The Rob Kendall Show Podcast

In a bombshell allegation, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz claims that Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is under a Grand Jury investigation related to a political advertisement which ran last year featuring Marion County election workers. Plus, Braun is set to deliver the State of the State, township governments are once again under fire, and much more, as Shabazz joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt for Statehouse Happenings. 

For years, residents in Dubois County have pushed back on a multi-billion dollar proposal to connect I-64 and I-69 known as the Mid-States Corridor. Much of their ire has been focused at one of the project's biggest supporters, Governor Mike Braun. The backlash has been so intense, a recent poll showed a shocking 62 percent of Dubois County residents (Braun's home county) disapprove of the job he is doing. Now, questions about the Mid-States Corridor are coming to the Statehouse, as politicians are beginning to question the massive price tag while INDOT is scrapping hundreds of other projects. Is the Mid-States Corridor Braun's newest long-lasting headache? Rob, Abdul, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. (1/7/26)

It's our final episode of 2025! On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt take a look back at a very rough year for Indiana's governor. From failures on property taxes and redistricting, to skyrocketing utility bills, Braun has his work cut out for him in 2026. (12/29/25)

Independent Indiana is a new group dedicated to getting Independent Candidates to not only run but also win public office. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Executive Director Nathan Gotsch joins Rob Kendall to discuss polling that shows Hoosiers are ready and willing to vote for the right candidates breaking away from the two-party system. (12/21/25)

Despite repeated warnings from Senate President, Pro Tempore Rod Bray, Governor Mike Braun insisted on an up or down vote on mid-cycle redistricting. He got his wish late last week. In the face of intense pressure from not just Braun, but also Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and Turning Point USA, the senate resoundingly rejected adopting new congressional maps by a vote of 31-19. In a saga with many losers, arguably Indiana's Governor and Lt. Governor are at the top of the list. Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

With a final vote scheduled for Thursday in the Senate, the push for mid-cycle redistricting has hit the home stretch in Indiana. With both sides amping up the pressure, will Governor Mike Braun be able to muscle it across the finish line? Or will the governor suffer an embarrassing defeat in front of the entire nation? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.

The Indiana House of Representatives is meeting this week and appear ready to approve a new congressional map against public outcry. The real drama begins next week, when the senate will meet to discuss redistricting. Many believe the upper chamber still does not have the votes to approve Governor Mike Braun's top priority. Led by Rod Bray, could the Indiana Senate be set to deliver an embarrassing blow to Braun in front of the entire nation? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.

On a special Thanksgiving edition of Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz sit down to review some of the stories they were most "thankful" for in 2025. Not necessarily the outcome, but stories that helped shape the program and impacted the listening audience.

The Indiana Senate met for Organization Day and said we will see you in January. That appeared to leave Governor Mike Braun's quest for mid cycle redistricting without a path forward. Braun did not take the news well with a flurry of interviews and statements demanding senators return in December to vote on new maps. The governor also threatened to compel senators to return and said he would work to defeat those who did not. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt discuss a wild day at the Statehouse.

There appears to be a new trend at Indiana Republican functions: The media isn't welcome. From an outright ban at the State Fall Dinner to only allowing media if they purchased a ticket at an event in Owen County, it appears Republicans don't want the media covering their events. The question is why? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

State Senator Greg Goode claims he is undecided on redistricting in Indiana. So he held a townhall in Terre Haute to hear from his constituents. Overwhelmingly, they came out against the idea. In fact, not one person spoke in favor. The event was a disaster for Republicans who claimed polls showing Hoosiers do not want redistricting were wrong. Will Goode's townhall be a red flag to other senators on the fence? Rob Kendall and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

Reporting from multiple media outlets in Central Indiana have confirmed what has been reported for months: Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith's Office is under investigation by a Marion County Grand Jury. According to the Indy Star and others, the investigation is related to potential sharing of intimate images and ghost employment. The Lt. Governor has repeatedly denied knowledge of the investigation. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt the confirmation of the Grand Jury investigation.

The future of utility bills could hang in the balance with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission set to appoint three new members. Luckily for Statehouse Happenings, we got a guy! Our own panelist Jim Merritt serves on the committee making the recommendations to the governor. On this week's program, Rob Kendall and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz join Merritt to discuss what he and the panel are looking for in from applicants. 

Within hours of each other, multiple polls showed that Hoosiers are down on redistricting and their governor. As sour as Indiana residents appear to be on changing congressional maps, they may be even less impressed with Mike Braun's performance. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss why the governor and General Assembly won't let redistricting go, and how Braun can right the ship.

Beau Bayh, son of former Indiana Governor and US Senator Evan Bayh has announced he is running for Secretary of State. This sets up a potential matchup between Bayh and Republican Secretary of State Diego Morales. Bayh's entry to the race gives Democrats perhaps their best opportunity in years to pick up a statewide office. Can Bayh bring the Democrats back to relevance in Indiana? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

Several months have passed since Governor Braun signed a much-reviled property tax reform bill into law. As more people learn about the specifics of the bill, public sentiment is only getting worse. From local governments who feel they're losing too much, to taxpayers who did not feel they got nearly enough, the governor's signature issue of 2025 has become a major liability. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt examine how the bill got so bad, and what, if anything, can be done to fix it.

Veteran Indianapolis newsman Jim Shella recently sat down with Indiana Senate President, Pro Tempore Rod Bray. One of the questions Shella asked Bray was about Republican plans to redraw congressional districts across the state. Bray wanted no part of the question and refused to provide an answer with any specifics. Which has our Statehouse Happenings crew questioning why the redistricting question rages on if even party leadership doesn't want any part of it? Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt explore on Statehouse Happenings. 

Indiana's Energy and Natural Resources Secretary Suzie Jaworowski has made headlines for encouraging companies attempting energy projects to sue local governments if they don't get their way. Jaworoski, a cabinet member of Governor Mike Braun, made the shocking remarks while speaking to the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute. Her attacks on local governments across the state sparked immediate blowback. Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt examine Jaworowski's inflammatory statements and the potential fallout on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

State Public Safety Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green abruptly resigned last week, raising red flags across Indiana. Then via reporting from the Indiana Captial Chronicle, it came to light that the wheels had apparently been in motion for quite some time, following a remediation agreement in July. The agreement came while Green was the subject of an investigation from the Inspector General. What will be the fallout from the once rising Republican star calling it quits under a cloud of alleged scandal? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

The folks at Fox 59 and CBS 4 have produced a map they claim could potentially be under consideration by Republican lawmakers for a special session regarding redistricting. But no one publicly claims to know where it has come from and many in the GOP appear to be distancing themselves from it being something they're reviewing. The map takes gerrymandering to a whole new level and has sparked fierce backlash. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the mysterious map and its potential impact on Indiana. 

Indiana Republicans went to the White House to talk redistricting. Back home, the public isn't buying it according to a new poll. Change Research says 52 percent of Hoosiers are against redistricting, while the majority want lawmakers to focus on more pressing issues like inflation. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the legislators' trip to Washington and if public sentiment against redistricting will have an impact on the final decision. 

The fight to redistrict Indiana to pick up seats in the House of Representatives was not going over well with many Republicans in the Indiana General Assembly. Enter Charlie Kirk. The broadcast behemoth took to Twitter and threatened to primary any Republican who opposed redistricting. Quickly the narrative changed, including an embarrassing flip-flop from Representative Craig Haggard. Will the Indiana General Assembly allow themselves to be bossed around by a broadcaster from Arizona? It certainly appears that way. Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

The Trump Administration appears to want Indiana Governor Mike Braun to call a special session for redistricting in order to further Republicans advantage in the House. But after a day that saw multiple state lawmakers publicly throw cold water on the idea, and leadership seeming less than thrilled about the heavy lift necessary, optimism appears to be dampening. On this week's Statehouse Happenings Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the dangers that could await if the Republicans move forward. 

Allegations that employees in the Lt. Governor's Office were sharing artificial intelligence pornography of a state lawmaker's wife has turned the statehouse upside down. Veteran journalist Tom Lobianco has reported State Representative Craig Haggard's wife was the victim. Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith has denied the allegations and claimed he investigated and cleared the employees. With law enforcement apparently now involved, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz explore one of the most bizarre stories to ever hit Indiana politics and government.   

Another day, another round of concerns involving Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales. This time they center around Raju Chinthala, a businessman with a contract with Morales' office that is raising eyebrows. Chinthala was a part or Morales' mysterious trip to India, and the quest to find information about Chinthala's work there is featured in a new Indy Star piece. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt explore the latest in a never-ending flow of red flags involving the Indiana Secretary of State. 

The saga of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and the Disciplinary Commission will go on. The Supreme Court dismissed Rokita's attempt to get the complaint thrown out. Documents show Rokita has already spent almost $500,000 of taxpayer money defending his law license. It looks like the fight, and the tab will continue. Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt take a look at a few of the recent antics from some of Indiana's statewide office holders and explore if the need to make headlines is hurting the competency of governance from their offices. 

Another year of skyrocketing property assessments has homeowners once again in a panic about the increase in tax bills that could come with them. According to a new report in the Indiana Capital Chronicle, homes saw an assessment increase of more than 10 percent on average. Will the new property tax law save people from payment pain? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has spent a lot of taxpayer money to defend himself in front of the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Rokita has run up nearly a half million dollars in legal bills, as he fights to preserve his law license. Should taxpayers be on the hook for Rokita's defense? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Crista Carlino was allegedly kicked out of the Democrat Caucus over her calls for Joe Hogsett to resign and Council President Vop Osili and Vice President Ali Brown to resign their positions. Carlino is the second Democrat to be kicked out of the caucus in part because of criticism of the mayor. Democrats near complete shutdown of Hogsett criticism, coupled with Republican silence has our Statehouse Happenings crew wondering, why almost everyone appears to be protecting Hogsett? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's show.

There is new scrutiny over the gifts state lawmakers and statewide elected officials are allowed to receive after the Lt. Governor and Security of State were photographed attending the NBA Finals with a man who once went to prison for bribery. Should elected officials be allowed to accept gifts and should transparency and reporting requirements be beefed up? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

A defiant Joe Hogsett claims he has no plans to resign in the wake of the Thomas Cook scandal and his alleged role in covering it up. With public outcry and calls for him to go reaching new levels, the question is, can he be forced? Abdul-Hakim Shabazz says yes. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Abdul joins Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt to discuss a scenario that could result in the takedown of the Mayor of Indianapolis.

It was uncovered this week that State Senator Mike Bohacek is facing charges related to an OWI in January. What has many up in arms, is the alleged offense is just now becoming public thanks to a law that shields lawmakers from legal accountability shortly before, during, and after the legislative session. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz examine how Bohacek was able to evade public scrutiny, as well as who knew what and when. 

Another week, another set of bad headlines for Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales. Not only did the Marion County Election Board vote to open an investigation into his recent announcement where he is accused of potentially violating Indiana election law. On top of that, Morales is facing questions about an apparent meeting with Hungarian officials where he may have pledged action related to agriculture affairs he does not appear to have authority over. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the latest unflattering news for the Indiana Secretary of State.  

Diego Morales is back in the news. This time for appearing to make himself try and look taller by standing on his tippy-toes in multiple photos with constituents. The pictures have drawn laughter for their ridiculousness and raised questions about why the Secretary of State is so concerned about making himself look taller. On this week's Statehouse Happenings, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the latest red flag from a guy whose behavior is constantly drawing attention. 

It's been a rough month for Mike Braun. From a reviled property tax bill, to raising taxes to pass a budget, to an announcement about enhanced tolling in the near future, many are upset with Indiana's Governor. With the outcry showing no signs of slowing down, Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt examine what the governor can do to try and quell the rage from Hoosiers. 

Indy Politics released a new informal survey, and the results were disastrous for both Governor Mike Braun and Secretary of State Diego Morales. Of the more than 800 people who responded, 70 percent disapproved of the job Braun was doing, and an astonishing 80 percent were down on Morales. As bad as the results for those two were, the Indiana General Assembly fared even worse. Why is the populous so upset and what can be done to appease them? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

Gabe Whitley is headed to prison. A Federal Judge sentenced the failed former congressional candidate to three months in prison for falsifying campaign finance reports. The judge's ruling brings to an end a long saga, in which Whitley made up donors and falsely claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Whitley now will turn his attention to state court, where he faces a felony charge related to threatening Statehouse Happenings' own Abdul-Hakim Shabazz. On this week's show, host Rob Kendall is joined by Shabazz and Jim Merritt to discuss the incredible downfall of the man who went by "Honest" Gabe.

Republicans have a super majority in the Indiana General Assembly, so they have no one to blame but themselves for their last-minute scramble to find more than $2 billion in savings during the final week of the Legislative Session. With just days to go, it looks like multiple tax increases are on the table to fill the budget gap. Which will put lawmakers in a bad spot, given the public backlash over a very unpopular property tax bill passed just over a week ago. What's next in a dramatic sprint to the finish? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

Mike Braun and the Indiana General Assembly managed to do the seemingly impossible: Unite the Left and the Right in Indiana over a common cause. The cause is the property tax reform bill which passed the Senate in the dead of night and the governor signed the next day. Conservatives feel betrayed by the governor for not supplying the meaningful property tax relief he promised over the last year. Liberals are upset over reductions in funding to local governments, primarily schools. Can the governor recover from millions of outraged Hoosiers? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings.

The House Ways and Means Committee has passed its version of property tax reform. While it includes a huge win for big business, not so much for homeowners or renters. Not only will their tax relief be minimal, but it could also be offset by potential income tax increases. The public is not happy with the plan and the House appears dead set on passing it. What's next? Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings.

Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales is under fire for a trip to India paid for with what he described as private funds. The trip raised red flags when it coincided with his missing of a budget meeting. Now the heat is on Morales over his refusal to provide specifics of the trip, including who paid for it. As the pressure on Morales builds, will he provide answers to ease public concerns? Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt, and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and the Indiana Senate Leadership are at it again. This time over a reprimand he received for his staff filming and posting the Senate in action. The reprimand from top Republicans sparked backlash over a perceived lack of commitment to transparency from the government, and a double standard from lawmakers. What will the fallout be? Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings. 

Close to 1000 people filled the Statehouse on Monday to protest skyrocketing property taxes, inaction by the legislature, and offer support of Governor Braun's plan to reform the system. It was a wild day filled with counter protests, passionate speakers, and a strong performance by the governor. Will the rally move the needle as session heads to the finish line? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

The debate over what to do with property taxes rages on at the Statehouse, with a hearing in Ways and Means last week which went close to 9 hours. At the end, there still appeared to be no consensus on how to address the issue of skyrocketing property tax bills. Enter Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith and WIBC's Kendall and Casey Show, which are planning a property tax rally at the Statehouse on St. Patrick's Day. Will a massive showing from upset taxpayers be enough to move the General Assembly? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.

Marion County Republicans appear more divided than ever after a hotly contested race to become Chairman. After the establishment pick Natalie Goodwin resoundingly defeated the conservative choice John Schmitz, Schmitz supporters lashed out. On this week's Statehouse Happenings Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss the vote, whether Republicans can ever be competitive in Indianapolis again, and how Schmitz alignment with select individuals helped do him in.

The fight over property taxes in Indiana has produced a new point of contention: Lawmaker ties to construction management companies. Construction management companies can make big money off local government contracts, which are funded in large part by property tax dollars. This has raised a red flag with many, over the ethics of a lawmaker voting on property taxes, when the companies they serve benefit directly from them. Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

It was a long week in the Indiana Senate as Republicans banded together to pass Senate Bill 1. But in an unusual step, after immense public backlash, many of them have now publicly admitted they don't like the bill and want to see major changes. So what happens now? Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt explore property tax reform's next steps on this week's Statehouse Happenings. 

Taxpayers across the state sent angry emails and phone calls to lawmakers, as the Senate Committe on Tax and Fiscal Policy gutted the property tax reform bill of key provisions on Tuesday. The surprise move left citizens upset and the governor scrambling on how to save his top legislative item. Rob Kendall, Abdul-Hakim Shabazz, and Jim Merritt discuss what's next for Senate Bill 1 on Statehouse Happenings. 

An event months in the making, the Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee finally heard testimony on Senate Bill 1, Governor Braun's plan to reform property taxes. While the testimony was being heard, Governor Braun dominated the media cycle with a "Fireside Chat" on the need to help taxpayers. The testimony in front of lawmakers failed to produce a robust and organized opposition from local government officials. Will Braun's plan now clear committee? Rob, Abdul, and Jim Merritt discuss on this week's Statehouse Happenings.