By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“If we don’t set the guardrails, if we don’t protect the IURC, we’re going to be looking over our shoulder on every decision we make.” — former chairman Andy Zay
The ousted former chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission talked with us about why he was really fired: and what that means for the future of the industry.
Good news for Hoosiers impacted by the devastating August storms. Tens of millions in aid has flowed to them from the state and federal governments.
New leadership at Indiana’s economic development agency.
Plus, Abe Lincoln on your November ballot and a strong commentary on diesel taxes.
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.
Gov. Mike Braun, right, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security Director Jonathan Whitham update reporters on state and federal disaster response. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana approved for mass SNAP replacement
By Mackenzi Klemann
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration will begin issuing additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit replacements to Hoosiers in 19 counties whose food perished in power outages on Aug. 11.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the agency’s request Thursday to replace SNAP benefits for affected households in all or parts of Carroll, Dearborn, Decatur, Delaware, Fayette, Franklin, Hancock, Henry, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Porter, Pulaski, Randolph, Rush, Tipton, Union and Wayne counties.
COMMENTARY
Gas and diesel prices in Indiana on Sept. 17, 2026. (Photo by Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chroncile)
Hoosiers using diesel receive no relief from tax suspensions
By Niki Kelly
Our daughter called last week, and she was absolutely beside herself. She had just topped off her diesel-powered VW Jetta. It cost $42 for not even half a tank.
As a young woman working and living independently, her rising fuel costs have her in panic mode. Diesel has surpassed $6 a gallon for the first time in U.S. history. And yet Gov. Mike Braun has left her and other diesel owners out of state relief.
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 $40B 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
Here’s what goes into your electricity bill — and what could change | Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
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