Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

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...

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...

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...

A new poll once again shows Indiana Governor Mike Braun underwater. A survey done by Public Policy Polling reveals that a shocking 53 percent of Hoosiers disapprove of the job Braun is doing, compared to just 25 percent who support the governor. Why are Braun's numbers so bad and what can he do to turn them around? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.

This week’s Marion County Election Board hearing lasted four hours and resulted in 120 of 121 ballot challenges being upheld. We hear from Marion County Democratic Chair Myla Eldridge on why the rules were applied uniformly, and from young Democrat Gabrielle Alford on how Rule 8(c)(2) may discourage youth participation. Open primaries, internal party standards, and what the system is designed to d...

This week’s Marion County Election Board hearing lasted four hours and resulted in 120 of 121 ballot challenges being upheld. We hear from Marion County Democratic Chair Myla Eldridge on why the rules were applied uniformly, and from young Democrat Gabrielle Alfod on how Rule 8(c)(2) may discourage youth participation. Open primaries, internal party standards, and what the system is designed to do...

This week at the Indiana Statehouse, lawmakers juggled utilities reform, housing policy, immigration, gaming changes—and a high-stakes pitch to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Leadership says they plan to sine die next Friday, which means conference committees are about to do the heavy lifting. The big question: can they close out stadium authority, affordability measures, and linger...

This week at the Indiana Statehouse, lawmakers juggled utilities reform, housing policy, immigration, gaming changes—and a high-stakes pitch to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Leadership says they plan to sine die next Friday, which means conference committees are about to do the heavy lifting. The big question: can they close out stadium authority, affordability measures, and linger...

This week at the Indiana Statehouse, lawmakers juggled utilities reform, housing policy, immigration, gaming changes—and a high-stakes pitch to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Leadership says they plan to sine die next Friday, which means conference committees are about to do the heavy lifting. The big question: can they close out stadium authority, affordability measures, and linger...

This week at the Indiana Statehouse, lawmakers juggled utilities reform, housing policy, immigration, gaming changes—and a high-stakes pitch to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Leadership says they plan to sine die next Friday, which means conference committees are about to do the heavy lifting. The big question: can they close out stadium authority, affordability measures, and linger...

This week at the Indiana Statehouse, lawmakers juggled utilities reform, housing policy, immigration, gaming changes—and a high-stakes pitch to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Leadership says they plan to sine die next Friday, which means conference committees are about to do the heavy lifting. The big question: can they close out stadium authority, affordability measures, and linger...

This week at the Indiana Statehouse, lawmakers juggled utilities reform, housing policy, immigration, gaming changes—and a high-stakes pitch to bring the Chicago Bears to Northwest Indiana. Leadership says they plan to sine die next Friday, which means conference committees are about to do the heavy lifting. The big question: can they close out stadium authority, affordability measures, and linger...

Conservative influencer Scott Presler took to Twitter to vow election revenge against Indiana Republican Senators who voted against redistricting. Will the activist and his followers be able to deliver victories across the state this May? Rob Kendall and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on Statehouse Happenings.

Indiana leaders are drawing a direct line between the $38 trillion national debt and America’s long-term security. At the Statehouse, Governor Mike Braun and legislative leaders argued that runaway federal borrowing is more than a budget problem — it’s a strategic vulnerability. With over $1 trillion a year now going just to interest payments, the question becomes unavoidable: how secure is a nati...

Indiana leaders are drawing a direct line between the $38 trillion national debt and America’s long-term security. At the Statehouse, Governor Mike Braun and legislative leaders argued that runaway federal borrowing is more than a budget problem — it’s a strategic vulnerability. With over $1 trillion a year now going just to interest payments, the question becomes unavoidable: how secure is a nati...

Jonathan Peternel, son of politically connected pastor Nathan Peternel of Life Church, has been sentenced to six years for possessing and distributing more than 200 videos of child sexual abuse. In this episode, reporter Tom LoBianco walks us through the courtroom drama, the disturbing details uncovered by investigators, and the reaction inside Life Church. We also dig into the political fallout f...

House Speaker Todd Huston insists things are “busy yet productive” at the Statehouse as lawmakers head into the final two weeks of session.

Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Vanessa Green Sinders joins Indy Politics to break down this year’s fast‑paced legislative session. We talk about the Chamber’s top priorities under its Indiana Prosperity 2035 plan, including tort reform to improve the state’s legal climate, childcare and early learning as major workforce issues, and efforts to modernize local government.

The Office of Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales was at the center of controversy, as candidates across the state were forced to refile for public office or double check their filings when it was revealed several people who approved their campaign forms were not a Notary Public. Will the outrage from candidates have lasting blowback on Morales in this year's election? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Haki...

Another fast-moving week at the Indiana Statehouse: ballot filing chaos, the quiet demise of key language in HB 1333, social media safety after Haley Busby’s death, and the latest on the Bears-to-NWI talks. We break down what happened — and what it means.

Another fast-moving week at the Indiana Statehouse: ballot filing chaos, the quiet demise of key language in HB 1333, social media safety after Haley Busby’s death, and the latest on the Bears-to-NWI talks. We break down what happened — and what it means.

Another fast-moving week at the Indiana Statehouse: ballot filing chaos, the quiet demise of key language in HB 1333, social media safety after Haley Busby’s death, and the latest on the Bears-to-NWI talks. We break down what happened — and what it means.

Long-time New Albany State Rep Ed Clere is calling it quits after 18 years due to what he described as the now "toxic and divisive" nature of Indiana politics. And he says many lawmakers share his views but are afraid to speak up for fear of retribution. After redistricting Clere appeared to say the hostile atmosphere has only been amplified. Will Clere be a one-off when it comes to lawmakers call...

The Indiana General Assembly has reached the halfway point of its 2025 session, and local governments are closely watching several key issues that could significantly affect cities and towns across the state. In a recent conversation Abdul-Hakim Shabazz spoke with Matt Greller of the Association of Indiana Municipalities about housing policy, data centers, water resources, and local tax structures...

If it feels like the country is living through a year’s worth of political news every month, you’re not imagining it. That was the premise offered by Steve Inskeep, longtime NPR journalist and host, during his appearance this week at the Luger Symposium at the University of Indianapolis. Speaking to students, faculty, and community members, Inskeep walked through a political landscape defined by d...