AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat Watch: The National Weather Service extended an Extreme Heat Warning for Central Indiana through Friday evening, with heat index values around 105–110°F and a risk of scattered storms over the holiday weekend. Crop Disease Alert: Purdue Extension says tar spot has already been detected in Indiana and humid, saturated conditions could drive more cases; farmers are urged to scout fields, especially near past hotspots. Data Centers & Power Demand: A new report warns that “behind-the-meter” natural gas plants feeding data centers could sharply raise climate pollution in Pennsylvania—part of a broader national surge tied to AI power needs. Local Infrastructure Planning: Portage is taking public input on the Central Avenue west rebuild, including drainage upgrades and possible changes at the Dombey Road intersection. Statehouse Oversight: Reps. Cory Criswell and Lindsay Patterson received interim study committee appointments, with Patterson joining Environmental Affairs and Roads & Transportation. Agriculture Policy: USDA’s final Regenerative Feedstock Rule is drawing attention from Indiana lawmakers as a potential boost for farmers and biofuel markets.

Heat & Public Safety: A heat dome is pushing extreme temperatures toward the Fourth of July, with Central and Eastern states—including Indiana—expecting dangerous heat and heat-index impacts. Local Impacts on Wildlife: In South Bend, Potawatomi Zoo is cutting attendance and using misting, shade, and ice treats to keep animals comfortable during triple-digit heat. Data Centers & Community Pressure: Indianapolis’ development commission advanced a data center zoning proposal with updated noise and setback standards, while residents in Pike County continue organizing against new data centers. Energy Regulation Watch: The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission faces a vacancy after member David Veleta’s resignation, setting up a new appointment process amid affordability concerns. PFAS in Drinking Water: The FDA moved to limit PFAS in bottled water, aligning with EPA’s drinking-water limits. Conservation & Outdoor Life: Indiana DNR is accepting nature art and photo submissions for 2027 hard-card hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. Urban Forestry: Rensselaer’s urban forestry council got approval for a tree-management grant, including a citywide tree inventory.

Extreme Heat Warning: The National Weather Service upgraded Central Indiana conditions to an Extreme Heat Warning through Thursday night, with heat indexes around 107°F and little overnight relief—prompting Red Cross guidance to hydrate, cool down, and check on neighbors. Utility Oversight: Indiana’s Utility Regulatory Commission faces a vacancy after member David Veleta resigned, opening the door for Gov. Mike Braun to appoint a new commissioner as affordability pressure grows. Local Cooling Support: Greene County emergency officials activated a heat-relief plan and opened public cooling centers, including a daily-access shelter site in Bloomfield. Public Health & Wildlife: A multi-year funding agreement signed by the White Earth Nation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will support natural resource and visitor services at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge through 2028. Waste & Stormwater Compliance: A Hamlet, Indiana facility filed a renewal notice to discharge stormwater exposed to industrial activity into the Benninghoff Ditch under IDEM rules. Energy & Climate Policy: Indiana is among 17 states suing California over its plastic packaging law, arguing it will raise costs for businesses and consumers. Community Health Workforce: Healthier Moms and Babies in Allen County completed training and certification for 10 community-based doulas drawn from neighborhoods with high infant mortality rates.

Health Coverage Crisis: Indiana hospitals are seeing a double-digit jump in emergency department visits since early 2025, tied to more Hoosiers losing insurance or shifting to high-deductible plans after ACA premium help ended and Medicaid eligibility checks tightened. Heat & Public Safety: With extreme heat warnings in place, Fort Wayne postponed “Lunch on the Square” to July 9, underscoring how summer weather is disrupting community life. Wildlife & Roads: Bear sightings are rising in southern Indiana and the region; Kentucky officials say “teenage” bears roam widely during breeding season, after a young bear was killed by a vehicle near Corinth. Local Governance & Environment: Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission resignations are raising alarms about public input limits, while state agencies continue work on oversight and permitting issues. Community & Preparedness: Indiana cooling resources are being promoted, including ways to find nearby cooling centers through Indiana 211 as heat risks grow.

Coal & Power Reliability: The Trump administration ordered another 90-day extension for two Indiana coal plants, keeping units like NIPSCO’s Schahfer Generating Station running through mid-September while citing summer blackout risk and energy costs. Heat Safety: Doctors and local officials are urging Hoosiers to take extreme heat seriously ahead of the July 4 weekend, with guidance on hydration, cooling, and higher risk for older adults, people on certain meds, and pets. Toxic Recycling Scrutiny: A new report flags hazardous chemicals stored at “chemical” recycling facilities, raising concerns about fire and spill risks and pointing to Indiana records as part of the push for tougher rules. Natural Resources Governance: Three Indiana Natural Resources Commission members resigned, saying public input limits and state administration involvement have undercut transparent conservation decision-making. State Parks Expansion: Indiana added more than 1,400 acres of northern forestland to the state parks system, folding Salamonie River and Frances Slocum into existing park management plans. Local Health Equity: Lawrence adopted a “live longer in Lawrence” push after a metro study found an eight-year life expectancy gap, aiming to tackle root causes and expand access to care. Living With Lakes: A Valparaiso seminar highlighted how climate change and disappearing insect species can ripple through Indiana ecosystems and food systems. Cannabis Policy Data: An Op-Ed argues Indiana needs a data-informed approach as neighboring states legalize and intoxicating hemp products stay widely available. School Discipline Reform: At an Indianapolis middle school, out-of-school suspensions reportedly fell 95% over four years as mediation and restorative practices replaced exclusionary discipline.

Data Centers in Indiana: Whitley County commissioners are moving toward a data-center moratorium until an ordinance is finished, with residents pressing for clearer zoning, environmental review, and protections around water, electricity, and decommissioning costs. Mosquito Control: Munster is resuming mosquito spraying after a pause, citing higher mosquito activity and public-health risks, while also treating storm sewer catch basins and stagnant water areas. Public Health: The CDC reports 513 Salmonella cases tied to backyard poultry across 43 states, with summer peak risk—especially for kids under five—prompting renewed warnings about handling live birds. Wildlife & Conservation: A New Haven woman launches “Batty for Indiana” to make the Indiana bat the state’s official mammal, aiming to boost conservation awareness. Extreme Heat & Cooling Help: Indiana is opening cooling centers and pointing residents to Indiana 211 for locations and hours. Local Food & Health: Northeast Indiana Local Food Week highlights “Local Food is Medicine,” connecting residents with farms through tours and free events. Sports + Environment Watch: Soil testing is underway for the Chicago Bears’ potential Hammond stadium site near Wolf Lake, adding another layer to local land and wetland concerns.

Data Center Pushback: Whitley County commissioners say they’ll pause new data center proposals until a county ordinance is finished, with residents citing worries about water, electricity, zoning, and decommissioning costs. Local Governance: Hanover Township residents also urged a data center moratorium after zoning approval tied to the Jefferson Proving Ground, asking for environmental assessment requirements, operational limits, and bonds. Public Health & Climate Impacts: Monroe County activated emergency cooling stations for residents during the heat advisory period, emphasizing walk-in cooling (not overnight stays). Water Quality: NOAA forecasts a moderate harmful algal bloom season for Lake Erie, with toxin-producing scum most likely in the western basin starting in July. Recycling & Waste: IDEM opened grant funding for Indiana recycling projects, offering $50,000 to $500,000 awards with applications due July 29. Legal/Policy: A federal judge blocked an Indiana law requiring extra disclosures from proxy advisers, marking a third win for the firms.

Heat Advisory: The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory across Indiana as humidity pushes heat index values to about 105–108 degrees, raising the risk of heat illness for anyone outdoors. Flooding Impacts: Monroe Lake is running 12 feet above normal pool after heavy rain and storms, with all beaches closed until at least late July while boating continues under safety guidance. Wildlife Conservation: Indiana bats were rediscovered in North Carolina after 14 years, with a maternity roost found in a hemlock—highlighting ongoing recovery work for an endangered species. Immigration & Community Risk: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows the Trump administration to end Haitian and Syrian temporary protected status, putting thousands of Haitians in Indiana at risk and triggering fears of job loss and disruptions to schools and health care. Public Health & Environment: Indiana’s animal health community is preparing for New World screwworm after the fly reached the U.S., a threat to livestock, pets, wildlife, and potentially people.

Heat & Storms: A long, dangerous heatwave is set to expand across the lower Great Lakes and Ohio/Mississippi River valleys, with high humidity making it feel even hotter ahead of the Fourth of July. Severe Weather Record: Illinois is reporting 172 confirmed tornadoes in 2026, including 70 in April, driven by heat, humidity, and the right atmospheric setup. Flooding Aftermath (Indiana): Monroe Lake is 12 feet above normal and all beaches are closed until at least late July, though boating remains open with safety cautions. Clean Water & Pollution Fight: Indiana is part of a 17-state lawsuit challenging California’s plastic packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance. Coal Ash Rules: A guest column warns proposed coal ash rules could threaten Indiana groundwater, citing contamination risks from unlined disposal sites. Local Water Infrastructure: Northwest Indiana crews are building a database of culverts and other stream structures to see whether they help or hinder water flow and wildlife movement. Animal Health: Elanco says it’s preparing for New World screwworm after the first U.S. livestock case was confirmed in Texas.

Severe Weather: Flash flooding and storm threats hit the Ohio Valley, with Kentucky reporting multiple deaths and emergency declarations as heavy rain overwhelms saturated ground, and forecasts warn conditions could also spill into Indiana. Air Quality Regulation: A federal appeals court rejected the EPA’s bid to lift Biden-era soot limits for coal plants, keeping the annual PM2.5 cap in place and drawing praise from environmental groups. Plastic Packaging Fight: Indiana joined 16 other states in suing California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise costs. Data Centers vs. Rural Life: A Purdue-linked study says rural Americans are worried about AI-driven data center growth—especially electricity bills, water strain, and loss of prime farmland. Local Waterways Work: Northwest Indiana crews are building an inventory of culverts and other stream structures to see whether they help or hinder water flow and wildlife movement. Indiana Health & Work: Parkview Health again made Newsweek’s “Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare” list, highlighting employee satisfaction metrics.

Plastic Fight: Indiana has joined a 16-state lawsuit challenging California’s 2022 plastic packaging law, arguing it unlawfully forces nationwide compliance and could raise costs for everyday goods. Water & Wildlife: Northwest Indiana crews are building a database of culvert, bridge, and dam conditions to see whether structures help or block water flow for fish and other wildlife. Heat Risk: Forecasters warn a July 4 heat dome could push dangerous temperatures across the Midwest and East, with Indiana in the higher-than-normal zone and limited overnight relief. Severe Weather Watch: Southwest Indiana and nearby areas face a Friday evening threat of heavy rain (with pockets near 4 inches) and isolated tornadoes. Wildlife Management: Indiana DNR proposes raising the bobcat trapping quota from 250 to 400, drawing criticism from animal advocates who say population data is insufficient. Public Health & Environment: West Nile virus has been detected in Elkhart County mosquito testing, adding to Indiana’s summer disease watch. Energy Efficiency: SWEPCO delivered a $49,505 incentive to support energy-saving upgrades for Kilgore High School, targeting major annual electricity savings. DNR Engagement: Hoosiers can submit nature-themed artwork for next year’s Indiana hard card hunting and fishing licenses.

Air Quality Oversight: A new Indianapolis Star report says the Lifeline Data Center in the former Eastgate Mall ran for 15 years using multiple backup diesel generators without an air permit, highlighting gaps in how Indiana regulates emissions from data centers. Wildlife & Public Health: Elkhart County mosquito testing found West Nile virus in a mosquito pool, prompting warnings for outdoor precautions as warmer, wetter weather ramps up. Wildlife Management Clash: Indiana DNR proposed raising the bobcat trapping quota from 250 to 400, while animal advocates and two commission members resigned over concerns about transparency and whether there’s enough population data. EPA Brownfields Funding: Clay County won a $400,000 EPA grant to assess potentially contaminated sites for future cleanup and redevelopment, including properties in Brazil, Clay City, and Knightsville. Severe Weather Watch: Indiana climatologist Beth Hall says a break from more severe weather is likely for about a week, with periodic showers and heavy rain possible in northern Indiana late this weekend. Nature Education: Indiana DNR is taking submissions for next year’s hard card hunting and fishing license art, with a nature-and-wildlife theme and a ban on AI-generated entries.

Indiana FFA & Soy Innovation: At the 97th Indiana FFA State Convention, Indiana Soybean Alliance and Goodyear highlighted a new E85-fueled FFA car and soybean-oil tire tread, pitching bio-based materials as a practical way to boost Indiana soy value and performance in wet and cold weather. Immigration & Indiana Families: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the Trump administration can end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians, a decision that could hit thousands of Hoosiers, including a large Haitian community in Indiana. Data Centers & Local Environmental Tension: Pennsylvania’s data center debate shows the same fight Indiana communities are likely to face—Shapiro’s incentive plan versus lawmakers pushing to repeal the tax break, with environmental conditions and transparency at the center. Wildlife Monitoring: Indiana DNR is launching its summer wild turkey brood count (July 1–Aug. 31), asking Hoosiers to report hens with poults and broodless hens to track population health. Plastics Fight Reaches Indiana: Seventeen GOP attorneys general, including Indiana’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs nationwide. Heat & Storm Risk in the Midwest: Illinois is seeing a record tornado count early in the year, raising questions about how much is reporting change versus climate-driven shifts. Teacher Pay Pressure: Indiana is still lagging other states on average teacher salaries and faces pay compression, according to new education data. Energy & Grid Costs: A new critique argues electricity market rules can leave consumers paying for power that never gets generated—an issue that matters for Indiana utility bills.

Steel Mill Fight: Environmental groups sued the EPA over alleged delays on a petition tied to U.S. Steel’s Gary Works air permit, arguing the mill’s Title V requirements don’t adequately track pollution compliance. Animal Health Alert: Indiana’s Board of Animal Health issued a New World screwworm movement advisory after detections in New Mexico and Texas, warning the pest could hitch rides into Indiana and harm livestock and pets. Data Center Policy Clash: Pennsylvania lawmakers split over data center incentives—one bill adds conditions tied to a major tax break, while another would repeal the sales tax exemption—showing how environmental concerns are colliding with economic development goals. Local Conservation Leadership: Barry Fisher, an Indiana conservation leader, was recognized as an Honorary Indiana Master Farmer for decades of soil health work through the NRCS. Plastics Pushback: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Indiana, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and overreach into interstate commerce. Industry Reshuffle: Michelin said it will close its BFGoodrich plant in Alabama and shift most output to Fort Wayne, pointing to weaker demand and tighter competition. Community & Learning: A new Indiana microschool network is expanding, with one Hancock County site blending public-school structure with Montessori-style pacing and strong parent involvement.

Energy Policy & Costs: A new report says U.S. DOE “emergency” orders keeping fossil plants running are adding costs, even as some units produce less than before—raising the question of whether the data-center-driven demand argument is worth the price. Indiana Public Health & Environment: The Indiana State Board of Animal Health issued a New World screwworm movement advisory after detections in New Mexico and Texas, warning the pest isn’t in Indiana yet but could arrive on people or animals. Local Governance & Homelessness: Indiana’s new public camping ban (SEA 285) takes effect July 1, with penalties for sleeping or long-term shelter on unauthorized public land—alongside provisions meant to connect people to services during dangerous weather. Air Quality Oversight: Environmental groups sued the EPA over delays on acting on a petition tied to the Gary Works operating permit, alleging missed Clean Air Act deadlines and weak monitoring requirements. Plastic Pollution Fight: Seventeen Republican attorneys general, including Indiana’s, sued California over its single-use plastics packaging law, arguing it will raise costs and improperly extend regulatory power. Community Climate Education: The Valparaiso Chain of Lakes Watershed Group hosts “Living With Lakes” with talks on climate change, insect biodiversity, PFAs in fish, plastic pollution, and turtles. Wildlife & Water: Invasive species removal is planned at Brickyard Nature Park, while a separate seminar highlights local watershed concerns.

Public Health: Lyme disease risk is rising in the Midwest, with deer ticks now establishing in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Michigan—raising concern for Hoosiers as tick-bite visits climb and diagnosis may lag. Extreme Weather: A dangerous heat wave is building for next week across the eastern U.S., with the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes/Indiana region in the bullseye for above-normal temperatures and high heat-index risk. Local Environment & Wildlife: Brickyard Nature Park is planning invasive plant removal to restore native understory and protect wildlife, with work slated to begin in early 2027. Water & Emergency Response: Indianapolis firefighters rescued a man after he swam out to a pickup stranded in the White River near West 16th Street; heavy rain could delay removal of the vehicle. Homelessness Policy: Indiana’s new public camping ban takes effect July 1, with enforcement steps that include warnings, service referrals, and possible misdemeanor penalties. Governance & Pollution Oversight: Environmental groups sued the EPA over delays on a renewed operating permit for U.S. Steel’s Gary Works, arguing communities are left in limbo about pollution limits. Plastics & Indiana in the Fight: Indiana is among 17 states suing California over its plastics packaging rules, arguing the requirements will raise costs for everyday goods.