AGP Executive Report

Meta Settlement: Indiana is set to receive a guaranteed $296 million and up to $419 million from a landmark $17.1 billion multistate deal over teen social media addiction claims, with required child-safety reforms. Utility & Regulation: Indiana utility investors are warning that political interference and shifting Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission decisions could push up required returns and squeeze profits as the state revisits return-on-equity and performance-based ratemaking. Banking Tech: Thirty-nine state banking associations are forming BankChain Alliance, aiming for a 2027 launch of a bank-owned blockchain network for tokenized deposits, stablecoins, smart payments and automated settlement. Local Development: Vincennes City Council advanced Firehouse Flats, a 97-unit apartment project, and continues work on Washington Avenue Phase Two, with utility relocation underway. Higher Ed: TIME’s inaugural “America’s Best Colleges” ranking puts Wabash College among the top Indiana schools, highlighting value and student outcomes. Sports Business: IndyCar drivers at the Milwaukee Mile are pointing to heavy passing and more overtaking as the series returns for a doubleheader.

Meta Settlement: Indiana is guaranteed $296 million and could receive up to $419.4 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion multistate deal over alleged teen social media harm, with required overnight blocks (midnight-6 a.m.) and daily limits plus stronger parental controls. Utility Fallout: Indiana lawmakers are pushing for a state investigation into NIPSCO’s response after a derecho left parts of Northwest Indiana, including Gary, without power for about two weeks; power is now back, but residents and businesses say shortages and delays linger. Energy Costs: Indiana Michigan Power filed a plan seeking residential bill reductions and a three-year residential rate freeze, while Richmond Power & Light approved an Oct. 1 rate hike schedule. Tech & Research: IU is renaming and restructuring commercialization efforts through IU Inc. to speed industry partnerships and bring research to market. Workforce & Deals: LIV Golf says it will scale back operations and lay off a majority of staff as Saudi funding ends, aiming for a “LIV 2.0” relaunch. Business Climate: A new Indiana program at IU Indianapolis renames a public safety management major to community resilience and risk management, reflecting growing threats from cyber to extreme weather.

Indiana Transparency: Indiana’s public access watchdog is facing deeper structural problems, with experts pointing to recent state moves that reduced the office’s independence and staffing as citizens report delays and bias concerns. Northwest Indiana Power Crisis: Gov. Mike Braun is pushing for an investigation into NIPSCO’s prolonged storm restoration after thousands of Hoosiers in Gary and nearby areas stayed without electricity for nearly two weeks, with lawmakers and residents demanding answers. Data Centers & Public Input: The EPA is moving to curb public participation in permitting for data centers, a move that could limit what communities learn and challenge before projects proceed. Local Data Center Fight: In Jeffersonville, Meta’s large data center is nearing completion even as some Southern Indiana officials have tightened zoning and approvals amid health and economic worries. Auto & Trade Watch: Honda says it may not build a new North America assembly plant without an extension of USMCA, tying future investment to trade certainty. Business & Markets: Canadian Solar shares rose in premarket ahead of Q2 results, even as short interest remains near highs. Public Safety: Indiana is increasing DUI enforcement through Labor Day as part of a statewide push targeting alcohol and drug-impaired driving.

Utility Accountability: Gov. Mike Braun is pushing for an investigation into NIPSCO’s prolonged Northwest Indiana power outages, after more than 2,800 homes and businesses still lacked electricity two weeks after storms. Storm Recovery & Food Security: As outages drag on, NW Indiana aid groups and Catholic food pantries keep serving residents, including families relying on generators to prevent spoilage. Statehouse Business Recognition: Braun honored 34 Hoosier companies with Century and Half Century Business Awards, spotlighting long-running employers and community-minded firms. Manufacturing Growth: SBA named Barron Industries its Great Lakes Region Small Business Manufacturer of the Year, citing a new $10 million aerospace and defense technology center and planned job growth. Local Economy Watch: Indiana’s gas prices show mixed pockets—Steuben County’s lowest midgrade price hit $3.82 in the week ending Aug. 15, while statewide midgrade averaged about $4.14. Sports Business Angle: PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp says there’s “no current plan” to restart its Returning Member Program, adding uncertainty for LIV-linked stars weighing their 2027 options.

Power Crisis in Gary: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is calling for an investigation into NIPSCO after nearly two weeks of outages left thousands in the dark, with residents describing the situation as “end times” and raising concerns about how quickly the utility sought help and restored service. Regulatory Fallout: The prolonged outage is also fueling broader scrutiny of Indiana’s utility oversight, including renewed attention on the state’s utility regulator and how rate decisions are handled. Postal Service Strain: Local USPS union leaders in Indianapolis allege the agency is cutting overtime, leaving mail undelivered when routes can’t be finished. USPS disputes the claim. Health & Biotech: The FDA cleared Roche’s Elecsys pTau217 blood test for Alzheimer’s biomarker assessment in patients 55 and older with cognitive decline signs, aiming to bring amyloid testing closer to primary care. Food Safety Recall: Federal investigators say a recalled alfalfa sprout distribution map covers only two states even though illnesses have been reported in 15, leaving consumers with uncertainty while traceback continues. Local Business & Jobs: Do It Best Group plans to close a TV Hardware Distribution office in Chicago, consolidating operations to Fort Wayne and triggering layoffs. Tech Policy: Indiana lawmakers are preparing potential statewide guardrails for automated license plate readers amid privacy and surveillance concerns.

NW Indiana Power Crisis: Gov. Mike Braun ordered Indiana’s utility consumer advocate to seek a regulatory investigation into NIPSCO after outages stretched nearly two weeks, with thousands still in the dark and restoration slowed by violence against utility workers. Local Relief Efforts: As power problems linger, residents lined up for food giveaways in Merrillville and Highland, where the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is distributing nonperishables while grocery shelves struggle to restock. Flood Response in Anderson: Anderson set aside $600,000 as a stopgap for flood-impacted households, aiming to provide $1,000 each to up to 600 homes while residents wait on federal disaster aid. Streaming & Sports Business: The Pacers are partnering with DAZN for regional broadcasts, pricing a season pass at $119.99 (or $59.99 early), drawing mixed reactions from fans who may need another subscription. Education & Infrastructure: Cloverdale schools advanced a $4.895 million athletic renovation plan, including synthetic turf and track upgrades, with a projected tax impact under five cents per $100 assessed value. Community & Economy: NewLife Rescue & Adoptions in Posey County is preparing to open a new Mount Vernon facility with a ribbon-cutting and adoption fair, while NATMUS in Auburn broke ground on a new cold storage building to protect vehicles and artifacts.

Northwest Indiana Power Restoration: After an Aug. 11 derecho left nearly 375,000 NIPSCO customers dark, more than 41,000 were still without electricity as of Friday—10 days later—with NIPSCO projecting Portage and Gary won’t be fully restored until Tuesday, about two weeks after the storm. State Response & Accountability: Gov. Mike Braun called the situation “unacceptable,” while residents and officials question whether some areas are being prioritized over Gary. Utility Scrutiny: The outage has also triggered mounting public frustration and legal pressure, including calls for faster restoration and better communication. Indiana Policy & Privacy: Indiana lawmakers are weighing license plate camera rules as privacy worries grow, with some communities pushing to limit or ban automated license plate readers. Regulatory Watch: Aurobindo Pharma’s Seymour, Ind., subsidiary cleared an FDA inspection with four procedural observations, and the company says it will respond to the agency. Workforce & Manufacturing: ACMI launched the $3 million Horizon Manufacturing Cup at IU Bloomington to fund U.S. manufacturing startups and help move prototypes toward commercial production. Business Incentives: Iowa approved tax benefits for ADM’s Clinton expansion and a CNC machining project in Waverly, highlighting how Midwestern states are competing for manufacturers.

Storm Recovery & Utilities: Gov. Mike Braun says NIPSCO has “ample resources” but is still failing Northwest Indiana, deploying the Indiana National Guard to clear the way for restoration crews as tens of thousands remain without power nearly two weeks after Aug. 11 storms; NIPSCO estimates Gary/Portage restoration by Tuesday and Lake Station/Munster later this week, while a class-action targets alleged failures in protecting lines from trees. Community Relief: World Central Kitchen is serving free meals in Gary as outages disrupt basic needs like water, toilets and food, with ComEd and the Chicago Bears also sending help. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Mishawaka tied for 19th in Indiana for July with three scam reports, led by phishing losses. Local Business & Jobs: Mark Cuban Foundation’s AI Bootcamp returns to Fort Wayne at Indiana Tech starting Oct. 31, offering free training plus meals and transportation for underserved students. Food Safety: Fromm recalls wet dog food over potential metal contamination; owners should check specific lot codes and stop feeding affected products.

Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled certain alfalfa sprouts and sprout-mix cups tied to an E. coli and Salmonella outbreak affecting 55 people in 15 states, with four hospitalizations reported; consumers are urged to throw away affected lots and sanitize surfaces. Storm Recovery: Ten days after a derecho slammed Gary and Northwest Indiana, tens of thousands of customers still lack power, with residents frustrated by slow restoration and Gary again described as among the last to come back online. Utility Accountability: Indiana will pay $625,000 to settle a lawsuit by fired IURC chair Andy Zay; the deal includes lump-sum salary/benefits and legal-fee coverage, with no admission of wrongdoing. Business & Growth: Indiana Governor Mike Braun honored 34 long-running companies with Century and Half Century awards, highlighting decades of local economic staying power. Tech & Security: A new passkey-focused security explainer targets Indiana consumers asking whether passwords are still needed. Public Health & Pets: Two dog-food recalls hit Indiana-linked distribution—one for Salmonella risk and another for possible metal contamination.

Storm recovery and utility accountability: After devastating Aug. 11 storms, nearly 30,000 NIPSCO customers in Lake and Porter counties still lacked power Saturday, with Gov. Mike Braun saying state agencies are “going no holds barred” and pressing NIPSCO to bring in more crews. Class action and settlements: Braun also announced a settlement with fired IURC chair Andy Zay, ending his lawsuit over his removal. Local public safety tech targeted: In Evansville, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff says five Flock Safety cameras have been vandalized or stolen since late June, with six confirmed incidents in the area. Economic development: Indiana Tech plans to start construction in about 30 days on “Junction 36” at Electric Works in Fort Wayne, a nearly $18 million advanced manufacturing innovation center. Federal safety net participation: A new Urban Institute study says many eligible Hoosiers aren’t enrolling in federal benefits, with Indiana lagging especially on TANF cash assistance. Infrastructure and business continuity: Indiana Tech’s project and the ongoing outage crisis both underscore how workforce and reliability issues are shaping local business planning.

Northwest Indiana Power Crisis: A class-action lawsuit says NIPSCO failed to maintain trees and brush around power lines, contributing to the Aug. 11 derecho blackout that left about 317,000 customers without power and still left tens of thousands in the dark days later. Storm Recovery Costs: Gov. Mike Braun estimates Indiana flood damage at least $550 million and possibly more than $5 billion, with 1,000 structures destroyed or badly damaged, pushing the state to seek bigger federal help. Cybersecurity Watch: The FBI warned hackers are targeting water systems nationwide; Indiana utilities say they’re already separating critical controls from business networks. Local Housing Enforcement: Indianapolis’ Lugar Tower Apartments face potential fines after residents reported weeks without working air conditioning and other maintenance failures. Workforce & Education: Meta announced a $115 million “America’s Workforce Academy” aimed at paid, job-guaranteed training for skilled trades—an approach being pitched as a model for faster labor-market fixes. Business & Housing Market: Redfin reports U.S. home sales fell 4.1% in July as high prices and mortgage rates keep buyers on the sidelines.

Food Safety: Federal health officials say an E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened at least 55 people across 15 states, including Indiana, with cases linked to Minnesota grower Everything Sprouts and brands Calco and Everything Sprouts; the company is recalling certain lots. Local Environment/Permitting: Fort Wayne councilman Geoff Paddock asks IDEM for the strictest review standards for Google’s Fort Wayne data center wetlands permit request, citing concerns about filling isolated wetlands and repeated deviations from standard systems. Storm Recovery/Infrastructure: Northwest Indiana residents are still dealing with power restoration delays after severe storms, and a Munster water main break is adding new pressure for households and businesses. Economic Development: IEDA board approved assistance for two manufacturers and multiple infrastructure and quality-of-life projects, while Clarksville is weighing a tax credit request for a $21M mixed-use development near the Colgate Clock. Business & Education: Indiana Tech earned a Gold Military Friendly School designation for 2026-27, and IndyCar and Fox announced a $2M scholarship expansion for foster youth at IU and Purdue. Sports/Entertainment: The Colts’ Keenan Allen deal is reported at $3.32M against the cap, and IndyCar’s Freedom 250 in Washington, D.C. is set for major TV exposure.

School Funding Fight: West Lafayette’s school board is asking voters to approve a Nov. 3 referendum tied to Indiana’s SEA 1 property-tax changes that will shrink local revenue, with the district warning it could lose about $1.6 million annually by 2031 and that referendum money supports roughly 25% of its budget. Data Centers & Power: Indianapolis has paused new data center development via a moratorium through 2027 amid backlash, while other states are moving in opposite directions—Indiana is cited among Republicans pushing for growth while Democratic-led states restrict new builds. Storm Recovery & Utilities: Northwest Indiana residents are still dealing with extended outages after historic storms, with NIPSCO reporting tens of thousands of customers without power and local businesses struggling to reopen. Local Business & Community: Google held an open house in Fort Wayne to share plans for its southeast data center site, including water, traffic, and jobs. Manufacturing/Investment: Samsung SDI plans to sell part of its Samsung Display stake for about $3.2 billion to fund battery growth, with proceeds expected to support its New Carlisle, Indiana plant.

Flood Recovery & Power Restoration: Northwest Indiana residents are still in “survival mode” after a ninth day without power following Aug. 11 storms, with NIPSCO saying restoration could stretch into next week and schools staying closed in places like Gary. State Response & Aid: Gov. Mike Braun toured Carmel and Noblesville to assess White River flooding and pushed utilities to speed up restoration while state agencies ramp up support; separate coverage also notes Indiana is distributing disaster-related resources and warning residents about scams. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Spring Grove City Council approved sewer smoke testing and heard a presentation on inflow/infiltration overwhelming the sanitary sewer system during heavy rains. Economic Development & Jobs: V-Tech Conversions in Plymouth is investing $2.5M to expand production of inspection vans and aims to more than double its workforce by 2028, earning EDGE tax credits. Education & Philanthropy: First Lady Melania Trump announced a $2M “Fostering the Future” scholarship expansion with IndyCar and Fox, funding scholarships at Indiana University and Purdue. Public Safety & Courts: Two teens face adult charges in Marion County tied to a $2M Indianapolis jewelry heist. Agriculture Programs: USDA’s NRCS is accepting conservation applications for fiscal year 2027, with a Dec. 18 deadline. Consumer Fraud Watch: Indiana cities continue to rank high on BBB scam reports, underscoring ongoing fraud risk for Hoosiers.

Severe Weather & Flood Recovery: Indiana’s historic flooding is still unfolding, with the Wabash River expected to crest near Terre Haute and more than 1,000 residents displaced while FEMA individual assistance is delayed pending a major disaster declaration. Utility Restoration: Northwest Indiana residents remain in the dark as NIPSCO crews work through widespread storm damage, with restoration timelines stretching beyond a week in some neighborhoods. Local Government Finance: Indianapolis is pausing new data center development through 2027, while other Indiana communities weigh moratoriums amid concerns over water, power, taxes, infrastructure and transparency. Workforce Development: Indiana is pushing apprenticeships as a faster path to in-demand jobs, with Ivy Tech hosting a roundtable linking educators, employers and government on scaling programs. Higher Ed & Skills: Colleges are adding AI fluency requirements and courses, responding to rapidly rising employer demand for AI-capable graduates. Business & Consumer: Little Caesars is launching its 2026 NFL campaign with national player partnerships (including Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff) and expanded local team tie-ins. Sports Business: LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil says the league is aiming for a 2027 plan built around player equity and a “complete, not compete” approach, even as lawsuits and funding uncertainty continue. Agriculture Markets: Pro Farmer’s crop tour points to weaker corn yields in parts of the Midwest, including Indiana, as traders reassess USDA forecasts.

Local Governance: Indianapolis approved a data center moratorium, pausing new developments through 2027 while officials draft stronger zoning guardrails. State Finance: Indiana will distribute nearly $44M to local governments to replace lost revenue from the gas tax holiday, following Gov. Mike Braun’s extended suspension through Sept. 5. Disaster Recovery: Northwest Indiana residents say power restoration timelines are still unclear after last week’s storms, with some households reporting more than a week without electricity. Consumer Protection: The Indiana AG is warning homeowners about storm-repair scams as scammers target people dealing with damage. Business & Jobs: Grillo’s Pickles opened a $54M refrigerated pickles facility in Taylorsville, aiming to add about 150 jobs. Sports Business: LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil says he’s bullish on a 2027 plan, but the league’s future remains uncertain as players and funding commitments come into question. Agriculture Markets: Pro Farmer Crop Tour results show Indiana corn yields at 183.54 bushels per acre, down year over year, while soybeans also closed higher Wednesday. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Goshen logged three scam reports in July, tied for 19th in Indiana.