Jack and Jill of America has been shaping the lives of Black children for 85 years. It was started by moms in Philly

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In January of 1938, concert pianist Marion Stubbs Thomas invited 20 of her friends to her home in South Philadelphia to discuss starting a social club. The idea came from her friend Louise Truitt Jackson Dench, who hoped the joy and kinship of Christmas could be felt year-round.

With Dench’s vision in mind, Thomas created the Jack and Jill of America, a service organization of mothers dedicated to empowering Black children and families, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to grow into young leaders. And after decades of advocacy and community work, the mother members and children of the group joined hands Saturday to celebrate 85 years of history.

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Here are 18 things to do with holiday visitors in Austin this year, from barbecue to hikes

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If your loved ones are headed to Austin for the holidays — and hours of overly competitive board game battles, awkward family dinners and poorly sung renditions of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" are replaying in your head from past years — Austin360 is here to lend a hand.

Here's a list of things to do in and around town that will give your visitors a good taste of the city. Check individual websites for COVID-19 safety protocols and holiday hours.

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Short film featuring families of those killed in Columbus police shootings screened at OSU

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The names of Tyre King, Julius Tate Jr., Henry Green and others resonate soundly across the Columbus area.

For many, their deaths speak to an issue that's grown more conspicuous in Ohio's capital city: people — most of them Black — who have been killed by local law enforcement officers.

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'I'm chomping at the bit': Neil deGrasse Tyson to host movie event in Columbus

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Known to point out the scientific inaccuracies of TV shows and films, famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson will take audiences through a series of entertaining reviews of classic and modern blockbusters when he visits Columbus on Sept. 21.

Presented by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, the host of National Geographic's “StarTalk” will take center stage at the Palace Theatre for "Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist goes to the Movies."

From "Star Wars" to "The Martian," Tyson, 62, will explore the scientific elements of movies and determine which filmmakers got them wrong, or, surprisingly, got them right.

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Report: Nearly a quarter of local child care providers could close by early 2021

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As local childcare providers continue to experience critical revenue losses and a dwindling of resources, nearly a quarter of them could close by the end of January 2021, a new report says.

Action for Children collected data and feedback on the state of early childhood education in central Ohio. The agency's Make or Break Moment report, released this month, suggests that 23% of child care providers could close early next year.

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Inspired by Denmark schools, Evansville Day School develops outdoor classrooms

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In the months leading up to the school year, Leah Whitaker searched for ways Evansville Day School students could learn in-person while safely maintaining the school's "learn through play" educational plan.

The risks of the novel coronavirus forced Whitaker and other EDS administrators to seek other instructional options for the school's reopening.

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Despite COVID-19 risks, USI, UE students returning to campus are hopeful about the year

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Six months ago, Madelyn Morris had envisioned what her first steps on a college campus would be like. The Mooresville, Indiana, student was focusing on successfully finishing her final semester, sending out graduation party invites and getting ready for the University of Southern Indiana's student orientation, scheduled for March 20.

But everything changed with COVID-19.

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'We're at a loss right now:' EVSC parents express concerns with Virtual Academy onboarding

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With many Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. students still without computer devices and login information for the EVSC Virtual Academy, some parents are considering other options.

Jill Young's 7-year-old daughter, Lola Hill, is set to start first grade at the Virtual Academy. But with EVSC schools reopening on Wednesday, Young and other parents still haven't received information about the online learning program.

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On a first day unlike any other, Evansville's children pour back into EVSC classrooms

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The first day of school always feels like a leap of faith, even in the best of circumstances.

In neighborhoods across the country, hundreds of children pour into buildings short on funding and long on need, looking to come out the other side better educated and ready to move on to bigger things.

So it's understandable that Wednesday morning felt like a hail mary.

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EVSC Virtual Academy enrollment up at least 1,600%, staff added to help with shift

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As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the days leading up to the first day of school for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., so do the number of families shifting to online learning.

EVSC spokesman Jason Woebkenberg said Tuesday more than 1,700 students are enrolled in the EVSC Virtual Academy, a program that normally has between 75-100 students each year. That's an increase of at least 1,600% or as much as 2,167%.

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Read Evansville to distribute over 700 COVID-19 books schools, families

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Read Evansville is distributing books to ensure students are aware of the effects of COVID-19 as they prepare to return to school.

The 22-page story, "My Hero is You," follows the main character, Sara, as she travels across the world, teaching others the importance of washing their hands, social distancing and staying inside their homes.

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Despite school reopening changes, Warrick families look to return to 'normalcy'

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Amid a whirlwind of changes with the reopening of Warrick County School Corp. schools on Wednesday, Jamie Nunn said she's looking forward to a return to normalcy

As Nunn dropped off her daughter Alex Nunn, 10, at Newburgh Elementary School, she felt a sense of relief knowing the fifth-grade student will be learning in-person this school year.

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EVSC marching bands to perform at showcases this year

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Although Indiana's top marching bands won't battle it out this year on the statewide level, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. will set the stage for local schools to perform this fall.

On Sept.12 at Central High School and Sept. 19 at North High School EVSC will hold showcases for the district's marching bands to put their routines on display.

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Here's what Evansville Diocese families can expect when Catholic schools reopen Wednesday

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On Wednesday, students from the Catholic Diocese of Evansville will be some of the first in Vanderburgh County to return to in-person instruction.

Despite other districts delaying their reopening dates due to COVID-19, the Diocese has stuck with its Aug. 5 start date. The district plans to go forward with traditional instruction, while working to safeguard students and staff.

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Evansville's Signature School assures families that students' safety is top priority

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Given a choice between in-person and virtual learning, most Signature School families have opted for face-to-face instruction. And while Principal Jean Hitchcock is excited for the students to return on Wednesday, she said their safety remains the school's top priority.

Along with rearranging desks and taping off instructional areas with measuring sticks, Hitchcock said Signature will live-stream classes for families opting to learn from home.

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