At the top of my ticket is the race for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District between incumbent Jim Baird (R) and challenger Drew Cox(D) . The more I examine their records and positions, the more questions I believe voters should be asking.

January 6 and election integrity

Following the 2020 election, Jim Baird voted to object to the certified electoral votes from Arizona and Pennsylvania. He subsequently voted against Donald Trump’s second impeachment, an independent January 6 commission, and the House Select Committee investigation.

The war in Iran

Baird has supported President Trump’s military operations against Iran and voted against congressional efforts to require the withdrawal of American forces.

Drew Cox has opposed the war and questioned its objectives.

Campaign financing

As of June 30, 2026, Baird had raised approximately $358,000 for his campaign, including substantial political action committee contributions.

Cox had raised approximately $20,000 and says he does not accept corporate PAC contributions.

This is something I found particularly interesting:

Congressional expense reimbursements

According to a September 30, 2026, Washington Post investigation, Jim Baird claimed more taxpayer funded meals and lodging reimbursements than ANY OTHER MEMBER of the U.S. House in both 2024 and 2025.

TWO YEARS IN A ROW

In 2025 alone, Baird claimed $39,789.

For comparison, fellow Indiana Republican Congressman Rudy Yakym claimed approximately $4,000 during the same year.

Their voting participation rates were remarkably similar:

Jim Baird: 98.3%
Rudy Yakym: 100%

Yet Baird claimed nearly TEN TIMES as much in meals and lodging reimbursements.

For additional context, the average among the 360 House members who participated in the program was approximately $18,600 in 2025. Baird claimed more than TWICE THAT AMOUNT.

Congressional rules permit these reimbursements, and receipts are not required. That right there is total bull but hey, they make their own rules.

These figures do not establish wrongdoing. Voting participation also does not tell us exactly how many days either representative qualified for reimbursement.

Nevertheless, I believe constituents deserve an explanation for such a substantial difference, particularly from an elected official who emphasizes fiscal responsibility.

I encourage everyone to ask questions and make an informed decision on November 3.

I've been getting really into house music and the local EDM scene, and I've been thinking about putting together a small house music event somewhere around Valparaiso or Northwest Indiana.

I'm talking tech house, groovy house, UK house, and that kind of vibe you'd find at a smaller underground dance event.

I know a lot of people go to Chicago for this kind of music, so I'm curious if there's actually an audience for it around here.

Would you guys be interested in something like this? What kind of music would you want to hear, and where would you want an event like this to be held?

Just trying to gauge interest and see if it's worth putting something together.

I’m in Griffith. My power has been out the last 24 hours. I genuinely cannot do this again. Anyone else?

Yep that's right thanks to some modding I managed to configure it to the northwest Indiana area and actually got it to work

I am seeking friends that like to go on night drives, walking in downtown Valpo, trying new restaurants, maybe going to a zoo or museum. I’ve tried this before and just met one person who was in a relationship and I never heard from her again. Having a relationship is not bad , but I find someone who’s attached has less time to actually form a real friendship in my opinion. I know there’s someone out there who wants a friend. Someone who’ll sit with them during the tough times of life, sit with you at 2am, actually call you just because they actually wanna hear from you. If this is you I’ll love to talk and please be serious. I’m alone and really need friends in my life. I’m 32 .

I want to start checking out what original music is in The Region to attend shows. Post up your links.

FYI, I lean towards those bands that are melodic; screaming is fine occasionally but if that's your main thing, gonna hit skip pretty fast - but keep doing your thing - it has value.

Bridal shower venue recommendation for under 30 people that will not put us over the $1,200 budget

I'm having trouble meeting alt women who have the same taste in music as me. Specifically looking for female friends who'd like to go to metal concerts with me. The heavier the metal, the better. I'm 29 from Valparaiso

If anyone needs a job for the holidays or just a job at all the walmart in Valpo is basically mass hiring people. Its permanent positions 16 dollars minimum during day shift and 17.50 for overnights night shift. The event is 10am to 4pm. Honestly working there is pretty easy at least for me but your milage may vary. Also can start working there at 16 so some decent money for teenagers too.

Sharing from Facebook

"Making friends as an adult isn’t always easy. Sometimes you want to meet new people, but putting yourself out there can feel awkward or overwhelming.

That’s why I’m looking into starting The Social Circle, an 8-week group for adults in their 20s and 30s who want to build confidence, improve social skills, and make genuine friendships.

We’ll work on starting conversations, managing social anxiety, handling rejection, and building healthy friendships, all while having the chance to connect with people who may be going through similar things.

The group would meet once a week for 60 minutes at Barber Mental Health in La Porte, most likely on Sunday afternoons.

The cost is $40 per session, and insurance may cover group therapy depending on your plan.

I’m currently seeing who would be interested before finalizing the details, so there’s no commitment right now. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, feel free to reach out or call (219) 342-2415. Please share with anyone who might be interested!"

And do we still go to the place by the Walmart?

to those who have them, why? do they block scanners (flock cameras included). are they even legal to have? I've seen an increasing amount of them around here and wondering if there's a reason to it

I used to live in Chicago and still take guitars to Third Coast but would like to know if there is something closer.

Is Broadway Music good? They have a tech on site that does guitar work, and is a Fender certified shop. I'm mainly looking for someone who does good fret work (leveling / neck setup).

I have really enjoyed eating at Picante, good food every time. However I've noticed recently they close at 4pm or all together on Saturdays, does anyone know why?

looking to schedule a dental cleaning service at one of the colleges out here. i know i can schedule online or over the phone but i usually find it easiest to go directly through one of the students, so if one of yall are in dental school and need clients feel free to pm me or comment on this post. thank yall and god bless

Caught this pic as ✨something✨was going across the moon!

Anyone in the area have a beef hookup? Tossing around the idea of buying potentially 1/4-1/2 a cow. TIA

I have been having a ton of dropped calls lately with T-Mobile. I have been thinking about switching to Verizon. What has been your experience with either service? Thanks!

What are some of the best bars in the area for people in their 20s?