AGP Executive Report

Indy Pride: Thousands filled downtown Indianapolis for the Indy Pride parade and festival, with LGBTQ Hoosiers and allies celebrating in the face of Governor Mike Braun’s “Nuclear Family Month” proclamation. Public Safety & Community Resilience: Merrillville residents continue recovery after an EF-2 tornado, as crews restore power and local businesses serve free meals; volunteers also cleaned up after flash flooding in Lanesville. Sports & Culture: The New York Knicks won the NBA title in a 53-year drought, while Indiana’s Rachel Mehringer placed eighth in the NCAA 100 hurdles. Arts & Education: Terre Haute’s Sixth Street Arts Festival showcased dozens of Indiana and Illinois artists. Music Leadership: Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra named Michael Avagliano its new music director. Local Spotlight: Bluffton baseball captured its first semistate title, building a fast-rising program culture. Health Policy: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals over missing price transparency, with penalties up to $2 million annually.

Health Policy: The Trump administration is warning more than 500 hospitals that they’re not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million a year for noncompliance—another push for clearer costs in Indiana’s broader healthcare ecosystem. Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed at least seven tornadoes across Illinois and Northwest Indiana, including an EF3 in Kouts and an EF2 in Merrillville, with damage surveys still underway. Education & Literacy: A new report says nearly half of educator preparation programs nationwide aren’t adequately training future teachers to teach reading, with Pennsylvania programs especially mixed. Wildlife & Community Learning: Tippecanoe Audubon Society announced free summer nature hikes and a June 27 picnic near Peru, aimed at families and casual birders. Local Government & Taxes: State Rep. J.D. Prescott says he’ll reintroduce a 2027 plan to replace Indiana’s property tax system with a sales tax on services, plus public meetings to build support. Sports & Culture: Post Malone and Jelly Roll brought their stadium tour stop to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, underscoring the city’s pull as a live-music hub. Indiana Arts & Pop Culture: “Pet Pals TV” highlighted Rewilding Indiana’s wildlife rehab work, including baby-season rescues and what to do when you find injured animals. Entertainment: Pluto TV is making the first four Indiana Jones films free for the franchise’s 45th anniversary—an easy win for Indiana movie nights. Faith & Public Life: A controversy continues around Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s comments about Islam, drawing criticism from Muslim advocacy groups and interfaith leaders.

Healthcare Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide that they’re not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million a year for noncompliance—another push to make costs clearer for patients and families. Faith & Community: At the Indiana Statehouse, religious leaders and lawmakers condemned Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s anti-Islam rhetoric, framing it as discrimination that violates religious freedom. Local Politics: Secretary of state candidates are pitching election security and cracking down on shell companies ahead of Indiana’s GOP convention, with Beau Bayh’s Democratic bid also drawing attention. Juneteenth in Indiana: Louisville and southern Indiana are rolling out festivals, performances, and equity summits for Juneteenth on June 19. Food & Lifestyle: Indianapolis’ HAUS OF WAGYU is hosting a premium Wagyu event featuring hemp-seed cocktails, spotlighting Indiana-raised beef and local culinary culture. Arts & Education: Indiana University inaugurated an “India Corner” lending library and cultural space at the Hamilton Lugar School, expanding student access to Indian literature and history. Public Safety: A semitruck driver was sentenced to three years for a 2024 I-465 crash that killed a 9-year-old boy. Sports & Culture: The Fort Wayne Zoo is adding more special events to boost attendance beyond its traditional season.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned more than 500 hospitals nationwide that they’re not posting required pricing info, with penalties up to $2 million per year for noncompliance. Faith & Public Life: Indiana Rep. Cherrish Pryor joined an interfaith “Faith Over Fear” gathering at the Statehouse urging Gov. Mike Braun to protect religious freedom for all Hoosiers after recent backlash over Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith’s comments about Islam. Education & Teachers: Indianapolis charter schools are expanding performance-based teacher merit bonuses, building on the VITAL Trust’s earlier awards. Workforce & Training: Meta announced a $115 million “America’s Workforce Academy” to train workers for data center construction jobs, starting in Indiana and other states. Southern Indiana Nursing Pipeline: Ivy Tech Sellersburg and Norton Healthcare formalized a partnership to strengthen the regional nursing workforce. Local Culture: Holy Rosary Catholic Church’s 41st annual Italian Street Festival returns to Fletcher Place this weekend, drawing about 40,000 guests and funding a big share of the church’s budget. Arts & Pop Culture: Taylor Swift was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with Steven Spielberg praising her authentic storytelling and resilience.

Community Spotlight: Lille Bønne Community Living Room opened in a historic Danish church in Indianapolis’s Fletcher Place, turning the space into a new cafe and gathering hub. Public Safety & Youth: IMPD’s G.R.E.A.T. Camp is back for summer, using sports, mentorship, and conflict-resolution to steer kids away from gangs and violence. Family & Community Events: White River State Park will host “Star Spangled Sky,” a free 200-drone show for America250 on June 27, plus food trucks and family activities leading up to launch at dark. Local Livestock Culture: The Sullivan County 4-H Fair returns with a full schedule of livestock and grandstand events, including the Queen’s contest and multiple evenings of competitions. Health Equity Watch: A new study finds childhood lead exposure is down overall, but disparities persist—Indiana is among the states tracked. Policy & Rights: An IU lecturer investigated over a white-supremacy graphic has learned she won’t be reappointed, raising concerns about political pressure in higher education. Weather Alert: Severe storms and tornadoes have hit parts of the Midwest, including areas with watches or warnings stretching into Indiana.

Colts Football & Community: The Colts closed mandatory minicamp with a high-stakes QB showdown, putting Anthony Richardson and Riley Leonard through an 11-on-11 two-minute drill as they compete for the backup job. Southern Indiana Grants: Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation awarded $137,500 to 11 local groups, backing school mental health, youth mentorship, and an ADA outdoor fitness court. Indiana Kids Watch: The KIDS COUNT Data Book shows Indiana slipping from 25th to 29th for overall child well-being, even as education and health rankings shift. Workforce & Tech Training: ABC and Meta launched a $115M America’s Workforce Academy to train data-center construction workers, with Indiana among the first sites. Local Trail Expansion: MYPath added 2,000 feet toward connecting to McCormick’s Creek State Park, improving river-side access and education programming. Missing-Child Alerts: Rep. Rudy Yakym introduced the HAILEY Act to broaden AMBER Alert rules for high-risk missing minors under 18. Black Excellence Month: Indiana Black Expo’s Indianapolis chapter kicked off June’s Black Excellence Month with a 33-day calendar of events. Pride & Sports Culture: The White Sox tapped comedian Tee Sanders to design the “Freedom Day Hat” for Pride Night, blending Pride and Juneteenth themes.

Immigration enforcement: Indiana AG Todd Rokita says his office will use federally compiled lists to target employers knowingly hiring unauthorized workers, with business sanctions starting July 1. Driver’s licenses: Indiana’s BMV will let teens get driver licenses on their 16th birthday (effective July 1) after meeting learner-permit, education, supervised-driving, and testing requirements. Education spotlight: Indiana moved up to 11th in a national Kids Count education ranking, but the report still flags major reading and math struggles for many students. Juneteenth in Indiana: Lyles Station hosts a free Juneteenth celebration Saturday with speakers, reenactors, music, and a preview of Indiana’s America 250 traveling lantern. City budget moves: Indianapolis City-County Council proposal No. 163 directs about $19.49M toward public safety, infrastructure, homelessness and housing stability, education, and quality-of-life projects. Community support: Fathers and Families Center launches a $5.5M campaign to double the number of fathers and families it serves. Local culture & faith: United Church of Marco Island welcomes Rev. Rich Kirschner for a Sunday sermon series. Health & food: A UK study links regular fish oil and certain vitamins to later natural menopause, while an Indiana-focused explainer breaks down how organic pesticide use differs from conventional farming.

Indiana Education & Equity: IU Southeast’s elementary teacher prep program earned an A+ from the National Council on Teacher Quality for its “science of reading” approach. Community & Culture: Community Action of Southern Indiana hosts a Juneteenth Excellence & Equity Summit in Jeffersonville on June 19. Hoosier History: The original Indiana Constitution returns to Corydon for an exhibit at the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site. Workforce & Tech Infrastructure: Meta’s $115M America’s Workforce Academy will train skilled trades for AI data center build-outs, with Indiana named as a pilot site. Local Business & Jobs: Gov. Braun joins TaylorMade Golf for a North American distribution center groundbreaking in Evansville, targeting up to 50 new jobs. More Jobs in Central Indiana: JD North America expands its Fishers-area headquarters, planning renovations in 2027 and adding 200 hires. Faith & Politics: Southern Baptists advance a “Truth and Unity” constitutional amendment limiting the pastor role and preaching functions to men. Sports & Entertainment: Tori Kelly returns to Indianapolis ahead of her June 12 album release and a June 20 Gainbridge Fieldhouse stop. Public Safety & Weather: Lanesville and Corydon clean up after flash flooding from heavy rain. Health Research: New research links regular fish oil and certain vitamins to later natural menopause. Arts & Learning: Marine Corps Recruiting Command holds an Educators Workshop to connect mentors with officer opportunities.

Healthcare Costs & Transparency: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals nationwide—including multiple in the region—to post clearer pricing or face penalties up to $2 million a year, spotlighting how patients can’t shop for blood work and imaging costs. Public Safety: In Indianapolis, a safety advocate says Vision Zero is moving too slowly after weekend pedestrian deaths, while the city points to a 16% drop in fatal crashes in 2025. Skilled Trades & AI Jobs: Meta launched America’s Workforce Academy with $115M in year one, offering free training and job guarantees, with Indiana listed as a pilot location. Education Funding Pressure: Elkhart Community Schools faces projected multi-year deficits that could force cuts to both operations and education budgets. Local Arts & Community: The Arts Federation in Lafayette is offering summer art classes and studios for kids, from nature-themed projects to open-ended “art playground” sessions. Culture Watch: Netflix’s “The Boroughs” leans into elder-centered sci-fi, casting Alfred Molina and others as retirees who fight monsters.

Immigration & Health Care: Attorneys for Palestinian legal permanent resident Salah Sarsour say ICE detention in an Indiana county jail has left him without consistent diabetes care, with weight loss reported since his April arrest. Voting Rights: Indiana rejected or canceled voter registrations for more than half of challenged immigrant Hoosiers under a proof-of-citizenship law, with advocates pushing for a pause in enforcement. Education Policy: A new report finds just over half of teacher preparation programs align with the science of reading, while many still teach outdated practices—raising stakes for Indiana’s classroom training. Local Government & Schools: Indiana districts are rushing to place more school tax referendums on the November ballot as state property-tax changes squeeze funding timelines. Community & Culture: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Angola marks its 100th anniversary with a special Mass, celebrating the parish’s roots in Steuben County’s early Catholic mission. Sports & Community Life: TaylorMade broke ground on a major Evansville distribution center expansion, aiming to add up to 50 jobs, while Indiana’s school and community calendars keep filling with summer events like the Gibson County Fair. Weather & Safety: Dangerous flooding in Lanesville triggered evacuations and rescues as flash-flood warnings spread across the region.

Skilled Trades & AI Jobs: Meta is rolling out a $115 million America’s Workforce Academy with free, five-week training and guaranteed jobs for graduates, launching pilots in Louisiana, Ohio, Indiana, and Texas—aimed at staffing AI data center construction and operations. Local Education Spotlight: Fort Wayne Community Schools unanimously renewed its 3DE program for five years after parent feedback led to clearer communication and an opt-out option. Reading Instruction Debate: A new national review finds teacher prep programs have improved in “science of reading” alignment, but many still lag—especially in support for English learners and struggling readers. Youth & Community Life: McDonald’s “Happy McReaders” returns with a summer reading punch-card program that earns kids a free Happy Meal after 10 books, partnering with local libraries. Policy & Practice: Indiana’s new immigration enforcement law takes effect July 1, with the Indiana Chamber urging employers to update hiring compliance now. Culture & Faith in Public Life: A national press freedom letter urges Indiana University to protect student media independence and follow through on editorial independence recommendations. Road Safety: A crash in Versailles killed an assistant principal from South Decatur Elementary; toxicology is pending.

Indiana Youth Watch: Kids Count Data shows Indiana’s overall child well-being ranking slipping from 25th to 29th, with education lagging (ranked 11th in education but lowest domain score). Community & Mentorship: Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis and The City League team up for an eight-week summer basketball-and-mentorship program at the Near Eastside. Arts Funding: Foellinger Foundation approved $1.51M in Allen County grants, including major support for arts, culture, and community programs. Internet Safety: Indiana experts warn that online risks for children are rising, flagging apps like Snapchat, Roblox, and Discord and urging parents to watch for grooming-style red flags. Sports Culture: Indiana Black Expo announced 2026 Summer Celebration and Pacers Sports & Entertainment Corporate Luncheon honorees. College Sports Drama: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby won a temporary injunction against the NCAA, potentially restoring his 2026 eligibility after a gambling-related ineligibility ruling. Local Spotlight: Purdue’s evGrandPrix featured Oakland University’s student-built electric kart, bringing home trophies after a two-year build-and-race effort.

Bald Eagle Spotlight: Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge brought a 250th-anniversary celebration to Wirth Park in Oakland City, featuring an injured 22-year-old eagle that now travels with an Indiana DNR naturalist. Road-Ready Change: Indiana’s new law lets teens get a driver’s license on their 16th birthday (starting July 1), with the same testing and supervised-driving requirements. Workforce & STEM: Amazon held graduation for the first class of its Work Based Learning Program at its Northern Indiana data center campus, while a Huntington eighth grader earned a spot in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York City. Community & Belonging: The Indiana Foster Youth Alliance hosts its free 11th annual Youth Conference for foster youth and young adults transitioning out of care. Local Culture in Motion: Lowriders rolled into the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Lowrider Magazine Supershow, blending car craft with community mentoring. Sports, Indiana-Adjacent: IndyCar’s Josef Newgarden won the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in wet, delay-filled conditions, and 12 IndyCar drivers wore World Cup-inspired firesuits for FOX’s promotion.

Indiana Politics: Beau Bayh won the Indiana Democratic secretary of state nomination, beating Blythe Potter at the state convention and setting up a high-stakes statewide race. Community & Faith: A “Power of Faith” look at youth movements in the Catholic Church argues young people are reshaping how faith is lived—less inherited, more practiced. Culture & Belonging: A “Coexist” reflection asks why people struggle to get along even when faith traditions overlap, with Abraham as a shared starting point. Local Lifestyle: A free Summer Food Service Program giveaway in Indiana lists a full menu for June 17. Sports & Community: “The Boroughs” on Netflix spotlights seniors as action heroes, with trans creator Yona Speidel pushing TV to treat older adults as strong, not sidelined. Workforce & Education: The Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation is expanding hands-on training to address Indiana’s skilled labor shortage. Tech & Safety: A new report warns the AI boom is creating a blue-collar bottleneck—society needs electricians and grid workers, not just software. Public Life: An Indianapolis 500 fan is calling out a “rude ritual” of tossing cans near the track, sparking debate about litter and cleanup.

Indiana Politics & Identity: At the Indiana Democratic State Convention in Indianapolis, Beau Bayh won the secretary of state nomination, with delegates packing the hall in “blue pride” while the party looks to win statewide seats. Local Sports Glory: Bloomington North captured the IHSAA boys track state title, with a dramatic 4x400 relay moment shaping the team outcome. Faith & Community Giving: The 73rd Annual WHAS Crusade for Children returns this weekend, with 100% of public donations going to programs supporting kids across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever suffered another late-game collapse, falling to the New York Liberty despite Clark’s tough shooting night. Culture & Lifestyle: Indiana’s Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith drew fresh backlash over Islam-related remarks, reigniting debate over religion and public leadership in the state. Health & Science (Indiana-linked): Eli Lilly shared new trial results on its next-gen obesity drug retatrutide, including potential benefits tied to sleep apnea and knee pain.

Small-Business Spotlight: Fort Wayne’s Copper Spoon and Three Rivers Electric were named 2026 “Going To Bat For Small Business” winners by PNC and the Fort Wayne TinCaps, earning major local marketing support. IndyCar Leadership: Arrow McLaren tapped former IndyCar champion Ryan Hunter-Reay as Sporting Director, aiming to connect on-track performance with strategy and partner growth. Adult Education & Tech Access: Evansville’s Excel Center Evansville Southeast held its graduation, with AT&T donating 100 refurbished laptops to help students build digital skills and stay connected. Community & Pride Politics: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s “Nuclear Family Month” proclamation is drawing fresh pushback from LGBTQ+ groups, as Republicans increasingly counterprogram Pride with alternative June observances. Energy & Culture Wars: The Trump administration is set to funnel nearly $700M into coal, including funding tied to plants in Indiana, as the broader fight over energy policy heats up. Local Governance Clash: Shelbyville’s data-center debate escalated after the mayor was caught saying “I only see them in shitty houses,” sparking outrage over how residents are being talked about. Sports-Adjacent Legal Drama: Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby’s NCAA eligibility fight appears to be moving toward the NFL as an appeal to reinstate him was denied.