AGP Executive Report

State Politics: Sen. Ron Alting acknowledged wrongdoing after being accused of shoplifting from two Walmart stores; he said he is undergoing medical evaluation. Secretary of State candidates clashed over election security, voter participation and spending oversight as early voting opened statewide. Health Coverage: Indiana estimates 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members aren’t yet meeting work rules taking effect Jan. 1, putting their coverage at risk. Data Centers & Power: An O’Neill School panel weighed data centers’ economic benefits against concerns over utility bills, pollution, infrastructure and limited local jobs. Google also announced the first grants from its $10 million Indiana energy program. Roads: Rising interstate construction costs are renewing debate over tolling as a way to pay for projects. Hoosier Sports: No. 7 Indiana football heads to Nebraska after a 47-15 win over Rutgers. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton also returned to game action after more than 16 months, scoring seven points in a preseason win.

Fuel Costs: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas-tax suspension through Nov. 4 and temporarily eased dyed-diesel rules for farmers and timber haulers. Elections: Early voting is underway for Indiana’s Nov. 3 midterm; voters in Steuben, Allen and DeKalb counties will also decide whether to allow a casino in Northeast Indiana. Health Care: Indiana officials warn that about 58,000 Healthy Indiana Plan members may not meet new work rules. Requirements begin Jan. 1, with some applicants needing to document qualifying activity as early as October. Public Safety: A 17-year-old West Virginia football recruit was fatally shot in Indiana; a federal grand jury indicted a Columbus man in the teen’s death. Business and Energy: A $350 million financing deal will support a 203-megawatt solar project under construction on reclaimed mine land in Gibson County, backed by a long-term agreement with Meta. Hoosier Sports: No. 7 Indiana football takes a 21-game winning streak to Nebraska for a major Big Ten test, while No. 15 Indiana volleyball hosts top-ranked Nebraska in Bloomington.

WNBA Injury Watch: The Atlanta Dream will be without Allisha Gray for Game 2 of their semifinal Wednesday after a finger injury, while the Las Vegas Aces list Jewell Loyd as doubtful and also flag other key players—raising stakes for both teams as series hosts take the floor. Indiana Sports Spotlight: No. 2 Indiana men’s soccer rallied from a first-half deficit to beat Kentucky 3-1, with Oliver Moller-Jensen scoring on a penalty kick to spark the comeback. College Hockey: IU’s men’s club hockey topped Ohio University 3-1 after a Friday loss, with Evan Tompkins making key saves. State & Local Jobs: INDOT will hold winter seasonal hiring events Oct. 6 in Evansville, Paoli and Tell City, with pay starting at $21 an hour (CDL required). Community & Culture: Indiana Arts Commission opened applications for Indiana Cultural District certification/re-certification, offering $5,000 in non-competitive funding for planning and marketing. Business & Growth: Indiana Michigan Power proposed a rate reduction plan tied to data-center-driven load growth, aiming to cut 2027 bills by about $59 million. Public Safety & Health: Indiana courts named South Bend retiree Tom Brown as the state’s top CASA volunteer for 2026, highlighting ongoing need for advocates for abused and neglected children.

Fuel Prices Watch: Diesel hit a low of $6.79/gal at one Brown County station for the week ending Sept. 26, while Indiana’s diesel average was $6.85/gal. Local Public Safety: An Indiana man, 41-year-old James W. Slonaker of Cambridge City, was arrested in a Wyandot County child exploitation investigation after alleged inappropriate texts and videos with a juvenile; charges include child exploitation, child solicitation, and possession of child sexual abuse materials. Health Care & Costs: A new report warns primary care is about 20% short by 2038, pointing to a broader “site-of-care” payment imbalance that can steer patients toward higher-cost hospital settings. Education & Community: Indiana State University named Jessica Thome its new controller, effective Oct. 19; Lakeland School Corporation received a $75,000 planning grant to address non-academic barriers to student success. Sports (Hoosier ties): Indiana field hockey climbed to No. 12 in the latest poll, with Lily Freeman earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after scoring game-winners vs. Michigan State and Ohio State.

Indiana Politics & Voting: Indiana’s voter registration deadline is Monday, with early voting starting Tuesday; officials point residents to indianavoters.in.gov and note absentee options for those who can’t vote in person. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita is suing the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission tied to a jet ski dispute, escalating a fight over how the state handles complaints. State Government & Transportation: Gov. Braun says Indiana’s “blackout” license plates have topped 380,000 sales, generating nearly $13M for BMV modernization. Housing & Economic Development: READI funding is helping drive downtown Evansville’s $60M “Vault on Main” mixed-use project. Health & Community: Indiana libraries are increasingly serving as mental health support hubs, with local examples of staffing and referrals. Education: West Lafayette school board candidates field questions on district funding, AI, and work-based learning in a student-led forum. Local Infrastructure: INDOT plans lane closures on I-69 in Daviess County near Newberry starting around Oct. 14. Sports: Indiana’s football and Fever coverage continues to dominate, including AP Top 25 movement and Kelsey Mitchell free agency talk.

Immigration & Courts: An immigration judge ruled Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, can be deported after his ICE detention and time held in an Indiana jail. Indiana Public Safety: Indiana emergency officials are asking for help finding 14-year-old Lillian Stanley missing from New Washington. Health & Consumer Safety: PepsiCo expanded a Gatorade recall affecting 122,000+ cases in 37 states, including Indiana, for undeclared Yellow No. 5/6; shoppers should check lot codes. State Government & Transportation: Gov. Mike Braun’s office says Indiana’s “blackout” license plates have sold 380,000+ since launch, raising about $13M for BMV modernization. Local Community & Arts: Ballet Hispánico will perform for free at Indiana University Southeast’s Ogle Center on Oct. 15. Education & Health Leadership: Trine University named Sue Stevens dean of its Brooks College of Health Professions. Sports (Indiana in national spotlight): The AP Top 25 keeps Texas No. 1; Alabama moved to No. 6 and Indiana to No. 7.

Indiana Sports Spotlight: No. 6 Indiana kept rolling, routing Rutgers 47-15 and extending a 21-game win streak, while Indiana women’s soccer finally found its scoring touch again in a 3-2 home loss to Michigan. WNBA & Local Culture: The Fever’s season ended with a 94-83 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, and the fallout stayed loud—fans, players, and media all trading barbs. Education & Community: The Lilly Endowment is funding major Indy-area school building upgrades, including a new Herron High theater project, and Southwest Allen County Schools celebrated new accessible playgrounds. Public Safety: Indiana State Police located a third vehicle in an I-465 school bus crash that injured 13 people. Courts & Crime: Three people were sentenced in a multi-state bank fraud scheme that hit institutions across Indiana and other states. Statehouse/Policy: A property tax overhaul debate continues, with calls for assessment value changes rather than simple elimination. School Sports: IHSAA released girls volleyball sectional pairings, setting up the Oct. 13 start.

School Safety: Indiana is rolling out a $1 million anonymous 24/7 tip line for K-12 schools to report bullying, threats, violence, or student concerns, with trained safety specialists routing alerts to schools and emergency responders; it’s expected to launch in January. Public Health: A Chilean frozen-berry recall has expanded for possible E. coli contamination, adding Trader Joe’s Organic Mixed Berry Blend (sold in 26 states including Indiana) plus additional Walmart Great Value frozen organic berry lots. Local Government: Madison is creating a Mayor’s Youth Council for high school students to learn how city government works and help shape community projects. Sports (Indiana): No. 6 Indiana kept rolling with a 47-15 rout of Rutgers, extending its win streak to 21 games, while IU’s Hoosier the Bison mascot returns to the spotlight. WNBA (Indiana Fever): Fever GM Amber Cox and players continue defending the fanbase amid fallout from the playoff loss, as Sophie Cunningham heads into unrestricted free agency. City Services: Water utility work will affect Indiana Avenue traffic Oct. 7–9, with westbound closures and reduced eastbound lanes.

Fever Offseason: Indiana Fever GM Amber Cox pushed back hard on criticism of the team’s fans, saying “attacks… have no basis in reality” and that no fans were removed for code-of-conduct violations during the playoff run. WNBA Spotlight: The debate around fan behavior and league double standards continues as Kelsey Mitchell weighs her future and Sophie Cunningham renews calls for accountability after A’ja Wilson’s heated confrontation with a fan. Hoosiers Football: No. 6 Indiana kept rolling, beating Rutgers 47-15 behind Turbo Richard’s 204-yard day and Josh Hoover’s 251 yards and four TDs, extending the program’s 21-game win streak. Local Sports: Fort Wayne FC earned a 0-0 draw that helps its playoff push, while Indiana high school sectional action sent Snider and Northrop to state regionals. Health Watch: Doctors renewed warnings about energy drinks for kids and teens, citing high caffeine risks and urging a pause on youth-focused marketing.

WNBA Playoffs: The Fever’s season is over after another loss to the Las Vegas Aces, and Indiana now faces big offseason questions, including whether Kelsey Mitchell stays and what the team does with Sophie Cunningham as free agency nears. Semifinals Preview: Sunday’s WNBA semifinal matchups set up contrasts, with the New York Liberty taking on the Golden State Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces continuing their deep run. Local Education: Indiana IREAD results show a wide range by district, but statewide literacy keeps climbing, with districts emphasizing early, multi-grade reading support. Public Health: Fort Wayne Zoo visitors from Sept. 27 face a 21-day measles quarantine after a confirmed exposure, with health officials urging vaccination and quick action. Infrastructure & Safety: INDOT will hold an Oct. 8 public hearing on a proposed US 35 intersection project in LaPorte County to reduce crashes, with construction targeted for 2029. Business: Amazon announced a major advanced manufacturing investment in Greenwood, aiming to add hundreds of jobs by 2028. Food Recall: Walmart and Trader Joe’s frozen organic berry products are expanding in a recall tied to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 17 people.

WNBA Playoffs: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are eliminated after a 94-83 Game 3 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, with Clark left bloodied and questions swirling over officiating and free-throw disparities. College Football (Indiana ties): No. 2 Indiana men’s soccer stayed hot with a 3-1 win over No. 6 Maryland, highlighted by Stephane Njike scoring against his former team. State Politics & Courts: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued the state’s disciplinary panel, alleging retaliation over political speech, while a separate case involves an ex-sheriff seeking to block a second mental health evaluation after a judge shooting. Local Economy: Lee County officials and candidates reacted to a major steel mill announcement tied to a Wever-area plan, promising thousands of jobs. Housing & Affordability: Fort Wayne-area coverage spotlights rising home prices and the pressure on the safety net, as lawmakers debate housing supply and school funding accountability. Sports (Indiana): Tri-State Speedway’s Harvest Cup caps its 70th season, and local high school football highlights include Eastside’s 50-6 win and Jasper’s big Zazzetti night.

WNBA Playoffs: The Las Vegas Aces closed out the Indiana Fever with a 94-83 Game 3 win, ending Indiana’s season after another tough run against the defending champs. Caitlin Clark said the Fever “weathered a lot,” while A’ja Wilson powered the finish with 36 points and 10 rebounds. Local Sports & Community: The Fever’s exit kept the spotlight on Indiana’s playoff push and the heated fan confrontation that followed Wilson’s earlier clash. Statehouse & Policy: State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves clarified Indiana’s expanded property tax relief for veterans, including a new path for disabled veterans to receive credits or a 100% assessed-value deduction on their primary home. Agriculture & Costs: Hoosier farmers are still pushing for diesel relief as harvest costs stay high; Indiana has moved to loosen dyed-diesel rules for farm use. Business & Jobs: Packaging Corp. of America plans to close its Middletown plant, affecting about 91 workers. Energy & Transparency: Gov. Braun named a new public access counselor, replacing Jennifer Ruby after complaints about slow responses.

WNBA Playoffs: A’ja Wilson poured in 36 points and the Las Vegas Aces beat the Indiana Fever 94-83 in Game 3, ending Indiana’s season for the second straight year and sending Vegas to the semifinals. Sports & Culture: Clark’s new Nike “Caitlin 1s” nearly sold out in two hours, while a viral moment showed her helping a baseline cameraman after a collision during the playoff game. Public Health: Fort Wayne Zoo visitors were warned about a possible measles exposure on Sept. 27; health officials urged people to check MMR vaccination and watch for symptoms. State Politics: Indiana’s gas tax holiday was extended again through Nov. 4, with dyed diesel rules loosened for farmers; neighboring states are also weighing similar relief. Community & Health Care: CFS, Corp. won up to $3 million to expand addiction treatment and recovery services across Knox, Daviess, and Sullivan counties. Local Sports: Dugger Union stayed unbeaten with a 32-0 shutout over Indiana School for the Deaf.

WNBA Playoffs: The WNBA says A’ja Wilson won’t be suspended or fined after the Game 2 fan confrontation, and she’s set to play in Game 3 vs. the Indiana Fever. Statehouse & Elections: Independent secretary of state candidate Greg Ballard wants the office “out of politics,” proposing limits on endorsements and party fundraising. Utilities & Costs: Indiana’s utility regulator plans a limited review of AES Indiana’s rate increase, but any change likely won’t help customers before they’ve already paid higher bills. Sports (Indy): Nexstar and DAZN will carry 15 Pacers games across Central Indiana, with free streaming on DAZN. Indiana Sports: No. 13 Indiana field hockey returns to the road for Michigan State after a win over Michigan; Indiana men’s golf tied for fifth at the Windon Memorial Classic. Community: Remember Me Thursday luminarias honored departed pets at the Michiana Humane Society in Michigan City. Local Public Safety: DeKalb County Sheriff Brady Thomas seeks extra courtroom security deputies after judges requested more coverage.

Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s suspension of the state gasoline taxes through Nov. 4 and renewed the statewide energy emergency effective Oct. 6, keeping both gasoline taxes paused in all 92 counties. He also eased dyed-diesel limits for farmers, letting them use red diesel for any farm-related activities during harvest. Local Government & Public Safety: Tippecanoe County residents can now join the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, a nonprofit aimed at improving the criminal justice system through training and public-safety programs. Utilities Oversight: Indiana lawmakers held an inquiry into NIPSCO’s Aug. storm response, with a committee approving recommendations that would require written emergency restoration procedures and more frequent vegetation-management audits. Health & Education: IU Fort Wayne launched a “Called to Care” essay invitational for high school seniors to spark interest in health careers. IU Health Paoli Hospital also began a paid apprenticeship for three sophomores, pairing classroom learning with hands-on experience. Health Alert: Allen County health officials warned of possible measles exposure at the Fort Wayne Zoo on Sept. 27 and urged people to check MMR status and watch for symptoms. Community Events: Fort Wayne’s Christmas on Broadway returns Nov. 20 with a longer fireworks display and a parade and tree lighting. Sports: The Atlanta Dream punched its ticket to the WNBA semifinals with a sweep of the Mystics and will host the New York Liberty in Game 1.

Statehouse & Energy Relief: Gov. Mike Braun renewed Indiana’s statewide energy emergency and extended the suspension of the state gas usage and excise taxes through Nov. 4, while also lifting dyed-diesel restrictions so farmers can use it for any farm-related activities. Immigration Enforcement: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced an agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program, urging all 92 county sheriffs to participate to boost local-federal cooperation. Elections: Voter registration closes Oct. 5, and Hamilton County approved vote centers for the next municipal election cycle. Local Politics: A Boone County Council candidate was cleared by the election board after reusing older campaign yard signs. WNBA Playoffs (Indy sports): Caitlin Clark powered the Indiana Fever to a 99-89 Game 2 win over the Las Vegas Aces, tying the series 1-1 ahead of Game 3 in Las Vegas. Business & Growth: Sheetz picked Indianapolis’ Nora neighborhood for its first Indiana store, with construction starting in spring 2027. Community & Safety: YWCA North Central Indiana will hold its Tribute Dinner Oct. 8 to support domestic violence survivors. Tech & Practice: TruGolf Range debuted at Lucid Golf in New Albany with an AI coaching experience.