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HOT JOBS IN EVANSVILLE
Senator Dumped Up to $1.7 Million of Stock After Reassuring Public About Coronavirus Preparedness
Senator Dumped Up to $1.7 Million of Stock After Reassuring Public About Coronavirus Preparedness
(Intelligence Chair Richard Burr’s selloff came around the time he was receiving daily briefings on the health threat)
Soon after he offered public assurances that the government was ready to battle the coronavirus, the powerful chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Richard Burr, sold off a significant percentage of his stocks, unloading between $628,000 and $1.72 million of his holdings on Feb. 13 in 33 separate transactions.
As the head of the intelligence committee, Burr, a North Carolina Republican, has access to the government’s most highly classified information about threats to America’s security. His committee was receiving daily coronavirus briefings around this time, according to a Reuters story.
A week after Burr’s sales, the stock market began a sharp decline and has lost about 30% since.
On Thursday, Burr came under fire after NPR obtained a secret recording from Feb. 27, in which the lawmaker gave a VIP group at an exclusive social club a much more dire preview of the economic impact of the coronavirus than what he had told the public.
Burr is not a particularly wealthy member of the Senate: Roll Call estimated his net worth at $1.7 million in 2018, indicating that the February sales significantly shaped his financial fortunes and spared him from some of the pain that many Americans are now facing.
He was one of the authors of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, which shapes the nation’s response to public health threats like the coronavirus. Burr’s office did not respond to requests for comment about what sort of briefing materials, if any, on the coronavirus threat Burr may have seen as chair of the intelligence committee before his selling spree.
He warned that companies might have to curtail their employees’ travel, that schools could close and that the military might be mobilized to compensate for overwhelmed hospitals.
The luncheon was organized by the Tar Heel Circle, a club for businesses and organizations in North Carolina that are charged up to $10,000 for membership and are promised “interaction with top leaders and staff from Congress, the administration, and the private sector.â€
Burr’s public comments had been considerably less dire. In a Feb. 7 op-ed that he co-authored with another senator, he assured the public that “the United States today is better prepared than ever before to face emerging public health threats, like the coronavirus.†He wrote, “No matter the outbreak or threat, Congress and the federal government have been vigilant in identifying gaps in its readiness efforts and improving its response capabilities.â€
Burr was one of just three senators who in 2012 opposed the bill that explicitly barred lawmakers and their staff from using nonpublic information for trades and required regular disclosure of those trades. In opposing the bill, Burr argued at the time that insider trading laws already applied to members of Congress. President Barack Obama signed the bill, known as the STOCK Act, that year.
Stock transactions of lawmakers are reported in ranges. Burr’s Feb. 13 selling spree was his largest stock selling day of at least the past 14 months, according to a ProPublica review of Senate records. Unlike his typical disclosure reports, which are a mix of sales and purchases, all of the transactions were sales.
His biggest sales included companies that are among the most vulnerable to an economic slowdown. He dumped up to $150,000 worth of shares of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, a chain based in the United States that has lost two-thirds of its value. And he sold up to $100,000 of shares of Extended Stay America, an economy hospitality chain. Shares of that company are now worth less than half of what they did at the time Burr sold.
The assets come from accounts that are held by Burr, belong to his spouse or are jointly held.
Deaconess Has 2nd Patient With Positive COVID-19 Diagnosis
3/19/2020
EVANSVILLE/HENDERSON – Deaconess has received a second positive COVID-19 test result. The patient has been notified and is doing well at home, in quarantine.
In this instance, the patient utilized a free Deaconess Clinic LIVE video visit, and then was sent for curbside testing, facilitated by an employee who was wearing PPE (personal protective equipment).
“This is the ideal circumstance for protecting healthcare workers and other patients from COVID-19,†said Dr. Amanda Bohleber, Chief Transformation Officer, and Medical Director, Telehealth Services. “The patient never had contact with any other patients or came into any of our facilities.â€
Since March 7, Deaconess Clinic LIVE visits have been free, and Deaconess has been expanding capacity with more visits available daily; since the video visits became free, nearly 300 patients have received consult and triage from a Deaconess Clinic provider.
“We are currently seeing 50-60 patients daily (on Deaconess Clinic LIVE), and are working fast to expand to 24/7 coverage to help see even more patients,†said Bohleber. “Due to recent national telehealth law changes, Deaconess has also been able to shift some video visits to Facetime or Google Duo calls, further enhancing our telehealth capabilities.â€
More information about these resources is available at deaconess.com/coronavirus.
Ascension St. Vincent Enhances Visitor Restrictions in North and South Regions
Ascension St. Vincent has updated temporary visitor restrictions at hospitals in the North and South regions to reduce the spread of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. This is being done in alignment with the latest recommendations from public health authorities and city and state officials.
Given the unique circumstances related to COVID-19, the following restrictions reduce the risk of exposure for visitors, patients, caregivers, and associates and have been implemented at Ascension St. Vincent Anderson, Carmel, Clay, Dunn, Evansville, Fishers, Jennings, Kokomo, Mercy, Randolph, Salem, Warrick, and Williamsport.
Hospital entrances – All hospitals have limited hospital entry points.
One visitor per patient at a time
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Age minimum – Visitors must be at least 18 years of age, unless they are an emancipated minor, the parent of a patient or other case-by-case exception.
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Exceptions – Exceptions to visitor restrictions may be made on a case-by-case basis. In particular, compassionate exceptions will be made.
Screening for visitors – All visitors will be screened for the following symptoms:
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Fever greater than 100.0 F
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Cough
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Difficulty breathing
If the visitor screen is negative, the visitation may proceed provided the visitor’s movement within the hospital is limited to the patient’s room.
Ascension St. Vincent appreciates the cooperation of the communities we are privileged to serve.
SBA ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOANS NOW OPEN FOR INDIANA SMALL BUSINESSES
This morning US Small Business Administration Disaster Loans became available to businesses in our region. Information on eligibility, useful forms, and step by step instructions for completing the application are available at the Southwest Indiana Chamber website. If applications online are down, downloadable resources are available on our site. Businesses are encouraged to consult their financial and legal advisors and to contact the Southwest Indiana Chamber and our partners for additional assistance at 812-425-8147.
Information on employment matters — employment opportunities and other services available to support our region’s business community are also posted on the Chamber site. In particular, we encourage employers and employees facing layoff to take advantage of the two live webinars hosted by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD for Hoosiers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The 30-minute live programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, and at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
The program will cover unemployment eligibility requirements, the formula and amounts determined by Indiana State Statute for benefit amounts, frequently asked questions — and how to apply for benefits. To register click here.
Please encourage the public to visit www.swinchamber.com for daily updates on closings and cancellations, business operations resources, restaurant offerings, employment opportunities, and available local business services to help us all during this crisis.
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Mobile Home Fire Results In Fatality Man Identified
A 911 call in reference to a smoke coming from a northern Vanderburgh County mobile home leaves one resident deceased.
On Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 7:02pm, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, along with the McCutchanville, German Township, and Scott Township Fire Departments, responded to a residential structure fire in the 6100-Block of Moline Dr. Vanderburgh County Dispatch had received multiple 911 calls in reference to a mobile home with heavy smoke coming from it with the resident possibly still inside.
Upon arriving on scene, two deputies were approached by neighbors who believed the resident was possibly trapped inside. In an effort to preserve life, the deputies retrieved a door ram and forced entry into the mobile home, which had heavy smoke and visible flames coming from it. Unfortunately, both deputies were stopped by the heavy smoke and were unable to completely make entry or see or hear anyone inside.
Properly equipped firefighters arrived shortly thereafter and made entry into the home and located an unresponsive person. Firefighters removed the resident from the burning home and began providing life saving measures with AMR Paramedics. The resident was unable to be revived.
Firefighters continued fighting the fire until it was determined to be completely extinguished at 7:45pm.
The cause of the fire and circumstances surrounding it are currently being investigated by Investigators from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, McCutchanville Fire Department, German Township Fire Department, the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office.
The identity of the deceased will be released by the Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office at a later time, pending notification of family members.
The victim fire on Moline Dr. in Vanderburgh County has been identified as Harvey B. Mussard, age 53, and a reported resident of the home. An autopsy is scheduled for today (19th) at 16:00 hrs.
Gov. Holcomb Takes More Actions to Protect Hoosiers During Public Emergency
Schools, Economy, Unemployment Insurance Changes Announced
Governor Eric J. Holcomb took additional unprecedented actions today to protect and support Hoosiers during the COVID-19 outbreak by signing executive orders that extend the closure of schools, provide economic relief and protections for individuals and businesses, and expand unemployment insurance benefits for those impacted by job loss.
“Every day we learn more about how to tackle this monster. We are being thoughtful about how to approach every action we are taking in this national public health emergency and putting Hoosiers’ health and safety first,†said Gov. Holcomb.
Daily COVID-19 testing capacity in Indiana has expanded with the addition of a new partnership between the Indiana State Department of Health and Eli Lilly and Company, and at least one other entity has initiated testing this week. In the past 24 hours, about 200 tests have been completed.
“As we increase the number of tests analyzed each day, no one should be caught off guard that the number of positive cases will increase,†said Dr. Kris Box, state health commissioner. “This will help us know where community spread is occurring in Indiana and help us mobilize resources in affected areas.â€
Here is a summary of the covered actions. The Executive Orders, which contain additional actions, will be found at this link: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm
State of Emergency Extension
- The Governor will extend the current state of emergency an additional 30 days when it expires on April 5.
K-12 schools
- All K-12 public schools will remain closed until May 1. Non-public schools are also ordered closed. This date may be revised to extend through the end of the 2019-2020 school year if circumstances warrant.
- All-state mandated assessments will be canceled for the current academic year. The governor has contacted U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to share the state’s plan and also has asked the Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick to pursue any federal waivers needed to cancel the requirements for accountability, chronic absenteeism and state-mandated assessments.
Economy
- The state of Indiana will align with the federal government to delay state income tax payments from April 15 to July 15. The U.S. Treasury extended the deadline to pay federal income tax by 90 days.
- Penalties will be waived for 60 days for property tax paid after May 11. The state will work with counties that may experience cash flow stress because of the delay.
- The state will not immediately move forward with using $300 million in reserves to pay for several capital projects approved in the just-concluded legislative session and instead maintain flexibility to utilize the funds as needed for relief efforts and to maintain current services. The state will consider using bonding authority to move forward with the just-approved capital projects.
- Providers of essential utility services such as gas and electric, broadband, telecom, water and wastewater services are prohibited from discontinuing service to any customer during the public health emergency.
- The state’s application to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was approved on Wednesday. This program provides targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2 million to help small businesses and nonprofits overcome the temporary loss of revenue as a result of coronavirus. See more atSBA.gov/Disaster.
 Unemployment Insurance Benefits
- The state will interpret Indiana’s unemployment laws to the broadest extent possible to cover Hoosiers who are out of work because of COVID-19.
- Benefits will be paid to individuals who file their initial unemployment claims late.
- The Department of Workforce Development will allow individuals to continue to accrue unemployment eligibility if they take work leave because of COVID-19.
- DWD will seek federal authorization to provide unemployment benefits for those who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment, such individuals who have recently started a job.
- For employers, DWD will not assess certain experience rate penalties because of employees who receive unemployment benefits because of COVID-19.
Housing
- No residential eviction proceedings or foreclosure actions may be initiated during the public health emergency. This does not relieve the individual of obligations to pay rent or mortgage payments.
- All public housing authorities are requested to extend deadlines for housing assistance recipients and required documentation to show eligibility for housing programs.
- The Indiana Department of Financial Institutions and Indiana Community Housing Development Authority are required to work with financial institutions to identify tools to help promote housing stability.
Social Services
- Participants in the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program are not required to make premium payments.
- Job search requirements are waived for those applying for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits.
- The Family and Social Services Administration will seek a federal waiver to extend renewals for existing Medicaid and HIP recipients.
- Telehealth services for mental health, substance use disorder and prescribing for Medicaid covered services will be expanded.
Insurance
- The commissioner of the state Department of Insurance will request that insurers institute a 60-day moratorium on policy cancellations for non-payment of premiums. This does not suspend a policyholder’s obligation to make payments.
- The commissioner will ask health insurers to cover COVID-19 testing without requiring prior authorization.
- The commissioner will request that health insurers not increase prices or coverage costs that involve medical care for COVID-19.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
- To limit the number of in-branch transactions, late fees will be waived for several driver’s licenses and identification card renewals, vehicle registrations, titles, and certain other transactions.
- Other operational changes in branches are being instituted to provide for the safety of employees and customers in branches, such as spacing between terminals and limiting the number of customers in the lobby.
Veterans
- Requirements have been relaxed for veterans to qualify for awards from the Military Family Relief Fund.
- Awards in excess of $2,500 may be approved by the IDVA director during the public health emergency.
Health and Professional Licensin
- Mental health professionals are permitted to practice via telemedicine.
- Advance Practice Registered Nurses are allowed to provide services in multiple locations.
- The state health commissioner may waive requirements of the nursing home certificate of need statute to respond to COVID-19 issues for long-term care facilities.
FOOTNOTE: More information may be found at the ISDH website at in.gov/coronavirus/ and the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
AG Curtis Hill warns of scams related to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Attorney General Curtis Hill today asked Hoosiers to be wary of scams as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeps across the globe.Â
In times of crisis, Attorney General Hill said, scams become more prevalent. Scammers and fraudsters often attempt to take advantage of vulnerable consumers during difficult moments.
Attorney General Hill urged Hoosiers to remain vigilant during these hardships and to always be on the lookout for fraudulent activities.
“The unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly left many Hoosiers feeling worried, scared or uncertain about the world around them,†Attorney General Hill said. “Scammers capitalize on challenging times like this to prey on innocent consumers. Falling victim to a scam during this pandemic could have irreversible consequences.â€
The Office of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is actively communicating with health departments, health clinics and retail outlets to stay on top of potential scams and concerns. Cyber scams involving emails or text messages related to the coronavirus have already been reported.
Attorney General Hill offered these tips to avoid phishing scams during the coronavirus pandemic:
- Be on alert for communications with dangerous attachments or fraudulent links.
- Treat any emails or texts with subject lines or information about coronavirus with caution.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments.
- Always verify the email addresses of those who send you emails.
- Use trusted, legitimate government websites to obtain up-to-date information.
- Don’t reveal personal or financial information via email or text message.
- Verify the authenticity of a charity before donating money.
Attorney General Hill also asked Hoosiers to avoid fraudulent products that claim to test for, prevent or treat coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have said there are currently no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products commercially available to treat or cure the virus.
“It’s a shame that in these already tough times, scammers are trying to make consumers’ lives even more difficult,†Attorney General Hill said. “But by exercising caution, you can avoid them.â€
Check back regularly here for Office of the Attorney General consumer-related updates and alerts.
To submit a price-gouging complaint, the Office is encouraging Hoosiers to utilize the online consumer complaint form. You can find the form by going to www.indianaconsumer.com and clicking “File a Complaint.â€
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.
DEACONESS CONFIRMS FIRST POSITIVE COVID-19 RESULTEVANSVILLE/HENDERSON –
 Deaconess is confirming our first positive COVID-19 test result.
The patient was sent for curbside testing at Deaconess Midtown from one of our outpatient facilities in Henderson.
The patient has been contacted, and is doing well on home quarantine. We have also received several negative results in the past 12 hours. Both Indiana & Kentucky health departments have been notified.