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Wells seeks to remake ‘culture and climate’ of Indiana attorney general’s office

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Wells seeks to remake ‘culture and climate’ of Indiana attorney general’s office


Editor’s note: This story is the second in a two-part look at the race for Indiana attorney general in 2024. A look at Republican Todd Rokita’s reelection bid may be found here.

For Destiny Wells, it was a 13-month tour of duty in Afghanistan that spurred her into politics. 

“I flew in with Barack Obama, and I flew out with Donald Trump,” said Wells, a U.S. Army Reserve lieutenant colonel and Indianapolis attorney. “There was obviously a shift.” 

She recalled writing a letter to a friend working for then-Sen. Joe Donnelly’s reelection campaign about volunteering. Donnelly was no longer accepting new volunteers, but Wells found a rudder with Democratic leadership academy Hoosier Women Forward. She rose from volunteer to deputy chair for the Indiana Democratic Party after the 2020 cycle, hosting Zoom calls and working to get out the vote. 

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“I really felt like I needed to do more when I got home,” said Wells, who is now in the thick of her second consecutive statewide campaign — a challenge to the state’s entrenched but oft-controversial attorney general, Todd Rokita. 

Having defeated a serious challenger for the nomination at the Democratic state convention in July, Wells, 40, cemented herself as part of a new guard of young leaders looking to guide the party back to respectability on the statewide stage. 

“She brings a lot to her campaign,” Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl said of Wells. “This is a tremendous opportunity for us. Todd Rokita has been very extreme and partisan in his approach to the job.” 

Wells hopes the lessons learned from a heavy defeat in the 2022 secretary of state race will serve her this time around, but Rokita holds almost every discernable political advantage — more money, better name recognition, experience in the position, an Indiana voter base that leans to the right.

“Destiny Wells continues to advance a radical agenda that’s out of touch with Indiana,” Indiana Republican Party Chair Randy Head said. “Rokita has a solid record to stand on and is in a great position to win in November by a large margin.”

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From Martinsville to the military

Wells was born and raised on a farm in Martinsville, where her family has lived since the town’s founding in 1822. She attended Indiana University, where she enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard during her freshman year. 

After graduation, she worked full-time in the military and subsequently earned a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. After time spent stationed in Germany, she ran a private practice in Martinsville before being reassigned to what was then Fort Hood in Texas. 

Wells eventually worked as a deputy attorney general under then-Attorney General Curtis Hill and served as associate corporation counsel for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County. 

Defeat in 2022

Wells brought her politically desirable background into a 2022 race for secretary of state against Republican Diego Morales, who had defeated incumbent Holli Sullivan at the Republican State Convention. 

Morales, a former aide to Gov. Mike Pence, was accused of inflating his military service record, supporting unfounded claims that President Joe Biden was not duly elected in 2020 and several other controversial actions during the campaign. 

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Nevertheless, he easily defeated Wells by nearly 14 percentage points. 

Wells told State Affairs her campaign was caught “flat-footed” in some areas, including expecting a higher Marion County turnout and fewer Republicans to vote straight along party lines.

“What we proved in ’22 is that we had a winning strategy,” Wells said. “We just didn’t have the money to put behind it. I raised almost $1 million, and we overperformed five points ahead of the ticket.”

Recalibrating the party

Wells faced an unexpected challenger for her party’s attorney general nomination in former Marion County Clerk Beth White, who campaigned as the more experienced choice. 

Wells treated the Democratic nominating convention as a referendum on the party, appearing alongside fellow up-and-coming Democrats in state Sen. Andrea Hunley and Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun. 

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“What we’re doing is trying to recalibrate the party at large to be oriented on winning,” Wells said, “because it’s our generation that’s living the public outcomes that don’t align with our values. 

Destiny Wells speaks at the Indiana Democratic Convention on July 13, 2024. (Credit: Mark Curry)

“We live in a Republican supermajority,” she continued. “That doesn’t align with my values. That doesn’t align with the life that I want for my children.”

Hunley told State Affairs that Wells’ recent history of overperforming Democratic expectations was a determining factor for her endorsement.

 “She had a recent proven track record of making people see there’s an alternative choice,” Hunley said of Wells. 

Wells won the nomination with 69% of the vote. 

“It was really important to me to take this opportunity to get the others [Hunley and Sakbun] onstage so that people can see we’ve already arrived,” Wells said. “And that’s why we asked the question, if not now, when?”

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Wells’ vision

Wells hopes to use her military leadership background to “change the culture and climate” of the attorney general’s office, which she said has grown far too partisan under Rokita. 

She cited two examples: Rokita’s statements last year attacking an Indianapolis physician who performed an abortion on a 10-year-old rape victim from Ohio, and his creation of a “Parents’ Bill of Rights” that includes an online portal to report complaints against teachers.

“Todd likes to use our children as a wedge issue more than actually protecting them,” Wells said. 

The Indiana Supreme Court reprimanded Rokita for his comments on the abortion doctor. Rokita has insisted his comments were accurate and said he agreed to the reprimand to save taxpayer money that would otherwise be used on disciplinary hearings. 

If elected, Wells plans to create a workers’ rights task force that would help other agencies and prosecutors with labor issues, such as wage theft and worker misclassification. 

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Her other platforms include safeguarding the medical privacy of women who seek abortions in Indiana and “restoring integrity” to the attorney general’s office. 

Wells would also seek to recruit more experienced attorneys to the office. 

“There has been an exodus of institutional knowledge in that agency,” she said.

Rokita’s camp pushed back on Wells’ claims.

“Destiny Wells is the deputy chair of the Indiana Democratic Party,” campaign adviser Brent Littlefield said. “She has literally spent the last two years, after losing her last campaign, working for partisan gain. Todd Rokita is doing the work Hoosiers elected him to, including defending the laws passed by the Indiana General Assembly.”

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Path to victory

Raising money and educating voters is at the heart of Wells’ campaign, she said. Last week, her campaign  released a poll of 600 likely voters that showed Wells was trailing by 3 percentage points initially and then leading the race once respondents were read statements critical of Rokita and supportive of Wells. 

These polls, often called push polls, are meant to show candidates whether their political messaging is effective in swaying voters. 

Another poll, by Emerson College Polling/The Hill, surveyed 1,000 likely voters and found Rokita well ahead. He received 49% of support to Wells’ 35%; 16% of respondents were undecided. 

Hunley agrees that money will be key to Wells’ chances. “Destiny is clearly the better choice in every aspect of policy,” she said. “For women, for teachers, for families, for doctors, for our economy. That does not matter if we can’t get her message out.”

Wells ended June with about $98,000 in her campaign account. She has received $65,000 in large donations since.

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Fall fundraising will be key. In 2022, she pulled in more than $750,000 during the second half of the year. 

Even if a strong late push materializes, it will take a lot to outraise Rokita. He finished June with more than $1.3 million in the bank, and he’s received $430,000 in large contributions since. 

‘One to keep an eye on’

Paul Helmke, Republican former mayor of Fort Wayne and director of Indiana University’s Civic Leaders Center, believes Rokita has the clear advantage. 

“Generally, the rule is Republicans win statewide elections,” Helmke said. “The only time that doesn’t happen is when someone does something very controversial.” 

In 2012, Democrat Joe Donnelly defeated Republican Richard Mourdock in a U.S. Senate race after Mourdock made controversial statements about rape and abortion.

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Democrat Glenda Ritz also upset incumbent Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett after he riled teachers, Helmke said. 

Wells should enjoy some additional name recognition from her 2022 campaign, and she may be helped by Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential bid, Helmke said. But Rokita has endeared himself to former President Donald Trump’s voter base. 

“If Kamala is running stronger than Biden or [former Secretary of State] Hillary [Clinton], then maybe there’s a chance,” Helmke said. “This is one to keep an eye on.”

Contact Rory Appleton on X at @roryehappleton or email him at [email protected].

Destiny Wells
  • Title: Candidate for Indiana attorney general
  • Age: 40
  • Hometown: Indianapolis
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, law degree from University of Texas at Austin and U.S. Army advanced operator’s course
  • Career: Candidate for secretary of state in 2022, attorney, former deputy attorney general, former associate corporation counsel for the City of Indianapolis and Marion County
  • Family: Wells and her husband, Oliver, have two sons
  • Hobbies: Shopping, hanging out with her kids
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Severe storm risk into tonight through early Wednesday morning

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Severe storm risk into tonight through early Wednesday morning


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — We are monitoring the potential for severe weather into early Wednesday morning.

Tornado Watch in effect until EDT midnight March 10, 2026, for Benton, Newton, and Jasper counties.

Tuesday night: Please make sure you have your safety plan on standby into tonight through pre-dawn Wednesday morning. There is now a level 4/5 severe risk in northwest Indiana. Much of central Indiana remains in a level 2/5 risk.

The risk for significant tornadoes (EF2+) and very large hail (2″+) is greatest north of I-70 with any discrete cell(s) that maintain their-selves into mainly northern Indiana. There is also potential for a max expected intensity of an EF-3+ tornado within much (if not all) of the level 3 & 4 risk zone.

This does not mean that every storm will produce a tornado of that magnitude. It is simply highlighting area of highest concern for the possibility of such occurrence.

Now, given a modestly unstable environment into the pre-dawn hours Wednesday with stronger wind flow aloft, all hazards will remain possible into central Indiana. The significant severe threat here is much lower.

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Overall, you need to have multiple ways of being able to get alerts tonight. Do not be scared, be prepared and you will be ok.

Wednesday: Beyond sunrise Wednesday, we will continue to track more in the way of showers and storms. The main area of the strong-severe storm risk looks to shift mainly southeast of Indy with damaging winds the primary concern through the morning into afternoon hours.

Rainfall amounts through Wednesday may amount to 1-2″ with locally higher amounts.

Highs to occur earlier in the day with numbers in the mid to upper 60s. Non-thunderstorm winds will also be quite breezy with gusts up to 30-35 MPH.

Thursday: Be prepared for quite a temperature shift into Thursday. We will start the day off with temperatures in the low 30 with 20s wind chills. Yeah, that will not feel great considering our recent stretch of more mild days. Highs will only get into the upper 40s.

7-Day Forecast: We look to warm back up into this weekend, but it will come with more active weather and breezy winds. Friday will feature highs in the mid to upper 50s with wind gusts up to 25-30 MPH. Highs look to tick back into the low 60s Sunday with more chances for rain. Then, temperatures really take a tumble into next Monday with highs only in the 30s and a chance for a rain/snow mix.



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Future of Chicago’s Soldier Field Uncertain as Bears Eye Move to Indiana

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Future of Chicago’s Soldier Field Uncertain as Bears Eye Move to Indiana


Change could be coming to Chicago’s Soldier Field, a historic landmark initially designed as a memorial for American soldiers who died in combat. Opened in 1924, and home to the NFL’s Chicago Bears since 1971, the 102 year old venue’s future is uncertain as the team is exploring a new stadium, possibility across the Illinois state line in Hammond, Indiana.

“The fact that they’re even considering coming to Hammond versus keeping it in their own state says a lot about what we’re going to try to do to tell everyone Indiana is a place move your business,” said Governor Mike Braun (R-Indiana), in a televised news conference Monday, monitored by Military.com. The governor’s remarks addressed a range of issues related to the end of the state’s legislative session.

Governor Mike Braun (R-Indiana) touts Indiana’s effort to lure Chicago Bears to Hammond with new stadium deal. (Indiana.gov)

“We’re proud that we’ve put together a package to attract $2 Billion worth of investment from the Chicago Bears,” said the governor of Senate Bill 27, which he signed last week. “They’re now looking at Indiana as a place to actually bring that franchise.”

With a seating capacity of more than 100,000 spectators. Soldier Field is used not only for Bears games, but as a site for many other sporting events and exhibitions, including numerous Army-Navy games. But without an anchor sports team like the Bears, the stadium will likely be used less and Chicago could see less tax revenue.

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson telling reporters Monday, the Bears were offered an opportunity to build a new stadium inside the city limits, as a way to stay in Illinois.

“We had an entire press conference, with a proposal on the lakefront two years ago,” Mayor Johnson said in a news conference. “How do you have an entire proposal with the Bears, with the city of Chicago, with labor, with the notion that somehow the greatest, the most fruitful, economic viable prime real estate anywhere in the state, anywhere in the region is somehow not suited?”

Mayor Brandon Johnson opposes efforts to move Chicago Bears outside city limits (City of Chicago).

There’s another proposed site on the table. Illinois lawmakers in the House have advanced House Bill 910, which would lock in property tax rates at the former Arlington Racetrack, in Arlington Heights about 30 miles from Soldier Field. The Bears already own the land, but the bill is still in its early stages and already has some critics.

“It would shift [tax] liability directly onto homeowners and small businesses,” said Brian Costin, deputy state director of the Illinois chapter of Americans for Prosperity, in a statement to Military.com. “It could double or triple the effective property tax rates over the next few decades.”

For now, the Bears have not made a commitment to move to Indiana or stay in Illinois. 

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The Bears said in a statement, “Indiana has taken important steps over the last few months, and we are grateful for the leadership reflected by Governor Braun signing SB 27 establishing the framework for a stadium development in Northwest Indiana. We continue to work on the necessary due diligence and appreciate the .”ongoing engagement with Indiana state and local leaders.”

The team also addressed Illinois efforts to keep the team from leaving Soldier Field or Illinois altogether.

Future of Chicago’s Soldier Field uncertain as NFL’s Chicago Bears consider moving (ChicagoBears.com).

 “We recognize and appreciate the advancement of mega project legislation by the Illinois House Revenue and Finance Committee,” said the statement from the Bears. “We look forward to continued engagement as the lawmakers determine the legislative path forward.”

In Indiana, Governor Braun hopes the better deal will be for the Bears to abandon Soldier Field for new digs across the Illinois border, in Hammond.

“We’ve identified a promising site near Wolf Lake in Hammond and established a broad framework for negotiating a final deal,” Braun said in a statement obtained by Military.com. “We have built a strong relationship with the Bears organization that will serve as the foundation for a public-private partnership, leading to the construction of a world-class stadium and a win for taxpayers.” 

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Indiana Pacers Slide as 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Odds Rise

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Indiana Pacers Slide as 2026 NBA Draft Lottery Odds Rise


The Indiana Pacers are making a real argument to be the worst team in the NBA this season.

The Pacers could become the first team in the Eastern Conference to reach 50 losses this season if they don’t beat the Sacramento Kings tomorrow night. Power rankings across the internet have the Pacers and Kings as the bottom two teams in the league.

NBA.com, John Schuhmann (30, no change)

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Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers center Micah Potter. | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

“With the Jazz beating the Wizards on Thursday and the Nets’ incredible comeback in Detroit over the weekend, the Pacers are the only team without a win (they’re 0-9) since the All-Star break. Seven of those nine losses have come against other teams with losing records,” Schuhmann wrote.

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“The Pacers and Kings are now tied for the fewest wins (15), and they’ll meet for the second (and final) time on Tuesday, with the Pacers having won the first meeting (Dec. 8) behind 28 points and 12 assists from Nembhard. That’s the end of the Pacers’ four-game trip, and they’ll then return home and begin their only stretch of five games in seven days.”

The Athletic, Law Murray (30, no change)

“The Pacers are the only team in the league without a win since the All-Star break, so they’re comfortably nestled at the bottom of these rankings. Indiana was only regular bad for the third quarter of the season overall, though the interior defense has been slammed like brakes,” Murray wrote.

“If they don’t win Tuesday in Sacramento in the Tyrese Haliburton trade bowl, then they’ll have to go and upset a team that is trying to secure wins for the rest of the March schedule.”

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Clutch Points, Brett Siegel (29, down 1)

“As soon as Tyrese Haliburton went down with his Achilles injury, everyone knew that the Indiana Pacers would be taking a step back. The decision for this to be a gap year and completely tank was made after several impactful players, like Obi Toppin, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard, all went down with injuries,” Siegel wrote.

“After all, a team that found success through its depth is nothing when all of its key talents are injured.

“The Pacers own the second-worst record in the NBA right now, giving them a real shot at getting the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. Remember, Indiana will keep their selection this season if it falls inside the top four, which have a 52.1 percent chance of happening.”

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Overview

It’s hard to argue the Pacers not being in this position because they’ve only won 15 games so far this season. On top of that, their last victory came on February 11, which was the final game before the All-Star break.

This isn’t exactly a bad thing for the Pacers, however, because they need that first-round pick to return to them in the draft. If they get the wrong shake in the lottery, the Pacers could be forced to give up their first-round pick in this year’s draft to the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade.

The Pacers should use the rest of the season to figure out who fits in their system and develop their young players in hopes of some of them cracking the rotation for next season and beyond.

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