Huge virus outbreak in Ohio prisons highlights risk at U.S. lockups
A massive coronavirus outbreak that has sickened nearly 4,000 inmates in Ohio has highlighted the dangers lurking in the nation’s correctional facilities during the pandemic.
Public Health
Articles
Trump bars new immigration green cards, not temporary visas
Trump said he would be placing a 60-day pause on the issuance of green cards in an effort to limit competition for jobs in a U.S. economy wrecked by the coronavirus.
Oil’s chaotic collapse deepens; stocks drop worldwide
U.S. stocks sank to their worst loss in weeks as worries swept markets worldwide about the economic carnage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Holcomb wants companies to prepare now for return to work
During Tuesday’s media briefing, Gov. Eric Holcomb said he wasn’t ready to suggest a date for when businesses like retailers, restaurants or office workers could return but everyone should “be prepared” for that day.
White House, congressional leaders reach $484B aid deal
The $484 billion legislation would increase funding for the Paycheck Protection Program by $310 billion, boost a separate small business emergency grant and loan program, and direct billions to hospitals and a new coronavirus testing program.
Indiana coal company with ties to Trump administration gets $10M rescue loan
The federal rescue measure was designed for companies with fewer than 500 workers, but Small Business Administration guidelines allow some bituminous coal mining firms with up to 1,500 employees to qualify for the loans.
Chipotle agrees to record $25 million fine over tainted food
The company admitted that poor safety practices, such as not keeping food at proper temperatures to prevent pathogen growth, sickened more than 1,100 customers nationally from 2015 to 2018.
Schumer says deal in place to boost spending for small businesses, virus testing
Officials on both sides said the goal was still to pass the agreement at a 4 p.m. Senate session on Tuesday, although it was not certain whether that could be achieved.
State reports big rise in COVID-19 deaths after reporting change
The department said Monday that death numbers would begin increasing because it would begin reporting presumptive positive deaths in its totals.
Indiana restaurants anticipate nearly $1B in sales declines for April
About 91% of Indiana restaurant operators said they have had to either furlough or lay off workers since the COVID-19 outbreak began, with at least 15% anticipating they’ll have to take additional action in the next 30 days.
NCAA saved money in case of a canceled March Madness. Then it spent it.
One month after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the lucrative NCAA men’s basketball tournament, officials at athletic departments and college sports conferences across the country remain puzzled by one question: Why wasn’t the NCAA better prepared for this?
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.
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.