Description:
On this episode of the Wieser Podcast, Jim Wieser sits down with Kate-Lynn Holley, a candidate for Indiana State Senate District 6, for a wide-ranging conversation about her background, her campaign, and the issues she says are important to voters across Northwest Indiana and the surrounding rural communities.

Holley discusses growing up in Lake County, her experience as a realtor and mother, her work with North Shore Health Centers, and her path from professional wrestling to running for public office. She also explains the geographic reach of State Senate District 6, which includes portions of Lake and Jasper counties as well as Benton and Newton counties.

The conversation covers several issues Hawley says are central to her campaign, including healthcare access, affordable housing, education, agriculture, infrastructure, rural communities, data centers, and the cost of living. She also discusses her proposed approach to medical cannabis and using potential tax revenue for areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, housing, and workforce programs.

Wieser and Holley also discuss redistricting, political polarization, representation, and what Holley says she is hearing from voters while campaigning across the district. Holley describes her campaign priorities as providing a "roof, a table, a future," focusing on housing, food security, education, job training, and economic opportunity.

The Wieser Podcast features conversations about politics, elections, government, and the people seeking public office in Indiana.

Topics discussed include:

• Kate-Lynn Holley's campaign for State Senate District 6
• Northwest Indiana and rural community concerns
• Healthcare access
• Affordable housing and the cost of living
• Public education
• Agriculture and Indiana farmers
• Infrastructure
• Data centers
• Medical cannabis
• Redistricting and representation
• Political division and bipartisanship
• Holley professional and personal background
• Her priorities if elected

On this episode of the Wieser Podcast, Jim Wieser sits down with Anthony Oberman, a candidate for the Indiana House of Representatives in District 15, representing communities including Schererville, St. John, Dyer, and portions of the surrounding area.

Oberman discusses why he decided to enter the race and the issues he says are most important to Northwest Indiana families. A former police officer and father, Oberman shares his perspective on education funding, overcrowded classrooms, teacher support, school vouchers, affordability, utility costs, and the future of Indiana's middle class.

The conversation also examines the challenges facing public schools, including funding for special education, counselors, paraprofessionals, and teachers. Oberman explains his concerns about Indiana's school voucher program and argues that more resources should be directed toward public education.

Affordability is another major focus, with discussion surrounding rising NIPSCO bills, utility reliability, grocery prices, and the financial pressures facing Hoosier families following the region's recent storms.

In the second portion of the podcast, Jim Wieser introduces a new editorial segment focused on the controversy surrounding Stars and Stripes, military journalism, the First Amendment, and concerns about censorship and editorial independence.

The episode offers listeners an opportunity to hear Oberman's views directly as the 2026 midterm election approaches, along with Wieser's perspective on issues affecting Northwest Indiana, Indiana politics, and the broader national conversation.

With the 2026 election approaching, Jim Wieser takes a look at the political issues unfolding across Northwest Indiana and the state of Indiana—and previews what listeners can expect from the Wieser Podcast in the months leading up to Election Day.

In this episode, Jim discusses several issues he believes are connected to the larger political landscape, including the Indiana Attorney General's legal battle with the Town of Merrillville, free speech and local government, the impact of the June tornado and ongoing recovery efforts, Indiana's gasoline tax, rising costs, and the debate surrounding redistricting.

Jim also reflects on the political fallout surrounding Indiana lawmakers who opposed midterm redistricting and discusses what those developments could mean for the upcoming general election. He shares his perspective on the growing political divide, the importance of voter participation, and why he believes these issues will have a significant impact on Hoosiers.

Looking ahead, Jim previews an upcoming series of episodes featuring state representatives, state senators, and other political candidates, as the podcast works toward bringing listeners more conversations about the issues and candidates leading into November's election.

This episode is a candid look at Indiana politics, local government, elections, redistricting, economic pressures, and the issues Jim believes voters should be paying attention to as Election Day approaches.

In this episode of the Wieser Podcast, host Jim Wieser sits down with Eric Schultz, President of United Steelworkers (USW) Local 7-1, to discuss the ongoing BP Whiting Refinery lockout impacting more than 800 Northwest Indiana workers and their families.

Schultz provides an inside look at the contract negotiations between BP and USW Local 7-1, explaining why union members overwhelmingly rejected the company's proposals and how the lockout has affected workers across the Region. The conversation explores collective bargaining, labor relations, community support efforts, strike assistance programs, and the broader economic impact on Northwest Indiana.

Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of the challenges facing refinery workers, the role of organized labor in the energy industry, and the growing support from local governments, businesses, and residents standing behind the affected families.

Topics include:
• BP Whiting Refinery lockout update
• United Steelworkers Local 7-1 contract negotiations
• Northwest Indiana labor and union issues
• Community support for refinery workers
• Economic impact on Hammond, Whiting, and the Region
• The future of collective bargaining in the oil industry

If you want to stay informed about one of the most significant labor disputes in Northwest Indiana, this episode provides valuable insight directly from the leadership representing the workers at the center of the dispute.

#WieserPodcast #BPWhitingRefinery #USWLocal71 #EricSchultz #NorthwestIndiana #LaborNews #UnionWorkers #CollectiveBargaining #HammondIndiana #WhitingIndiana #BPRefinery #Steelworkers #IndianaNews #EconomicImpact #LocalGovernment

How does a community respond when disaster strikes?

In this episode of the Wieser Podcast, Jim Wieser sits down with Town of Merrillville Manager Michael Griffin to discuss the aftermath of the devastating June 2026 EF2 tornado that caused widespread damage across Merrillville, Indiana. Together, they examine how local government, first responders, volunteers, neighboring communities, and relief organizations worked together to support residents during one of the region's most significant natural disasters in recent memory.

Michael Griffin provides a behind-the-scenes look at the emergency response, debris removal efforts, damage assessments, disaster recovery planning, and the process of seeking state and federal assistance. The conversation also explores the financial challenges local governments face while responding to emergencies and the responsibilities of municipal leadership during times of crisis.

The episode also addresses a separate issue involving correspondence from the Indiana Attorney General's Office related to a previously adopted Merrillville Town Council resolution concerning a proposed ICE detention facility. Jim and Michael discuss how local officials balanced that legal and administrative matter while continuing to focus on disaster recovery and serving the community.

Whether you're interested in local government, emergency management, public policy, or Northwest Indiana news, this episode offers an in-depth look at the challenges public officials face when leading a community through extraordinary circumstances.

Topics Covered:

• The June 2026 EF2 tornado in Merrillville, Indiana
• Emergency response and disaster recovery
• FEMA and state disaster assistance
• Community volunteers and regional partnerships
• Local government leadership during emergencies
• Property tax challenges and municipal funding
• Public policy and local governance
• The Merrillville Town Council resolution regarding a proposed ICE detention facility
• Civic engagement and the importance of voting

Subscribe to the Wieser Podcast for thoughtful conversations on Northwest Indiana, public policy, local leadership, and the issues shaping communities across the Region.

What does it really take to run a fair and secure election?

In this episode of the Wieser Podcast, Jim Wieser welcomes Lake County Election Director Michelle Fajman for an in-depth conversation about how elections work behind the scenes and what every voter should know before the 2026 General Election.

Michelle explains the election timeline, candidate filings, poll worker recruitment, early voting, absentee voting, voter registration deadlines, and the safeguards in place to ensure election integrity. The discussion also covers recent changes to Indiana election laws, common mistakes that can prevent absentee ballots from being counted, and why making a voting plan ahead of Election Day is more important than ever.

Jim and Michelle also examine the national conversation surrounding election policy, voter registration requirements, and the proposed SAVE Act, while emphasizing civic engagement, bipartisan election administration, and the importance of protecting every eligible citizen's right to vote.

Whether you're voting for the first time, serving as a poll worker, or simply want a better understanding of how elections are conducted, this episode provides valuable insight into the democratic process and what to expect as the November election approaches.

In this episode:

• How Indiana elections are administered
• The 2026 General Election timeline
• Early voting and absentee ballot deadlines
• Poll worker recruitment and training
• Voter registration requirements
• Common absentee ballot mistakes to avoid
• Election security and bipartisan oversight
• The SAVE Act and national election policy discussion
• Why every vote matters

Stay informed, prepare your voting plan, and learn how local election officials work year-round to ensure secure, accessible, and transparent elections.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Jim Wieser reflects on how far the nation has come—and where it may be headed. Drawing from his personal experiences during the 1976 Bicentennial, military service, and decades in public life, Jim compares the optimism of America's 200th birthday with today's deeply divided political climate.

In this episode, Jim discusses the significance of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, constitutional law, birthright citizenship, absentee voting, voter rights, executive power, and the ongoing national debate surrounding the SAVE Act. He also shares his perspective on preserving the rule of law, protecting democratic institutions, and why civic engagement matters now more than ever.

Jim closes the episode by previewing a new direction for the Wieser Podcast, featuring guests and in-depth conversations about the legal, political, and constitutional issues shaping America's future.

Topics Covered:

• America's 250th Anniversary
• Reflections on the 1976 Bicentennial
• U.S. Supreme Court decisions
• The Constitution and the rule of law
• Birthright citizenship
• Voting rights and absentee ballots
• The SAVE Act and election policy
• Executive power and democracy
• The future of the Wieser Podcast

Whether you're interested in politics, constitutional law, public policy, or American history, this episode offers thoughtful commentary on some of the most important issues facing the nation today.

Congressman Frank Mrvan joins Jim Wieser for a wide-ranging conversation on some of the most important issues impacting Northwest Indiana and the nation.

In this special episode of the Wieser Podcast, Congressman Mrvan discusses the proposed Chicago Bears stadium development in Hammond, Indiana, and the transformative economic impact it could have on Northwest Indiana through job creation, infrastructure investment, organized labor opportunities, tourism, and regional growth.

The conversation also explores congressional redistricting, bipartisan cooperation, economic development, workforce training, the future of the American steel industry, disaster relief efforts following recent Northwest Indiana tornadoes, and the importance of protecting working families through education, apprenticeships, healthcare access, and workforce development programs.

Drawing on his experience as both a former North Township Trustee and current U.S. Congressman, Mrvan provides insight into how federal, state, and local governments work together to address community challenges and create opportunities for residents across Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties.