INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With a lot of schools switching to e-learning, some working parents are struggling to find child care.
However, new options are popping up across Indiana.
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis has created two options for families. They have an extended child care program and a new supervised e-learning program, where kids 14 and younger can bring their technology to the YMCA and do at-home learning with some help.
The program was announced as many schools prepare to reopen with online-only instruction or an option for e-learning.
At the Baxter YMCA in Indianapolis, curbside drop off, temperature checks and face masks have been an adjustment during the summer programs.
“We have to keep our mask on,” said 7-year old Grace Bell.
Now that it’s time for school, with some districts going virtual, parents are also making adjustments.
“It’s kind of frustrating and upsetting. Just because you can’t afford not to go to work and you can’t afford to just not have someone watch your kid either,” Tonya Black said.
Black’s 10-year old son, Cayden, attends the YMCA Summer program and is scheduled to go back to school in person. However, Black said options are limited if his school switches to e-learning, so she was thrilled to hear that the YMCA has options.
“We will be open Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.” said the YMCA senior program director, Mark Lantz. “We will provide extended care in the morning and afternoon, which will be a lot of YMCA activities, which is what you see behind me. There’s different board games, and different activities for the kiddos. But, then during the day we want to make sure that the kids have a conducive environment for learning, so we will be in classroom settings, conference rooms. And be able to make sure they stay on task with their e-learning.”

YMCA staff said that the kids will be socially distanced and supervised. They can do both programs or pick one, anywhere from one to five days a week. The YMCA will also work with parents who need financial help. Student’s will bring their iPads, Chromebooks and laptops, then supervisors will partner with schools to keep kids on schedule.
When it comes to parents who have COVID-19 safety concerns, the YMCA said they haven’t seen any positive cases through their summer program and are confident these programs will be safe.
“Part of our mission as the YMCA is to make sure we can be there for families when there is a need and we feel like there is a need right now for this e-learning care,” said Lantz.
Kids at the YMCA said this is a better option than learning at home with parents who are working.
“I think it’s a pretty good idea for kids who can’t do in school learning,” said 10-year old Bryson Bridges.
“People are there to help you, at home you can’t always have people to help you,” said 11-year old Michelle Hand.
Plus, the kids get to socialize. That’s what they said they miss the most right now. While these programs are a good alternative, everyone’s hopeful for school to get back to normal, eventually.
“I hope to go to school and see my BFF,” said Bell.
The YMCA said spots for both programs are filling up fast. Parents can reach out to the YMCA for more information or sign up online.
Coronavirus links
- Indiana State Department of Health coronavirus information (includes phone number to state hotline)
- Sign up for COVID-19 vaccinations in Indiana
- WISH-TV coronavirus coverage
- WISH-TV’s “Gr8 Comeback”
- Original Indiana Back on Track plan
- Revised Stage 3 of Indiana Back on Track plan (May 12-June 13)
- Revised Stage 4 of Indiana Back on Track plan (June 12-July 3)
- Governor’s order, July 1: Stage 4.5 of Indiana Back on Track plan
- Governor’s order, Aug. 26: Extension of Stage 4.5 of Indiana Back on Track plan
- Governor’s order, Sept. 24: Revised Stage 5 of Indiana Back on Track plan
- Governor’s order, Jan. 28, 2021: 11th renewal of statewide emergency
- Governor’s order, Feb. 25, 2021: 12th renewal of statewide emergency
- Indianapolis government’s COVID-19 Community Resources page
- Gleaners Food Bank distribution sites in Indianapolis area, south central Indiana
- Second Harvest of East Central Indiana “tailgate” food distribution sites
- Food Finders distribution sites in west and north central Indiana
- Coronavirus COVID-19 global cases map from John Hopkins University
- CDC’s coronavirus page
- Marion County Public Health Department coronavirus information
- U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
- Indiana PPE Directory (for businesses, nonprofits and schools only)
Indiana coronavirus timeline
With information from the Indiana Department of Health through March 4, 2021, this timeline reflects updated tallies of deaths and positive tests prior to that date.
- March 6, 2020: Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) confirms the first case in Indiana. Officials say the Marion County resident had recently traveled to Boston to attend a BioGen conference as a contractor.
- March 8: ISDH confirms a second case. A Hendricks County adult who had also traveled to the BioGen conference was placed in isolation. Noblesville Schools says a parent and that parent’s children will self-quarantine after attending an out-of-state event where someone tested positive.
- March 9: Avon Community School Corp. says a student on March 8 tested positive.
- March 10: ISDH launches an online tracker. Ball State University basketball fans learn the Mid-American Conference tourney will have no fans in the stands. Three businesses operating nursing homes in Indiana announce they will no longer allow visitors.
- March 11: The Indianapolis-based NCAA announces the Final Four basketball tournaments will happen with essential staff and limited family attendance. The Big Ten announces all sports events, including the men’s basketball tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, will have no fans starting March 12. Ball State University suspends in-person classes the rest of the spring semester. NBA suspends all games, including the Indiana Pacers, until further notice. Butler University and the University of Indianapolis extend spring break, after which they will have virtual classes.
- March 12: Gov. Eric Holcomb announces new protections that led to extended public school closings and the cancellation of large events across the state. The NCAA cancels its basketball tournaments. The Big Ten suspends all sporting events through the winter and spring seasons. The league including the Indy Fuel hockey team suspends its season. Indy Eleven says it will reschedule four matches. Indianapolis’ annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is canceled.
- March 13: The Indiana High School Athletic Association postpones the boys basketball tournament. Wayzata Home Products, a Connersville cabinet maker, shuts down and lays off its entire workforce due to market uncertainty. Holcomb announces actions including the elimination of Medicaid co-pays for COVID-19 testing and the lifting of limits on the number of work hours per day for drivers of commercial vehicles. Franklin College says it will begin online classes March 18 and empty residence halls of students in two days. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis closes indefinitely. The Indianapolis Public Library joins other libraries across Indiana and closes all facilities indefinitely.
- March 14: The Indiana Gaming Commission says all licensed gaming and racing operations will close in two days for an indefinite period.
- March 15: Indiana had its first death. St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis announces it will suspend all elective, non-urgent surgeries.
- March 16: Indiana had its second death. Gov. Holcomb announced the first Hoosier death. He closes bars, restaurants and nightclubs to in-person patrons, but maintains carryout and delivery services.
- March 17: Indiana had its third and fourth deaths. ISDH announces Indiana’s second death. Gov. Holcomb activates the National Guard. Purdue, Butler and Indiana State universities cancel May commencement ceremonies.
- March 18: Indiana had its fifth death. Eli Lilly and Co. says it will use its labs to speed up testing in Indiana. The 500 Festival suspends all events. Simon Property Group closes all malls and retail properties.
- March 19: Holcomb extends Indiana’s state of emergency into May. Holcomb says he’ll close all K-12 public and nonpublic schools; standardized testing was canceled. The state’s income-tax and corporate-tax payment deadline was extended to July 15. Holcomb says the state will waive job search requirements for people applying for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. Indiana’s high school boys basketball tournament was canceled.
- March 20: Indiana’s death toll rose to 9. ISDH announces Indiana’s third death. Holcomb moves the state’s primary election to June 2. Indiana University says it is postponing May commencement ceremonies on all campuses.
- March 21: Indiana’s death toll rises to 14. ISDH announces Indiana’s fourth death. Indiana National Guard says it and the state Department of Transportation are distributing medical supplies to hospitals.
- March 22: Indiana’s death toll rises to 18. ISDH announces seven deaths.
- March 23: Indiana’s death toll rises to 23. Holcomb orders nonessential Hoosiers to “stay at home” from March 24-April 7. Eli Lilly & Co. begins drive-thru testing for the coronavirus for health care workers with a doctor’s order. Ball State University cancels the May commencement.
- March 24: Indiana’s death toll rises to 28. Fred Payne of Indiana Workforce Development says any Hoosiers out of work, including temporary layoffs, are eligible to apply for unemployment benefits.
- March 25: Indiana’s death toll rises to 33. Indianapolis Motor Speedway announces the Indianapolis 500 is moved to Aug. 23.
- March 26: Indiana’s death toll rises to 42.
- March 27: Indiana’s death toll rises to 45.
- March 28: Indiana’s death toll rises to 58.
- March 29: Indiana’s death toll rises to 77.
- March 30: Indiana’s death toll rises to 91.
- March 31: Indiana’s death toll rises above 100, to 113. Holcomb extends the limits of bars and restaurants to offer only “to go” and “carryout” through April 6.
- April 1: Officials extend Marion County’s “stay at home” order through May 1. Marion County health officials say they will start COVID-19 testing services for front-line employees.
- April 2: The state announces K-12 schools will be closed for the rest of the school year. Indiana High School Athletic Association cancels spring sports seasons.
- April 3: Holcomb extends the “stay at home” order through April 20. The Indiana National Guard says it, the Army Corps of Engineers and state health officials will begin to assess sites for alternate health care facilities.
- April 6: The state reports a Madison County nursing home has had 11 deaths. Holcomb extends the “stay at home” order through April 20. He also limits additional businesses to carry-out only.
- April 7: Indiana health commissioner Box says four long-term care facilities have 22 deaths that appear to be related to COVID-19.
- April 10: ISDH said 24 residents of a long-term care facility in Madison County have died from COVID-related illness.
- April 14: Indiana’s death toll rises above 500.
- April 16: Indiana records more than 10,000 positive coronavirus tests. The governor says he expects Indiana to experience a reopening in early May.
- April 20: Holcomb extends the “stay at home” order to May 1. The governor also says if the medical supply chain is in good shape, other elective medical procedures can resume April 27.
- April 22: The Tyson facility in Logansport voluntarily closes so 2,200 employees can be tested for COVID-19.
- April 24: The Indianapolis City-County Council approves $25 million to help small businesses. Fishers City Council creates a city health department.
- April 25: ISDH says it will launch an antibody testing study for Hoosiers; thousands of residents were randomly selected to participate in the study.
- April 27: Indiana’s death toll rises above 1,000.
- April 28: Indiana officials say they will open COVID-19 testing to more Hoosiers, with expanded criteria and new testing services at 20 sites around the state.
- April 29: The state says it will spent $43 million on contact tracing.
- April 30: Indianapolis extends its stay-at-home order through May 15.
- May 1: Gov. Holcomb announces a phased reopening plan for the state of Indiana. He also extends the “stay at home” order to May 4.
- May 3: Indiana records more than 20,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- May 4: Indiana enters Stage 2 of its Back on Track plan, which excludes Cass County until May 18, and Lake and Marion counties until May 11.
- May 6:The state begins testing for all Hoosiers at 20 sites, with plans to expand the number of sites to 50 in a week. Ivy Tech Community College says it will continue virtual classes when summer courses begin in June.
- May 8: Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Budget and Management, says the state missed out on nearly $1 billion in anticipated April revenues; all state agencies will be given budget-cutting goals. Purdue University OKs plans to reopen for the fall semester with social distancing and other safety measures.
- May 13: The first phase of a state-sponsored study of the coronavirus estimated about 186,000 Hoosiers had COVID-19 or the antibodies for the novel virus by May 1. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced plans for limited reopenings of worship services, retail establishments, libraries and restaurants.
- May 15: Simon Property Group reopens Castleton Square Mall, Circle Centre Mall, and Fashion Mall at Keystone
- May 18: Indiana reports its first case of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in a child. The Farbest Foods turkey-processing plant in Huntingburg is closed for three days; 91 people had tested positive there.
- May 21: Indiana records more than 30,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- May 22: Indiana advances to Stage 3 of the Back on Track reopening plan. Indianapolis closes portions of five streets to allow restaurants to reopen with outdoor dining only.
- May 26: Indiana’s death toll rises above 2,000.
- May 27: Indiana University says the fall semester will have in-person and online courses, plus an adjusted calendar through May 2021. Ball State University says the fall semester will be 13 straight weeks of in-person classes with no day off on Labor Day and no fall break.
- May 29: Places of worship in Marion County can begin holding indoor services at 50% capacity with proper social distancing. Jim Schellinger, Indiana secretary of commerce, said the federal Paycheck Protection Program has made 73,430 loans in Indiana totaling $9,379,164,461, the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has made 5,070 loans in Indiana totaling $445,428,500, and the federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans Advance program has made 38,365 grants in Indiana totaling $136,554,000.
- June 1: Marion County restaurants begins serving customers indoors and outdoors with 50% capacity. Marion County salons, tattoo parlors reopen by appointment only. Marion County gyms, fitness centers and pools reopen with 50% capacity and no contact sports. However, a Marion County curfew that began the night of May 31 and continued into the morning of June 3 after rioting impacted the reopening of some businesses.
- June 3: Phase 2 of statewide testing of random Hoosiers by the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI and the Indiana State Department of Health begins.
- June 5: Indiana reports May tax revenues were 20% short of projections made before the coronavirus closings started.
- June 8: Indianapolis leaders agree to spend $79 million in coronavirus relief funding on contact tracing, rent relief, personal protective equipment and support for small businesses.
- June 12: Indiana, excluding Marion County, advances to Stage 4 of reopening plan.
- June 15: Casinos and parimutuel racing reopen in the state. Marion County’s public libraries begin a phased reopening. Indiana records more than 40,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- June 19: Marion County advances to Stage 4 of state’s reopening plan.
- June 24: Holcomb says the state’s moratorium on the eviction on renters will be extended through July. Indiana announces it will create a rental assistance program July 13. Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon says he has tested positive for COVID-19.
- June 27: Indiana hospitalizations for COVID-19 begin to increase, with about 33 new patients a day through July 1.
- July 1: The governor pauses Stage 5 final reopening plan, announces Stage 4.5 from July 4-17.
- July 4: Indiana’s Stage 4.5 reopening plan begins.
- July 9: Indiana records more than 50,000 positive coronavirus tests. Marion County mandates mask-wearing.
- July 10: Indianapolis Public Schools announces its reopening plans.
- July 11: Indy Eleven resumes 2020 season with victory at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis reopens.
- July 13: Indiana begins rental assistance program for all counties but Marion County. Marion County begins its own rental assistance program.
- July 15: Indiana announces the Stage 4.5 reopening plan will continue another two weeks. The WNBA season begins.
- July 16: Indianapolis suspends applications for its rental assistance program due to overwhelming demand.
- July 24: Bars, taverns and nightclubs in Indianapolis are shut down again. City officials also return to other previous restrictions.
- July 25: Indiana Fever begins WNBA season after delays.
- July 27: Indiana governor’s order to wear face coverings begins. Great Lakes Valley Conference, which including University of Indianapolis, postpones most fall sports, including football, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball, until spring.
- July 30: NBA season resumes.
- Aug. 4: Indianapolis Motor Speedway announces the Aug. 23 Indianapolis 500 will be run without fans.
- Aug. 9: Indiana records more than 75,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- Aug. 11: Indiana’s death toll rises above 3,000.
- Aug. 17: Indianapolis Public Schools restarts with online-only classes. News 8 learns the 2021 NBA All-Star Game will not happen on Presidents Day weekend in 2021.
- Aug. 20: Purdue University suspends 36 students after a party at a cooperative house.
- Aug. 21: Indiana high school football season begins with some teams not playing due to COVID-19 concerns.
- Aug. 23: Butler University tells undergraduates that instruction will occur remotely for the first two weeks of the semester, starting Aug. 24, instead of in classrooms.
- Aug. 24: Purdue, Indiana, IUPUI and Ball State universities resume in-person classes.
- Aug. 25: Reports say a fraternity, a sorority and a cooperative house at Purdue University are under quarantines.
- Aug. 26: Gov. Holcomb extends the mask mandate through Sept. 25. Indiana’s rental assistance program will take applications for one last day.
- Aug. 27: Indiana University says eight Greek houses are under 14-day quarantines.
- Sept. 2: Indiana University tells 30 Greek houses in Bloomington to quarantine.
- Sept. 6: Indiana records more than 100,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- Sept. 8: Marion County allows bars and nightclubs to reopen with 25% capacity indoors and 50% capacity outdoors.
- Sept. 12: The Indianapolis Colts open their season with a loss in a Jacksonville stadium with a limited number of fans.
- Sept. 21: The Indianapolis Colts home opener is limited to 2,500 fans.
- Sept. 23: Gov. Eric Holcomb extends the mask mandate through Oct. 17.
- Sept. 24: The state’s mask mandate is extended through Oct. 17.
- Sept. 25: The Mid-American Conference announces it will start a six-game football season Nov. 4, with the championship game Dec. 18 or 19.
- Sept. 26: Indiana advances to a revised Stage 5 of Indiana Back on Track plan with relaxed limits on gatherings, restaurants, bars, nightclubs and more. Marion, Monroe and Tippecanoe counties decided to have more restrictive limits, however.
- Sept. 27: The Indianapolis Colts second home game is limited to 7,500 fans.
- Sept. 28: Purdue University says it’s suspended 14 students, including 13 student-athletes, for violations of a pledge designed to curb the coronavirus pandemic on campus.
- Sept. 30: The Indiana State Department of Health’s online coronavirus dashboard began showing data on positive coronavirus cases in Indiana schools.
- Oct. 1: IU’s website shows two additional fraternities and a sorority at the Bloomington campus have been issued “cease and desist” orders.
- Oct. 2: Franklin College suspends classes and moves to virtual education and activities through Oct. 9 after a “concerning and unusual” increase in the positivity rate for COVID-19.
- Oct. 12: Franklin College returns to in-person classes.
- Oct. 13: Indianapolis-based drugmaker Lilly pauses its trial of a combination antibody treatment for coronavirus for safety reasons.
- Oct. 14: Indiana health commissioner Dr. Kristina Box announces she has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Oct. 15: Gov. Holcomb issues executive order to extend mask mandate and Stage 5 reopening plan.
- Oct. 16: Indiana’s death toll rises above 4,000.
- Oct. 18: The Indianapolis Colts third home game was limited to 12,500 fans.
- Oct. 23: The Big Ten begins its football season.
- Oct. 30: Gov. Holcomb extends the public health emergency through Dec. 1.
- Nov. 1: Indiana National Guard to begin deploying to long-term care facilities to provide coronavirus assistance. The Mid-American Conference football teams begins its six-game regular season.
- Nov. 5: Indiana records more than 200,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- Nov. 8: The Indianapolis Colts fourth home game was limited to 12,500 fans. .
- Nov. 10: Indiana’s death toll rises to 5,000.
- Nov. 12: Indianapolis calls for schools to go to virtual learning by Nov. 30.
- Nov. 15: Indiana adds coronavirus-control restrictions for all businesses and gatherings in counties with the highest number of new cases as part of an update to the statewide COVID-19 pandemic response.
- Nov. 16: Indianapolis limits capacity inside bars, private clubs, fraternal organizations and gyms to 25%; inside restaurants, libraries, funeral homes, swimming pools and shopping malls’ food courts to 50%; and inside religious services to 75%. Marion County Health Department requires preregistration for COVID-19 testing after increased demand at three drive-thru locations.
- Nov. 22: Indiana records more than 300,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- Nov. 23: Indianapolis Public Schools returns to virtual learning through Jan. 18.
- Nov. 24: The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball seasons begin; some games had no fans in the stands.
- Nov. 25: Indiana’s death toll rises above 6,000.
- Nov. 26: Butler University men’s basketball cancels Nov. 29 game against Eastern Illinois after a positive COVID-19 test.
- Nov. 28: Butler University men’s basketball team postponed two more games because of a positive COVID-19 test.
- Dec. 1: Bankers Life Fieldhouse hosts its first NCAA men’s basketball game, Kansas vs. Kentucky, since the start of the pandemic.
- Dec. 2: Indianapolis ends its rental assistance program.
- Dec. 5: The men’s basketball game of No. 1 Gonzaga and No. 2, Baylor at Bankers Life Fieldhouse is postponed 90 minutes before tipoff after two Bulldogs test positive.
- Dec. 6: Indiana’s death toll rises above 7,000.
- Dec. 9: Indiana records more than 404,000 positive coronavirus tests. Holcomb says virus restrictions will now by county based on ratings that show the local virus spread. Indiana and Purdue universities cancel the Old Oaken Bucket football game set for Dec. 12.
- Dec. 10: Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston says he tested positive for COVID-19.
- Dec. 11: The Pacers lose to the Cavaliers as the NBA preseason begins. The Carmel Walmart in Westfield closes for nearly two days to sanitize the store.
- Dec. 12: Ball State University President Geoffrey Mearns tests positive for the coronavirus.
- Dec. 14: Health care workers receive the first coronavirus vaccinations in Indiana.
- Dec. 15: Vice President Mike Pence holds a roundtable in Bloomington at pharmaceutical maker Catalent on the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Indiana and Purdue again cancel the Old Oaken Bucket football game that’d been reset for Dec. 18.
- Dec. 16: Indiana’s death toll rises above 8,000.
- Dec. 20: The Indianapolis Colts allows up to 10,000 attendees at Lucas Oil Stadium for the team’s game against the Houston Texans.
- Dec. 22: NBA starts league’s 75th season, delayed and shortened to a 72-game schedule because of the pandemic.
- Dec. 23: In response to the high volume of unemployment claims, Holcomb extends the suspension of certain requirements to expedite the hiring and training of temporary workers to more quickly resolve unemployment issues. Indiana Pacers to host first home game against New York Knicks with no fans present.
- Dec. 27: Indiana’s death toll rises above 9,000.
- Dec. 29: Indiana records more than 500,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- Dec. 31: Indiana’s death toll for 2020 is 9,459 (as recorded through March 4, 2021).
- Jan. 1, 2021: Indiana’s death toll rises above 9,500.
- Jan. 3: The Indianapolis Colts allow 10,000 attendees at Lucas Oil Stadium for the team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Jan. 4: Grades 1-12 schools in Marion County are allowed reopen to in-person learning. Perry Township Schools is the only district to reopen to in-person learning.
- Jan. 5: Purdue and Nebraska postpone a men’s basketball game over health and safety concerns.
- Jan. 7: Indiana’s death toll rises above 10,000.
- Jan. 8: Hoosiers 80 and older start receiving the coronavirus vaccine.
- Jan. 13: Hoosiers 70 and older can get the coronavirus vaccine.
- Jan. 18: NFL announces the scouting combine will not happen in Indianapolis in February.
- Jan. 20: Indiana records more than 601,000 positive coronavirus tests. Indiana Pacers host up to 1,000 at a game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the first fans since the pandemic began.
- Jan. 21: Indiana’s death toll rises above 11,000.
- Feb. 1: Hoosiers 65 and older can get the coronavirus vaccine. The Indianapolis St. Patrick’s Day parade is canceled for the second year in a row.
- Feb. 4: More than 1,500 coronavirus deaths were added to the Indiana State Department of Health’s dashboard after an audit found they were not recorded. News 8 learns all games for the Big Ten men’s basketball tourney will move from Chicago to Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium.
- Feb. 7: Indiana to change school protocols for classroom quarantine and contact tracing.
- Feb. 14: Indiana’s death toll rises above 12,000. Indiana records more than 650,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- Feb. 17: Indiana officials announced plans for a $448 million program to give housing assistance to Hoosiers.
- Feb. 19: The NCAA says up to 25% capacity will be allowed for all rounds of the men’s basketball tourney including the Final Four. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway announces the May 30 Indianapolis 500 will have fans.
- Feb. 19: Indiana’s death toll rises above 12,100.
- Feb. 23: Hoosiers 60 and older can get the coronavirus vaccine.
- Feb. 25: Indiana records more than 660,000 positive coronavirus tests. Capacity limits at bars, restaurants, gyms, and music venues in Marion County were adjusted after a consistent trend in the community’s COVID-19 positivity rate.
- Feb. 25: Indiana’s death toll rises to 12,200.
- Feb. 28: Indiana National Guardsmen to end assistance to long-term care facilities.
- March 1: The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon says it will be virtual for the second year in a row.
- March 2: Hoosiers 55 and older start receiving the coronavirus vaccine.
- March 3: Hoosiers 50 and older start receiving the coronavirus vaccine.
- March 4: News 8 learns up 8,000 fans will be allowed in Lucas Oil Stadium for Big Ten men’s basketball tournament games. Indiana records more than 665,000 positive coronavirus tests.
- March 5: A three-day, drive-thru, mass-vaccination clinic opens at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for 16,800 Hoosiers.
- March 12: A two-day, drive-thru, mass-vaccination clinic was set for Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg.
- March 18: NCAA men’s March Madness games, all of them at venues in Indiana, to start with First Four games in Bloomington and West Lafayette.
- March 26: A two-day, drive-thru, mass-vaccination clinic was set for Compton Family Ice Arena at the University of Notre Dame.
- March 31: Holcomb’s emergency declaration with county-based restrictions and a mask mandate set to end at 11:59 p.m.
- May 4: Indianapolis Indians set to begin delayed season with away game against Iowa Cubs.
DAYTON, Ohio (WCMH) – Roofs torn from homes and uprooted trees are just some of the damage seen in drone footage shot in tornado-stricken Dayton Tuesday.
The National Weather Service confirmed Tuesday that an EF-3 touched down in the Beaver Creek area near Dayton.
A tally of storm reports posted online by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center shows that nine suspected tornadoes touched down in Ohio.
In addition, the same tally shows 14 suspected tornadoes touched down in Indiana and 10 in Colorado. Six suspected tornadoes were reported in Iowa, five in Nebraska, four in Illinois, three in Minnesota, while one suspected tornado was reported in Idaho in the West.
Several homes sustained considerable damage as a result of the storms.
Gov. Mike DeWine plans to visit communities hard-hit by apparent tornadoes in the Dayton area.
Mayor Jeffrey Hazel of Celina said Melvin Delhanna, 81, died in the storm.
Hazel said Delhanna died “as a direct result of a vehicle entering his house” in the 1200 block of Fairground Road.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, U.S. 23 southbound is closed between Venture Road and Thompson Road near Circleville due to downed power lines. This is in the same area where two overturned semis were reported.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — As Memorial Weekend arrives, more U.S. troops are headed to the Middle East.
The President announced his administration has approved the deployment of at least 1,500 additional service men and women to the Middle East as tensions between the United States and Iran appear to still be on the rise.
“We are going to be sending a relatively small number of troops,” said President Trump
Trump answered questions from reporters about the message the deployment sends.
“I don’t think Iran wants to fight, and I certainly don’t think they want to fight with us.”
Pentagon officals said the increase includes engineering, intelligence, aircraft and surveillance.
“Some very talented people are going to the Middle East right now and we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been escalating. Some lawmakers fear the Trump administration is provoking Iran.
“I think the escalation began when President Trump pulled us out of a diplomatic deal,” said Senator Tim Kaine (D-Virginia).
Kaine said the U.S. should defend itself when necessary, but he and other Democrats say the White House should not take military action unless Congress weighs in.
“The United States should not be in a war with Iran. It would be a tragic mistake,” Kaine said.
The Defense Department said there are no plans to go to war with Iran. The Pentagon said it wants to be sure those who are protecting our country in the region have the protection they need.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — There are persistent reports that the White House and Pentagon are working on plans to send thousands more U.S. troops to the Middle East. Communities around United States military bases are watching and waiting as well as hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.
On Thursday, military leaders confirmed the Defense Department is considering plans to send additional troops to the Middle East in response to heightened tensions with Iran.
“What we’re looking at, are there things that we can do to enhance force protection?” said Patrick Shanahan, Acting Secretary of Defense.
Shanahan told reporters there are conversations, but so far no decisions about deploying more troops. Georgia Republican Congressman Buddy Carter supports the administration’s actions so far.
“The President has made it clear that he does not want a war with Iran, and hopefully we can take care of this diplomatically,” Carter said.
But some Democrats, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, fear the President’s national security advisor, John Bolton, is intent on provoking Iran.
“I think this march toward conflict with Iran is really being driven by Mr. Bolton, and that is concerning to me.”
Virginia Democratic Congressman Donald McEachin wants to make sure Congress weighs in on any military action.
“That the President understands he can not declare a war without coming to us,” said Rep. McEachin.
Defense leaders said they’re committed to updating Congress about the situation in Iran and whether more troops are needed. Administration officials said their goal is to prevent future threats without going to war.
“We know that the maximum pressure campaign is working, you can see that by the crumbling economy that they have, and we’ll see what happens from there,” said Sarah Sanders, White House Press Secretary. “We’re going to keep all of our options on the table”
Pentagon officials said they want to protect American interests as well as the safety of troops.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — Efforts to improve America’s roads and bridges hit a roadblock on Wednesday after President Trump walked out of a meeting with Democratic leaders on infrastructure.
“You can’t do it under these circumstances,” said President Trump.
The president called a Rose Garden press conference to complain to reporters about continued calls by some Democrats for his impeachment. Shortly before the scheduled meeting, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters the president engaged in a “cover up” over the Mueller investigation.
“I don’t do coverups,” Trump said.
The president said there will be no deals as long as Democrats continue to investigate him and his administration.
“You can go down the investigation track, and you can go down the investment track,” Trump said.
Caught in the middle of the political debate is a much needed $2 trillion facelift for America, including repairs to airports, schools and much-needed broadband service for underserved communities.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said funding infrastructure projects remains his top priority.
“I was prepared to give him {President Trump} a 35-page plan detailing this,” said Sen. Schumer.
But now, all talks are on hold, and there’s no sign that Democrats and the White House will make amends any time soon.
“When they get everything done. I’m all set to get infrastructure,” Trump said.
“I pray for the President of the United States, and I pray for the United States of America,” said Pelosi.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — Military families around the nation are listening closely to the latest news from the Middle East, as tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran.
On Tuesday, lawmakers attended closed-door meetings with Trump Administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan. There are reports that U.S. intelligence has detected plans by Iran to attack Americans or American interests. President Trump has also tweeted warnings to Iran.
Senator Tim Kaine said going to war would be a mistake.
“The last thing we need to be doing is getting in another war in the Middle East and contemplating sending 125,000 troops there,” said Kaine.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo updated lawmakers on possible Iranian threats and recently deployed U.S. forces to the Middle East. Following the briefing, Republican Congressman Tom Rice from South Carolina defended the Administration’s stance.
“I think they had legimate reason for concern and acted appropriately,” said Rep. Rice.
Kaine questions the threat levels and asks if the Trump administration is provoking Iran.
Democrats are concerned about going to war and putting thousands of American lives at risk. Kaine said he wants to make sure Congress weighs in on any military action.
“We should be having a debate on the floor of the Senate and every member of the Senate should have to vote on it,” Kaine said. “That’s what the Constitution says, that’s what the American people deserve.”
President Trump said there’s no indication Iran plans to attack the U.S.. He also told reporters there are no diplomatic talks taking place, but he’s open to negotiating with Iran.
“If they call, we would certainly negotiate. But that’s going to be up to them. I only want them to call if they’re ready,” Trump said.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — Summer vacation season is nearly here, but a popular destination, America’s national parks are falling apart. Buildings, restrooms, roads, campgrounds and trails have been neglected for years and need repair.
Lawmakers said the “Restore Our Parks Act” would help with repairs nationwide.
Senator Rob Portman said repairs to National Park resources are long overdue
“In the case of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, we have leakage in our visitor’s center, we have a bridge that is falling apart,” said Senator Portman (R – Ohio). “If you don’t fix these things now the costs only mount.”
Currently the National Park Service (NPS) faces a nearly $12 billion maintenance backlog. Senator Mark Warner said nearly one billion dollars is needed for upgrades to roads and historic buildings in Virginia.
“It’s sacrificing our history, our legacy,” said Sen. Warner (D-Virginia).
Senators Warner and Portman are part of a bipartisan effort to restore national parks and reduce the agency’s debt.
“What we need to do is come up with realistic way to find the revenue sources to solve that problem going into the future” said Congressman Rob Bishop (R- Utah).
Supporters said the “Restore Our Parks Act” would cut the park service’s backlog in half over the next several years by using money from oil and gas revenues to pay down the park service’s debt.
“It’s been estimated that if we do this Restore Our Parks Act, it would generate about 10,000 additional jobs in terms of the maintenance that would be taking place,” Warner said.
Supporters said the plan is backed by both parties and the Trump administration. However last year a similar measure stalled in Congress. Warner said our nation’s most valuable resources are at risk and lawmakers can’t afford to wait any longer.
“Even in a dysfunctional Washington, this should be a no brainer,” Warner said.
President Trump declared Friday, “Military Spouses Day” as a way to recognize military spouses and the sacrifices they make.
Military life is no picnic for families as they move from base to base. It can be hard for spouses to find good jobs, even tougher to build a career. Members of Congress have introduced legislation to make it easier for military spouses to continue careers.
Brittany Boccher is a military spouse who works in education.
“I know the mission comes first, so we move roughly every two to three years,” said Brittany Boccher, a military spouse from Arkansas
Boccher lives in Arkansas but when her husband transfers from base to base, she has to leave her career behind.
“Sacrificing what I worked hard to achieve, and I am not the only one,” she said.
Second Lady Karen Pence’s son serves in the Marines. She said employment challenges hurt military spouses and their families.
“Spouses are the backbone of the military families, and they contribute directly to the strength and readiness of our troops,” Pence said.
Lawmakers said as a result of transfers, many military spouses are either unemployed or underemployed. There’s now a bipartisan effort to make it easier for families to make a living.
“It authorizes the Pentagon to help states create uniform standards for occupational licenses that military spouses need,” said Senator Tom Cotton, (R- Arkansas).
Senator Cotton and Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire) are co-sponsors of the “Portable Certification of Spouses Act.”
“It will ease the burdens that military spouses face as they practice their professions and move their businesses across the country,” Shaheen said.
The bill would establish a universal standard for fields like teaching, nursing and other licensed professions and help the spouses keep their careers.
“You are giving them the gift to have their family and fulfill their calling through their career.”
Defense Department officials said happy families help keep our military men and women focused on their jobs.
Next week, Second Lady Karen Pence is hosting an event with neary 50 companies to help connect military families with job opportunities.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — The 2019 National Teacher of the Year doesn’t teach in what you would call a traditional setting.
Rodney Robinson teaches at a juvenile detention center in Richmond, Virginia. Some of his students face serious charges, but Robinson says he treats them all with respect. Robinson believes he can help these young people learn from their mistakes and get a second chance at life
“Because most of my kids have committed crimes and may have a felony on their records,” said Robinson.
Robinson’s history and social studies classes take place inside the Virgie Binford Education Center, a juvenile detention center. He said his kids may have a record but they still have a voice and he teaches them to use it.
“How to get their rights restored and how to advocate for themselves because you need to be able to speak for yourself,” Robinson said. “Because no one can tell your story better than you.”
Robinson is the third educator from Virginia to receive the National Teacher of the Year award. His efforts are bringing national attention to important issues, including overcoming the school-to-prison pipeline.
“The work that he does working with those children is especially powerful,” said Congressman Donald McEachin, (D-Va.).
McEachin honored Robinson for his leadership skills and for being an inspiration beyond the classroom.
“He’s not only visiting our children in prison, he is teaching our children in prison and imparting wisdom on our children in prison. There has got to be a special place in heaven for him,” said Rep. McEachin.
Robinson said he’s just doing his job.
“I’m just a little boy from King William, Virginia and now I am the National Teacher of the Year. I just want all kids to know that you can do it,” said Robinson.
WASHINGTON (Nexstar) — This year’s National Day of Prayer comes just days after the latest shooting at a place of worship. President Trump consoled religious leaders from across America and condemned attacks against places of worship.
“We’ve seen evil and hate-filled attacks on communities around the world,” said President Trump.
Less than a week before Thursday’s event at the White House, one person was killed and three injured at a California synagogue. Among those in attendance was Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein who survived that attack.
“I was in the line of fire, bullets flying, my fingers were blown off, but I didn’t stop” said Rabbi Goldstein.
Goldstein encouraged Americans to use the power of prayer to teach kindness and help communities heal.
“We need to go back to the basics and introduce a moment of silence in public schools,” he said.
President Trump said his adminstration won’t remain silent and called for an end to acts of violence and terrorism.
“We will fight with all our strength, and everything that we have in our bodies to end anti-semitism, to end the attacks on Jewish people, and to conquer all forms of persecution, intolerance and hate,” Trump said.
Lawmakers from both parties said prayers arent enough to stop the violence. They said the political rhetoric from the White House all the way to the dining room table of American homes must be toned down.
“Not only as elected leaders, but also as individual citizens,” said Congressman Scott Perry (R) Pennsylvania. “Respect one another even though we might disagree with each other.”
Congressman Donald McEachin (D-Va.) said the president must lead by example.
“We’d much rather see a sermon than hear a sermon. The president would do well to cut back on his language of violence and his language of dividing people,” said Rep. McEachin.
The White House said it’s committed to strenghtening our nation and said it will take a united effort to move forward.