Indiana housing advocates say the state's new Rental Assistance Program sets up the "pipeline" to help Hoosiers in need -- but that it still needs to be filled with resources.

The Indiana State Department of Health reported 17 additional confirmed deaths since Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 2,394. The state announced more than 43,000 total confirmed cases, with more than 444,000 Hoosiers tested.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union held an online news conference calling for increased pay and safety requirements to be enforced.

Even before COVID-19, the U.S. had a lot of catching up to do for children's mental health. This year, the CDC predicts the country will only meet 65 percent of the demand for child psychiatrists. And Iowa has one of the lowest rates per capita in the country.

The Indiana State Department of Health reported 27 additional confirmed deaths since Sunday, bringing the states total to 2,377. The state announced nearly 43,000 total confirmed cases, with more than 426,000 Hoosiers tested.

Marion County's 11 public school districts will open full-time for in class instruction on their previous scheduled start dates for the 2020-21 academic year.

Officials announced the creation of a Rental Assistance Program Wednesday. It will provide $500 a month for four months to people whove lost income during the pandemic.

Flooding devastated homes and farms in Indiana last year. The ongoing effects of the pandemic could strain Indiana's ability to respond to disasters like floods, tornadoes or extreme heat.

Since April, Indiana has been collecting daily COVID-19 updates from every long-term care facility in the state. Yet, after months of prying from journalists and trade organizations, state health officials insist on keeping the data from the public.

The partnership will support local nonprofit organizations with $2 million in federal funding to purchase personal protective equipment and other safety supplies.