☀️ This week’s INsights

This week in Indiana History - The Death of Nancy Lincoln

Alright, so this week in Indiana history, we remember a young pioneer mother who passed away from milk sickness. Now, she had no idea at the time, but her little boy - yeah, Abraham Lincoln - would grow up to become one of the most influential Americans in history. There isn’t much written record of Nancy Lincoln, but you can’t help but wonder about the role she played in shaping young Abe. I mean, her legacy lives on in ways she never would’ve imagined.

As early as 1869, people were already calling for a memorial to honor her. Today, places like Lincoln State Park and the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial stand as a tribute to Nancy Lincoln, this pioneer mother whose quiet influence helped shape the course of history.

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

John Mellencamp, The Ultimate Hoosier  - Indiana University is honoring John Mellencamp this fall. Yeah, the Jack & Diane guy. But did you know he's also an artist and activist? Yeah, apparently, he paints too. So, IU’s got an art exhibit called Crossroads at the Eskenazi Museum, showcasing some of his work—big oil portraits, mixed-media stuff, even one of James Dean. Because, you know, if you're from Indiana, you have to paint at least one picture of James Dean.

But the main event is October 18, when they’re unveiling a statue of Mellencamp on the Bloomington campus. 👨‍🎤 A statue, people! They’re putting it up by the Fine Arts Plaza, and it’s all about celebrating his Indiana roots—because, let's be real, Mellencamp is still all about the small-town life.

The ceremony is from 1 to 2 p.m. at the IU Auditorium North Garden. So if you want to see a rock star immortalized in bronze, and who doesn’t, this is your big chance!

Indiana National Guard Stepping Up 🇺🇸 - Airmen from the Indiana National Guard are stepping up in a big way. Eleven of 'em from the 181st Intelligence Wing in Terre Haute just rolled into North Carolina to help out after Hurricane Helene.

They’re part of the 181st Fatality Search and Rescue Team, and they’re the first group from Indiana to get the call. They showed up Tuesday and are already working with local teams to help with recovery efforts.

Their Major, Landon Hinman, says they’re all set to handle some pretty tough conditions—floods, downed power lines, the works—but this crew’s got the training, the gear, and the heart to take it on. They’re ready to jump in wherever they’re needed, and they’re fully dedicated to helping people in tough times.

Hinman says this is exactly why they wear the uniform—to serve their fellow Americans when it matters most. They’ll be there for about two weeks, doing incredible work and making us all proud.

🎧 Listen to Our Latest Podcast 🎧

🎙 I sat down with Bryan Smith, Master Distiller at Hard Truth Distilling Co.

We chat about the insane rise of the distillery from a modest start above a pizza restaurant to becoming Indiana's largest destination craft distillery.

The discussion covers the creation of signature products like cinnamon vodka and rye whiskies, and the collaboration within Indiana's bourbon industry.

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube ⬇️

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 💎 Hidden Gem 💎

Gennet Records Walk of Fame  Alright, here’s a cool story for you. Back in the 1920s, there was this little, run-down recording studio in Richmond, Indiana—just a shed behind a piano factory called Gennett. I’m talking rugs hanging from the ceiling and straw stuffed in the walls to block out train noise.

But somehow, this little place became the center of a jazz revolution. Big names like King Oliver, Jelly Roll Morton, and even Hoagy Carmichael all recorded there—sitting on crates and stools, like a band jamming in someone’s garage.

Gennett wasn’t just about jazz, though. They recorded everything from blues and gospel to famous speeches, and they were the first to record Black New Orleans jazz bands, which was groundbreaking at the time. Hoagy Carmichael even recorded Stardust there—yeah, that Stardust, one of the most popular songs in history.

Today, there’s a Walk of Fame in Richmond, honoring all these legends right where the studio used to stand. So, it turns out, this little shed in Indiana didn’t just make music—it made history.

👏 1 Big wIN 👏

Indiana Football’s Best Start in 100 Years

Alright, so Indiana football is off to its best start since 1967! Who would’ve thought? Under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, they’re not just winning; they’re dominating—every game by double digits! That’s the first time they’ve done that since 1904. I mean, that’s a century ago!

Cignetti's building a whole new culture, and when asked if he’s surprised, he just smiled and said, ‘Nah, we’ve got a plan.’ He wants the team to play tough and smart, one play at a time—keeping it calm and cool, never too high or too low.

Now, they’re headed to Northwestern this Saturday, and if things go well, they might just go 6-0. Northwestern’s struggling, only scoring five points last game. So, here’s to Indiana making some serious noise this season!

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