U.S. unemployment claims jump to 965,000 as virus takes toll
In Indiana, 18,812 people filed initial unemployment claims in the week ended Jan. 9, up from an adjusted number of 14,796 the previous week.
Indiana teachers frustrated over longer wait for COVID-19 vaccine
It’s unclear when Indiana teachers will be eligible for the vaccine, but they will likely have to wait several weeks until Hoosiers age 60 and older and people with medical conditions receive their shots.
Risky driving: U.S. traffic deaths up despite virus lockdowns
A study found that 65% of drivers treated at trauma centers who were hurt in serious crashes had drugs or alcohol in their systems last year. It was 50.6% before the pandemic, NHTSA said.
Biden expected to include new child tax credit in major new stimulus proposal
Biden officials are likely to include the expansion of an existing tax credit for children as part of a relief package that will also include $2,000 stimulus payments, unemployment benefits and other assistance for the ailing economy.
Nearly 60,000 Hoosiers age 70-79 get vaccine appointments on first day
The wave of elderly Hoosiers getting appointments is the latest sign of a pent-up demand, and raises questions of whether Indiana will have enough vaccine supply.
U.S. budget deficit up 60.7% in first 3 months of budget year
The Treasury Department reported Wednesday that three months into the budget year, the deficit was $216.3 billion higher than the same October-December period a year ago.
Bill that would bar Indiana employers from requiring vaccinations sparks heated debate
The measure, Senate Bill 74, would allow workers to decline any immunizations for medical, religious or personal reasons. The Pensions and Labor Committee heard testimony Wednesday but delayed a vote.
Indiana reports 3,686 more COVID-19 cases, 59 more deaths
The latest numbers show 40,281 Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and 219,885 have received their first dose of the vaccine.
Indiana makes those 70 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations
Vaccinations had been limited to those 80 and older since Friday as part of the vaccination rollout to the general public.
U.S. to require all arriving passengers to get COVID-19 test
The new measures are designed to try to prevent travelers from bringing in newer forms of the virus that scientists say can spread more easily.
IRS gets more pandemic relief payments out after delays
The National Consumer Law Center estimates that up to 20 million Americans who filed their taxes with an online preparation service found that their payment did not make it to them directly.
U.S. shifts to speed vaccinations; won’t hold back second doses
As of Monday morning, the government had distributed about 25.5 million doses to states, U.S. territories and major cities. But only about 9 million people had received their first shot.
Indiana reports another 88 deaths from COVID-19
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 fell from 2,537 on Sunday to 2,515 on Monday, the fifth straight day of decreases.
Officials: More contagious virus variant found in Indiana
The Indiana State Department of Health said the variant was identified in the state through testing by the state agency’s laboratory and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Hoosiers age 80 and older turn out by the hundreds for COVID-19 shots
The Indiana Department of Health said more than 86,000 Hoosiers aged 80 or older had registered as of 4 p.m. Sunday for vaccinations.
Local toxicology company guarantees same-day COVID test results
Aria Diagnostics said the service introduced Monday delivers patients’ molecular test results by 8 p.m. the day of testing.
UPDATE: Council OKs spending $13M on pandemic relief funds
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night approved a measure to appropriate about $12.9 million from the city’s general fund for a variety of pandemic-related uses.
Food manufacturer plans $100M plant, 115 jobs in Indianapolis
It’s unclear what the announcement means for Greenleaf’s previously announced plans to build a $310 million plant in Shelbyville.
Indiana reports 3,726 more COVID-19 cases, 30 additional deaths
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 fell from 2,593 on Saturday to 2,537 on Sunday, the fourth straight day of decreases.
Sluggish vaccine rollout confirms complaints from public health officials
States lament a lack of clarity on how many doses they will receive and when. They say federal assistance should have come much earlier and that more resources should have been devoted to education campaigns to ease concerns among people leery of getting the shots.
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