AGP Executive Report

Hoosier Football: No. 7 Indiana rallied from a 17-6 fourth-quarter deficit to beat Nebraska 20-17, staying unbeaten as Josh Hoover and Nick Marsh connected for two long touchdowns. Purdue also scored a Big Ten win, routing Minnesota 41-13. Jobs and Economy: Nucor plans a $105 million Crawfordsville expansion expected to add 100 jobs, while Gov. Mike Braun announced a strategy to grow Indiana’s sports economy. Education and Careers: Indiana launched an online hub to help schools and employers build work-based learning programs under the state’s new high school diploma requirements. Election 2026: Indiana secretary of state candidates clashed over noncitizen voting and spending audits as early voting got underway. Local Government: Paoli approved up to $21,450 in wastewater plant repairs and grants for a hotel restoration and a children’s crisis center.

Hoosiers on the Road: No. 7 Indiana, unbeaten at 5-0, visits undefeated Nebraska today in a major Big Ten test before next week’s Ohio State matchup. Election 2026: All nine Indiana congressional seats are contested, while secretary of state candidates clashed over election security, noncitizen voting and spending oversight. Early voting is underway. Medicaid: State estimates say 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members aren’t meeting work rules that take effect Jan. 1, putting their coverage at risk. Jobs and Growth: Nucor plans a $105 million Crawfordsville expansion that could add up to 100 jobs. Gov. Mike Braun is also promoting sports-related investment, an industry he says supports more than 90,000 Hoosier jobs. Storm Recovery: FEMA continues aid for Indiana residents affected by August storms and warns survivors to watch for assistance scams.

Election Watch: Floyd County officials say about 570 early voters in four precincts received ballots missing the District 1 commissioner race. Affected voters will be contacted and can cast corrected ballots; officials say the ballot error has been fixed. Public Safety: A Lafayette chemical spill released about 300 gallons of corrosive water-treatment material near South Street and I-65, prompting shelter-in-place orders and an evacuation. Jobs and Industry: Nucor plans a $105 million Indiana expansion expected to create up to 100 jobs. Cost of Living: Hoosiers are bracing for more gas-price swings after prices jumped 15 cents in a day. Health Care: State estimates say 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members have not met work rules set to take effect Jan. 1, putting their coverage at risk. Higher Education: Indianapolis International Airport has rebuilt a 10,000-foot runway with concrete designed to capture and store carbon dioxide. Sports: No. 7 Indiana football takes its undefeated record to Nebraska for a high-profile clash with the unbeaten Huskers.

Hoosiers’ Showdown: No. 7 Indiana takes its unbeaten 5-0 record to Lincoln on Saturday to face unbeaten Nebraska in a major Big Ten test. Storm Watch: Remnants of Hurricane Isaias could bring heavy rain, 40- to 50-mph wind gusts and possible brief tornadoes to Indiana late Saturday into Sunday. Election 2026: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates clashed over noncitizen voting and an independent audit of the office, with sharp divides over election rules and spending. Health Coverage: The state estimates about 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members aren’t meeting work requirements that take effect in January, putting their coverage at risk. Jobs and Growth: Nucor plans a $105 million Indiana expansion that could add up to 100 jobs; state officials are also promoting sports projects as an economic driver, citing more than $400 million in annual tourism and 90,000-plus jobs.

Indiana Sports: No. 15 Indiana volleyball was swept by top-ranked Nebraska in Bloomington, while the unbeaten Hoosiers football team heads to Nebraska for a marquee matchup. Election 2026: Early voting is underway, and voters will decide a proposed bail amendment alongside races for secretary of state and other offices. Monroe County voters can cast early ballots at Election Central through Nov. 2. Health Coverage: State estimates say about 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members may not meet Medicaid work rules taking effect Jan. 1, raising concern about potential coverage losses. Jobs and Energy: Nucor plans a $105 million Indiana expansion that could add up to 100 jobs. Meanwhile, Indiana Michigan Power has extended public comments on a proposed high-voltage line through northeastern Indiana to Nov. 13.

Election 2026: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates clashed in a second debate over election security, voter participation and oversight as early voting gets underway ahead of Nov. 3. Health Coverage: About 58,000 Hoosiers enrolled in HIP are not yet meeting Medicaid work requirements set to take effect Jan. 1; the state is contacting members about compliance. At the Pump: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax relief through early November, continuing a break for drivers and farmers. Hoosier Football: No. 7 Indiana takes its unbeaten record to Nebraska on Saturday for a major Big Ten test. Fever Fallout: Caitlin Clark condemned racist abuse aimed at teammate Kelsey Mitchell after Indiana’s first-round playoff exit; Mitchell’s future with the team remains uncertain. Jobs and Energy: Nucor announced a $105 million Indiana expansion that could add up to 100 jobs, while Hallador signed a $711 million power deal with an Indiana utility.

State Politics: Sen. Ron Alting acknowledged wrongdoing after being accused of shoplifting from two Walmart stores; he said he is undergoing medical evaluation. Secretary of State candidates clashed over election security, voter participation and spending oversight as early voting opened statewide. Health Coverage: Indiana estimates 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members aren’t yet meeting work rules taking effect Jan. 1, putting their coverage at risk. Data Centers & Power: An O’Neill School panel weighed data centers’ economic benefits against concerns over utility bills, pollution, infrastructure and limited local jobs. Google also announced the first grants from its $10 million Indiana energy program. Roads: Rising interstate construction costs are renewing debate over tolling as a way to pay for projects. Hoosier Sports: No. 7 Indiana football heads to Nebraska after a 47-15 win over Rutgers. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton also returned to game action after more than 16 months, scoring seven points in a preseason win.

Fuel Costs: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas-tax suspension through Nov. 4 and temporarily eased dyed-diesel rules for farmers and timber haulers. Elections: Early voting is underway for Indiana’s Nov. 3 midterm; voters in Steuben, Allen and DeKalb counties will also decide whether to allow a casino in Northeast Indiana. Health Care: Indiana officials warn that about 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members may not meet new work rules. Requirements begin Jan. 1, with some applicants needing to document qualifying activity as early as October. Public Safety: A 17-year-old West Virginia football recruit was fatally shot in Indiana; a federal grand jury indicted a Columbus man in the teen’s death. Business and Energy: A $350 million financing deal will support a 203-megawatt solar project under construction on reclaimed mine land in Gibson County, backed by a long-term agreement with Meta. Hoosier Sports: No. 7 Indiana football takes a 21-game winning streak to Nebraska for a major Big Ten test, while No. 15 Indiana volleyball hosts top-ranked Nebraska in Bloomington.

WNBA Injury Watch: The Atlanta Dream will be without Allisha Gray for Game 2 of their semifinal Wednesday after a finger injury, while the Las Vegas Aces list Jewell Loyd as doubtful and also flag other key players—raising stakes for both teams as series hosts take the floor. Indiana Sports Spotlight: No. 2 Indiana men’s soccer rallied from a first-half deficit to beat Kentucky 3-1, with Oliver Moller-Jensen scoring on a penalty kick to spark the comeback. College Hockey: IU’s men’s club hockey topped Ohio University 3-1 after a Friday loss, with Evan Tompkins making key saves. State & Local Jobs: INDOT will hold winter seasonal hiring events Oct. 6 in Evansville, Paoli and Tell City, with pay starting at $21 an hour (CDL required). Community & Culture: Indiana Arts Commission opened applications for Indiana Cultural District certification/re-certification, offering $5,000 in non-competitive funding for planning and marketing. Business & Growth: Indiana Michigan Power proposed a rate reduction plan tied to data-center-driven load growth, aiming to cut 2027 bills by about $59 million. Public Safety & Health: Indiana courts named South Bend retiree Tom Brown as the state’s top CASA volunteer for 2026, highlighting ongoing need for advocates for abused and neglected children.

Fuel Prices Watch: Diesel hit a low of $6.79/gal at one Brown County station for the week ending Sept. 26, while Indiana’s diesel average was $6.85/gal. Local Public Safety: An Indiana man, 41-year-old James W. Slonaker of Cambridge City, was arrested in a Wyandot County child exploitation investigation after alleged inappropriate texts and videos with a juvenile; charges include child exploitation, child solicitation, and possession of child sexual abuse materials. Health Care & Costs: A new report warns primary care is about 20% short by 2038, pointing to a broader “site-of-care” payment imbalance that can steer patients toward higher-cost hospital settings. Education & Community: Indiana State University named Jessica Thome its new controller, effective Oct. 19; Lakeland School Corporation received a $75,000 planning grant to address non-academic barriers to student success. Sports (Hoosier ties): Indiana field hockey climbed to No. 12 in the latest poll, with Lily Freeman earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after scoring game-winners vs. Michigan State and Ohio State.

Indiana Politics & Voting: Indiana’s voter registration deadline is Monday, with early voting starting Tuesday; officials point residents to indianavoters.in.gov and note absentee options for those who can’t vote in person. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita is suing the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission tied to a jet ski dispute, escalating a fight over how the state handles complaints. State Government & Transportation: Gov. Braun says Indiana’s “blackout” license plates have topped 380,000 sales, generating nearly $13M for BMV modernization. Housing & Economic Development: READI funding is helping drive downtown Evansville’s $60M “Vault on Main” mixed-use project. Health & Community: Indiana libraries are increasingly serving as mental health support hubs, with local examples of staffing and referrals. Education: West Lafayette school board candidates field questions on district funding, AI, and work-based learning in a student-led forum. Local Infrastructure: INDOT plans lane closures on I-69 in Daviess County near Newberry starting around Oct. 14. Sports: Indiana’s football and Fever coverage continues to dominate, including AP Top 25 movement and Kelsey Mitchell free agency talk.

Immigration & Courts: An immigration judge ruled Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, can be deported after his ICE detention and time held in an Indiana jail. Indiana Public Safety: Indiana emergency officials are asking for help finding 14-year-old Lillian Stanley missing from New Washington. Health & Consumer Safety: PepsiCo expanded a Gatorade recall affecting 122,000+ cases in 37 states, including Indiana, for undeclared Yellow No. 5/6; shoppers should check lot codes. State Government & Transportation: Gov. Mike Braun’s office says Indiana’s “blackout” license plates have sold 380,000+ since launch, raising about $13M for BMV modernization. Local Community & Arts: Ballet Hispánico will perform for free at Indiana University Southeast’s Ogle Center on Oct. 15. Education & Health Leadership: Trine University named Sue Stevens dean of its Brooks College of Health Professions. Sports (Indiana in national spotlight): The AP Top 25 keeps Texas No. 1; Alabama moved to No. 6 and Indiana to No. 7.

Indiana Sports Spotlight: No. 6 Indiana kept rolling, routing Rutgers 47-15 and extending a 21-game win streak, while Indiana women’s soccer finally found its scoring touch again in a 3-2 home loss to Michigan. WNBA & Local Culture: The Fever’s season ended with a 94-83 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, and the fallout stayed loud—fans, players, and media all trading barbs. Education & Community: The Lilly Endowment is funding major Indy-area school building upgrades, including a new Herron High theater project, and Southwest Allen County Schools celebrated new accessible playgrounds. Public Safety: Indiana State Police located a third vehicle in an I-465 school bus crash that injured 13 people. Courts & Crime: Three people were sentenced in a multi-state bank fraud scheme that hit institutions across Indiana and other states. Statehouse/Policy: A property tax overhaul debate continues, with calls for assessment value changes rather than simple elimination. School Sports: IHSAA released girls volleyball sectional pairings, setting up the Oct. 13 start.

School Safety: Indiana is rolling out a $1 million anonymous 24/7 tip line for K-12 schools to report bullying, threats, violence, or student concerns, with trained safety specialists routing alerts to schools and emergency responders; it’s expected to launch in January. Public Health: A Chilean frozen-berry recall has expanded for possible E. coli contamination, adding Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend (sold in 26 states including Indiana) plus additional Walmart Great Value frozen organic berry lots. Local Government: Madison is creating a Mayor’s Youth Council for high school students to learn how city government works and help shape community projects. Sports (Indiana): No. 6 Indiana kept rolling with a 47-15 rout of Rutgers, extending its win streak to 21 games, while IU’s Hoosier the Bison mascot returns to the spotlight. WNBA (Indiana Fever): Fever GM Amber Cox and players continue defending the fanbase amid fallout from the playoff loss, as Sophie Cunningham heads into unrestricted free agency. City Services: Water utility work will affect Indiana Avenue traffic Oct. 7–9, with westbound closures and reduced eastbound lanes.

Fever Offseason: Indiana Fever GM Amber Cox pushed back hard on criticism of the team’s fans, saying “attacks… have no basis in reality” and that no fans were removed for code-of-conduct violations during the playoff run. WNBA Spotlight: The debate around fan behavior and league double standards continues as Kelsey Mitchell weighs her future and Sophie Cunningham renews calls for accountability after A’ja Wilson’s heated confrontation with a fan. Hoosiers Football: No. 6 Indiana kept rolling, beating Rutgers 47-15 behind Turbo Richard’s 204-yard day and Josh Hoover’s 251 yards and four TDs, extending the program’s 21-game win streak. Local Sports: Fort Wayne FC earned a 0-0 draw that helps its playoff push, while Indiana high school sectional action sent Snider and Northrop to state regionals. Health Watch: Doctors renewed warnings about energy drinks for kids and teens, citing high caffeine risks and urging a pause on youth-focused marketing.

WNBA Playoffs: The Fever’s season is over after another loss to the Las Vegas Aces, and Indiana now faces big offseason questions, including whether Kelsey Mitchell stays and what the team does with Sophie Cunningham as free agency nears. Semifinals Preview: Sunday’s WNBA semifinal matchups set up contrasts, with the New York Liberty taking on the Golden State Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces continuing their deep run. Local Education: Indiana IREAD results show a wide range by district, but statewide literacy keeps climbing, with districts emphasizing early, multi-grade reading support. Public Health: Fort Wayne Zoo visitors from Sept. 27 face a 21-day measles quarantine after a confirmed exposure, with health officials urging vaccination and quick action. Infrastructure & Safety: INDOT will hold an Oct. 8 public hearing on a proposed US 35 intersection project in LaPorte County to reduce crashes, with construction targeted for 2029. Business: Amazon announced a major advanced manufacturing investment in Greenwood, aiming to add hundreds of jobs by 2028. Food Recall: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen organic berry products are expanding in a recall tied to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 17 people.