Statehouse Happenings: Stories We Were "Thankful" For in 2025

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)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.