By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“Let me be very clear: this step reinforces, not weakens, safeguards for human health and the environment.” — EPA Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi
Indiana’s environmental agency could take over regulating coal plant byproducts under a federal proposal now open to public comment.
A convicted killer is seeking clemency in his death penalty case.
The cost of military action in Iran has grown to more than $40 billion — with no clear end in sight.
Plus, commentary, gas taxes and more.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi announces the proposed approval of Indiana’s coal combustion residuals permit program during a news conference on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
EPA backs Indiana coal combustion residual program takeover
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana’s proposed takeover of toxic coal byproduct permits is ready for approval, federal officials announced Tuesday. If finalized, the program would be the largest in the country.
“Giving states the lead … helps ensure that those who understand local conditions the best, and their local energy needs, are in the driver’s seat to oversee the process,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Deputy Administrator David Fotouhi told reporters at an Indianapolis news conference.
The Indiana Parole Board scheduled October hearings on Jeffrey Weisheit’s request to reduce his death sentence. His execution is set for Nov. 5, 2026. (Mugshot from the Indiana Department of Correction)
Indiana parole board schedules clemency hearings ahead of Weisheit execution
By Casey Smith
Jeffrey Weisheit’s bid to avoid execution is headed to the Indiana Parole Board, which has scheduled October hearings on his request to void the death sentence imposed for killing two children in 2010.
The Indiana Parole Board received the application and issued a hearing notice Tuesday, less than two months before Weisheit’s scheduled Nov. 5 execution.
COMMENTARY
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So, you want to be a journalist in Indy? Here’s what you need to know.
By Tracey Compton
Many reporters don’t make it to the 10-year mark in the profession before washing out. In addition to pressures of the work, they contend with a volatile industry: shrinking newsrooms, dwindling resources, and the possibility of news organizations shutting down altogether. Yet, the journalism school at Indiana University, the Media School, persists, enrolling a steady 225 students.
NATIONAL NEWS
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testifies during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on July 21, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
Iran war cost tops $42B and billions more monthly, budget analysis finds
By Jennifer Shutt
WASHINGTON — The cost of U.S. military operations in Iran has exceeded $40 billion and the war will continue to cost taxpayers between $2 billion and $3 billion per month, according to an analysis released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
The ongoing bombing campaign, which President Donald Trump launched alongside the Israeli government in February, has also significantly reduced American military weapons stockpiles, according to the analysis.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Indiana continues gas tax reimbursements | Mackenzi Klemann
Hoosiers use an abortion fund to bypass the state’s ban | Mirror Indy
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