AGP Executive Report

ICE in Indiana: WFYI reports protesters gathered in Indianapolis after increased ICE activity, with the group citing a record-high number of ICE arrests nationwide in July; the federal agency declined to provide Indiana-specific details. Immigration enforcement fallout: Indiana archbishop Charles C. Thompson issued a Mass attendance dispensation for those affected through September, citing fear and family separations tied to the surge. Education funding squeeze: Chalkbeat highlights Hoosiers in Tri-Creek School Corporation facing a hard vote: higher property taxes or cutting school buses, with one parent estimating thousands more in costs on farmland. Local politics & LGBTQ+ outreach: FPI News says Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana is funding billboards promoting six candidates in Owen County township races—an unusual move in a rural, conservative area. Labor Day gas prices: AAA and GasBuddy say Labor Day gas hit record highs nationally, with Indiana’s statewide average cited as the lowest in the country. Tech & immigration policy: A separate explainer flags proposed changes affecting H-4 EAD work permits, urging early renewal planning.

Gas Prices Watch: Indiana’s midgrade average fell to $4.05 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 29, with the lowest reported deal at $3.72 in Grant County; diesel averaged $5.62 statewide, while Howard County’s midgrade hit $3.29 and Hamilton County’s diesel bottomed at $5.19. Public Safety Hiring: Griffith police are taking applications from Indiana-certified officers through an accelerated emergency hiring process, with pay starting at $72,711.86 for officers with three years’ experience and up to $91,311.86 for first-class officers. Transportation Security: TSA rolled out “Gateside” at Harry Reid International Airport, letting certain trusted travelers without tickets pass security to meet arrivals and access gates, restaurants, and shops. Community & Veterans: Lowell’s Labor Day parade is expected to draw 10,000+ and includes Indiana Fallen Heroes, a nonprofit honoring War on Terror Gold Star families. Labor & Politics: Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg campaigned in Ohio for Amy Acton and Greg Landsman at a Cincinnati AFL-CIO picnic, attacking the Trump administration’s focus and arguing for stability for working people.

Indiana Election & Voting Access: A federal judge blocked USPS from enforcing new mail-ballot rules ahead of the midterms, but the Trump DOJ is asking an appeals court to pause that order, arguing states can comply and that election officials’ concerns are overstated. Indiana Courts & Election Integrity: A separate fight is playing out in Indiana Senate primary litigation, with a court halting ballot distribution while it considers a recount. Indiana Public Safety: Indiana State Police are recruiting candidates, and Gov. Braun is also pushing increased Labor Day enforcement and sober-driving messaging. State Budget & Local Governance: Owen County council budget workshops for 2027 focused on wages, roads, staffing, and how state funding reductions could squeeze local plans. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Braun announced $16.7 million in GROW grants for Region 5 rural healthcare improvements across Clay, Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan and Vermillion counties. Data Centers & Local Control: Owen County residents pressed for limits on data center development, citing noise, water use, power costs, and property impacts. Tech & Surveillance Policy: Indiana’s courts are cracking down on AI hallucinations, while reporting also highlights how Flock camera data use is drawing scrutiny in Indiana and beyond. Indiana Economy & Infrastructure: Indiana BMV is moving toward mobile driver’s licenses, and the state is also rolling out grants and programs aimed at small-business growth and exports.

Voting & Courts: The Trump DOJ urged a federal appeals court to pause a judge’s block on last-minute USPS mail voting changes, arguing states like Indiana can meet deadlines and that election officials’ concerns are overstated. Local Governance: Owen County commissioners tried to reset decorum after a contentious meeting, as residents again pressed for a data center moratorium or ban over noise, water use, power costs, and property values. Public Safety & Law Enforcement Tech: Privacy worries keep mounting as Indiana agencies deal with Flock camera misuse—Michigan City reported an officer resignation after questionable searches, while other Northwest Indiana cases are also under review. ICE & Community Response: More than 130 protesters gathered outside an Indianapolis ICE facility, demanding an end to recent detentions and raids. Utilities & Storm Recovery: After Aug. 11 outages, NIPSCO is still dealing with intermittent power problems in communities recovering from the derecho. State Government & Hiring: Indiana State Police are recruiting candidates for new and lateral moves. Education Funding: Indianapolis voters face a public schools property tax referendum tied to the new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation and charter funding rules. Labor Day Watch: Indiana’s gas average remains among the lowest nationally as Labor Day travel costs stay elevated.

Indiana Flood Fallout: Survivors of last month’s Indiana flooding say FEMA and state help have been too slow and too limited, even as seven people died and communities still wait on emergency aid. Childcare Crunch: An AP report finds hundreds of thousands of eligible children nationwide are stuck on childcare assistance waitlists, including in Indiana where families can qualify but still get delayed. Courts & Voting: A federal judge halted USPS from implementing new mail ballot rules ahead of midterms, while Indiana’s own election litigation continues with courts weighing ballot distribution and a Senate primary recount. Public Safety: Indiana’s sex-assault response is strained by a backlog of untested rape kits and too few trauma-trained investigators, with lawmakers warning upcoming federal grant cuts could worsen delays. Immigration Enforcement: ICE operations in Indianapolis are drawing both support and criticism, and local leaders are demanding details from federal officials amid rising community tension. College Sports Policy: The College Football Playoff backed conference rules limiting players’ return to college after NFL ties, as Indiana’s season opener approaches.

WNBA Legal Fight: Chicago Sky owner Michael Alter calls Enes Kanter Freedom’s federal lawsuit “meritless and frivolous,” arguing the former player was removed for violating the arena’s fan code after stepping toward the court—not for his “WOMAN” shirt. Election Courts: Indiana Supreme Court halts ballot distribution in six counties while it weighs arguments tied to a 3-vote Indiana Senate primary recount. Property Tax Watch: A study for Allen County warns limits from Senate Enrolled Act 1 could squeeze budgets, pushing officials to lean on growth and efficiency to offset property-tax losses. ICE in Indianapolis: Federal immigration enforcement operations are drawing intense scrutiny from residents and lawmakers over transparency and due process concerns. Public Health: Two IV saline recalls in multiple states—including Indiana—cite possible fiberglass or iron-oxide contamination in sealed bags. Sports & Indiana: An Indiana court TRO temporarily restores eligibility for eight athletes, including IU football players Kellan Wyatt and Stephen Daley. Gun Rights Push: Indiana AG Tim Griffin co-leads a letter urging Congress to repeal unconstitutional National Firearms Act provisions.

Federal Courts & Rights: Enes Kanter Freedom filed a federal lawsuit against the Chicago Sky and Wintrust Arena operators, arguing his ejection and indefinite arena ban violated his First Amendment rights after a “WOMAN” shirt dispute with Natasha Cloud. Statehouse Watch: Indiana lawmakers are still mum on a touted plan “to end property taxes on the home you live in,” leaving local governments and real estate groups waiting for details on how the revenue would be replaced. Public Safety & Justice: Former NFL QB Mark Sanchez agreed to plead guilty in an Indianapolis case tied to an alleged attack on a truck driver, with a November plea/sentencing hearing requested. Health Policy: CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz promoted Indiana’s CHOICE health insurance approach, pointing to projected savings at Hancock Health as a model for lowering costs. Childcare Crunch: An AP analysis highlights ballooning childcare waitlists, including Indiana’s program running short on funds and leaving eligible families stuck. Tech & Energy: A new push for AI “data centers in the sky” is framed as a response to power limits—an issue that’s increasingly driving policy and investment debates. Sports & International: Team USA opens the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin without A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum, while Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark remains a central storyline.

Gas Tax Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gasoline tax holiday through Oct. 6, saying the move protects infrastructure funding by using reserves and keeping the highway fund on track for FY 2027 projects. Disaster Tax Help: The IRS announced Indiana storm-and-flood tax relief for counties including Carroll, Lake, Pulaski and others, extending certain filing and payment deadlines to Feb. 1, 2027. Immigration Enforcement Pressure: An Indianapolis immigration lawyer says ICE activity is driving a surge in calls, with residents concerned about arrests in public places and what happens next for people facing detention. ICE in the spotlight: A separate report notes congressional attention on Indianapolis ICE activity amid rising local concern. Courts & Public Safety: Former NFL QB Mark Sanchez has agreed to plead guilty in an Indianapolis stabbing case, with a jury trial canceled and sentencing hearings slated for November. Local Law Enforcement: Elkhart’s new police chief, Ray Juengst, addressed his background and prior allegations in an interview as he settles into the top role. Workforce & Industry: Heartland BioWorks highlights Indiana’s biotech labor shortage and the need for coordinated training pipelines to fill biomanufacturing jobs. Local Government Pay: Lake County government employees are in line for a 4% pay raise in 2027 as county finances remain on track. Tech & Privacy: Flock automated license plate reader scrutiny is growing after allegations of misuse by local officers, with Kentucky lawmakers pressing for tighter rules.

Education & Taxes: A rural Indiana family says a proposed Tri-Creek School Corporation tax increase would mean about $4,000 more in property taxes, but if it fails the district could cut school buses—forcing parents to drive and lose work time. Local Government Finance: Gibson County commissioners are looking to tap remaining TIF money to clear roughly $19,582 in school lunch balances across three districts, while also seeking a replacement for a school liaison nurse. State Policy & Privacy: The Indiana BMV is moving toward optional mobile driver’s licenses that use a phone app for age/ID verification, aiming to reduce what information gets shared during checks. Voting Access: Indiana’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 4, with online registration available. Public Safety & Services: The Indiana Department of Homeland Security opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Delaware County for storm help, and Anderson says flood relief applications are being approved for hundreds of households. Community Impact: The Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana in Hammond is closing after nearly 30 years due to funding shortfalls. Congressional Race Watch: The League of Women Voters says Indiana’s 9th District forum will include challengers, but incumbent Erin Houchin did not respond to the invitation. Labor & Industry: Reuters reports BP’s lockout at the Whiting, Indiana refinery continues, putting union bargaining power and safety staffing at the center of the dispute. Tech & Environment: A new pushback campaign targets data centers in battleground states, arguing the facilities drive up power costs and strain water supplies. Sports & Culture (Hoosier angle): Caitlin Clark is set for Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup, with Indiana Fever star headlines leading the roster.

Indiana Storm-Scam Crackdown: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed lawsuits against four out-of-state tree removal companies accused of exploiting flood victims, including allegations of unlicensed work and high-pressure sales that drove exorbitant charges. Local Corrections Costs: Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal sued the Indiana Department of Correction, saying delayed transfers of felony convicts to state custody are costing taxpayers about $4 million a year. ICE Detention in Indianapolis: An Indianapolis woman said her brother was detained by ICE at an east-side job site, with ICE declining to confirm details amid reports of immigration activity. Election Fight in Indiana Senate Primary: A conservative legal group sought to weigh in on Paula Copenhaver’s challenge to a recount decision that trimmed her three-vote lead. State Government Tech & Oversight: A House VA panel voted to subpoena Oracle leaders over a troubled VA electronic health record overhaul and ballooning costs. Workforce & Education: Indiana State University professor Nathan Schaumleffel was elected a Fellow of the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, highlighting continued Indiana higher-ed leadership.

Local Government: Allen County commissioners are tightening HR policies across departments, aiming to cut “inefficiency” and save millions by standardizing areas like compensation and leave rules. Courts & Tech: Indiana judges are cracking down on AI “hallucinations” in filings, warning lawyers against submitting fabricated AI-generated citations and procedural claims. State Politics & Elections: Indiana mail-in voting fights keep bouncing between courts, but advocates say the Supreme Court’s latest move doesn’t change voters’ ability to cast ballots—just the urgency to do it early. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Federal officials launched a multi-state trucking fraud crackdown that includes Indiana, targeting fake commercial driver’s licenses and training schemes. Food Assistance: Indiana says SNAP removals surged after new federal restrictions, with tens of thousands disenrolled since last fall. Business & Jobs: Metal Technologies completed its acquisition of Rochester Metal Products, adding about 350 employees and expanding foundry capacity. Media: Indiana broadcasters named finalists for the 2026 Spectrum Awards, highlighting election coverage and local sports reporting.

Indiana Supreme Court: The court ordered Jeffrey Weisheit executed Nov. 5, clearing the way for Indiana’s fourth execution since it resumed carrying out death sentences less than two years ago. Elections & eligibility: Clark County Republican John Benningfield was removed from the council ballot after a complaint showed he’s a convicted felon whose expungement wasn’t finalized before he filed. Public safety & courts: A Vanderburgh County school bus hit a child in an Evansville mobile home park; the driver took a chemical test and officials said there was no sign drugs or alcohol played a role. Law enforcement tech: A national look at Flock LPR cameras highlights Indiana’s major contract and the push for “guardrails” after misuse allegations. State government: Gov. Mike Braun announced appointments and reappointments to multiple Indiana boards and commissions. Health policy: State Rep. Earl Harris urged FSSA and Gov. Braun to protect disaster-affected residents from losing Medicaid coverage and in-home care after Northwest Indiana storms. BMV modernization: Indiana is moving toward mobile driver’s licenses, with officials citing convenience and use cases like age checks and traffic stops, while privacy groups warn about tracking and access. Fuel prices: GasBuddy reported low prices in parts of Indiana, including Moore County regular at $3.54 and diesel lows in several counties for the week ending Aug. 22.

Judicial Retention: Indiana voters will decide in November whether to retain three Court of Appeals judges—Mary A. DeBoer, Paul A. Felix, Dana J. Kenworthy—and Indiana Tax Court Judge Justin L. McAdam, with the Supreme Court’s Office of Judicial Administration posting biographical info, argument videos, and written opinions at courts.in.gov/retention. State Workforce: The Indiana State Personnel Department is seeking $151 million in raises after a compensation study found dozens of state jobs lag the market, including state attorneys and lab technicians. Elections & Voting Rules: A federal judge ruled Trump’s mail ballot order “substantively unconstitutional,” extending the legal fight over mail voting access. Public Safety Tech: A Senate subcommittee is probing Indiana’s use of Flock license-plate surveillance, as critics question privacy and oversight. Storm Recovery: FEMA is moving to fast-track recovery funds for Indiana after recent flooding and severe weather, including support for affected communities and schools. Business & Tech: Indiana’s SK hynix and Rolls-Royce developments continue to draw federal attention as major semiconductor and defense investments expand in the state. Health Policy: SNAP “junk food” restrictions remain on hold in some states after court rulings, keeping the debate alive for Indiana and beyond.

Federal Trucking Crackdown: The Trump administration announced the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America, pairing DHS and DOT with FMCSA and U.S. attorneys to target CDL fraud, including emergency shutdowns of 110 CDL schools tied to failed English language proficiency tests, plus audits of third-party CDL testers and a sweep of training schools across 23 states. Northwest Indiana Storm Recovery: Gov. Mike Braun and FEMA officials toured Gary damage as some residents still wait on power nearly three weeks after the Aug. 11 storm; NIPSCO says most of the region is back on, but nearly 150 homes and businesses remain dark. Semiconductor Push in Indiana: Braun joined SK hynix executives in West Lafayette to break ground on a $4 billion advanced packaging/HBM hub, aiming for cleanroom operations in 2028 and mass production in 2029. Surveillance Tech Debate: New Paris police detailed how they use Flock license plate readers, while critics warn surveillance tools can drift into privacy overreach. Indiana Energy Costs & Data Centers: A report compares state approaches to AI-driven power demand, highlighting ratepayer protections in New Jersey as Hoosiers watch utility and grid impacts. Indiana Courts/Legal: A former Jackson County deputy faces charges after investigators allege more than 2,000 unauthorized Flock searches of the same license plate.

Surveillance Cameras: A USA TODAY investigation says at least 19 law enforcement employees across five states were investigated or disciplined for misusing Flock Safety license plate cameras, including cases tied to personal off-duty crashes and possible immigration-related searches—prompting software changes and renewed contract scrutiny. Public Safety & Courts: Colts WR Keenan Allen was arrested in Indianapolis early Sunday on preliminary misdemeanor charges of DWI and DWI while endangering another person, hours after his preseason debut. Local Land Use: Greenfield’s Board of Zoning Appeals delayed a fleet-vehicle staging proposal for the Gray Auto lot after residents raised concerns about how vehicles would be parked and screened. Education Policy: Indiana’s new school cellphone law is being praised as a child wellness win that reduces distractions during the school day. Tech & Industry: A Politico report says the Trump administration is weighing Phase 2 expansion of semiconductor tariffs, potentially hitting consumer electronics and AI data-center servers while major investment tax credits face uncertainty. Indiana Economy/Infrastructure: A commentary on Gary’s long power-outage recovery argues prolonged outages expose systemic inequities and calls out infrastructure and leadership failures.

Indiana Courts & Public Safety: The Indiana Supreme Court ordered Jeffrey Weisheit’s execution for Nov. 5, clearing the way for the state’s fourth execution since resuming after a 15-year pause. Immigration & Civil Liberties: Dozens of Hoosiers held vigils and protests across Indiana calling for an end to ICE detention at the Miami Correctional Facility, including a march in Jeffersonville targeting the Clark County jail. Higher Education & Litigation: Former Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn asked a court for a sixth year of NCAA eligibility, arguing new age-based rules unfairly block a medical hardship path. State Politics & Policy: A protest-linked debate over disaster response politics continues as Indiana prepares for major storm recovery work and federal aid. Local Government: Hancock County District 3 voters will choose between Jeff Cummins and Carol Pearson for the seat being vacated by long-time council member Jim Shelby. Sports & Community Attention: The Colts kept Keenan Allen on the 53-man roster despite his early-Sunday arrest on intoxication-related charges.