A look at what’s in the $2.2T rescue package approved by Senate
Here are major highlights of the package to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Senate approves $2.2T coronavirus bill aimed at slowing economic free fall
The bill would extend $1,200 to most American adults and $500 for most children, create a $500 billion lending program for businesses, cities and states, and a $367 billion employee retention fund for small businesses.
Stock market sees first back-to-back gains in five weeks
Stocks closed higher Wednesday, but gave up much of an afternoon rally after CNBC reported that a dispute between Sen. Bernie Sanders and Republicans over unemployment aid could cause the coronavirus aid bill to be delayed.
Rural America grows more fearful as pandemic erupts in cities
Tiny towns tucked all over the country might not have had a single case of COVID-19, but their main streets are also empty and their medical clinics overwhelmed by the worried.
Stocks still rising a day after Wall Street sees historic rally
Investors are also still waiting to see the details of Washington’s plan, which will include direct payments to most Americans and aid for hard-hit industries. It’s unclear when the House of Representatives could vote on the plan.
Coronavirus cases rise to 477 in state, 226 in Marion County
The Indiana State Department of Health reported that 3,365 people have been tested so far, up from 2,931 people in the previous day’s report.
Trump, Congress agree on $2 trillion virus rescue bill
The urgently needed pandemic response measure is the largest economic rescue measure in history and is intended as a weeks- or months-long patch for an economy spiraling into recession and a nation facing a potentially ghastly toll.
Top state officials urge residents to take stay-at-home order seriously
Top Indiana officials warned Tuesday that the state’s jump in coronavirus illnesses is likely just the beginning and that obeying a new stay-at-home order is necessary.
Amazon workers test positive for COVID-19 at six U.S. warehouses
The new outbreaks at Amazon’s U.S. facilities come days after the online retail giant announced plans to hire 100,000 new workers to help cope with the flood of orders that have clogged its system.
Madison County extends state’s pandemic restrictions to other industries
The county ordered liquor stores, banks and insurance companies to cease normal operations and shift to offering only drive-thru, delivery and curbside services.
Can blood from coronavirus survivors treat the newly ill?
A network of U.S. hospitals is waiting on permission from the Food and Drug Administration to begin large studies of the infusions both as a possible treatment for the sick and as vaccine-like temporary protection for people at high risk of infection.
Potential coronavirus treatment granted rare disease status
Experts who have studied the so-called “orphan drug” program say the company’s request—and the FDA’s decision to grant it—seem inappropriate given the rapidly expanding threat of the viral outbreak. A financial analyst, though, called Gilead’s request “pretty standard.”
Dow Jones industrial average sees record point gain as investors await rescue package
The 11.4% gain was the Dow’s biggest since 1933. The huge jump was a sign of investor belief that Congress has no alternative than to pass a $2 trillion rescue of a U.S. economy that is on life support.
State to use $5M Lilly Endowment grant to create center for homeless with COVID-19
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Jennifer Sullivan said during Tuesday’s press conference that organizers have secured a location to quarantine those experiencing the virus and homelessness.
U.S. retailers plan to stop paying rent to offset virus closures
The U.S. relief packages being considered don’t directly address rents. But the Federal Reserve’s actions may give banks the leeway to defer mortgage payments, allowing property owners to delay rent.
Trump says he hopes U.S. will be reopened by Easter amid virus
During a private conference call with roughly 30 conservative leaders on Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence reinforced Trump’s eagerness to lift coronavirus-related work and travel restrictions “in a matter of weeks, not months.”
Congress closing in on nearly $2 trillion virus aid package
Ravaged in recent days, the stock market climbed significantly Tuesday morning as negotiators signaled a resolution was in sight. The Dow Jones industrial average was up nearly 9% at noon.
COVID-19 community relief fund awards more than $7.3M in grants
The grants announced Tuesday range from $20,000 to $750,000 and were awarded to human service organizations in Boone, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion and Morgan counties.
Coronavirus cases rise to 365 in state, with 161 in Marion County
The Indiana State Department of Health on Tuesday morning said 2,931 people have been tested, up from 1,960 people in the previous day’s report.
UPDATE: Tokyo Olympics officially postponed until 2021 because of pandemic
The International Olympic Committee said the games will be held “not later than summer 2021” but they will still be called the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.