Indianapolis will take more steps to open the economy and join the state's phase four plan next week.

The Indiana State Department of Health reported 40 additional confirmed deaths since Tuesday, bringing the state's total to 2,198. The state announced more than 38,000 total confirmed cases, with more than 327,000 Hoosiers tested.

In Indiana, it's difficult to tell what facility might be safest, because the state doesn't require individual nursing facilities to publicly report their cases and deaths from COVID-19. The state reports total cases and deaths, but not where the victims live.

Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group, nation's largest owner of malls, is backing out of a $3.6 billion deal to buy a major rival as the coronavirus pandemic shakes the retail economy.

Stage 4 of the "Back on Track" plan allows groups of up to 250 people to gather. Retail stores no longer have capacity limits, though the state still urges proper social distancing.

Indiana housing advocates say the Hoosier State faces a rental housing crisis with its eviction moratorium set to expire at the end of the month.

Indianapolis Musician Brandon Meeks plays bass in a number of jazz combos, is part of the group Native Sun and teaches jazz performance at University of Indianapolis. For the past year he has been moving more of his work online.

For special education students and their families, finding the right materials and support in schools can be difficult, but the pandemic is forcing schools to rethink what learning looks like -- and how it's delivered.

The state Gaming Commission says casinos can open to the public at reduced capacity beginning June 15.

Career and Technical Education programs across the state are preparing to offer in-person classes to high school students in July. It could be the first time students take classes in a school building since they were closed in March due to the pandemic.