Community organizations addressing COVID-19 response and recovery in Indianapolis will receive grants from a program investing $1 million to address health disparities.

The number of Indiana students enrolled in programs for disabilities declined this school year, the first dip in at least four years and the latest sign of the disruption caused by the pandemic. About 14,000 preschoolers had diagnosed disabilities, down more than 11%.

The Indiana Department of Health reported 69 additional confirmed deaths over the last week. That brings the states total to 13,267 confirmed deaths. The state also reported more than 3,200 new cases in the last week the fewest reported in a single week since July 2020.

IU's incentive program will have at least two student winners and one employee winner selected for three weeks beginning June 10 at each of its campuses across the state.

So far, about a third of Marion County residents are vaccinated, but city officials want to have half of the county with shots by July 4.

Indiana University Health will require all its doctors, nurses and other employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sept. 1.

While Indiana lags behind many other states in the rate of COVID-19 vaccinations, incarcerated Hoosiers are accepting the vaccine at a higher rate than the general population.

Fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to enter public areas of the four courthouses of the federal Southern District of Indiana without wearing a face covering or observing social distancing.

This policy change comes after several GOP legislators and Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita argued state law does not allow the university to make such a requirement.

A new COVID-19 vaccine registration hotline is intended to help increase vaccinations amongst all Marion County residents.