U.S. unemployment claims drop below 1M; Indiana claims decline
The number of laid-off workers applying for unemployment aid fell below 1 million last week nationally for the first time since the pandemic intensified five months ago.
Business lobby raises concerns over Trump payroll tax break
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce called the president’s move “well-intended to provide relief,” but raised questions about whether it would be workable.
United plans more Florida flights, but virus will get final say
United’s planned new winter flights to Florida, which will depart from New York, Boston, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Columbus, Ohio, are aimed at leisure travelers. But the airline is prepared to reverse course if necessary.
Drivers get on track at empty Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The show is going on at Indianapolis, but it certainly isn’t the same. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a ghost town. The pandemic forced the speedway to proceed with “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” without spectators and their absence is clearly being noticed.
Wendy’s, McDonald’s ready to revive chicken sandwich wars
One year ago today, Popeye’s fired the first salvo in the Great Chicken Sandwich Wars. And there’s no indication that America’s collective obsession with a crunchy bit of bird on a bun is going anywhere.
State launches dashboard for COVID-19 cases in long-term-care facilities
Dashboard users will be able to search specific long-term care facilities to see reported cases and deaths.
S&P 500 closes just below all-time high, erasing pandemic losses
The S&P 500 index climbed as high as 1.6% on Wednesday, topping the level reached on Feb. 19, before fading a bit before the market’s close.
Two Indianapolis police officers charged with battery in protesters’ arrests
A grand jury indicted two Indianapolis police officers on battery and other charges following an investigation into allegations that they used excessive force while arresting demonstrators at a May protest downtown.
Holcomb proposes moving student count date to fix virtual funding issue
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday announced a plan to avoid a situation in which school systems that choose not conduct in-person classes due to pandemic concerns receive less than 100% of expected funding.
McMillan gets rewarded by Pacers with 1-year contract extension
Coach Nate McMillan has a record of 181-136 in four seasons and needs one more win to break a tie with Rick Carlisle for third in career victories during the franchise’s NBA history.
Simon Property, Authentic Brands buying Brooks Brothers for $325M
The venture between Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group will continue running at least 125 of Brooks Brothers’ 200 stores as part of the deal.
Colleges planning football in spring face lots of questions
Exactly when a season could be played in the spring is likely to be determined by the status of the pandemic and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Would anybody in college sports want football treading on basketball’s main event?
Indiana reports 671 more COVID-19 cases amid big drop in testing
The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday reported the testing of 5,760 more individuals. That’s the smallest testing number in a daily report since July 7
OpenTable’s new CEO sees shakeout looming for U.S. restaurants
The industry remains on track to lose 25% of its eateries nationwide based on the pace of reservations, according to Debby Soo, who took over this month as CEO of the restaurant-booking service.
Retailer Stein Mart files for bankruptcy, might close all 281 stores
Stein Mart is a discount retailer that runs 281 stores in 30 states, including four in the Indianapolis area.
Companies test antibody drugs to treat, prevent COVID-19
With a coronavirus vaccine still months off, companies—including Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co.—are rushing to test what might be the next best thing: drugs that deliver antibodies to fight the virus.
U.S. consumer prices rose 0.6% in July, matching June uptick
The uptick was about twice what economists expected. But inflation remains in check: Consumer prices are up just 1% over the past year.
Plainfield mall facing foreclosure for 2nd time after owner misses $30M payoff
The owners of the Shops at Perry Crossing had been hoping to sell the shopping center before a May deadline to pay off the property’s loan balance, but the pandemic ruined those plans.
Alonso confident in McLaren prep for another Indy 500 attempt
The former Formula One champion, who failed to qualify for the race last year in a spectacularly woeful effort by McLaren, has returned to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a third attempt at winning.
Delaware County school district quarantines 228 students
It’s the largest student quarantine in the state reported so far, topping the roughly 48 students affected in the Lanesville Community Schools in southern Indiana’s Harrison County.
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