Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Gov. Mike Braun on Monday signed House Bill 1001, marking the latest step in his administration’s affordability agenda and putting local governments on notice that the state wants a harder look at the barriers driving up housing costs across Indiana.

As warmer weather draws more people outside, Indianapolis is seeing an uptick in street activity and some violence — but overall, the city’s homicide numbers are trending closer to levels not seen in more than a decade, according to longtime anti-violence leader Rev. Charles Harrison of the Ten Point Coalition.

In Part Three of The Chase for 38, Indy Politics sits down with Alexandra Wilson for an extended interview about the calls, conversations, and behind-the-scenes outreach that shaped the Senate District 38 race. After examining the audio and political maneuvering in the first two installments, we now hear directly from the candidate at the center of the story.

Indy Politics has obtained exclusive audio of conversations between SD 38 candidate Alexandra Wilson and senior Trump-aligned political figures, including White House Political Director Matt Brasseaux, Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, and outside conservative operatives. The recordings offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns try to shape a race — discussing a possible “two-man race,...

Indy Politics has obtained exclusive audio of conversations between SD 38 candidate Alexandra Wilson and senior Trump-aligned political figures, including White House Political Director Matt Brasseaux, Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, and outside conservative operatives. The recordings offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how campaigns try to shape a race — discussing a possible “two-man race,...

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson is speaking publicly for the first time after gunfire struck his home in what police are calling a targeted attack, an incident that appears tied to the increasingly heated fight over a proposed data center in Martindale-Brightwood.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson is speaking publicly for the first time after gunfire struck his home in what police are calling a targeted attack, an incident that appears tied to the increasingly heated fight over a proposed data center in Martindale-Brightwood.

Indiana Statehouse chaplain Pastor Matt Barnes joins Abdul to talk Easter, rising intra-party tensions, and why every law reflects a moral code. They dig into faith, politics, social media, and how lawmakers wrestle with what’s legal versus what they see as right or wrong.

As Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield this spring, one of the most closely watched issues is the future home of the Chicago Bears — and whether the team remains in Illinois or seriously considers a move just across the state line into Indiana.  The Bears currently play at Soldier Field under a lease with the Chicago Park District, but team leadership has made clear it wants a modern domed fa...

Early voting is just days away, and this might be the most interesting Indiana primary in years. I’m joined by University of Indianapolis political scientist Dr. Laura Wilson to break down the heated political climate, rising threats and doxxing, Trump-backed challenges to GOP state senators over redistricting, and a wild Secretary of State race featuring Diego Morales, Democrats, and former Indy...

State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) talks with Indy Politics at this weekend’s “No Kings” rally about the 2026 midterms, Democratic momentum, and concerns over voting access and the direction of the Republican Party. The interview runs about five minutes.

Citizens Energy Group says Central Indiana has enough water — for now. President Jeff Harrison outlines a 50-year supply plan as growth, data centers, and projects like the LEAP District increase demand. The utility says new large users will pay their own way, not ratepayers. Officials also point to new storage, including the 3-billion-gallon Citizens Reservoir, to maintain reliability. The questi...

A Clay County judge is weighing arguments that could decide who appears on the ballot in Indiana Senate District 38. At the center of the case: whether an old criminal case counts as a disqualifying felony—or a misdemeanor under alternative sentencing. The dispute follows a deadlocked Indiana Election Commission vote and has already triggered emergency court action over absentee ballots. Now, the...

A Clay County judge is weighing arguments that could decide who appears on the ballot in Indiana Senate District 38. At the center of the case: whether an old criminal case counts as a disqualifying felony—or a misdemeanor under alternative sentencing. The dispute follows a deadlocked Indiana Election Commission vote and has already triggered emergency court action over absentee ballots. Now, the...

Indy Politics speaks with Brad Klopfenstein, president of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, about local development, changes in the alcohol and gaming industries, and the current political landscape in Indiana.

Former Republican state senator Jim Merritt discussed his book "Lessons Learned: Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic? History Says No," which examines the COVID-19 pandemic and past pandemics like the Black Plague and Spanish Flu. Merritt highlighted the chaotic response in Indiana, the lack of a comprehensive after-action report, and the need for better communication and trust in government. He em...

Governor Mike Braun says Indiana is taking on rising utility costs with a new affordability push targeting energy companies and massive data center projects. But House Democrats say the governor and Republican lawmakers blocked their proposals for immediate relief, including tax breaks on utility bills and limits on rate increases.

Governor Mike Braun says Indiana is taking on rising utility costs with a new affordability push targeting energy companies and massive data center projects. But House Democrats say the governor and Republican lawmakers blocked their proposals for immediate relief, including tax breaks on utility bills and limits on rate increases.

The Marion County Election Board has referred Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales to the Inspector General and State Ethics Commission over allegations that state staff and video from an official visit were used in a political campaign ad. Indy Politics breaks down what happened, why county officials say it crosses an ethics line, and what could happen next.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins Indy Politics to discuss why he’s running for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, citing frustration with hyper-partisan “gotcha” politics and a growing block of disillusioned voters. Ballard talks about the steep signature requirements for independent candidates and how an old law was changed to make ballot access tougher after an independent...

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard shocked Indiana politics this week with an announcement he is running as an Independent candidate for Secretary of State. The announcement comes just a day after a poll showed Ballard very competitive in a three-way race, likely pulling heavily from incumbent Diego Morales. Will Ballard play spoiler to Morales if he is the nominee? Can Ballard actually win? R...

Although data centers were not on Monday night's Indianapolis City-County Councils' agenda, Decatur Township residents showed up to oppose the project.

Although data centers were not on Monday night's Indianapolis City-County Councils' agenda, Decatur Township residents showed up to oppose the project.

The Mid-States Corridor just moved from planning map to fiscal test. Governor Braun is embracing Budget Committee review instead of fighting it. He made those comments Monday at his end of session news conference.

The 2026 legislative session is over, and both parties are claiming victory on “affordability.” Republicans point to tax cuts, housing reform, utility oversight, and the Bears stadium framework as proof they delivered structural relief. Democrats argue the state settled for incremental steps and missed bigger opportunities on healthcare, childcare, and cost of living. In this episode, we break dow...