By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
The first sale of land near Fort Wayne took place on Oct. 22, 1823. Receipt No. 1 went to William Willson, of Ohio, for 93.3 acres at the bend of the Maumee River.
We roll out our last election preview today by highlighting the race for Indiana treasurer. The two candidates explain their priorities.
A state senator will step down following allegations of shoplifting and concerns about cognitive functioning.
Former U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh has now funneled millions in old campaign donations to the state Democratic Party to aid his son’s race for secretary of state.
Good news on the education front: Fewer students are chronically absent.
Plus, an update on “86 Todd Rokita” and more.
Democrat Coumba Kebe, left, and Republican incumbent Daniel Elliott are competing for Indiana treasurer in a race focused on state investments and financial oversight. (Photos by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana treasurer race draws competing visions for managing state funds
By Casey Smith
Republican Treasurer Daniel Elliott is touting nearly $1.8 billion in state investment earnings in his bid for a second term, while Democratic challenger Coumba Kebe is calling for greater transparency in how Indiana manages public money.
The Nov. 3 election pits a former software engineer and local government official against a health care executive who says her work with seniors and people with disabilities showed her the consequences of statewide financial decisions.
Sen. Ron Alting speaks in committee on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Senator facing theft investigation says he will resign if reelected, citing ‘changes in my judgment’
By Niki Kelly
Weeks after allegations of shoplifting broke, Republican state Sen. Ron Alting announced he will resign his Senate seat after 28 years if voters reelect him.
“During this time, I did things that were wrong and completely out of character for me. I take responsibility for my actions. I am deeply sorry for the hurt and disappointment I have caused my family, friends, colleagues, constituents and the store employees involved. After many difficult conversations with my family, my doctors and people I have trusted for many years, I have concluded that I need to bring my time in public office to an end and devote my attention to my health and my family.”
Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner speaks to the State Board of Education on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. (Screenshot courtesy of the State of Indiana)
Indiana K-12 chronic absenteeism rate declines for fourth year
By Mackenzi Klemann
Hoosier students are slowly returning to their pre-pandemic attendance patterns: Indiana’s K-12 chronic absenteeism rate declined for the fourth consecutive year to just shy of 15% in 2026, the State Board of Education learned Wednesday.
Students are considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of the school year, the equivalent of 18 school days or three weeks of classes.
NATIONAL NEWS
A farmer fills up a tractor with diesel. (Photo by Preston Keres/USDA)
USDA offering $8B in farmer relief payments
By Cami Koons
Farmers will be eligible to receive one-time payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide relief for high fuel and input costs.
USDA and President Donald Trump announced Monday night at a rally in Kansas that farmers would have $8 billion made available in the Harvest Fuel Relief program. Farm groups expressed appreciation Tuesday for the relief program, but said they also hope to see long-term policy solutions that will support the farm economy.
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