AGP Executive Report

Flood Recovery in Indiana: The White River’s historic crest has left Hoosiers weighing evacuation decisions, with Rocky Ripple’s levee holding thanks to roughly 1,000 volunteers and about 15,000 sandbags after storms and record flooding; at least 6 people died statewide as heavy rain and flash flooding remained possible. Wetlands & Wildlife Protection: IDEM rescheduled a virtual public hearing for a Hobart wetlands permit to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 after Lake County power outages, with the proposal targeting 5.49 acres of wetlands and stream impacts near habitat ranges for the Indiana bat and rusty patched bumblebee. State Police Traffic Safety: Indiana State Police released July enforcement stats, including 34,886 traffic stops, 324 drunk-driving arrests, and 6 fatal crashes investigated. Local Schools After Storms: Northwest Indiana districts reported ongoing disruptions, including power-dependent closures and delayed reopenings, plus community support events with meals and charging stations. Agriculture & Conservation: Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith honored Putnam County farmer Mark Legan with the AgriVision Award, highlighting no-till and cover crops alongside livestock and row-crop production.

Flood Recovery in Indiana: Indiana is still reeling from days of severe storms and record flooding, with the White River cresting in Indianapolis and officials reporting at least six deaths, evacuations, and ongoing flash-flood risk as power restoration and cleanup continue. Federal Aid Triggered: Gov. Mike Braun says President Trump approved a presidential emergency declaration for Indiana, unlocking federal support for water rescues, sandbagging, shelters, and emergency supplies. Local Storm Impacts: Northwest Indiana schools face reopening delays and closures due to outages and unstable power, while NIPSCO-backed community support events are offering meals, charging, and storm-safety help. Wildlife & Habitat Watch: IDEM rescheduled a virtual public hearing for a Hobart wetlands permit after Lake County power outages; the proposal would fill and excavate wetlands and stream channel near sensitive species habitat. Animal Shelters Under Strain: In NWI, shelters including Humane Indiana report disrupted operations from the storms, with staff using limited power and phones down while caring for frightened animals. Public Health Reminder: A frozen dog food recall tied to salmonella risk includes Indiana among affected states.

Flood Disaster Response: Indiana’s White River has surged past the 1913 Great Flood benchmark, with the state still tracking major flooding along the system and preparing for more heavy rain impacts; Gov. Mike Braun has requested federal help and says the presidential emergency declaration would unlock FEMA support for rescues, sandbagging, shelters, and power/road repairs. Storm Toll: State officials put the death count at at least five from the week’s storms, including flooding in central Indiana and high winds in the northwest, with more deaths still under review. Local Levee Fight: In Rocky Ripple, residents mobilized in large numbers to stop levee leaks as water began overtopping barriers, passing sandbags and coordinating around the neighborhood’s town hall area. Energy & Air Pollution: A lawsuit challenges Indiana’s electricity future as a federal consent decree pushes early closure of Rockport Generating Station units totaling 2,600 megawatts, raising questions about replacement power amid rising demand from data centers and electrification. Cleaner Steel Push: A new report highlights direct reduced iron as a lower-emissions path for U.S. steel, including analysis covering Northern Indiana. Wildlife Education: Eckhart Public Library is hosting an “Introduction to Invasive Species” workshop focused on local threats like spotted lanternfly and poison hemlock.

Severe Flooding Response: Indiana’s White River has crested above the 1913 Great Flood mark, with storms and flash flooding leaving at least five dead and forcing evacuations across central and eastern Indiana; Gov. Mike Braun has requested a presidential emergency declaration for FEMA help, while the National Guard and state agencies keep working rescues, power restoration, and cleanup. Federal & State Recovery Aid: Braun says federal funds would support swift-water rescues, sandbagging, shelters, emergency supplies, and road and power repairs as officials warn the flooding isn’t fully over yet. Local Disaster Impacts: U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box container use at Indiana locations to help residents affected by the flooding. Energy & Air Quality Legal Fight: A lawsuit challenges the early closure of Rockport Generating Station, arguing Indiana families and businesses could lose 2,600 megawatts of electricity without a clear replacement plan. Wildlife & Invasive Species Education: Eckhart Public Library hosts an “Introduction to Invasive Species” workshop, highlighting threats like spotted lanternfly and poison hemlock. Manufacturing Investment: Gov. Braun announces Vulcraft’s $59M expansion in St. Joe, adding up to 20 high-wage jobs by 2027. Steel Emissions Update: A new report points to direct reduced iron as a lower-emission steel path, with major cuts in greenhouse gases and local air pollution.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Indiana is still cleaning up after storms, flash flooding, and a derecho, with Gov. Mike Braun requesting FEMA help and local disaster responses continuing across affected communities. Water Quality & Wastewater: Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s wastewater plant again reported permit exceedances tied to race-week ammonia discharge into Eagle Creek, raising fresh concerns for downstream impacts. Energy & Air Pollution: A lawsuit is challenging the early closure of Rockport Generating Station units totaling 2,600 megawatts, arguing Indiana’s power needs are rising while a major source is set to shut down. Steel & Emissions: A new report highlights direct reduced iron as a lower-emission steel pathway, including findings for Northern Indiana. Local Industry Expansion: Vulcraft plans a $59M expansion in St. Joe, adding up to 20 jobs and new grating production capacity. Wildlife & Invasives: Eckhart Public Library and Purdue Extension will host an invasive species workshop, while Indiana wildlife groups continue treating animals hurt by storms. Community Relief: U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box use at Indiana locations for storm-impacted residents. Public Health: A frozen raw dog food recall for possible salmonella contamination includes Indiana.

Severe Storms & Flooding: Indiana kept getting hit as flash flooding and power outages followed earlier severe weather, with Gov. Mike Braun declaring a statewide disaster emergency and officials warning conditions could worsen. Derecho Explained: One of the week’s major storm events was identified as a derecho—an organized, long-lived line of thunderstorms producing widespread straight-line wind damage. Local Relief Efforts: U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box container use at 34 Indiana locations to help residents dealing with storm impacts. Wastewater Pollution Watch: Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s wastewater plant again reported permit exceedances tied to race-week ammonia discharge into Eagle Creek, raising ongoing concerns for aquatic pollution. Wildlife & Public Health: Indiana Wildlife Rescue reported treating dozens of animals injured in storms, while a separate salmonella-related pet food recall included Indiana. Weather Outlook: Forecasts point to more rain chances in the near term, keeping flood risk on the radar. Nuclear Research: Purdue’s PUR-1 reactor is testing machine learning and AI for future reactor control and maintenance. Stadium Environmental Testing: Hammond Bears stadium plans hinge on soil and environmental testing near Wolf Lake before any final decision.

Severe Weather Response: Indiana is under a statewide disaster emergency after Aug. 11 storms brought flooding, tornadic activity and a derecho, with state agencies ramping up rescue, debris removal and road monitoring. Storm Impacts on Wildlife: Indiana wildlife rescuers took in more than 40 injured animals after the storms, including an adult bald eagle, with DNR helping collect and transport patients and officials urging people not to handle wildlife. Weather Communication: Indiana officials clarified why some Severe Thunderstorm Warnings include “tornado possible” language, noting it reflects real-time rotation risk and radar limits rather than a guaranteed tornado. Air Quality Hearing Fight: Eight Boone County residents were denied a public hearing by IDEM on possible Eli Lilly air pollutants tied to a permit modification request for new emergency generators and combustion units. Public Health—Bird Flu Status: Indiana’s poultry industry received an HPAI-free declaration after clearing required waiting periods with no new detections, easing trade barriers for Hoosier poultry. Public Health—Salmonella Eggs: The FDA upgraded a multistate Salmonella egg recall to Class I, including Indiana-distributed cartons tied to Midwest Poultry Services. Water Quality & Regulation: A letter to the editor argues Indiana law changes weaken IDEM’s ability to act on PFAS and other emerging contaminants, pointing to local E. coli concerns flowing toward Hamilton Lake. Agriculture & Workforce: BioCrossroads announced charter members for Indiana’s life sciences talent association to build training pathways for the sector.

Severe Weather Response: Indiana has declared a statewide disaster emergency after a damaging Aug. 11 storm wave brought flooding, tornado activity, and a derecho, prompting emergency operations upgrades, debris removal, and DNR swift-water rescues. Local Emergency Management: Burns Harbor also declared a local emergency disaster, citing widespread outages and damage, and focused crews on keeping lift stations running while residents conserve water and Lakeland Park stays closed. Stadium & Land-Use Watch: The Chicago Bears say their “sole focus” is Hammond, Indiana, with two nearby Wolf Lake-area sites under study and environmental work reportedly completed at Lost Marsh; the team also says it will keep the “Chicago Bears” name even if it crosses the border. Shoreline Access: A Wisconsin court fight over public access to Lake Michigan shoreline trust land continues, with a decision expected by Sept. 4 after arguments over whether a beach walker trespassed. Industry & Jobs: Vulcraft will expand steel operations east of St. Joe with a $59M investment and up to 20 new jobs by 2027. Education (Not Environment, but Local): Marion County lawmakers highlighted rising IREAD reading scores for a fifth straight year.

Extreme Heat Warning: Southern Indiana is under an extreme heat alert with dangerous heat index values and little overnight relief, raising risks for people and pets. Storm Impacts & Wildlife: After severe storms in northern Indiana, Humane Wildlife Indiana reported more than 120 injured or displaced animals, including an adult bald eagle, while rescuers worked through outages. Flooding Fix on S.R. 257: INDOT unveiled plans for an elevated bridge and road reconstruction in Pike County to cut frequent flood closures and improve safety near the East Fork of the White River. Wetlands at Risk from Data Center Expansion: Federal wetlands near Fort Wayne could be filled for another phase of Google’s data center project, threatening flood protection and habitat. Local Water Infrastructure Pressure: Fort Branch is weighing a $14M long-term sewer fix versus a $5M option tied to IDEM compliance, with residents facing higher bills. Transportation Funding Fight: Indiana road and bridge groups renewed calls for a long-term funding plan as the gasoline tax suspension drags on. Wildlife Monitoring: Indiana DNR is inviting volunteers to report bat roosts through a summer monitoring project to track populations and guide conservation. Tornado Alley Shift: A modeler says tornado risk is moving eastward into more populated areas, driven by a warming climate and higher exposure.

Severe Weather & Power Restoration: A powerful storm system slammed the Midwest, with Indiana hit hard by high winds, tornadoes, and widespread outages; Gov. Mike Braun and state agencies coordinated cleanup and restoration after damage in Northwest Indiana and beyond. Local Emergency Response: Indiana’s emergency center fielded a huge number of assistance requests as local partners stabilized conditions and kept information flowing. Data Centers & Local Control: Warrick County became the first Indiana county to officially pause data center permits, creating a committee for deeper review after residents raised concerns about projects like “Project Zora.” AI Infrastructure Policy: A federal EPA advisory committee was revitalized, with Indiana’s Ben Queen named to help guide how local governments handle siting and development of AI infrastructure sustainably. Energy & Infrastructure Funding: Indiana road builders warned that gas tax breaks are draining long-term road funding, pushing the state toward reinstating charges or finding new revenue streams. Pipeline Fight: Indiana is among a coalition of states backing a legal push to keep the Line 5 gas pipeline open, arguing federal authority should override Michigan’s shutdown attempt. Wildlife & Public Education: Purdue animal sciences students served as “Animal Ambassadors” at the Indiana State Fair, helping visitors learn about animal care and agriculture.

Solar Policy Fight: A guest column argues Indiana’s 2017 solar law makes rooftop solar financially tough for homeowners while boosting utilities’ profits. Wastewater & Compliance: North Manchester officials defend a wastewater project and sewer-rate hike as required to cut combined sewer overflows into the Eel River, citing years of EPA/IDEM oversight. Road Funding Pressure: A road-building coalition warns Indiana’s extended gas tax holiday is creating a long-term funding cliff, threatening basic maintenance and future investment. Severe Weather Reality Check: CNN reports deadly, relentless storms and flooding risk across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, including impacts in Indiana. Public Health & Risk: A nationwide study links living near dry cleaners to higher Parkinson’s disease risk, with the strongest association for people closest to facilities. Wildlife & Recreation: Indiana DNR’s state fair snake show highlights local venomous species and urges safe, educational encounters. Invasive Species Watch: Spotted lanternflies are surging across the Northeast and Midwest, including Indiana, as mating season ramps up. Local Land Use: Allen County commissioners move toward selling the former Byron Health property, with environmental reports already in the mix.

Severe Storms & Power Loss: A long-lived derecho slammed the Midwest, bringing 75+ mph winds across a 300-mile stretch from northeast Iowa to northern Indiana and leaving more than 840,000 customers without power across multiple states, with additional rounds and flash-flood risk expected. Road Funding Pressure: Indiana’s gas tax holiday is already draining about half a billion dollars, and transportation groups warn the state faces a long-term “funding cliff” unless lawmakers adjust the model. Data Centers & Water/Energy Transparency: A State Affairs Insider panel says data center opponents are winning momentum with moratoriums, but more disclosure of power and water use, earlier community engagement, and stronger ratepayer protections could ease tensions. Wildlife Rulemaking: The Indiana Natural Resources Commission opened a second public comment period on proposed bobcat season changes, including adding hunting and raising the quota. Leave No Trace at State Parks: Indiana State Parks is urging visitors to stop leaving behind artificial trinkets after dozens of items were found on trails at Pokagon State Park in a single weekend. Climate Watch: NOAA reports July 2026 tied July 2024 as the hottest July on record, underscoring ongoing heat extremes. Solar Eclipse Viewing: Indiana residents can’t see the total eclipse, but nearby states will get partial views on Aug. 12, with NASA noting the Perseids peak around the new moon.

Cybersecurity for water utilities: Suspected Iranian hackers have hit municipal water systems in at least a dozen states, reviving warnings that many small Indiana-area utilities are easy targets and pushing renewed calls for stronger federal cyber rules. Heat and climate impacts: A NOAA report says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., adding to concerns that hotter nights and longer heat waves strain people, crops, and infrastructure. Local nature and restoration: Indiana’s Beanblossom Bottoms Nature Preserve highlights protected habitat for species like the endangered Indiana bat, while NICHES Land Trust is moving nearly 90 acres at Williams Woods Preserve from farmland back to native prairie and thicket to improve wildlife habitat and water quality. Farmland and pollution legacy: Reporting on “forever chemicals” shows PFAS contamination on Indiana farmlands and traces how it got there. Data centers vs. rural communities: Warrick County residents are pushing back on “Project Zora,” with commissioners saying no formal approvals or applications have been filed yet. Energy costs and regulation: Coverage notes governors increasingly pressure utility regulators as electricity bills rise, with Indiana cited among states facing rate fights. Outdoor safety: A heat advisory in Gibson County warns of dangerous heat index values and urges precautions for residents and pets.

Heat & Health: Gibson County remains under a heat advisory through Thursday, with heat index values around 103–109°F and guidance to prevent heat illness. Severe Weather Watch: Another round of storms could bring damaging winds across Indiana this afternoon into tonight, with some areas seeing 60–70 mph gusts and a small tornado risk. Climate Record: NOAA reports July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., reinforcing how warming intensifies heat waves. Water Security: A new report highlights cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems, exposing weak cybersecurity protections and gaps in federal oversight. Local Cleanup: Fort Wayne has started environmental remediation at the long-vacant North River site, funded by EPA and Indiana Brownfields, to prepare for new development. Pollution & Health Policy: An opinion piece argues that rolling back environmental protections could worsen public health, tying air and water rules to saved lives. Energy & Rates: A Michigan utility-regulator proposal aims to change how rate cases work to curb rising electricity costs—Indiana is mentioned in regional pricing comparisons.

School Referendum Watch: Indiana voters face a historic November with 37 school districts—especially in Marion and Hamilton counties—asking for operating referendums as property taxes stay front and center. Local Politics & Public Schools: A new law will let school board candidates list party affiliation, raising the stakes for voters to look past labels and focus on funding and classroom priorities. Data Center Pushback (Indy): Indianapolis City-County Council is set to consider pausing new data center development through 2027 after residents raised concerns about noise, light pollution, and utility costs. Forever Chemicals on Farms: A new report says PFAS “forever chemicals” are showing up on Indiana farmland and traces how they got there. Drought Update (Region): Northwest Ohio remains abnormally dry while central Michigan is in moderate drought, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Medicaid Churn Costs: Hoosiers are dropping off Medicaid rolls at high rates, with paperwork and verification problems driving churn that also hits families, hospitals, and taxpayers. Agriculture & Energy: An Ag Policy Summit highlighted how electricity, biofuels, and grid stress intersect with Indiana corn and soybean policy. Soil Science Hiring: Huntington University added Dr. Jessi Haeft to expand soil health and sustainable agriculture teaching.

Data Centers in Indiana: Indianapolis City-County Council is set to vote on a proposal to pause new data center development through the end of 2027, after residents raised concerns about noise, light pollution, and utility costs. Rural Internet Buildout: Indiana is preparing to roll out BEAD broadband funding expected to bring high-speed service to about 123,000 homes and businesses across 91 counties. PFAS on Farmland: A report highlights “forever chemicals” showing up on Indiana’s farmlands via biosolids, pointing to gaps in current safeguards for PFAS. Forever Chemicals & Health: A nationwide Medicare study found people living within about a tenth of a mile of a dry cleaner had higher Parkinson’s odds, adding to the debate over chemical exposure. Regional Planning: NIRPC is updating its NWI 2050+ plan and is asking the public for input through November, including transportation and transit-oriented development goals. Local Cleanup Watch: Edgerton officials approved a wage study and discussed progress toward wrapping up environmental cleanup work at the former Edgerton Metals site with EPA and contractors. Heat & Safety: Indiana State Fair opening weekend drew crowds despite 90s temperatures, with organizers emphasizing air-conditioned space, shade, and water stations.