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Gannett Plans Furloughs, Pay Cuts As Media’s Virus Woes Mount

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Gannett Plans Furloughs, Pay Cuts As Media’s Virus Woes Mount

AFP

 

Washington (AFP) – Gannett, the largest US newspaper publisher, said Monday it was making unspecified furloughs and pay cuts for its staff in the latest sign of media turmoil from the coronavirus pandemic.

A memo from Gannett chief executive Paul Bascobert said he would forgo his salary and the executive team would take a 25 percent pay cut as part of the belt-tightening at the group which includes the daily USA Today.

“Our plan is to minimize long-term damage to the business by implementing a combination of furloughs and pay reductions,” Bascobert said in the memo seen by AFP.

“By choosing a collective sacrifice, we can keep our staff intact, reduce our cost structure, deliver for our readers and clients and be ready to emerge strong and with opportunity to grow when this crisis passes.”

Contacted by AFP, the company declined to offer specifics on the cuts.

But The Florida Times-Union, one of the dailies in the group, said a separate staff memo indicated reporters and editors who earn more than $38,000 annually will be scheduled to take an unpaid week off on a rotating basis.

The Gannett actions underscore deepening woes of the media, especially local newspapers, in the face of a pandemic which has cut into advertising and shut down events revenue even as news organizations face demands in covering the crisis.

Gannett agreed last year to a merger with rival GateHouse in a deal aiming for bigger scale to face the challenges of the troubled sector. It now has about 260 newspaper brands and a large digital operation.

Media organizations have been struggling for years amid a shift to digital and mobile news, with hundreds of print publications having been shuttered.

EPA Announces Steps To Protect The Availability Of Gasoline During COVID-19 Pandemic

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced several steps the Agency is taking to protect the Nation’s gasoline supply in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EPA intends to provide additional flexibility to the marketplace to transition from winter-grade, high volatility gasoline to summer-grade low vapor pressure gasoline. Due to the steep fall-off in gasoline demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, gasoline storage capacity is limited and more time is needed to transition the distribution system in order to come into compliance for the summer driving season. EPA will temporarily waive the summer low volatility requirements and blending limitations for gasoline.

Without a waiver of the summer gasoline requirements, parties upstream of retailers and wholesale purchasers would be required to stop selling the winter gasoline sitting in their storage tanks on May 1, 2020, which would prevent them from loading summer gasoline into the storage tanks, resulting in a shortage of gasoline. By waiving the low volatility and blending limitations through May 20, 2020, EPA will ensure a steady supply of gasoline. EPA will continue to monitor the adequacy of gasoline supplies and, should conditions warrant, may modify or extend this waiver at a later date.

Additionally, EPA does not intend to unilaterally revisit or rescind any previously granted small refinery exemptions issued for prior compliance years. As noted in the temporary policy on COVID-19 Implications for EPA’s Enforcement and Assurance Program, issued yesterday, EPA is focused on protecting our employees and ensuring continued protection of public health and the environment from acute or imminent threats during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, investigating and initiating enforcement actions against small refineries that were previously subject to an exemption is a low priority for the agency. EPA intends to develop an appropriate implementation and enforcement response to the Tenth Circuit’s decision in RFA v. EPA once appeals have been resolved and the court’s mandate has been issued.

Finally, in a forthcoming action, EPA intends to extend the RFS compliance date for small refineries to provide them with additional flexibility.

 

Senator Braun’s Guides to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

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U.S. Senator Mike Braun released a number of resource guides regarding the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that will help Hoosiers navigate through the coronavirus.

“My staff and I are here to help Hoosiers, and these guides will help small-business owners, non-profit organizations, veterans, students, and employees across the state navigate the federal response to the coronavirus.  Again, it’s very important for Hoosiers to wash their hands, limit their time in public, help their neighbors, and together we will defeat the coronavirus.“

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Affected Business and Employee Resource Guide

  • The resources contained within this document are a culmination of state and federal efforts to combat the economic crisis created by the public health battle being waged against the novel coronavirus. For help on any issues related to COVID-19 please contact my office using CoronavirusHelp@braun.senate.gov.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Support for Non-Profit Organizations

  • The CARES Act provides non-profit organizations assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic primarily in two ways: provides support to certain nonprofit employers, and incentivizes charitable contributions.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: About The Paycheck Protection Program

  • The CARES Act creates a Paycheck Protection Program for small employers, self-employed individuals, and “gig economy” workers, appropriating nearly $350 billion to mitigate challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Defense-Related Provisions

  • The CARES Act includes $10.5 billion for the Department of Defense to support the military’s response to the Coronavirus and ensure we protect our forces during this vulnerable time in our history. Notable appropriations are listed below.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: About Direct Support Payments to Americans

  • Who is eligible for a recovery rebate? All U.S. residents with adjusted gross income under $75,000 ($112,500 for head of household and $150,000 married), who are not the dependent of another taxpayer and have a work-eligible Social Security Number, are eligible for the full $1,200 ($2,400 married) rebate. They are also eligible for an additional $500 per child. A typical family of four is eligible for a $3,400 recovery rebate.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Education-Related Provisions

  • Stipulates that borrowers will not accumulate interest on student loans for three months, and do not have to make payments on those loans.

Congressional Response to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak: Health Care Systems, Treatments & Vaccines

  • Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (Phase 1): On March 6, 2020, President Trump signed into law an $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat COVID-19. The package provides critical funding to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in response to COVID-19, as well as funding to: help develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, enable the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to procure personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other medical supplies; and give states the boost in the resources needed to combat the virus.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Provisions related to Veterans

  • The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) is receiving $19.6 Billion through the Cares Act. The VA serves as a backup health system in times of crisis—often referred to as the VA’s 4th mission. These funds will help ensure continuity of service to our Veterans, including homeless and low income Veterans, and prepare for the possibility of being activated for 4th mission.

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” March 31, 2020

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“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” March 31, 2020

“Right Jab And Middle Jab And Left Jab” was created because we have a couple of commenters that post on a daily basis either in our “IS IT TRUE” or “Readers Forum” columns concerning National or International issues.
The majority of our “IS IT TRUE” columns are about local or state issues, so we have decided to give our more opinionated readers exclusive access to our newly created “LEFT JAB and Middle Jab and RIGHT JAB”  column. They now have this post to exclusively discuss national or world issues that they feel passionate about.
We shall be posting the “LEFT JAB” AND “MIDDLE JAB” AND “RIGHT JAB” several times a week.  Oh, “LEFT JAB” is a liberal view, “MIDDLE JAB” is the libertarian view and the “RIGHT JAB is representative of the more conservative views. Also, any reader who would like to react to the written comments in this column is free to do so.

EPA Urges States to Support Drinking Water and Wastewater Operations during COVID-19

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler sent a letter to Governors in all 50 states, territories and Washington, D.C. urging them to ensure that drinking water and wastewater employees are considered essential workers by state authorities when enacting restrictions such as shelter in place orders to curb the spread of COVID-19. Supporting water utilities as they work to provide clean water for drinking and handwashing is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ensuring that all Americans have clean and safe water is a high priority for the agency and I want to thank the water sector for their courageous efforts at a time when workforces are being challenged and stretched,” said Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Having fully operational drinking water and wastewater services is critical to containing COVID-19 and protecting Americans from other public health risks. Our nation’s water and wastewater employees are everyday heroes who are on the frontline of protecting human health and the environment every single day.”

Over the past two days, Administrator Wheeler has held teleconferences with water sector stakeholders, including small and rural operators, to acknowledge the importance of their work and identify ways that EPA and its partners can support the sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of these meetings, the Administrator discussed the importance of the steps he outlined in his letter to Governors to ensure that state and local communities consider the water workforce as essential in the process of granting access and credentials to restricted areas in order to sustain critical water and wastewater services. They also discussed the importance of supply chain businesses, including chemical manufacturers and distributors. These businesses support the daily operations of the nation’s water and wastewater facilities and should also be designated as essential.

“The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators appreciates EPA recognizing the critical role of states and water system play in ensuring the delivery of safe drinking water to the public,” said ASDWA Executive Director Alan Roberson. “Continuing the ongoing partnership between EPA, states, water systems and the public is as important as ever during these challenging times.”

“Small community water and wastewater systems are the lifeblood of rural and tribal communities across the country. With more than 97 percent of public water systems and 72 percent of public wastewater systems serving communities of 10,000 people or fewer, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will reverberate in rural and tribal communities for years to come,” said CEO of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Nathan Ohle. “We are grateful to be able to bring the voice of small communities to discussions like this with EPA, and greatly appreciate the opportunity to ensure that small system issues are raised and addressed.”

“National and State Rural Water Associations have implemented emergency protocols to bring the full range of capabilities and resources to assist small systems for the duration of the pandemic,” said Deputy CEO, National Rural Water Association Matthew Holmes. “Literally hundreds of certified operators have volunteered to assist their neighboring systems in case of workforce shortages. NRWA acknowledges that any emergency affecting critical water and wastewater utilities places heightened stresses on the professionals responsible for the public’s safety. My expectation is that these individuals will rise to meet the challenges facing our Nation, and they all deserve increased recognition and gratitude for the service they provide each and every day.”

“Water professionals are doing heroic work to keep water flowing and that assure that citizens stay hydrated, wash their hands and prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said American Water Works Association CEO David LaFrance. “Our preliminary research shows that nearly half of water utilities either already have plans to assure essential workers can live on-site at their jobs or are considering developing those plans. Water workers are literally saving lives, and we owe them our gratitude and support.”

Impaired Driver Arrested after Brief Chase in Stolen Vehicle

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This morning at approximately 8:35, Trooper Rafferty observed the driver of a 2019 Jeep improperly pass several vehicles and disregard the traffic light while traveling south on US 41 at Covert Avenue. Rafferty immediately activated his emergency lights and siren and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued south on US 41 before turning west onto Riverside Drive and eventually driving north on the pedestrian and bike trail. The driver continued north a short distance before veering off the trail and crashing into a wooden fence in the 1200 block of Akin Drive. The driver climbed out of the vehicle through the window and fled west. There were no pedestrians or bicyclists in the area. Troopers were able to identify the driver as Matthew Dunn, 35, of Evansville. Approximately 30 minutes after the crash, a neighbor observed Dunn knocking on a door at a nearby residence. Police were alerted and Dunn was taken into custody without further incident. Dunn was missing one of his shoes and troopers found the matching shoe inside the Jeep. Dunn was extremely incoherent and exhibiting signs and behavior of someone under the influence of illegal narcotics. Dunn submitted to field sobriety tests and failed. Dunn was taken to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital where he was medically cleared for incarceration. A blood test was administered and those results are pending. Further investigation revealed the 2019 Jeep was stolen from Audubon Chrysler in Henderson, KY. Dunn is currently being held without bond in the Vanderburgh County Jail.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Matthew Dunn, 35, of Evansville, IN
  1. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
  2. Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony
  3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
  4. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor
  5. Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor
  6. Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Ross Rafferty, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Sergeant Kylen Compton, Senior Trooper Seth Rainey, Senior Trooper John Davis, Master Trooper Bob Helfrich, Trooper Taylor Fox and Trooper Alex Vennekotter

 

FSSA launches Hoosiers Serving Hoosiers Service To Connect Job Seekers

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Direct support professionals are needed to provide critical care for older Hoosiers and those with disabilities. And child care providers are needed to care for children of first responders, health care and other essential workers, so the rest of us can stay safe and healthy.

The Family and Social Services Administration is working to link Hoosiers willing to serve Hoosiers with these available opportunities. Here’s a video featuring FSSA Secretary Jennifer Sullivan and Division of Workforce Development Commissioner Fred Payne with more on the importance of these critical Hoosiers who serve Hoosiers.

If you are interested in serving Hoosiers, please click here, fill out the form and we will do our best to connect you with opportunities.

Thank you for your interest in serving Hoosiers!

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., Monday, March 30

 

Media RSVP

Please register HERE by 1 p.m. ET Monday, March 30. 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 noon today.

 

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

 

A live stream will be available. Direct Link: https://livestream.com/accounts/18256195/events/9054752/player?width=960&height=540&enableInfoAndActivity=true&defaultDrawer=feed&autoPlay=true&mute=false

 

EPD REPORT

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EPD REPORT

VANDERBURGH COUNTY RECENT BOOKING RECORDS

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

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