AGP Executive Report

Healthcare Policy: President Trump announced $500 Obamacare refund checks for nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Indiana, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges on the federal exchange. Indiana Public Safety: Indiana State Police is seeking about $30.3 million in federal funding for vehicles, surveillance gear and investigative tech under a DOJ program tied to the 287(g) immigration enforcement partnership. Airport Operations: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved non-ticketed PreCheck members enter secure gate areas at 13 airports for one day to meet travelers and access dining and shopping. Energy & Utilities: NIPSCO faces renewed scrutiny after outages, with residents and officials pressing for investigation and potential rate impacts. Local Business & Growth: Indiana regulators approved a permit allowing a Fort Wayne Google data center developer to fill 2.13 acres of wetlands, drawing plans for appeal from local residents. Workforce & Costs: A NerdWallet analysis links rising commuting vehicle counts to higher crash risk and potential pressure on auto insurance premiums.

Defense & Energy: Indiana is set to get the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear micro modular reactor at Naval Weapons Station Crane, with state Rep. Ben Smaltz calling it a major long-term defense investment. Local Planning & Growth: A proposed $2 billion data center near Irvington Community Elementary is drawing legal and community pushback over generator noise, potential contaminants, and student impacts. Health Care Costs: Trump says nearly 1 million Obamacare enrollees in 30 states, including Indiana, will receive $500 rebate checks tied to alleged federal exchange “user fee” overcharges, with payments expected to start in October. Utilities & Affordability: CenterPoint’s 2025 executive pay and profits are under scrutiny as Indiana electric rates remain a political flashpoint. Agriculture & Markets: Purdue’s Patrick Nycz says direct-to-consumer sales are helping Indiana farmers diversify income and test pricing at local markets. Transportation & Safety: A two-vehicle crash in DeKalb County sent two Kendallville residents to hospitals, while Indiana’s missing-person case continues to seek public help for Shauna Lisa Cox. Tech & Connectivity: Starlink reportedly backed off a 5TB data cap that throttled some users after complaints. Business Services: Crown Care NEMT launched nationwide private-pay medical transportation with online booking and confirmed details within two business hours. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Indiana regular gas averaging about $3.41 per gallon for the week ending Sept. 5, with local lows in multiple counties.

Defense & Manufacturing: The U.S. Navy modified a Lockheed Martin contract worth about $257.3M to keep MK 48 MOD 7 heavyweight torpedo production and repairs running through Sept. 2029, supporting U.S. and allied submarine interoperability under AUKUS. Local Energy & Solar Development: Dubois County commissioners are pressing for answers on a proposed Shamrock solar-plus-battery project as a temporary moratorium on new commercial solar applications nears its end. Indiana Business Climate: A new look at Indiana property assessments shows business values rising sharply in 2026—especially industrial—driven by manufacturing growth, reclassifications, and updated construction-cost data. Transportation Costs for Schools: Greenwood Community Schools says diesel prices are squeezing operations, citing higher fuel costs that forced postponements of maintenance work. Workforce & Education: Indiana Michigan Power is accepting applications for Teacher Vision and FIRST Robotics grants, funding classroom and robotics projects through Dec. 18. Ag Meets Racing: IndyCar will run on Indiana-sourced ethanol renewable race fuel, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the state’s corn and ethanol supply chain. Data Centers & Local Rules: Fort Wayne officials are weighing a potential moratorium on final discretionary approvals for large data centers while zoning standards catch up. Policy & Affordability: An Indiana op-ed argues inflation is hitting business assessments and calls for action as affordability pressures mount. Aviation & Security: TSA is rolling out a “gateside” access perk for eligible TSA PreCheck members at select airports, bringing back some non-ticketed gate access for reunions.

Aviation & Logistics: Gary/Chicago International Airport opened a $24 million, 55-acre cargo campus, backed by $13 million in federal funds and $10 million from Indiana, aiming to build on growing freight volume and a planned 2027 FedEx distribution center. Public Safety Tech: West Lafayette residents raised concerns about surveillance cameras and a New Chauncey neighborhood plan, while Michigan’s Kent County launched a “Flock Transparency Portal” detailing license-plate reader rules and access. Indiana Energy & Infrastructure: INDOT announced a U.S. 36 closure in Parke and Putnam counties for rumble-strip work, with access maintained and reopening timed around the Covered Bridge Festival. Robocall Crackdown: Indiana and other state attorneys general pushed the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Local Business: Hot Head Burritos is opening in Decatur, expanding Northeast Indiana with a new franchise location. Health Access: Harrison County Public Library in Corydon will offer free blood pressure monitor kits via the “Libraries with Heart” initiative. Transportation Policy: TSA’s “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” lets eligible, non-ticketed travelers access airport gates at 13 airports, with local expansion still under review.

Indiana Housing & Economic Development: Fort Wayne’s New Haven “The Lincoln” addition is moving forward with site work for 240 apartments, and developers are lining up financing as they pursue a READI 2.0 grant. Airport & Travel Policy: TSA is piloting “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved non-ticketed visitors enter secure areas at 13 airports (including Indianapolis) for gate-side goodbyes and arrivals, with screening still required. Public Safety & Community Health: Fort Wayne awarded $520,350 in third-round opioid settlement funds to 14 nonprofits, targeting recovery, harm reduction, justice-involved youth, and services for pregnant/postpartum women and veterans. Tech, Research & Education: Rider University received its first NSF grant ($650,000) to expand undergraduate AI security and privacy research with partners including IU Bloomington. Privacy & Government Tech: Indiana’s BMV is advancing optional mobile driver’s licenses with privacy protections, while lawmakers also debate license plate camera use amid surveillance concerns. Trade & Industry: The U.S. escalated its trade war with Canada with new product bans and tariffs, adding pressure to cross-border supply chains. Workforce Outlook: A new BLS projection highlights fast job growth in healthcare roles, including nurse practitioners, driven by an aging population.

Transportation & Infrastructure: INDOT scheduled a Sept. 21 closure of State Road 57 in Daviess County for pavement patching, with a detour via SR 257, U.S. 50, I-69 and SR 58. Energy & Utilities: Lake County Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing NIPSCO rate increases, asking the IURC to reject the filings. Public Health & Healthcare Access: Indiana is tightening rules on ambulance diversion when ERs are overcrowded, limiting diversion to more extreme situations. Aviation & Travel: TSA rolled out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved PreCheck members without flights access airport gates at select airports. Ag & Food: Pro Farmer’s CCI report showed corn conditions sliding while soybeans held steady. Economic Development: Lake County Council approved an economic development agreement tied to a planned 1.2 million-square-foot John Deere distribution center near I-65 and Indiana 2. Business & Community: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Indiana added $100,000 to storm and flood recovery, bringing its total support for the effort to $216,500 (plus $25,000 from FHLBI). Local Roads for Campuses: Trine University plans a $4 million Keith Busse Parkway to improve access to its west entrance, targeting opening by the 2027-28 school year.

Workforce & Education: Indiana Federation of Business and Professional Women is recruiting volunteers for its Oct. 12 Reality Store in Crawfordsville, giving eighth-graders a hands-on lesson in budgeting, careers, housing, transportation and child care through a simulated month of expenses. Rural Healthcare: Gov. Mike Braun’s office says Region 5 GROW grants are rolling out $16.7 million to improve access to rural specialty care across Clay, Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan and Vermillion counties. Adult Training & Manufacturing Skills: Greene County Historical Society toured the Wagler Education & Training Center in Lyons, where enrollment has surged and programs include welding, HVAC, construction and heavy equipment operations tied to local employers. Trade & Aerospace: President Trump threatened to block Bombardier jet sales in the U.S. unless the company builds in America, as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. goods take effect—raising fresh uncertainty for Indiana-linked aerospace supply chains. Airport Access: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible non-flyers enter secure areas at 13 airports, including Indianapolis International. Indiana Energy Resilience: A derecho blackout in Northwest Indiana left about 375,000 NIPSCO customers without power and highlighted how grid damage can linger for weeks.

Rural Healthcare Funding: The Trump Administration is putting $120 million into Indiana through the Federal Rural Health Transformation Program, targeting maternal and infant care, primary and behavioral health, workforce recruiting and training, plus mobile services and transportation to appointments. Drug Enforcement: Indiana State Police say a routine I-70 commercial vehicle inspection in Putnam County turned into a major cocaine seizure: 277 pounds valued at about $3.8 million, leading to an arrest of Harpreet Singh of Greenwood. Consumer Fraud Watch: Richmond ranked among 98 Indiana cities tied for 55th in July BBB Scam Tracker reports, with one reported scam—down from four in the prior month. Energy Costs at the Pump: GasBuddy price reports for the week ending Aug. 29 show Indiana regular averaging $3.45 statewide, with local lows like $3.14 in Vigo County; E85 averaged $2.58 statewide, and diesel pricing varied widely by county. Motorsports Policy: A bipartisan bill, backed by Sen. Todd Young, would make permanent a tax provision that lets permanent racing tracks depreciate upgrades over seven years, aiming to spur safety and facility investment.

Labor Day affordability pressure on families: A national survey finds 44% of parents have delayed or skipped youth sports because of registration, equipment, uniforms and travel costs, and 43% fear they’ll face the same choice this school year—an issue showing up in Indiana households as well. Northwest Indiana storm impacts: A derecho with 100+ mph winds knocked out power for about 300,000 NIPSCO customers and left Valparaiso University dealing with multi-day outages and building damage, including flooding risks in dorm basements. Utility earnings vs. profits: Essential Utilities (WTRG) reported revenue growth and a growing dividend, but earnings per share slipped as merger costs weighed on profitability, while regulators approved new rate revenue in multiple states including Indiana. Workplace safety: Indiana conservation officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle crash in Newton County that killed a Morocco woman and seriously injured a passenger. Indiana education finance tradeoff: A Chalkbeat report highlights Hoosier families facing a tough decision on school funding—either higher property taxes or cuts like reduced bus service. Indiana business/ownership angle: A Labor Day piece spotlights an employee-owned manufacturer’s ESOP model as a way to share retirement upside with workers. Airport access policy: TSA’s Gateside by TSA PreCheck lets some non-ticketed visitors reach gates at 13 airports, with rules that could affect travel planning for Indiana-area flyers.

Energy & Transportation: GasBuddy price checks show diesel and gasoline still swinging week to week across Indiana counties, with the lowest reported diesel in the week ending Aug. 29 ranging from $5.07 in McCurtain County to $5.39 in Monroe County, while regular and midgrade deals also varied by county. Public Health & Food Safety: Foods Alive Inc. of Angola is recalling 8-ounce pouches of organic moringa leaf powder nationwide after a supplier’s testing flagged possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses were reported, and the company is coordinating with the FDA. Local Business & Community Relief: UnitedHealthcare is donating $80,000 for storm relief, with grants going to groups including the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and the Indianapolis Foundation, and the YWCA Northwest Indiana plans its Oct. 8 Circle of Friends Gala at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana to support families rebuilding after the Aug. 11 storm. Infrastructure: South Bend will close parts of Main St. for paving Sept. 8-10, with Michigan St. used for detours.

Road & Infrastructure: Indiana’s INDOT will shift traffic on US 30 in Marshall County starting Sept. 8, using westbound crossovers for two-way travel and closing the US 30 eastbound to S.R. 17/Michigan Street ramp. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Mike Braun announced Region 5 will receive $16.7 million in GROW grants to expand rural healthcare access across Clay, Greene, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan and Vermillion counties. Disaster Recovery: Indiana is seeking additional FEMA aid as damage assessments continue after August storms; FEMA has approved 21 counties and Braun requested help for 54. Energy & Utilities: A consumer group is urging Indiana regulators to require NIPSCO to fully refund at least 4,000 customers double-charged for natural gas due to inaccurate meters. AI & Data Centers: Owen County residents are pushing for a data center moratorium or ban, citing noise, water use, power costs and property concerns. Tech Supply Chain: The U.S. and Japan are emerging as key production bases for Samsung and SK hynix as AI semiconductor demand accelerates. Local Business/Community: Spencer’s Sweet Owen County Arts Park is moving forward with $1 million in READI 2.0 support for the first phase along the White River.

Utility & Consumer Watch: Citizens Action Coalition is pressing Indiana regulators to order NIPSCO to fully refund at least 4,000 customers it says were double-charged for natural gas for decades, after meter errors tied to automated reader installs were found; the group wants refunds with interest and limits on passing repair costs to customers. Local Governance & Schools: Indianapolis voters face a high-stakes public schools tax referendum this fall tied to the new Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, which would shift about $95 million in annual property-tax revenue between IPS and charter schools—while opponents warn it could raise taxes without protecting district budgets. Energy Infrastructure: Indiana Michigan Power is seeking public input on proposed transmission upgrades across the state—more than 150 miles of new 765-kV lines—aimed at improving grid reliability, with no final routes selected yet. Business & Growth: A new Indiana radiopharmaceutical push is underway as RayzeBio plans a $173 million Whitestown facility, adding 100 jobs as life sciences investment continues to expand. Roads & Construction: INDOT plans a closure of State Road 5 north of Huntington for bridge and culvert work starting in early June, with detours posted.

Energy & Utilities: Indiana Michigan Power says it’s preparing for a surge in demand tied to data centers, while also pushing major transmission work to protect reliability in Southwest Michigan. Power Reliability: In the Midwest, severe storms left hundreds of thousands without electricity, including 277,000+ customers in Michigan as utilities ramped restoration efforts. Manufacturing & Labor: A BP refinery lockout at Whiting continues to spotlight contract and wage pressure in Indiana’s industrial heartland. Trade & Industry Costs: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on hundreds of U.S. products are set to take effect, with analysts warning the package could broaden cost impacts for auto and industrial supply chains. Food Safety: Walmart-linked frozen berry recalls expanded after E. coli concerns, including additional states and product blends. Local Business & Growth: NIPSCO faces allegations of overbilling thousands of customers tied to legacy gas meter issues, as regulators and advocates press for refunds. Workforce & Tech: NSF-backed research will study how assistive robots learn and adapt alongside people in real-world settings, with Indiana-area industry watching the implications for automation and staffing. Indiana Policy & Infrastructure: Indiana lawmakers continue to debate property tax relief, while transportation and school-safety funding moves forward amid ongoing infrastructure needs.

Energy Costs & Travel: AAA says U.S. diesel hit a record $5.85 a gallon on average, with California averaging $7.71—raising freight and delivery costs heading into Labor Day. Local Politics: In Indiana House District 76, Republican Rep. Wendy McNamara and Democrat Logan Patberg are battling over issues including data center tax subsidies and child safety. Manufacturing & Jobs: PMG Indiana will permanently close its Columbus plant by Dec. 31, cutting 150 jobs, ending nearly four decades of auto parts production. Data Centers & Community Impact: Meta’s second Indiana data center in Lebanon is adding 300 permanent jobs and funding water, road, and energy-assistance efforts in Boone County. Power & Batteries Deal: Fedco Electronics acquired Indianapolis-based Energy Access, expanding battery charging and power management capabilities for OEMs. Business Events: M-PACT Fuel & Convenience Tradeshow returns in April 2027 in Indianapolis, marking its 25th anniversary. Education Governance: Indianapolis Public Education Corporation work aims to unify facilities, transportation, and accountability for district schools starting in 2028-29. Public Safety: A Fishers man faces felony charges after an alleged school-area shooting and a high-speed police chase.

Indiana Energy Relief: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax suspension through Oct. 5, keeping state and local infrastructure funding on track via reserves and a plan to replace lost revenue in the 2027 budget. Northwest Indiana Community Investment: Braun backed a Gary YMCA project with $10 million in READI 1.0 funding, aimed at building opportunity and resources at the Tolleston Opportunity Campus. Health Benefits Policy: CMS and the SBA announced the CHOICE Arrangement as the new name for ICHRA, highlighting Indiana’s role in shaping employer health coverage options for small businesses. Data Centers & Local Impact: Clergy leaders in South Bend called for a “fair share” deal as Microsoft data center talks continue, urging funds and protections tied to noise, water, and energy use. Semiconductor Supply Chain Pressure: A report says U.S. pressure for memory fabs could complicate South Korea’s chip investment plans, with experts urging Seoul to accelerate domestic support while engaging Washington. Ag & Land Values: A Fed Chicago update found farmland values in Indiana down year over year, with lenders citing data centers and solar/wind as stabilizers. Flood Recovery Mobility: Uber and United Way partners will provide free ride vouchers for Hoosiers affected by storms and flooding in Lake and Porter counties, with distribution through Sept. 16.

Steel Investment: U.S. Steel says it has brought Gary Works Blast Furnace #14 back online after a $350 million reline, completing more than 1 million labor hours with a zero-days-away injury rate and aiming to strengthen long-term ironmaking reliability. Autonomous Logistics: Arrive AI will present at the H.C. Wainwright Global Investment Conference in New York, pitching its “Arrive Points” platform for secure delivery endpoints for drones, robots and other logistics players. Fuel Policy: Gov. Mike Braun extended Indiana’s gas tax holiday again, suspending the usage and excise taxes through Oct. 6 as the state leans on reserves to keep INDOT projects funded. Healthcare Funding: Braun announced $120 million in regional rural health grants under a CMS program, targeting access and outcomes across eight rural regions. Data Centers & Community Impact: Faith leaders in St. Joseph County are urging Microsoft and local officials to negotiate a binding community benefits agreement tied to concerns over costs, noise, water and environmental impacts. Food Safety: The FDA expanded recalls tied to E. coli concerns, including additional frozen berry products sold at Walmart.