Hospitals set new pandemic record, with 70% of staffed beds in use
The latest surge in COVID-19 cases is taking its toll on Indiana hospitals, which set a new record over the weekend with 70% of all staffed hospital beds currently in use.
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House GOP again tries to expedite bill to limit vaccine mandates, will hold hearing on Dec. 16
Efforts to advance state legislation that would restrict employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates took another unusual turn Friday as Republican leaders scheduled a House committee hearing on the bill for later this month, more than two weeks before the formal legislative session kicks off.
Senate passes stopgap funding bill, avoiding shutdown
The Senate has passed a stopgap spending bill that avoids a short-term shutdown and funds the federal government through Feb. 18, after leaders defused a partisan standoff over federal vaccine mandates. The measure now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.
Holcomb again extends public health emergency in Indiana
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday signed executive orders extending Indiana’s public health emergency for the 21st time.
Lawmakers formally file legislation to limit business vaccine mandates
More than 50 Indiana House Republicans have signed on to a bill filed for the 2022 legislative session that would restrict employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates and put in place actions to end the statewide public health emergency order.
Biden vaccine rule for health workers blocked in 10 states
A federal judge on Monday blocked President Joe Biden’s administration from enforcing a coronavirus vaccine mandate on thousands of health care workers in 10 states that had brought the first legal challenge against the requirement.
More omicron cases pop up as world rushes to learn more
Cases of the omicron variant of the coronavirus popped up in countries on opposite sides of the world Sunday and many governments rushed to close their borders even as scientists cautioned that it’s not clear if the new variant is more alarming than other versions of the virus.
Indiana lawmakers won’t return for one-day session on COVID-19 legislation
Republican legislative leaders have decided against bringing state lawmakers back for a one-day session on Monday to vote on a bill that would have restricted employer COVID-19 vaccine mandates and put in place actions to end the statewide public health emergency order.
For many, expedited bill to weaken vaccine mandates either goes too far or not far enough
A group of nurses who say they were suspended from Ascension St. Vincent for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 told Indiana lawmakers they hope new legislation will help them get their jobs back.
Rokita revises ‘Parents’ Bill of Rights’ to cover curriculum, medical issues
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has released a revised version of his controversial “Parents’ Bill of Rights,” offering additional guidance to Hoosier parents on educational issues such as filing civil rights claims, opting out of curriculum and the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as reminding parents of their right to petition lawmakers regarding their child’s education.
Indiana GOP bill stymies workplace COVID-19 vaccine mandates
Indiana’s governor held back Monday from supporting a proposal by fellow Republicans that would force businesses to grant COVID-19 vaccination requirement exemptions without any questions and block similar immunization rules set by state universities.
US expands COVID boosters to all adults, final hurdle ahead
U.S. regulators on Friday opened up COVID-19 booster shots to all adults, expanding the government’s campaign to shore up protection and get ahead of rising coronavirus cases that may worsen with the holidays.
Indiana governor, GOP lawmakers look to end COVID-19 orders
Indiana’s governor is facing pressure from fellow Republicans to end the statewide COVID-19 public health emergency order that’s been in place since March 2020 even as the state has seen a recent jump of infections and hospitalizations.
GOP-majority court chosen to consider Biden vaccine mandate
Challenges to President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for private employers will be consolidated in 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, a panel dominated by judges appointed by Republicans.
State lawmakers preview priorities at Chamber legislative event
Business tax cuts and nixing government-imposed vaccine mandates will be among the legislative priorities for Indiana Chamber of Commerce next year, and top GOP lawmakers mostly appear to be on the same page.
Brown: New COVID-19 global travel requirements
After almost 20 months of historic restrictions, travelers are once again being welcomed into the United States with proof of vaccination and a negative COVID test.
Appeals court stays vaccine mandate on larger businesses
A federal appeals court on Saturday temporarily halted the Biden administration’s vaccine requirement for businesses with 100 or more workers.
7th Circuit: Prisoner ineligible for relief due to COVID-19 vaccination
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the denial of relief to a man convicted of child pornography crimes, finding that because he is vaccinated against COVID-19, he is ineligible for relief on remand for extraordinary and compelling reasons.
Indiana filing three lawsuits over federal vaccine mandate
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday called for a lawsuit challenging vaccine requirements, directing the Indiana Department of Labor to work with Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita on a lawsuit against the federal government regarding OSHA’s issued ETS.
Holcomb extends COVID-19 orders but change is contemplated
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has extended COVID-19 executive orders through November but suggested they might be scaled back by December.