Indiana Roads Can Be Wild - AAA Keeps You Rolling

Driving in Indiana can throw some surprises at you. Whether you’re stuck on 465 at rush hour, hit a pothole the size of Muncie, or your car won’t start after a long day at Holiday World, AAA is the backup you need. They’re the ones who show up when your car decides it’s done for the day.

It’s not just about tows, either—they’ll help if you lock your keys in the car at Lucas Oil, or if you need a jumpstart in the Target parking lot because you left the lights on. We’ve all been there. Plus, they’ve got discounts and trip planning for when you finally decide to take that weekend drive down to French Lick.

So, if you’re cruising around without AAA, you might wanna fix that. It’s basically peace of mind for Indiana drivers. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little more of that.

Want to learn more? Check out the Hoosier Motor Club here

☀️ This week’s INsights

This week in Indiana History - On this week in 1971, Ryan White was born in Kokomo, Indiana—a young man who would later become a powerful symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. As a hemophiliac, Ryan was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 due to a blood transfusion. Despite the widespread fear and misconceptions about the disease at the time, Ryan’s courage and determination helped change the conversation about HIV and AIDS.

When his community initially denied him re-entry into school, his story gained national and international attention. Ryan persevered, and Hamilton Heights High School welcomed him with open arms after learning the facts about the disease, showcasing the power of education and compassion.

Though given only six months to live, Ryan defied the odds and lived for five and a half more years, becoming an advocate and an inspiration to millions. His passing on April 8, 1990, was marked by an outpouring of love and respect, with 1,500 people attending his funeral. Icons like Michael Jackson, Elton John, and First Lady Barbara Bush honored his life, solidifying Ryan’s legacy as a beacon of understanding and empathy in the fight against an often-misunderstood disease.

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

Indiana Christmas Tree Farms - Did you know our state produces around 200,000 of them every year? That’s a lot of Hoosier-grown holiday cheer! Farmers like Joe Evans of Whispering Pines Christmas Tree Farm in Danville have been doing this for decades, turning their land into a winter wonderland.

Indiana ranks 11th in the nation for Christmas tree production, with over 200 farms making a big impact on local communities. It’s not just about trees; it’s about supporting families and creating traditions. So, if you still need a tree, check out one of these farms—you’re not just buying a tree; you’re buying a little piece of Indiana magic.

The Coolest Thing Made In Indiana - This competition, hosted by the Indiana Chamber, celebrates the state's innovative and standout products. After weeks of head-to-head matchups, we’re down to two incredible finalists: Hard Truth Sweet Mash Whiskey and Harpsicle Harps.

First, our friends at Hard Truth. This stuff isn’t just whiskey; it’s a craft masterpiece straight from the folks in Brown County. With its smooth flavor and unique distillation process, it’s a perfect representation of Indiana’s growing craft beverage scene.

And then we’ve got Harpsicle Harps out of Rising Sun. These lightweight, colorful, and innovative harps are changing the game, making the joy of harp-playing accessible to everyone—from kids to professionals.

The final showdown is a testament to Indiana’s diverse creativity: from producing a world-class spirit to revolutionizing a centuries-old musical instrument. The champion will be announced soon, and no matter who wins, it’s clear Indiana knows how to make some of the coolest things out there!

Hoosier Gift Guide - It’s officially the holiday season - and if you’re looking for a few last-minute gifts, we’ve got you. Here’s a breakdown of some awesome gifts you can get from Indiana’s businesses.

From big businesses to sports to our favorite local artists. We’re positive there is at least one business on this list that you have never heard of.

Check out the list here.

🎧 From Good Bones to Good Builds with MJ Coyle 🎧

🎙I had the pleasure of sitting down with MJ Coyle an incredible designer that grew up in Indy and spent several years working on the HGTV show Good Bones. MJ told some fun stories from his days on Good Bones and shared advice to other Hoosiers working in creative fields.

In this conversation MJ shares insight on:

• Building a creative career in Indiana

• The reality of reality TV

• A few budget friendly design tips for Hoosiers

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube 

 💎 Hidden Gems 💎

Columbus Country Christmas

This charming event has everything—glowing floats at the Festival of Lights Parade, Santa visits, free kettle corn (yes, free!), and even a fun elf scavenger hunt. People love the cozy small-town vibe and how it’s perfect for families or just soaking up some Christmas cheer.

There’s live music, festive crafts, and enough holiday spirit to make even the Grinch crack a smile. It’s the kind of place where you can make memories, enjoy some hot cocoa, and feel like you’re in a Christmas movie.

North Mass Boulder

It’s more than a climbing gym - it’s like a playground for adults with a strong sense of community. Imagine a place where you can climb, hit a yoga class, do some CrossFit, and then chill with a coffee in their cozy café. It’s all in this beautifully restored historic building, and people absolutely love it.

Folks talk about how welcoming the staff is, how clean and spacious it feels, and that it’s more than a gym - it’s a vibe. Whether you’re there to scale walls or just hang out with friends, it’s a place that makes you feel right at home. Honestly, if you’re in Indy, it’s worth checking out. You might leave with stronger arms and a few new friends!

👏 1 Big wIN 👏

ND & IU Likely IN for First Expanded College Football Playoffs

So how cool is this? We’ve got not one, but two Indiana teams looking like they could make the first College Football Playoff. I mean, who saw this coming? IU football has been on a tear this season—like, legit making noise—and you can’t help but be proud. They’ve been the underdog forever, but now they’re out here proving they belong with the big dogs.

And Notre Dame? Yeah, they’re always in the mix, but this year feels different. They’ve been solid, just doing their thing and dominating like it’s no big deal. It’s just awesome to think that both these teams are putting Indiana on the map in such a big way.

No matter who you root for, it’s great to see the state stepping up in football. It’s been a fun ride so far, and here’s hoping both teams keep it rolling. Let’s go, Indiana!

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