AGP Executive Report

WNBA Spotlight: Chelsea Gray hit two buzzer-beating 3s to give the Las Vegas Aces an 86-84 overtime win over the Indiana Fever, with Caitlin Clark finishing 20 points but eight turnovers and missing late free throws. Local Sports & Culture: Back in Indianapolis, Fever fans largely drowned out the recent Sophie Cunningham controversy with cheers as the team tried to refocus on basketball. Public Safety Training: Jeffersonville is using a new 180 Simulator bought with a federal grant to train officers on thousands of scenario responses, aiming to reduce risk and boost confidence. Health Watch: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with more than 10,000 lab-confirmed cases nationwide. Statehouse/Cost of Living: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension through Sept. 5, citing ongoing global energy disruptions. Community Notes: Fort Wayne officials denied a variance for a single downtown Portland Loo restroom, while Remington’s library wrapped up a summer reading push with 125+ participants.

Childcare Fight: Mothers told Gov. Mike Braun they can’t work without Indiana childcare vouchers, warning they face unemployment and homelessness as the state weighs expanding the Child Care and Development Fund. Public Works: INDOT will host an open house Aug. 6 on a bridge and road reconstruction project for State Road 257 east of the East Fork of the White River. Local Taxes: Pike County officials will hold an Aug. 21 meeting on how local income tax revenue is split between the county and municipalities. Energy & Gas Prices: Gov. Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension through Sept. 5 by declaring a new energy emergency. Health Alert: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce now involves 15 states, including new additions: Arkansas, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire and North Carolina. Sports Spotlight: The Indiana Fever denied a former player’s sexual harassment allegation, while Caitlin Clark and other Fever stars are set for Team USA’s FIBA Women’s World Cup roster. Public Safety: Indiana State Police Lt. Tom McKee announced his retirement after more than 33 years.

WNBA Focus: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham says she wants the conversation to “stay where it should” after her comments on transgender athletes sparked national backlash, even as the Fever keep winning—9-3 since July 1 and set to host the Las Vegas Aces. Legal Fight: A federal judge blocked Indiana AG Todd Rokita from investigating an Indianapolis immigrant support center, ruling the probe could violate First Amendment rights. Public Health: Cyclospora linked to recalled iceberg lettuce has now spread to 15 states, with Indiana among those tied to the outbreak. Local Safety: Residents in Harlan are pushing for more action on Indiana 37 after crash data raised concerns; a community meeting is set for tonight. Environment/Development: Indiana regulators are considering a permit that would let a Google data center developer fill 2.13 acres of wetlands in Allen County. Sports/College Football: Stephen Daley returned to Indiana practice after a court ruling reopened fifth-year eligibility. Arts & Community: Fort Wayne authors landed on shortlists for the 2026 Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards.

WNBA Awards Watch: With All-Star weekend behind them, the MVP race is heating up—A’ja Wilson leads the scoring at 26.6 points per game, while rookie Olivia Miles is driving the Minnesota Lynx toward a league-best 25-6 record. Indiana Sports Buzz: Indiana football is ranked No. 6 in the preseason coaches poll, earning 14 first-place votes, and defensive lineman Stephen Daley is set to return for the 2026 season after a court ruling. Local Schools: Indiana’s new bell-to-bell cell phone ban kicks in for the full school day, with phones out of sight from first bell to dismissal. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak is expanding fast, with the CDC expected to add more states as cases surge nationwide. Community & Culture: Gen Con 2026 was sold out across four days in Indianapolis, filling venues from the Indiana Convention Center to Lucas Oil Stadium and Victory Field. State & Health Care: Governor Braun joined leaders for the grand opening of the new Margaret Mary Health Hospital in Batesville, part of a broader rural health campus push.

College Sports in Indiana: Sen. Todd Young says he’ll now vote for the Protect College Sports Act after changes and new Big Ten/SEC support, a move that could shape how college athletics are governed. Hoosier Football: Indiana’s Stephen Daley is set to return for a fifth season after a court ruling on extra eligibility, boosting the defensive line as fall camp begins. WNBA Debate: French trans player Julie Tétart says she’d accept a WNBA contract if offered, as the league continues to grapple with the Sophie Cunningham controversy. Local Public Safety: A head-on crash near Monon killed three people in a car (including a 5-year-old and 1-year-old) and left one passenger seriously hurt; investigators are still working to determine what happened. Health Watch: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 15 states and 10,000+ confirmed cases, with Indiana tied to lettuce-linked recalls. Community & Infrastructure: Indianapolis announced eight street and sidewalk projects for 2026, including new crosswalks and resurfacing around the Speedway and Health & Hospital campus.

Indiana Politics: Gov. Mike Braun fired Indiana Utility Regulatory Commissioner Andy Zay after Zay backed an AES Indiana rate hike and was demoted from IURC chair, while State Sen. Chris Garten announced his bid for Indiana Senate leadership. Health & Safety: Cyclosporiasis continues to spread nationally, with Michigan reporting its first outbreak-linked deaths and Indiana tied to the broader U.S. case count; health officials urge careful handwashing and produce handling. Healthcare Policy: Braun directed FSSA to expand access to select GLP-1 obesity treatments for eligible Indiana Medicaid members through a federal demonstration, with predictable manufacturer pricing. Local Government: Beech Grove adopted its own $25 passenger and $40 commercial wheel tax starting in 2027 to qualify for an INDOT matching grant after Indianapolis vetoed a larger Marion County vehicle excise surtax. Community & Business: Genesis: Pathways to Success won a $40,000 state grant to launch a Southeastern Indiana small-business conference, and Aria Diagnostics rolled out a patient advocacy program to help simplify lab billing. Sports: The Indiana Fever dropped again to the Minnesota Lynx, and Indiana’s WNBA discourse around Sophie Cunningham’s stance on women’s sports stayed front and center.

State Politics: New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan says Floyd County’s new Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce could be a backdoor push toward a UNIGOV-style city-county merger, while Floyd County Council President Danny Short calls it a non-binding advisory effort aimed at shaping state legislation. Local Sports: The 2026 Indiana high school girls golf season kicked off with Richmond-area tournaments; Franklin Community won the Richmond Invitational, led by Hannah Stearley’s top individual score. WNBA & Indiana Sports: Jackie Young logged her third career triple-double as the Las Vegas Aces beat the Atlanta Dream 109-87; next up is a matchup at Indiana. Community & Heritage: A South Bend African American historic church—Olivet AME—received restoration help as part of Indiana Landmarks grants funded by the Standiford “Stan” Cox funds. Roads: INDOT plans lane closures on State Road 8 near Albion starting Aug. 10 for bridge maintenance, with traffic alternating during work hours. Public Safety/Weather: Tornado activity hit Indianapolis again, with the city recording its 81st tornado of the year.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: The Indiana Fever’s Sunday showdown with the Minnesota Lynx turned into a high-scoring showcase, but Minnesota kept rolling for a 108-100 win and a 10th straight victory, underscoring how guard play is reshaping the league. Indiana Politics: State Sen. Chris Garten made his bid for Indiana Senate president pro tempore official as Rod Bray steps back from leadership after redistricting fallout. Public Safety: Indiana State Police are investigating a deadly Aug. 2 crash on I-265 in Floyd County that killed a 14-year-old and left a 16-year-old seriously hurt. Health & Consumer Watch: Indiana’s attorney general is part of a coalition announcing a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic drug price-fixing and competition limits. Local Schools: Rising Sun Schools kicked off the year with new programs and a cellphone rule that bans phones during passing periods and lunch. Community & Youth Sports: Wayne Newton Post 346’s run ended just short of a state title, but the team is headed to the Great Lakes Regional after filling a vacated spot.

WNBA Spotlight: The Indiana Fever’s road trip ended with a 108-100 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, but the bigger story was the ongoing fight over transgender participation in women’s sports after Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s comments. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wore a “Trans kids belong” shirt and spoke with Cunningham at midcourt before tip; Cunningham was booed, and rallies and counter-rallies drew national attention around Target Center. Local Politics: Allen County commissioner candidate Jorge Fernandez will host a public town hall Monday in Fort Wayne, facing Republican Paul Moss in November. Road Work: INDOT says I-65 lane restrictions begin in Tippecanoe County for up to two weeks, with left lanes closing in both directions while two lanes stay open. Food Insecurity: A new Feeding America study estimates 1,097,150 Hoosiers faced food insecurity in 2024, including 327,150 children. Community Funding: The Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette awarded over $3M in Impact Grants to five Tippecanoe County nonprofits. Business/Tribes: Pokagon’s Mno-Bmadsen completed its takeover of Mno-DREK, gaining full ownership of the manufacturing platform in Indiana and Michigan.

WNBA Spotlight: The Indiana Fever head to Minneapolis for a Sunday showdown with the Minnesota Lynx (1 p.m. ET on ABC), with both teams rolling—Indiana on a five-game streak and Minnesota riding nine straight—setting up a potential Finals preview. Sports & Local Life: Gen Con in Indianapolis was hit by severe weather Saturday, with tornado warnings prompting sheltering as ceiling leaks drenched parts of the convention. Community & Politics: In Fishers, the Hoosier Hospitality March drew protesters against a mass deportation rally that had been advertised for the same day. Weather Watch: NOAA is forecasting a G1 geomagnetic storm Sunday into Monday, with aurora possible in northern U.S. states. Lottery: No one won Powerball’s Aug. 1 jackpot ($719M); next drawing is Monday with an estimated $748M. Business/Entertainment: NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell says the sport is not for sale, ending months of sale rumors.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: The Indiana Fever head to Minnesota for Sunday’s matchup with the surging Lynx, but the bigger story is still Sophie Cunningham’s stance on trans athletes in women’s sports—drawing rallies, counterprotests, and renewed debate around women’s athletics. Local Weather: Flash flood and tornado warnings hit the region, including Indiana’s Marion County, where Gen Con 2026 was briefly disrupted by a tornado warning and flooding/leaks at the Indiana Convention Center. Immigration & Indiana Politics: The ACLU of Indiana is reviewing an Indiana AG lawsuit targeting Merrillville Town Council after the town opposed an ICE detention facility, arguing First Amendment concerns. Public Safety & Community: Hundreds protested a planned anti-immigration “mass deportation” rally in Fishers, while Indiana also saw a high-profile murder charge involving an alleged heart removal. Hoosier Life & Culture: Indiana communities marked America’s 250th with local events, including Vincennes celebrations and a Great American State Fair exhibit.

WNBA & Indiana Fever: Sophie Cunningham says the rallies tied to her stance on transgender participation won’t distract her as Indiana beat Portland 112-98; Caitlin Clark added 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, but a missed foul call on a buzzer-beater moment sparked online outrage. Sports Discipline: Aliyah Boston faces a fine after a heated exchange with Portland’s Serah Williams, while a Storm co-owner was suspended for an incident involving teenage Cunningham supporters. Severe Weather: NOAA data shows Illinois leads tornado reports in 2026, while Indiana ranks second with 89 preliminary reports through July 31 and 79 confirmed tornadoes—an Indiana record. School Rules: Starting this school year, Indiana public schools must ban students from using personal wireless devices during the school day, with limited exceptions. Local Public Safety: An Albion woman was arrested for DUI after an Indiana crash; separately, police are investigating a McKeesport robbery attempt that turned into a shooting. State Policy/Health: Indiana Medicaid is expanding access to GLP-1 obesity treatments for eligible members.

Indiana Politics: Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray says he won’t seek reelection to the leadership post when the General Assembly reconvenes in November, though he’ll keep running day-to-day Senate operations until a new leader is chosen. Public Safety: Indiana State Police arrested a man after a motorcycle pursuit ended with him hiding in a cornfield in Kosciusko County; he faces resisting-law-enforcement and driving-while-suspended charges. Cybersecurity: Gov. Mike Braun created an Office of Cybersecurity within the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, citing the need to prepare for attacks on critical infrastructure after Minnesota water systems were targeted. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana’s AG sued Merrillville, alleging the town is blocking efforts to add an ICE detention facility. WNBA & Sports Culture: The Fever head to Portland amid fresh controversy and planned rallies tied to Sophie Cunningham’s remarks on trans athletes, while the Storm’s co-owner dispute continues to ripple. Health & Local Economy: Braun highlighted READI 2.0 investments, including a Batesville hospital expansion, and promoted free SMB.co tools for small-business succession planning. Weather/Travel: Gas prices stayed elevated statewide, and Indiana faces ongoing storm risk with rain and flash-flood threats.

WNBA & Sports Culture: Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended after confronting two teen fans supporting Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham during a game; the Storm later apologized and the WNBA stepped in, keeping the controversy over girls’ sports and transgender participation front and center. Indiana Public Safety: West Lafayette police say a 22-year-old babysitter, Jasmine O’Sullivan, is suspected of abducting a 6-month-old from Country Villa Apartments; the family reported the child missing Thursday evening. State Politics: Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray says he won’t seek reelection to his leadership post in November, setting up a shakeup in who leads the chamber. Health & Food Safety: Louisiana reported cyclosporiasis cases reaching 100, with federal investigators pointing to iceberg lettuce linked to a multistate outbreak that included Indiana. Local Sports: Indiana State football is pushing a defensive turnaround under a new coordinator, aiming to improve after last season’s struggles. Purdue/Indy Growth: Interim Purdue President Mitch Daniels says the university should nearly double enrollment at its Indianapolis campus over the next five years.

Indiana Politics & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued Merrillville Town Council under the new FAIRNESS Act, alleging council members used an anti-ICE resolution as a pretext to pressure private businesses not to lease or sell property for an ICE facility. Health Care: Gov. Braun announced Indiana Medicaid will cover select GLP-1 weight-loss drugs for eligible members through a federal BALANCE demonstration, with manufacturers providing meds and Indiana paying a reduced monthly amount after federal contributions. Public Safety & Environment: Indiana Dunes National Park warned swimmers to avoid five beaches after elevated E. coli levels, advising “shore only” at Mt. Baldy, Central, Dunbar, Portage Lakefront and West Beach. Local News & Community: A new hospital opened in Batesville as Margaret Mary Health expanded rural services, and Gov. Braun called it a rare “unicorn” in Indiana’s hospital landscape. Sports (Hoosier focus): At Big Ten media days, Curt Cignetti said he’s “stalking complacency” as Indiana prepares to defend its national title, while IU shuffled its offensive line for fall camp. WNBA (Indiana): The Fever’s Caitlin Clark is probable for Friday’s game at Portland, and the league suspended Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton for five games after an incident involving Cunningham supporters.

WNBA Fallout in Indiana Fever Game: The Seattle Storm apologized after co-owner Celeste Keaton was fined and suspended for five home games following an exchange with two teenage fans supporting Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The league said Keaton’s conduct violated its standards for an inclusive arena. Local Community Spotlight: DeMotte stormchaser Dan Amsler was named Citizen of the Year for the Touch of Dutch parade, with the parade set for 10 a.m. Saturday in DeMotte. Kids’ Day in Noble County: Noble Fairgrounds’ “Kid City” returns Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with activities spanning health, libraries, foster care, EMS, and more. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, now reported in 45 states, as officials continue investigating sources tied to the outbreak. Lottery Results: Hoosier Lottery drawings for July 29 were released, including Hoosier Lotto (01-14-17-29-38-43) and Cash 5 (19-26-28-34-38). Road Safety: A Marion woman died after a Huntington County crash involving her SUV and a semi tractor during a left turn onto County Road 100 S.