Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Michael Paul Hart, East Side City County Councilor, discussed his vote against the wheel tax, citing constituent feedback and lack of spending cuts. He highlighted issues with the tax's structure, including a flat $100 fee and no indexing. Hart also addressed the curfew extension for 17-year-olds, noting juvenile crime incidents. He criticized the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) for a $4...

JD Ford, a state senator and candidate for Congress in Indiana's fifth district, discussed his campaign against Victoria Sparks. Ford emphasized the urgency of addressing affordability issues, including high gas prices, utility costs, and healthcare. He highlighted his efforts to pass a bipartisan housing bill and reduce healthcare costs, such as capping insulin prices. Ford criticized Sparks for...

Wheel Tax - Brian Mowery by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Wheel Tax - Andy Nielson by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

There’s a new sheriff candidate in town. Marion County Republicans have tapped Southport Police Chief Tom Vaughn, a 30–year law enforcement veteran, to run for Marion County Sheriff in one of the most challenging political environments in the state.

The Sons of Svengoolie and Socey celebrates America’s 250th birthday by honoring the 48th anniversary of TV horror host Son of Svengoolie. Film critic and WFYI host Matthew Socey recalls growing up on rubber-suited monsters, bad puns, and late-night creature features that shaped his love of cinema. From championing oddball movies to starring in a local production of “1776,” Socey proves that Ameri...

Indiana Governor Mike Braun says “affordability is my top priority” as he extends Indiana’s suspension of the gasoline usage and excise taxes for another 30 days, promising Hoosiers “the cheapest gas in America” over the July 4th holiday. In this episode, we break down Braun’s claims about gas tax relief, the state’s budget surplus, and what it all means for Indiana’s roads and long‑term infrastru...

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard turned in his final batch of petition signatures this week, telling reporters his independent run for Indiana Secretary of State under the new Lincoln Party banner has already cleared the ballot-access hurdle that, in his telling, both major parties built to keep newcomers out.

Voting-rights advocate Julia Vaughn says Indiana’s political class is pouring energy into imagined threats at the ballot box while ignoring the real work of making elections fairer and more competitive. In a follow-up conversation after a federal judge blocked the state’s attempt to use the federal SAVE immigration database to purge alleged non-citizen voters, Vaughn, executive director of Common...

As summer begins and outdoor activity increases, Indianapolis officials and community leaders are confronting renewed concerns about crime, even as data show violent crime trending downward compared to historic highs. In a recent interview, Reverend Charles Harrison of the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition said citywide numbers for non-fatal shootings, stabbings, homicides, and criminal homicides a...

Nine hundred delegates picked a nominee in Fort Wayne. Greg Ballard says he's got 52,000 signatures that say otherwise. Indy Politics hears from new GOP secretary of state nominee Max Engling and independent challenger Greg Ballard on what the fall race for Indiana's elections chief is really about — closed primaries, party unity, and whether an independent can crack a ticket the GOP has swept sin...

Nine hundred delegates picked a nominee in Fort Wayne. Greg Ballard says he's got 52,000 signatures that say otherwise. Indy Politics hears from new GOP secretary of state nominee Max Engling and independent challenger Greg Ballard on what the fall race for Indiana's elections chief is really about — closed primaries, party unity, and whether an independent can crack a ticket the GOP has swept sin...

State Rep. Danny Lopez, a Republican from Indiana House District 39, told members of the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce that Indiana’s long‑term economic health will depend on smarter tax policy, honest advocacy, and deeper engagement between schools and employers.

With party conventions approaching and political temperatures rising, Indy Politics devoted a recent segment to the state of civility in local politics, featuring Alexandra (Lexi) Hudson, author of The Soul of Civility and founder of Civic Renaissance. The conversation focused on how social media is reshaping local discourse and what ordinary residents can do to foster more respectful engagement.

The debate over data centers in Indianapolis isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and the latest flashpoint is on the east side, at the old Ford plant in the East Gate area. City-County Councilor Michael Paul Hart (District 20) joined us to walk through what’s really going on — and to separate fact from political performance.

Indiana faith leaders and elected officials gathered at the Statehouse this week to denounce what they describe as dangerous, hate-fueled rhetoric from the state’s lieutenant governor and to urge Governor Eric Holcomb to publicly reaffirm that Indiana protects religious freedom for all communities.

The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) says Hoosier taxpayers and utility customers can be “victors, not victims” in the AI and data center boom—if state and local officials handle policy correctly.

Beau Bayh captured the Indiana Democratic nomination for Secretary of State Saturday, defeating Blythe Potter 1,383 to 885 — a 61–39 split on 2,269 ballots cast, with one blank. The Treasurer and Comptroller nominations were uncontested.

The Chicago Bears' stadium saga, from both sides of the state line. Illinois broadcaster Patrick Pfingsten breaks down the chaotic end of the legislative session and why no deal got across the finish line — then Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott makes Indiana's case, laying out the $1.3–1.4 billion offer and why he expects a yes or no from the Bears by June 30. Plus, McDermott on Saturday's Democratic s...

The Chicago Bears' stadium saga, from both sides of the state line. Illinois broadcaster Patrick Pfingsten breaks down the chaotic end of the legislative session and why no deal got across the finish line — then Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott makes Indiana's case, laying out the $1.3–1.4 billion offer and why he expects a yes or no from the Bears by June 30. Plus, McDermott on Saturday's Democratic s...

Indy CCC - Jared Evans by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Indy CCC - Andy Nielsen by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Former Indiana Secretary of State Ed Simcox joins Abdul to talk about his new memoir, In the Room, and why the 2026 secretary of state's race feels like a rerun. The Bayh name back on the ballot, a 24-year GOP run in the governor's office, and a convention scramble headed to Fort Wayne — Simcox, who chaired 20 state conventions, explains why party endorsements can backfire and why 1,800 delegates...

Former Indiana Secretary of State Ed Simcox joins Abdul to talk about his new memoir, In the Room, and why the 2026 secretary of state's race feels like a rerun. The Bayh name back on the ballot, a 24-year GOP run in the governor's office, and a convention scramble headed to Fort Wayne — Simcox, who chaired 20 state conventions, explains why party endorsements can backfire and why 1,800 delegates...

Simcox on SOS - Part 2 by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz