AGP Executive Report

Rural Healthcare Funding: Gov. Braun’s GROW grant program is sending $120 million to eight Indiana regions to expand rural healthcare access with local partnerships and new tech. Road Safety for Travelers: INDOT is launching a “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right” campaign to prevent bridge strikes from oversize vehicles—reminding drivers not to rely on navigation apps. Public Safety in NWI: Braun and Indiana State Police highlighted major interstate enforcement wins in Northwest Indiana, including narcotics pipeline takedowns and interstate shooting case solves. Immigration Impact in Indiana: Temporary Protected Status for Haitians has ended, leaving thousands in Indiana facing uncertainty about work and legal status. Travel Disruption Reminder: TSA says Civil War-era cannonballs were found in checked luggage at an Alabama airport—another reminder to pack carefully. Indiana Events & Fun: Gen Con 2026 continues to draw visitors to Indianapolis, and a new trail-focused push in South Bend adds to summer travel options.

Gen Con Indy: Charlene DeLoach previews top board games for Gen Con 2026 (July 30–Aug. 2) at the Indiana Convention Center, with family-friendly picks and travel-friendly puzzle options. Road Trip Planning: Gen Con’s ticket and parking guide is out, plus tips for what to do if you lose your badge. Fuel Watch: Gas prices are still sensitive to Middle East oil supply worries; in the week ending July 18, Ste. Genevieve County, Mo. hit $3.29 regular at the low end, while diesel pricing remains higher across the region. Local Events: The 2026 Mitchell Persimmon Festival guide is now available for Sept. 19–26 in Mitchell, with daily events, food booths, contests, and the Grand Parade. Travel Safety: TSA says five historic Civil War-era cannonballs were found in checked baggage at Gulf Shores International Airport and safely returned to Fort Morgan after investigation. Indiana Sports on the Move: Butler adds three home nonconference games (Northeastern, Presbyterian, South Carolina Upstate) and opens with an exhibition vs. Indiana on Oct. 11.

Indiana Summer Travel & Accessibility: A new piece on the ADA anniversary spotlights how higher education access in Indiana isn’t just ramps and doors—it’s also time, tech, affordability, and flexibility, noting that removing barriers helps everyone, including travelers and families. New Housing for Visitors & Locals: Varcity has closed on “Varcity at Purdue,” a university-based retirement community in West Lafayette slated to open in summer 2028, with 239 rentals on a 13.5-acre campus in partnership with Purdue and the Purdue for Life Foundation. Walkability Upgrade in Indiana: New Haven and Allen County celebrated a half-mile trail connecting Lincoln Highway to the New Haven District, aiming to improve pedestrian safety, visibility, and access to future development. Travel Safety Reminder: TSA says five cannonballs stolen from Fort Morgan were found in checked luggage at Gulf Shores International Airport—an “Indiana Jones-esque” catch that was inert, but still a serious no-go for travelers. Local Weather Disruption: A thunderstorm hit Indianapolis with power outages for more than 23,000 customers and a flash flood warning in effect. Roadside Caution: Police report a Mitchell man allegedly drove nearly 80 mph toward a family event while intoxicated, leading to multiple charges.

New Indiana Travel Stop: Wally’s opened its first Indiana store in Whitestown (June 30), a 53,000-square-foot “destination” along I-65 with 84 fueling positions, EV charging, fresh food, and bakery items—aimed at drawing road-trippers and boosting local business. Road-Trip Safety Push: INDOT launched “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right,” reminding drivers to verify clearance before passing under low bridges; Indiana sees about 40 bridge strikes a year. Local Infrastructure Funding: Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is sending major road and bridge money to Elkhart County ($1M), Zionsville ($499,500+), and Hamilton County ($3.8M+), with another application round set for September. Tourism & Community: Hobart received $14,700 for a Robinson Lake rain garden to cut stormwater runoff and improve water quality. Travel Disruption Watch: A Hamilton County crash on SR 37 killed an 88-year-old woman and a dog, with the investigation ongoing.

Indiana Travel Watch: A Lincoln, Nebraska family got a long-awaited reunion after their missing dog, Chong, was found behind a truck stop in Indiana—about 642 miles from home—after being microchipped in Lincoln in 2021. Fall Planning: Priceline says the Adirondacks are the top U.S. destination for fall foliage in 2026, with travelers urged to book early as peak color can sell out weeks ahead. Solar Eclipse Trip Tips: Illinois residents looking for a partial view of the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse can plan around the event’s timing (around 10:34 a.m. CT) and pair it with the Perseids meteor shower the night after. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA reports gasoline prices have been volatile this year, with Midwest supply disruptions tied to refinery outages in Illinois and Indiana. Indy Spotlight: NASCAR’s Todd Gilliland won the In-Season Challenge finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a $1 million payday. Outdoor Ideas: A Lake Michigan smallmouth fishing tip highlights a classic “froglike” approach for summer bites.

Indiana Travel & Safety: Indiana State Police say a South Bend woman, 32-year-old Destiny Gritzmaker, was arrested for OWI after an Indiana Toll Road crash involving a semi trailer near mile marker 79. Indiana Outings: A travel column highlights “Indiana’s State Park for Forest Camping, Trails, And Lake Fun,” pointing readers to Pokagon State Park for a nature getaway with trails, fishing, and winter activities. Hoosier History: NSDAR and Indiana DAR honored William Tuffs as the only known Indiana man involved in the Boston Tea Party, with a marker placed at Bonneyville Cemetery. Tourism Boost: Geneva City Council approved $26,000 in Destination Geneva grants to help local events draw overnight visitors. Road-Trip Reality Check: Gas prices remain a moving target for summer travelers, with AAA noting volatility tied to oil markets and refinery supply issues.

Road-Trip Weirdness: A new roundup spotlights the Midwest’s most delightfully odd attractions—from Luverne, Minnesota’s giant Uncle Sam-style nutcracker to Wisconsin’s House on the Rock and Michigan’s Mystery Spot—perfect for travelers who want more than “just another stop.” Indy Motorsports: Carson Hocevar won pole for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, setting up Sunday’s race with Hocevar leading the field. Hoosier History & Tourism: Middlebury honored William Tuffs, the only known Indiana man involved in the Boston Tea Party, with DAR/INDAR markers and a call for Hoosiers to visit the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Travel Health Watch: The FDA/CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, now listing cases in Indiana among nine states—another reminder to stay alert during summer dining. Local Travel Safety: Orkin’s bed bug “worst city” list again flags Chicago as a top concern for travelers, urging careful room checks and luggage handling.

Indiana State Parks Spotlight: Pokagon State Park in northern Indiana—near the Michigan and Ohio borders—keeps showing up as a standout for forest camping, trails, lake time, and even winter fun like skiing and ice-fishing. Food Safety for Travelers: The FDA/CDC widened a cyclosporiasis investigation tied to shredded iceberg lettuce from central Mexico; Indiana is among the nine states now reporting cases, with nearly 2,000 infections reported and dozens hospitalized. Local Travel Curiosity: A “moon tree” planted in Monterey in 1976 is hitting its 50th anniversary, and a new tree is being grown—an out-of-this-world stop for anyone who loves unusual travel stories. Road Trip Planning: A travel column highlights Indiana roadside surprises and detours, including Linton’s Enchanted Gardens and Elkhart’s Wellfield Botanic Garden. Gas Prices Watch: The national average for regular gas jumped to $4.09, with Indiana drivers seeing steady volatility.

New Hotel Opening: A new Holiday Inn Express & Suites Muncie Northwest held a ribbon cutting, bringing a “clean, modern” lodging option to 6100 W. Hometown Blvd. Family Travel & Sports: Westfield’s Grand Park hosts the NFL Flag Championships with 350+ youth teams, plus plenty of off-field activities for visiting families. Food Safety for Travelers: The CDC/FDA expanded a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell to nine states, including Indiana—1,947 reported cases so far, with no deaths. Local Community & Faith: Orthodox vespers are set weekly in Ludington through August, a short 45-minute service followed by visiting. Road Trip Safety: Indiana-linked fentanyl trafficking arrests followed a stop on I-70 in Preble County, a reminder to stay alert on long drives. Shopping Stop: Primark opened in Indianapolis’ Castleton Square Mall, drawing big lines and value-hunters on opening day.

Cyclospora Update: Indiana-linked cyclosporiasis cases tied to shredded iceberg lettuce are expanding again, with federal health officials adding Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania to the outbreak map, while Hawaiʻi reported two more travel-related cases with no sign of local spread. Outdoor Access in Indiana: Brown County commissioners are pushing to reintroduce federal legislation that would expand the Charles C. Deam Wilderness—doubling its size and boosting protections for the Lake Monroe watershed. Road & Travel Disruptions: INDOT plans a SR 13 closure in Wabash County starting July 27 for bridge work, with a detour via SR 16, SR 15 and SR 114. Gas Prices Watch: AAA says the national regular average jumped 15 cents to $4.09, while Indiana E15 pricing is reported higher statewide (with Elkhart County’s lowest E15 at $3.14 in the week ending July 18). Local Safety Lawsuit: Two women filed lawsuits over a dangerous southside Indianapolis intersection at Raymond Street and the I-65 off-ramp crosswalk, alleging the state and county failed to keep it reasonably safe. Camping & RV Deals: Alliance RV launched a summer fifth-wheel rebate program offering $2,026 cash back on select 2026 models through Labor Day. Arts Funding: Lilly Foundation READI 2.0 grants are bringing shared studio space to Bloomington and southern Indiana arts groups, including Girls Rock Bloomington. Sports Travel Note: Butler and Indiana announced a home-and-home exhibition series starting Oct. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse, with IU traveling to Bloomington next.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: The 2026 NFL Flag Football Championships kicked off Thursday at Grand Park in Westfield, with 350+ youth teams competing and visitors getting a taste of central Indiana through local food, a player HQ, and family-friendly spaces. Road-Trip Reality Check: A new national health-care spending map puts Indiana at $11,071 per person in 2024, ranking it 10th—useful context for travelers budgeting medical costs. Food Safety for Summer Travelers: Alabama health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are rising nationally and point to specific shredded iceberg lettuce lots tied to Taco Bell restaurants in Indiana and nearby states, urging caution with fresh produce during peak season. Travel Disruption Watch: Weekend plans may get messy as storms, smoke, and heat move across the Midwest and parts of the East, including the Indianapolis area. Big Summer Events: Union Pacific’s world-famous Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive continues its 250th-anniversary coast-to-coast tour, with Indiana on the route and more stops ahead.

Rail Travel (Indiana): Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014 is making a rare Indiana stop as part of the America’s 250th anniversary coast-to-coast tour, with viewing in Wilson (Fri, 11 a.m.) and Hays (arrive 1:30 p.m., stay overnight), plus public viewing in Hays Sat 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Road Work (Indiana): INDOT is planning alternating lane closures on US 231 in Greene County near Bloomfield and the I-69 interchange for about a month starting around July 27 for bridge maintenance. Road Work (Indiana): Another INDOT update: an intersection closure at SR 64/SR 162 in Dubois County near Bretzville starts around July 30 through Aug. 4 for intersection improvements, with detours via US 231 and I-64. Local Fun (Indiana): The Hendricks County 4-H Fair in Danville runs through Sunday, with rides, animals, shows, and Disability Inclusion Day accommodations. Travel Safety (Indiana): Orkin’s bed bug roundup flags Indianapolis among the top U.S. cities for treatments, a reminder for travelers and lodging operators to stay on top of inspections and prevention. Health & Travel (U.S.): The CDC reports a record cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled produce, with guidance to watch recalls rather than avoid all fresh food. Fraud (Indiana): Eight people were sentenced in a $1.2M travel insurance fraud scheme involving an Indianapolis-area travel insurance operation.

Road Work & Detours: INDOT is closing State Road 56 near Hazleton in Pike/Gibson Counties starting around July 27 for a structure replacement, with detours via U.S. 41, S.R. 64 and S.R. 65 through late August. More Traffic Impacts: INDOT also plans alternating lane closures on State Road 57 near Evansville (Old State Road 57 to Bussing Drive) starting about July 30 for hot-mix asphalt paving, with one lane kept open and flaggers through early October. Local Travel Boost: Harrison County hosted the National Speleological Society convention, bringing 1,113 cavers and cave scientists and highlighting local hotels, restaurants, and cave access across Corydon and nearby areas. Family-Friendly Health & Accessibility: Fort Wayne’s Bowen Health runs a free Backpack Giveaway & Health Fair today (5–7 p.m.) at Rudisill Plaza, and Visit Fort Wayne is rolling out accessibility maps for 16 major attractions. Indiana Outdoors: A Fort Wayne author is trying to pinpoint the location of an Indiana frontier gravesite tied to the 1792 Mary Griscom story, inviting landowner info to help preserve the site. Indiana Travel Planning: Drivers should also expect summer fuel-price pressure nationwide, with AAA noting higher gas averages tied to refinery outages and global oil disruptions.

Historic Rail Excursion: Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 is in its final stretch of a coast-to-coast 2026 steam tour, with the eastern leg wrapping up soon and the route continuing through the Midwest and Great Plains before ending in Cheyenne on July 29—its 2026 run also marked the first time the locomotive visited Indiana. Road & Detours: INDOT says a section of State Road 13 in Wabash County will close starting on or after July 27 for a bridge deck overlay; the official detour runs via S.R. 16, S.R. 15 and S.R. 114, with work expected to finish by the end of the week. Local Infrastructure Funding: Henry County is set to receive more than $672,000 in state road and bridge money through Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program. Health Alert for Travelers: The CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases hit record highs nationwide, with the outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at some Taco Bell locations in Indiana and several other states—watch for persistent watery diarrhea and check recall updates. Youth Sports in Indy: Federal leaders signed an agreement in Indiana aimed at expanding youth sports access near public housing, tying activities to education and workforce pathways. RV & Camping Buzz: Forest River unveiled its new Teleos premium travel trailer line at a Sneak Peek event in northern Indiana, with prototypes on display for dealers.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: Wally’s has opened its first Indiana travel center in Whitestown (about 20 miles northwest of Indianapolis), a $40 million site with a large convenience store, dozens of fueling spots, and a new foodservice concept. Outdoor & Parks: Indiana DNR’s “Over the hill and through the woods” highlights Charlestown State Park, and a separate feature looks at Indiana Dunes National Park. Health Watch: The CDC reports a record surge of cyclosporiasis, with 4,173 confirmed cases across 41 states since May 1, plus thousands more suspected—important for travelers planning food and water safety. Local Help for Travelers’ Home Bases: Fort Wayne is taking applications for a Roof Program offering zero-interest loans up to $20,000 for eligible low-income homeowners. Road Notes: INDOT says overnight paving will affect Hart Street in Knox County starting July 26, with work hours from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Community Events: East Lampeter Township’s Family Days on the Farm draws thousands for eco-farming demos and hands-on activities.

Indiana Travel Disruptions: INDOT is adjusting speed limits on State Road 37 through Orleans, with multiple stretches changing from 50 mph down to 25 mph in school zones, effective on or after July 22. Roadwork & Detours: Shoulder closures and sidewalk restrictions are planned along the U.S. 136 corridor in Waynetown starting Aug. 4 for an ADA sidewalk ramp project. Local Funding for Visitors: Indiana’s Community Crossings Matching Grant Program is sending road and bridge money to Newton County ($429,000+) and LaPorte County plus Michigan City ($1.7M+), supporting safer travel for residents and tourists. Family Fun in Fort Wayne: The State Wars roller hockey championship returns to Fort Wayne through Aug. 3, drawing 10,000+ participants and visitors and boosting the local economy. Outdoor & Wildlife: Indiana bats were recently captured in North Carolina for the first time in years, a reminder that Indiana’s own wildlife viewing is part of a bigger regional conservation story. Food Safety Watch: A multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to certain Taylor Farms lettuce products continues to drive recall and guidance updates—check what’s recalled before eating salads or lettuce-based items.