By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“I think the center of the argument became whether the death penalty is right or wrong. Well, that's not in question. ... We need to focus on the methods.” — Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour
Firing squads could be coming to two death chambers in Indiana — both state and federal.
Indiana is facing millions in additional costs if it doesn’t get its error rate for federal food assistance down. And the latest data shows it going the wrong way.
A big ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court threatens thousands of Haitians living in Indiana under Temporary Protected Status.
Plus, my commentary examines Gov. Mike Braun’s power play with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
**If you have been enjoying columns from Indianapolis Public Editor Tracey Compton, check out a list of public events with her below.
A live look at ongoing construction at the site of the new Northwest Indiana Correctional Facility in Westville, taken on June 25, 2026. (Photo courtesy Indiana Department of Correction)
Indiana's new prison already equipped for firing squads as death penalty debate continues
By Casey Smith
As Indiana inches toward what could be its fourth state execution since resuming capital punishment, prison officials confirmed the state's next correctional complex is already equipped for an execution method Hoosier lawmakers have yet to authorize.
The Indiana Department of Correction confirmed to the Indiana Capital Chronicle that the new Westville Correctional Facility, now nearing completion, is designed to accommodate both lethal injection and firing squad executions. Indiana law currently allows only lethal injection.
The development comes as national death penalty policy increasingly converges in Indiana — and as federal officials lean on the Hoosier State for more flexibility.
A sign for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is displayed at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of USDA)
Indiana SNAP payment error rate rises, increasing likelihood state will be on the hook for benefits
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana's payment error rate for the nation's largest anti-hunger program rose last year — which, without improvements, could cost the state more than $140 million annually as soon as next year.
That's according to the latest table of payment error rates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, released Wednesday afternoon by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
COMMENTARY
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun speaks with leaders of St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center in Indianapolis during a visit on Thursday, April 30, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Utility regulatory panel is in the hot seat, but what flexibility do they really have?
By Niki Kelly
Gov. Mike Braun has made his position clear: he wants the state’s utility regulators to put Hoosier ratepayers at the forefront of all their decisions. And the first time the panel that he remade with new appointments had a big opportunity to make a statement, it approved a large rate hike instead.
Within days, Braun demoted the chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Andy Zay. He will remain a member of the five-member commission but will take a pay cut.
The message to the other four members is clear: get in line.
NATIONAL NEWS
Demonstrators chant and hold signs outside U.S. Supreme Court on April 29, 2026, in Washington, DC. The court heard arguments challenging the government’s termination of Temporary Protected Status for immigrants. (Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images)
US Supreme Court rules Trump administration can end legal protections for 350,000 Haitians
By Ariana Figueroa
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court Thursday allowed the Trump administration to move forward with its plans to strip temporary legal status from 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians, a move that opens them up to deportation.
The 6-3 conservative court ruled that the Haitian and Syrian immigrants are not “entitled” to orders postponing an end to their temporary protections while litigation is pending, arguing those are non-constitutional claims. It means their work permits and deportation protections are stripped.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Mixed reaction to Supreme Court ruling impacting thousands of Haitians living in Indiana | Jack Forrest and Mackenzi Klemann
Here’s why electric bills are up across Indiana | Mirror Indy
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