Nervous retail workers struggle to adjust to new mask policies
Kroger, the country’s largest grocery chain, and other national retailers have been dropping mask requirements in locations where local governments allow them to.
U.S. jobless claims decline to 444,000, a new pandemic low
The latest numbers show Hoosiers filed 7,149 initial unemployment claims during the week ended May 15, a drop of 637 from the previous week.
Target joins other major retailers with big first quarter
Almost all retailers reporting quarterly earns this week have put up enormous sales figures, evidence of a migration from time spent shuttered indoors to something closer normalcy.
Indiana reports 819 more COVID-19 cases, 12 new deaths
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 climbed from 814 on Monday to 850 on Tuesday.
Marion County expects to lift mask mandate, ease capacity limits June 7
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said the county was waiting until June 7 to allow more time for people to be vaccinated and for big events such as the Indy 500, proms and graduations to take place under more restrictive conditions.
National FFA moving ahead with in-person convention in October
The Indianapolis-based group devoted to agricultural education said Wednesday morning that it expects anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 people to attend its convention this fall at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.
Tattoo businesses flourishing again as pandemic eases
Tattoo bookings and revenue are surging as Americans look for expressive and therapeutic outlets after a year marked by isolation and loss.
State sees lowest COVID-19 case count in 2 months amid jump in deaths
The state said 2.32 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 2.52 million had received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
Marion County pandemic restrictions could change this week
Counties around Indiana are dropping their mask mandates and other coronavirus restrictions after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control released new, looser guidance Thursday for people vaccinated against COVID-19. Marion County could be next, with changes expected this week.
Changed by pandemic, many workers won’t return to old jobs
Layoffs and lockdowns, combined with enhanced unemployment benefits and stimulus checks, have given many Americans the time and the financial cushion to rethink their careers.
More than half of Hoosier adults have now received at least one COVID vaccine dose
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported as of 6 a.m. Monday that 50.3% of Hoosiers aged 18 and older, or about 2.59 million people, had received at least one dose.
Indiana reports smallest COVID-19 case count since March 22
The state said 2.3 million Hoosiers have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 2.51 million had received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
Workers concerned about retailers ditching masks on vaccine honor system
Walmart, along with Costco Wholesale Corp. and Trader Joe’s, were among the first companies to ease their mask policy for vaccinated shoppers following a recommendation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
IRS to the rescue? Tax audits eyed for infrastructure cash
President Joe Biden is proposing that Congress build up the depleted and often-maligned agency, saying that a more aggressive collection of unpaid taxes could help cover the cost of his multitrillion-dollar plan to boost infrastructure, families and education.
More than 2.3 million Hoosiers now fully vaccinated
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 dropped slightly, to 810, on Saturday. The all-time high mark was 3,460, set on Nov. 30.
New positive COVID cases below 1,000 for eighth straight day
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 increased by one, to 832, on Friday. The all-time high mark was 3,460, set on Nov. 30.
Restaurants eating up federal COVID relief
As the pandemic subsides, local eateries are hopeful that a new coronavirus relief program, the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, will help them emerge intact.
State reports 16 new deaths from COVID-19
The state said Friday that more than 2.22 million Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. More than 2.47 million had received the first dose of a two-dose vaccination.
IndyCar race in Toronto canceled
The event was scheduled for July 9-11 but can’t take place because of pandemic restrictions in Canada.
UPDATE: Despite new CDC guidance, Marion County mask mandate remains in effect
The new federal guidance eases indoor mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, allowing them to safely stop wearing masks inside in most places. But Marion County’s mask mandate remains in place for now.
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
[email protected] State’s virus-related executive orders State plan to reopen Indiana