AGP Executive Report

Semiconductor expansion in Indiana: HanmiGlobal will manage construction of SK hynix’s advanced HBM advanced packaging plant in West Lafayette through 2028, with cleanroom completion targeted for October 2028—part of SK hynix’s push to defend memory dominance as AI demand stays hot. Energy costs and policy: Diesel users in Indiana are getting less relief than gasoline drivers as Gov. Mike Braun’s gas-tax suspensions don’t apply to diesel; the state’s fuel-tax approach is now drawing fresh scrutiny amid rising prices. Utilities and governance: Former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission member Andy Zay says his removal was tied to a dispute over AES Indiana’s $71 million rate case, calling it a “fishing expedition” as he challenges the firing and points to the broader fight over rate decisions. Local history funding risk: Eunice Trotter is stepping down from Indiana Landmarks’ Black Heritage Preservationist Program, warning Lilly Endowment grant support ends in 2027 and replacement funding hasn’t been secured. Education and training: Huntington University installed a curved LED “Volume” for digital media arts students, funded via a regional development grant to boost virtual production skills and industry alignment.

Road & Construction: Indiana Department of Transportation will close part of US 6 in Elkhart County from Sept. 23 through mid-October to replace a culvert, with drivers routed via S.R. 15, S.R. 119 and S.R. 19. Local Infrastructure Maintenance: Jefferson County will see a one-day closure on Ind. 7/Hanging Rock Hill in Madison for ditch cleaning and repair on or after Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Energy & Workforce: A new analysis warns the U.S. semiconductor industry could face a shortfall of up to 157,000 workers by 2030, as AI and software firms compete for the same talent and too few engineering graduates choose chip manufacturing. Business/HR Services: Indianapolis-based Axiom HRS is expanding payroll and HR outsourcing into Nashville and Middle Tennessee, offering remote service for multi-location employers. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy price reports show Indiana diesel and premium/midgrade rates remain volatile week to week, with multiple counties posting “lowest” prices for specific grades during the week ending Sept. 12.

Workforce & Health Care: Indiana launched Power Up Indiana, an employer-led training push to move workers into higher-paying health care roles; Deaconess is expanding Step Up for nursing, sonography, imaging, lab tech and more, while DaMar Staffing Solutions is training for community health and patient-facing credentials. Housing & Development: Purdue Indianapolis’ Boiler Gold Rush continues to draw students into the city after the IUPUI split, while Indiana’s broader housing push is echoed by new affordable apartment development plans in other Midwestern markets. Energy & Trade: Tariffs are again rattling Great Lakes shipping tied to Canada trade, raising uncertainty for regional freight and industrial supply chains. Public Health & Safety: The FDA issued a nationwide recall of chlorthalidone tablets after failed dissolution testing, and Indiana also saw a major campus security alert at Notre Dame during a football game. Agriculture & Community: Sutherland FFA student Bentley Brunz was selected for the National FFA Chorus in Indianapolis, and Indiana Farm Family of the Year nominations are open for the 30th year.

Great Lakes trade: Tariffs and a widening U.S.-Canada rift are starting to disrupt the flow of iron ore and other bulk goods, putting pressure on ports and shipping businesses that depend on steady cross-border commerce. Local economic development: A new wave of city and county pushback is targeting “data centers,” with some Indiana-area leaders facing public backlash and calls for moratoriums as they weigh jobs against community concerns. Indiana energy costs: AAA reports Indiana farmers are paying far more for diesel heading into harvest—about $6.71 a gallon versus $3.78 last year—raising questions about fuel timing and potential knock-on effects for food prices. Indiana business & policy watch: Indiana’s coal ash permitting is moving through federal-state channels, with regulators weighing how oversight will work going forward. Governance & ethics: A Bloomberg analysis says President Trump has made more stock trades than all members of Congress combined, reigniting debate over transparency and conflicts.

Housing & affordability: Indiana’s housing affordability gap is putting the state’s economy at risk, with a new report warning wages aren’t keeping up with rent and calling for a real statewide plan. Energy & utilities: After historic flooding, Hoosiers are being urged to rethink energy choices as coal ash and long-running fossil plants could raise public health and reliability costs. SNAP relief: Indiana will automatically replace SNAP benefits for households in 19 counties hit by Aug. 11 power outages, with funds loaded to EBT cards around Sept. 26. Food safety: Saratoga Potato Chips recalled J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar bags sold at Save A Lot in Indiana and several states due to an undeclared soy allergen. Tech & manufacturing: SK hynix is exploring a U.S. memory-chip deal with Intel, potentially using Intel’s Ohio facility—an effort tied to AI data-center demand. Logistics & aviation: Gary Chicago International Airport broke ground on a new, taller air traffic control tower funded by FAA grants. Courts & business risk: An Indiana appeals court revived a DoorDash negligence claim alleging its delivery incentives encourage unsafe driving. Indiana economy & jobs: A new “farm-to-tech” angle argues Indiana’s next tech boom could start with precision agriculture and the electronics skills it requires.

Indiana Economic Development: Gov. Braun named Mitch Frazier as the next president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, signaling a renewed push for business recruitment and growth. Disaster Recovery Finance: The Indiana Bond Bank launched RAPID, a Recovery Advance Program for Infrastructure Damage, to speed up funding for public infrastructure repairs after storms and future emergencies. Workforce Snapshot: Indiana’s August unemployment rate held at 3.3%, with manufacturing and leisure/hospitality among the job gain areas. Agriculture & Food Policy: The National Pork Producers Council says it’s cautiously hopeful for a Prop 12 fix as the Senate Farm Bill advances, while USDA is rolling out a $50 million Stand-Up Program to expand state meat inspection options. Energy & Costs: Diesel prices are pressuring Indiana harvest economics, with on-road diesel hitting a new record statewide average of $6.53 per gallon. Local Housing Development: Vincennes’ Redevelopment Commission approved an economic development agreement for Firehouse Flats, a roughly $25 million downtown apartment project. Aviation: Gary/Chicago International Airport broke ground on a new, taller air traffic control tower to improve visibility for incoming aircraft.

Energy & Grid Reliability: A new report warns the PJM grid could fall short of demand six times per decade, with a worst-case scenario including 13+ days of rolling blackouts tied to rapid data center growth. Local Tech & Utilities: Gary Mayor Eddie Melton issued a one-year pause on new data center development, citing impacts on the electric grid, water, infrastructure, and residents’ quality of life. Semiconductor Manufacturing: SK hynix-linked Solidigm is reviewing sites for its first U.S. NAND flash mass-production line as AI-driven storage demand surges. Ag & Biotech: IBI Ag will set up its North American headquarters in Indiana under the Iron Nation-Indiana initiative, overseeing U.S. field trials and commercialization of AI-driven bioinsecticides. Food Safety: Saratoga Potato Chips recalled specific lots of J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar Potato Chips due to undeclared soy allergen. Healthcare Business: Vyne Medical, based in Indianapolis, is selling its clinical data intake platform to MRO as it concentrates on dental revenue cycle software. Defense R&D: Purdue Applied Research Institute and Lockheed Martin expanded a defense technology collaboration via an MOU covering hypersonics, propulsion, cybersecurity, and microelectronics. Consumer Finance: Indiana is included in a multistate $694 million settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto lending, with refunds and loan forgiveness for eligible borrowers.

Auto Lending Crackdown: Indiana and other states secured a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation, requiring cash and debt relief plus tighter disclosures and guardrails against risky loan practices. Energy Costs: Diesel prices keep climbing as geopolitical shocks ripple through fuel supply chains, with AAA reporting South Bend-area averages near $6.48 and economists warning higher trucking costs can spread into everyday goods. Indiana Economic Development: Gov. Braun appointed Mitch Frazier as the next president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., signaling a leadership reset for the state’s investment push. Data Center Politics: St. Joseph County council members are weighing a new data center ban, while the council president cautions it could trigger lawsuits. Ag & Land Stewardship: Red Gold and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture named Niese Ag LLC and Myers Sod Farms as top Stewardship Award winners for conservation practices focused on soil and water quality. Local Government & Workforce: Jasper County legislators encouraged students to apply for the paid Indiana House Republican Internship Program for the 2027 session. Community Volunteering: Volunteers pivoted during United Way of Southwestern Indiana’s Day of Caring to clean the Newburgh Rivertown Trail, while the sand volleyball court project continues after rain delays.

Nuclear Power Expansion: The Pentagon says Indiana’s first advanced nuclear micro modular reactor will be installed at Naval Weapons Station Crane by Sept. 2028, aiming to deliver around-the-clock power for critical missions. Rural Health Funding: Indiana is set to receive $120 million to expand rural health care, including primary care, behavioral health, maternal and infant services, mobile clinics, and workforce support. Cybersecurity & Utilities: CenterPoint Energy confirmed a customer data breach tied to an external-facing system, saying services weren’t disrupted and that it will notify affected customers and regulators. Big Tech Antitrust: A multi-state lawsuit and FTC action accuse Amazon of manipulating ad auctions to overcharge advertisers, with Indiana among the states named in related filings. Local Infrastructure: Indianapolis scaled back the South County Line Road plan from five lanes to three, citing updated traffic-safety data and sparking resident pushback. Education & Enrollment Pressure: South Gibson trustees plan for declining enrollment and budget cuts, including delaying a bus purchase and preparing for reductions tied to state fiscal plans. Workforce & Jobs: Kentuckiana Works reports the regional unemployment rate around 4.5% and job growth that’s positive but modest.

Medicare Payment Reform: CMS named 5,556 specialists required to join its Ambulatory Specialty Model starting Jan. 1, 2027, tying a share of Medicare Part B payments to performance for heart failure and low back pain—leaving practices with little runway as industry groups say many still don’t know who’s in or out. Ag & Food Processing: USDA launched a Stand-Up Program offering up to $50 million to help more states start or expand meat inspection programs, aiming to cut high start-up costs for small and mid-size processors and boost local processing capacity. Indiana Energy Policy: EPA is moving forward with approval of Indiana’s coal combustion residual program takeover, a shift that could reshape how coal ash is permitted and regulated. Indiana Agriculture: Indiana State Department of Agriculture opened applications for a Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program to help farmers improve nutrient management, with applications due Nov. 6. Local Education: DeKalb Central will roll out an Ambassadors program to build community trust through guided visits to schools and district operations. Tech & Chips: Reuters reports SK hynix is in talks with Intel about making memory chips in the U.S. for the first time, potentially using Intel’s Ohio facility—an effort tied to AI-driven memory shortages. Transportation & Infrastructure: INDOT listed multiple Indiana road impacts, including I-70 work zones near Richmond and other closures/detours around Union County.

Industrial Safety Tech: Trio Mobil is debuting an AI-powered industrial safety platform at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Indianapolis, combining forklift and pedestrian detection, near-miss alerts, and SIF risk intelligence for manufacturing and logistics sites. Semiconductor Supply Chain: Reuters reports SK hynix is in talks with Intel about making memory chips in the U.S. for the first time, with Ohio as a possible base via leasing or a venture tied to cloud demand. Healthcare Costs & Cybersecurity: A new report finds 70% of Indiana hospitals now fully comply with federal price transparency rules, while separate warnings say MyChart users are being targeted by phishing emails offering fake test results and Medicare “kits.” Veterans Housing: The VA is awarding $38 million in grants to 19 Indiana organizations to reduce homelessness among veterans through rapid re-housing, emergency housing, and supportive services. Public Safety Infrastructure: Indianapolis approved a $12.5 million project for a new IMPD north district headquarters to replace a deteriorating facility. Transportation & Construction: A multi-semi crash on the Indiana Toll Road in Steuben County shut down eastbound lanes for hours, and INDOT is planning lane closures on U.S. 50 between Brownstown and Seymour starting Sept. 21 through November.

Energy & Environment: The EPA is moving to let Indiana take over coal ash permitting, with state leaders arguing it could cut energy costs while still meeting federal safeguards. Rural Healthcare: Rep. Matt Commons says nearly $10 million in federal GROW grants is headed to west central Indiana counties to expand and modernize rural care, including mobile integrated health and better transportation to appointments. Manufacturing & Agribusiness: Corteva’s board approved splitting into Vylor (seeds and genetics) and New Corteva (crop protection), effective Oct. 1, as attorneys general seek to block the move. Healthcare Access: WeShare Health is partnering with OrthoIndy to speed member verification and pay eligible expenses within 14 days, expanding specialty care options in Indianapolis. Public Works & Infrastructure: Cedar Lake hired an outside contractor for $17,985 in street patchwork after storm delays, while Auburn approved purchases of a new bucket truck and line truck—at a combined cost of about $827,674—with delivery delays of 18 to 24 months. Local Economy & Housing: A new affordable housing community, Shea Ravines, is set to open with 56 units in phases, including permanent supportive housing for residents exiting homelessness. Energy Costs Watch: Indiana’s gas tax holiday continues to trigger state reimbursements to local governments for road-tax losses.

Nuclear Energy & Defense: The U.S. Navy plans to install an advanced nuclear microreactor at Naval Weapons Station Crane in Indiana by September 2028, aiming to keep critical operations running if the commercial grid fails. AI & Markets: Investors are getting jittery about whether AI spending will slow after industry leaders urged a slower pace of development, with Indiana-based Horizon Investment Services saying they want “something concrete” beyond talk. Higher Education & Workforce: Vincennes University named Dr. Travis Madison as assistant vice president and dean for the VU Jasper campus, starting Sept. 28, as the school leans into regional partnerships with schools and employers. Agriculture & Environment: Indiana’s State Department of Agriculture is taking applications for a no-cost Mississippi River Basin Soil Sampling Program to help farmers fine-tune nutrient management and reduce unnecessary fertilizer use. Retail & Logistics: Shein is expanding in Indiana with a 737,000-square-foot fulfillment warehouse, underscoring continued growth in e-commerce distribution. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Indiana E15 averaging about $3.31 per gallon in the week ending Sept. 5, with prices fluctuating by county.

Purdue Workforce & Education: Purdue says its fall 2026 incoming freshman class grew 13% to 10,818 students and highlights rising graduation and retention rates, pointing to its affordability and student-success push. Smart Manufacturing Training: Purdue opened a new Rittal + Eplan Lab in Dudley Hall to give students hands-on experience tied to smart manufacturing workflows. Local Infrastructure: INDOT advanced two U.S. 231 projects in Owen County—one nearing completion in Freedom and another pipe replacement near Spencer that will close the road through late September with detours in place. Conservation Funding Input: The Owen County SWCD and NRCS will host a Sept. 11 public forum to gather local priorities that will guide where federal conservation dollars go. Agriculture & Taxes: Indiana livestock operators are warning that barn property assessments are jumping sharply, driven by state construction-cost tables, raising concerns for future expansions. Economic Development: Madison’s READI funding was approved for a $4 million Bicentennial Park amphitheater, adding $500,000 to the earlier award. Business Growth: Vicious Biscuit is opening a new Greenville, S.C., location, expanding its footprint that already includes Indiana.

Indiana Higher Ed: The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is asking for ideas on expanding access to dual-credit and career-technical coursework, aiming to get more students to complete credentials like the Indiana College Core. Energy & Infrastructure: Indiana DOT says U.S. 50 in Martin County will close today for a slide repair project, with a detour via State Road 37 and U.S. 150 through mid-October. Defense Manufacturing: General Dynamics Mission Systems will make and deliver AN/SPG-62 antenna reflectors under an $11.5 million Navy modification, with work in Marion, Virginia, managed by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane in Indiana. AI & Business Tech: Amazon is rolling out Alexa+ to compatible Fire TV devices nationwide, positioning the upgrade as more conversational and context-aware for entertainment and smart-home control. Local Economy & Community: A Newtown Farm Service mural dedicated Aug. 29 celebrates Fountain County’s farming roots and the town’s historic cornhusking legacy. Public Policy: A new study finds women with type 2 diabetes face higher risk of mental health conditions than men after diagnosis.

Energy & Regulation: Analysts are warning investors off Indiana’s investor-owned utilities, saying the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission’s profit-rate process has become more volatile after disputed regulator firings and “political intervention,” with hearings now feeding a shift toward performance-based ratemaking. Transit & Development: The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is rolling out a new $10 million credit enhancement fund to help transit development districts near South Shore Line stations secure financing, aiming to reassure lenders as communities assemble project packages. Local Infrastructure: Portage’s comprehensive plan is taking shape after public input, with roundabouts and potential public transit expansion (including ideas to connect with Gary or Valparaiso services) on the table. Agriculture: A Federal Reserve Beige Book survey found Corn Belt farm conditions improved slightly, though stress remains, with mixed crop and livestock pricing signals. Indiana Agriculture & Policy: Farmers met with U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan to air concerns ahead of the Farm Bill, including credit squeeze pressures and tariff impacts. Fuel Prices (Indiana): GasBuddy reported Indiana midgrade prices averaging about $4.01 per gallon for the week ending Sept. 5, with localized lows like $4.17 in Benton County and $2.25 E85 in Miami County. Business/Industry Watch: Indianapolis AI consulting firm NevTech AI is offering free AI strategy sessions for Indiana businesses.