By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“We're still in the majority. We're still going to operate like a body in the majority.” — House Speaker-elect Ben Smaltz
Republicans in the House and Senate chose new leadership Wednesday after startling losses to Democrats.
Indiana this morning put a man to death who killed two children in 2010 — and Capital Chronicle Senior Reporter Casey Smith witnessed the execution.
Hoosier voters approved most of the school referendums on the ballot, but the ones that failed could mean serious cuts.
Plus, a new state comptroller and more gas tax relief.
Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, speaks with reporters after his selection as Indiana House speaker-elect during a private meeting of House Republicans at the Statehouse on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana House Republicans pick new leader after big election losses
By Tom Davies
The Republican lawmaker who led the Indiana congressional redistricting push last year was picked Wednesday as the next leader for the state House of Representatives.
A drastically reduced Republican House majority elected Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn as speaker-elect — a day after House Speaker Todd Huston lost reelection and Democrats picked up an apparent 16 seats in the chamber.
Jeffrey Weisheit answers questions during his Oct. 16, 2026, clemency hearing at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. (Screenshot from livestream)
Indiana executes Jeffrey Weisheit for 2010 murders of two children
By Casey Smith
MICHIGAN CITY — Jeffrey Weisheit didn’t visibly move or open his eyes during the three minutes that witnesses were allowed to view his execution early Thursday. And the blinds covering the window into the chamber closed eight minutes before the time Indiana officials said he was pronounced dead.
The Indiana Capital Chronicle, the only media outlet to witness the execution, could not determine whether Weisheit was conscious, see where an IV had been inserted or understand what was being said inside the chamber.
In two other recent Indiana executions, the condemned men blinked and moved.
A school bus sits waiting for Indiana students on Aug. 6, 2026. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Majority of Indiana school referendums pass
By Mackenzi Klemann
Hoosiers supported a majority of referendums for public K-12 schools Tuesday despite widespread concern about property taxes in what was a record year for referendums.
The Indiana School Boards Association found voters supported 27 of the 39 referendums on the ballot this year, or about 70% passage rate.
“That’s quite a testament,” said ISBA Director Terry Spradlin. “It really does signify that Hoosiers and voters and citizens really do believe in the power of public education.”
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Braun extends fuel tax suspensions through Dec. 4 | Mackenzi Klemann
Dem challenger defeats Indiana House GOP leader in stunning upset | Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
(Tenor)
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