The Indiana Department of Health reported 502 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 8,613 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 37,500 new cases in the last week.

Registration opened to Hoosiers aged 80 and older on Friday, which represents about 4 percent of the population.

On Chicago's Southwest side, a colorful mural pays tribute to Americas essential workers. It features three of the community's very own: Rosalinda, a retail clerk; Javier, a postal carrier and Juan, a butcher shop worker. Underneath their portraits are the words El Corazon de Chicago: The heart of Chicago.

Health officials say Marion County is experiencing a bump in cases after the holidays.

In some counties, initial doses have already become available for teachers, while others are still waiting without much information about when they'll get their shot.

The next vaccination steps announced Wednesday come after vaccinations of Indiana health care workers began Dec. 16 and extended to nursing home residents and staffers last week.

Indiana has used less than half of the total vaccine doses it's received so far. But Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lindsay Weaver said many more appointments are scheduled through the end of January and no vaccine will be wasted.

The bill would protect businesses, hospitals, schools and other institutions from being sued by an individual claiming to have been exposed to COVID-19 while on the premises.

A group of about 20 protesters rallied outside the Statehouse Tuesday against Gov. Eric Holcomb's public health emergency orders.

The 24/7 access helpline was launched in July to support the mental health needs of Hoosiers during the COVID-19 pandemic.