COVID-19 government disaster loans saved businesses, but saddled some survivors with debt
The SBA awarded about 4 million loans worth $380 billion through the program. More than $300 billion was outstanding as of late 2023.
City warns groups that deadlines are looming for using pandemic grants
Indianapolis began monitoring 46 grant recipients in March for American Rescue Plan Act spending plans that were behind schedule.
Zuckerberg says White House pressured Facebook over COVID-19 content during pandemic
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also said he would no longer donate money to widen election access for voters after dishing out more than $400 million for that purpose in 2020.
FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines; shots should be available in days
With the Food and Drug Administration’s clearance, Pfizer and Moderna are set to begin shipping millions of doses.
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IBJ Podcast: JW Marriott’s manager on surviving pandemic, saving March Madness and facing new competition
Phil Ray also weighs in on the new taxing district the city is considering for beautification and public safety efforts downtown, plus the city-funded construction of an 800-room hotel that would become the JW Marriott’s biggest competitor.
IRS to resume processing new pandemic tax credit claims from employers
Businesses have filed at least 3.6 million claims for the Employee Retention Credit since the program’s debut. It has distributed at least $232 billion, far exceeding Congress’s initial expectations.
COVID summer uptick is underway as FLiRT, LB.1 variants ascend
If you’re hearing about more people testing positive or getting sick, it’s no surprise, as data shows another wave forming.
IRS says ‘vast majority’ of 1M pandemic-era credit claims show risk of being improper
The Employee Retention Credit was designed to help businesses retain employees during pandemic-era shutdowns, but it quickly became a magnet for fraud.
Moderna’s flu-COVID combo shot hits goal in late-stage trial
The company is one step closer to a more convenient jab that could help combat vaccine fatigue.
In the pandemic, we were told to keep 6 feet apart. There’s no science to support that.
Congressional investigators are set Monday to press Dr. Anthony Fauci on why the CDC’s recommendation was allowed to shape so much of American life for so long, particularly given Fauci and other officials’ recent acknowledgments that there was no science behind the six-foot rule after all.
Indiana AG Todd Rokita alleges inflated COVID-19 stats
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita accused public health entities across the state of submitting “faulty” and “unsound” data when it came to COVID-19’s death toll and positivity rate.
More hospitals requiring masks as flu, COVID cases surge
While experts say this season likely won’t prove to be as deadly as some other recent winters, it still could mean hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and many thousands of deaths.
In reversal, U.S. to heighten efforts to collect billions in unpaid COVID loans
The Biden administration plans to more aggressively pursue thousands of small businesses with past-due pandemic loans, reversing an earlier policy that saw the U.S. government stop short of trying to collect an estimated $30 billion in delinquent debt.
Indiana contemplating own strategic medical stockpile following national shortages
Pandemic shortages forced the state to run more lab tests—with results taking days rather than minutes—which former State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said delayed quarantines and medication referrals.
AI improved the state’s COVID tracking and response
Developments in artificial intelligence during the pandemic greatly improved the COVID-19 screening, diagnostics and prediction process, according to a 2021 study by the National Institutes of Health.
Federal government to start providing free coronavirus tests again
Starting Sept. 25, people can request four free tests per household through covidtests.gov. Officials say the tests are able to detect the latest variants and are intended to be used through the end of the year.
IRS to pause taking claims for pandemic-era tax credit due to influx of fraudulent claims
The IRS has received 3.6 million claims for the credit over the course of the program. It said hundreds of criminal cases have been started and thousands of claims have been referred for audit.
FDA approves new COVID vaccine as respiratory illness season nears
If the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signs off Tuesday, injections could be available in pharmacies, clinics and doctor’s offices by the end of the week.
Braun among GOP lawmakers sponsoring bill to ban federal mask mandates
The Indiana senator pointed to a “rising trend” in mandates being brought back at certain schools around the country.
Justice Department announces charges against hundreds of alleged COVID-19 fraudsters
More than 60 of the defendants have alleged connections to organized crime, the department said, including members of a criminal gang accused of using stolen pandemic aid to pay for a murder.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 Indiana State Department of Health Indy Chamber Rapid Response Hub Small Business Administration The SBA is making low-interest loans for working capital available to Indiana small businesses. Indiana Unemployment Information Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Dashboard Critical Industries Hotline(for business and industry only)
877-820-0890
covidresponse@iedc.in.gov State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana