AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Alert: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell is tied to a cyclospora outbreak, warning Hoosiers not to eat the lettuce at affected Indiana locations; CDC reports 1,645 confirmed cases in five states (Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia) with 94 hospitalizations, and investigators are still checking whether other sources contributed. Local Schools: Indiana districts are preparing for the new “bell-to-bell” cellphone and wireless device ban during the school day. Sports (Hoosier Pride): Caitlin Clark hit 200 career WNBA 3-pointers in a record-fast 74 games, and Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham drew attention with another pregame fashion moment. Community & Youth Sports: Reitz Rumble returns in Evansville with 35 high school teams and 168 7-on-7 matchups. Local Business/Real Estate: A civil case seeks forfeiture tied to an Indiana developer accused by federal officials of fraud and money laundering involving the Mishawaka Fieldhouse.

Food Safety: Federal health officials say shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell locations is behind a Cyclospora outbreak in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with 1,644+ cases reported and 94 hospitalizations; Taco Bell has removed the implicated lettuce from its supply chain. Public Health: Indiana is also dealing with hazardous wildfire smoke from Canada, with air quality alerts in parts of the state and guidance to limit outdoor activity and avoid strenuous exercise. Disaster Response: Gov. Mike Braun announced FEMA and DHS will conduct preliminary damage assessments in Indiana after June flooding and storms, with some counties facing individual and public assistance reviews. Local Politics: Zionsville homeowners are fighting a proposed gas station near Holliday Farms and U.S. 421, citing traffic, noise and potential impacts to the Eagle Creek watershed. State Government: Indiana’s state budget reserves jumped 60% to about $4 billion for FY 2026, as lawmakers debate how to use the surplus. Sports (Indy): The Indiana Fever host the Seattle Storm Friday, with Caitlin Clark listed probable after a recent back injury.

Public Safety: Authorities searched Lake Michigan near Indiana Dunes after a mayday call from a boat; the search ended after no vessel in distress was found. Health Alert: Indiana counties reported 46 cyclosporiasis cases in Clark and Floyd, as the broader outbreak keeps growing; health officials continue urging careful produce handling. Food Safety: Investigators linked the Taco Bell outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms, with multiple states including Indiana named. State Budget: Indiana’s budget reserves jumped 60% to nearly $4 billion, driven by stronger-than-expected tax collections and tighter spending. Disability Access: Indiana expanded disability parking placards for autism caregivers, allowing Level 2 and Level 3 autism families to apply. Local Business: Big Brand Tire & Service announced it will acquire Belle Tire, expanding its footprint across Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Sports (Indiana ties): LeBron James still won’t name his next team, saying the decision isn’t ready yet.

WNBA/Indiana Fever: Caitlin Clark blasted a missed foul call after being kneed in the leg during the Fever’s 88-75 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, saying the ref “can’t miss that” and that she had to play with a contusion. Fever coach Stephanie White also pushed for consistency in officiating. Immigration/Indiana: A new report says Haitians in Indiana are preparing for the end of temporary legal protections after a U.S. Supreme Court decision clears the way for stripping TPS for some 350,000 Haitians nationwide. Health: Indiana health officials are tracking a growing cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive diarrhea,” as U.S. cases rise and officials warn numbers may keep climbing. Air quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is worsening conditions across the Midwest, with alerts reaching parts of Indiana and nearby states. State government/transparency: Indiana lawmakers and watchdogs are reacting to the state’s removal of a taxpayer-friendly “Find a Person” directory tool. Local business/economy: A regional program in East Central Indiana is launching to help early-stage entrepreneurs with hands-on support, starting Aug. 13. Sports business/tech: Everwise Credit Union says it unified 27 departments with Creatio, cutting process times from days to minutes.

WNBA & Sports: The 2026 WNBA All-Star rosters are set after GMs Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon drafted teams for the July 25 game in Chicago, with Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell among the starters. Local Justice: A Marion County judge tossed a case against Broad Ripple bar owner Robert Sabatini, saying prosecutors conducted a “blatantly unconstitutional” warrantless search of his tax returns. Statehouse Roads: Indiana lawmakers announced Community Crossings Matching Grant awards totaling $841,781 for Warren County, $1.7M for White County, and $1.2M for Jasper County for road and bridge projects. Data Centers: Indianapolis’ DC Blox data center cleared a use-variance vote despite strong Irvington-area opposition; opponents say they’ll challenge the decision in court. Arts & Culture: Gov. Braun awarded $1.4M in READI 2.0 support to the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts in Warsaw for renovations and expanded programming. Weather/Health: Canadian wildfire smoke is pushing into Indiana, bringing hazy skies and prompting air-quality warnings for sensitive groups. Public Safety/Community: Cops Cycling for Survivors made a stop in New Albany to honor officers who died on duty.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever host the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday, with Clark returning from a back injury and Indiana favored in updated odds and projections. Public Safety: Indiana State Police identified Sgt. Justin Heflin as the trooper shot during a chase near Michigan City and said the suspect, Kevin Meyers, died by self-inflicted gunshot after a manhunt. Health Alert: Indiana reports 206 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1 as the CDC warns of a wider outbreak tied to contaminated food/water; officials urge awareness of severe, sometimes “explosive” diarrhea. Weather & Air Quality: Central Indiana faces heat advisories and an Indy air quality advisory for ozone, with wildfire smoke haze moving in from Canada. State Politics/Education: Gov. Mike Braun ended race- and sex-based contracting preferences after AG Todd Rokita ruled parts of Indiana’s diversity business program unconstitutional. Local Economy: Miller Poultry plans a nearly $90M Kidron expansion creating at least 75 jobs, supported by tax incentives. Community & Culture: The Cops Cycling for Survivors ride continues across Indiana, ending July 18 in Indianapolis.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: Caitlin Clark returned to action for the Indiana Fever after back issues, and the team’s recent road swing helped push them up to No. 4 in ESPN’s WNBA Power Rankings following wins over the Mercury and Aces. Local Infrastructure: Newburgh has started an Ohio River riverfront stabilization project along Water Street, with trail closures, parking limits, and construction running through Aug. 3. Public Safety: Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after a body was recovered from a submerged vehicle behind the Boonville Walmart; foul play isn’t suspected. State Government & Economy: Chuck Goodrich was introduced as Indiana’s new commerce secretary, tasked with leading economic development efforts. Utilities Help: Duke Energy is offering summer bill assistance for eligible Indiana customers through local agencies. Health & Food Safety: Indiana health officials are tracking a cyclospora outbreak and urging residents to know warning signs of the parasite illness. Education Policy: Indiana released new guidance for schools seeking four-day week waivers, including requirements tied to accountability grades and student support. Business Closings: Marsh Supermarket in Hamilton is set to close after failing to renew its lease. Crime & Courts: Acting Attorney General Cori Mills announced an $18 million multistate settlement with 23andMe over a genetic data breach.

ACLU Lawsuit: The ACLU of Indiana sued Monroe County in federal court over “unconstitutional” jail conditions, alleging long-running problems like overcrowding-driven violence, broken plumbing and mold, poor access for inmates with disabilities, extreme temperatures, and unsafe separation by medical or security needs. Local Governance: Indianapolis City-County Council’s committee advanced a moratorium on new data center approvals, recommending a pause until Dec. 31, 2027, while also creating a special zoning class for data centers; the full council will vote Aug. 10. Economic Development: Greenwood approved plans for Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s travel center, proposing a 74,000-square-foot site near I-65 and Worthsville Road with 120 fuel pumps and 42 EV chargers, though neighbors raised traffic and safety concerns. Courts & Public Safety: The ACLU’s jail case follows a broader week of legal action, including a separate report of an Indiana woman pleading guilty to disorderly conduct after police said she threw knives and an ashtray during a fight. Sports (Indy): Indy’s Pacers franchise history roundup highlighted career scoring leaders, while local sports coverage also included Pacers summer league updates. Weather: Central Indiana is bracing for heat index values around 100–105 degrees through Thursday, with storm chances returning later in the week.

Coal Ash Oversight: Indiana is seeking EPA approval to run its own permitting program for coal ash disposal as federal cleanup rules face rollbacks, with IDEM saying it would shift oversight to the state while raising questions about how protective it will be. Public Health: Lyme disease risk is expanding across Indiana, with blacklegged ticks showing up in suburban parks and backyards, and health officials urging awareness as the spread accelerates. Schools & Contracts: Northwest Allen County Schools will take public input on a proposed $195,000 superintendent contract for Brandon Bitting before a board vote. Local Governance: South Bend is moving toward possible new rules for short-term rentals after neighbors pointed to problems tied to a prior shooting incident. Community & Safety: Indiana state employees are set for a one-time bonus, while Indiana’s Cops Cycling for Survivors ride continues across the state to honor fallen officers and support families. Crime & Courts: A Clark County judge rejected a plea deal for a man accused in a 2022 murder, sending the case toward trial. Business Growth: Greater Lafayette Commerce won a $40,000 state grant to launch an entrepreneurship-through-acquisition initiative.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark returned for limited minutes and still set a new WNBA assists mark as the Indiana Fever routed the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 109-75, with Kelsey Mitchell scoring 27 and Indiana hitting 100+ points again. Public Safety: Indiana State Police reported a trooper shooting after a pursuit near Michigan City; the suspect was found dead and the sergeant was recovering. Local Sports & Community: The Murat Shrine Bowl is set to include father-son coaching at the North All-Stars, with former Angola coach Andy Thomas coaching his son Alex in the 2026 event. Weather: Central Indiana is bracing for heat indices near 100 degrees midweek, with only spotty storm chances. State Policy & Health: Indiana’s Healthy Indiana Plan work/training requirements are moving toward 2027, a shift that could affect access to care. Environment: A new push warns that “neonic” pesticides are worsening pollution and harming endangered species across waterways. Business & Economy: Indiana and Oregon are taking very different approaches to immigration-related employment rules even though federal I-9 verification stays the same.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark is expected back for the Indiana Fever’s Sunday showdown with the Las Vegas Aces, after a minutes restriction in the Fever’s last game; the matchup is set for 9 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, with Clark aiming to raise her limit to 25. UFC & Indiana Sports: Fever guard Sophie Cunningham made a surprise ring-girl appearance at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, stepping in on short notice after UFC president Dana White offered her the role. Local Community: Community Harvest Food Bank in Fort Wayne rolled out a new brand identity—logo and tagline “Feeding neighbors. Building community”—as it continues serving nearly 100,000 people annually. Public Safety: An Indiana State Trooper shooting in LaPorte County ended with the suspect dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the coroner. Weather: Indiana is heading into a mainly dry stretch with highs near 90 degrees at times.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark is expected to return for the Indiana Fever’s Sunday Night Basketball showdown with the Las Vegas Aces (9 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock), but she’ll be on a minutes restriction as she works through lingering back issues. Local Sports: The Fever’s Sophie Cunningham is also making headlines off the court—she appeared as an Octagon Girl at UFC 329, arranged just minutes before her walk. MLB Draft (Indiana ties): Day one of the MLB Draft is in the books, with Louisville’s Zion Rose (6th to KC) and Kentucky’s Tyler Bell (10th to Colorado) in the top 10, plus Indiana State’s Carter Beck taken by the Braves at No. 26 and Missouri State’s Caden Bogenpohl going to the Phillies in Round 2. Public Safety/Health: Indiana WIC is recalling Brush Art microwaveable nutrition plates due to aluminum that can spark fires if microwaved; HP also expanded a lithium-ion battery recall for certain laptops. Energy & Environment: A new wave of carbon storage projects in rural Indiana is drawing alarm over water impacts and local risks, with residents organizing to stop or slow deployments.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: The Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark will keep a minutes restriction as she recovers from a back injury, with coach Stephanie White saying the team is prioritizing long-term health. Sports Recruiting: Notre Dame landed 2027 linebacker Roman Igwebuike, a Chicago-area star who also had Indiana among his finalists. Local Sports Spotlight: Bloomington City Golf’s junior-to-men’s crossover story played out Saturday as 15-year-old Ryan Decker won the City Golf opener. MLB Draft (Indiana ties): The Atlanta Braves selected Indiana State outfielder Carter Beck 26th overall, making him the highest-drafted player from Saskatchewan and a rare first-round Sycamore. Weather & Safety: Central Indiana saw ongoing showers and slow-moving storms, with flood advisories/warnings reported in parts of the region and rain chances easing after sunset. Public Safety: A Jasper County crash involving a semi-truck driver accused of running a red light left a grandmother and her 3-year-old grandchild badly injured. Community Events: Fort Wayne’s Lawton Park Flea Market returns downtown for a weekend run.

WNBA/Caitlin Clark: GOP lawmakers are pressing the WNBA and threatening DOJ involvement over claims that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is being targeted with excessive physical play, with Congress asking for answers by July 24. Indiana Public Safety: An Indianapolis-area Silver Alert was issued for 14-year-old Kathya Rodriguez, believed to be in extreme danger and possibly needing medical help. Data Centers/Local Control: WFYI reports nearly a third of Indiana counties are now restricting data centers, with some moratoriums and at least two outright bans, as communities weigh water and land impacts against state economic goals. Energy/Emissions Debate: A New Carlisle, Indiana data center discussion is heating up after claims about added backup diesel generators; Amazon says the generators are for emergencies only and typically run about 10 hours per year. Roads/Traffic: I-94 in LaPorte County is shut down eastbound after a crash, with drivers urged to avoid the area. Sports (Indy): The Pacers opened summer league play with a 99-93 win over Cleveland, building a big third-quarter lead and holding on late.

Indiana Law & Local Costs: Goshen is weighing a monthly Environmental Service Fee for trash and other services after state tax changes squeeze city budgets, with a proposed start around $7/month and rising over the next few years. New State Laws in Effect: Hoosier lawmakers highlighted July 1 changes aimed at protecting against foreign adversaries, streamlining certain farm permitting, and reducing energy costs. Public Safety: Indiana State Police Sgt. Justin Heflin was shot during a LaPorte County pursuit of a stolen vehicle; he underwent surgery and was stabilized, while the suspect was later found dead. WNBA & Congress: Indiana Republicans are pressing the WNBA for answers on how it handles physical hostility toward Caitlin Clark, warning of possible federal scrutiny if a hostile environment is found. Tech & Water: Indiana’s data-center boom is colliding with water planning, as the state works on a statewide water inventory and management plan. Business & Economy: A judge upheld Gov. Mike Braun’s expanded control over IU trustees, ruling the 2025 alumni-election change was constitutional. Sports (Local): Max Steiner finished top-5 at the Indiana State Junior PGA, earning an alternate spot for the US Junior PGA Championship. Entertainment/Pop Culture: Rick Springfield’s shirtless “ripped” physique from an Indiana show is going viral online.

WNBA Oversight: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark’s treatment is now a federal issue as 11 House Republicans demand action from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, warning the league could face DOJ and other federal scrutiny over alleged physical hostility and officiating failures, with a July 24 deadline. Fever on Court: Kelsey Mitchell scored 29 points and Indiana beat Phoenix 92-89, closing out a bounce-back after a rougher loss to the Sparks; Clark sat out with a back injury. Local Sports Spotlight: Putnam County’s Nathan Sutherlin was named 2026 Baseball Player of the Year after a dominant season at the plate and on the mound. Road Work: INDOT plans a short-term closure of Indiana 28 in Tippecanoe County starting on/after July 13 for drainage pipe replacements, with detours via U.S. 231 and Indiana 25. Agriculture & Weather: USDA crop progress shows Indiana corn advancing toward silking and dough stages, while statewide conditions reflect a warm spring and near-normal early summer. Public Safety: Indiana State Police is seeking donations for its Therapy K9 Program, aimed at supporting officers and staff after traumatic calls.