AGP Executive Report

WNBA Playoff Push: The Indiana Fever kept their home-court hopes alive with a 95-91 overtime win over the Atlanta Dream, bouncing back after a 72-64 third-quarter deficit; Caitlin Clark led with 26 points and nine assists, Kelsey Mitchell added 20, and Makayla Timpson hit a career-high 20 in OT as Indiana improved to 23-12. Birthday Spotlight: Sophie Cunningham’s 30th birthday ended with a Fever locker-room celebration after the hard-fought win, even as her name remains a flashpoint online. Rivalry Moment: Cameras caught Caitlin Clark smiling as Angel Reese missed a potential regulation game-winner, turning a tense finish into fresh social-media fuel. Local Sports Watch: Former Hoosiers made NFL preseason debuts this week, including Fernando Mendoza and Kurtis Rourke. Indiana Policy & Safety: ICE is expanding agreements that let state troopers participate in federal immigration enforcement during traffic stops in Indiana and other states. Public Health/Enforcement: Indiana State Police reported July traffic stats, including 324 drunk-driving arrests and six fatal crashes investigated. Entertainment/Indiana Pride: Harrison Ford will be the “actual model” for an Indiana Jones animatronic at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Flood Relief Context: Colts and Pacers announced donations to Indiana flood relief as recovery continues after deadly storms.

Historic Flooding Toll Rises: Indiana officials say at least six people are dead after days of extreme rain and flash flooding, with the White River surging past the 1913 record in places and prompting evacuations and boat rescues across the Indianapolis area and beyond. Federal Aid Moving: Gov. Mike Braun says he spoke with President Trump as an expedited FEMA disaster declaration is processed, while officials warn residents to stay out of floodwaters. Storm Aftermath in the Region: Northwest Indiana shelters report power outages and overwhelmed care needs for animals, as residents deal with damage and long recovery timelines. Indiana Fever Spotlight: Caitlin Clark limped off briefly during the Fever’s win over Dallas Wings but returned to finish strong; Indiana also marks Sophie Cunningham’s 30th birthday and looks ahead to Sunday’s Fever vs. Atlanta Dream matchup. Local Business/Infrastructure: Fort Wayne International Airport completed a $140 million terminal modernization, expanding gates and improving passenger flow. Public Safety Alerts: Indiana DHS warns storm-impacted Hoosiers about scammers impersonating FEMA.

Historic Flooding & Federal Aid: Indiana’s deadly storms and flooding left at least six dead, with rescues underway along the White River in Indianapolis and evacuations in multiple counties. President Trump approved an emergency declaration, unlocking FEMA disaster assistance for dozens of Indiana counties as water levels and cleanup efforts continue. Local Impact in Indy: Broad Ripple, Rocky Ripple and Ravenwood saw major flooding and evacuations, while officials warned water is still rising and urged residents to heed alerts. Public Safety Incident: Power restoration resumed in Gary after a NIPSCO crew vehicle was shot at overnight, prompting a temporary pause while law enforcement assessed security. Weather Watch: A brief funnel cloud or two may be possible Saturday evening, with the National Weather Service urging people to move indoors if conditions worsen. Hoosier Sports—WNBA: Caitlin Clark keeps climbing MVP chatter, with Robert Griffin III listing her No. 1 ahead of A’ja Wilson; Indiana’s Fever also laid out a tough next-five road stretch starting Sunday at Atlanta. College Football: IU coach Curt Cignetti said he’d like Notre Dame to play at Indiana twice and visit South Bend once, after the series was canceled. Statehouse & Community: Indiana reading scores rose for a fifth straight year, and rural communities received major housing and water infrastructure funding, including an Attica loan for new homes.

Severe Flooding: The White River has shattered the 1913 flood record, with Indianapolis bracing for a crest near 20 feet Saturday morning and Mayor Joe Hogsett declaring a local disaster emergency for Marion County; officials warn even a few inches of water can be deadly and urge evacuations in flood-prone areas. State Emergency Response: Gov. Mike Braun has requested FEMA help as flooding forces road closures, evacuations, and ongoing major flooding along the White River system. School Attendance: Indiana schools are stepping up efforts to curb chronic absenteeism as the new truancy framework kicks in when absences pile up, with districts pushing early family outreach and attendance plans. Sports—Fever Surge: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever rallied past the Dallas Wings 98-87, with Clark scoring 29 points and 10 assists as the team’s late-game push turned a close contest into a win. Local Crime: Indiana State Police and the FBI executed a search warrant in Milford, arresting a man on federal bank burglary/theft warrants and taking another suspect into custody. College Football Countdown: With the 2026 season set to start Aug. 29, coverage highlights key matchups and the long wait Hoosier fans have endured. Business/Development: Noblesville residents are pushing back on a proposed Wawa near State Road 37, citing traffic and neighborhood concerns.

Storm Recovery in NW Indiana: NIPSCO says 172,000 customers were still without power Friday night after the derecho and severe weather, with restoration estimates aiming for about 90% by Tuesday, Aug. 18 and full restoration by Friday, Aug. 21. Flood Relief Efforts: In Wayne County and nearby areas, cleanup is underway after historic flooding, and local groups are handing out supplies like free cleaning buckets for residents. Governor Seeks Federal Help: Gov. Mike Braun requested a presidential emergency declaration through FEMA to speed up response costs, including swift-water rescues and power restoration. WNBA—Fever Push for Playoff Position: Caitlin Clark returned after an ankle scare and scored 29 points with 10 assists as Indiana beat the Dallas Wings 98-87, while Stephanie White drew renewed cheers after recent fan backlash. Local Crime Update: Knox police say Hunter L. Cole was charged with child molesting after an investigation tied to allegations reported earlier this month. Business & Jobs: Vulcraft plans a $59M expansion in St. Joe, adding up to 20 jobs by 2027.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Indiana is still reeling from days of heavy rain and flooding, with the White River in Anderson topping 24 feet and threatening levees, while I-70 westbound near Richmond reopened after flood damage forced a closure. Emergency Response: The Indiana National Guard is deployed for storm cleanup as power outages linger across the region. Local Rescue Efforts: Lafayette-area fire crews were among responders assisting water rescues and evacuations in Anderson. Public Safety Tech Debate: Fort Wayne paused its Flock audio-detection trial and is awaiting City Council direction on keeping the cameras, as lawmakers weigh surveillance limits. State Fair & Agriculture: The Indiana State Fair is spotlighting Indiana Grown products and local farmers, while Indiana Pork’s Ham Breakfast and 4-H Grand Drive highlighted the state’s agriculture and youth livestock talent. Education: Indiana’s early literacy results improved for a fifth straight year on IREAD, with nearly 89% of third graders proficient. Consumer Watch: A new government analysis finds grocery workers often rely on Medicaid and SNAP, even at major retailers. Sports (Hoosier Focus): The Fever host the Dallas Wings Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with both teams’ star rookies and injuries shaping the matchup. Business: MDH Partners bought a large Greenfield industrial building, signaling continued metro-area logistics growth.

Severe Storms & Flooding: Gov. Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency and mobilized the Indiana National Guard as historic flooding hit parts of Indiana, with the Whitewater River reaching its highest recorded crest and mandatory evacuations ordered along the river in southeast Indiana and Ohio. Power Outages: Northwest Indiana residents are still facing days without electricity as NIPSCO crews work through widespread damage, with restoration timelines stretching into next week. Bears Stadium Update: Chicago Bears leadership doubled down that there’s no name change if the team builds in Indiana, saying “our focus is on Hammond” while officials continue evaluating sites. WNBA Fever Backlash: Indiana Fever All-Stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell backed coach Stephanie White after boos at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, as the team continues to respond to the Sophie Cunningham/DiJonai Carrington controversy. Local Sports & Community: Indiana women’s soccer opened the season with a 2-1 win over Hampton, powered by Bella Haggerty’s two goals. Public Safety & Health: Amish Acres in Nappanee was reinstated after a temporary closure was rescinded following an inspection with no violations found. Education: Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination results showed continued gains, with Switzerland County leading area districts in third-grade reading proficiency.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Historic river flooding in southeast Indiana is cresting at record levels, with the West Fork Whitewater River near Alpine hitting 21.78 feet and more rounds of storms threatening additional 2–4 inches of rain. Roads/Power Disruptions: Floodwaters have washed out parts of I-70 in eastern Indiana, while Northwest Indiana is still dealing with major NIPSCO outages affecting nearly 250,000 customers. WNBA Debate in Indiana: The WNBA is weighing next steps on transgender athlete eligibility after Sophie Cunningham’s comments sparked a national backlash; the league says there are no immediate eligibility matters and denounces “bad-faith” attacks. Indiana Fever Spotlight: Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark continues to draw big audiences, and Opta’s supercomputer ranks the Fever among the most likely teams to win the WNBA Finals. Local Economy/Industry: GM is selling its 50% stake in an Indiana EV battery plant to Samsung SDI, citing slower-than-expected EV demand. Manufacturing Jobs: Vulcraft (Nucor) plans a $59M expansion in St. Joe, adding up to 20 jobs by 2027. Public Safety/Crime: The FBI added an Indianapolis gang leader, Gregory Henderson Jr., to its Ten Most Wanted list with a $1 million reward. Sports (Local College): Oxford’s University of Rio Grande was picked third in the River States Conference preseason women’s volleyball coaches poll, with Indiana University Kokomo tabbed the team to beat.

Severe Weather Aftermath: Northwest Indiana is still digging out after Tuesday’s derecho and tornadoes, with NIPSCO calling it its biggest storm event in history—about 302,000 customers affected—and residents reporting downed lines, flooding, and gas-and-generator shortages. Emergency Alerts & Safety: Flash flood warnings and travel watches were issued for parts of Indiana, with officials urging Hoosiers to avoid high water and flooded roads. Portage Explosion: In Portage, a home explosion killed an 86-year-old woman as storms knocked down trees and power lines; investigators say the cause is still unclear. Power Outages Disrupt Schools: Several northwest Indiana districts canceled classes again as outages lingered, while Chicago-area schools also dealt with storm damage and closures. Consumer Health Alert: FDA-linked salmonella sickened people who ate jalapeño peppers across 27 states, including Indiana; Chipotle and QDOBA say they stopped using the recalled product. Statehouse/Regulation: Fired IURC regulator Andy Zay sued to regain his seat as he challenges a contentious AES Indiana rate hike. Online Safety Lawsuit: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Roblox and Discord, pushing for stronger protections for children online. Sports & Community: The Hamilton West Side Little League team reached the Little League World Series; and the Indiana Fever’s Stephanie White controversy continues as players and fans react.

Severe Weather Aftermath: Powerful storms tore through Indiana and the Midwest Tuesday, killing three people and leaving nearly 800,000 without power across four states; in Indiana, a 4-year-old died when a tree hit a home in Jennings County and another person died in a suspected weather-related house explosion in Portage, while crews worked to restore electricity amid widespread damage. Flash Flood Emergency (Muncie): The National Weather Service issued a rare Flash Flood Emergency for Muncie, warning of 3 to 6 inches of rain already and more on the way, with evacuation-area guidance urging residents to move to higher ground and avoid flooded roads. Local Politics: Indiana and Kentucky are at odds over the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge plan, with Gov. Mike Braun asking federal officials to withhold approval over concerns about major traffic impacts from a proposed one-lane southbound reduction. Indiana Sports (WNBA): The Fever bounced back with a 106-92 win over the New York Liberty, led by Kelsey Mitchell (28 points) and Caitlin Clark (22 points, 10 assists), after coach Stephanie White’s pregame outburst; Clark also hit 1,600 career points. Workforce & Reentry: Gov. Braun highlighted $10.2 million in federal grants to expand training and paid pathways for formerly incarcerated Hoosiers through Keys2Work and RecycleForce. Education Results: Vigo County School Corporation leaders pointed to improved IREAD/ILEARN/SAT results from 2025-26 as they celebrate continued gains. Health Care: Fifty-three Indiana hospitals, including three in the Anderson/Muncie area, were recognized by the American Heart Association for improving care for heart disease and stroke patients. Business/Construction: Davis Homes named Tony Doepker as its northeast division sales executive to enter the Fort Wayne market.

WNBA Spotlight: Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White went on a fiery pregame rant Tuesday, saying “the hate…divisiveness…will not win” and “everybody else can go to hell,” as she defended her players after backlash over her handling of Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington Flagrant 2 foul on Sophie Cunningham. Game Recap: Kelsey Mitchell scored 28 (20 in the first half) and Caitlin Clark added 22 points and 10 assists as the Fever beat the New York Liberty 106-92, shooting 79% from 3. Local Sports/College: Indiana men’s soccer named Josh Maher, Collins Oduro and Stephane Njike to the United Soccer Coaches “Players to Watch” list for 2026. Youth Baseball: North Oldham stayed alive in the Great Lakes Region tournament with an 8-5 win over Jasper after weather delays; it plays Ohio in the region final Wednesday. Politics/Statehouse: Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum will not appear on the November ballot for State Senate District 39 after a Democratic Party procedural filing error; Republican Jeff Ellington runs unopposed. Severe Weather & Safety: Storms tied to a derecho left major damage and outages across the Midwest; in Indiana, a Portage house explosion killed one and a tree-fall in Jennings County killed a 4-year-old.

WNBA Playoff Pressure: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham “22-second” meme moment is still reverberating as the league’s late-season race tightens, with teams bunched within 1.5 games and every result starting to matter. Sports & Culture: The Cunningham–DiJonai Carrington “white privilege” fallout keeps driving national debate, while Indiana’s season momentum remains in focus. Food Safety: Taylor Farms issued a new Salmonella recall tied to jalapeño-containing prepared products sold in Indiana, adding to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak concerns. Public Health: West Nile Virus was detected in a Decatur County mosquito sample; officials say no human cases have been found there yet. Weather: Severe storms and a damaging derecho threat hit the Chicago area and parts of Northwest Indiana, with warnings for flooding and damaging winds. Statehouse/Policy: Fired IURC regulator Andy Zay sued Gov. Mike Braun over his dismissal, and Washington City Council approved a wheel tax plus a data center moratorium. Education: Proposed Head Start changes raise safety concerns among Indiana providers, including cuts to standards tied to classroom ratios and disability services. Elections: Indiana’s recount for Senate District 23 flipped the GOP primary result to Paula Copenhaver. Lottery: Powerball jackpot climbed to an estimated $975M after no grand-prize winner on Aug. 10 (6, 37, 54, 55, 64; Powerball 10).

WNBA Drama in Indiana: Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington says she never meant her “WHITE PRIVILEGE” post to question the Flagrant 2 call after she was ejected for a hard foul on Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham; the league rescinded Caitlin Clark’s 8th technical, keeping her eligible for Tuesday vs. New York. Local Crime at the State Fairgrounds: Indiana State Police say 37-year-old Steven T. Mimms stabbed a 20-year-old manager at a vendor booth near the Coliseum Aug. 8 after a dispute over free food; he was arrested after a SWAT search. Zionsville Arson Case: Boone County prosecutors plan to seek adult court for an 18-year-old tied to a July 10 fire that authorities are treating as a possible hate crime involving an Israeli flag. State Politics Recount: Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver won Indiana Senate District 23 after a recount flipped the result over incumbent Spencer Deery; she urged Republicans to unite for November. Education & Elections: Marion County removed Lindsey Cornett from the IPS school board ballot over voting-record rules, while opponent Chris Bultman stays. Public Safety & Health: Cyclosporiasis cases are rising in northeast Indiana, with officials pointing to a likely food source and warning many cases may go unreported. Local Government: Indianapolis’ proposed data center moratorium was put on hold as definitions were clarified.

Utility Regulation: Indiana regulators rejected NIPSCO’s $741 million, five-year natural gas infrastructure plan for LaGrange and Steuben, saying the company didn’t prove each improvement was cost-justified. Public Safety & Weather: Strong storms hit northeast Indiana Sunday night, leaving about 1,400 I&M customers without power in the Fort Wayne area Monday morning, with more outages reported statewide. Environmental Cleanup: Fort Wayne has started environmental remediation at the North River site, removing contaminated surficial fill as a first phase funded by about $3 million from the EPA and Indiana’s Brownfields Program. Local Community: Greencastle’s Summer Music Festival continues Wednesday with “Dancing Is Permitted,” a free concert at Gobin Church. Business & Networking: Wayne County Networking is hosting a free monthly small-business meetup in Richmond on the last Thursday of each month. Sports Drama: Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White faced backlash after comments defending DiJonai Carrington following a hard foul on Sophie Cunningham; the WNBA also rescinded Caitlin Clark’s eighth technical foul, keeping her on the court. Crime & Courts: Indiana State Police reported 324 drunk-driving arrests in July, and Wayne County booked multiple people on property and other charges in early August. Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products tied to a Salmonella investigation, including items distributed to Indiana and other states.

Ag Policy Summit: Indiana farmers met in Columbus to talk energy and agriculture policy, including how the American Soybean Association and United Soybean Board work together—checkoff dollars for research and promotion, while ASA focuses on policy and Hill outreach. Energy & Data Centers: Speakers at the summit said the grid is aging and costs are rising as demand grows from manufacturing and data centers, with lawmakers pointing to rules that push new data centers to help pay for power capacity. Medical Breakthrough: Indiana University researchers tested an explainable AI six-point scoring system to flag patients at high risk of dangerous internal bleeding after severe heart attacks, using information available during catheterization. Local Business & Jobs: Toyota Material Handling opened a $100M electric forklift factory in Columbus, adding about 140 jobs, while Hansol Logistics launched battery cell logistics services from a new Kokomo hub. Severe Weather: Indiana Michigan Power reported thousands without power after storms, with crews working to restore service and watch for more strong storms overnight. Sports Drama: The Indiana Fever’s games with the Chicago Sky stayed in the headlines after DiJonai Carrington’s Flagrant 2 ejection of Sophie Cunningham sparked a wider debate across sports and social media.

WNBA Drama in Indiana: The Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington was ejected after a Flagrant 2 foul on Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham, then posted “WHITE PRIVILEGE” on social media—sparking backlash and a league review as Fever coach Stephanie White faced criticism for her comments. Fever’s Bounce-Back: Indiana beat Chicago 90-86 with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combining for 53 points, and Clark’s eighth technical foul was rescinded so she avoids a one-game suspension. Local Politics: Indianapolis City-County Council will consider a proposal to pause new data center development through the end of 2027 after residents raised concerns about noise, light, utilities, and environmental impacts. State Watch: Indiana is removing variable speed limit signs after a 2026 law limited INDOT’s authority, following a dispute tied to I-465 speed changes. Lottery: Powerball climbed to an estimated $905 million after no grand-prize winner; winning numbers were 63-09-54-05-35 with Powerball 7. Public Health: The USDA issued a salmonella alert for certain meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños, sold in multiple states including Indiana.