By Tom Davies | Deputy Editor
"Our job is simple. We should ask ourselves one question, and that is: how do we create more opportunities for every Hoosier?" — Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich
Indiana’s new commerce secretary says he’s going to juggle his state duties with his job as chief executive of a major electrical contractor. We have a story with Chuck Goodrich’s explanation for how he’ll keep those roles separated.
Greg Ballard’s race for secretary of state is also about opening up more chances for independent candidates to get on the election ballot. But Ballard and the top Lincoln Party organizers aren’t detailing how those candidates would be picked in the future.
We have a commentary about online threats some women journalists in Indianapolis have faced. Plus, a story on a new national report about rising utility bills.
Commerce Secretary Chuck Goodrich speaks at a news conference on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana commerce secretary to continue leading major electric contractor
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Newly installed Indiana Commerce Secretary Chuck Goodrich says that he will also continue leading Gaylor Electric, one of the nation's largest non-union electrical construction firms.
"We spent six weeks before announcing I would become the secretary of commerce literally separating duties," Goodrich told reporters during an introductory news conference. "I'll remain the CEO of Gaylor, and I will be the secretary of commerce."
Indiana secretary of state candidate Greg Ballard speaks at the Statehouse before delivering petition signatures needed to qualify for the November ballot on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Ballard envisions Lincoln Party 'opening the door' for independent candidates
By Jack Forrest
Greg Ballard commemorated the independent effort to get his name on the November ballot for secretary of state Tuesday, turning over eight large boxes containing thousands of petition signatures to election officials.
Pending final review by the state election division, Ballard’s name will appear on the ballot — but he also signaled how his candidacy can make running for election easier for other independents.
COMMENTARY
(Illustration by the Poynter Institute)
Women journalists — worldwide and here at home — face outsized online attacks
By Tracey Compton
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy’s June 17 story about Indy’s public hospital-to-jail pipeline got 63 comments on Facebook. Although most offered praise for her investigation of questionable police arrests made by Eskenazi Health, some veered into personal attacks and criticism.
This example of a woman journalist being harassed online in Indianapolis is representative of a disproportionate burden for women journalists as a group.
NATIONAL NEWS
Consumers are unlikely to see any relief in gas and electric bills as utilities proposed more than $18 billion in rate hikes across the country over the first half of the year, according to a newly released report. (Photo by Dave Cummings/New Hampshire Bulletin)
Relief from energy bills unlikely as utilities request billions in rate hikes
By Kevin Hardy
Consumers are unlikely to see any relief in gas and electric bills as utilities proposed more than $18 billion in rate hikes across the country over the first half of the year.
The consumer advocacy group PowerLines reported that utilities asked regulators for a record $9.2 billion in cumulative rate increases during the second quarter of this year. Those requested rate increases could affect more than 56 million U.S. customers.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Wildlife advocates worry new rule threatens bobcat population | Axios Indianapolis
Powerball expansion could mean bigger jackpots for Hoosier players | Times of Northwest Indiana (Paywall)
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