Preliminary totals from the Indiana Department of Health show nearly 77,000 died in the state last year -- an increase of almost 11,000 from 2019.

The Indiana Department of Health will run a commercial during Sunday's Super Bowl emphasizing the importance of COVID-19 precautions and getting the vaccine.

Indiana health officials have lowered the risk level for coronavirus spread in more of the state's counties, leaving only five rural counties in the most dangerous category.

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