The Indiana State Department of Health reported 18 additional confirmed deaths Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 1,850. The state announced more than 32,000 total confirmed cases, with more than 230,000 Hoosiers tested.

Many parents and students have voiced concerns about celebrations for high school seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools across the state are each taking a unique approach to celebrate their graduates.

Small businesses are still struggling despite federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) is advocating for a bill he helped create that would provide additional help to small business owners financially hit by the pandemic.

The Fort Wayne Community Schools board voted Tuesday afternoon to bring one of the district’s own back to Fort Wayne, approving a three-year contract for Mark Daniel, who will become the district’s next superintendent.

In an effort to help incoming students weather the financial uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Manchester University in North Manchester is offering four years of free tuition to incoming freshmen for Fall 2020.  

Another Noble County resident has died as a result of COVID-19, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

This brings the county’s total of deaths to 21. There have been 189 positive tests in Noble County, and 1,139 tested.

In Allen County, there are now 1,303 positive cases of the disease caused by the coronavirus. Sixty-six residents have died, as of Monday afternoon.

Indiana saw a reduction in daily traffic volume of as much as 57 percent during the “Stay-At-Home” period.

Indiana’s unemployment rate for April skyrocketed to almost 17 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Friday. That is, by far, the highest level of unemployment ever recorded in the state.

Child care is an essential service for many families, and some providers have been forced to close by the pandemic while others worry about what future demand will look like as businesses begin reopening their doors.

A study from 2018 says Indiana loses out on about $1.1 billion of economic activity a year due to a lack of child care. And Early Learning Indiana CEO Maureen Weber says the COVID-19 pandemic could be catastrophic for that number without enough support.