The Rob Kendall Show

On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob covers several major issues impacting Indiana, from the rapid expansion of data centers to rising energy costs and housing policy debates, along with a deep dive into how global conflict is now directly affecting Hoosiers.

The show opens with a discussion about the growing push for data centers across Indiana and what that means for local communities. Rob breaks down a column analyzing the similarities between today’s data center boom and the expansion of big-box retail years ago, raising questions about tax incentives, land use, and long-term impact.

While data centers play an important role in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure, Rob questions whether communities are giving away too much in tax breaks while getting very little in return—especially when these facilities create minimal long-term jobs and place increasing strain on electricity and water resources.

The conversation then shifts to the global stage and how the conflict with Iran is already hitting home in Indiana. Rob explains how rising oil prices and supply chain disruptions are driving up costs for farmers, particularly fertilizer, at a critical time heading into planting season. He walks through the broader strategy behind the conflict, the risks tied to the Strait of Hormuz, and why many Americans are beginning to feel the economic consequences in real time.

Joining the show is Bill Herrick of Midwest Energy Partners, who provides insight into how the Iran conflict is impacting oil and gas prices and what that could mean moving forward. The discussion focuses on rising fuel costs, market instability, and how global energy disruptions translate into higher everyday expenses for consumers and businesses alike.

Finally, Rob examines a new policy debate in Indiana involving rental caps in communities like Fishers and Carmel. After local governments attempted to limit the number of investor-owned rental properties in neighborhoods, the state stepped in and banned those restrictions. Rob discusses how large corporations have increasingly bought up single-family homes, driving up housing prices and changing the character of neighborhoods, while also tying the issue back to property taxes and how long-term homeowners are often penalized as values rise.

From data centers and energy policy to housing and global conflict, this episode connects national decisions to their real-world impact on Indiana residents and their daily lives.

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On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob covers several major political and policy stories affecting Indiana and the country. The show begins with a discussion of Governor Mike Braun’s proposal to add $6.5 billion in new tolls to I-70 across Indiana, a plan that would impact Hoosiers commuting to work as well as travelers crossing the state. Rob examines how tolling fits into a larger pattern of rising taxes on things people cannot avoid, including property taxes, gas taxes, and vehicle fees, and questions why no Republican leaders have publicly challenged the proposal despite controlling state government.

Rob also looks at the growing number of Republican primary challengers running for the Indiana State Senate and raises questions about what these candidates actually stand for. He discusses how several of the challengers were recruited following the redistricting fight and argues that many are campaigning on loyalty to national political figures rather than presenting specific policy ideas that would affect the daily lives of Hoosiers. The conversation focuses on the importance of candidates explaining what they would actually vote for on issues like property taxes, energy costs, and government spending.

The show then turns to the rising cost of utilities and the role of government-granted monopolies. Rob breaks down new data showing that investor-owned utilities across the country have generated massive profits in recent years, keeping roughly fifteen cents of every dollar paid by customers. Because consumers cannot choose their electric, gas, water, or sewer providers, Rob argues that these companies operate as legal monopolies and that meaningful legislative reform may be needed to address rising costs for households.

Rob also discusses the late Jim Irsay and the nearly $100 million raised from the sale of memorabilia from his estate. While the auction included historic sports and music artifacts, the conversation centers on the role taxpayers played in building the stadiums that helped create the Colts franchise’s enormous value. Rob raises questions about the long-term public investment in facilities like the Hoosier Dome and Lucas Oil Stadium and whether taxpayers have received a fair return for the billions spent on professional sports infrastructure.

Another topic in today’s show is the Federal Communications Commission and concerns about government threats toward television stations over coverage of the conflict with Iran. Rob explains how broadcast licensing works, the limited authority the FCC is supposed to have over content, and why the idea of revoking licenses because of political coverage raises serious First Amendment concerns.

Finally, Rob examines new concerns among Republicans about the upcoming midterm elections as economic pressures continue to affect voters. Rising gas prices, inflation, and the broader cost of living are shaping political sentiment, and Rob discusses how voters often make decisions based on the immediate impact on their daily finances rather than long-term policy outcomes.

From state taxes and energy costs to national politics and media regulation, today’s episode covers the key issues driving political debate in Indiana and across the country.

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Rob Kendall breaks down several major political and policy stories

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On today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down several

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Governor Mike Braun announced a plan to toll the entire stretch of I 70 across the state of Indiana. The plan will cost taxpayers at least $6.5
billion in new taxes. Where does all the money go and why can't Indiana
ever seem to get our roads right without more tax increases? Rob Kendall
and Jim Merritt discuss on Statehouse Happenings.

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This episode of The Rob Kendall Show covers several major stories in Indiana politics.

Rob discusses the partnership between Secretary of State Diego Morales and Turning Point USA, the political standing of Governor Mike Braun, and the proposed $6.5 billion tolling plan for I-70.

Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle, discusses I-70 tolls, Braun, Ballard and upcoming elections.

The show also covers the LEAP district water controversy, national debates over the SAVE Act, concerns about rising gas prices and foreign policy, and possible airport delays tied to the Homeland Security funding dispute.

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In this episode of the Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down a series of

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In this episode of The Rob Kendall Show, we break down a series of major political stories shaping Indiana and the nation. The show opens with a detailed look at Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales and the controversy over campaign footage reportedly filmed while he was acting in his official capacity at the Marion County Election Center. The discussion walks through the timeline from the 2024 election season to Morales’ 2025 reelection announcement, the objections raised by Marion County election officials, and the broader questions about ethics, public trust, and whether government resources are being used for campaign purposes. The episode also examines the political fallout, including criticism of Republican leadership for continuing to stand behind Morales despite mounting concerns.

The second major topic shifts to national politics, focusing on Donald Trump’s demand that Congress pass the SAVE Act before he signs additional legislation. The show explains what the SAVE Act would do, including voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements, why it has stalled in the Senate, and how the filibuster stands in the way. There’s also a broader strategic discussion about whether Republicans are trying to do too much at once, with comparisons to DOGE-style reform efforts and an argument that incremental changes such as voter ID rules and tighter mail-in ballot safeguards may be more politically achievable than the full bill as proposed.

From there, the episode turns to the state of America’s primary system and asks why taxpayers are funding party primaries that most eligible voters do not even participate in. The script argues that the current system rewards extremism, sidelines the median voter, and pushes candidates to appeal to the most ideological voters in primaries before pivoting in the general election. Indiana’s ballot access rules, the Libertarian Party’s convention-based nominating process, and the potential impact of a Greg Ballard run for secretary of state are all part of this discussion.

The show closes with a look at rising gas and diesel prices and what that could mean for household budgets, inflation, and the broader economy. The host connects fuel price increases to transportation costs, consumer affordability, and political pressure on President Trump, while also arguing that the White House has done a poor job explaining its economic decisions to the public. The segment frames energy prices as both an economic issue and a political vulnerability.

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In this episode of The Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down the growing political drama surrounding Donald Trump, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Senator John Cornyn. After Trump suggested Paxton’s comments could push him to support Cornyn instead, Rob examines how quickly Republican candidates rush to prove their loyalty to Trump — and why that trend could be dangerous for the party.

Rob argues that Cornyn represents the classic Washington establishment figure, but also notes that Trump has backed similar figures before, pointing to Lindsey Graham as an example. The discussion centers on what Rob sees as a troubling shift within the GOP: the expectation that Republican officials must show total allegiance to Trump rather than represent their constituents independently.

The episode also covers Paxton’s proposal to drop out of the Senate race if lawmakers agree to end the filibuster and vote on a national voter ID bill, along with Paxton’s public statement emphasizing his loyalty to Trump. Rob questions the political strategy behind tying policy demands to personal loyalty and explores what it says about the current direction of Republican politics.

Rob's guest today is IndyStar Columnist James Briggs discussing why Mike Braun's approval rating in Indiana is so low. And why Republicans are lashing out at former Republican Mayor Greg Ballard.

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Rob Kendall analyzes the political fallout after former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard announced he will run for Indiana secretary of state as an independent candidate. Kendall discusses a recent poll showing Ballard pulling support from Republican incumbent Diego Morales and the swift reaction from Republican leaders after Ballard’s announcement.

The episode examines how Ballard was once promoted by Republicans as a model leader who could win in a blue city and why the tone changed after he entered the race. Kendall also reviews questions about Ballard’s residency after living in South Carolina, compares those criticisms with past controversies involving Morales, and discusses the potential impact of Ballard’s candidacy on the statewide race.

Later in the show, Kendall reflects on the legacy of former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz following his death at age 89 and speaks with former Indiana Sen. Jim Merritt about Ballard’s campaign and Merritt’s new book about lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode also covers polling on Donald Trump’s approval rating and a proposal for a new data center in Indianapolis.

The Rob Kendall Show streams live every weekday from 10am-noon ET.

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