By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“I feel (the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission) is greatly compromised now. I think they are beyond the … mission of the IURC, they’re beyond statute with the political influence.” — former panel chairman Andy Zay
Andy Zay sat down with Indiana Capital Chronicle to defend himself after he was fired by the governor. But more importantly, he cautioned against a utility panel being run by politicians.
The first state disaster funds are reaching Hoosiers.
Lawmakers considered testimony on possible changes for court-appointed child advocates.
Plus, more GOP U.S. House members side against President Donald Trump on the war in Iran.
Former utility regulator Andy Zay speaks with the Indiana Capital Chronicle on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2026. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Former Indiana utility regulator calls firing a ‘fishing expedition,’ denies spending allegations
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Despite agreeing to settle his contentious lawsuit against the state, fired Indiana utility regulator Andy Zay maintains that his dismissal was manufactured to change the outcome in a now-pending review of a $71 million electricity rate increase for AES Indiana.
In an interview with the Capital Chronicle, Zay rejected the Braun administration’s allegations he misspent campaign money from his previous role as a state senator — but said he agreed to the $625,000 settlement because he didn’t have the time or money to see the lawsuit through.
“I never would have done anything to embarrass the administration, the (Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission), the work that we were doing,” he said Tuesday. “… They were on a big fishing expedition to move myself on, to get somebody in that would vote for the appeal, and I think that played out very publicly.”
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security has reviewed 40,000 state relief applications so far and sent out more than $1 million in aid. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
State disaster cash now hitting bank accounts month after storms hit Indiana
By Niki Kelly
The first $1 million in state disaster aid for Hoosiers impacted by August storms has been sent out the door — either through paper checks or direct deposits.
In all, $1.7 million for about 260 homes was approved as of Wednesday by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. From there, the Indiana Comptroller’s Office processes the payment.
The average payment is running around $4,000 so far.
NATIONAL NEWS
U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posed for photos at a Nunn campaign event held at JR’s Southpork Ranch at the Iowa State Fair Aug. 17, 2026. Nunn was one of three House Republicans who broke with the Trump administration’s in a Sept. 15 vote to rein in the Iran war. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)
More GOP lawmakers break with Trump on Iran as gas prices keep climbing
By Ashley Murray
WASHINGTON — As the November midterms approach, vulnerable U.S. House Republicans voted late Tuesday to require congressional approval for President Donald Trump to continue his war in Iran.
Seven Republicans broke ranks and joined all Democrats to pass a War Powers Resolution sponsored by Rep. Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts Democrat. Tuesday’s vote marked the third time since June that the House passed a measure to curb Trump’s military powers in Iran. The war has dragged on for over half a year.
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