Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

In this Org Day Preview edition of Indy Politics, we break down the big themes lawmakers are wrestling with heading into 2026 — from senator safety after a swatting incident, to the brewing fight over mid-decade redistricting, to the skyrocketing Medicaid budget that’s doubled in four years. We also look at Indiana’s long-term 2035 vision plan on workforce, infrastructure, affordability, and economic growth. A quick, sharp rundown of everything to watch before the gavel drops.

In this Org Day Preview edition of Indy Politics, we break down the big themes lawmakers are wrestling with heading into 2026 — from senator safety after a swatting incident, to the brewing fight over mid-decade redistricting, to the skyrocketing Medicaid budget that’s doubled in four years. We also look at Indiana’s long-term 2035 vision plan on workforce, infrastructure, affordability, and economic growth. A quick, sharp rundown of everything to watch before the gavel drops.

Indy Politics speaks with Ball State economist Michael Hicks, on the economic impact of the recent government shutdown, predicting a significant drop in job reports, with 100,000-150,000 fewer private jobs and 100,000-250,000 fewer public jobs. He also  highlighted the ripple effects on critical government services, such as air traffic control, and the broader economic challenges, including tariffs and inflation.

Indy Politics poke with Shelby Roby-Terry, Chief Communications Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools, about how IPS is helping families affected by the government shutdown — from food pantries and community partnerships to making sure every family knows where to find support.

As the Indianapolis City-County Council takes it first step towards crafting an updated sexual harassment policy, local lawmakers are finding out exactly how involved and potentially how expensive this process could be, and that's the Human Resources and reporting aspect of the process. Indy Politics spoke with Committee Chairman Dan Boots and Republican Michael Paul Hart to get their assessments of the long road ahead.

As the Indianapolis City-County Council takes it first step towards crafting an updated sexual harassment policy, local lawmakers are finding out exactly how involved and potentially how expensive this process could be, and that's the Human Resources and reporting aspect of the process. Indy Politics spoke with Committee Chairman Dan Boots and Republican Michael Paul Hart to get their assessments of the long road ahead.

Just interviewed Tom LoBianco about the explosive fallout surrounding Micah Beckwith’s inner circle and the arrest of his adviser’s son on child porn charges. Faith, politics, and scandal collide in what may be the biggest political story of the year in Indiana.

Groups opposed to mid-decade redistricting dropped off another petition signed by 10,000 Hoosiers opposing plans to draw new maps. That brings the current number to 20,000.

A new poll commissioned by Unite America shows that Hoosiers — including most Republican primary voters — overwhelmingly oppose mid-decade redistricting. Opposition jumps from 44% to 69% after voters hear arguments from both sides, and only 10% support calling a special session. Voters also reject closing Indiana’s primaries, with opposition rising from 52% to 77%, including two-thirds of GOP primary voters.

A new poll commissioned by Unite America shows that Hoosiers — including most Republican primary voters — overwhelmingly oppose mid-decade redistricting. Opposition jumps from 44% to 69% after voters hear arguments from both sides, and only 10% support calling a special session. Voters also reject closing Indiana’s primaries, with opposition rising from 52% to 77%, including two-thirds of GOP primary voters.

When it comes to renewable energy, one key lawmaker isn’t convinced it’s ready for prime time. Ed Soliday, chair of the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, says wind and solar still aren’t affordable or reliable enough to make up a major share of Indiana’s energy portfolio. We spoke with him this week as AES Indiana pushes to raise rates — a move tied in part to its investments in renewable energy and grid upgrades.

Well throw another hat into the ring for Indiana Secretary of State, Beau Bayh, the son of former U.S. Senator, Governor and Secretary of State Evan Bayh is following in his Dad’s footsteps and announced this week he was running for Secretary of State next year.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Press Secretary Molly Deuberry update the media on the latest involving the IEDC, wages, job growth and Indiana's revenue/

Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Press Secretary Molly Deuberry update the media on the latest involving the IEDC, wages, job growth and Indiana's revenue/

The Indianapolis City-County Council passed Mayor Joe Hogsett’s $1.7 billion 2026 budget on a straight party-line vote — Democrats called it balanced and responsible, Republicans called it censorship and “smoke and mirrors.” Minority Leader Brian Mowery blasted the process, saying GOP voices were “silenced,” while Democrats touted nine straight balanced budgets with no tax hikes — just a few “updated fees.” We break down the fight over funding, the looming property-tax squeeze, and why one councilor thinks the city should float bonds and buy AES Indiana.

The Indianapolis City-County Council passed Mayor Joe Hogsett’s $1.7 billion 2026 budget on a straight party-line vote — Democrats called it balanced and responsible, Republicans called it censorship and “smoke and mirrors.” Minority Leader Brian Mowery blasted the process, saying GOP voices were “silenced,” while Democrats touted nine straight balanced budgets with no tax hikes — just a few “updated fees.” We break down the fight over funding, the looming property-tax squeeze, and why one councilor thinks the city should float bonds and buy AES Indiana.

As Chris Lowery wraps up his tenure as Indiana’s Commissioner for Higher Education, he sits down with Indy Politics to reflect on what’s changed, what’s worked, and what’s still left to do. From freezing tuition statewide for the first time ever to automatically enrolling low-income students in the 21st Century Scholars program, Lowery shares how Indiana has tried to make college more accessible and affordable — and what it will take to keep students here after graduation. They talk geography and grit (yes, Indiana has the dunes), the power of mentorship, and why connecting business and higher education might be the state’s biggest untapped opportunity.

Public education advocate Justin Oakley says Indiana leaders are making it harder for teachers to speak freely in the classroom. From Attorney General Todd Rokita’s 14-page memo to teachers avoiding current events altogether, are Indiana’s educators under attack?

Normally we’re knee-deep in politicians, policy, and the usual cast of characters at the Statehouse. But this weekend, we’re shifting gears and talking to Generation Z. But today we're talking with Steven Ember, a recent college grad and a full-fledged member of Gen Z. We’re spoke to him about what his generation really thinks about jobs, technology, the future.

Tonight’s City-County Council zoning hearing ended with the withdrawal of the proposed Google data center in Franklin Township. Supporters like Councilor Ron Gibson praised the project’s potential investment, while opponents, including Councilor Michael-Paul Hart and Franklin Township resident Meredith Sharp, pushed back hard on traffic, environmental, and neighborhood concerns. In the end, community resistance carried the day — the proposal is off the table, at least for now.