The Rob Kendall Show

Today on The Rob Kendall Show, Rob dives into a debate he never expected to find himself in: agreeing with Bernie Sanders. The conversation centers around a proposed federal bill called the “Home Team Act,” which would require professional sports teams to give communities the opportunity to purchase the team before relocating. Rob walks through the reasoning behind the proposal and argues that when franchises like the Chicago Bears or Indianapolis Colts accept massive taxpayer-funded stadium deals, they shouldn’t be able to walk away from those communities without accountability.

Rob also responds to Indiana Governor Mike Braun’s criticism of the proposal. Braun framed the issue as government interference in business, but Rob challenges that argument, questioning whether it’s really “free market” behavior when teams leverage billions in public subsidies while threatening to relocate. The discussion highlights the ongoing battle between states competing to hand out taxpayer-funded incentives to multibillion-dollar sports franchises.

The show also revisits Braun’s comments about potentially suspending Indiana’s gas tax if prices continued to rise during the conflict affecting global oil supply. With gas prices now over $4 per gallon in many places, Rob asks why the governor hasn’t followed through. Local South Bend officials are now asking the same question, urging Braun to temporarily suspend the gas tax to provide relief for Hoosier drivers.

Rob breaks down how Indiana’s gas taxes work, explaining the combination of the gasoline excise tax and the state sales tax applied to fuel. As gas prices rise, the state collects even more tax revenue, which Rob argues makes the system fundamentally regressive for working families who rely on driving to get to work, school, and daily responsibilities.

Later in the show, Rob reflects on the role of media in holding government accountable. He argues that the decline of local journalism, combined with media personalities seeking access and approval from politicians, has led to fewer tough questions and less accountability. According to Rob, real accountability only happens when media outlets are willing to challenge elected officials—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Throughout the episode, Rob emphasizes the idea that the audience—not politicians—is the real opportunity for media. He explains why he believes platforms should prioritize serving their listeners and viewers rather than building relationships with those in power, and why accountability in government depends on a media environment willing to ask hard questions.

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Today on The Rob Kendall Show, Rob opens the program by reacting to a dark money political ad targeting Indiana State Senator Greg Walker. The ad focuses on Walker’s vote for the gas tax and comments made about him by Donald Trump. Rob examines how nonprofit political groups operate under current campaign finance rules and argues the real issue isn’t the ad itself, but the broader hypocrisy surrounding who gets targeted and why. The discussion also expands into redistricting, party loyalty tests, and whether Republicans are trying to “change the rules” rather than address spending, inflation, and government growth.

Next, Rob takes aim at the upcoming “No Kings” protests planned across Indiana and the country. Organizers are holding more than 40 rallies statewide while running a nationwide ad campaign urging people to march against what they describe as abuses of power. Rob questions what the slogan actually means and argues that outrage about presidential authority often depends on which party holds the White House. He also reflects on his own experience during COVID workplace mandates and asks why similar protests weren’t happening during earlier administrations if the concern is truly about executive power.

The show also features a conversation with viewers after news out of Fishers where police arrested a driver going nearly 60 miles over the speed limit. Rob asks the YouTube audience to share their own stories about speeding tickets and the fastest they’ve ever driven, comparing minor speeding violations with extreme cases that lead to reckless driving charges.

Rob then turns to the massive LEAP District development in Lebanon, Indiana, where companies like Meta are building enormous data center campuses. Residents living near the project say their lives are being disrupted by nonstop noise, construction activity, and massive lighting installations that run around the clock. Rob highlights the tension between economic development and the quality of life for longtime residents whose rural communities are rapidly changing.

The discussion also dives into the public incentives being offered to attract these projects. Rob outlines the various tax exemptions, property tax abatements, infrastructure spending, and other incentives that state and local governments have reportedly provided to companies like Meta. He questions whether taxpayers are getting a fair return on investment when large corporations receive major subsidies while residents deal with the consequences of rapid development.

Throughout the show, Rob connects these topics to a larger theme: accountability in government. Whether it’s dark money ads, political loyalty tests, presidential power, or taxpayer-funded corporate incentives, Rob argues that voters should be willing to question everyone in power—not just the people on the other side of the aisle.

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Rob Kendall, Jim Merritt and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz are back for another edition of Statehouse Happenings. This week the guys examine super lawyer Jim Bopp taking Alexandra Wilson to court over ballot eligibility, the state asking local governments to help them fix the Local Income Tax chaos they created, and state employees once again not getting raises because of bad budget decisions.

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On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down the latest political drama surrounding Donald Trump’s endorsements in Indiana and why relying solely on a presidential endorsement can be a risky strategy in local politics. Rob argues that national influencers and political figures often have little connection to the realities on the ground in Indiana, yet their endorsements can shape major races. He also explains why Trump’s backing of certain incumbent state senators has frustrated key conservative allies and raised serious questions about loyalty, policy priorities, and the future of conservative leadership in the state.

Rob also dives into the growing outrage over skyrocketing utility bills across Indiana. With the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission holding hearings with the state’s largest power companies, Rob lays out why many Hoosiers feel trapped in a broken system. Investor-owned utilities operating under government-granted monopolies are reporting rising profits while customers face major increases in their monthly bills. Rob walks through how electric bills are actually calculated and why the current system leaves consumers with little choice or recourse.

Another major topic today is the growing pressure on Governor Mike Braun as gas prices surge past the $4 mark in central Indiana. Rob revisits comments Braun made earlier in March about the possibility of using tools available to the state to mitigate rising prices, including suspending the gas tax. With prices now significantly higher and the timeline Braun referenced having passed, Rob asks whether the governor will follow through on that idea or if it will remain another unfulfilled political promise.

Rob also discusses how Indiana drivers are paying not only a state gas tax but also a sales tax that increases as the price of gasoline rises. That means when prices spike, the government collects even more revenue. Rob argues this creates a system where the state benefits financially from higher fuel prices while Hoosiers feel the squeeze at the pump.

Later in the show, Rob previews an upcoming conversation with Indiana Capital Chronicle reporter Nicki Kelly about the growing debate over local income taxes at the city, town, and county level. As communities across Indiana consider raising or restructuring local taxes, Rob examines how these decisions could affect taxpayers and local government budgets moving forward.

From political endorsements and statehouse battles to utility monopolies and rising gas prices, today’s episode tackles the biggest economic and political pressures facing Indiana residents right now.

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In today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob dives into a series of major political stories unfolding in Indiana, starting with a controversy involving an online political influencer and the state’s treasurer. Rob breaks down the feud between Laura Loomer and Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott, explaining why Loomer’s claims about Elliott’s record don’t match what he has actually done in office. The discussion explores Elliott’s decisions to challenge major corporations and oppose certain taxpayer-funded projects, raising questions about how outside political influencers sometimes get inaccurate information about local politics.

The show also examines the growing backlash around the proposed Mid-States Corridor project in southwest Indiana. Rob analyzes a new op-ed written by former Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann defending the multi-billion-dollar highway plan. He questions why Governor Mike Braun has largely avoided publicly defending the project himself and argues that the proposal has faced strong opposition from local residents who believe the benefits are limited and the costs are high.

A major part of the discussion focuses on property rights and eminent domain, as families in the proposed path of the Mid-States Corridor could lose farmland and homes that have been in their families for generations. Rob discusses the justification often used for large infrastructure projects and contrasts it with the strong opposition from people living in the affected areas. The segment raises broader questions about how governments balance economic development goals with the rights of property owners.

The program then shifts to rising utility costs in Indiana and the role of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). Rob explains how the commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, is responsible for approving or rejecting utility rate increases. The IURC has announced a statewide “affordability listening tour” encouraging residents to bring copies of their utility bills and discuss rising costs.

Rob breaks down how utilities operate as monopolies in many parts of the state, meaning residents cannot choose a different provider. Because of that structure, the IURC becomes the primary safeguard for ratepayers. The show questions whether regulators have done enough over the past decade to push back against rate increases and whether the new listening tour will lead to meaningful change.

Throughout the episode, Rob also highlights the growth of the Rob Kendall Show itself, thanking listeners for helping the program approach major subscriber milestones and encouraging viewers to support the show by sharing the feed and subscribing. The goal, he says, is to continue covering Indiana politics, government, and public policy in a way that focuses on how decisions affect everyday taxpayers.

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In today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down a growing controversy surrounding Indiana’s property tax reform and what lawmakers are now admitting about the bill. What was sold to taxpayers as relief may actually raise local income taxes in many communities. Rob walks through how Senate Bill 1 changed the rules for local governments and why state leaders are now scrambling to revisit the issue after realizing the policy could affect counties and cities very differently.

Rob also discusses the latest developments in the effort to bring the Chicago Bears to Indiana. A key agenda item related to stadium financing was quietly pulled from a meeting of the Indiana Finance Authority, raising questions about whether lawmakers have the votes needed to move forward. The conversation highlights the financial risks taxpayers often face with publicly funded stadiums and why there may be more resistance to the proposal than originally expected.

The show also explores why the Bears may ultimately remain in the Chicago area despite discussions about Indiana. Rob explains how deeply sports franchises are tied to their cities and fan bases, and why relocating a team away from the core of that community could be risky. He argues the team may be leveraging Indiana as part of negotiations with Illinois rather than seriously planning a move across state lines.

Later in the program, Rob previews an interview with Spike Cohen, the 2020 Libertarian vice presidential nominee and founder of the organization You Are The Power. The group works with citizens around the country to challenge government actions and raise awareness about controversial policies. Their work has recently focused on Indiana’s Mid-States Corridor project, helping organize opposition and bring national attention to the issue.

Rob also dives into one of the most dramatic political races in Indiana right now: the battle for Senate District 38. The contest between incumbent Greg Goode and Trump-endorsed challenger Brenda Wilson has become increasingly complicated, including legal challenges surrounding a third candidate, Alexandra Wilson. The dispute has already gone through the Indiana Election Commission and multiple court rulings regarding whether her name can appear on the ballot.

Adding even more intrigue to the race, Greg Goode recently received a public endorsement from the family of the late Fred Wilson — who was previously married to Brenda Wilson. The surprising endorsement has intensified an already heated campaign and turned the Senate District 38 race into one of the most closely watched political contests in the state.

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On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob dives into Governor Mike Braun’s controversial $6.5 billion tolling plan for I-70, explaining why he says it’s really a tax increase on Hoosiers. Using reporting and documents uncovered by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Rob details how lawmakers handed tolling authority to the governor and why the plan could end up hitting Indiana drivers the hardest, despite claims it would mainly target out-of-state truckers.

Next, Rob examines the lawsuit involving Braun’s former campaign and its ex-treasurer after the Federal Election Commission fined the campaign $159,000 over reporting issues tied to millions of dollars in loans and financial disclosures. Rob questions the lack of oversight and accountability inside major political campaigns.

Rob also looks at a troubling economic trend in Indiana: the state now has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. He discusses new reporting showing that rising property taxes, insurance costs, and escrow payments are pushing more Hoosiers toward losing their homes—even when they can still afford the base mortgage payment.

Later in the show, Rob reacts to national news about the possibility of U.S. ground troops being deployed in the Middle East amid tensions with Iran, and he questions how the situation could escalate and what it means for Americans already dealing with rising costs.

Today's guest is IndyStar columnist Jacob Stewart, who talks about the state stepping in to block rental caps in cities like Fishers and Carmel, and the growing costs schools face educating students who do not speak English.

Producer Jason also shares the best YouTube chat posts of the day.

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Rob Kendall and Jim Merritt discuss the "Dark Money" rolling in for Indiana's Senate Primaries, Diego's massive vehicle history report blunder, Braun teaming up with Turning Point USA, more on this week's Statehouse Happenings.

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On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down several major issues impacting Indiana, from property taxes to government spending to election drama.

Rob starts with a meeting in Brownsburg where local school officials explained why Indiana’s property tax “fix” may not actually lower taxes long term. The discussion highlights how rising home assessments continue to drive property taxes higher even with credits like the $300 rebate.

The show also looks at the real winners of Senate Bill 1, with businesses receiving major tax breaks through personal property tax changes while homeowners see little relief.

Next, Rob digs into the controversy surrounding the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. After spending $800,000 on an audit that found serious problems, the state is now considering another $1 billion in spending through the same agency. Meanwhile, the connected IEDC Foundation has spent millions on travel, meals, and events for government officials, raising ongoing transparency concerns.

Rob's guest today was Kenny Britt, find him on Facebook at Britt's Picks. He covers some possible upsets and cinderella's in the NCAA Tourney starting this week.

The show also covers the growing political chaos in the Terre Haute state Senate primary, where a legal challenge over whether a candidate has a past felony conviction has now halted absentee ballots just weeks before the election.

Rob then shifts to a major development in Indianapolis with the approval of a 900,000-square-foot data center in Marion County, raising questions about zoning, water usage, and how Indiana should regulate the rapidly expanding data center industry.

Producer Jason also makes his daily appearance highlighting the best YouTube chat comments of the day.

The show also touches on the possibility of adding a third hour to the program, the latest episode of Statehouse Happenings, and what diesel fuel reaching $5 per gallon in central Indiana could mean for the local economy.

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On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob covers several major stories shaping Indiana politics, government spending, and accountability, starting with a new IndyStar column on the controversial Mid-States Corridor project. The column breaks down Governor Mike Braun’s long-standing support for a proposed $4 billion highway through southwest Indiana, a project that runs through his own home county and is overwhelmingly opposed by local residents.

The discussion focuses on the history of the project, its potential benefit to the trucking and distribution industry, and concerns about taxpayers funding a project many Hoosiers don’t want.

Rob then turns to a series of developing political stories, including Braun’s partnership with Turning Point USA and the potential legal and ethical questions surrounding voter registration efforts tied to a politically aligned group. The show also highlights the ongoing controversy involving Secretary of State Diego Morales and the more than $300,000 spent on vehicle history reports that were barely used, raising further concerns about government waste and accountability.

Joining the program is Nikki Kelly from the Indiana Capital Chronicle, who breaks down the latest reporting on the Morales spending issue, the mystery group funding political ads in Indiana Senate primaries, and the broader political landscape surrounding these races. The conversation also touches on how outside influence and unclear funding sources are shaping key Republican primaries across the state.

The show also covers a major new proposal from Governor Braun to spend $1 billion through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, despite prior concerns about transparency and accountability within the agency. Rob examines how the IDC, which previously required an $800,000 forensic audit, is now being tasked with distributing even more taxpayer money, and questions the return on investment for Hoosiers as well as the continued concentration of resources in central Indiana.

Finally, Rob breaks down a complicated and increasingly tangled legal and political situation involving Attorney General Todd Rokita, a contested state Senate race, and questions about ballot eligibility. The case highlights how overlapping political alliances, legal obligations, and campaign dynamics are intersecting in Indiana politics, raising broader concerns about transparency and trust in the system.

From billion-dollar spending proposals and election controversies to government accountability and political strategy, today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show connects the dots on the stories impacting Hoosiers right now.

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