AGP Executive Report

Indy 500 buzz: The Indianapolis 500 is back in full swing, and the “front row” advantage is getting fresh attention as race-day positioning again becomes a make-or-break storyline for teams and drivers. IndyCar tech: IndyCar extended its title deal with NTT and is rolling out a new in-app AI feature, “Up To Speed,” aimed at giving fans real-time race insights. Indiana environment politics: Indiana DNR bobcat hunting is still drawing fire, with an editorial arguing the proposed quota jump and expanded trapping methods lack scientific justification. Local sustainability: Two Chesterton High students helped shape Porter’s Environmental Sustainability Commission work, including Earth Day trash pickup and an outdoor lighting ordinance push. Water infrastructure: Bluffton got a positive update on federal funding for its Indiana Street water tower replacement, a reliability and safety upgrade for the city’s drinking water system. Summer access gap: A new survey says nearly a quarter-million Indiana children who want summer programs can’t get them, with cost the biggest barrier.

IndyCar & AI: NTT has extended its title sponsorship of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and will expand its role with new app features like “Up To Speed,” pushing more real-time race insights and data-driven support. Indiana Water & Utilities: In Nashville, a wastewater plant upgrade is moving ahead with added engineering work, while the utility also faces an IDEM notice tied to tree removal and required replanting. Indiana Summer Access: A new survey finds nearly a quarter-million Indiana children whose parents want summer programs still can’t get enrolled, with cost the biggest barrier. Bobcat Debate: Indiana DNR conservation enforcement marked its fallen officers and awards ceremony, but a fresh letter renews criticism of a proposed jump in bobcat killing quotas. Regional Context: Kentucky and the EPA are in the spotlight over proposed rollbacks to wastewater limits at coal-ash sites, raising fresh concerns about groundwater protection.

Honda’s Indy reset: After its first loss in 70 years and a shaky EV push, Honda is using this weekend’s Indianapolis 500 to spotlight proven hybrid tech, with Alex Palou on pole and a “Relentless Spirit” campaign tying road cars to hybrid IndyCar performance. Bears stadium dominoes: The Chicago Bears say they’ve exhausted Chicago options and are down to Arlington Heights, Ill., or Hammond, Ind., as Illinois lawmakers race to shape a tax deal that could keep the team in-state. Clean-water fight: Kentucky coal-ash protections are under pressure as the EPA moves to weaken wastewater limits, a reminder that pollution rules are still a live political target. Summer access squeeze in Indiana: A new survey finds 424,740 Indiana children are wanted for summer programs but only 175,163 are enrolled—cost is the biggest barrier. Heat-and-runoff fixes spread: Cities are replacing hot, flood-prone asphalt with porous pavement and rain gardens, including Indianapolis-area examples. Grid outlook improves: NERC’s summer assessment says reliability risk is easing, driven by more solar and battery power.

Data Center Showdown: Warrick County residents get a formal chance to weigh in—on June 8 the county plan commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to define and regulate data centers, as opponents cite water use, power demand, noise, land impacts, and strain on infrastructure. Local Governance: In Lake County, a Lowell data center rezone heads to the county council after the plan commission voted “no recommendation,” following heavy public opposition. Quality of Life: Carmel and Fishers again top national “best places to live” lists, with U.S. News ranking Carmel #1 and Fishers #2. Community & Environment: Purdue Extension’s Field & Friends series is set for May 27, focusing on animal damage management with Indiana DNR conservation officers. Health & Safety: An FDA recall was issued for a liquid multivitamin sold across 24 states due to possible contamination with black particulate matter.

AMBER Alert Ends in Safe Recovery: Indiana State Police say a missing infant in Hammond was found unharmed after an AMBER Alert; a suspect was arrested Thursday, with details still limited. Utility Costs Pressure: A new national analysis flags widespread electric and natural gas rate hikes hitting Indiana households, with higher shutoff risk looming as summer approaches. INDOT Procurement Modernization: INDOT will move contractors to a browser-based bidding system on Bidx.com starting July 8, aiming to speed submissions and reduce software friction. Local Infrastructure Moves: Auburn’s Board of Works approved a first phase of Cedar Street water main updates, while LaGrange County is building an Innovation Center to consolidate business and childcare services. Data Center Tension: A zoning appeals board denied an effort to stop a massive Jefferson Proving Grounds data center campus, despite resident concerns about water, noise, pollution, and safety. Reproductive Health Access: Planned Parenthood’s “Just In Case” advance provision of abortion pills is rolling out in two states, signaling a new push toward preparedness.

Data Center Fight in Madison: A zoning appeals board in Madison, Indiana voted to deny an appeal over the controversial JPG Data Center campus at the former Jefferson Proving Ground site, clearing the way for the project to move forward despite a packed hearing and residents’ concerns about noise, pollution, water use, hazardous materials, and lithium battery fire risks. Local Oversight & Notification: Opponents also argued they weren’t properly notified when the project was approved in February, while supporters pointed to jobs and investment. Water, Waste, and Hidden Costs: In Fort Wayne-area coverage, a roofing firm warns that repeated “temporary” roof patches can spread moisture inside building systems, driving recurring leaks and higher long-term costs. Community Pressure on Extraction: Letters and debate continue around a proposed southwest Fort Wayne quarry, with residents urging a “no” vote over school proximity and broader impacts. Broader Backdrop: Across the country, the data-center backlash is growing, and Pennsylvania lawmakers are split on how far regulation should go.

Community Opposition to AI Data Centers: Microsoft is moving ahead with a new 900-acre data center near St. Joe Farms in St. Joseph County, but residents are already protesting and raising concerns after the company held an open house to explain the plan. Water & Land Stewardship: Indiana’s migratory bird hunting seasons for 2026-27 have been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, while local conservation efforts continue—like Stillwater Hospice earning a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation in Fort Wayne. Agriculture Watch: Researchers warn red crown rot is pushing northward, with Indiana among states that have seen major spread in recent years. Education & Environment: A Posen teacher received a Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators for place-based, hands-on learning that takes students “into the community.” Local Infrastructure: Purdue Fort Wayne broke ground on a new $1.3M fine arts gallery, aiming to expand on-campus space for student exhibits.

EPA PFAS Push: EPA announced $13 million in grants to tackle PFAS in Indiana drinking water, keeping pressure on contamination cleanup and testing. Wildlife Watch: Indiana DNR says chronic wasting disease is still showing up in deer, including three new detections in the 2025-26 hunting season, with the state leaning on monitoring and “living with” the disease. Grid Build-Out: MISO selected a consortium to develop major 765-kV transmission projects that would strengthen the Midwest power backbone, including lines reaching toward the Indiana border. Local Land-Use Fight: In Allen County, residents are loudly opposing a proposed quarry, with planning boards set to weigh rezoning next week—an early test of how limestone development meets community concerns. Health Workforce: Indiana launched the Crossroads Academic Medical Institute, a statewide network meant to expand clinical training and access to care across the state.

Data-Center Backlash, Now in the Ballot Box: A new wave of opposition to AI data centers is turning into political pressure, with residents and activists citing power demand, water use, noise, and property impacts—while projects worth tens of billions face blocks or delays. Indiana Angle: Indiana’s own data-center expansion keeps moving—LaPorte’s common council backed a second Microsoft campus, even as some residents demand more transparency. Recycling Funding: Indiana’s IDEM opened applications for up to $100,000 for recycling and household hazardous waste projects, aiming to boost diversion through local programs. Roads & Costs: Across the U.S., potholes are being framed as a funding problem tied to deferred maintenance and gas-tax limits. Sports Tech Meets Indy: Fox Sports is rolling out new in-car camera angles for the Indy 500, bringing more “driver view” to TV coverage. Business Shock: Bitcoin ATM operator Bitcoin Depot shut down its network and filed for Chapter 11, blaming tightening state rules.

LIV Golf survival talk: Padraig Harrington says LIV players are pushing to keep the tour alive by raising about $100 million and even accepting lower prize money after Saudi funding fell—potentially shifting to a smaller, fall-focused schedule to avoid the PGA Tour. Indiana recycling push: IDEM opened its Community Recycling Grant Program for recycling and household hazardous waste projects, offering $1,000–$100,000 with applications due June 26. Local climate-and-cost pressure: A new report highlights how Indiana farms are losing $47.5M a year to natural disasters, while other coverage points to how disaster-driven crop damage is feeding grocery price spikes. Community composting: Monroe County is hosting a free “Compost 101” workshop June 6 to cut trash bills and keep food scraps out of landfills. Energy and industry friction: BP and the USW again stalled contract talks at the Whiting refinery as the lockout continues.

Sports Economy Boost: Sports Business Journal ranks Indianapolis No. 3 Best Sports Business City for 2026, an eight-spot jump from 2023, crediting the city’s public-private partnerships and a packed events calendar. Coastal Defense: The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Cleveland, the final Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, signaling continued focus on fast coastal missions. Data Center Backlash: New polling and commentary keep pushing the same theme—rising bills, noise, and water strain are fueling growing opposition to data centers. Autonomous Freight in the Region: Einride’s driverless electric trucks are being deployed between EASE Logistics warehouses in Ohio, with Indiana and ODOT-linked corridor testing in the mix. Hoosier Community Support: IDEM opens its Community Recycling Grant Program for recycling and household hazardous waste projects, while Indianapolis Public Schools starts free summer meals June 1. Parks & Safety: Indiana conservation officers seek help after stolen mobility track chairs and Vietnam-era helmets were taken from Fort Harrison State Park.

Public Health & Costs: Indiana hospitals are set to receive more Medicaid money under a new state-directed payment plan approved by the federal government, with higher reimbursements tied to keeping commercial prices lower—aimed at nudging overall healthcare costs down. Local Environment & Wildlife: A rare piebald squirrel has been spotted at Hummel Park near Plainfield, offering a rare chance to see a genetic mutation in the wild. Community Sustainability: Eco Fest returned to Fort Wayne’s Headwaters Park, spotlighting local green groups with vendors, kids’ activities, and live music. Labor & Energy: At BP’s Whiting Refinery, about 800 union workers remain locked out as negotiations with United Steelworkers Local 71 are set to resume Monday. Weather Watch: Storms have moved on, but southern Indiana remains in a volatile pattern as the weekend heats up.

Public Media Shake-Up: Indiana Public Media says it will lay off 4 full-time and 14 part-time staff, blaming state and federal funding cuts and the end of CPB funding—while insisting local news, arts and culture, and community engagement will continue. VA Systems Upgrade: VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence visited the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain to discuss a major Federal Electronic Health Record update, with Indiana facilities slated to go live in August. Labor Solidarity: Northern Indiana groups are collecting supplies for USW workers locked out of the BP Whiting Refinery, as negotiations are expected to resume May 18. Energy Court Fight: An appeals court is weighing whether a federal “energy emergency” justified keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant operating past its planned closure. Weather & Nature: Storms have moved on with a warmer Sunday ahead, and a rare piebald squirrel has been spotted at Hummel Park near Plainfield.

Severe Weather to Summer Heat: Storms have moved out, but southern Indiana is still dealing with a fast-moving severe thunderstorm warning tied to heavy rain, possible small hail, and gusty winds—then the forecast turns toward warmer, more summery conditions for Sunday. Rare Wildlife Spotting: Hummel Park near Plainfield is drawing attention for a rare piebald squirrel—an unusual genetic trait that makes it stand out in the woods and meadows. Health Care Costs: Indiana says it’s increasing Medicaid payments to hospitals under a new state-directed model approved by the federal government, aiming to reward lower commercial pricing and bring costs down. Public Media Cuts: Indiana Public Media is laying off 18 employees as state and federal funding shrink, including the dissolution of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Energy Policy Fight: A federal appeals court is weighing whether a U.S. “energy emergency” justified keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant running longer than planned—an issue that also touches Indiana’s coal plants. Data Center Pressure: A state bill to limit local regulation of data centers was tabled, effectively stalling the effort as the electricity and water demands of the boom keep growing.

Court Fight Over Coal “Energy Emergency”: In a D.C. appeals court showdown, Sierra Club and Earthjustice argued the Trump administration is improperly using “energy emergency” powers to keep coal plants running past planned retirements—an approach they say is driving higher bills for families, including in Indiana where the Culley plant is at issue. Local Land Cleanup + Reuse: Gary is moving toward repurposing the city’s former quarry “J-Pit” brownfield, aiming to turn it into green infrastructure and wetland mitigation while continuing work tied to the Lake Sandy Jo Superfund site. Water + Data Centers Pressure: A new report highlights how AI-driven data center growth is increasing cooling water demand in Switzerland, raising concerns about stressing water supplies. Public Art Maintenance: Fort Wayne leaders are addressing wear-and-tear on murals and installations, including removing aging light features after severe wind damage. Indiana Park Theft: Police are offering a $5,500 reward after mobility track chairs and Vietnam-era helmets were stolen from Fort Harrison State Park. Health Workforce Focus: Central Indiana oncology nurses are piloting RESET, an education initiative built to reduce burnout and improve retention.

Coal-plant legal fight: Sierra Club and Earthjustice argued in D.C. Circuit court against the Trump administration’s “energy emergency” orders that keep aging coal units running longer—an approach they say is driving higher bills for Hoosiers, including extensions tied to Indiana’s Culley plant. Energy prices & markets: Bond yields jumped again as investors weigh Iran-war energy shocks and sticky inflation, a move that can ripple into mortgages and borrowing costs. Public art upkeep: Fort Wayne is tightening how it maintains public installations, after weather and wear damaged pieces—while Bluffton leans on IU’s Rural Placemaking Studio to use art as downtown momentum. Local human services: Hope Academy marked its 20th graduating class for teens recovering from substance use, and Watch Us Farm is expanding hands-on vocational training for adults with intellectual disabilities in Zionsville. School policy: Indiana’s new “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban is set to start July 1, tightening rules on student devices during the full school day.