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INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Communities across Indiana and the United States are coming together Monday to honor the country’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day.

Nationwide, people will observe the National Moment of Remembrance, visiting cemeteries and memorials while the U.S. flag flies at half-staff until noon.

Join WISH-TV at 10 a.m. for a 1-hour presentation of Friday’s “American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service”‘ at the Indiana War Memorial Friday. Notable guests included U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Marcus B. Annibale, Gov. Eric Holcomb, Mayor Hogsett, and Gold Star Families.

Fishers Memorial Day Program | 10 a.m.

Fishers will host its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Fishers Nickel Plate District AMP, 6 Municipal Drive.

The program includes remarks by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas M. Montgomery, remarks by Mayor Scott Fadness, the presentation of colors by the Fishers Honor Guard, C.W. Johnson’s Memorial Day poem, a moment of silence, and more.

Johnson Co. Memorial Day Program | 10 a.m.

American Legion Post 205 of Franklin will host a morning of remembrance at the Johnson County Courthouse in downtown Franklin.

The Franklin Community Band will perform at 10 a.m., followed by remarks by former Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Martin Umbarger and presentation of the colors by the Franklin Honor Guard.

Crown Hill National Cemetery Memorial Day Program | 11 a.m.

Hoosiers will gather to pay respects at Crown Hill National Cemetery’s Memorial Day ceremony, organized by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The event begins at 11 a.m. to commemorate those who sacrificed for freedom.

The main parking area for the ceremony will be at Butler University parking lot 45. Shuttle service will be available from the parking lot to the ceremony area.

Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo Mud Hens | 6:05 p.m.

Indianapolis Indians will remember fallen heroes, recognize veterans and honor current servicemembers at Victory Field.

The players will wear special camo jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit The American Legion’s “Be the One” initiative.

Monday is also Dollar Menu Night, with hot dogs, peanuts, chips, and popcorn all for $1.

A fireworks show will bring the night to a close.

The first pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Memorial Day weekend, along with Sunday’s Indianapolis 500, are expected to bring a lot of people from around the world to the Indy area.

Hoosiers and visitors have a chance to support these small businesses, in hopes to boost the local economy and celebrate the month of May.

News 8’s Amicia Ramsey visited different small businesses Thursday as they prepared for the weekend ahead.

Juice Remedy is a cold press juice, protein, and shake bar located at 82nd Street on Indy’s northeast side.

Crystal Usher owns the business with her husband, Brad. The Ushers established their business in 2019 from their kitchen table, and by 2020, they launched the healthy juice bar.

On Thursday morning, the duo worked to stock their fridges with the number one selling drink, “Remedy,” and Crystal Usher showed viewers how to make it.

Next, News 8 visited Punkin’s Pies Sweet Treats, located at the Amp Indy.

Owner Joanna Wilson told News 8 she started making sweet potato pie and the businesses began flourishing.

Wilson took home the people’s choice award at Zoobilation 2022 and will be serving some of her sweet treats this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Wilson tells News 8 that customers can pick up some of her race day-themed sweets at Amp Indy or at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Local insights into a trending and potentially risky TikTok fitness challenge known as the 12-3-30 workout.

News 8 recently interviewed Ryan Coleman, the owner of Omni Fitness LLC, a training facility in Indianapolis, to shed light on this popular dieting trend resurfacing on social media this summer.

“Social media can be incredibly misleading when it comes to fitness,” stated Coleman, emphasizing the dangers of relying solely on online trends.

The challenge entails setting a treadmill to a 12% incline and walking at a speed of 3 miles per hour for a duration of 30 minutes. Participants are expected to repeat this workout for 30 consecutive days.

According to Coleman, this workout can potentially help individuals achieve a slim and toned physique while maintaining muscle growth. However, he advises caution when following trends online and stresses the drawbacks associated with fitness aspirations influenced by social media.

“The influence of social media can be detrimental, making fitness goals appear intimidating. While there are numerous challenges one can try, it is essential to consider individual circumstances,” Coleman explained.

Omni Fitness offers valuable tips for individuals aiming to lose weight and maintain a strong physique. These include reducing sugar and carbohydrate intake, adhering to a balanced diet, and practicing intermittent fasting. Coleman also suggests exploring alternative workout options for those prone to knee injuries, such as opting for a walk through a nature trail instead of using a treadmill.

By taking a mindful and informed approach to fitness, individuals can make choices that align with their goals and overall well-being while avoiding potential dangers associated with viral challenges on social media platforms.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Race fans now have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the history of the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. IMSM offers a journey through 107 years of racing culture by highlighting the race’s early years and what’s happening now.

The current displays, including the Winners Gallery’- a collection display of winning race cars, ‘Second,’ and ‘Traditions,’ offer a captivating glimpse into the triumphs and traditions that have shaped the race. 

The Borg-Warner Trophy is also on display. In addition, visitors can delve into the captivating stories of Hoosier-born drivers and other exhibits.

Daily tours are available from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., with six people per group and panoramic views from the facility’s rooftop.

The 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 is Sunday, May 28.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Once the Indy 500 is over, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will switch gears to revive another tradition. The ‘IMSA Battle on the Bricks‘, a sports car racing event, will return this fall after nearly a decade-long hiatus.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be back at the Brickyard from Sept. 15 – 17 for a full weekend of racing action on the speedway’s 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course.

News 8 spoke with Doug Boles, president of IMS, who shared the speedway’s efforts to build on its reputation as one of the greatest race tracks in the Midwest.

“We’ve wanted to have the IMSA Battle on the Bricks back at IMS,” Boles said.

Boles explained that sports cars in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championships bear similarities to IndyCars, making them relatable for IndyCar fans.

“The IMSA Battle on the Bricks will feature prototype cars that are nothing short of exceptional,” Boles said. “They resemble IndyCars and Team Penske will be running Porsches. The big Corvettes will also return to race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many renowned teams, including Ganassi, will participate in the competition.”

Boles says race fans can also look forward to seeing some familiar faces behind the wheel.

“The drivers who compete in the WeatherTech series are individuals who have previously raced in IndyCar or even participated in the Indianapolis 500. In addition, when IndyCar drivers retire, they often transition to full-time sports car racing. Hence, fans will recognize many names. I believe our IndyCar fans, in particular, will embrace this weekend,” Boles said.

What sets this experience apart from other events is the unique opportunity for fans to camp in the infield throughout the weekend, according to Boles.

“To host a NASCAR race, the Indy 500, and now include a sports car race that features these incredible prototypes brought by WeatherTech, truly showcases the fact that this is the greatest racetrack in the world.”

Race fans have much to anticipate at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2023.

Here’s a look at some of the upcoming events:

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Stars across the pop culture, business, and tech industries will be in Indianapolis for VeeCon, billed as a super conference downtown.

Over 190 speakers, from celebrities to influencers, will be there. According to officials, VeeCon 2023 is geared towards blending the worlds of technology and culture through fun experiences.

Thursday, the event kicks off with a series of events at White River State Park. Attendees can participate in community activities and musical performances by artists such as Busta Rhymes, Andrew Schulz, and Jordin Sparks.

Friday and Saturday, the following two days, will be at Lucas Oil Stadium. Guests can attend educational panel discussions across multiple stages and more.

Aliyah Boston, the Indiana Fever Rookie and the top overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft will speak. In addition to Boston, celebrity guest speakers, including the likes of Drew Barrymore, Jessica Alba, and others will also hit the stage.

VeeCon was established in 2022 as the first NFT-ticketed super-conference. The event continues to grow. For those who have yet to secure their tickets, ticket purchases are available.

Furthermore, Hoosiers can contribute by volunteering with MJJ Recruiting, a partnering vendor actively seeking volunteers from diverse backgrounds to assist during the conference.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)- During Monday night’s council meeting, Fishers City Council members discussed charging non-residents a $50 parking fee at the city’s new Geist Waterfront Park.

While some council members raised concerns about the affordability of the fee for visitors, a majority supported the notion as a means of recouping taxpayers’ investment. Seven out of nine council members supported the decision to implement the parking fee.

Documents reveal that the city spent $15 million to develop the first phase of the water park, which features concession stands, kayak rentals, a sandy beach, and a play area. An official with the city’s parks and recreation told the council the park has a parking capacity of 240 vehicles, the cove has a capacity for 300 swimmers, set to accommodate the number of visitors.

One council member expressed concerns about the message conveyed to non-residents, stating, “It sends a message to people outside of Fishers that they are unwelcome here.” The sentiment echoes the worries of those who believe the fee may deter potential visitors.

Another council member defended the parking fee, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety measures at the park, stating, “There is a significant cost to keep people safe while driving, and it’s instead of a narrative turning to ‘we’re trying to prevent people from being there.’

In response to criticisms of the fee’s affordability, one council member stated, “I don’t think there’s anything unreasonable at all. I haven’t heard any complaints from anybody in my district. This is not unreasonable.”

Another council member also justified the fee, “This is not a regional park. If it were, Indianapolis, Fortville, and all the other surrounding communities. [They]should have chipped in and helped pay for this park.”

City leaders say that the parking fee will help lifeguards monitor all visitors and effectively ensure the park’s operation. Furthermore, they have clarified that paid parking spans from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and parking will be free outside of the swimming season.

The water park is set to open on Memorial Day.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Monument Circle is buzzing with excitement as ‘Kids Day‘ takes over the area. This free and fun-sized Indy 500-themed celebration, which is the 500 Festival’s largest outdoor event for kids, is set to offer an array of activities and exhibits for families to enjoy.

From bounce houses and rock walls to handmade crafts and music, there’s something for everyone to get involved in. The highlight of the day, however, is the Rookie Run. This non-competitive race is exclusively for children aged 3 to 10, giving them the opportunity to take to the streets and show off their racing skills.

Hellen Khamis, the 500 Festival Marketing Manager, shared with News 8 that the Rookie Run is a great way to get kids active, with a cheer section and prizes to encourage and motivate them.

Parents and guardians can register their little ones onsite for a nominal fee of $5, but it’s encouraged to pre-register, to claim your child’s spot ahead of the race.

So, whether you’re a die-hard Indy 500 fan or simply looking for a fun-filled day out with the family, 500 Festival Kids Day has you covered. The event is scheduled to run Sunday from noon to 4 pm.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – It’s time to experience the thrill of speed through art, Gallery Forty-Two in Downtown Indianapolis is where the art and rubber meet the pavement.

The Gallery is hosting its 2nd Annual ‘Art of Speed Juried Art Exhibition,’ an event combining motorsports and art.

The exhibition features 24 of the area’s top visual artists and showcases over 50 pieces, including photography, paintings, drawings, multi-media, and sculptures.

The “Art of Speed” celebrates the spirit of May, speed, and auto racing and offers a visual journey that captivates and inspires both motorsports and art lovers. Visitors can experience the show from May 5 to June 11. The Gallery also hosts an Artist Reception Friday, May 12, from 6-10 p.m. It’s a free event to meet the artists, enjoys light food and drinks, and journey through the world of art and speed.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Saturday marked the start of National Nurses Week, a time to recognize and thank nurses for their commitment to care for others. But it also highlights a growing concern – a shortage of nurses.

The demand for nurses has increased over the years, and the pandemic has only intensified the situation. But, according to Melissa Burdi, Vice President and Dean of the Purdue Global School of Nursing, the country is facing a shortage of nurses and a crisis.

Burdi says the COVID-19 pandemic amplified the nursing crisis and healthcare providers are struggling to meet the demand for medical care.

According to a report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the shortage of registered nurses was on trend to hit a high of 1.1 million in 2022.

To address this issue, Burdi says there have been calls for more funding for nursing education programs and for initiatives to attract more people to the profession.

“There are folks that will say that we’re in a shortage. And I would counter that by saying we’re in a crisis. We need nurses more now than ever. Our population is growing. We have folks that are retiring, registered nurses that are retiring. So, being able to add to the workforce to accommodate the growing population, but also to account for those retiring from the profession, is really important, said” Melissa Burdi.

National Nurses Week started Saturday and runs through Friday, May 12, which was also the day Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, was born.