By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“The only reason we’ve had five consecutive years of movement in IREAD is because of the army of people we’ve built statewide at the community level who are the change agents who are making it happen.” — Education Secretary Katie Jenner
Can’t wait to see you all at Guggman Haus Brewing at 1701 Gent Avenue in Indianapolis for our meet and greet today! Come chat with the team and enjoy snacks on us from 4 to 6 p.m.
Indiana’s literacy efforts continue to bring big gains.
A coalition of road construction stakeholders want lawmakers to find a permanent funding solution amid a continued gas tax pause.
A pharmacist charged in a major diversion case gives up his license.
Plus, more on Medicaid changes and the first television ad in the secretary of state’s race.
Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner listens to a presentation on the state’s early literacy rates at the State Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (Photo by Mackenzi Klemann/Indiana Capital Chronicle.)
Indiana literacy rates improve for fifth straight year
By Mackenzi Klemann
Indiana’s early literacy rates improved for the fifth consecutive year, with nearly 89% of Hoosier third graders demonstrating proficiency in foundational reading skills on the state’s IREAD assessment.
The Indiana Department of Education released statewide IREAD, ILEARN and SAT results for the 2025-26 school year Tuesday at the State Board of Education’s August meeting.
Street construction continues outside the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Road-building coalition calls for long-term funding solution
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
As Indiana enters its fifth month without collecting the gas taxes that pay for road and bridge improvements, builders say the state must reinstate the charges and find more revenue streams.
The coalition applauded Gov. Mike Braun for helping taxpayers — and backfilling transportation-funding accounts.
But, Indiana Constructors President Richard Hedgecock said, "We don't want this temporary disruption to become the norm as Indiana funding sources diminish."
Christopher Knoth, right, appears with attorney Laura Beth Iosue before the Indiana Board of Pharmacy on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, in Indianapolis. (Screenshot from Indiana Board of Pharmacy livestream)
Pharmacist accused of yearslong drug diversion gives up bid to renew Indiana license
By Casey Smith
The pharmacist accused of stealing tens of thousands of doses of powerful opioids from IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital told state regulators Monday that he does not intend to practice again — then withdrew his license renewal application when the board split over whether to deny it.
The withdrawal means Christopher Knoth’s Indiana pharmacist license will remain expired and he cannot legally practice.
NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche appears at his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill last month. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)
Anti-abortion groups urge attorney general to halt mailing of abortion pills
By Kelcie Moseley-Morris
A group of leading anti-abortion organizations sent a letter to newly confirmed U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche urging him to review the U.S. Department of Justice’s authority to use a 150-year-old anti-obscenity law to prevent people from obtaining abortion medication or other related materials through the mail.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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