Retailers outside Marion County have green light to reopen
The reopening of shops—at no more than 50% of capacity—is part of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s plan to gradually relax social distancing rules over the next nine weeks.
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Holcomb says ‘lesson learned’ after he’s photographed with no mask, no social distancing
The governor was criticized for violating two of the recommendations he’s made to Hoosiers, most recently in the “Back on Track” plan he released on Friday that is aimed at reopening Indiana economy in a phased approach through July 4.
State allocates $300M to local governments for coronavirus aid
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Friday during his press briefing that cities, towns and counties will be eligible for a certain portion of the $300 million based on population.
Contact tracing is state’s new weapon in COVID war
Across Indiana, local health departments have been scrambling to keep up with the job of tracking, one patient at a time, the spread of the virus that has already claimed the lives of more than 900 Hoosiers.
Simon says it won’t defy state-at-home orders in reopening malls, calls speculation it might ‘very offensive’
A company official said it’s “preposterous” to think the company would reopen its malls, especially those in its home state, while stay-at-home orders are still in place.
Indiana hires Virginia company to handle ‘contact tracing’ of COVID-19 patients
By outsourcing the job to Virginia-based Maximus Inc., Indiana health officials hope to take the burden off of local health departments for the time-consuming job of contacting all COVID patients and learning who they might have exposed.
Democratic candidate for governor says state should do more to help small businesses
Woody Myers on Wednesday released a plan that includes establishing a state-funded stimulus program for small businesses, creating a small business recovery task force and launching a “Buy Indiana First” campaign.
State announces expanded nursing home reporting requirements, new mental health resources
And Gov. Eric Holcomb promised that later this week, he’ll provide a plan to start returning Hoosiers to work.
State allowing everyone to vote by mail for June primary
Supporters of a vote-by-mail system are hopeful the temporary expansion in Indiana opens the door for a permanent no-excuse policy.
State, city government freeze hiring—but haven’t furloughed employees—as budgets tighten
State and local government budgets are expected to be hit hard as a result of restaurants, retailers and other businesses being closed for weeks.
Indiana receives another $130M in tobacco-settlement funds
Indiana will continue to receive payments as long as tobacco manufacturers continue selling cigarettes in the state.
One Republican drops out of AG race, endorses new candidate
Former Indiana Department of Revenue Commissioner Adam Krupp announced Tuesday morning that he is calling off his run to unseat incumbent Attorney General Curtis Hill. Meanwhile, another Republican announced his candidacy.
Crisis tests Indiana’s public health wherewithal
For years, Indiana has struggled to get sufficient funds and equipment for its public health efforts. Now, it’s in the biggest health crisis in decades and is trying to make do with funding that ranks among the lowest in the nation.
State’s unemployment report for March doesn’t reflect surge in jobless claims
Data for the report was culled from a federal survey performed in mid-March, just before unemployment claims escalated. However, there’s still evidence of the coronavirus-related sea change brewing in the workforce.
Indiana primary will have in-person voting but officials encourage mail-in ballots
Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson made the decision last month to delay the primary election from May 5 to June 2 and expand the ability to cast a ballot by mail to all registered voters in an attempt to address public health concerns around voting.
Independent contractors may have to wait until May to receive jobless benefits
The additional $600 in unemployment benefits could start arriving Friday for some Hoosiers, but independent contractors and gig economy workers may be waiting until next month to see any payments.
Gov. Holcomb says state’s economy will restart in a ‘rolling’ process
Indiana governor said employees must have “a very high level of confidence about the workplace” when businesses reopen.
Illinois governor seeks regional cooperation for reopening of economies in Midwest
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has said he’s talked with regional governors, but he has not said publicly whether Midwest states’ economies should reopen as a group.
State working with 15 companies to acquire more personal protective equipment
Luke Bosso, chief of staff for the Indiana Economic Development Corp., said during Monday’s media briefing that the state has purchased 1.9 million pieces of PPE so far.
UPDATE: March tax revenue for Indiana misses projections by 6%
State officials said Friday that they expect to receive $2.4 billion in federal rescue funds that will help make up for budget shortfalls.