Indiana’s official COVID-19 case count surpasses 40,000
Nearly 5,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 1,000 deaths have been reported in Indiana long-term-care facilities.
Lilly testing third potential treatment for COVID-19
The Indianapolis-based drugmaker said it is launching a global trial for the anti-inflammatory drug baricitinib, which it launched two years ago to treat moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis.
IBJ Podcast: Will the Indy 500 run with fans in the stands? IMS officials say yes.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials are putting all their energy into running the Indy 500 with fans in August, despite continuing concerns about big crowds and the coronavirus.
Millions of pandemic job losses at risk of becoming permanent
New research by Bloomberg Economics suggests the labor market will initially recover swiftly, but then level off with millions still unemployed. Jobs in the hospitality industry are among the most at risk, alongside retail, leisure, education and health.
Care-free days at theme parks giving way to virus safeguards
From Walt Disney World in Florida to Holiday World in Indiana, amusement parks are taking all kinds of steps to reassure the public and government leaders that they’re safe to visit amid the coronavirus crisis.
COVID-19 cases in Indiana increase by 366, deaths by nine
The Indiana State Department of Health on Sunday said 348,391 people have been tested so far, up from 340,637 in Saturday’s report—an increase of 7,754.
Lilly pledges $25M, 25,000 volunteer hours against injustice
The Lilly Foundation’s financial commitment over five years is aimed at finding solutions to racial inequity and social injustice primarily in Indianapolis, its surrounding counties and nationally.
Indiana sees increase of 397 COVID-19 cases, 17 deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health said 38.8% of the state’s intensive care unit beds were still available. About 13% are being used by COVID-19 patients.
Stocks show healthy daily gain but suffer worst weekly loss since March
Friday’s rebound was a reversal for the market, which sold off for three days in a row as a rise in COVID-19 cases and a discouraging economic outlook from the Federal Reserve dashed investor optimism for a quick economic recovery.
State cuts higher education funding by $103M to help deal with worsening budget
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration continues to make budget cuts as the state prepares for revenue collections possibly being $2 billion lower than expected by the end of the fiscal year.
Transit agencies, airports, Amtrak to receive nearly 100M masks to give passengers
The announcement came on the same day that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “strongly encouraged” organizers of large gatherings to tell participants to wear cloth face coverings when at such events.
Car dealers hungry for inventory after factory shutdowns leave lots depleted
Automakers essentially halted production for eight weeks—from mid-March through mid-May—as the pandemic wreaked havoc on supply chains and sparked concern for autoworker safety.
Kim & Todd Saxton: Smart decisions are built on farsighted thinking
Given the uncertainty, good decisions today need to incorporate farsighted thinking versus narrowband thinking. These complex decisions require a thoughtful and intentional process to increase the odds of having a favorable outcome.
Student housing firms see upside to uncertainty over colleges’ return
With students expected to return to most Indiana college campuses this fall, housing management firms are anticipating a boost to their bottom lines and a renewed interest in off-campus living.
Running 500 in August with fans is Speedway’s ‘100% focus’
IBJ talked with IMS President Doug Boles about plans for the Indy 500, which is scheduled for Aug. 23. That’s about seven weeks after the state’s reopening plan calls for sporting events to resume.
State starts to dole out $2.6 billion in federal virus aid
The funding is intended to help the state navigate the pandemic, and state officials are slowly rolling out plans to spend it—while holding a sizable portion back in case COVID-19 roars back.
Retail tenants’ gamesmanship stymies efforts to collect rent
Retail landlords received quite a jolt when they discovered that some of the most lustrous names in retail want pandemic-related rent concessions like those being offered to struggling tenants.
State’s COVID-19 case count rises by 398 as testing hits new high
The state said Friday that 335,180 people have been tested for the coronavirus so far, up from 327,342 in Thursday’s report—an increase of 7,838. That number marks a new high in daily testing.
Children’s Museum, Newfields, Zoo, Eiteljorg announce reopening plans
Several of the city’s largest cultural attractions are rolling out plans to reopen after long closures during the pandemic.
Hotels betting on more staycations to survive pandemic
With business and air travel barely breathing, hotel companies are betting on the leisure traveler as a short-term strategy for survival.
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