AGP Executive Report

Indiana Gas Tax: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s emergency suspension of gasoline taxes for another 30 days, keeping the state’s pump prices among the lowest in the country. Local Government & Data Centers: Shelbyville Mayor Scott Ferguson faced backlash after a secretly recorded comment suggested AI data center opponents live in “sh*y” houses; his office issued a clarification as the city pushes a major proposal. **Health Coverage: Indiana hospitals report a double-digit rise in emergency department visits since early 2025, tied to more Hoosiers losing insurance or shifting to high-deductible plans. Public Input: Indiana’s IDEM announced a public hearing on an Amazon data center wetlands permit in New Carlisle. Community & Youth: Evansville hosted a regional Civics Bee, with winners advancing to the state finals in Indianapolis; Women’s Club of Newburgh awarded $30,000 in grants and scholarships. Sports (Hoosier): Greencastle baseball gets a rematch Saturday against University at the Mooresville regional after last year’s postseason loss. WNBA: Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles set a WNBA rookie 3-point record with eight in a win, tying her to Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark’s earlier rookie mark.

Big 12 Football Buzz: Texas Tech is rolling after its first Big 12 title in 2025, and the Red Raiders open October with a big matchup at Colorado under Deion Sanders. WNBA at Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Indiana Fever begin their Commissioner’s Cup defense vs. the Atlanta Dream tonight, with previews pointing to matchup concerns on defense and strong inside scoring for Atlanta. Local Law Enforcement Spotlight: Marshall County Det. Sgt. Ryan Hollopeter is profiled for two decades in policing and his role training officers and running a youth camp. Indiana Politics: Sen. Chris Garten’s leadership shakeup continues as Sen. Ron Alting responds to Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s Islam comments. Mental Health: Mental Health America in Indiana is pushing for more open conversations about men’s suicide prevention. Public Health & Community: Tri-State Food Bank posts remaining June mobile distribution stops, and AmeriHealth Caritas hosts free cancer risk assessments with gas gift cards and youth “Healthy Hoops” activities. Jobs & Business: Gov. Braun announces Boston Scientific’s $138M Plainfield distribution facility (up to 300 jobs) and Capital Group’s Carmel expansion (up to 200 jobs). Statehouse/Policy: Gov. Braun extends Indiana’s gas tax suspension again, keeping pump prices among the lowest in the nation. Safety & Tragedy: Vanderburgh County identifies a woman killed in a fatal I-69 crash; Posey County releases names of two victims from a Wadesville house fire. Summer Events: Indiana State Fair unveils the first wave of Hoosier Lottery Free Stage performers, including the Beach Boys and Busta Rhymes.

Prison Safety: After more devastating fires at Indiana’s oldest prison, IDOC commissioner Lloyd Arnold said “something else should have been done” and promised aggressive changes to prevent inmate injuries and deaths. Health Care Access: Indiana paused enrollment of new autism therapy provider agencies for at least six months, citing a surge in ABA use and concerns about sustainability and program integrity. Public Safety & Infrastructure: INDOT scheduled bridge maintenance next week on U-S 41 near Oaktown, with lane restrictions on bridges at Mariah Creek and the C-S-X overpass. Local Government: Haubstadt’s Elm Street widening is moving forward, but construction is delayed pending extra INDOT review because the road ties into Ind. 68. Community Events: Bloomington is hosting a free Juneteenth celebration June 19 at Switchyard Park with food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment. Sports (Indy): The Indiana Fever host the Atlanta Dream Thursday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Caitlin Clark and company looking to bounce back as Commissioner’s Cup play begins. Zoo Incident: Staff were hospitalized after an incident involving wolves at the Michigan City zoo, following a separate wolf death. Missing Person: A statewide Silver Alert was issued for 15-year-old Kaylee Bickers missing from southeast Indiana.

Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White say they’ve moved past their sideline spat, after Sophie Cunningham described a long team meeting meant to “turn the page” and refocus on roles and defense. Media access fight: The Fever revoked veteran reporter Scott Agness’ credentials, drawing a sharp response from the PBWA and renewed scrutiny of how the team handles Clark injury coverage. Bears stadium politics: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he’s still pushing to keep the Bears in Chicago, pointing to Illinois lawmakers failing to pass a stadium bill as an opening to revisit his plan. NBA Finals (local sports interest): The Spurs and Knicks open the 2026 NBA Finals in San Antonio, with Spurs coach Mitch Johnson getting attention as the franchise’s young face on the bench. State policy: Gov. Mike Braun signed a law lowering Indiana’s driver’s license age to 16, effective July 1. Public safety & services: Indiana is pausing signups for new autism therapy providers for at least six months, citing oversight and rising costs. Local crime: A Bloomington-area teacher was arrested in an alleged Snapchat-based sexual conversation case involving a minor. Infrastructure: A widespread fiber outage is hitting multiple providers in southeast Indiana after a fiber line was cut.

Immigration Enforcement in Indiana: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita says his office will act on federally compiled lists of suspected employers of unauthorized workers starting July 1, with civil lawsuits and possible operating suspensions or revocations. State Policy & Safety: Indiana also lowered the minimum driver’s license age to 16, with new requirements for a parent/guardian financial liability agreement starting July 1, 2026. Courts & Local Jails: Legal experts say a Monroe County jail conditions lawsuit could take months, but officials still have a chance—and pressure—to fix unconstitutional practices before a judge steps in. School Phone Rules: Indiana joined a growing list of states moving toward stricter cellphone limits in schools, as research and warnings continue to clash over whether bans help kids. Indiana Sports Spotlight: The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White are still dealing with fallout from a sideline spat that sparked viral rumors, while the team tries to move past the noise. Public Safety & Community: Indiana State Police say they’ve solved a 1997 Huntington County cold case, and a Huntington eighth-grader is headed to the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship.

Bears Stadium Push: Chicago’s Bears move to Indiana is still in play after Illinois stadium legislation stalled, with Northwest Indiana officials pausing planning until the team decides and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson saying Hammond is farther along than other options. WNBA Fever Drama: Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White say they’ve moved past their viral sideline spat, and the team held a long meeting to “turn the page” after early-season struggles. Statehouse Recount Fight: Indiana GOP Senate recount disputes are headed to the Indiana Recount Commission, with candidates seeking rulings before ballots are retallied in key districts. Child Care Access: A new analysis says subsidized childcare programs will reach under 20% of eligible low-income Indiana children by end of 2026, despite added state funding. Road Work & Travel: INDOT plans a left-lane closure on I-70 eastbound near Terre Haute for spill cleanup, and more lane restrictions are scheduled around Burkhardt Road/Lloyd Expressway. Community & Sports: Special Olympics Indiana Summer Games return to Terre Haute June 12-14, and the Fever signed rookie Grace VanSlooten to a rest-of-season contract.

Public Safety & Service: Rush County emergency leader Charles “Chuck” Kemker is being recognized for three decades of work keeping Rushville and Rush County safe, including roles spanning emergency management, health preparedness, and regional coalitions. Community Sports & Local Economy: The Fireman’s 300 truck and tractor pull drew about 2,000 spectators to Scott County Park, with proceeds supporting the local fire department and union line personnel. WNBA in Indiana: Caitlin Clark and Fever coach Stephanie White say the viral sideline confrontation wasn’t a rift, but fans keep debating what it means for Clark’s role and White’s future. Child Care Access: An Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute analysis says subsidized childcare programs will reach under 20% of eligible Hoosier children by end of 2026, even after a planned $200M voucher push. Indiana Business/Tech: AT&T highlighted nearly $2B invested in Indiana network infrastructure since 2021, as the state’s connectivity upgrades continue. Obituaries: Sister Eileen Dede, OSB, 95, of St. Mary-of-the-Woods, died May 25, 2026.

Bears Stadium Fallout: Illinois lawmakers adjourned early Monday without passing a Bears stadium bill, leaving the franchise’s future in limbo and boosting talk of an Indiana move—while Indiana already approved a $1 billion stadium plan in Hammond. Local Crime: Indianapolis police are hunting a suspect after a recent downtown shooting killed a recent IU Indianapolis business graduate, Brett Scrogham, in a parking garage near the Convention Center. Public Safety: Indiana State Police identified Trooper Benjamin Beers, shot in the chest during an I-94 traffic stop; he’s recovering at home while the suspect was killed at the scene. Politics & Community: Indiana lawmakers are set to study Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) and Guardians Ad Litem (GALs), with advocates pushing for stronger support in child welfare cases. Weather & Farming: A northwest Indiana farmer says spring turned from very wet to extremely dry, while USDA reports Indiana corn and soybeans are mostly planted and emerging. Business/Power: Talen Energy says it received key regulatory clearances to close its Lawrenceburg, Waterford and Darby power plant acquisitions. Sports Buzz: Lexie Hull addressed a viral Fever huddle flare-up involving Caitlin Clark and coach Stephanie White, saying it didn’t carry over in the locker room.

Indiana Weather: Lightning bug season is already heating up early across the state, with warm March conditions and a wet spring pushing the peak sooner than usual—13Weather says the best viewing is coming in the next couple of weeks, depending on where you live. Local Public Safety: Indianapolis Animal Care Services is overflowing again after a new $37.25 million expansion, with officials pointing to the need for more spay-and-neuter and better pet containment to stop repeat intakes. Politics & Community: Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is facing backlash after calling Islam a “demonic death cult,” with Muslim advocacy groups and CAIR condemning the rhetoric as dangerous and harmful. Road & Construction Updates: INDOT lane closures begin Monday on Hart Street in Vincennes for sidewalk, curb, and storm sewer work through early August, and SR 57 in Washington is set to close for about a week for a railroad crossing replacement. Crime: A head-on crash on US 41 in Sullivan County killed a 59-year-old man; drug and alcohol testing is pending. Education Spotlight: Bloomfield teacher Bri Karazsia was named the 2027 Indiana Farm Bureau Rural Teacher of the Year.

Indiana Sports: Indiana track and field sent multiple athletes to NCAA Nationals after NCAA East Prelims in Lexington, with senior Tyler Carrel (vault) the first to qualify and others earning spots in the 800, 400 hurdles, and more. WNBA & Indiana Fever: Portland Fire routed Indiana Fever 100-84, limiting Caitlin Clark to six points; the loss sparked fresh scrutiny of Fever coach Stephanie White’s early substitutions. Local Politics: Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales faces new questions after records show a $90,000 payment from a restitution fund to a software contractor and nearly $500,000 in staff salary increases. Public Safety: A statewide Silver Alert for a missing southern Indiana man was canceled. Lottery: No jackpot winner in Powerball’s May 30 drawing (numbers: 1-27-35-44-52; Powerball 12; Power Play 2X); next drawing is Monday with an estimated $180M. Community: Sikh youth group Vand Ke Chako organized outreach in Northwest Indiana, delivering supplies to local shelters and nonprofits.

Ball State Free-Speech Settlement: A woman fired by Ball State over a Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk will receive a $225,000 settlement after an ACLU lawsuit said the university violated her First Amendment rights. WNBA Fever on the Road: The Indiana Fever head to Portland to face the Portland Fire at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, looking to bounce back after a 90-88 loss to Golden State. Caitlin Clark Focus: Clark’s turnover issues are again in the spotlight as Indiana tries to rebound on the West Coast. Sports Gambling Fallout: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility fight continues after court filings say he placed at least 40 bets on Indiana games and wagered at least $90,000 total in college, with a hearing set in Lubbock, Texas. Road Closures: INDOT plans SR 234 closures in Ladoga starting June 1 and SR 236 near Marshall starting June 1, with detours posted. Public Safety: Indiana State Police will join a human trafficking awareness effort June 1-5 using roadside inspections and driver-focused materials. Local Graduation: Pike High School held its Class of 2026 commencement at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Indiana Politics: Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is facing fresh scrutiny after state records show a $90,000 payment to a software contractor from the Securities Restitution Fund, alongside nearly $500,000 in staff salary increases. WNBA & Indiana Sports: Fever coach Stephanie White says the team is trying to follow WNBA injury-report rules after Caitlin Clark’s status reporting drew a warning, while Clark also faces backlash over refusing media after a loss to Golden State. Road & Construction: INDOT contractor Dave O’Mara Contractors plans a June 1 closure of part of U.S. 421 in Greensburg for a bridge deck overlay, including sidewalk shutdowns in the project area. Farm & Environment: Farmers for Soil Health reopened enrollment for 2026 with higher per-acre payments and a simpler one-year contract to boost cover crop adoption. Community & Housing: Southern Indiana Development Commission signed an MOU with USDA Rural Development to help package applications for the USDA 504 Home Repair Program, and Vincennes residents heard about a potential $350,000 state grant for home repairs. Local Events: DeKalb County’s Singing with the Stars returns June 18 in Fort Payne, with ticket interest coming from across Indiana and beyond.

Statehouse & Courts: Indiana’s Ten Commandments monument fight is back in court, reopening a 25-year dispute that could bring the structure back to the Indiana Statehouse. Politics & Religion: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith is facing backlash after saying he “hates Islam” and calling it a “demonic death cult,” with Muslim advocacy groups condemning the remarks. Public Safety & Justice: A Fishers teacher is charged with strangulation and battery involving a 12-year-old student, according to police and court filings. Health & Community: Rosecrance Jackson Centers is opening in Creston to provide mental health and substance abuse counseling after Crossroads Behavioral Health closed. Business & Energy: Southwire’s Lafayette plant won more than $286K in Duke Energy rebates after energy-efficiency upgrades. Indy & Culture: IndyStar’s redistricting coverage won a national award for making the issue accessible, and IndyStar reporter Cate Charron received a First Amendment award. Sports & Local Life: Sweet Helicopters set a new Indy 500 record, transporting 600+ passengers; and Heritage baseball coach Dean Lehrman is stepping down after 39 seasons.

Local Roads Funding: Indianapolis City-County Council is pushing a long-term plan that would raise Marion County vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax to lock in more money for street repairs, with a goal of up to $50 million a year in additional state road support. Indiana Courts & Cannabis: Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the Trump administration over federal marijuana rescheduling, arguing the process wasn’t handled properly. Indiana Economy Watch: A 13 Investigates report says some Indiana data centers have claimed more than $655 million in state sales and use tax exemptions, raising questions about how much revenue the state is giving up. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark set a major WNBA assists mark, but the Fever fell 90-88 to the Golden State Valkyries in San Francisco, snapping Indiana’s winning streak. Community & Health: A Greenfield widow donated $1 million to Hancock Health for a permanent PET/CT scanner, aiming to reduce delays as demand has surged. Grants for Dairy Producers: DBIA awarded over $46,000 in Midwest grants to goat and sheep dairy businesses, supporting training, product trials, and trade show participation.

Local Crime: IMPD is investigating a double shooting on Indianapolis’ near northeast side that sent a juvenile and an adult to hospitals in serious but stable condition. Public Safety: Indiana State Police say a three-month investigation led to the arrest of a Dunreith man on felony charges tied to alleged sexual misconduct with a minor. Courts & Rights: Ball State University will pay $225,000 to settle an ACLU of Indiana lawsuit after firing an employee over a private Facebook comment involving Charlie Kirk’s death. Politics: Indiana Democrats named Jessica Bailey for state comptroller and Coumba Kebe for state treasurer ahead of the June 6 convention. Economy & Agriculture: The FTC has launched a formal investigation into possible anti-competitive practices in the U.S. fertilizer industry, with farmers alleging higher prices and consolidation. Community & Veterans: Duke Energy Foundation awarded nearly $10,000 to IW Vincennes for Memorial Day programming supporting veterans and families in Southern Indiana. Weather: Rain chances continue across Indiana with a warm, humid stretch returning after tonight.

Indy 500: Felix Rosenqvist banked a winner’s-record $4.34 million after a historic Indianapolis 500 purse of nearly $31 million, following a photo-finish over David Malukas. Local Roads: INDOT contractor E & B Paving starts June 1 on a reduced-conflict intersection project at U.S. 24 and C.R. 600 E, with U.S. 24 narrowed to one lane each direction and the median closing later in phases. Environment & Outdoors: Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge access is in limbo as federal budget cuts and talks with the Jefferson Proving Ground raise fears it could close; Indiana also has free fishing days June 6–7 and Sept. 26. Grants & Recycling: IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program is open for applications requesting $1,000–$100,000, with a June 26 deadline. Politics & Courts: Ball State will pay $225,000 to a former employee fired over a Charlie Kirk-related social media post, settling a First Amendment lawsuit. Sports & Community: The Hill 317 fitness challenge returns to Lawrence Community Park after city safety concerns forced a temporary move.