miami Correctional Facility highlights alleged medical failures tied to deaths in an ICE detention center, renewing calls for deeper local reporting. Local Government: Fort Wayne is moving forward on its Safe Neighborhoods plan with 67 new streetlights planned for Oliver Street. Health & Environment: IDEM is offering up to $20,000 in recycling grants for local materials management upgrades. Weather: Warm, mostly dry conditions continue across northeast Indiana with only isolated shower chances. Sports Culture: The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark continues to steer the trans-athletes debate toward leagues and governing bodies, while the controversy keeps spilling into national coverage. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbs to $786M after no grand prize winner.

Cybersecurity & State Tech: Gov. Braun signed an order creating a new Indiana Office of Cybersecurity to coordinate cyber preparedness and incident response across state government. Healthcare Costs & Access: Indiana Medicaid enrollment fell by more than 343,000 people in a year, with many losses tied to “noncompliance” renewal paperwork rather than clear ineligibility. Public Safety & Courts: A judge’s preliminary injunction could give Indiana football defensive end Stephen Daley an extra year of eligibility, with the NCAA expected to appeal. Education: Indiana’s “bell-to-bell” phone rules are rolling into the new school year, and several central Indiana districts have set start dates for 2026-27. Local Governance: Jeffersonville approved a one-year data center moratorium to update zoning rules. Consumer Watch: The BBB warned Hoosiers about “brushing” scams tied to unordered packages and fake reviews. Sports: Indiana women’s basketball freshman Zoe Jackson will miss the 2026-27 season after a knee injury. Community Notes: Spirit Halloween opens multiple Indiana pop-ups today, and AskRose Homework Help returns Aug. 9 for its 35th year.

Utility Affordability: A former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission chair says Indiana has become the “epicenter” of the national utility affordability fight, pointing to pending rate cases and new scrutiny under Gov. Mike Braun. Flooding & Storm Impacts: Indianapolis homeowners are dealing with frustrating flood damage after heavy rain and sewage backups shut roads and disrupted daily life. Medicaid Access: Indiana families describe the fallout from losing Medicaid coverage, including major disruptions to care for children with serious disabilities. Education Update: ILEARN results are delayed as the state works through new cut scores tied to recent exam changes. Public Safety/Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-0 tornado touched down in Indianapolis’ Garfield Park neighborhood, the state’s 81st tornado of the year. IU Hazing Case: Seven IU fraternity members face felony hazing charges after an alleged incident sent two pledges to the hospital. Statehouse/Schools: New limits on property tax referendums have pushed 38 Indiana school districts to seek voter approval this fall. Gas Prices: Indiana’s gas tax holiday is set to expire, with AAA warning prices could jump later this week.

Public Safety & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville over claims the town blocked a potential ICE detention site, arguing it violates the state’s Fairness Act. Cybersecurity: Gov. Braun launched an Office of Cybersecurity to coordinate defense for local governments, schools, and critical services, citing growing hacker threats and AI-fueled scams. Local Crime: A Jonesville man arrested after turning himself in following a Steuben County crash that injured his children now faces additional charges. Tragedy: A 14-year-old Fort Wayne girl was identified as the victim of a deadly I-265 crash in New Albany. Health & Community: Indy Reads won a $150,000 grant to pilot health-literacy curriculum modules for central Indiana adults. Sports (Indiana): Indiana canceled its home-and-home football series with Notre Dame after scheduling conflicts tied to the renewed USC–Notre Dame rivalry. WNBA: Caitlin Clark declined to take a personal side in the transgender-athlete debate, saying leagues and governing bodies should set the rules.

Cybersecurity Push: Gov. Mike Braun is creating an Office of Cybersecurity within Indiana’s Department of Homeland Security to better coordinate defenses across state agencies. Health Coverage: Indiana Medicaid will cover GLP-1 obesity drugs for eligible Hoosiers through a new federal cost-sharing model, with details still being finalized. Public Safety & Roads: INDOT schedules lane closures on SR 58 near Elnora (bridge patching/overlay, about two weeks) and SR 54 near Dugger for chip seal work (also about two weeks), while AAA reports Indiana gas averages at $3.62 a gallon. Local Government & Tech: Indiana agencies have approved 135 AI-related plans since Jan. 2025, ranging from routine operations to tools used in policing and legal work. Sports & Community: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham controversy continues after Minnesota’s 108-100 win, with protests outside the arena and renewed debate over women’s sports.

WNBA Spotlight: Minnesota’s Olivia Miles (28) and Courtney Williams (27) powered the Lynx to a 108-100 win over the Indiana Fever, handing Indiana its first loss in six games and extending Minnesota’s 10-game streak. The matchup also stayed in the headlines off the court after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender athletes drew rallies, with Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wearing a “Trans kids belong” shirt during the game. Indiana Sports & Courts: Sam Alexis announced he’s returning to Indiana men’s basketball for 2026-27 after a court injunction granted him a fifth year of eligibility. Public Safety: Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a juvenile death after a swimmer was pulled from France Park’s lake in Cass County; it’s the third death there since June. Local News: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville, alleging town officials illegally interfered with ICE operations. Community Events: The Grand Indiana Auto Tour will stop on the Greensburg Square Tuesday. Other: A fatal shooting on Indianapolis’ east side left one dead and another injured, according to IMPD.

WNBA & Sports Culture: The Indiana Fever kept rolling with a 112-98 win over the Portland Fire, powered by Caitlin Clark’s 26-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, while the Sophie Cunningham transgender-athletes debate continues to spill into Fever coverage and Sunday’s road matchup at Minnesota. Local Politics & Immigration: In Fishers, two groups staged dueling immigration events—one public and one secretive—highlighting how ICE policy fights are playing out right in Indiana neighborhoods. State Legal Fight: Indiana’s ACLU says it’s reviewing a state lawsuit tied to Merrillville’s opposition to an ICE detention facility, as the AG leans on the FAIRNESS Act. Road & Public Safety: INDOT announced a State Road 47 closure in Montgomery County for a box culvert replacement, and separate lane reductions are set for U.S. 31 bridge work in St. Joseph County. Faith & Communities: Catholic dioceses nationwide are consolidating parishes and closing churches as attendance and clergy numbers decline, with Indiana included among states seeing major changes. Weather Disruption: A tornado warning briefly halted Gen Con at the Indianapolis Convention Center, where rain also caused ceiling damage and flooding.

Cybersecurity Push: Gov. Mike Braun is creating an Office of Cybersecurity inside the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, aiming to coordinate state agencies and critical infrastructure partners as Indiana ramps up quantum-related work. Energy Fight: Indiana AG Todd Rokita filed to intervene to block the 2028 closure of the AEP Rockport coal plant, arguing energy policy should be decided in Indiana, not in Ohio courts. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark kept stacking milestones as the Fever beat the Portland Fire 112-98, delivering her fourth career triple-double and tying Sabrina Ionescu for third all-time; the game also kept the Sophie Cunningham trans-athlete debate in the headlines. Indy Crime Update: An off-duty Lawrence officer was among two people injured in an Indianapolis shooting on Kildare Avenue; IMPD is investigating. Local Culture & Travel: Gen Con returned to downtown Indianapolis, with organizers and attendees warning that traffic could be a mess. Sports Notes: The Colts moved a Saturday practice indoors due to weather, with limited wristband access for the first 750 fans.

WNBA Spotlight: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she’s not letting small pro- and anti-trans rallies distract her as the team rolls on, after Friday’s 112-98 win over Portland Fire. Cunningham, who has faced boos and backlash over comments about transgender athletes, told reporters she’s focused on “doing my job,” while Fever coach Stephanie White admitted the controversy is a frustration that pulls attention from basketball. On-Court Results: Caitlin Clark powered the win with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists for her fourth career triple-double, as Indiana improved to 19-10 and heads to Minnesota to face the Lynx. Indiana Politics: Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray announced he won’t seek reelection as Senate leader in November, citing the end of his eight-year run amid fallout from redistricting fights. Public Safety: Indiana authorities say a 32-year-old woman is accused of fatally stabbing her 69-year-old father and cutting out his heart in Valparaiso. Local Development: Washington Square Mall’s vision plan is set to be unveiled Monday, with officials discussing redevelopment ideas for the long-vacant 100-acre site.

ICE Oversight Fight: Do Something Southern Indiana asked Clark County commissioners to scrutinize the Clark County Jail’s ICE agreement, where the federal government pays per inmate per day. Public Safety: Indiana State Police are investigating a fatal Route 421 crash near Monon that killed three people and sent a fourth to the hospital. Legal Accountability: An 18-year-old sued Indianapolis and an IMPD officer after prosecutors dropped felony charges tied to an attempted-murder claim that body-camera footage didn’t support. Health Watch: Indiana reported about 1,176 statewide cyclosporiasis cases as the parasite-linked illness continues to spread. Local Community: Crowe and the Food Bank of Northern Indiana packed meals across six counties to fight hunger. Environment & Transit: South Shore Line approved a 20-year strategic plan focused on safety, reliability, and growing weekday ridership. Sports & Hoosier Pride: Colts training camp featured Richardson snap struggles and new RB Roydell Williams signed as an undrafted free agent; Big Ten conference debate also heated up with Curt Cignetti firing back at the SEC.

ICE & Local Government: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville, accusing town leaders of blocking efforts to add a new ICE detention facility, after a cease-and-desist letter and alleged interference in property deals. Public Safety & Community: Tributes poured into Lynn after Town Marshal Brad Fisher was struck and killed during a pursuit; Indiana State Police said the local law enforcement will need support as investigations continue. Courts & Rights: Wayne County reached a settlement in a Facebook lawsuit filed by a chief deputy coroner, with the county paying $8,000 tied to the Indiana Civil Liberties Union/ACLU of Indiana. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis case counts keep climbing in Indiana, with Kosciusko reporting a jump to 62 total cases and Elkhart leading the area at 70. Road Work: INDOT scheduled lane closures on I-69 near Bloomfield and on SR 58 at the I-69 interchange for bridge and patching projects. Sports & Hoosier Life: Indiana coach Curt Cignetti says he’s “stalking complacency” as fall camp nears, while Indiana Fever coverage continues to dominate local sports talk. Food Insecurity: A Feeding America report found Wayne County at 21.8% food insecurity—about one in five residents.