Senate Democrats consider changes to House virus relief bill
Party leaders hoping to salvage a minimum wage increase have abandoned one proposal aimed at pressuring big companies to boost workers’ pay.
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Fraud overwhelms pandemic-related unemployment programs
In Indiana, Kentucky and Maryland, officials have said that for certain weeks in the new year, at least two-thirds of the claims they received were classified as suspicious due to problems verifying identities.
COVID-19 cases rise in Indiana by 736, deaths by 17
The state said more than 565,000 Hoosiers had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as of Sunday. More than 992,000 had received the first dose of a vaccination.
J&J’s one-dose shot cleared, giving U.S. third COVID-19 vaccine
J&J initially is providing a few million doses and shipments to states could begin as early as Monday. By the end of March, J&J has said it expects to deliver 20 million doses to the U.S., and 100 million by summer.
Indiana counts 897 new COVID-19 cases, 27 more deaths
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 rose from 781 on Thursday to 800 on Friday. The high mark was 3,460, set on Nov. 30.
Hospitals plead for bailout in face of runaway pandemic bills
U.S. hospitals face up to $122 billion in lost revenue this year as the pandemic continues its rampage, threatening to push more critical-care centers into bankruptcy or out of business entirely.
Here’s what’s in the House’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan
The U.S. House on Friday plans to vote on an $1.9 trillion stimulus package, marking a crucial step toward passage of the White House’s first major piece of legislation.
Indiana reports 33 more COVID-19 deaths, 963 new cases
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 dropped from 889 on Wednesday to 781 on Thursday, the lowest number since Sept. 21.
Lilly signs deal to sell $210M worth of COVID-19 antibodies to U.S. government
The Indianapolis-based drugmaker said it will begin shipping the additional doses immediately to the federal government, which controls distribution of the drugs.
Third U.S. vaccine could raise question: Which shots are best?
The nation is poised to get a third vaccine against COVID-19, with a Johnson & Johnson one-dose shot on the edge of FDA approval. Health experts say the best vaccine choice is the one that’s available.
COVID-19 bill must drop minimum wage hike, arbiter decides
The finding by Elizabeth MacDonough, the chamber’s nonpartisan arbiter of its rules, means Democrats face an overwhelmingly uphill battle to boost the minimum wage this year because of solid Republican opposition.
Fourth quarter economy better than originally thought, revised up to 4.1%
The 4.1% gain in the gross domestic product—the broadest measure of economic health—is a slight upward revision from 4% growth in the first estimate released a month ago, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.
U.S. pizza sales, which boomed in pandemic, starting to slow
Pizza delivery remains popular, but diners’ choices are expanding, with more restaurants now offering delivery.
Indiana passes half-million mark in COVID-19 vaccinations
The Indiana State Department of Health on Thursday reported 1,109 new cases of COVID-19, the fourth time cases have topped 1,000 over the past seven days.
Restaurant, bar capacity limits in Marion County to be eased March 1
More people will be allowed into Marion County restaurants, bars and gyms starting March 1, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday morning, citing improving COVID-19 pandemic conditions.
Amid COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal flu has almost disappeared in the U.S.
Experts say that measures put in place to fend off the coronavirus—mask wearing, social distancing and virtual schooling—were a big factor in preventing a “twindemic” of flu and COVID-19.
U.S. jobless claims fall to three-month low of 730K
Last week’s decline in applications was broad-based, with 36 states (including Indiana) and the District of Columbia reporting fewer people seeking unemployment benefits. That suggests that employers might be cutting fewer jobs.
GOP rallies solidly against Democrats’ $1.9T virus relief package
The hardening opposition suggested that President Joe Biden’s first major legislative initiative could encounter unanimous GOP opposition.
Frustrated teachers lose access to vaccine waitlists as Indiana enforces eligibility rules
Teachers say they are being removed from or moved down on standby lists at Walmart stores. The state says standby lists are to follow eligibility guidelines, and doses are not being wasted.
FDA says single-dose shot from J&J prevents severe COVID
The long-anticipated shot could offer the nation a third vaccine option and help speed vaccinations by requiring just one dose instead of two.