Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration has proposed a $1.7 billion budget for 2026 that holds the line on taxes but includes roughly $5 million in fee increases in the city’s business services division.

Rep. Craig Haggard isn’t mincing words. After learning of a rumored deepfake video targeting his wife, the Mooresville lawmaker is calling for an independent investigation — and slamming state leaders for brushing it off. “I’m a husband first,” he says, “and this is disgusting.” We break down what he said, who’s under fire, and why this story isn’t going away anytime soon.

What’s the real state of Indiana’s towns in 2025? AIM’s Matt Greller joins us to talk population shifts, housing spikes, legislative headaches, and how towns are adapting (or not). From booming suburbs to struggling rural spots, this is your inside look at the local government front lines. #IndianaPolitics #LocalGov #IndyTowns

Governor Mike Braun fields questions on crime in Indianapolis, rural hospital closures, DEI policy rollbacks, immigration enforcement, and the Epstein files. From special prosecutors to bobblehead diplomacy, Braun lays out his agenda with a mix of caution, candor, and campaign-style clarity.

Is Indiana Ready to Go Nuclear? We talk with former State Senator Jim Merritt about Indiana’s potential shift toward nuclear energy. With Governor Mike Braun backing small modular reactors, Merritt shares insights on safety, costs, public perception, and what it means for the state’s energy future.

Rep. Andrew Ireland talks with Indy Politics about crime in Indianapolis, his concerns with Prosecutor Ryan Mears, and why he believes Indiana lawmakers should have the power to impeach prosecutors and judges who don’t do their jobs. Listen now. #Podcast #INPolitics #CrimeReform

Councilor Leroy Robinson and FOP President Rick Snyder weigh in on Indianapolis' proposed youth curfew changes following a deadly July shooting. Hear both perspectives on whether the plan is a step toward safety—or a policy without enforcement power.

Councilor Leroy Robinson and FOP President Rick Snyder weigh in on Indianapolis' proposed youth curfew changes following a deadly July shooting. Hear both perspectives on whether the plan is a step toward safety—or a policy without enforcement power.

Governor Mike Braun isn’t mincing words when it comes to downtown Indianapolis. In this press conference clip, Braun promises a short-term boost in state police presence for big weekend events — but makes it clear the long-term responsibility lies with city leaders. If Mayor Hogsett and Prosecutor Mears don’t act, Braun hints the state just might. Translation? Step up, or step aside.

Lawmakers say they are pleased the state finished the fiscal year with a $2.4 billion budget surplus, but there are lot of concerns about what's lying ahead.

Lawmakers say they are pleased the state finished the fiscal year with a $2.4 billion budget surplus, but there are lot of concerns about what's lying ahead.

Lawmakers say they are pleased the state finished the fiscal year with a $2.4 billion budget surplus, but there are lot of concerns about what's lying ahead.

Lawmakers say they are pleased the state finished the fiscal year with a $2.4 billion budget surplus, but there are lot of concerns about what's lying ahead.

I sat down with someone who’s often on the other side of the courtroom: Fran Quigley, director of the Health and Human Rights Clinic at IU McKinney and a longtime advocate for tenants facing eviction in Marion County. I represent landlords in eviction proceedings. Fran represents tenants. What followed was a frank, respectful, and necessary conversation about one of Indiana’s most pressing and pol...

In this interview, Tony Lopez, director of Indianapolis’ Violence Interrupters program, addresses the downtown shootings over the Fourth of July weekend. He says while his team wouldn’t change their actions leading up to the incident, they do plan to shift strategies moving forward. Lopez acknowledges that “perception becomes reality” and says the program will take a more targeted approach — focus...

Today, we spoke with Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears about Saturday’s deadly downtown shooting, the summer crime surge, and growing criticism that his office is enabling repeat violent offenders. Mears pushed back, defending his record and pointing to broader systemic failures

The Indianapolis City‑County Council has voted to add the youth curfew proposal—championed by Public Safety Committee Chair Leroy Robinson—to its agenda, marking the next step in efforts to tighten curfew hours following the tragic July 5 downtown shooting.

The Indianapolis City‑County Council has voted to add the youth curfew proposal—championed by Public Safety Committee Chair Leroy Robinson—to its agenda, marking the next step in efforts to tighten curfew hours following the tragic July 5 downtown shooting.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said Saturday that downtown remains “the safest neighborhood in the city,” even after a mass shooting early Saturday morning that left two teenagers dead and five others injured.

As Hoosiers gear up for the Fourth of July, a trio of hot-button summer staples—alcohol, tobacco, and fireworks—are drawing renewed attention from lawmakers, regulators, and retailers. At the center of it all is Brad Klopfenstein, president of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association, who says the landscape is shifting in subtle but important ways.

A new research study released by Prescription Benefits Matter highlights the significant role prescription benefit managers (PBMs) play in lowering prescription drug costs and improving access to medications for Hoosiers.

Indy City-County Councilor Crista Carlino joins Indy Politics to address the fallout from her call for Mayor Hogsett’s resignation, her removal from leadership roles, and the profanity-laced backlash from Council Vice President Ali Brown. Carlino defends her statement, discusses the internal caucus tensions, and reaffirms her commitment to public service and her west side constituents.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun says he plans to replace the entire board of the Indiana Economic Development Commission, and he says despite his orders regarding DEI, he remains committed to minority health. Those were just a couple of items he discussed at his most recent media availability.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Crista Carlino has joined the chorus of Councilors calling on Mayor Joe Hogsett to resign and Republican Brian Mowery has the hymn book,

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Crista Carlino has joined the chorus of Councilors calling on Mayor Joe Hogsett to resign and Republican Brian Mowery has the hymn book,