AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Aftermath: Tornadoes and storms slammed parts of Illinois and Indiana Thursday night, with officials assessing damage Friday and reporting major outages—about 72,000 NIPSCO customers without power in Indiana and more than 165,000 ComEd customers in Illinois, plus travel disruptions. Power Restoration: Crews worked through the night as outages and downed lines forced road closures in places like Merrillville and kept many residents in the dark. WNBA Spotlight (Indiana): Aliyah Boston (34 points, 12 rebounds) and Caitlin Clark (32 points, 10 assists) powered the Indiana Fever to a 114-106 overtime win over the Chicago Sky, the first time teammates both posted 30-point double-doubles in the same WNBA game. Local Governance: Goshen swore in Andy Stephenson as its new police chief, succeeding retired Chief José Miller. Business/Tech in Indiana: AWS pitched a major data center campus in Wheatfield, estimating a $7 billion investment and offering $1.25 billion to offset energy-cost impacts on local ratepayers. Sports Culture: The I ❤️ T-shirt is back in fashion, with designers and celebrities remixing the classic souvenir look.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide, including Indiana facilities, that they’re not posting required pricing information, with penalties up to $2 million per year for noncompliance. Indiana Politics: A former Indiana Recount Commission member is stepping in to review a razor-thin state Senate race after a dispute over a commission member’s campaign contributions. Public Safety: Tornado warnings and a watch are in effect for the Chicago area and parts of the Midwest, with reports of a large, extremely dangerous tornado near Streator, Ill., as storms race east. Local Economy: New United Way data shows 28% of Allen County households (about 44,504 families) struggle to afford basics even while earning above the poverty line. Sports (Hoosiers): The Indiana Fever host the Chicago Sky, but Sophie Cunningham is ruled out with a right elbow injury while Caitlin Clark is available. Weather & Agriculture: Wet fields are delaying soybean planting in parts of Indiana as farmers race against the late-June planting deadline.

Data Center Push: Amazon Web Services is planning a major data center campus in Wheatfield, Indiana, with an estimated $7 billion investment and a $1.25 billion payment aimed at easing the electricity-rate impact on local customers. Workforce Training: Meta is also backing an Indianapolis “AI infrastructure” bootcamp, pledging $115 million to train skilled technicians for data-center construction with paid training and job guarantees. Public Safety & Weather: Central Indiana faces another round of strong to severe storms tonight after earlier morning storms, with damaging winds and localized flooding the main threats. Local Politics: Gibson County welcomed Tom Perry to the District 2 county council seat after Hannah Whitehead’s resignation, with Perry running for the seat in November. Health Department Update: Clark County health officer Dr. Eric Yazel is moving to a state role at the Indiana Department of Health, after years leading opioid and emergency-response efforts. Community Events: Lafayette’s Juneteenth celebration is set for June 20 at Columbian Park, featuring music, storytelling, and a historical memory walk. Business & Jobs: Applegreen says it will invest about €6 million to open Popeyes restaurants in Ireland, creating up to 450 jobs—an example of the broader roadside hospitality expansion trend.

Data Center Push in Indiana: Amazon Web Services is planning a major data center campus in Wheatfield (Jasper County), with up to nine buildings on a 304-acre site near NIPSCO’s Schahfer Generating Station, and estimates the investment at about $7 billion; the company says it will pay $1.25 billion to offset added energy-cost pressure on local ratepayers. Severe Weather & Flooding: Storms and heat are colliding across Indiana and the Midwest, with warnings tied to damaging winds and heavy rain; in southern Indiana, flash flooding hit Lanesville and left Corydon businesses and roads damaged, with residents urged to report storm damage to Indiana 211. Utility Bills & Heat Rules: AES Indiana customers are set for a temporary summer bill increase tied to fuel adjustment costs, while Indiana Michigan Power has paused shutoffs during extreme heat for some customers. Public Safety & Crime: Fort Wayne police say a driver led officers on a high-speed chase before barricading himself in an attic; in federal court, a Fort Wayne man was sentenced to five years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tech & Work Policy: U.S. Sens. Todd Young, Mark Kelly, and Jim Banks introduced an AI data bill aimed at tracking how artificial intelligence affects the workforce. Local Culture & Community: Arts Place in Blackford County is hosting “Cookies & Canvas” with a cow-painting theme, and the Fort Wayne Zoo is offering free admission for military appreciation weekend.

PFAS Watch: Indiana advocates are alarmed after the EPA proposed rolling back and delaying some “forever chemical” drinking-water rules, a move that could force Indiana to follow under a state order. Public Safety & Health: The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute announced about $45.5 million in Victims of Crime Act grants across the state, including Knox County awards for children and family services and CASA. Flooding & Weather: Severe storms and flash-flood risk have hit parts of Indiana, with warnings and high-water concerns tied to heavy rain moving through southern and central areas. Local Economy & Energy: AAA reports Indiana gas prices are down to about $3.41 a gallon statewide, while diesel remains higher than a year ago. Community & Culture: Monon’s historic theater revival is gaining momentum with donated flooring, planned insulation, and progress on repairs as seat sales continue. Courts: The Delphi murders appeal for Richard Allen is set for oral arguments Sept. 21, 2026, in Indianapolis. Sports Business: The WNBA’s new CBA is credited with higher salaries, with Nancy Lieberman pointing to Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league’s growth.

Bears Stadium Push: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun welcomed the Chicago Bears to Hammond after the team’s latest move toward a new stadium, while Illinois lawmakers floated fresh “PILOT” style proposals to keep the franchise in-state and Gov. JB Pritzker said he’d call a special session if a deal is reached. Flash Flood Crisis: Extreme rain dumped more than 8 inches in Lanesville, triggering rescues, submerged power lines, and floating propane tanks; floodwaters also hit Corydon, closing downtown streets. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide to post clearer price information or face steep fines, adding pressure on Indiana-area providers. Local Economy & Tech: AWS is planning a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with a reported $1.25 billion payment aimed at offsetting higher energy costs for local ratepayers. Education & Politics: Chalkbeat previewed what’s at stake for Indiana school districts in the November election as school board races and tax referendums shift. Culture: The Eiteljorg Museum received a major gift for acquisitions, including a Chihuly sculpture, and offered Juneteenth free admission statewide.

Bears Stadium Push: The Chicago Bears say their board has advanced plans for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, but they still haven’t picked an exact site—so the move is closer, not final. College Sports Fallout: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction against the NCAA, clearing the way for him to play this fall despite a gambling ineligibility ruling; the NCAA says it will appeal. Indiana Politics: Indiana Republicans are again debating closed primaries after a recount fight tied to alleged crossover voting by Democrats revived momentum for party-only voting. Local Business/Jobs: Amazon Web Services is proposing a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with a reported $7 billion investment and a payment aimed at offsetting higher power costs for local ratepayers. Public Safety: A 5-year-old boy from Newburgh, Indiana, died during an overnight stay at a friend’s house; officials say the cause is still unknown. Sports (Hoosiers): Caitlin Clark hit a last-second 3 to lift the Indiana Fever to a 78-76 win over the Washington Mystics.

Bears Stadium Push (NW Indiana): The Chicago Bears say their board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, with the exact site still to be selected—keeping the focus on northwest Indiana after Illinois lawmakers failed to act. Local Government & Health Funding: A New Albany City Council subcommittee will discuss using $15,000 in opioid settlement money to supplement Hope Southern Indiana’s food pantry. IU Student Media: Fourteen national press freedom groups urged Indiana University to follow through on recommendations protecting student media independence, including editorial control and stable funding. Courts & College Sports: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction against the NCAA, clearing the way to play in 2026 despite the gambling-related ban. Weather Watch (Southern Indiana): Officials warned of possible flash flooding as a flood watch runs Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening. Public Safety: A Southern Indiana sheriff was indicted in a campaign sign theft investigation, and Indiana State Police arrested a man in a Knox County child molesting case. Business/Industry: AWS plans a major data center campus in Wheatfield, with a reported $1.25 billion payment to offset energy cost impacts on local ratepayers.

Data Centers & Power Costs: Amazon Web Services plans a major data center campus in Wheatfield (Jasper County), with up to nine buildings on 304 acres and an estimated $7B investment, plus a proposed $1.25B payment to offset energy-cost impacts on local ratepayers. Rural Funding for Schools & Roads: Hoosier National Forest counties are set to receive Secure Rural Schools funding—$248M nationwide—with Indiana’s nine eligible counties using the money for public schools, roads, and wildfire/emergency needs. Semiconductor Workforce Push: NSF and Commerce are expanding the CHIPS-backed National Network for Microelectronics Education, adding regional coordination nodes to grow training and career pathways. Indiana Politics: Indiana Democrats selected Beau Bayh as their nominee for secretary of state, while treasurer and comptroller nominations were uncontested. Weather Watch: Central Indiana faces repeated heavy-rain and flooding risk this week, with a flood watch in effect into Tuesday evening. Local Education/Community: Bishop Noll Institute student Sophia Eko won Rep. Frank Mrvan’s Congressional Art Competition, with her Capitol display set for about 11 months.

Economic Development: Amazon Web Services is planning a major data center campus in Wheatfield, Indiana, with up to nine buildings on a 304-acre site near the Schahfer Generating Station, and says it will invest about $7 billion while paying $1.25 billion to offset the energy-cost impact on local ratepayers. Local Community: The Indianapolis Cultural Trail says a new report found it helped generate $3 billion in assessed property value, with residential growth near the trail outpacing the rest of the city as the downtown attraction heads toward its 20th anniversary. Public Safety & Health: Parents of a 5-year-old boy from Indiana are seeking answers after he died during a sleepover in Newburgh; doctors are still investigating, including checking for possible heart conditions. Youth Services: The Indiana Foster Youth Alliance will hold its 11th annual Youth Conference at the University of Indianapolis, offering free resources for foster youth and young adults ages 14–22. State & Local Events: Kosciusko County’s Freedom Fest featured a veterans ceremony with a KC-135 flyover from Grissom Air Reserve Base and remarks from state leaders.

Indiana Politics: Beau Bayh won the Democratic nomination for Indiana secretary of state, beating Blythe Potter by about 61% to 39%, with Bayh promising “honest government” and accountability. WNBA: The New York Liberty rallied past the Indiana Fever 83-75 after Indiana blew a double-digit lead; Caitlin Clark finished with 10 points on 4-for-14 shooting, while Breanna Stewart scored 30 for New York. Local Roads: INDOT is starting a reduced conflict intersection project at U.S. 31 and State Road 10 in Marshall County on June 9, with lane and median closures and detours through July. Public Safety/Community: Kosciusko County kicked off its first Freedom Fest weekend ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary, with state and attorney general officials honoring veterans. Weather: A first heat wave is expected next week across Indiana, with heat index values near 100 and scattered storms bringing some rain. Sports (High School): Bloomington North won boys track state titles in multiple events, and Luke Ertel was named MVP of the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star game.

Bears Stadium Push: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium plan in Hammond, Indiana, keeping Illinois lawmakers in the loop even as the team says the “exact site” is still to be selected. Indiana Weather: Central Indiana faces a stormy weekend—Ben Davis High School postponed graduation due to lightning risk, with Saturday evening storms possible and Sunday rain chances rising. WNBA Fever Update: Sabrina Ionescu is out for New York’s game vs. the Indiana Fever with back soreness, while Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and the Fever are trying to move past earlier sideline drama. State Politics: Jessica Bailey was officially nominated by Indiana Democrats for state comptroller at the party convention in Indianapolis. Public Safety/Health: The Army is preparing planning for death-row executions at the federal facility in Terre Haute if ordered by the president. Local Life: Indiana State University held additional summer orientation days for incoming freshmen. Sports & Culture: Star Wars Day brought costumed fans and a parade to Joliet, with Indiana residents among the attendees.

Bears Stadium Push Into Indiana: The Chicago Bears’ board voted to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, about 25 miles from Chicago, with the exact site still “to be selected,” after Illinois lawmakers failed to move a stadium incentives bill. WNBA Fever Focus: Indiana Fever (5-4) play the New York Liberty (6-4) Saturday at 8 p.m. ET at Barclays Center, with Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell leading the Hoosier charge. State Parks for Families: Indiana DNR’s Free Fishing Days run June 6-7, letting residents fish public waters without a license or trout stamp. Local Weather Watch: Central Indiana is set for a return of heat, humidity, and storm chances, with the better odds drifting toward the I-70 corridor. Public Health Records Fight: RFK Jr. is seeking access to Americans’ medical records to study links between vaccines and autism, drawing pushback over privacy and legality. Nursing Home Ratings: CMS data shows two Hancock County and Vigo County public nursing homes in Indiana scored an overall 3 in Q1 2026, with no fines reported. Lottery Results: Hoosier Lottery numbers for June 5 include Mega Millions 13-30-50-52-66 (MB 02) and Cash 5 11-20-28-37-40.

Bears Stadium Push: The Chicago Bears took a major step toward leaving Illinois, with their board voting to advance a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, while the exact site is still to be selected—prompting fresh debate from Chicago officials and fans. Local Impact & Pushback: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said talks will continue to keep the team in Illinois, while businesses near Soldier Field warned of lost game-day traffic if the move sticks. Indiana Growth in Tech & Skills: Indiana University is set to launch a fleet of 24 food-delivery robots on the Bloomington campus, aiming to make dining more accessible. Workforce Pipeline: Amazon marked progress at its New Carlisle data center campus by graduating 58 residents from a work-based learning program focused on machine learning and data center operations. Education for Autism Support: Indiana Tech highlighted its Warrior Life program for students on the autism spectrum, with the first participant graduating last spring and more completing the inaugural group. Community STEM: Girl Scouts of Central Indiana teamed up with Pacers Sports & Entertainment for “NBA Math Hoops” at Camp Dellwood, mixing basketball with STEM learning. Energy Policy: The Trump administration invoked the Defense Production Act to support coal plants, including an Indiana project tied to potential modernization funding.

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.