House passes $1.9T pandemic bill on near party-line vote
The massive measure heads to the Senate, where Democrats seem bent on resuscitating their minimum wage push and fights could erupt over state aid and other issues.
Hospitals plead for bailout in face of runaway pandemic bills
U.S. hospitals face up to $122 billion in lost revenue this year as the pandemic continues its rampage, threatening to push more critical-care centers into bankruptcy or out of business entirely.
Here’s what’s in the House’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan
The U.S. House on Friday plans to vote on an $1.9 trillion stimulus package, marking a crucial step toward passage of the White House’s first major piece of legislation.
Democratic leaders explore penalties on businesses paying below $15 an hour
Democrats are searching for a way to revive their derailed drive to boost the minimum wage as part of the proposed $1.9 trillion package aimed at helping the country rebuild from the pandemic.
March Madness will help restaurants. But how much?
The city will host an unprecedented number of games with the entire tournament being played in Indiana. But the pandemic will limit capacity at both games and restaurants.
Tournament’s economic impact will turn on number of fans who come
Even after the NCAA said Feb. 19 that some spectators will be allowed at the games, local tourism officials and economists are still tempering their financial expectations.
Real estate firm’s bet on senior health care takes painful turn
The past year has been awful for Carmel-based Invesque, as COVID-19 hurt the full gamut of its health care real estate portfolio, from nursing homes and office buildings to memory-care and assisted-living centers.
Review finds Indianapolis police not prepared for May’s downtown protests
The 44-page report, made public Friday, examines the events of May 29 through June 1, when social justice protests took over the streets of downtown Indianapolis following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Indiana reports 33 more COVID-19 deaths, 963 new cases
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 dropped from 889 on Wednesday to 781 on Thursday, the lowest number since Sept. 21.
Lilly signs deal to sell $210M worth of COVID-19 antibodies to U.S. government
The Indianapolis-based drugmaker said it will begin shipping the additional doses immediately to the federal government, which controls distribution of the drugs.
Third U.S. vaccine could raise question: Which shots are best?
The nation is poised to get a third vaccine against COVID-19, with a Johnson & Johnson one-dose shot on the edge of FDA approval. Health experts say the best vaccine choice is the one that’s available.
U.S. consumers boost spending 2.4% as income jumps
Friday’s report from the Commerce Department also showed that personal incomes, which provide the fuel for spending, jumped 10% last month, boosted by cash payments most Americans received from the government.
Local tech firm Selfless.ly uses its platform to make sure Hoosiers get COVID vaccine
Indianapolis-based Selfless.ly is using its software to pull together an army of volunteers to help keep COVID-19 vaccination sites humming at optimal speed.
COVID-19 bill must drop minimum wage hike, arbiter decides
The finding by Elizabeth MacDonough, the chamber’s nonpartisan arbiter of its rules, means Democrats face an overwhelmingly uphill battle to boost the minimum wage this year because of solid Republican opposition.
Fourth quarter economy better than originally thought, revised up to 4.1%
The 4.1% gain in the gross domestic product—the broadest measure of economic health—is a slight upward revision from 4% growth in the first estimate released a month ago, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.
U.S. pizza sales, which boomed in pandemic, starting to slow
Pizza delivery remains popular, but diners’ choices are expanding, with more restaurants now offering delivery.
Indiana passes half-million mark in COVID-19 vaccinations
The Indiana State Department of Health on Thursday reported 1,109 new cases of COVID-19, the fourth time cases have topped 1,000 over the past seven days.
Restaurant, bar capacity limits in Marion County to be eased March 1
More people will be allowed into Marion County restaurants, bars and gyms starting March 1, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday morning, citing improving COVID-19 pandemic conditions.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal flu has almost disappeared in the U.S.
Experts say that measures put in place to fend off the coronavirus—mask wearing, social distancing and virtual schooling—were a big factor in preventing a “twindemic” of flu and COVID-19.
U.S. jobless claims fall to three-month low of 730K
Last week’s decline in applications was broad-based, with 36 states (including Indiana) and the District of Columbia reporting fewer people seeking unemployment benefits. That suggests that employers might be cutting fewer jobs.
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