AGP Executive Report

Bail Amendment: Indiana voters will decide whether judges can deny bail to people charged with serious offenses when the state shows no release conditions can protect the public. Legal experts warn the change could also keep people charged with lower-level crimes jailed before trial. Election Oversight: Nearly 600 Floyd County voters received incorrect ballots, while Indiana’s secretary of state candidates debated noncitizen voting and a proposed spending audit. County Government: Most Hoosiers will also vote in county commissioner and council races; commissioners oversee county operations and infrastructure, while councils set fiscal policy and priorities. Workforce Education: Gov. Mike Braun announced a state online hub to help schools and employers build work-based learning programs under Indiana’s new diploma requirements. Paoli Services: The town council approved up to $21,450 for wastewater plant repairs and grants for a hotel restoration project and a children’s crisis center.

Election Stakes: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates clashed over noncitizen voting, election security and spending audits. In Floyd County, nearly 600 voters received incorrect ballots, and four precincts were affected by a race omitted from early-voting ballots. Bail Amendment: Voters are being asked whether judges should be able to deny bail for serious offenses beyond murder and treason, if prosecutors show no release conditions can protect public safety. Jail Oversight: Marion County sheriff candidate Tom Vaughn says the jail needs a major overhaul, citing staffing and training problems, unused body scanners and 48 inmate deaths over nine years. Guard Deployment: About 125 Indiana National Guard soldiers are heading to southern Texas for a nearly yearlong border-support mission, where they will report observations to federal agents. Civic Education: Ball State secured a $2.7 million federal grant for a three-year program to strengthen civics teaching across Indiana schools.

Election Watch: Floyd County says about 570 early voters in four precincts received ballots missing the District 1 commissioner race. Officials have corrected the ballots and are contacting affected voters so they can cast replacements. All nine Indiana congressional seats are contested, and voters will also decide judicial retention questions and statewide ballot measures. Disaster Aid: Northwest Indiana residents affected by August storms have until Oct. 25 to apply for FEMA assistance; the agency warns that inspectors won’t charge fees or ask for banking details. Energy Costs: NIPSCO is seeking approval to recover $38 million from customers for keeping the Schahfer coal plant running under a federal order, according to a guest column criticizing the cost. Data Center Scrutiny: Members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics allege its 1,100-acre Muncie property is being considered for sale to data center developers; no sale has been finalized.

Federal Funding: Fort Wayne nonprofit Healthways Alliance is asking lawmakers for help after an 80% cut to its federal grant left it $433,333 short of expected funding. Indianapolis Heliport: The FAA reversed a plan to close the downtown site, siding with arguments from Attorney General Todd Rokita; Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office criticized the decision. Death Penalty: Rep. Jim Lucas says he’ll again propose legalizing firing squads after a botched Tennessee execution, as Indiana prepares to execute Jeffrey Weisheit on Nov. 5. Congressional Race: In Indiana’s 5th District, Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz and Democratic challenger J.D. Ford both say Congress needs AI guardrails; analysts have shifted the race to “Likely Republican.” Election Season: Early voting is underway, with all nine congressional seats contested. Voters in Steuben County will also decide whether to allow an inland casino. Health Coverage: Indiana officials warn that about 58,000 people could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage under new Medicaid work requirements.

Election 2026: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates debated voting safeguards and oversight, while a reported Floyd County ballot error left a commissioner race off hundreds of early ballots. All nine U.S. House seats are contested, with the 5th District drawing particular attention. Statehouse Scrutiny: Republican Sen. Ron Alting faces reports of two alleged Walmart shoplifting incidents. He has disclosed concerning changes in judgment, but it is too late to remove him from the November ballot. Property Taxes: Hoosiers’ reform debate is centering on rising assessed values, school funding and local control, with calls for a more stable assessment system. Health Coverage: An estimated 58,000 residents could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage as Medicaid changes take effect, raising concerns for already strained rural hospitals. Energy and Costs: Gov. Mike Braun’s gas-tax extension continues pump-price relief, while residents are pressing for a say on a proposed high-voltage line across northeast Indiana; public comments are open through Nov. 13. Data-center proposals are also prompting calls for statewide guardrails.

Secretary of State Race: Indiana candidates clashed in recent debates over election security, noncitizen voting and the office’s role, as early voting gets underway. Ballot Questions: Voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution to let judges deny bail when someone poses a substantial risk to public safety; critics question detaining people before conviction. Medicaid: An estimated 58,000 Hoosiers could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage under coming federal changes, including new work requirements and more frequent renewals. State Government: Gov. Mike Braun announced an AI tool to make state documents clearer and expanded a veterans’ pathway into trucking. He also extended Indiana’s gas-tax suspension, continuing a break for drivers. Political Watch: State Sen. Ron Alting is at the center of reports about a Lafayette Walmart theft investigation. Police say they have identified two people of interest but have not named them; Alting’s office declined to comment.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway, with officials expecting strong turnout. Indiana secretary of state candidates clashed over election security, noncitizen voting and a proposed spending audit. Fuel Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas-tax suspension for another month and broadened tax-free diesel use for farm-related activities, offering harvest-season relief to farmers. Surveillance Rules: Madison officials delayed a vote on rules for police use of Flock license-plate cameras to allow public input; the mayor expects state lawmakers to take up the issue next session. Casino Referendum: U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman came out against a proposed northeast Indiana casino, citing concerns about addiction and economic effects ahead of the local vote.

Election Watch: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates held a televised debate as the Nov. 3 election nears. Early voting is underway statewide, and Marion County has outlined steps to take if federal agents deploy to voting sites. Fuel Costs: Gov. Mike Braun’s gas-tax suspension took effect Oct. 6 and runs through Nov. 4; restrictions on dyed diesel for farmers are also paused. State Government: Braun announced a digital hub for work-based learning and new workforce programs for incarcerated Hoosiers. Indiana also opened applications for communities seeking an advanced-nuclear designation. Legal Fight: Attorney General Todd Rokita is suing state disciplinary officials, alleging retaliation over his political speech. Local Issues: Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett endorsed an operating referendum for public schools, while St. Joseph County sheriff candidates are set to discuss mental-health response, immigration and jail ministry at a voter forum.

Midterm Voting: Early voting is underway across Indiana, with strong turnout reported in Lake and Porter counties and Marion County’s clerk expecting a record. The secretary of state’s race is drawing millions in donations, including substantial out-of-state money, ahead of Wednesday’s candidates’ debate. State Transparency: Gov. Mike Braun appointed Brittney Long as Indiana’s public access counselor amid growing complaints about government access to records. Attorney General Todd Rokita is separately suing state disciplinary officials over alleged retaliation, a dispute also tied to scrutiny of his use of public resources. Property Taxes: Lawmakers are weighing a proposal to eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homes. A tax policy group warns a related ballot amendment could cost local governments $12 billion a year. Health Care: Indiana has paused Medicaid waiver denials while reviewing a contested assessment tool; separate estimates warn about 58,000 residents could lose Healthy Indiana Plan coverage. Data Centers: Indiana has cleared eminent domain for power lines serving major projects in Boone County, while a new coalition is proposing statewide guardrails for data centers amid concerns about their effects on small towns.

Indiana Elections: Indiana Secretary of State candidates are set to debate Wednesday at 7 p.m., with Beau Bayh, Max Engling, Greg Ballard, and Lauri Shillings on the stage and Laura Merrifield Wilson moderating. Election Reform: Greg Ballard says he’d keep the secretary of state’s office out of partisan politics, pledging not to endorse or fundraise for candidates and pushing a law barring the officeholder from political activity. Public Access: Gov. Mike Braun appointed Brittney Long as Indiana’s new public access counselor after complaints about delays under outgoing attorney Jennifer Ruby. Legal/Policy: AG JB McCuskey joined a Supreme Court friend-of-the-court brief seeking financial judgments for 9/11 victims and families from frozen Taliban funds. Community/Volunteers: Indiana’s court system named St. Joseph County’s Tom Brown as CASA of the year, highlighting the need for more advocates for abused and neglected kids. Energy/Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports show spotty but sometimes low prices for alternative fuels in Indiana counties, alongside broader national volatility tied to supply and refinery conditions.

Secured School Safety Grants: Indiana lawmakers say Northeast Indiana schools are getting $951,000+ for security upgrades under the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, with the Department of Homeland Security distributing $26M to nearly 500 schools statewide. Work-Based Learning: Gov. Mike Braun launched an Indiana Work-Based Learning Digital Resource Hub to help K-12 schools build employer partnerships and meet new high school diploma requirements tied to readiness seals. Public Safety Budget: Allen County Council is set to consider a $49 million 2027 budget for a consolidated Fire and EMS District, with residents invited to comment as funding and levy timing questions remain. Data Center Backlash: A coalition of AI companies and labor unions is pushing Indiana for “guardrails” on data centers as local moratoriums and bans spread. Election Countdown: Early voting begins in parts of Indiana, including Allen County, as Hoosiers head toward the Nov. 3 vote. Medicaid Scrutiny: Indiana paused disability Medicaid waiver determinations tied to a new interRAI assessment tool, then restarted after review amid rising denials concerns. Hunt for Hunger: Two Dubois County processors are accepting donated deer to feed families through the state’s Hunt for Hunger program. Federal Courts: A federal grand jury indicted a Columbus man in the death of Indiana teen Hailey Buzbee, alleging online grooming and murder.

Election & Voting Access: Indiana’s voter registration deadline is Monday, with early in-person voting starting Tuesday; St. Joseph County urges residents to double-check registration and notes training is complete for early voting sites. Statehouse & Agriculture: Reps. Bob Heaton and Tim Yocum say Gov. Braun’s diesel relief steps are needed as harvest-season costs hit record highs, pushing lawmakers to expand off-road diesel tax suspension. Public Safety & Justice: Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears discusses youth gun violence prevention and diversion, emphasizing mentorship and keeping the right people in the system. Community & Human Services: Braun’s “Hunt for Hunger” asks hunters to donate legally harvested deer; processors handle processing and venison goes to Indiana food banks. Local Government & Elections Logistics: Wayne County voters begin in-person absentee voting at the courthouse this week, with sample ballots posted by precinct. Indiana Courts/Policy Ballot: Indiana voters will also see two constitutional amendments in November, including a bail change that would allow judges to deny bail beyond murder or treason. Public Health & Safety: YWCA North Central Indiana and partners honored officers using the DALE tool, as domestic abuse deaths in Indiana remain elevated. Missing Person: Clark County is searching for 14-year-old Lillian Stanley and asks residents to check properties and cameras.

Voter Access Deadline: Indiana’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 election is today, with online registration open until midnight and in-person options at county offices and BMV branches; early voting starts Tuesday. Constitutional Change on Bail: Hoosiers will vote this fall on a proposed amendment that would let judges deny bail more often for defendants deemed a substantial risk, while preserving bail rights for most other cases. Public Safety & Courts: Indiana is moving forward with the execution of Jeffrey Weisheit after Tennessee’s botched lethal injection attempt, while Indiana and Tennessee share the same pentobarbital drug. Law Enforcement Staffing: Indiana State Police is accepting applications for its next recruit class and lateral transfers, with a Sunday, Oct. 11 deadline. Property Tax Debate: State lawmakers are floating a plan to eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homes using local income tax revenue to fund a 100% property tax credit. Local Elections: Operation Education is preparing voters for four Goshen school board races, the first cycle where school board candidates must declare party affiliation. Infrastructure Costs: INDOT says interstate construction costs have surged to about $46 million per centerline mile in FY2026, up sharply from FY2015. Disaster Recovery: Gov. Braun is launching a Substantial Damage Property Assistance Program to help communities and property owners navigate FEMA floodplain repair requirements.

City Budget Hearing: Indianapolis City-County Council will hold a final public hearing on Mayor Joe Hogsett’s proposed 2027 budget—nearly $1.9 billion—Monday at 7 p.m., with a final vote set for Oct. 19; the plan includes about $400 million for IMPD and an added $100 million for transportation, plus a request for $1.5 million more for community corrections ankle monitors and drug testing. State Politics: Indiana AG Todd Rokita is in court again, suing disciplinary officials alleging retaliation tied to political speech. Elections & Access: Indiana voters face an Oct. 5 registration deadline, with local election boards also testing voting machines ahead of the midterms. Energy & Utilities: Porter County candidates and lawmakers are debating NIPSCO oversight, data centers, and affordable housing, as utility bills keep climbing. International/Policy: Reports say Trump is expected to send a delegation to Zimbabwe, with talks focused on trade, investment, and critical minerals. Sports (Local Interest): The Colts opened NFL London play with a 30-13 win over the Commanders, powered by Jonathan Taylor’s two rushing TDs.

Utility & Growth: Indiana utility regulators approved an ownership structure and granted eminent-domain authority for three power-line projects feeding Boone County’s LEAP Research and Innovation District, including lines tied to Meta and Eli Lilly. Wildlife Rescue: At Naval Support Activity Crane, Army security officers and Navy personnel helped rescue a bald eagle with severely impaired vision from avian pox, then routed it to a rehab center. Real Estate: An Indianapolis private equity firm bought the 334-unit Marling at Town Creek apartment complex in Leland, N.C., for about $57.7M. Public Health: CDC data shows dengue fever cases rising in at least 15 states after Florida’s outbreak, with local transmission concentrated in the Tampa Bay area. Federal/State Politics: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued state disciplinary officials, alleging retaliation over political speech. Elections & Voting: Indiana Senate Democrats held a listening session in Elkhart, while election-office updates and registration deadlines continue to roll out statewide. Sports (Local Angle): The Colts open NFL London play Sunday vs. Washington at Tottenham, with multiple key injuries shaping the matchup.

Legal Fight in Indiana: Indiana AG Todd Rokita sued state disciplinary officials, alleging retaliation tied to political speech, as the dispute raises fresh questions about how far the state can go in policing dissent. Death Penalty Scrutiny: A botched Tennessee execution is renewing calls in Indiana to rethink lethal injection practices ahead of another scheduled execution, with activists pointing to backup failures and drug concerns. Immigration Enforcement & Surveillance: Indiana’s ICE partnership and broader national debate over police use of Flock cameras and license-plate tracking are back in the spotlight, with lawmakers pushing limits on federal use. Housing & Cost Pressures: A housing affordability story ties Trump-era building-cost increases to midterm pressure, while Indiana lawmakers also floated property tax relief ideas aimed at owner-occupied homes. State Procurement: Gov. Braun launched an Indiana Small Business Program to expand Hoosier firms’ access to state purchasing. Congressional Race Watch: Northwest Indiana’s Rep. Frank Mrvan and challenger Barb Regnitz face off for Indiana’s First District.