INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - Good morning. Here are five things you need to know today:
1) Students at Noblesville West Middle School begin a new school year this morning, almost nine weeks after a shooting inside a seventh grade classroom. The shooting seriously injured 13-year-old Ella Whistler, who plans to be there this morning, as does her teacher, Jason Seaman, who was wounded taking down the gunman. He tweeted yesterday that he "can't wait to be back!" Noblesville has made significant improvements to security since the shooting, and promises even more if residents approve a tax increase referendum later this year.
2) State Sen. Andy Zay is facing some backlash over messages he sent on Facebook in 2015. That was before he took state office, but they're resurfacing in political Facebook groups now that the Huntington senator is up for re-election. He told Huntington native Tyler Cooley during a discussion about taxes and minimum wage, "Racism is not real. The biggest minority class in America is the white male." Our NBC station in Fort Wayne offered Zay the opportunity for a sit-down interview to explain the comment, but he declined, giving a statement that said, in part, "Racism is not a topic that should be taken lightly, and I should have been more careful with my words...My remarks were part of a much broader discussion on the American dream. I believe every Hoosier and every person should be treated equally regardless of race." When asked if racism is real, he eventually said, "yes."
3) Ever been approached by someone at the gas station saying they're stranded, and wondered if it was real or a scam? Whitestown police launch a program today meant to help take away that guesswork. The Emergency Response In Kindness Assistance program, or "ERIKA," encourages people wanting to help a stranded motorist to call the non-emergency number (765) 482-1412. The responding officer will verify the person's identity, do a quick records check and write up a case report. If it all pans out, the officers will then be able to provide the stranded traveler a $25 debit card, or more if needed. The cards were donated by a local business, which wishes to remain anonymous. The cards come with no strings attached.
4) We're expecting more scattered downpours and storms to develop near or just after noon today. Chuck Lofton says coverage of rain overall won't be as widespread as the past 48 hours, but you could really get soaked if you are in some of these downpours. Quieter and warmer times await us as the systems moves east. Highs jump into the mid 80s tomorrow with a mix of sunshine and clouds. Expect temperatures to reach near 90 for highs Friday into early next week with minimal chances of rain until next Tuesday.
5) The Indianapolis Colts are staying indoors for practice again today because of possible inclement weather. The practice, scheduled for 9 a.m. - 11 a.m., will be held inside the Grand Park Events Center. That means that like yesterday, only 500 fans will be allowed inside the facility. The first 500 fans in line with a ticket at 8:30 a.m. will be given a wristband to allow entry. The line will start at the main entrance to the Events Center and all fans - including children - will need a wristband to enter. No re-entry is permitted.
