Wildlife Policy: Indiana DNR proposed raising the bobcat kill quota to 400 for fall/winter—up from 250 last year—despite a model warning it could drive an 80% population drop in 10 years, and critics say the state hasn’t provided solid, up-to-date population impact data. Climate & Weather: NOAA reports spring 2026 was the second-warmest on record for the contiguous U.S., with 38 states landing in the top five hottest springs, reinforcing the long-term warming pattern. Energy Grid Resilience: A new look at U.S. power planning says extreme heat is shifting from a rare “tail risk” to a design baseline as drought, demand growth, and fuel concerns pile on. Plastics & Jobs: A plastics industry group backs EPA “advanced recycling,” arguing it could boost Indiana jobs, while the debate continues over how recycling rules should evolve. Local Food Access: Indy Parks launched its Summer Servings Meal Program to cover the summer meal gap for kids, listing multiple meal sites across Indianapolis. Data Centers & Community Impact: A Jefferson County town hall drew residents and opponents of a proposed data center at Jefferson Proving Ground, with concerns focused on local effects and process. Education & Independence: Fourteen press freedom groups urged Indiana University to protect student media independence and follow through on editorial sustainability recommendations.