🕯️ Light Up Your Life

Meet Warm Glow Candle Company – where Indiana's finest candlemakers are busy creating scents that'll make your home smell like heaven (and actually stick around to prove it).

These aren't those sad little store-brand candles. We're talking serious, handcrafted-in-Centerville goodness. Blueberry Cobbler that'll have your neighbors thinking you've become a master baker. Apple Cinnamon that makes your house smell like fall decided to move in permanently. And a Vanilla Bean that'll have you questioning why you ever settled for less.

Look for the giant candle on I-70 (yes, really – you can't miss it), or hop over to warmglow.com. Your nose can thank us later.

Local. Legendary. Ridiculously good-smelling.

📜 This week in Indiana History 📜

On the way to beginning his first term as President, then President-Elect Abraham Lincoln visited Indianapolis to meet with his supporters in the midst of the Succession Crisis in the United States. He knew he was going to have a very rough Presidency, but the state of Indiana showed him a lot of love and support as he gave a speech asking them, the people, to preserve liberty.

Though three states claim to be “The Home of Lincoln” (Indiana being one of them) here is the reality of it… Lincoln was born in Kentucky, moved to Indiana when he was 7 and spent most of his childhood here, then moved to Illinois as an adult, where he became one of its most well-known politicians. 

Though considered by many to be the Michael Jordan of Presidents (The GOAT, as the kids say), he was hated by the South, and he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford’s Theatre in 1865, shortly after being elected to his second term after the Civil War. Still, he won the war and saved the Union.

Though his visit in 1861 is still celebrated to this day, he did not visit the Hoosier State again until the year 1865, when his funeral procession passed through the state by train. Still considered to be very beloved by a majority of Americans, we are proud that Lincoln called the Hoosier State his childhood home.

⚡ Hoosier Headlines ⚡

World Food Championships Back in Indy

Can I get an encore? Yes. Do you want more? You bet. Cookin’ raw with the Brookl—Indiana boy. Sure thing. While this headline has nothing to do with Linkin Park, the lyrics fit the bill. After making its Indianapolis debut last November, the World Food Championships yesterday announced their return to Indy is happening Oct. 16-19 at the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, located at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. Over 300 teams will compete for the World Food Champion crown and shares of the $450,000 prize pool. If you love being in the kitchen and have a dish worth showcasing, now is your time to shine! 🏆🍝🍲

Familiar Face Back on the Air

Rafael Sánchez, who spent more than 25 years on air at WRTV-6, is back on the air locally with Fox59 and CBS4. Sánchez left WRTV-6 last February but had to work behind the scenes at Fox59/CBS4 for nearly 12 months due to a noncompete clause. Once a longtime co-anchor of WRTV’s “Good Morning Indiana, Sánchez will host a consumer segment named “Call Rafael” on Fox59. He is also set to co-anchor Fox59’s First at Four newscast. We’re glad his warming personality will again fill Hoosier homes.

Fun fact: Sánchez is the bilingual voice you hear in terminals serenading comers and goers at the Indianapolis International Airport!

Grand Universe in Westfield

The city of Westfield is booming, and this is only the beginning. This week, city officials approved a $1.2 billion plan for Grand Universe. The 66-acre campus will focus on space and science education, but a hotel, sports entertainment district connecting to the Monon Trail and retail, office space, and housing are also in the cards.

🏀 MARCH STARTS HERE!

Six epic games. Two unforgettable days. The Barbasol Horizon League Championships are taking over Indy's Corteva Coliseum this March 10-11!

Watch the top men's and women's teams battle it out for conference glory. From Monday's semifinals through Tuesday's championship showdowns, this is the kind of March basketball magic you don't want to miss.

Bonus: Join the new Horizon League membership for exclusive Indy swag, championship tickets, and more!

Grab your tickets at HorizonLeague.org or Ticketmaster. The madness begins at noon both days!

 💎 Hidden Gems 💎

Frank’s Paddlesports Livery

Fact: Few things are better than being out on the water during the summer. Located in the heart of Indianapolis on the west bank of the White River near Marian University, Frank’s Paddlesports Livery offers canoe, kayak and paddle board rentals for beginners to experts. Dip your toes into this hidden gem and soak up some sunshine and warmer temperatures, once we get to the warmer months, of course. 😅

Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park

In our most recent small town breakdown, we highlighted the happenings in Angola, which is the county seat of Steuben County. It is also home to Pokagon State Park. While Lake James and hiking trails are the highlights of summer, the toboggan run within the state park is a hidden gem. Time is running out to experience the toboggan, with just four days left to enjoy it on Feb. 15, 16, 22 and 23, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From what we’ve heard, the toboggan run is quite the thrill!

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👏 1 Big wIN 👏

In January, Doug Boles, president of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was honored by Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb with Indiana’s highest civilian award, the Sagamore of the Wabash. Flip the calendar to February, and Boles is making headlines again. Earlier this week, Penske Entertainment Corp. named Boles president of IndyCar. Boles is exceptional at what he does and has taken IMS to new heights. We can’t wait to see what’s next for IndyCar with him at the helm. Check out the clip below to hear what the IMS president does on race day! 🏎️

🎧 From Courtroom to Kitchen 🎧

🎙 I hosted Martha Hoover, the founder of Won't Stop Hospitality, the company behind Cafe Patachou, Napolese Pizzeria, and Petite Chou Bistro.

Martha shares her journey from a sex crimes prosecutor to a pioneering restaurateur who transformed the Indianapolis food scene.

You are going to learn about:

• Her journey growing a restaurant while raising kids

• Her efforts in combating food insecurity among Indiana's youth

• Advice on growing in the restaurant and hospitality industry

Listen on Spotify, Apple, or Youtube 

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💎 Know any hidden gems we should cover? Reply to this email!