By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
If autumn is also your favorite time of the year and you are looking for things to do, check out this Visit Indiana fall guide highlighting seasonal fun around the state.
Nine congressional districts are up for grabs on Nov. 3. And we introduce you to the candidates and highlight the most interesting race.
Indiana’s public higher ed institutions are hoping for more state support in the next budget cycle.
A third secretary of state candidate is now on television with ads.
Plus, I give the BMV a round of applause — and one big suggestion.
Hoosier voters will help determine control of the U.S. House as they choose representatives in all nine congressional districts. (Photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)
All nine Indiana congressional seats are contested. Here’s who’s running.
By Casey Smith
All nine Indiana members of the U.S. House are defending their seats this fall, with challengers offering competing plans for healthcare, household costs and federal spending as voters help decide control of Congress.
Seven Republicans and two Democrats are up for reelection under the same district boundaries lawmakers approved in 2021. The Indiana Senate rejected a proposed replacement map last December that was designed to help Republicans win all nine.
Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns addresses the Higher Education Commission on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. (Photo by Mackenzi Klemann/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Ball State president questions timing of college performance funding push
By Mackenzi Klemann
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education's plan to restore performance funding for the state's seven public colleges and universities is premature, Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns told the commission Thursday.
Outcomes-based performance funding accounts for a small portion of Indiana's higher education budget, using a formula to reward colleges for positive outcomes like on-time degree completion.
Lawmakers zeroed out performance funding in the last budget amidst a dire financial forecast, which later proved false.
COMMENTARY
Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Kevin Garvey speaks during the unveiling of the state’s new blackout license plate on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis.(Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana BMV deserves kudos — with one big caveat
By Niki Kelly
It was a good week for the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The agency is hauling in money from a popular "blackout" plate design and received top rankings nationwide in an analysis of branch Google reviews.
I still have a bone to pick with BMV. But first, let’s focus on the good stuff.
NATIONAL NEWS
Voters angry over the rising cost of groceries and other items due to tariffs could be expressing their dissatisfaction in the midterm elections. (Photo by Ming Tang Tung/Getty Images)
Voters in midterm elections identify a culprit for rising cost of living: Trump’s tariffs
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — Rebecca Myers lives in one of the nation’s most hotly contested congressional districts, and tariffs were on her mind as she voted early and in-person in Suffolk, Virginia in late September.
Myers is among a growing number of voters found to be taking their anger about affordability to the polls this midterm election and blaming President Donald Trump’s tariffs as a culprit for rising expenses. Public opinion surveys bear out Myers is far from alone in making the connection.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
(Tenor)
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