Lafayette, Indiana

Indiana State Sen. Ron Alting, already facing scrutiny over alleged shoplifting at Walmart stores in Lafayette and Monticello, is now also suspected of a similar incident at a Walmart near Naples, Florida, according to a source familiar with the investigations. No charges have been filed; a special prosecutor is reviewing six alleged Lafayette incidents from August and September, and local authorities have withheld case details. Alting has acknowledged "concerning changes" in his judgment and cognitive functioning, saying he is seeking medical evaluation and treatment, and apologized for his actions. His campaign ads have continued airing despite saying he would step back from campaigning. Democratic opponent Natasha Baker called for accountability.

Medina, Ohio Mayor Jim Shields is asking motorists for patience as road construction continues through the final two weeks of October. With concrete work on Court Street (US 42) between Homestead and Lafayette complete, milling and paving begin Oct. 19 near Homestead Street and move south to Lafayette Road, weather and staffing permitting. Crews will work at night near the downtown square and during the day elsewhere. Drivers should also expect construction activity on North Court Street, Broadway, Elmwood, Huntington, and Jefferson streets. Separately, the city reminded residents that polls for the Nov. 3 general election open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with early voting continuing through Nov. 1.

A new Free Press Indiana/Bellwether Research poll shows Democrat Beau Bayh leading Republican Max Engling in the race for Indiana Secretary of State, 43% to 35%. Libertarian Lauri Shillings drew 6% and Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard, a former Indianapolis mayor, drew 5%, with 11% undecided. The race drew heightened attention after incumbent Diego Morales lost his GOP renomination bid at the party's June convention. Bayh led in most regions, including Indianapolis and the Chicago/South Bend/Elkhart/Lafayette area, while Engling performed best around Fort Wayne. Bayh also posted the highest favorability rating among the four candidates, while more than 40% of voters said they had never heard of Engling, Ballard or Shillings.

The same survey of 896 registered voters, conducted Oct. 8-11 with a margin of error of ±3.4%, found Democrat Jessica Bailey narrowly ahead in the State Comptroller race and Republican Daniel Elliott leading in the State Treasurer contest. Indiana's general election is Nov. 3, with absentee ballot applications due Oct. 22.