AGP Executive Report

Corporate Finance: Kura Oncology named Jennifer Fulk as its new CFO, effective Sept. 8, as the Indianapolis-area cancer drug developer moves into its next commercial phase. Workforce & Education: Indiana adult education provider Wagler Education & Training Center (WETC) was designated a DWD “Program of Excellence” for four straight years, highlighting training that can boost earnings and local workforce participation. Local Business Education: The Indiana Federation of Business and Professional Women is seeking volunteers for its Reality Store on Oct. 12 in Crawfordsville, giving middle-schoolers hands-on lessons in budgeting, careers, and everyday expenses. Indiana Infrastructure: Northern Kentucky’s KY 536 corridor is advancing, with Kentucky lawmakers funding right-of-way for a Campbell County extension segment and the state moving toward public feedback meetings. Healthcare Business: RadNet’s strategy chief, Dr. Greg Sorensen, will present Sept. 15 at the Jefferies Healthcare Services and Technology Conference, with webcasts available. Trade & Industry: President Trump renewed pressure on Bombardier amid the U.S.-Canada tariff fight, while the company defended its U.S. job footprint and planned Fort Wayne facility.

Indiana Energy & Gas Prices: GasBuddy data for the week ending Aug. 29 shows Indiana fuel easing from spring highs, with regular averaging $3.45 statewide and multiple counties reporting single-station “lowest” prices—like LaPorte regular at $3.24, Vigo regular at $3.14, and E15 lows such as Sullivan at $3.19 and Johnson at $3.26. School Facilities: East Allen County Schools plans to repurpose two aging elementary buildings—Leo and Southwick—after new construction, with a Sept. 15 vote expected; Leo would become a transportation facility and Southwick would shift to a new building near Prince Chapman Academy. Local Business/Property: Greencastle officials continue sorting out the long-troubled commercial site at 805 Indianapolis Rd., tied to a former gas station and an IDEM contamination case that was settled using groundwater studies after tank waste was removed in 2022. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Indianapolis led Indiana cities in July with 43 scam reports, while Richmond logged one report and ranked tied for 55th. Health Policy: The FDA opened a public docket on botanical drug development, seeking input on clinical trials and manufacturing consistency, with comments due Nov. 3, 2026.

Gas Prices & Indiana Relief: Labor Day is bringing record-high gasoline costs nationwide, with AAA putting regular at about $4.15 a gallon Sept. 5—nearly $1 higher than a year ago—while Indiana’s statewide average is the lowest at about $3.43. Indiana Infrastructure Funding: Indiana’s transportation construction industry is warning that the state’s gas tax exemptions are creating a major shortfall, arguing the lost revenue has topped $530 million since April. Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers in 16 states, including Indiana, are being told to check freezers as a Chilean supplier expands an E. coli O157:H28 recall to Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend. Health Care Research: A new randomized trial finds serial ketamine infusions can significantly reduce depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Lilly Manufacturing Push: Eli Lilly says it will more than double U.S. manufacturing investment since 2020, adding over $50B and targeting 3,000 high-skilled jobs plus nearly 10,000 during construction. Workforce & Costs: A national survey highlights how youth sports spending is pushing families to delay or skip enrollment, with Indiana United Ways launching an interactive ALICE budgeting tool.

Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy data for the week ending Aug. 29 shows Indiana midgrade averaging $4.05 a gallon statewide, with Howard County’s low at $3.29; diesel averaged $5.62 statewide, with Hamilton County’s low at $5.19. Energy Market Context: The reports tie recent volatility to global oil moves, refinery outages, and supply disruptions tied to Middle East tensions and the Strait of Hormuz, with EIA pointing to both international markets and domestic supply conditions. IndyCar Business Angle: Dale Coyne Racing rookie Dennis Hauger won IndyCar Rookie of the Year, finishing 22nd in the championship—though he still doesn’t have a secured 2027 ride. Community & Corporate Giving: Boeing employees in Northwest Indiana helped stock school supplies for 750 kids in Gary and Chicago through its Liftoff for Learning program. Local Social Security Snapshot: ZIP 46218 had 6,275 Social Security beneficiaries in Dec. 2024, down 1.2% from Dec. 2023.

Indiana Business & Economy: Indiana diners can snag free meals and deals this Labor Day week, including Hawaiian Bros’ first Indiana brick-and-mortar opening with free plate lunches and giveaways, plus Uno’s bottomless pizza-and-salad offer and Golden Corral’s “17 weeks” of free buffet meals for Rewards members. Utilities & Infrastructure: NIPSCO restored power to most customers still affected by outages in Northwest Indiana after the Aug. 11 storm, with hundreds still without service as of Saturday evening. Economic Development: Spencer’s Sweet Owen County Arts Park is moving forward with a $1 million READI 2.0 investment for the first phase, aiming to turn the White River riverfront into an arts-and-recreation destination. Tech & Regulation: Indiana courts are cracking down on AI hallucinations, while regulators and lawmakers continue debating how to oversee AI in financial markets and surveillance tools like Flock cameras. Business Climate & Growth: Indiana’s public colleges’ tuition-freeze debate is resurfacing, with reporting focused on what it could mean for future costs and affordability.

Local Government & Data Centers: Owen County commissioners urged decorum during a public push for a data center moratorium or ban, as residents cite noise, water use, power costs and potential property value hits. AI & Privacy: A former Pentagon AI policy director warned that expanding Flock Safety-style surveillance could enable a “China-like surveillance state” without guardrails and court oversight; meanwhile, Michigan City reported an officer resigned after misuse of Flock camera data. Energy & Utilities: Indiana Michigan Power is seeking public input on proposed 765-kV transmission upgrades across eastern and northern Indiana to improve reliability. Storm Recovery & Power Reliability: NIPSCO donated $600,000 to Porter County storm recovery nonprofits, while intermittent outages continue to frustrate communities still rebuilding after the Aug. 11 derecho. Education Funding: Indianapolis voters face a public schools property tax referendum tied to the new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, with major stakes for IPS and charter schools. Consumer Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are near record highs nationally, while Indiana’s average remains among the lowest. Business & Tech: Microsoft is stepping in to pick up AI data center capacity left behind by OpenAI’s shifting Stargate plans, underscoring the economics of power and financing.

Child Care Crunch: Indiana families who qualify for state-funded childcare assistance are still stuck on waitlists, with the AP reporting hundreds of thousands of eligible children nationwide waiting and some turned away. Higher Ed Affordability: Indiana’s public colleges are again freezing in-state tuition and fees, but experts warn the “sticker price” freeze can shift costs through mandatory fees and other charges. Flood Recovery: After record August flooding killed seven Hoosiers, survivors say emergency aid has been slow and limited, with FEMA support and state disaster requests still a key pressure point. Energy Reliability: Storms across the Midwest left hundreds of thousands without power, underscoring grid stress and the economic hit from outages. Local Business/Banking: Edgerton moved to open a new operating checking account with State Bank as it prepares for a bank transition tied to FDIC rules. Community & Workforce: Indiana’s Indy Autonomous Challenge at WeatherTech Raceway highlighted growing interest in autonomous tech and the jobs it could create.

Utility Billing Dispute: Citizens Action Coalition says NIPSCO overcharged more than 4,000 gas customers, alleging faulty legacy meters may have caused double billing and is pushing regulators for full refunds plus interest. Energy Infrastructure: Indiana Michigan Power is seeking public input on planned statewide transmission upgrades, including new 765-kV lines tied to grid reliability, with routes still being refined. Power Reliability & Costs: Just Transition and Citizens Action Coalition oppose NIPSCO’s cost recovery plan, while regulators are also set to revisit AES Indiana’s rate case. Food Safety & Imports: Federal regulators placed a Chilean blueberry supplier’s products on import alert after an E. coli outbreak linked to frozen berries sickened 17 people; Indiana shoppers are among those with recalled Walmart and Publix items. Healthcare Supply Chain: Baxter and B. Braun issued separate recalls of 0.9% saline IV bags distributed in Indiana due to particles found inside sealed containers. Local Business & Jobs: Fedco Electronics acquired an Indianapolis power technology company, and Purdue Extension is hosting a farmland-owners conference in Wabash and Terre Haute. Small Business Tech: NevTech announced statewide expansion of “done-for-you” AI implementation services for Indiana companies. Public Finance Watch: A study for Allen County outlines how property tax limits could squeeze budgets unless growth offsets losses. Politics & Governance: Indiana Democrats criticized Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s “92 & You” town hall plan as partisan, arguing it’s being held at a private home tied to a former GOP candidate.

Health Benefits Policy: CMS and the SBA promoted Indiana’s CHOICE model for employer health coverage, pointing to Hancock Health’s reported nearly $4 million in annual savings after switching from a self-funded plan. Flood Recovery & Small Business Relief: Indiana is rolling out temporary one-stop disaster assistance centers for August flood victims, with FEMA, SBA disaster loans, state housing help, insurance questions, and document replacement. Regulation & Utilities: Indiana regulators agreed to reconsider AES Indiana’s rate case after Google and BlackRock developments, keeping pressure on utility pricing decisions. Corporate/Finance: Rolls-Royce completed a $1 billion Indiana defense engine expansion, underscoring continued defense manufacturing investment. Consumer/Markets: A new Indiana-focused CHOICE rebrand signals more federal support for tax-advantaged health options outside traditional group plans. State Politics: A plan floated by Indiana lawmakers to end property taxes on the home you live in remains light on details, leaving local revenue questions unanswered. Business & Community: Fort Wayne unveiled the Pufferbelly Trail rail history banner along the greenway, adding to local tourism and redevelopment momentum.

Colts QB Depth Chart: Anthony Richardson’s six-month trade request drama ends with the Colts naming him Daniel Jones’ immediate backup for 2026, citing preseason performance and Jones’ injury history. Local Economy & Workforce: West Lafayette is moving into design and community feedback for a new early childcare center on Kalberer Road, aiming to ease a roughly 100-slot shortage as major employers like SK hynix bring more workers. City Governance: Bloomington City Council debates a proposed rebrand and new logo strategy, with some members questioning the cost and direction of the effort. Energy Costs at the Pump: GasBuddy price checks show Indiana premium and diesel prices easing from earlier highs, with county-level lows reported across the state for the week ending Aug. 29. Industrial Investment: U.S. Steel brings Gary Works Blast Furnace #14 back to service after a $350 million reline, marking a major step for long-term production and safety performance. Food Safety: Walmart’s Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend is expanded into a multi-state recall over possible E. coli contamination, including Indiana. Business Moves: Meritage Hospitality Group announces Michael Ruggeri’s departure from its board of directors.

School funding squeeze: A Lowell farmer says a proposed Tri-Creek School Corporation tax increase could cost her nearly $4,000 more on top of already-high property taxes—and if it fails, the district would cut school buses, forcing families to drive and lose work time. Workforce pipeline: Indiana’s INCAP apprenticeships are starting for 50 high school students across 25 employer sites, including paid roles in healthcare, banking, tech/IT and advanced manufacturing/logistics. Local TIF use: Gibson County commissioners want to route remaining Patoka-Union Township TIF money to clear about $19,582 in school lunch balances, while also lining up staffing for school health coverage. AI data center backlash: A new $100M pushback campaign targets voters as opposition to AI data centers grows over electricity, water use and higher local bills. BMV privacy upgrade: Indiana’s BMV is moving toward optional mobile driver’s licenses that let people verify age or identity via an app without sharing extra info like a home address. Semiconductor investment math: A report says Samsung and SK hynix would need about 6.5 times more U.S. investment to match TSMC’s scale, highlighting pressure on chip supply chains. Consumer safety: The FDA says recalled iceberg lettuce tied to a Cyclospora outbreak is off the market, but warns symptoms can show up days later. Childcare crunch: An AP analysis finds nearly 37,000 Indiana children on childcare waitlists, with the state using $200M in surplus funds to move about 8,000 off waitlists. Testing jobs in Elkhart: A new 65,000-square-foot ICC-ES lab consolidates construction and RV testing operations, aiming to support additional local work.

Storm-Safety Crackdown: Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed lawsuits against four out-of-state tree removal contractors, alleging high-pressure tactics and illegal pricing that targeted flood victims, including claims of $35,000 charges for removing two trees. Flood Recovery Access: Gov. Mike Braun announced FEMA approved $2.1 million for Indiana disaster relief and launched “one-stop shops” with state and federal agencies (including FEMA and SBA) to speed help for residents and businesses. Utility Watch: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission agreed to rehear AES Indiana’s $71 million rate case after commissioner shakeups, with the rehearing focusing on AES plans tied to a Google data center. Jobs & Labor: Indiana’s unemployment held at 3.3% in July; the state reported 101,704 job postings as of Aug. 1. Business Growth: Rolls-Royce completed a $1 billion, decade-long upgrade of its Indiana defense engine manufacturing and test capabilities. Housing Signals: Indiana single-family building permits fell 10% in July from June, though they were up 2% from a year earlier. Consumer Protection: The FTC and 22 states, including Indiana, sued Amazon over alleged hidden advertising surcharge practices.

School Safety Funding: Indiana’s Secured School Safety Board approved $26.9 million for 499 school-safety projects across the state, with all four Cass County districts among the recipients. Retail Finance: Red Robin is nearing completion of its refranchising push, shifting 108 restaurants to multi-unit operators and targeting about $96 million in total proceeds as more locations are set to close/transfer. AI in Courts: Indiana judges are cracking down on attorneys after a surge in filings citing AI hallucinations, as fabricated legal content increasingly shows up in court paperwork. Consumer Protection/Antitrust: The FTC and 22 states, including Indiana, sued Amazon alleging it used a hidden auction scheme to secretly inflate ad prices for more than seven years. Disaster Loans: The SBA is offering low-interest disaster loans to Indiana businesses, nonprofits, and residents hit by Aug. 11 storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding. Local Housing: Indianapolis opened Bridges Townhomes at Sherman Park, a $15.1 million project with 43 units for lower-income households, including permanent housing for families exiting homelessness. Energy/Infrastructure: Notre Dame is adding a third geothermal heating plant to modernize its century-old steam system and cut campus carbon.

Amazon Antitrust/Consumer Protection: The FTC and 22 states, including Indiana, sued Amazon alleging it used an “invented auction participant” to inflate ad prices for advertisers, with the FTC estimating about $20 billion in improper surcharges since 2018. Indiana Policy & Schools: A House panel advanced a tax referendum push for Indianapolis public schools that shifts control to the new IPEC oversight body, with revenue split between IPS and participating charters if voters approve. Indiana Economic Development: One Southern Indiana’s John Launius is leaving Sept. 8 to lead regional economic development at the Indiana Economic Development Corp., after helping secure $3.3B in investment commitments and 5,200 jobs. Workforce/Community Support: Catholic Charities in Southern Indiana is offering “Boots 4 Work” vouchers so job seekers can buy required safety boots before their first paycheck. Tech/State Services: Indiana BMV is preparing to launch mobile driver’s licenses, with officials saying the timeline is getting closer. Business Growth: Birdcall plans to open about 10-15 Indiana locations, including in Bloomington, Evansville and Fort Wayne, as it expands across the Midwest. Disaster Recovery: Indiana and FEMA will open a Disaster Recovery Center in Delaware County Sept. 2-5 to help residents and businesses navigate recovery programs.

Amazon Antitrust: The FTC and 22 state AGs, including Indiana, sued Amazon over alleged secret surcharges that “covertly” raised prices in its ad auctions, with regulators saying the scheme may have extracted $20B+ from advertisers. Indiana Energy & Storm Recovery: Gov. Mike Braun ordered an investigation into NIPSCO’s storm response after outages stretched for weeks in Gary and northwest Indiana, while NIPSCO also announced a $2M charitable contribution and paused disconnections/collections through Sept. 30. State Workforce Costs: Indiana’s Personnel Department is seeking $151M in raises for dozens of state jobs, citing market gaps of 10% to 20%+ for roles including attorneys, lab technicians and grant coordinators. Defense Manufacturing: Rolls-Royce completed a $1B upgrade of its Indianapolis engine campus, adding testing capacity and supporting U.S. defense programs. Small Business Support Tech: Indiana’s SBDC network is moving toward a statewide rollout of Catalyzer to modernize how advising and reporting are delivered. Local Business News: E-Zee Manufacturing launched a snow plow mount system for commercial lawn mowers after co-founding by former BCLS owner Steven Cohen. Healthcare & Data: CareCloud disclosed a major breach affecting 3.75M people, including Social Security numbers and medical data.

Amazon Antitrust/Consumer Protection: The FTC and 22 states, including Indiana, sued Amazon over alleged “secret ad surcharge” practices that they say inflated sponsored ad prices for more than a million advertisers for years, potentially costing tens of billions; Amazon denies wrongdoing. Energy & AI Grid Costs: A new push from Washington aims to have Big Tech cover AI power costs to protect consumers, while states are diverging on how data centers should be charged for grid upgrades. Storm Recovery & Utilities: Indiana officials and FEMA are still assessing damage in Gary after weeks-long outages, with some homes waiting on power restoration. Trucking Fraud Crackdown: DHS and DOT announced a major interagency effort to target fraud in trucking, including shutting down more than 100 training schools and auditing others. Indiana Manufacturing Investments: Gov. Braun highlighted Rolls-Royce’s $1B Indiana expansion, SK hynix’s new HBM packaging hub, and RayzeBio’s $173M radiopharmaceutical growth plan. Healthcare Access: Indiana hospitals will stop diverting ambulances during overcrowding, except for disasters or critical infrastructure failures. Local Business: Back Door Quilts received a Governor’s Half Century Business Award for decades in Johnson County.