City turns to hotels to help house homeless through pandemic winter
The usual plan, which involves packing people closely on as many cots and mats as Wheeler Mission’s shelters can hold, isn’t an option under social distancing guidelines.
Indiana BBQ restaurant sues governor, state over mask mandate
The suit alleges the governor’s executive order is unconstitutional and caused “unjust injury to [the restaurant’s] fundamental civil rights, liberty interests and property rights.”
Indiana death toll from COVID-19 nears 7,000
The state on Friday reported 84 more deaths due to COVID-19, the ninth time deaths have exceeded 70 in the past 11 daily reports.
Pence, wife Karen, surgeon general get COVID-19 vaccines
Vice President Mike Pence became the highest ranking U.S. official to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday in a live-television event aimed at reassuring Americans the shot is safe.
Shutdown deadline looms over COVID-19 relief package talks
Bearing down on a midnight shutdown deadline, top negotiators on a must-pass, almost $1 trillion COVID-19 economic relief package are committed to sealing an agreement Friday as they resolve remaining differences.
FDA plans to OK second COVID-19 vaccine after panel endorsement
Once FDA’s emergency use authorization is granted, Moderna will begin shipping millions of doses, earmarked for health workers and nursing home residents, to boost the largest vaccination effort in U.S. history.
Major U.S. stock indexes climb to record levels
U.S. stocks notched solid gains Thursday to close at all-time highs, even as lawmakers continue to wrangle over a federal spending deal.
Snags on COVID-19 relief package might force weekend sessions
The pending bill is the first significant legislative response to the pandemic since the landmark CARES Act passed virtually unanimously in March, delivering $1.8 trillion in aid.
First Merchants to close 17 bank branch locations
The company said it would use the savings from the closures to beef up its digital banking and in-branch technology initiatives.
COVID-19 cases in Indiana again top 6,000
The state reported 79 more deaths due to COVID-19, the eighth time deaths have exceeded 70 in the past 10 reports.
U.S. jobless claims rise to 885,000 amid resurgence of virus
Nationally, the total number of people who are receiving traditional state unemployment benefits fell to 5.5 million from 5.8 million. That figure is down sharply from its peak of nearly 23 million in May.
Nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since the summer
Households with children have also seen a larger-than-average increase in poverty, as many parents have struggled to go back to work while their kids participate in virtual schooling from home.
FDA says Pfizer vaccine contains extra doses, expanding nation’s supply
The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that pharmacists can draw additional doses from vials of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, potentially expanding the country’s supply by millions of doses.
Health officials track safety as COVID-19 vaccines roll out
Allergies are always a question with a new medical product, but monitoring COVID-19 vaccines for any other, unexpected side effects is a bigger challenge than usual.
State makes plans for $650M in remaining CARES Act money as deadline nears
The state received $2.4 billion earlier this year from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund, which was established in the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act. The funding must be used for pandemic-related expenses incurred before Dec. 30.
NASDAQ hits high, S&P rises following stimulus progress, Fed moves
In a mixed and muted day of trading, the S&P 500 rose 6.55 points, or 0.2%, to 3,701.17. It’s within roughly 1 point of its record set last week.
Congressional leaders add stimulus checks to $900B relief package as they near deal
The package emerging is expected to include hundreds of billions of dollars in aid for ailing small businesses and jobless Americans and a one-time check of between $600 and $700 for millions of Americans below a certain income threshold.
United States angling to secure more of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine
U.S. officials say they’re actively negotiating for additional purchases of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine after passing up a chance to lock in a contract this summer since it was still unclear how well the shots would work.
Fed keeps rate near zero, sees brighter economy in 2021
The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that it will keep buying government bonds until the economy makes “substantial” progress—a step intended to reassure financial markets and keep long-term borrowing rates low indefinitely.
Negotiators near agreement on long-delayed COVID-19 aid bill
Top congressional leaders are hoping to seal a deal as early as Wednesday that would extend aid to individuals and businesses and help ship coronavirus vaccines to millions.
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