AGP Executive Report

Fourth of July travel & safety: AAA says nearly 2 million Hoosiers are expected to travel this week, with about 1.7 million driving; flying out of Indiana is slightly down, averaging around $830, and travelers are urged to arrive early as airports get slammed. Weather watch: Severe storms already hit the Chicago area and northwest Indiana, including a deadly Geneva Lake boat capsizing; another round is possible Friday evening into the night, with damaging winds, heavy rain, and flash flooding risks. Local road impacts: INDOT reported flooding slowed both directions of I-80 in Hammond between U.S. 41 and Kennedy Avenue. Indiana outdoor plans: A new book, Hike Indiana State Parks, aims to guide hikers through Indiana’s 24 state parks with trail-by-trail coverage. Family fun ideas: Brown County’s Naughty Dog Books is hosting historical fiction author Melanie Benjamin in Nashville July 10, with a Q&A and optional meet-and-greet. Travel etiquette for nature: Sea turtle patrols are urging beachgoers to keep distance, avoid flash photography, and fill in holes during nesting season.

Indiana Health & Safety: IU Health’s Mobile Lung Unit is touring the state with low-dose CT scans for people at higher risk of lung cancer. Holiday Travel Watch: AAA says July 4 travel is expected to be record-high, while gas prices are easing heading into the weekend. Gas Prices (Indiana): GasBuddy reports Indiana drivers are seeing some of the lowest statewide averages in the nation, with prices hovering around the low-$3 range in recent updates. Airport Security: TSA says a traveler at Indianapolis International Airport allegedly tried to bring live smoke grenades through security by hiding one in a jar of peanut butter; the devices were found in a checked bag. Community & Culture: Indiana State Parks are promoting America’s 250th with special programming. Legal/Academic: A federal lawsuit filed by an IU doctoral student alleges First Amendment violations tied to the Borns Jewish Studies Program. WNBA Online Harassment: Caitlin Clark again condemned social media harassment and threats aimed at WNBA players and staff.

Rail Safety & Mobility: Gov. Mike Braun joined Wabash Mayor Scott Long to cut the ribbon on a new $12 million railroad overpass on East Street, aiming to reduce train-crossing delays and improve safety for motorists and emergency response. Holiday Travel Watch: AAA reports about 67,000 Hoosiers are flying through Sunday for the Fourth of July, with advice to arrive early and plan for higher airfare. Gas Tax Relief: Braun announced the final extension of Indiana’s gas tax breaks through Aug. 6, keeping the state’s average regular price near $3.12 and easing summer road-trip costs. Family-Friendly 4th of July Fun: Indianapolis-area fireworks planning continues, while Vincennes dedicated 10 White Oak trees for America’s 250th—an easy stop for visitors looking for local history and shade. Pet Safety Reminder: Indianapolis Animal Care Services says a dog died of heat stroke at its new facility, urging Hoosiers to keep pets indoors and limit hot-weather walks. Local Events: Owen County’s Second Annual Chester Chicken Chuck in Spencer drew crowds for a courthouse-square tradition with charity and rubber-chicken chaos. Indiana Food Lore: A look at how hot dogs became an American icon traces early print and ballpark ties back to the region.

Gas Prices & Road Funding: Gov. Mike Braun announced a final extension of Indiana’s gas tax suspension through Aug. 6, cutting about 61–62 cents per gallon and keeping Indiana’s average among the lowest in the U.S.; the state also continues reimbursing cities and counties for lost revenue tied to the holiday fuel relief. America 250 Outdoors: Indiana State Parks are rolling out America’s 250th celebrations, with July 4 fireworks and last-minute campsite availability still open at multiple parks via Camp.IN.gov. Lake James Lavender Opens: A new Lake James Lavender Company shop and venue opened with lake views, plus plans to tie into nearby Airbnb stays for small gatherings like weddings and family reunions. Local Transportation Upgrade: Wabash celebrated completion of a $12 million railroad overpass on East Street over Norfolk Southern, aimed at reducing train-crossing delays and improving safety and emergency access. Safety at the Airport: TSA says officers found a folding knife hidden inside a passenger’s prosthetic leg at Honolulu International Airport, a reminder to stay alert during screening. Indiana Aviation Growth: Aviation Technology launched a new aircraft interiors division at Anderson Municipal Airport, expanding maintenance and premium cabin refurbishment options. Ride to Remember: Cops Cycling for Survivors kicks off its 25th annual “Ride to Remember” July 6, honoring Indiana’s fallen officers with a 13-day, nearly 1,000-mile route.

Independence Day Travel Safety: Gov. Mike Braun and Indiana State Police are urging Hoosiers to drive sober this Fourth of July, citing last year’s holiday crash toll (1,865 crashes, 620 injuries, 23 deaths) and joining a statewide C.A.R.E. enforcement blitz. Road Work for Travelers: INDOT says single-lane closures will continue on U.S. 231 south of Greencastle starting July 6 through November (weather permitting) for structure replacement and drainage work. Flood Rescue on the Road: A woman was rescued after her car was trapped in floodwaters near the Patoka River Bridge in Pike County; crews reached her and she was later transported home. Local Infrastructure Boost: Braun announced $84M+ in Community Crossings matching grants for 147 Indiana communities, with projects tied to road and bridge improvements that can support tourism and local business. Culture & Community Events: Muncie’s Three Trails Music Series lands a free July 11 downtown concert with Grammy-winning bluegrass fiddler Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Religion & Indiana History: Indiana Humanities launches a multi-year “Matters of Religion” initiative exploring how religion and religious liberty shaped Indiana communities. Camping Rule Watch: Indiana’s new ban on public camping is now in effect, raising concerns about enforcement and potential jail overcrowding.

New Indiana Camping Rule: A new state law that took effect July 1 adds jail time risk for people camping on unauthorized public land. Law enforcement says the bill’s 48-hour warning process and enforcement details are still raising questions, especially with no added funding for compliance. Road-Trip Planning for Hoosiers: If you’re driving this summer, watch for detours and delays: Bloomington’s East Rhorer Road Bridge replacement runs July 13–Oct. 9, and Lawrence County bridge overlay work has been pushed back by heat and July 4 scheduling. Family Travel & Local Fun: The Indiana State Fair debuts a new $5 train ride for a 15-minute loop around the fairgrounds, and the 2026 fair runs Aug. 7–23. Community & Culture: DAR’s Colonial Fair brings Indianapolis residents back to 1776, and the Monroe County History Center marks America’s 250th with a Revolutionary War veterans exhibit. Safety Reminder: Extreme heat is stressing the Midwest, with Indiana included in warnings—plan cooling stops and hydration.

Holiday Safety Push: Gov. Mike Braun and Indiana State Police are urging Hoosiers to “Drive Sober or Don’t Drive” for July 4, joining a statewide C.A.R.E. blitz with extra patrols targeting speeding, unsafe lane changes, following too closely, and impaired driving. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA expects about 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles over the holiday week, while GasBuddy reports average gas prices fell in 46 states, helping ease the cost of getting away. Infrastructure for Visitors: Indiana announced nearly $84 million in Community Crossings matching grants for 147 communities, including multiple northeast Indiana awards meant to keep roads and bridges reliable as travel ramps up. Where to Stay & Explore: A new travel spotlight highlights Knightstown as a great base for Summit Lake State Park, with easy drives, walkable downtown stops, and nearby outdoor recreation. State Parks Hiking Guide: A new book, “Hike Indiana State Parks,” aims to help visitors tackle nearly 200 trails across Indiana’s 24 state parks. Local Events: Fort Wayne’s “Lunch on the Square” was postponed to July 9 due to extreme heat.

Road Funding: Indiana’s Senate District 48 is getting more than $2.6 million in Community Crossings Matching Grant Program awards for road and bridge work in towns including Ferdinand, Jasper, Oakland City, and Petersburg. Public Media Fundraiser: A rare original Bob Ross painting tied to Ball State PBS sold June 30 for $320,000, with proceeds supporting Ball State Public Media. Holiday Travel & Safety: AAA says 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel for the July 4 holiday, while Tow to Go is activated as a last-resort option to reduce impaired-driving risk. Gas Watch: AAA reports national gas prices keep sliding, and Indiana is highlighted as having some of the cheapest regular prices. Indy Events: The Kurt Vonnegut Museum is hosting Fourth of July events with a new human rights art exhibit and fireworks viewing party. Camping Rule Change: Indiana’s public camping ban takes effect July 1, with enforcement details still unclear locally. Local Alerts: Indiana State Police report a fatal scooter crash in Kokomo and remind riders about visibility and street-legal equipment. Culture & Community: Indy Dance Festival runs July 18-19 with free workshops and masterclasses across Indianapolis.

Indiana July 1 Travel Rules: New Indiana laws kick in July 1, including limits on student cell phone use, tighter rules for teen social media accounts, immigration-related compliance requirements, and a public camping/sheltering ban on state-owned land (with police required to give people 48 hours to leave before criminal action). Holiday Safety Push: Indiana State Police are launching Operation C.A.R.E. Blitz for Independence Day, targeting impaired and dangerous driving as AAA expects record travel. TSA Airport Alert: TSA says officers found two live smoke grenades in checked baggage at Indianapolis International Airport, including one “jammed into a full jar of peanut butter.” Road-Trip Planning: AAA reports gas prices are falling nationwide, with the national average dipping below $4 ahead of July Fourth travel. Local Fun for Families: Fort Wayne’s Junior Achievement is opening JA Legacy Park’s interactive experience with a kickoff party July 11. Indiana Outdoors Vibe: A Saharan dust plume could drift into Indiana this week, adding dramatic sunrise and sunset colors. Culture & Events: Indianapolis will host finalists for the American Piano Awards (jazz) starting this fall, with performances running through winter 2027.

Heat Relief for Hoosiers & Michiana: Cooling centers are opening across northern Indiana and southwest Michigan as dangerous temperatures move in, including sites at South Bend community centers and St. Joseph County Public Library branches, plus 24-hour options like Argos and Plymouth police lobbies. Camping Ban Update: Indiana’s Senate Enrolled Act 285 takes effect July 1, cracking down on unauthorized camping/sleeping on public land; one Bloomington resident says the change is already reshaping plans. Indiana Dunes Loss: Trailmaster Ron Seman, a longtime guide for Indiana Dunes hikes, died at 64 after a recent heart attack. Road Work Ahead: INDOT plans a monthlong US 35 closure in La Porte County starting July 6, with detours via SR 39 and US 20. Wellness Destination in Columbus: NexusPark is transforming a former mall into a 34-acre health and recreation hub with medical practices and wellness programming. Holiday Travel Planning: AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel for July 4, with record volumes and mostly flat driving/flying numbers. Local July 4 Events: Greencastle’s July First Friday kicks off July 3 with free music, food, and downtown shopping. Public Safety: Indiana State Police are joining extra patrols for the holiday, focusing on speeding, hands-free violations, unsafe lane movement, and impaired driving.

Fourth of July in Fort Wayne: The city is rolling out a full July 4 lineup—downtown parade at 10 a.m., patriotic programming at the Historic Old Fort, TinCaps baseball, and evening fireworks—plus family-friendly events across town. Road-trip stop in Indiana: Wally’s is opening its first Hoosier location in Whitestown off I-65 (opening Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.), with 50 gas pumps, 20 electric chargers, a big prepared-food area, and Route 66-themed touches. Summer travel reality check: Monroe Lake is seeing major high-water impacts after storms, with all beaches closed until at least late July while boating remains open with extra caution. Weather watch for Hoosiers: NWS confirmed an EF0 tornado briefly in northern Clark County June 26, and the broader Ohio Valley is still facing flood risk after deadly Kentucky flooding. Local nature/space fun: Northern lights may be visible overnight Monday into Tuesday for some northern states near the Canadian border—worth a clear-sky check for Indiana travelers willing to drive north. Family fun in the parks: Walt Disney World is making July 3–5 fireworks changes for America’s 250th, including a temporary Magic Kingdom swap to “Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky.”

Road-Trip Spotlight: Wally’s is opening Indiana’s first location in Whitestown (off I-65) Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., with 50 gas pumps, 20 EV chargers, a big prepared-food area, and Route 66-themed touches. Big Summer Travel Watch: Monroe Lake is running 12+ feet above normal, and all beaches are closed until at least late July; boating is still allowed with extra caution for debris and hazards. Severe Weather Alert: NWS confirmed an EF0 tornado June 26 in Clark County near Memphis, with brief touchdown and roof/tree damage. Flood Risk for Hoosiers: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana face a Moderate flood risk Saturday as storms train over already-saturated ground. Local Travel Economy: Greenwood is moving ahead with plans for Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s—an $85M, 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 pumps—expected to draw about 1 million visitors a year. Travel Safety Reminder: TSA says it seized two live smoke grenades from a checked bag at Indianapolis International Airport, including one hidden in a peanut butter jar. Gas Prices: AAA reports the U.S. average regular price dipped below $4 (Indiana noted around $3.39 as of mid-June).

Road-Trip Spotlight (Indiana): Greenwood is in the running to land Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s, with a proposed $85 million travel center off I-65 at Worthsville Road featuring 120 pumps and a 74,000-square-foot site—Mayor Mark Myers says the deal came to Greenwood, not the other way around. Summer Travel Safety (Airports): TSA says it seized two live smoke grenades at Indianapolis International Airport, including one hidden in a jar of peanut butter, reminding travelers that explosives are banned in carry-on and checked bags. Nature & Wildlife (Northwest Indiana): Crews are building a database of culverts and other stream structures in NW Indiana to see how they affect water flow and wildlife movement. Local Tourism & Events (Indiana): Ball State PBS in Muncie will benefit from the June 30 auction of Bob Ross’ “Mountain Summit,” with proceeds supporting educational and community programming. Travel Planning (Gas Prices): AAA reports the national average for regular gas has dipped below $4, with Indiana listed among the cheaper states. Big Summer Weekend (Indiana): Record travel is expected for the July Fourth weekend, with tips on when to leave to beat holiday traffic.

Fourth of July travel surge: AAA expects more than 72 million Americans to travel for Independence Day (June 27–July 5), with most trips by car (61.4 million) as flights and rentals stay pricey. Indiana summer getaway spotlight: French Lick Resort and Casino is pitching a full “choose-your-own-adventure” weekend—three hotels across 3,000 acres, golf designed by Pete Dye and Donald Ross, spas, 24/7 gaming, and outdoor activities. Local tourism + events: Steuben County is pushing a lakefront casino plan near Fremont, but it hinges on a November referendum—supporters say it could boost year-round tourism and jobs. Family-friendly Indiana culture: Ball State PBS is set to benefit from an online auction of Bob Ross’ “Mountain Summit,” tied to the station where “The Joy of Painting” was filmed. Travel safety heads-up: TSA reportedly seized live smoke grenades at Indianapolis Airport after finding one inside a peanut butter jar.

Indiana Travel & Tourism: Putnam County’s Dust Bowl 100 gravel bike race is back with a new livestream option—1,400 cyclists expected July 25 across Putnam and Morgan counties, with coverage starting 7:30 a.m. Outdoor & Nature: Ouabache Land Conservancy is hosting a free tallgrass prairie walk at its Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve on July 1 (10–11:30 a.m.) with native plant and pollinator spotting. Local Events: Freedom Festival in Vienna is drawing wrestling fans with “Red, White & Bruised,” featuring independent legends and a full event card. Family-Friendly Learning: Indiana FFA’s new State Sentinel, Warsaw High School grad Khloe Hinojosa, will travel the state as a youth ambassador after being elected at the Noblesville convention. Travel Safety Note: TSA says it found live smoke grenades in a passenger’s checked bag at Indianapolis International Airport—one was jammed inside a jar of peanut butter. Construction & Commuting: KYTC has paused a plan to reduce the Clark Memorial Bridge from four lanes to three after more sidewalk/structural damage was found, raising concerns about Louisville-bound traffic.

Travel & Tourism Watch: Indiana travelers get a heads-up on summer disruptions: Allegiant is cutting nearly 30 routes and temporarily suspending service from Kansas City, Richmond and Rochester, which can ripple into Indiana flight options. Safety at Airports: TSA says it caught two live smoke grenades hidden in a jar of peanut butter in checked luggage at Indianapolis International Airport—another reminder to pack carefully. Road-Trip Planning: With July 4 travel ramping up, AAA reports Wisconsin expects 1.64 million people to hit the road (mostly by car) as gas prices trend lower. Local Development (Porter): A proposed mixed-use plan in Porter would bring 52 townhouse units plus an agri-tourism goat farm, farmer’s market and restaurant—next steps hinge on a PUD process. Hoosier Community & Culture: Indiana’s America 250 events continue, including a July 4 talk at the Paramount Theater in Muncie. Family Fun: If you’re looking for weekend ideas, there’s a roundup of summer activities and events across the region.