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1-minute voter guide: Indiana secretary of state

A quick primer on the race to lead Indiana's election office.

News

Hoosier voters will select a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="secretary of state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/27/indiana-secretary-of-state-candidates-meet-first-debate" data-vars-content-id="394e0932-3ba4-4272-8157-728b05f89eb9" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Indiana secretary of state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/27/indiana-secretary-of-state-candidates-meet-first-debate" target="_self">secretary of state</a> in a close race <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="between four candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indiana-secretary-of-state-race-is-taking-shape-2026-bayh-engling" data-vars-content-id="394e0932-3ba4-4272-8157-728b05f89eb9" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Indiana secretary of state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indiana-secretary-of-state-race-is-taking-shape-2026-bayh-engling" target="_self">between four candidates</a>. Why it matters: The high-profile race is top of the ticket in next month&#x27;s election, and the winner will be charged with ensuring the state&#x27;s elections are fair, open and secure.

Answers imminent in Purdue's search for Amelia Earhart plane

After a year-long wait, A Purdue-backed search for Amelia Earhart's missing plane is underway.

After a year-long wait, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Purdue-backed search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/07/11/purdue-find-amelia-earhart-plane" data-vars-content-id="1941f38f-031b-4508-afc4-cb53c3e38f0d" data-vars-headline="Answers imminent in Purdue&#x27;s search for Amelia Earhart plane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/07/11/purdue-find-amelia-earhart-plane" target="_self">Purdue-backed search</a> for Amelia Earhart&#x27;s missing plane is underway.Why it matters: If the team preparing to comb a Nikumaroro Island lagoon is successful, one of aviation&#x27;s biggest questions could be answered before Halloween.

IPS plans to renegotiate charter agreements

The district says it wants to renegotiate for higher service fees.

Education

Indianapolis Public Schools is looking to close its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multimillion-dollar budget gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indianapolis-public-schools-facing-20-million-deficit-referendum" data-vars-content-id="06691b0d-0c49-42ee-bb0e-3fdafbb97f54" data-vars-headline="IPS plans to renegotiate charter agreements" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indianapolis-public-schools-facing-20-million-deficit-referendum" target="_self">multimillion-dollar budget gap</a> by squeezing cash from its charter partners.Why it matters: The decision to terminate agreements with schools in the IPS Innovation Network and renegotiate terms is a stunning about-face for a district previously lauded for its collaboration with charter schools.<ul><li>It also puts services at dozens of schools in limbo.</li></ul>

Indianapolis' proposed Opportunity Zones

Indiana nominated 126 census tracts for federal Opportunity Zone designation, including 29 in Marion County.

Indiana nominated 126 census tracts for federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Opportunity Zone designation" data-vars-click-url="https://iedc.in.gov/program/indiana-opportunity-zones/overview" data-vars-content-id="715d1bf1-65aa-421c-ae31-ca9d3fdd4cc3" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; proposed Opportunity Zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iedc.in.gov/program/indiana-opportunity-zones/overview" target="_blank">Opportunity Zone designation</a>, including 29 in Marion County.Why it matters: The tax benefits that come with the designation could set the stage for a wave of private investment in some of Indianapolis&#x27; most economically challenged neighborhoods.

The Pacers comeback story begins

After months of assuring fans and reporters that he'll be ready for next season, Tyrese Haliburton will finally get the chance to start proving it.

Sports

After months of assuring fans that he&#x27;d be ready, Tyrese Haliburton is set to return Wednesday in the Pacers&#x27; preseason opener.Why it matters: The Pacers went from the Finals to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worst record in franchise history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/pacers-in-prime-draft-lottery-position-following-painful-season" data-vars-content-id="1ddad384-5e2a-40dc-a9a5-ff1a51b72aa5" data-vars-headline="The Pacers comeback story begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/pacers-in-prime-draft-lottery-position-following-painful-season" target="_self">worst record in franchise history</a> and are counting on a healthy Haliburton to lead them back into contention.

Quote du jour: Kelsey Mitchell's Fever future

After an early playoff exit, the All-Star guard and MVP candidate is the franchise's biggest offseason question.

<blockquote>&quot;I have to be selfish … about what I probably need and what&#x27;s probably best for me. Whether it be winning, whether it be my own individual success. I worked my tail off to be here, though. So whatever I do, it&#x27;s gonna come from a selfish standpoint. I&#x27;ll be honest about that.&quot; </blockquote><cite>— Kelsey Mitchell, on becoming an unrestricted free agent</cite>Context: Mitchell has spent her entire WNBA career in Indiana, including a 2026 season as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the league&#x27;s highest-paid players" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/kelsey-mitchell-supermax-deal-sets-the-tone-for-2026-fever" data-vars-content-id="7c5bd46b-a2a3-4369-a297-3b1a4aa6fa03" data-vars-headline="Quote du jour: Kelsey Mitchell&#x27;s Fever future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/kelsey-mitchell-supermax-deal-sets-the-tone-for-2026-fever" target="_self">one of the league&#x27;s highest-paid players</a>.<ul><li>Now, after an early playoff exit, the All-Star guard and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MVP contender" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wnba.com/news/race-to-2026-kia-mvp-mitchell-enters-the-fold" data-vars-content-id="7c5bd46b-a2a3-4369-a297-3b1a4aa6fa03" data-vars-headline="Quote du jour: Kelsey Mitchell&#x27;s Fever future" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wnba.com/news/race-to-2026-kia-mvp-mitchell-enters-the-fold" target="_blank">MVP contender</a> is the franchise&#x27;s biggest offseason question.</li></ul>

Fever to start playoffs on the road after crushing Lynx loss

The Indiana Fever return to the WNBA postseason Sunday with a plan to go from almost reaching the finals in 2025 to hoisting a title in 2026.

The Indiana Fever return to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WNBA Playoffs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wnba.com/playoffs/2026" data-vars-content-id="61da64a1-62ba-43a5-9600-06e0cdd73042" data-vars-headline="Fever to start playoffs on the road after crushing Lynx loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wnba.com/playoffs/2026" target="_blank">WNBA Playoffs</a> Sunday, chasing a title that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eluded them last season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/26/2025-wnba-playoffs-fever-aces" data-vars-content-id="61da64a1-62ba-43a5-9600-06e0cdd73042" data-vars-headline="Fever to start playoffs on the road after crushing Lynx loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/26/2025-wnba-playoffs-fever-aces" target="_self">eluded them last season</a>.Why it matters: The Fever have spent much of 2026 playing under an unusually bright spotlight. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Even for them" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/07/23/aliyah-boston-indiana-fever" data-vars-content-id="61da64a1-62ba-43a5-9600-06e0cdd73042" data-vars-headline="Fever to start playoffs on the road after crushing Lynx loss" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/07/23/aliyah-boston-indiana-fever" target="_self">Even for them</a>.

Indy renews MLS talks with Football Stadium District pitch

The talks had seemed stalled for the last year but appear to be rekindling with new stadium site.

Indianapolis&#x27; push for a Major League Soccer team appears to be heating back up.Why it matters: Another professional sports team could be a boon for downtown development and the city&#x27;s reputation as a sports capital.

Fever enter fight for home court advantage in WNBA season's final week

With just four games to go, every win matters more than ever.

The Indiana Fever return from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a successful FIBA World Cup break" data-vars-click-url="https://fever.wnba.com/news/clark-and-boston-help-lead-usa-to-gold-medal-at-2026-fiba-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="212ca63a-5e39-4518-8cd9-5ffe601af087" data-vars-headline="Fever enter fight for home court advantage in WNBA season&#x27;s final week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fever.wnba.com/news/clark-and-boston-help-lead-usa-to-gold-medal-at-2026-fiba-world-cup" target="_blank">a successful FIBA World Cup break</a> with four regular season games left and a first-round playoff matchup that is still very much undecided.Why it matters: The gaps between the WNBA&#x27;s top teams are razor thin, making each remaining game crucial as they fight to secure home court for the start of the postseason.

Colts open 2026 season with plenty to prove

The Colts kick off a new season Sunday with a healthy QB, a revamped defense and less room for a late-season collapse.

The Indianapolis Colts&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spectacular collapse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/01/08/colts-frustration-offseason-carlie-irsay-gordon" data-vars-content-id="1099a999-4495-47e6-b7bb-eb1f45e9fe6e" data-vars-headline="Colts open 2026 season with plenty to prove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/01/08/colts-frustration-offseason-carlie-irsay-gordon" target="_self">spectacular collapse</a> last season has turned 2026 from a year of promise into one of pressure.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="After an 8-2 start" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/22/confidence-is-key-as-colts-climb-to-the-top-of-the-nfl" data-vars-content-id="1099a999-4495-47e6-b7bb-eb1f45e9fe6e" data-vars-headline="Colts open 2026 season with plenty to prove" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/22/confidence-is-key-as-colts-climb-to-the-top-of-the-nfl" target="_self">After an 8-2 start</a> unraveled into an 8-9 finish, another missed postseason could force the team to reconsider the leadership that has failed to turn flashes of contention into sustained success.

IU, Purdue and Notre Dame kickoff Week 1

The reigning national champs, their rebuilding rivals and a still-shocking CFP snub all kick off their college football seasons this weekend.

The reigning national champs, their rebuilding rivals and a still-shocking CFP snub all kickoff their college football seasons this weekend.Why it matters: The stakes are high for the Hoosiers, Boilermakers and Fighting Irish in 2026, but a lot has changed since last season.

The biggest games of the Pacers' 2026-27 season

The road back from a 19-win season includes a trip to Mexico City and a local NBA Cup championship game.

The Pacers&#x27; road back from a 19-win season includes a trip to Mexico City and an NBA Cup championship game in Indianapolis.Why it matters: With superstar Tyrese Haliburton returning to the court, the 2026-27 Pacers look more like the team that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly won it all" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/03/nba-finals-2025-pacers-thunder" data-vars-content-id="1a96f3f8-1ede-459a-9a9c-72e8098a33a8" data-vars-headline="The biggest games of the Pacers&#x27; 2026-27 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/03/nba-finals-2025-pacers-thunder" target="_self">nearly won it all</a> one summer ago than the squad that set a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="franchise record" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/pacers-in-prime-draft-lottery-position-following-painful-season" data-vars-content-id="1a96f3f8-1ede-459a-9a9c-72e8098a33a8" data-vars-headline="The biggest games of the Pacers&#x27; 2026-27 season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/pacers-in-prime-draft-lottery-position-following-painful-season" target="_self">franchise record</a> for regular-season losses.

IU and Purdue prepare for very different college football seasons

Central Indiana football fans are heading into this season with the starkest split-screen the in-state rivalry has seen in years.

IU and Purdue football fans are heading into this season with the starkest split-screen their storied in-state rivalry has seen in years.Why it matters: With one program <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="protecting perfection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/01/20/indiana-university-football-perfect-national-championship-win-miami" data-vars-content-id="8f8dc16b-5687-486a-bb6e-383b8f78ee16" data-vars-headline="IU and Purdue prepare for very different college football seasons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/01/20/indiana-university-football-perfect-national-championship-win-miami" target="_self">protecting perfection</a> and another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pursuing measurable progress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/28/purdue-football-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="8f8dc16b-5687-486a-bb6e-383b8f78ee16" data-vars-headline="IU and Purdue prepare for very different college football seasons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/28/purdue-football-season-preview" target="_self">pursuing measurable progress</a>, there will be no easy weeks for either squad in what has arguably become college football&#x27;s strongest conference.

Federal agencies launch youth sports initiative

They announced the program Tuesday at the Colts practice facility.

Football changed Scott Turner&#x27;s life. The U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development says it taught him discipline, accountability and perseverance long before the nine seasons he spent with the NFL.Why it matters: Turner wants to bring the opportunities sports provided him to more kids growing up in America&#x27;s public housing projects, which he now oversees.

Sports 🏅

The Pacers comeback story begins

Quote du jour: Kelsey Mitchell's Fever future

Fever to start playoffs on the road after crushing Lynx loss

Indy renews MLS talks with Football Stadium District pitch

Fever enter fight for home court advantage in WNBA season's final week