Indiana reports 32 more deaths from COVID
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 rose from 692 on Wednesday to 730 on Thursday.
U.S. adds strong 379,000 jobs in hopeful sign for economy
The pickup in hiring lowered the unemployment rate from 6.3% to 6.2%, the Labor Department said Friday in its monthly jobs report. That is down dramatically from the 14.8% jobless rate of April of last year, just after the virus erupted in the United States.
Indiana governor gets virus shot at state’s first mass clinic
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb sat wearing a face mask in the front passenger seat of an SUV while getting the shot in his right arm of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine being given during the drive-through clinic.
NCAA tournament-goers will see changes in ticket sales, differences at venues
One of the biggest changes fans will see this year will be in ticket sales, which are being limited to one game at a time instead of multiple-game sessions.
U.S. job growth likely rose in February in rebound from slump
Economists have forecast that job growth reached 175,000 last month, according to data provider FactSet. That would mark a sharp improvement over an average of just 29,000 jobs a month from November through January.
Senate begins considering Democrats’ $1.9T virus relief bill
Democratic leaders made more than a dozen late changes in their package, reflecting their need to cement unanimous support from all Democratic senators—plus Vice President Kamala Harris’ tie-breaking vote—to succeed in the 50-50 chamber.
Powell says higher inflation temporary, Fed will be ‘patient’
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell suggested Thursday that inflation will pick up in the coming months but the rise would likely prove temporary and not enough for the Fed to alter its record-low interest rate policies.
Parenting: What the pandemic teaches us about the need for parental leave
I’ve spoken to many working parents with children around my daughter’s age. Those fortunate enough to work from home tell me how relieved they have been to have their babies nearby.
Statewide COVID-19 hospitalizations hit lowest level since July 8
The state said more than 633,000 Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Thursday. More than 1.06 million had received the first dose of a vaccination.
U.S. jobless claims tick up to 745,000 as layoffs remain high
Counting supplemental federal unemployment programs that were established to soften the economic damage from the virus, an estimated 18 million people are collecting some form of jobless aid.
Productivity see largest decline in 40 years, but beats earlier estimates
The revised figure released by the Labor Department on Thursday was slightly smaller than the 4.7% decline estimated a month ago. But it was still the biggest drop since the second quarter of 1981.
Spectators to be allowed at Big Ten men’s, women’s tournaments in Indy
A limited number of spectators will be allowed to attend the Big Ten Conference’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in Indianapolis this month, the conference announced Thursday morning.
All Indiana teachers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, but only at certain sites
All Indiana teachers are now eligible for COVID vaccines under a new federal directive. Vaccines earmarked for educators are separate from the overall allocation the state receives, said Indiana State Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Lindsay Weaver.
It’s still too early to declare ‘mission accomplished’ on pandemic, Indiana officials say
More than 1.03 million Hoosiers—or about 15% of the state’s population of about 6.7 million—have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but it could take weeks or months to immunize the entire state, health officials say.
Hoosiers get green flag for vaccines at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
For three days starting Friday, the state will operate a drive-through vaccination clinic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where thousands of eligible Hoosiers will be able to get a shot without leaving their car.
Biden limits eligibility for relief payments under pressure from moderate Senate Democrats
Under the new structure, the checks would phase out faster for those at higher income levels, compared to the way the direct payments were structured in President Biden’s initial proposal and the version of the bill passed by the House on Saturday.
Fed survey finds modest gains in the U.S. economy in February
Reports on consumer spending and auto sales were mixed, while overall manufacturing showed moderate gains despite supply-side constraints, according to the Fed survey.
Georgia Street to close to vehicles during Big Ten, NCAA tournaments
The closure will be used by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and the NCAA for various activities throughout the NCAA tournament.
Hoosiers 50-54 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines
The decision comes one day after the state opened up vaccinations to the 55-59 age group.
Indiana’s daily COVID-19 death count lowest since Jan. 31
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 dropped from 765 on Monday to 731 on Tuesday, the lowest number since Sept. 12.
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