J&J asks U.S. regulators to OK its one-shot COVID-19 vaccine
J&J’s vaccine was safe and offered strong protection against moderate to severe COVID-19, according to preliminary results from a massive international study.
Solid company earnings send stock indexes higher
The S&P 500 rose 1.1%, to a record high. A measure of small-company stocks rose twice as much, a bullish signal that investors are feeling more optimistic about the economy.
Pandemic claims Broad Ripple Art Fair for second straight year
The Broad Ripple Art Fair is a major annual fundraiser for the Indianapolis Art Center, which estimated it lost $350,000, about 10% of its annual income, from the cancellation of 2020 event.
Indiana’s COVID-19 death toll rises past 11,000
The Indiana State Department of Health on Thursday added 1,507 historical deaths to the cumulative COVID-19 death total, increasing it to 11,231. The department said those deaths were identified through an audit of 2020 and 2021 death records and test results.
Cummins saw stiff drop in sales, profit in 2020, but exceeded market expectations
The Indiana-based manufacturer said sales in North America declined 21% last year, but its sales in China reached record levels, up 25% from the previous year.
State lawmakers consider new emergency session rules
The House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee on Thursday amended a bill to create what would be called an “emergency session,” which would allow lawmakers to convene at any time during a statewide emergency.
Big Ten moving men’s basketball tournament to Indianapolis, sources say
The tournament will be played March 10-14 at Lucas Oil Stadium, sources say, because the women’s basketball tournament is already planned for Bankers Life Fieldhouse on overlapping dates.
Keeping it simple helps some states race ahead with COVID vaccine rollouts
The nation’s states are all pushing to deliver a potentially lifesaving defense against the novel coronavirus to millions of arms. But some states are having far more success than others.
At a few Indianapolis schools, pandemic caused huge drops in graduation rates
At three Indianapolis high schools, leaders say that the challenges of the pandemic contributed to double-digit drops in graduation rates, as students struggled to complete school remotely or left school to get jobs.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccine might reduce virus transmission
The research could also bring scientists closer to an answer to one of the big questions about the vaccination drive: Will the vaccines actually curb the spread of the coronavirus?
Businesses face hard decisions on whether, when to hire
Owners are hesitant to make hiring commitments because it’s unclear not only when the pandemic will end, but whether they’ll have enough revenue to justify bringing employees on.
Indiana holding firm to vaccination by age group, not occupation
Pressure has been mounting to offer vaccines to teachers and other essential workers, but the state has been offering vaccines to people by age group, in descending order, with the goal of vaccinating the most elderly and vulnerable first.
Indiana officials plan to send more masks to schools, businesses
On Wednesday, Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box announced that the state would be opening a portal for “critical infrastructure businesses” to request masks and hand sanitizer, and also would be shipping more supplies to schools.
Indiana to air commercial during Super Bowl to promote COVID-19 vaccine
The TV spot, which will be broadcast in six markets throughout the state, will feature the family of an Indiana athletic director who died of COVID-19.
House moves toward passage of budget, unlocking partisan path for Biden relief bill
House Democrats moved toward passage Wednesday of legislation setting the stage for party-line approval of President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill, heeding Biden’s calls for swift action.
U.S. hiring could rebound faster than you might expect
A hopeful view is gaining steam that, as vaccinations reach a critical mass in the United States, perhaps around midyear, the economy and the job market will strengthen much faster than they did after previous recessions.
COVID-19 cases in Indiana tick down again
The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday reported 36 new deaths due to the coronavirus. Reported deaths due to COVID-19 have exceeded single digits in 114 of the past 115 days.
Biden, Yellen pan GOP virus aid proposal as too small, urge action
While no compromise was reached during the lengthy session, President Biden’s first with lawmakers at the White House, talks are privately underway on various alternatives.
Feds to start sending COVID vaccine to pharmacies next week
When fully deployed, the pharmacy partnership will enlist about 40,000 drug stores nationwide, or roughly six times as many locations as are participating in the initial launch.
Indiana COVID-19 cases fall again; another 65 deaths reported
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 ticked up from 1,594 on Sunday to 1,624 on Monday, the second straight day of increases.
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