AGP Executive Report

Indy Culture & Sports Merch: Pacers Sports & Entertainment named Jas Bell (Leonardo Chop) its first global design and product director, aiming to turn Fever and Pacers merchandise into a streetwear-level cultural product. IndyCar Legacy Shift: Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon confirmed he won’t return to Chip Ganassi Racing in 2027, ending a 24-year run that includes the 2008 Indy 500. Local Arts & Equity: Naptown African American Theatre Collective (NAATC), Indianapolis’ first Black equity theater nonprofit, announced it’s closing after four years. Education Watch: Northwest Allen County Schools is weighing a leadership transition, considering assistant superintendent Brandon Bitting as next superintendent. Community Health & Safety: Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project leaders pushed water-safety education, warning that many drownings involve people who overestimate their swimming ability. Grant Limits: Indiana’s Workforce Ready Grant will restrict new applications, prioritizing returning and independent students as funding tightens. LGBTQ+ Community Events: Bloomington’s Skate the Rainbow highlighted a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ skaters. Higher Ed Tension: IU College of Arts and Sciences faculty signed an open letter criticizing the removal of Executive Dean Rick Van Kooten.

IndyCar Buzz: Reports say Kiwi legend Scott Dixon is set to join Arrow McLaren for 2027, teaming with Indy 500 winner Felix Rosenqvist—ending Dixon’s 25-year Chip Ganassi run. Local Arts & Community: Muncie’s Three Trails Music Series lands Grammy-winning bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper for a free July 11 downtown concert. Workforce & Education: The Indiana Chamber and Aspire Johnson County are teaming up to expand work-based learning, helping employers connect with educators via an interactive career-activity map. Religion & Public Life: Indiana Humanities launches a multi-year “Matters of Religion” initiative exploring how faith and religious liberty shaped Indiana communities. Immigration Policy: The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, with Indiana experts saying the ruling brings relief even as concerns linger. Health & School Readiness: A practical guide highlights keeping kids up to date on vaccines and school health steps for the new year. Faith & Identity: A new book reframes “imposter syndrome” as a sign growth is demanding a new identity.

Election Integrity Fight: Georgia AG Chris Carr filed an amicus brief backing Indiana’s voter ID law, arguing states should control election rules and that voters still have multiple ways to register and vote. Health Access: A nationwide study finds nearly half of kidney transplant referrals never even start evaluation, with rural, older, Spanish-speaking, and lower-income patients hit hardest. Opioid Response: Fort Wayne is taking applications for opioid settlement grants focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, with deadlines set for late July. Immigration Courts: A Monroe County judge temporarily blocked part of Indiana’s new immigration law tied to ICE detainers, citing Fourth Amendment concerns. Community Arts & Philanthropy: Caesars Foundation of Floyd County awarded $400,000 to 33 local nonprofits, while the Fort Wayne Philharmonic named six music director finalists. Food & Local Economy: Kroger agreed to buy Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, with Indiana included in the multi-state footprint. Sports & Culture: Victor Willis, lead singer of Village People and “Y.M.C.A.” co-creator, died at 74. Independence Day Picks: Indianapolis-area July events spotlight Black history and patriotic performances as America’s 250th anniversary kicks off.

America 250 Spotlight: Gov. Mike Braun met with Dubois County leaders and urged Hoosiers to tap the Indiana 250 County Grant Program for local events, education, and celebrations, with applications accepted retroactively through July 31. Statehouse & Community Impact: Indiana lawmakers highlighted July 1 changes aimed at protecting children, easing burdens on farmers and small businesses, and tightening immigration enforcement cooperation. LGBTQ+ Rights in Sports: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on transgender women and girls competing on women’s teams, keeping Indiana’s 2022 and 2025 athlete-participation laws in place. Public Safety & Health: Indiana University named Tom Froehle vice president and general counsel; Parkview Health earned top North America nonprofit honors for workplace culture; and Spring View Hospital added Dr. Eric Griffin to expand women’s healthcare. Local Culture & Service: Visual arts roundup spotlights new Indianapolis-area exhibitions, while community volunteers and youth groups earned recognition, including a Book of Golden Deeds award for Paige Mengel and HOSA students competing in Indianapolis. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Indiana AG Todd Rokita warned Merrillville it could face a lawsuit unless it rescinds its opposition to an ICE facility. Weather Watch: A dangerous heat wave is baking the Midwest and Great Lakes, with hotter conditions expected to shift east around the Fourth of July.

Sports & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on trans girls playing on girls’ teams, a ruling that keeps similar restrictions in place in many states, with Indiana among those likely affected. Local Arts: Louisville artist Jalen Monet Stewart opened her first solo show at the Floyd County Cultural Arts Center in New Albany, spotlighting work rooted in community and heritage. Education & Foodways: A Center Grove High School culinary program is using Indiana’s work-based learning push to teach students about protein, cooking methods, and where food comes from. Politics & Community: Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard turned in about 74,000 signatures for a secretary of state bid, aiming to qualify as a third-party candidate. Public Media Moment: A rare Bob Ross original tied to Ball State PBS sold at auction for $320,000, with proceeds supporting the station. School Discipline: At H.L. Harshman Middle School in Indianapolis, out-of-school suspensions reportedly fell sharply as peace circles and restorative practices expanded. Culture & Faith: Trinity Lutheran Church in Indiana held an LGBTQ+ Pride worship service focused on inclusion and belonging.

Indiana Immigration & School Rules: New Indiana laws take effect July 1, including tighter compliance with immigration detainer requests, limits on student cell phone use during instruction, and new rules for teen social media accounts. Public Health & Safety: Marion County leaders highlight near–100% effective HIV prevention regimens and push PrEP awareness for younger Hoosiers; meanwhile, a faith-led vigil in Fort Wayne marked Indiana gun-violence deaths since January. LGBTQ+ Community: Indiana Youth Group celebrates 39 years supporting LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, expanding to more cities and offering wraparound services. Arts & Culture: IMS Museum opens a new “Jeff Gordon” exhibit July 1, and WISH-TV’s “Celebrating Pride 2026” spotlights local LGBTQ+ creators like saxophonist Jared Thompson. Education Watch: South Bend schools roll out a phone-off, out-of-sight policy for the school day starting July 1. Community Life: Newton County Public Library announces a packed July lineup, including summer reading and dinosaur-themed events.

Education & Community Scholarships: Warren County students can now apply for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship through the Warren County Community Foundation, with support for full tuition and required costs at eligible Indiana colleges. Family Fun & Local Entrepreneurship: Fort Wayne’s Junior Achievement is inviting families to explore JA Legacy Park this July via interactive challenges, trivia, and a free Summer Fun Starts Here launch party. Culture Through Sports: Indiana Fever star Kelsey Mitchell’s new Puma deal comes with a playful Tyrese Haliburton welcome, underscoring how women’s basketball branding keeps growing. Local Wellness Development: Columbus’ NexusPark partnership is turning a former mall into a 34-acre health and recreation hub with multiple medical practices and wellness programming. State Policy Hits July 1: Indiana lawmakers are spotlighting new laws taking effect next week, including changes tied to childcare access, taxes, immigration enforcement, farm and small-business support, and school phone rules. Immigration Enforcement Clash: Indiana AG Todd Rokita is pressing Merrillville to stop what he calls interference with ICE detention plans, warning of legal action. Digital Literacy in Schools: Indiana University’s James Damico urges teachers to help students test claims against peers and AI, not just learn to fact-check. Arts & Identity: Greencastle’s Summer Music Festival opens July 1 with “Roots and Roads,” a concert exploring travel, belonging, and identity. Health Reminder: Colon cancer screening guidance now starts at 45 for average-risk adults, with earlier screening for some women based on family history and conditions.

Apprenticeship Funding Gap: A push to reach 1 million new registered apprentices still faces a big shortfall, with experts pointing to limited money and outdated rules that make scaling hard. Local Heritage & Community Pride: Families tied to Lyles Station’s historic Black settlement marked a 62nd straight reunion at the Lyles Station Historic School and Museum, with scholarships and Smithsonian-linked recognition. Indiana Politics: Max Engling won the GOP nomination for Indiana Secretary of State, pitching election-integrity and voter-roll audit priorities for the November race. Immigration & Civil Rights: A Supreme Court ruling puts Indiana’s Haitian community at risk by allowing the end of TPS, and local groups are sharing practical next steps for affected families. Arts, Education & Youth: Bluffton High School students are installing a new mural on campus after a teacher creativity grant helped four students bring a polygon-style tiger design to life. AI and Creative Work: A study of a guaranteed-income program for artists finds creatives didn’t stop working—raising fresh interest in pay stability as AI reshapes jobs. Sports & Culture: Indiana’s track scene gets a spotlight as USATF U20 champs celebrate standout sprint performances, while Fort Wayne maps a full Fourth of July lineup with parade, history events, and fireworks.

Local Pride & Community: Warsaw held its first Pride Party at Bixler Park, drawing about 150 people for hotdogs, partner booths, and organizing led by Northern Indiana Democratic Socialists of America. Arts & Festivals: Valparaiso’s inaugural Sand+Steel Art Fest brought crowds downtown, with makers like a Portage wood artist demonstrating “true grit” sand-and-build techniques. Sports & Indiana Talent: The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Triathlon in Winona Lake topped out with Bastien Carel winning overall and Heather Schuh taking the women’s title, with proceeds supporting youth programs. Health & Faith in the Region: Franciscan Alliance CEO Kevin Leahy is stepping down at year’s end, and a new sports medicine doctor is joining the Franciscan Physician Network in Munster. Weather & Summer Safety: Monroe Lake remains open for boating, but all beaches are closed as water levels run more than 12 feet above normal after heavy storms. Obituaries: Dale Hancock, 73, of Vincennes, died June 24.

Sports & Community: Former Colts nickel corner Kenny Moore II says he’s hunting a winning fit while continuing his Indy community work as he looks for his next team. Local Culture: “Retro Indy” spotlights how Indiana Black Expo has showcased community for 55 years, tracing its roots and impact. Streaming Picks: Paramount+ and Prime Video both roll out big July 2026 lineups, including “Dutton Ranch” and “Elle,” plus other new movies and series. Indiana Policy Watch: The Indiana Gaming Commission tabled an NCAA push to ban player-specific college prop bets, kicking the decision to September. Hoosier Sports: Indiana Fever faces the Sparks without Caitlin Clark due to a back issue. Arts & Education: Ball State PBS benefits from a Bob Ross original painting auction tied to “The Joy of Painting.” Rural Tech Tension: A Purdue-led study finds rural Americans worry AI data centers will raise power bills, strain water, and eat prime farmland.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: The Fever will host the Sparks Saturday without Caitlin Clark, sidelined by a back issue after the Mercury game that also reignited debate over Alyssa Thomas’ suspension. Sports Culture: Kid Cudi amplified the Clark-Thomas controversy with a reposted reaction online, while Clark’s latest viral pointing moment keeps turning WNBA drama into meme fuel. NASCAR & Local Spotlight: Ryan Newman returns to Plymouth Motor Speedway to race his daughter in a midget series event, bringing big-name motorsport energy to Indiana. Motorsports Tournament: NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge kicks off at Sonoma with 16 head-to-head matchups, including Denny Hamlin vs. Ty Dillon. Arts & Community: Ball State PBS plans a Bob Ross painting auction in Muncie to support local public broadcasting, and Piedmont Opera’s “Opera Lite: ABC’s of Opera” brings an accessible opera intro to the Triad. Politics & Language Policy: A Tennessee bill would let police issue out-of-service orders to non-English proficient commercial drivers—raising fresh questions about language, safety, and enforcement. Local Development: Aetna-area residents in Gary want to convert a former elementary school into a retirement community, pitching a new hub for the neighborhood.

America 250 Celebrations: Zippo Manufacturing is hosting a free America250PA-McKean County concert and fireworks Thursday at the Zippo/Case Museum, with food trucks, family activities, and a ceremonial 30-by-60-foot flag raising at 6 p.m. Youth Leadership & Service: The Indiana FFA State Convention wrapped up with new statewide officers and a “Living to Serve” push that included packing 40,000 meals for Hoosiers facing food insecurity. Local Arts & Culture Spotlight: Indianapolis drag performer Ciara Myst, a Purdue grad and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” standout, is profiled as a social-media star who’s turned Indy roots into major local momentum, including headlining Indy Pride. Education & Speech: UW-Whitewater sophomore Amanda Eaton qualified for a national forensics competition after winning the Love Fest Alumni Tournament in Eau Claire, with her persuasive speech focused on misuse of fetal laws. Community Safety Programming: Indianapolis and Let Them Talk launch “Summer in the City,” offering Friday/Saturday activities for ages 12–17 aimed at keeping at-risk youth out of violence. Policy Watch: An Indiana lawmaker proposes ending property taxes by replacing them with a 7% sales tax on services like landscaping, legal fees, construction labor, and haircuts. Health & Work Culture: Parkview Health is again named to Newsweek’s “Greatest Workplaces in Health Care” list, highlighting employee satisfaction and support programs.

AI Workforce Shift: A new $500 million nonprofit, RAISE US (co-founded by Gina Raimondo and Eric Holcomb), is launching AI-focused retraining pilots with major employer partners in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, and Utah. Housing & Growth: Indiana’s single-family building permits in May were up 1% from April but down 7% from May 2025, underscoring ongoing affordability pressure. Education & Access: Legal Prep Charter Academy is opening an Indianapolis campus this August with a law-themed curriculum for grades 6–12. Community & Culture: The Monroe County History Club is drawing big crowds with its monthly lunch-and-lecture format, including a popular look at Bloomington’s past. Sports & Spotlight: Boise State heads to historic Hinkle Fieldhouse for a matchup with Butler, adding another chapter to Indiana basketball lore. Independence Day Planning: Michiana’s Fourth of July events for America’s 250th birthday include parades, fireworks, and festival stops across the region.

Public Safety Grants: Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) is taking applications for its Public Safety Education and Training Grant, now in its ninth year, with NiSource Charitable Foundation support for local nonprofits and first responders. Education & Schools: Indianapolis Public Schools approved Cold Spring School to stay in the Innovation Network as a charter innovation school, plus renewed/added innovation campuses including Global Prep Academy and Monarca Academy. Arts & Culture: The Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market & Festival returns June 27-28 with Native artists, food vendors, and performances, including Skywoman Dance Theater. Community & Wellness: Yoga Kulam USA and partners marked International Day of Yoga with “America250 – Healthy America” events, including Indianapolis-area programming. Sports & Local Life: Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s “Patriotic Pops” tour spotlights American music with free performances and fireworks tie-ins. Obituaries: Former Montgomery County educator Marsha Wade Mann, 90, died June 12. Fair Fun: Big Top Circus returns to the Indiana State Fair Aug. 7-23 with daily shows.

Immigration & Courts: Indiana lawmakers reacted to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that could remove thousands of Haitians in the state who rely on temporary protected status, with Republicans calling it a win for the rule of law and Democrats calling it inhumane. Public Safety & Privacy: Bloomington residents pressed police leadership over Flock license-plate cameras, after a public-records request surfaced thousands of emails and raised fears about how data is handled. Health & Inclusion: Special Olympics athletes got free screenings through the Healthy Athletes program, highlighting how universities and volunteers can improve care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Community & Education: IU Archives added Steve Tesich’s papers tied to Breaking Away, and Indiana’s “Start in Bloomington” initiative aims to keep young talent from leaving. Policy & Daily Life: New Indiana laws take effect July 1, including a public camping/sleeping ban with warnings and service referrals. Culture & Sports: Bloomington Roller Derby League hosts a Pride celebration, while Kate Douglass shattered the women’s 50 free world record in Indianapolis.

Indiana Education & Youth: Kids Count data flags reading struggles in Indiana, with more than half of 4th graders not reading proficiently, even as the state shows gains in other areas. Public Health Access: Marion County Public Health moved its Northeast District Health Office and expanded services; meanwhile Damien Center is running free HIV testing across multiple Indianapolis sites for National HIV Testing Day (June 26). Arts & Community Events: Eiteljorg’s Indian Market & Festival returns June 27–28 with more than 100 Native artists and a Haudenosaunee-led outdoor production; District Theatre stages The Colored Museum July 2–11. Local Culture & Heritage: A new Amelia Earhart mural arrives in downtown Lafayette as part of a DAR art-and-history outreach effort. Sports & Local Facilities: Princeton Community High School trustees approved major bids for the Tiger Fieldhouse and a new football/soccer locker room building. Civic Life & Policy Talk: Indiana lawmakers face renewed debate over eliminating property taxes, with supporters pitching a phase-out and critics warning about school funding impacts.