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AG Curtis Hill receives dozens of price-gouging complaints amid coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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Attorney General Curtis Hill said today that consumers have submitted dozens of price-gouging complaints to his office since Gov. Eric Holcomb declared a public health emergency amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Consumers have submitted complaints regarding high prices at superstores, home improvement stores, grocery stores, e-commerce websites and more, Attorney General Hill said. Consumers say these sellers are charging excessive amounts for toilet paper, food, cleaning products and other items.  

“Hoosier consumers should never have to pay exorbitant prices for essential products, especially amid the coronavirus pandemic, which is causing thousands to suffer financial hardships,” Attorney General Hill said.   

Attorneys from the office’s Consumer Protection Division review all price-gouging complaints and contact the consumers who submit the complaints. If it is determined that a seller committed an unfair or unconscionable business practice, the office then considers issuing a cease and desist letter to that seller.

While specific price-gouging authority in Indiana law refers to fuel prices during a state of emergency, the office has the authority to enforce the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act, which permits appropriate enforcement of any unfair, abusive, deceptive or unconscionable conduct. Since 2017, the Consumer Protection Division has processed 34,000 complaints related to identity theft, licensing and consumer issues.

Attorney General Hill encourages consumers who believe they have been subjected to excessive prices for consumer goods during this ongoing public health emergency to file complaints with the Consumer Protection Division. To file a complaint online, click here. Pictures of the prices and product, as well as copies of receipts, are very beneficial in expediting the complaint through the review process.

In addition to price gouging, Attorney General Hill encourages Hoosiers to file complaints with the Consumer Protection Division if they are subjected to other scams. These scams can include robocalls, phishing attempts, fraudulent products and sham work-from-home opportunities.

If you have questions for the Consumer Protection Division, you may call 1-800-382-5516. To sign up for emailed consumer alerts from the Office of the Attorney General, click here.

For up-to-date information about the coronavirus, please visit the Indiana State Department of Health website at https://www.in.gov/coronavirus/. You may also call the department 24/7 at 1-877-826-0011.

JUST IN: Many Americans May Have To Wait Months For Coronavirus Relief Checks

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JUST IN: Many Americans May Have To Wait Months For Coronavirus Relief Checks

The first Americans to get relief payments from the government won’t see checks til mid-April and many will have to wait longer.
By Kasie Hunt and Alex Moe

 

The first Americans to get relief payments from the government under the coronavirus legislation signed into law last month won’t see the money until at least the week of April 13, according to new estimates from the Trump administration provided to House Democrats and outlined in a memo circulated this week by Democrats on the House Ways and Means Committee.

Many people who don’t have direct deposit information on file with the IRS might have to wait months to get the money.

The memo, obtained by NBC News, says that Americans who have their direct deposit information on file will receive their payments in mid-April, “likely” the week of April 13.

The document estimates that about 60 million Americans will receive checks at that point. About three weeks after those deposits go out, the IRS will start issuing paper checks, likely the week of May 4, according to the memo. The office that issues paper checks can process about 5 million checks per week, so it could take 20 weeks – nearly 5 months – to get them all out.

The office will process paper checks for the lowest-income Americans first.

The memo also notes that people on Social Security won’t have to do anything to receive their payments – the rebate will be sent to them just as their Social Security checks are.

Gov. Holcomb, Superintendent McCormick Outline Education Changes for the Remaining School Year

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today signed an executive order requiring all K-12 schools in Indiana to provide instruction via remote learning for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year and outlines options for districts to continue education during the fight against COVID-19. Click here for a link to the executive order: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm

“Students are the future of our state and teachers are the heart of our schools,” Gov. Holcomb said. “While COVID-19 is impacting every classroom, our teachers, administrators, school board members and school staff are going to extraordinary levels to deliver quality learning to students all across our state, even while school buildings are closed. We’ll continue to do everything we can to empower educators and parents, while protecting students’ health.”

To complete the school year, all schools previously received a 20-day waiver to reduce the number of required in-person or remote instruction days to 160. Schools must continue to provide instruction via remote learning until they complete either:

  • 160 instructional days or
  • At least 20 additional days of remote learning between the date of the executive order (today) and the end of the school year. If a school completes 20 days and falls short of the required 160 instructional days, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) can waive the difference.

All K-12 schools will need to submit a plan for review and approval by IDOE by April 17. The plan can include eLearning, extended learning, project-based or portfolio learning, competency-based learning, partnerships with higher education for increased student supports, and other similar methods.

 

The governor, in conjunction with Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick, also directed the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) to provide flexibility for school corporations for students who are to graduate in 2020. A school corporation may issue an Indiana diploma to a student who has done all of the following:

  • Has met all of the course and credit requirements for the specific diploma designation based on a combination of high school credits earned prior to and the course in which a student was enrolled as of March 19, when the governor issued the statewide school closure.
  • Meets any virtual or remote learning participation requirements established by the governing body of the local school corporation in response to the statewide school closure order issued by the governor.
  • Meets any additional graduation requirements established by the governing body of the local school corporation prior to the school closure order issued by the governor.

The executive order also extends teacher licenses expiring between March 1, 2020 and Aug. 31, 2020 until Sept. 1, 2020.

Other deadlines and requirements for the current school year will be reviewed by Dr. McCormick, the executive director of SBOE, and relevant state agencies. They will submit recommendations to the Governor by April 7 for review and further action.

Click here to download public service announcements (PSAs) recorded by the state for your use: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/egf210ognxxyx4h/AADYd7E-tBn7P6gtiLSZUiVBa?dl=0

More information may be found at the ISDH website at coronavirus.in.gov and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

 

Gov. Holcomb to Provide Updates in the Fight Against COVID-19

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Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, the Indiana State Department of Health and other state leaders will host a virtual media briefing in the Governor’s Office to provide updates on COVID-19 and its impact on Indiana.

WHO:             Gov. Holcomb

State Health Commissioner Kristina Box, M.D., FACOG

 

WHEN:           2:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, April 2

Media RSVP

Please register HERE by 1 p.m. ET Thursday, April 2. Late requests will not be accepted. One confirmation will be sent per media outlet. If you are confirmed to attend the event, you will receive additional logistics in a separate email, including details on an opportunity to test the system at 11:15 a.m. today.

Logistical questions can be directed to agray@gov.in.gov.

Media outlets that wish to broadcast the press conference live are encouraged to use the high quality livestream. The livestream is also available to the public. Direct Link: https://livestream.com/accounts/18256195/events/9054752/player?width=960&height=540&enableInfoAndActivity=true&defaultDrawer=feed&autoPlay=true&mute=false

Embed Code:

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VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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https://www.vanderburghsheriff.com/jail-recent-booking-records.aspx

VANDERBURGH COUNTY ARREST WARRANTS

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Vanderburgh County Arrest Warrants

EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

Thornton’s Hit and Run

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   The pictures are from a hit and run incident that occurred on the lot of Thornton’s at 114 S Rosenberger. The incident occurred at about 11:23 p.m. The driver of the vehicle is a female, driving a silver passenger car. If you know the possible ID of the subject, please call the Evansville Police Department’s Hit and Run Unit at 812-436-7941 with the information. 

“IS IT TRUE” APRIL 2, 2020

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We hope that today’s “IS IT TRUE” will provoke honest and open dialogue concerning issues that we, as responsible citizens of this community, need to address in a rational and responsible way?

(Recently we detected an issue where our subscribers may have not been getting breaking news alerts from the City-County Observer. This notification is to let you know that starting today you have been added to receive future news alerts.  If you no longer want to receive future news alerts please opt-out by clicking the  link in your e-mail to unsubscribe)

IS IT TRUE that 50% of things we worry about never happen?…that 30% of things we worry about isn’t important?  …we should only worry about the 20% that directly affects us?

IS IT TRUE we would like to give a special shoutout to local TV Channel 14 for doing a phenomenal job in providing the general public with accurate and non-bias reporting about the Coronarovius crisis?
IS IT TRUE we give Dr. James Porter, President of Deaconess Hospital five (5) cheers for going on television and providing us with accurate and helpful medical updates during this time of crisis?
IS IT TRUE due to the COVID-19 crisis Governor Holcomb signed an Executive Order 20-05  that excused us from being charged a property tax penalties for 60 days.?  …we are told the majority of Vanderburgh County residents may defer paying their property taxes on time since there won’t be a penalty for paying their taxes late?
IS IT TRUE it time that Mayor Winnecke, President of County Council, and the President of the County Commission to openly discuss the current status of the Coronavirus? …they need to stress that the deadly Coronavirus is at our footsteps and tell us how they are going to fight it head-on? …we hope that they will announce that they intend to immediately enforce Governor Holcomb’s “Stay At Home” order?
IS IT TRUE this is not a time to withhold information that has to do with the Coronavirus and the danger because it poses a serious risk to the health of the general public?…any elected official worth a day’s pay would recognize this and should make the appropriate announcements about this threat to the general public?  ….during this time of crisis, we need leaders with political guts and not glory seekers?
IS IT TRUE if you continue to conduct your personal business as normal you could catch this deadly virus and could conceivably become very sick or even die?
IS IT TRUE we give first responders, nurses, doctors, law enforcement, health professionals, delivery persons, hospital administrators, national guard, clergy and grocery store owners and their employees five (cheers) for brave things that they are doing to protect us during this time of crisis?
IS IT TRUE we watched Governors Andrew Como (NEW YORK), Andy Beshear KENTUCKY), J.B. Pritzker (ILLINOIS) speak in detail on how to protect people from the Coronavirus? …they are brutally direct, honest, well informed and well-spoken? …they understand how deadly this virus can be and how to take it head-on?  … it’s also obvious that they are putting ordinary citizens, first responders and health professionals above profits?
IS IT TRUE we been told that many people are extremely disappointed in the way that Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is conducting his news conferences?  …he comes off uninformed and very tentative?  …it’s time for him to surround himself with people with the political guts, charisma, management skills and the vision to stand up and take the Cornoravius head-on?
IS IT TRUE  yesterday Berry Global announced on Wednesday they will temporarily lay off approximately 600 employees for one week beginning April 3, 2020?   …foodservice products for the restaurant industry have seen a decrease in demand was the main reason for the unexpected lay-off?  …we are told that the employees shouldn’t be surprised to hear that the lay-offs may be longer than originally announce?
IS IT TRUE we give five cheers (5) to Vanderburgh Commissioner Ben Shoulders for helping people in need during lunchtime?  … he help with the “Feed Evansville” program last week by preparing lunches for EVSC kids and families during their ‘spring break’?…..Mr. Shoulders also provided a food truck for the First Responders, Confinement Officers and Deputy Sheriffs last week during lunch?
IS IT TRUE that Mayors should coordinate with local governments to ensure that they are speaking with one voice?
IS IT TRUE that Mayors need to find out what their powers would be under a state of emergency?
IS IT TRUE during times like these Mayors must be transparent and honest with their constituents?  …if they aren’t they better not run for re-election?
IS IT TRUE that Mayors should finally realize that the day of telling their constituents to wash their hands and don’t panic is over? …that Mayors should now tell their constituents to wash their hands, social distancing, self-quarantine yourself if you feel sick, honor the “Stay At Home” order and don’t panic?
IS IT TRUE that Mayors should do an inventory of area nonprofits and foundations so they can figure out who can take part in there relief and planning efforts?
IS IT TRUE that Mayors should communicate with people responsible for schools that have a plan for childcare and nutrition as a result of school closings?
IS IT TRUE during times like these “all non-essential” gatherings for any reason should be banned”?
IS IT TRUE that the bond between the Evansville Police Department and the people of Evansville is a strong bond and has been for many years?…the last thing that members of the EPD would want to unknowingly spread this contagion among the good people of River City?
IS IT TRUE don’t be surprised to hear that the County Council will decide to use most of the allocations of COIT funds from 2018, 2019 and 2020 to build a new addition to the Vanderburgh County jail?
IS IT TRUE when the people fear the Government we have Tyranny!  When the Government fears the people we have Liberty?

IS IT TRUE our “READERS POLLS” are non-scientific but trendy?

Today’s “Readers Poll” question is: Should our locally elected officials conduct public briefings concerning their plans to fight the Coronavirus?
Please take time and read our articles entitled “STATEHOUSE FILES, LAW ENFORCEMENT, “READERS POLL”, BIRTHDAYS, HOT JOBS”, EDUCATION, OBITUARIES and “LOCAL SPORTS”.
You now are able to subscribe to get the CCO daily.
If you would like to advertise on the CCO please contact us at City-County Observer@live.com

 

 

Commentary: Self-Government Is Not A Suicide Pact

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Commentary: Self-Government Is Not A Suicide Pact

March 30, 2020  Posted by

By John Krull
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – The coronavirus pandemic will wreak great havoc before it is done, but it also may do at least one good thing.

It just might liberate us from some self-defeating myths.

John Krull, publisher, TheStatehouseFile.com

Chief among them is the notion that government is always the problem.

This has been a persistent false article of faith for nearly half a century. Ever since Jimmy Carter campaigned for the White House as an outsider who pledged to clean up Washington’s post-Watergate cesspool, every successful presidential candidate has presented himself as a rebel storming the gates – one who vows to root out all corruption, even if he has to tear the entire structure down to do it.

It’s now become a cliché to belittle President Donald Trump’s contempt for the institutions and processes of self-government, but the reality is that he did not start this trend. He just is its culmination.

Trump also is the embodiment of the myth’s contradictions.

He ran for the Oval Office by promising to drain the swamp, but, once installed as commander-in-chief, he has worked without pause to ignore, disable or dismantle safeguards designed to ensure ethical conduct and prevent personal profiteering. While promising strong, decisive action, he has worked to undermine the underpinnings of government and chased away the experienced hands who make essential government services function.

We see now, amid this global health crisis, how dangerous and deadly waging war on our own government can be. At a time, when we need the wheels of government to roll smoothly, many of them barely function because we have spent so much time and energy shoving sticks between the spokes.

It’s not fair to blame Trump for the federal government’s lackluster performance in meeting the coronavirus challenge, because, again, he is far from the first to indulge in anti-government rhetoric and maneuvering to get elected.

Nor is it fair to indict just one party. Both Republicans and Democrats have pointed their fingers at the federal government as the cause of all that ails America and then found it almost impossible to lead after they achieved office in the government they claimed to despise.

The fundamental flaws in this “all-government-is-bad” approach have been apparent from the beginning.

In the largest sense, declaring war on the government in a society such as ours is like enacting a suicide pact. Because our government draws its authority from the consent of the governed – our U.S. and state constitutions are the contracts that set forth the terms – we cannot go to battle with our government without opening fire on ourselves. The more we cripple the government that is the expression of our will as free people, the more we wound ourselves.

Savvy leaders have begun to see the dead-end into which they have marched themselves and begun to look for a way out.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, for example, has tried to recast the discussion about taxes and spending. (If all government is bad, then it stands to reason that all taxation is theft.)

He has argued, subtly, that both his party and his state have looked at the question of government wrong. Government actions – and therefore government expenditures – should be considered as investments in public wellbeing, and thus should be judged by their return on investment.

Not simply on whether any investment is required.

It’s an approach that is both mature and, given his party’s aversion to taxation, courageous.

But it also is an approach that carries some risk.

When Holcomb first moved to have Indiana adopt social distancing and other health-and-safety practices both medical professionals and common sense called for, there was pushback. It didn’t come from the governor’s political opponents in the Democratic Party but from his supposed allies.

Several far-right conservatives in the Republican Party contended that Holcomb was expanding the government’s powers during the crisis.

And the government, they argued, was a greater evil than the coronavirus.

Once again, they made the case that self-government is a suicide pact.

Present circumstances should convince us otherwise.

Only the government has the capacity to meet the threat the coronavirus presents.

If the government doesn’t work during these dark days, more people will die.

It’s as simple – and as tragic – as that.

FOOTNOTE: John Krull is director of Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism and publisher of TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

This article was posted by the City-County Observer without bias, opinion or editing.

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