National Spelling Bee canceled for first time since 1945
Organizers concluded there was “no clear path to safely set a new date in 2020” because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Health Care
Articles
States work to keep meat plants open despite virus outbreaks
Governors in the Midwest are hoping to keep large meatpacking plants operating amid coronavirus outbreaks that have sickened hundreds of workers and threaten to disrupt the nation’s supply of pork and beef.
Some U.S manufacturers, states reopening amid political pressure
Boeing and at least one other U.S. heavy-equipment manufacturer resumed production and some states rolled out aggressive reopening plans Monday, despite nationwide concerns there is not enough testing yet to keep the coronavirus from rebounding.
Indiana ban on elective medical procedures could be lifted next week
Gov. Eric Holcomb said Monday the state would re-evaluate whether to allow hospitals and surgery centers to resume services at 11:59 p.m. Sunday if they have sufficient protective equipment for treating COVID-19 patients.
Historic collapse in oil prices sends U.S. stocks reeling, with Dow losing nearly 600 points
Investors expect Monday’s volatility to stay in place in coming days as Wall Street heads into the thick of the earnings season.
White House, Congress get closer on $450B virus aid talks
The emerging agreement, nearly double President Donald Trump’s request to replenish the small business program, adds funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.
Oil prices see record plunge, falling below $11 per barrel
Despite OPEC’s unprecedented output deal agreed a week ago, the oil market remains massively oversupplied as the lockdowns to fight the spread of the coronavirus reduce global crude demand by about a third.
Conrad shuts down temporarily amid record-low occupancy for hotels
The upscale, 247-room Conrad suspended operations on Saturday in what management called a temporary measure “that is reflective of the current business environment.”
State reports 476 more COVID-19 cases, seven additional deaths
The department said 47.5% of the state’s intensive care unit beds were still available. About 23% are being used by COVID-19 patients.
President of fast-growing Kennedy Tank & Manufacturing dies of COVID-19
Patrick William Kennedy was the fourth-generation president of three family-owned companies, an avid runner and an active participant in motorsports activities.
Restaurants in ‘survival mode’ trim down their menu offerings
Offering less variety on their menus helps restaurants get by with fewer workers in the kitchen and makes replenishing food inventory simpler and cheaper.
Shake Shack gets funding, to return paycheck protection loan
The company was able to get extra funding late last week through an “equity transaction” and decided to “immediately return” the $10 million paycheck protection loan it obtained through the CARES Act.
Shake Shack, Potbelly among chains tapping small-biz funds
A review of regulatory filings shows that restaurant chains and companies in industries ranging from mining to manufacturing to cruise travel received large amounts.
Trump says he’s close to deal with Congress on more small business aid
The Trump administration and Congress are nearing an agreement on an aid package of up to $450 billion to boost a small-business loan program that has run out of money and add funds for hospitals and COVID-19 testing.
While other colleges struggle, for-profit schools hope for revival
Any upswing would be an improvement for the industry, which reached its peak enrollment in 2010 before going on to lose half of its students by 2017.
Head of grocery group talks virus impact, shopping habits
Geoff Freeman, the CEO of the Consumer Brands Association, discusses a range of issues including the current status of supplies, protections for workers and customers’ shift away from organic food to packaged items like mac and cheese.
State reports increase in COVID-19 cases as testing hits high mark
The increase in reported tests was the largest seen in a daily state health department report since the beginning of the pandemic.
Hundreds of protesters demand Holcomb reopen economy
Indiana has been under a stay-at-home order since March 25, and on Friday Holcomb said he plans to issue a new executive order on Monday that extends the directive until May 1.
Indiana reports fewer new COVID-19 cases after 3 days of increases
The Indiana State Department of Health on Saturday said that the cumulative death toll in the state rose to 545, up from 519 the previous day—an increase of 26 deaths.
Indiana banks OK $7.5 billion in Paycheck Protection loans
The banks approved 35,990 individual loans for companies and organizations in Indiana before the program ran out of money.