AGP Executive Report

WNBA All-Star Spotlight: Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell were named 2026 All-Star starters for the July 25 game in Chicago, with the Fever trio joining Paige Bueckers, Olivia Miles, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and others. Sports Culture & Merch: Pacers Sports & Entertainment tapped Jas Bell (Leonardo Chop) as its first global design and product director, aiming to turn Fever/Pacers merch into streetwear-level cultural currency. IndyCar News: Six-time IndyCar champ Scott Dixon says he won’t return to Chip Ganassi Racing in 2027, ending a 25-year run. Cinema Picks: “Minions & Monsters” opens at the multiplex, while “Backrooms: Everything Must Go Edition” returns with new post-credit footage. Indiana Football Off-Court: Fernando and Alberto Mendoza won 2026 Male Athlete of the Year honors for the NIL Store Awards, tied to their MS-focused Mendoza Family Fund. Local Arts & Community: The Naptown African American Theatre Collective (NAATC) announced it’s closing after four years of programming. Independence Day in Indiana: Indiana State Parks is rolling out America 250 celebrations and fireworks options for the holiday weekend.

Indy Arts & Film: Indy Shorts Film Festival returns July 21–26 with 266 short films (including 36 world premieres) across Living Room Theater and Indy Art Center, plus awards and cash prizes. Music: Beabadoobee announces her album Pylon (Sept. 18) and kicks off her Powerlines Tour with tickets going on sale today at 10am; Muncie also gets a free bluegrass hit July 11 with GRAMMY winner Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper. Local Summer Events: Downtown Indy’s Fourth Fest brings a street festival and a 20-minute fireworks show July 4, synced to patriotic music. Sports & Culture Crossover: Kelly Oubre Jr. reportedly agrees to a two-year deal with the Pacers, while the NBA’s biggest headline is Jaylen Brown being traded from the Celtics to the 76ers for Paul George and draft picks. Community Creativity: Indiana DNR is taking nature art and photo submissions for 2027 hard-card hunting/fishing/trapping licenses (no AI), with a July 31 deadline.

WNBA Culture Clash: Fever coach Stephanie White called the racist and homophobic vitriol aimed at Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas “absolutely unacceptable” after the Caitlin Clark incident, as Thomas also said she’s received death threats and slurs. Indiana Sports Moves: Kelly Oubre Jr. reportedly agreed to a two-year, nearly $17M deal with the Pacers, adding a proven wing as Indiana looks to rebound. College Sports Spotlight: The NBA Cup title game is headed to Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in December, a big local draw for fans. Arts & Community: The Fort Wayne Philharmonic named six finalists for its next music director, setting up a 2027 residency-style audition process. Local History & Entertainment: DAR’s Colonial reenactment event brought “living history” to Indianapolis, with visitors stepping into an 18th-century village experience. Business/Everyday Life: Kroger announced a $1.65B deal to buy Giant Eagle, keeping the Giant Eagle name and expanding its Midwest footprint. Pop Culture Loss: Michael Byrne, known for “Indiana Jones” and “Harry Potter,” died at 82.

WNBA Spotlight: Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas says she’s received death threats and racial slurs after her one-game suspension tied to a Caitlin Clark throat incident, and she directly criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not protecting players. Indiana Sports Buzz: The NBA Cup championship is headed to Indianapolis’ Hinkle Fieldhouse on Dec. 11, bringing the league’s in-season finale to a storied college arena. NBA Free Agency Fallout: LeBron James told the Lakers he won’t return, setting off major speculation about where he’ll land next. Pop Culture Loss: British actor Michael Byrne, known to Indiana audiences from “Indiana Jones” and “Harry Potter,” died at 82. Local Entertainment & Community: Gary’s inaugural Greater Gary Music Fest drew big crowds, while Evansville’s “Fireworks on the Ohio” returns for America’s 250th with live music and a large fireworks finale. Arts & Craft: Altai Leather Designs in Jerome is spotlighted for keeping old-world leathercraft alive through hands-on making and family tradition.

Supreme Court Sports Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state bans on transgender girls playing on girls’ teams, a decision that keeps similar rules likely in places including nearby Indiana. Heat-Ready Community Help: Michiana lists cooling centers for dangerous summer temperatures, with hours and closures spelled out. Local Public Safety: A body was found near an abandoned vehicle on a southern Indiana hiking trail, and Indiana State Police reported a Kokomo man died after an electric scooter crash. Indy Arts & Culture: Ball State PBS says a rare original Bob Ross painting tied to WIPB in Muncie sold for $320,000, with proceeds supporting public media. Religion & Art: Sister Jeana, based at St. Meinrad, is nearing her 100th icon, bringing “windows into heaven” iconography to a wider audience. Entertainment Spotlight: Actor Michael Byrne—villainous in “Indiana Jones,” “Braveheart,” and “Harry Potter”—died at 82. Sports Health Updates: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham missed practice due to illness ahead of a tough matchup, while Caitlin Clark continues to manage a back injury.

WNBA & Indiana Sports: The Fever rolled past the Sparks 111-87 in a South Carolina reunion night, with Aliyah Boston and Tyasha Harris stepping up while Caitlin Clark sat out. NBA Front Office Buzz: League sources say the Raptors and Clippers are in “serious” talks about a Kawhi Leonard trade, while Russell Westbrook and Walker Kessler are also in the free-agency mix. Music: Franklin Jonas & The Byzantines and Noah Cyrus reunited for “High and Sad,” blending rootsy Americana with modern synth textures. Health & Food Culture: “Food noise” is getting major research attention, especially after GLP-1 drugs appeared to quiet the constant mental preoccupation with food. Local Arts: St. Joseph Today announced the 64th Art Fair on the Bluff (July 11-12) with free admission, 172 artists, and family-friendly activities. Community & Learning: Indianapolis’ JA Legacy Park is set for a new interactive opening, and Newton County Library is gearing up for July summer programs. Indiana Policy Watch: New Indiana laws take effect July 1, including changes to immigration enforcement, student cell phone rules, and restrictions on camping on state land.

Local Sports & Entertainment Crossover: The Dave Matthews Band wrapped its Ruoff Music Center run in Noblesville with tour debuts and rarities, including “JTR” and a solo “Good Good Time” encore, plus guest trumpet work from Ashlin Parker. WNBA Buzz (Indiana Fever): Sophie Cunningham kept the spotlight on her viral pointing moment, explaining on a podcast that it started as a referee question after Caitlin Clark’s altercation with DeWanna Bonner—then turned into a meme fans couldn’t stop sharing. Women’s Basketball Fashion Moment: Cunningham also drew attention again with a bold pregame look (black satin shorts and a leather jacket) as Fever’s season drama continues. Community Arts & Wellness: Columbus’ NexusPark partnership is turning a former mall into a one-stop health and recreation hub. Indy July 4th Planning: Indiana ranks No. 2 for fireworks accidents, and local coverage highlights where to catch northeast Indiana fireworks this weekend. Music & Culture: A Fort Wayne JA Legacy Park launch invites families to explore local stories through interactive July challenges.

WNBA Drama in Indiana: Sophie Cunningham used her podcast to blast the WNBA and refs over Caitlin Clark’s throat injury incident, saying the league “does nothing” to protect her, as Alyssa Thomas’ suspension and Flagrant 2 ruling keep the controversy front and center. Local Sports & Community: Fort Wayne laid out a full July 4 lineup—parade, Old Fort programming, TinCaps baseball, and fireworks—while Lexi Hull hosted a basketball pro camp in Carmel. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Janet Jackson hit the BET Awards red carpet with a Michael Jackson-style tribute, months after declining to be depicted in his biopic. Film Buzz: “Minions & Monsters” is being praised as a heartfelt love letter to classic cinema, leaning into silent-era slapstick. Arts & Education: Bluffton students are installing a new school mural after a teacher creativity grant helped four artists bring a polygon-style tiger design to life. Public Safety: The Red Cross warned Hoosiers to prepare for dangerous heat with hydration, cooling spots, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

WNBA Spotlight: Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham doubled down on the viral DeWanna Bonner finger-pointing moment, explaining what sparked it and criticizing the league for “absolutely nothing” to protect Caitlin Clark after the throat-punch incident that led to Alyssa Thomas’ suspension. Local Arts & Community: Valparaiso’s inaugural Sand+Steel Art Fest drew crowds downtown for hands-on wood art demos and family-friendly creativity. Music & Education: Southeastern Louisiana named Paul Buyer as its music and performing arts department head, bringing a percussion leadership background from Clemson and Ball State. Sports in Indiana: Gretchen Walsh broke the world record in the 50m freestyle at the Sette Colli meet in Rome, adding another milestone to her already historic summer. Local Pride: Warsaw held its first Pride Party at Bixler Park with community booths, hotdogs, and partner orgs. Civic/Infrastructure: Portage RDC is preparing a $15 million bond tied to city projects, including access improvements near the former Bears stadium site. Indy Entertainment Calendar: Erykah Badu announced a fall North American tour stop in Indianapolis at Everwise Amphitheater on Sept. 22.

WNBA Fever Drama: Sophie Cunningham’s 22-second finger-pointing at DeWanna Bonner after Monday’s Fever-Mercury dustup turned into instant meme fuel, with Cunningham saying she was reacting to what she saw as uneven officiating in the Caitlin Clark–Bonner confrontation. Fever Without Clark: Indiana rolled past the Sparks 111-87 Saturday with Caitlin Clark sidelined by a back issue; Kelsey Mitchell led with 26 as the Fever closed out the homestand. Clark Tech Talk: Clark picked up a technical for clapping during the Phoenix game, while Fever coach Stephanie White and others kept debating what should’ve been called. Pacers & Haliburton: Tyrese Haliburton returned to the spotlight by helping free a ball during Fever action from the stands, and he’s expected back for the Pacers’ next season. Local Spotlight: Greenwood is set to land Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s, a planned $85M travel center at I-65. Streaming Picks: Paramount+ and Prime Video both released July 2026 lineups, including “Dutton Ranch” and “Elle.” Sports Tech: EA released full team/player ratings for “College Football 27,” with Indiana and Notre Dame among the top-rated squads. Big Picture Sports: Netflix expanded its NFL deal through 2029, adding more regular-season games.

WNBA Drama in Indiana: Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was suspended one game for a Flagrant-2 hit to Caitlin Clark’s throat, and the fallout kept rolling—Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts defended Thomas while Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham publicly questioned what she says the league and refs missed. Fever Injury Update: Clark is ruled out with a back injury for the Fever’s Saturday home game vs. the Los Angeles Sparks, setting up a high-stakes matchup without her. Local Sports Spotlight: Fishers native Riley Makalusky is headed to Tennessee after signing with the Lady Volunteers, adding size and shooting to the transfer class. Health Update (Pacers): Tyrese Haliburton says he’s feeling healthy again after shingles, joking that he’s back to having an eyebrow. Arts & Community (Indiana): Ball State PBS will benefit from a Bob Ross “Mountain Summit” painting auction tied to the station’s legacy. Food & Fun: Joey Chestnut is back in the spotlight ahead of Nathan’s July 4 contest after a 10-hot-dog challenge. Local Business: Colorado chicken chain Birdcall plans 10–15 Indiana openings, with Fort Wayne expected to land a couple.

WNBA Spotlight: Marina Mabrey poured in 53 points for Toronto, tying the WNBA single-game scoring record in a 125-97 win over the LA Sparks—an Indiana-relevant reminder of how fast the league’s headlines can swing. Indiana Sports Update: Caitlin Clark is set to miss Saturday’s game vs. the Sparks with a back injury, with Fever coach Stephanie White stressing rest and treatment before the next stretch. Local Arts & Community: Indianapolis drag artist Ciara Myst is turning “RuPaul’s Drag Race” momentum into real-world projects, including a headlining Indy Pride performance. Family-Friendly Entertainment: Zippo’s America250PA-McKean County celebration in Bradford runs Thursday with food trucks, music, and fireworks, capped by a massive flag-raising ceremony. Film Talk: “Disclosure Day” gets a fresh review take, with the Spielberg sci-fi thriller framed as a weaker entry—but still worth your attention. Sports Culture: Banana Ball hits Newman Outdoor Field in North Dakota with the Indianapolis Clowns drawing a sold-out crowd.

WNBA Spotlight: Caitlin Clark is ruled out for the Indiana Fever’s Saturday game vs. the Los Angeles Sparks with a back injury, with coach Stephanie White offering no return timetable as the team plans to use the week for treatment. League Fallout: The Alyssa Thomas throat-punch suspension and the broader backlash continue to swirl, with commentators and fans arguing the WNBA isn’t protecting Clark enough. Local Arts & Community: The AC’s Golf Classic in Indianapolis raised a record $630,000 in one day for Teachers’ Treasures, topping last year’s mark and continuing its 13-year growth. Music Moment: Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder surprised 12-year-old Indiana-raised fan Bella with a guitar from his collection at the Obama Presidential Center opening in Chicago. Weather & Safety: Tornadoes hit communities outside Chicago, including damage around Merrillville, Indiana, and Streator, Illinois, with storms also disrupting flights and power. Sports Business/Policy: The CFL won’t register Brendan Sorsby after the NFL declined a supplemental draft, closing another door for his pro plans.

Stalking Case: An Indianapolis man, Kevin Singh, was charged with felony stalking after allegedly sending Fever guard Sophie Cunningham “threatening and explicit messages,” leaving her fearful and changing her daily life. WNBA Spotlight: The Fever’s Stephanie White blasted officials after Caitlin Clark left a loss to the Mercury with a back injury, pointing to missed “cheap shots” in the game’s most heated moments. Music & Touring: Phoebe Bridgers previewed her upcoming Lost Weekend album with “Lost Boys,” and announced phone-free shows that include two dates in Indianapolis this September. Live Concerts: Don Toliver extended his OCTANE world tour with new UK/Europe dates, with tickets for the next leg going on sale today. Local Sports: Evansville volleyball released its 2026 schedule, including a season-opening tournament at Bellarmine and a home opener Sept. 1. Arts & Community: Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s “Patriotic Pops” tour spotlights American music and film scores, with performances tied to the region’s July 4 fireworks. Media Lawsuit: 35 newspaper publishers sued OpenAI and Microsoft over claims of copying paywalled content for training.

WNBA Drama: Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas was hit with a Flagrant Foul 2 and a one-game suspension after a throat strike on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, with Clark leaving the game injured and Fever coach Stephanie White blasting the no-call. Local Arts & Youth Theater: Crawfordsville sophomore Shaeleigh Hreskowsky joins Summer Stock Stage’s 2026 cast for Disney’s Newsies at Butler University (July 15–19). Public Safety Tech Debate: Bloomington residents raised concerns at a city board meeting over Flock license-plate cameras and thousands of emails tied to the program, after a request surfaced documents mentioning “Flock.” Film & Pop Culture: The Academy invited 529 new members for its Class of 2026, including Indiana-area fans’ favorites like Jacob Elordi and Teyana Taylor. Sports Spotlight: Indiana men’s basketball will play a July exhibition at Assembly Hall against Canadian school Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf as prep for the FISU America Games in Peru. Indiana Sports Business: UIndy is moving from the GLVC to the GMAC, with the transition set for July 2027.

WNBA Player Safety: An Indianapolis man, Kevin Singh, 48, was charged with stalking, intimidation and harassment of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, accused of sending increasingly threatening and explicit messages online after a cease-and-desist and alleged in-person delivery of a cologne-sprayed package. Basketball Draft Buzz (Indiana ties): Purdue point guard Braden Smith was selected in the 2026 NBA Draft and traded to the Indiana Pacers, while Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey also signed with Indiana as an undrafted free agent. Local Sports Facilities: Princeton Community High School’s Tiger Fieldhouse project moved forward with a nearly $12.5M bid, plus a separate $4.4M football/soccer locker room and training building at Tiger Stadium. Arts & Community: Eiteljorg Museum’s Indian Market & Festival returns June 27-28 with more than 100 artists and a new outdoor performance, Turtle Island: From the Creation Story of the Haudenosaunee. Public Health Watch: Lyme disease risk is expanding, with deer ticks establishing in Indiana and neighboring states and tick-bite ER visits rising.