IU making masks optional on all campuses starting March 4
Indiana University will no longer require masks in classrooms, residence halls, dining spaces, common areas or at athletics venues starting March 4
Associated Press
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No plan for having men’s and women’s Final Four in same city
Having a combined Final Four was one of the recommendations from a report issued last August stemming from inequities between the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Estimated 73% of United States now immune to omicron
The omicron wave that assaulted the United States this winter also bolstered its defenses, leaving enough protection against the coronavirus that future spikes will likely require much less—if any—dramatic disruption to society.
Indiana lawmakers endorse easing rules on nursing schools
The state Senate voted 48-0 on Thursday in favor of allowing nursing schools to increase enrollment and hire more part-time instructors if they have a high percentage of graduates passing the national nursing licensing exam.
U.S. Senate sends Biden bill averting federal shutdown
The Senate gave final approval Thursday to legislation averting a weekend government shutdown, sending President Joe Biden a measure designed to give bipartisan bargainers more time to reach an overdue deal financing federal agencies until fall.
Indiana schools can stop masking, reporting COVID cases soon
Students who are exposed to a COVID-19 case also won’t have to quarantine, regardless of their vaccination status or whether their schools require masks.
Walmart steers through inflation, boosting profit and sales
Walmart executives said that its shoppers are still in good financial shape, and they don’t see any major changes in consumer behavior patterns like trading down to cheaper labels—although they’re paying close attention to higher prices.
State officials: Bird flu found at 3rd Indiana turkey farm
A high mortality rate led to testing at the third farm. Officials have begun euthanizing birds at the farm to prevent the spread of the disease.
State lawmakers approve expanding tax refund eligibility
Indiana House members joined the Senate in approving a bill allowing about 450,000 people who don’t have enough income to owe any state taxes to also be eligible for the $125 refund payments.
Biden: Infrastructure plan gives $1B for Great Lakes cleanup
Long-delayed cleanup of Great Lakes harbors and tributary rivers fouled with industrial toxins will accelerate dramatically with the $1 billion boost, senior administration officials say.
Weekly U.S. jobless claims up, but remain historically low
In total, fewer than 1.6 million Americans were collecting jobless aid the week that ended Feb. 5, a decrease of about 26,000 from the previous week.
For Indiana’s Nick Goepper, another medal and a clear outlook on life
The newly minted Olympic silver medalist and Indiana native cheerfully announced he’s “doing good” these days from a mental health perspective.
Indiana lawmakers step back ‘curricula transparency’ bill
Indiana state senators on Wednesday also moved forward with a separate bill that would ban transgender women and girls from participating in K-12 school sports that match their gender identity.
U.S. accuses China of backing away from free-trade commitments
In its annual report on Chinese compliance with WTO rules, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said Wednesday that China isn’t keeping the promises it made to open its markets to foreign competition.
Federal Reserve: Faster rate hikes likely if inflation stays high
Fed officials are expected to raise their benchmark short-term rate several times this year beginning in March. But economists have increasingly suggested that the Fed has waited too long to unleash its inflation-fighting tools.
Indiana Rep. Banks facing ‘insurrection’ ballot challenge
The challenge was filed by a long-shot Democratic candidate for Banks’ congressional seat and likely has little chance of success when it goes before the state election commission on Friday, a former longtime commission member said.
January retail sales surged 3.8% as threat of omicron faded
Volatility in retail sales data is emerging after the pandemic and as related supply crunches drastically altered the behavior of Americans
Michigan Senate votes to cut income, corporate tax rates
Republicans who control the Michigan Senate on Tuesday passed a $2.5 billion annual tax cut, voting to lower income and corporate rates while letting people claim a credit for their children and deduct more retirement income.
U.S. bird flu case puts chicken, turkey farms on high alert
The new fear is driven by the discovery announced Feb. 9 of the virus infecting a commercial turkey flock in southern Indiana’s Dubois County.
White House seeks another $30 billion for COVID-19 battle
According to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, Congress has already approved $5.8 trillion to battle the pandemic in a series of major bills spanning the Trump and Biden administrations.