The Indiana Department of Health added 4,744 confirmed COVID-19 cases to the state's total Friday, raising it to 583,160. The new cases were recorded Jan. 14. It also added 42 COVID-19 deaths to the state's total, bringing it to 8,872. The deaths occurred between Jan. 12-14.

Hoosier housing experts say the coronavirus has put added pressure on many families. There may be fewer options to live with relatives, leaving more parents and children without a permanent residence. And that can hit the Black community especially hard. A look at the issue through the experience of a single father of five.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on Americans' mental health. Hotline calls have increased. And doctors have seen an increase in depression like symptoms in patients -- even children. Health professionals are encouraging adults to talk to children about mental health and suicide.

A legislative committee hearing this week was disrupted when dozens of people who showed up to testify refused to wear masks -- which are required in the Statehouse.

Hoosiers 70 and older can now register for appointments to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Indiana Department of Health announced the expansion Wednesday.

A bill that would give Hoosier workers the right to refuse employer-mandated vaccines had its first hearing in a committee Wednesday morning. It would go further than current federal laws and excuse workers based on their conscience.

Indiana opened registration beyond first responders and health care workers on Jan. 8, allowing Hoosiers 80 and older to schedule appointments for vaccines. As of Jan. 13, those 70 and older are eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Gov. Eric Holcomb and State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box will host a virtual media briefing to provide updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Health announced Monday a new strain of COVID-19 -- which had previously been identified in the United Kingdom -- is also in Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Health said the variant was identified in the state through testing by the state agency's laboratory and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but Monday's announcement included no additional information on its discovery in the state.