AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A La Porte County deputy was shot at Franciscan Health Michigan City and is in critical condition; police say the suspect fled on foot, was later arrested nearby, and Indiana State Police are leading the investigation. Auto Racing & Business: IndyCar locked in a multiyear deal keeping NTT as title sponsor and expanding its AI/data role for IndyCar and Penske Entertainment—announced ahead of the sold-out Indy 500. Opioid Funding: Clinton County approved $113,300 in final-round opioid settlement money, including projects aimed at youth vaping prevention and mental health support for county jail staff. Energy & Costs: Gas prices are still climbing into Memorial Day weekend, with AAA citing higher national averages and GasBuddy reporting spotty low-price pockets for E15/E85 and diesel across multiple counties. Sports & Local Economy: The Chicago Bears say Chicago options are “exhausted,” narrowing stadium talks to Arlington Heights or Hammond, a decision that could reshape tax and development plans on both sides of the Indiana border.

Sports Business / Indiana Stadium Push: The Chicago Bears say they’ve “exhausted every opportunity” to stay in the city, narrowing their stadium search to Arlington Heights, Ill., or Hammond, Ind.—a direct shot at Indiana’s plan to finance and build a domed stadium about 25 miles from Soldier Field. Healthcare / Workforce Skills: A new Gallup-Lumina report finds employers still value college degrees, but nearly 7 in 10 want more training after hiring, with students increasingly rethinking majors as AI reshapes career paths. Local Government / Solar: Knox County approved solar ordinance amendments, boosting setbacks and creating an advisory committee to revisit rules for future solar, and potentially wind and data centers. Business & Community / Rural Funding: Fort Wayne-area philanthropy announced the $250,000 Robert H. McKinney Legacy Prize to fund rural partnerships focused on sustainability and economic opportunity. Health Policy / Hospitals: An Indiana op-ed argues nonprofit hospital status isn’t “anti-philanthropy,” saying margins are used to reinvest in care and absorb shortfalls in a market dominated by insurers.

Indiana Politics: U.S. Sen. Jim Banks and AG Todd Rokita pulled their endorsements of Secretary of State Diego Morales, urging him to suspend his campaign and backing Max Engling instead—an abrupt GOP consolidation move ahead of the June 20 state convention. Public Safety: IMPD says three teen suspects were arrested after a string of east-side robberies, including one where a clerk was threatened for “chips and vapes,” with police crediting a drone, K-9, and a nearby neighbor for the takedown. Health & Pharma: Eli Lilly announced a new weight-loss drug trial result for retatrutide, reporting up to 28% average body-weight loss over 80 weeks at the highest dose. Housing/Finance: Cindy Koutsovitis launched a “Home Wealth Map” platform offering mortgage planning tools and 2026 rate projections across five states. Energy Prices: GasBuddy data shows diesel and regular prices varying widely week-to-week, with Indiana tied to broader Midwest refinery and oil-shipment pressures.

Data-Center Backlash: A Madison, Indiana zoning appeals board denied a challenge and cleared the way for the massive JPG Data Center campus at the former Jefferson Proving Ground site, despite hours of resident testimony on noise, pollution, water use, hazardous materials, lithium-battery fire fears, and claims of inadequate notice. Public Safety & Infrastructure: In North Webster, Tri-County Commercial Roofing warned that repeated “temporary” roof patches can hide deeper moisture damage and drive recurring leaks and higher long-term costs. Federal Aviation Oversight: An AP report says a House committee pushed to modernize TSA tech and protect pay during shutdowns as the Trump administration seeks more private contracting for airport screening. Education Leadership: Clay Community Schools moved toward a superintendent decision after Assistant Superintendent Brady Scott stepped in to retire Tim Rayle, with a contract proposal on the table. Local Business & Community: Woodruff Place’s 62nd flea market is set for June 6-7, and Tell City celebrated completion of a long-delayed River Road project aimed at cutting downtown truck traffic.

Housing Push: A bipartisan House bill aimed at easing the housing affordability crunch passed Wednesday, 396-13, encouraging more homebuilding and capping corporate purchases of single-family homes at 350—still requiring final agreement between the House and Senate before it can go to the president. Indiana Higher Ed Shock: Oakland City University announced it’s suspending undergraduate programs and laying off staff, with students facing teach-out, temporary leave, or transfer options; Kentucky Wesleyan is already offering a June Transfer Week for OCU students. Medicaid Overhaul: Indiana rolled out a federal-approved Medicaid financing change meant to pressure hospitals to lower commercial prices while steering more money toward rural and lower-cost providers. Indiana Transparency: A new public dashboard in the Indiana Transparency Portal tracks how federal dollars are spent across state agencies. Local Economy/Ports: Consolidated Grain and Barge broke ground on a $47M Mt. Vernon port expansion to triple grain handling capacity. Sports & Culture: Smashing Pumpkins announced the 2026 “Rats In A Cage” tour dates and ticket sale details.

Indy 500 Spotlight: Caitlin Clark is set to serve as grand marshal of the Indianapolis 500, with race organizers saying her schedule kept her away from earlier race-week activities. Health Care Workforce: Indiana is launching the Crossroads Academic Medical Institute, a statewide network linking Marian University, Purdue, and the Catholic University of America with major health systems to expand training, research, and access. Politics—Trump’s GOP Purge: In Kentucky’s 4th District primary, Ed Gallrein defeated Rep. Thomas Massie after Trump’s backing and a massive spending blitz, underscoring how quickly Trump can reshape Republican primaries. Local Business/Infrastructure: Fort Wayne City Council approved infrastructure reimbursements tied to renovating the downtown Scottish Rite performing arts center into a modern City Theatre. Consumer Safety: Kroger Homestyle Cheese Garlic Croutons are recalled in 17 states over possible Salmonella risk. Energy Costs: Gas prices are hitting the highest Memorial Day levels in four years, with AAA reporting the national average rising again.

Childcare Push: Indiana lawmakers are expanding childcare options for working families, including a bigger employer childcare tax credit under HEA 1177 and added state investment aimed at boosting capacity for low-income households. AI Data Center Backlash: A growing political fight over AI data centers is spilling into campaigns, with voters and communities pushing back over power, water, and quality-of-life impacts. Indy 500 Spotlight: Caitlin Clark is set to serve as Indianapolis 500 grand marshal, delivering the “Drivers, to your cars” command for Sunday’s sold-out race. Crypto Fallout: Bitcoin ATM operator Bitcoin Depot has shut down its network and filed for Chapter 11, blaming tougher state rules. Local Business/Industry: Polargy is buying Connersville’s Forge Racks & Dunnage to expand data-center manufacturing capacity, while Great Plains Communications is acquiring Fastwyre’s Nebraska business to grow fiber coverage. Food Safety: FDA flagged a Straus Family Creamery ice cream recall in Indiana over possible foreign material.

Steelers/Packers Watch: Aaron Rodgers showed up early for Steelers OTAs Monday after signing a one-year deal, jogging out for the first session and getting a quick “good to see him” moment from linebacker Payton Wilson—an early sign the QB is ready to get back around the group. Music & Tourism: The Smashing Pumpkins announced the “Rats in a Cage” fall tour, performing Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness in full, with an Indianapolis stop at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Oct. 20. Indiana Philanthropy: Warren County Community Foundation received a $750,000 Lilly Endowment GIFT IX Community Support Grant to boost its grantmaking capacity for near-term local priorities. Local Public Safety Funding: Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department is seeking a $750,000 OCRA grant for a new fire station, with a local match already largely raised. Sports Business: Sports Business Journal ranked Atlanta No. 1 and Indianapolis No. 3 for sports-industry momentum. College Sports Legal Fight: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby filed to challenge the NCAA over reinstatement after a gambling addiction probe, saying he bet on Indiana in 2022 to feel “connected.”

Education Policy: Gov. Mike Braun approved Indiana’s new A-to-F School Accountability System, with schools getting their first letter grades next fall; the model keeps ILEARN reading/math weight but adds student growth and “real-world readiness” measures. Workforce & Economic Development: Terre Haute’s EDC says it’s disappointed by Thyssenkrupp’s plan to close its local facility next year and will coordinate with regional partners to connect workers to resources, training, and jobs. Higher Ed Leadership: Purdue President Mung Chiang is set to leave for Northwestern, starting July 1. Energy & Utilities: NextEra and Dominion are pursuing a roughly $67B all-stock merger, aiming to build a massive regulated utility as AI-driven power demand rises. Local Business & Community: Indianapolis jumped to No. 3 on Sports Business Journal’s Best Sports Business Cities list for 2026, and Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is folding Grow Allen into its workforce programming. Consumer Watch: Straus Family Creamery issued a voluntary ice cream recall in 17 states over possible metal contamination, including Indiana.

NBA Playoffs: Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers are headed to the Eastern Conference finals after a dominant Game 7 rout of the Pistons, 125-94, with Mitchell posting 26 points, seven rebounds and eight assists—setting up Game 1 Tuesday at Madison Square Garden vs. the Knicks. Utility Regulation: As electricity bills climb, states including Indiana are pushing back on utility rate hikes tied to the AI-driven power boom, with officials arguing residents are stuck while companies protect profits. Higher Ed: Purdue University Fort Wayne broke ground on a new $1.3 million fine arts gallery, slated to open next November. Labor Watch: At BP’s Whiting Refinery, union workers are set to return to bargaining Monday after a lockout that has left about 800 workers without pay since March. Indiana Sports & Culture: Aliyah Boston is day-to-day with a lower-leg injury after missing her first WNBA game; meanwhile, Speedway businesses are leaning into Indy 500 week, with local shops counting on May traffic.

Food Safety Recall: Straus Family Creamery is issuing a voluntary recall of select organic ice cream flavors sold in Oregon and 16 other states, including Indiana, after metal fragments were found as a possible contaminant; affected flavors include vanilla bean, strawberry, Dutch chocolate, mint chip and cookie dough, with “best by” dates printed on container bottoms. Labor Support: In Northwest Indiana, Just Transition Northwest Indiana and the Hammond Community Garden collected supplies for more than 800 locked-out USW members from BP Whiting, with negotiations expected to resume May 18. Local Development: Gary has opened an RFP for landscaping work on Broadway between Fourth and Ninth, with the project slated to wrap June 11. Politics: Trump’s influence keeps reshaping GOP primaries, highlighted by Bill Cassidy’s Louisiana primary loss. Energy Costs: Across multiple states, officials are pushing back on utility rate hikes tied to rising electricity demand, including AI-driven growth.

Medicaid Push to Curb Hospital Costs: Indiana just got federal approval for a new Medicaid payment plan that rewards hospitals for keeping commercial prices lower, with rural and critical-access facilities set for the biggest increases—aimed at lowering costs for all Hoosiers. Utility Profit Fight Spreads: As AI-driven electricity demand drives up bills, multiple states are escalating pressure on regulators to limit utility rate hikes and profits, with Indiana named among the battlegrounds. Public Media Cuts: Indiana Public Media is laying off 18 employees as state and federal funding shortfalls hit operations. Food Safety Alert: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors sold in 17 states, including Indiana, over possible metal fragments. Local Headlines: A Plainfield man was arrested after allegedly firing shots at a GetGo and fleeing; and a motorcyclist died after a crash involving a Tippecanoe County school bus.

Texas Roadhouse Expansion: The chain is moving its original southern Indiana spot from Green Tree Mall in Clarksville to a standalone restaurant near Bubba’s 33, with construction underway and a mid-November opening expected. School Safety Fallout: Pike County School Corporation severed ties with a former Pike Central High School teacher accused of inappropriate conduct with a student, saying it began termination steps before the resignation and will fully cooperate with Indiana State Police and prosecutors. Indy 500 Spotlight: Indianapolis native Brendan Fraser will wave the green flag as honorary starter for the 110th Indy 500 on May 24. Public Health Alert: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream sold in 17 states, including Indiana, due to possible metal fragments; no injuries reported. Local EMS Funding Idea: Karns City Regional Ambulance Service floated a “shared costs” model for municipalities to cover fixed EMS expenses. Sports/Hoosier Notes: Anthony Richardson says his OTA stay is a “blessing in disguise,” while Hailey Ready of Greenwood was named the 2026 500 Festival Queen Scholar.

Public Safety & Courts: An Indianapolis mother says an Uber-for-Teens driver canceled her son’s ride and took him across town, prompting a 911 call and an investigation. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream pints and quarts in 17 states, including Indiana, over possible metal fragments tied to specific “best by” dates. Energy & Policy: Sierra Club and Earthjustice argued in federal court against DOE’s “energy emergency” coal-plant extensions that have raised bills for Hoosiers. Local Business & Growth: Duke Energy broke ground on its Cayuga Energy Complex in Vermillion County, adding 470 MW of natural gas capacity. Workforce: A Don Wood Foundation/Purdue Fort Wayne report says northeast Indiana manufacturing is central but faces skill gaps and barriers as jobs shift toward technology. Sports & Entertainment: The NFL released its 2026 schedule, including a Super Bowl rematch opener and more international games.

NBA Draft Combine Buzz: While the Knicks and Thunder push toward the conference finals, the league’s draft combine is already turning into a trade-and-free-agency marketplace in Chicago, with executives weighing what’s next for LeBron and other big-name decisions. Indiana AI & Research: NVIDIA leaders toured Indiana University’s AI and Alzheimer’s research infrastructure, signaling continued momentum for AI-driven discovery partnerships. Health Equity in Indianapolis: A new CHECK-IT-style intervention helped Black patients gain better blood-pressure control through a mix of at-home monitoring, virtual medication help, and education. School Policy: Indiana’s all-day cellphone ban is set to take effect July 1, tightening rules for the 2026-27 school year. Local Housing Relief: Hobart is rolling out a city rebate program funded by an Amazon data center payment—up to $10,000 for exterior upgrades and $5,000 for interior projects. Public Safety: Gov. Braun visited Fort Wayne to recognize Indiana law enforcement during National Police Week.

Sports & Local Momentum: Evansville’s Purple Aces knocked Murray State out of top-seed contention in the Valley Championship race with a 10-6 comeback win, while the Racers now look locked into the No. 3 spot. Community & Safety: Bloomington leaders hosted a “Your Story Matters” event after the April Kirkwood Avenue shooting, as police still search for two men. In Crawfordsville, police investigated a reported explosive device at the high school; students were evacuated as a precaution and no dangerous items were found. Economic Development & Growth: Union City is pushing downtown revitalization through Vision Corner, anchored by school programs and health/tech partnerships, while Crawfordsville celebrated the grand opening of IRA Whiskey with a Mayor’s Ball. Workforce Pipeline: Deaconess Project SEARCH graduated six young adults into jobs, including rotations into nursing units and the Women’s Hospital gift shop. Energy & Infrastructure: Duke Energy broke ground on new combined-cycle gas turbines at the Cayuga plant, targeting operations in 2029 and 2030.