White House, House Democrats reach deal on coronavirus economic relief package
Agreement calls for spending tens of billions of dollars on sick leave, unemployment insurance, food stamps and other measures to address the unfolding COVID-19 crisis.
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Democratic, Republican chairmen call for more flexibility in primary voting
The party leaders did not suggest any delay in the May 5 primary itself.
Dow soars nearly 2,000 points as Trump announces new virus measures
Investors have been clamoring for strong action from the U.S. government to combat the economic impact of the virus outbreak.
Trump declares virus pandemic a national emergency
Speaking from the Rose Garden, Trump said, “I am officially declaring a national emergency.” He said the emergency would open up $50 billion for state and local governments to respond to the outbreak.
Indiana officials say virus cases undercounted because of test shortage
State Health Commissioner Kristina Box said Indiana has more coronavirus cases than the 12 that have been confirmed, but she doesn’t believe the virus has become a widespread problem yet because hospital systems aren’t overwhelmed with cases.
500 Festival cancels events through April 11
The not-for-profit organization that plans community events around the Indianapolis 500 race said it is continuing to plan for events after April 11, including the One America Mini Marathon, scheduled for May 2.
Indianapolis Public Library to close over coronavirus concerns
The library said it plans to reopen on April 6 but will monitor conditions and remain closed for a longer period if need be. Due dates will be extended until the library reopens.
Capital Improvement Board braces for big losses from COVID-19 outbreak
The head of the Capital Improvement Board of Marion County, which owns and manages the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, on Friday acknowledged there will be an “obvious impact” from the virus.
IndyCar series canceling all races before Month of May in Indy
There were four events on the series’ 2020 schedule before action was set to return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Coronavirus forcing small businesses to rethink strategies
At some small businesses, the spread of the coronavirus is forcing owners to change the fundamental ways they work.
Coronavirus concerns start to impact primary election season
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in Indiana, the primary election season may look different than normal as candidates cancel in-person events and organizers of public forums and debates opt for no audiences.
Thousands of Hoosiers ask about COVID-19 testing, but most get turned away
Thousands of people are calling hospitals and state health offices with concerns, but as of Thursday evening, only 64 Hoosiers had been tested—or about 0.00009% of the Indiana population. The tests have resulted in 12 positive cases.
Lilly teams with Canadian biotech in race to find treatment for COVID-19
The Indianapolis-based drugmaker said it will combine its capability for quickly developing antibodies with AbCellera’s “rapid pandemic response platform,” with the goal of getting a treatment into clinics for human testing within four months.
Virus testing is a ‘failing,’ leaving cases uncounted, experts say
Large-scale testing is a critical part of tracking the spread of infectious diseases and allocating resources for treatment. The lack of comprehensive figures means U.S. health providers could quickly be overwhelmed by undetected cases.
Concert promoter Live Nation, Broadway, Hollywood shutting down over virus
The entertainment industry prepared Thursday for an unprecedented shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, canceling upcoming concerts, movies, suspending all Broadway performances and eliminating live audiences from television shows until it’s safe to welcome crowds back.
UPDATE: Public schools in Marion, Hamilton counties closing
Mayor Joe Hogsett said that left unchecked, the coronavirus “has the potential to wreak untold damage on our families and the very social safety net that protects our most vulnerable residents.”
Gov. Holcomb bans gatherings of 250 or more, makes it easier for schools to close
“This is a time when we must do all we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19, protect our most vulnerable populations and reduce their potential to acquire or spread this virus,” Holcomb said in a statement. “While some actions are drastic, now, not later, is the time to act.”
State total of COVID-19 cases rises to 12 after two more positive tests
The department said it had tested 64 Hoosiers for the virus. No deaths have been reported.
Hoteliers, restaurants brace for loss of revenue from NCAA, Big Ten tourney games
Combined, the events were expected to draw in upwards of $35 million in revenue for local businesses, including hotels and restaurants.
Butler, Ball State, UIndy suspending in-person classes after spring breaks
While Indianapolis-based Butler announced that its switch to virtual instruction would continue at least through April 4, officials for Muncie-based Ball State said they planned to suspend in-person classes through the entire spring semester.