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ACLU Charges that AG Curtis Hill Ignores Indiana Constitution With Demands That Inmates Be Released

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Attorney General Curtis Hill is opposing efforts by the American Civil Liberties Union to bring about the release of inmates held in Indiana jails and prisons amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a petition filed March 30, the ACLU declared that the Indiana Supreme Court should engage in “emergency rulemaking” in order to enable certain inmates to leave correctional facilities and “shelter at home” during the current public health emergency.

This week, Attorney General Hill filed a memorandum with the court opposing the ACLU’s position.

“The ACLU’s unprecedented request for the court to assume the power to manage prisons and jails is constitutionally and procedurally improper,” Attorney General Hill said. “Administration of the Indiana Department of Correction and Indiana’s prisons belongs in the executive branch of state government.”

The Indiana Constitution expressly recognizes the separation of powers among the executive, legislative and judicial branches, Attorney General Hill noted, and stipulates that “no person, charged with official duties under one of these departments, shall exercise any of the functions of another.”

On a practical level, Attorney General Hill added, the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) has remained vigilant during the pandemic. The agency, he said, has closely followed guidelines established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“IDOC has for several weeks adopted policies, protocols and practices designed to ameliorate the risks of COVID-19 in Indiana prisons,” Attorney General Hill said. “Particularly given existing procedures to address individual cases, the court has no urgent need to take action that may destabilize these undertakings.”

Attached are Attorney General Hill’s memorandum and a supporting document.

INDOT Launches Temporary Permit Program for Food Trucks to Operate at Highway Rest Areas

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INDOT Launches Temporary Permit Program for Food Trucks to Operate at Highway Rest Areas

Online application allows licensed food truck operators to serve essential travelers

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Department of Transportation announced today the launch of a temporary program to permit licensed food trucks to operate at rest area locations on Indiana interstate highways to provide food and beverage options for commercial truck drivers and motorists engaged in essential travel during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The program will provide needed options for truck drivers, many of whom are reporting limited availability of food and beverages options near highways across the country due to restaurants and other businesses following public health guidelines in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, including closing dining rooms and in some cases reducing hours of service.

Rest Area SignIn accordance with the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Notice of Enforcement Discretion titled “Operation of Commercial Food Trucks in Federally Funded Interstate Highway Rest Areas”, issued April 3, 2020, INDOT will temporarily permit food trucks to service rest areas and welcome centers statewide.  These permits are a temporary measure taken to address needs ancillary to essential travel during the COVID-19 State of Emergency.

INDOT will issue two (2) permits for food trucks to operate between the hours of 7:00AM and 7:00PM each day on a first-come, first-served basis for each of the following rest area locations.

Rest Area TablePermits will be valid until canceled by INDOT or the national federal emergency status is lifted.

Interested applicants should review the “Indiana Rest Area and Welcome Center Temporary Permit Application for Food Truck Service” document available at https://www.in.gov/indot/restareas.htm or INDOT’s COVID-19 response webpage at https://www.in.gov/indot/4037.htm.

Only complete applications will be considered. All submitted applications must include:

1) Proof of a current liability insurance policy;

2) A valid operating registration, license or permit from the Indiana State Department of Health, a local health department, or other valid issuing authority as required under IC 16-42-1-6 and 410 IAC 7-24-107; and

3) Proof of Registration and good standing with the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State.

If granted a permit, Applicants will be required to comply with all permit terms detailed in the permit application and permit form documents.

Submit completed applications by email to INDOTFoodTruckRequest@indot.in.gov. Applications are being accepted immediately.

Kentucky Adopts New CDC Guidance Recommending Use Of Cloth Masks

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Kentucky Adopts New CDC Guidance Recommending Use Of Cloth Masks

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 6, 2020) – Gov. Andy Beshear on Saturday said the efforts of all Kentuckians are needed in the fight against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Governor is asking all Kentuckians to continue to fight the spread of the virus by following his 10-step guidance, which includes practicing social distancing and staying healthy at home. Gov. Beshear says these efforts have the potential to save the lives of as many as 11,000 Kentuckians.

“How great would it be if we could look back five years from now and say, ‘Well, it wasn’t easy, but we did what it took and we saved 11,000 lives,’” Gov. Beshear said. “I think that’s something worth sacrificing for. I know it’s something worth sacrificing for.”

The Governor said social distancing is the key to blunting a surge in cases and urged Kentuckians not to let their guards down during a weekend filled with favorable weather.

Gov. Beshear also reiterated the need for churches and other houses of worship to forego holding in-person services, following reports that some intended to continue hosting congregations.

“If you are still holding mass gatherings, church or otherwise, you are spreading the coronavirus and you are likely causing the death of Kentuckians. It’s that clear,” he said. “My church is incredibly important to me. My faith is incredibly important to me. It’s an important part of our families’ lives. We care about each other in this state, and our faith guides us and gives us the wisdom to do the right thing to protect each other.”

This guidance is critical as it has become harder and harder to locate personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential equipment for health care workers and health care facilities.

“We were trying to buy any ventilator we can, but virtually every order is getting bought out either by the federal government or being sent directly to one of the hot spots,” the Governor said. “It’s a challenge, but we go to work and we fight for everything we can get each and every day.

“We’re looking for ways we can manufacture PPE and critical equipment. If you are a Kentucky company and you think you can do any of this, give us a call. If we create our own manufacturing base to create PPE, we will be in a better place than just about any other state. If you can manufacture it, we will buy it.”

A new hotline (1-833-GIVE PPE) and website (giveppe.ky.gov) streamline the entire donation process. In addition, PPE donations now will be accepted at all 16 Kentucky State Police posts across the commonwealth and at Transportation Cabinet offices in Louisville and Lexington.

The Governor said a good window into how maintaining social distance helps reduce infections can be found looking at the regular seasonal influenza numbers in Kentucky.

“Flu also spreads in a way to where if you practice social distancing, it cuts down on cases of the flu. And, Kentucky, you’ve done that,” Gov. Beshear said, noting a significant drop off in new seasonal flu cases reported since social distancing was widely adopted.

In an added measure, Gov. Beshear said Kentucky is adopting on a voluntary basis the new guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending that people wear cloth masks in some situations.

“No one outside of a health care provider ought to be wearing an N95 mask. If you are doing that, it means that someone who desperately needs it doesn’t have it,” the Governor said. “Our same test of being a good neighbor when it comes to testing and hospital beds applies here now too. If you are wearing a surgical mask, we ought to really think about whether there is a health care provider that should have that.”

Gov. Beshear also stressed that wearing a cloth mask is a measure to be added to social distancing, not to replace it.

The new CDC guidance on masks can be found here.

While the sacrifices and changes to our daily lives are great, the Governor said everything Kentuckians are doing brings us closer to the day that the COVID-19 fight is won.

“We are going to get through this. We are going to get through this together,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s going to be a tough road. It’s going to be difficult days. But we’re going to make it. We’re going to come out on the other side and rebuild. We’re going to be a prosperous Kentucky where we can all get out and see each other and celebrate birthdays, anniversaries together again. We will get there again.”

Acting secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Eric Friedlander addressed how the state is taking extra steps to help Kentuckians with needed benefits.

“To get Medicaid coverage, we have taken a 20-page application and made it one,” Secretary Friedlander said. “We want anyone who does not have insurance to sign up. By getting coverage, you are helping everyone, including our health care professionals.”

Case information
As of 5 p.m. April 4, Gov. Beshear said there were at least 917 cases of COVID-19 in Kentucky, 92 of which were newly confirmed.

Officials have confirmed that more than 16,663 people have been tested, but the Governor said that the real number of tests likely was larger as there is some lag in reporting from different labs.

There were three new deaths reported Saturday, raising the state’s toll to 40 deaths related to the virus.

“While three is certainly less than we’ve had the last two days, these are three people who are loved and cared about by their family and their friends. That loss is just as important as any loss that we’ve reported.”

He said the new deaths included a 56-year-old woman from Fayette County, a 52-year-old woman from Bullitt County and an 81-year-old man from Boone County.

Gov. Beshear talked about one of Kentucky’s coronavirus victims, sharing his story as detailed by Mandy McLaren in The Courier-Journal of Louisville.

She wrote about 49-year-old bricklayer ARon Jordan from Ashland, who fell ill while on a worksite in Detroit and died on March 31.

“He was in Detroit, doing a job, and insisted he be helped up there and quarantined up there, to not bring it home to his family. Now think about that,” Gov. Beshear said. “He made a decision even in his last moments in life that he would protect them rather than maybe get that connection, that closer connection that maybe would have helped him during that period. It’s the type of sacrifice and his family’s sacrifice that they are making in their most difficult time to make sure this is very real for all of us.”

Read about other key updates from the week by visiting Gov. Beshear’s website, governor.ky.gov.

More information
Gov. Beshear has taken decisive action to protect all Kentuckians since the first case was confirmed in the commonwealth. To read the full list of actions Gov. Beshear has taken to limit the spread of the coronavirus, visit governor.ky.gov/covid19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to follow these steps to prevent illness. Kentuckians who want advice can call the state hotline at 800-722-5725 or call their local health care provider. To read Gov. Beshear’s news releases and watch other news regarding COVID-19 visit governor.ky.gov.

Each day at 5 p.m. ET, Gov. Beshear holds briefings for Kentuckians that are streamed online at his Facebook and YouTube pages.

Gov. Beshear continues to urge Kentuckians to be cautious of rumors and depend on proven and good sources of news, including governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

HAPPENINGS AT VANDERBURGH COUNTY GOP

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gop
Central Committee:
     Wayne Parke, Chairman
     Mary Jo Kaiser, Political Director
     Dottie Thomas, Vice Chairman
     Lon Walters, Secretary
     Farley Smith, Treasurer
     Kevin Harrison, Editor  
News and Upcoming Events for April 7, 2020

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Governor Extends stay-at-home order through April 20:
Last week Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-17 to extend Indiana’s public health emergency, and followed yesterday with the signing of Executive Order 20-18 officially extending Indiana’s stay-at-home order. These directives serve to  protect Hoosiers during the ongoing health crisis by:
  • Extending Indiana’s stay-at-home order for two weeks. The stay-at-order now runs through April 20, 2020.
  • Extending Indiana’s public health emergency declaration for another 30 days, now expiring on May 5, 2020

 

  Read the full context of Executive Order 20-17 HERE.

Read the full context of Executive Order 20-18 HERE .

Last week the Governor Holcomb also provided guidance for Indiana schools regarding state requirements for attendance, graduation, etc…, by signing  Executive Order 20-16 (EDUCATION MATTERS AND COVID-19). Highlights of the Executive Order 20-16 include:
    • Schools that reached 160 instruction days will be considered to have completed a full academic year.
    • Schools short of 160 instruction days are required to provide at least 20 additional days of remote learning between now and the end of the academic year.
      • If a school completes 20 days of e-learning and still fall shorts of the required 160 instructional days, IDOE can waive the difference.
    • Seniors enrolled in graduation-track courses will receive credit towards graduation for those courses, and they’ll be given the flexibility needed to earn their Indiana high school diploma.
    • Freshman, sophomores and juniors will need to complete their credit requirements, and it will be local schools’ decision on whether that credit has been earned.
    • Local districts have until April 17 to submit continuous learning plans to the Indiana Department of Education.
    • School buildings are to remain closed unless being used for other needs outlined by the state.
    • Expiring teacher licenses will be extended through September 1, 2020.
  Read the full context of Executive Order 20-16 HERE.

 2020 Primary Election Update – Important Dates:   

 In conjunction with the Indiana Election Commission’s approval of the June 2 Primary,  dates of importance from the updated Election Calendar are:

  • Monday, May 4: Voter Registration Deadline
  • Tuesday, May 5: Early Voting Begins In Person
  • Friday, May 8: End of Pre-Primary Election Campaign Finance Reporting Period
  • Thursday, May 14: Traveling Boards Begin
  • Thursday, May 21: Deadline for a Request for an Absentee By-Mail Ballot to Be Received by the Clerk or Board of Elections and Registration
  • Sunday, May 31: End of Pre-Primary Supplemental Campaign Finance Large Contribution Reporting Period
  • Monday, June 1: Deadline for Traveling Boards & Noon Deadline for Early Voting
  • Tuesday, June 2: Primary Day (noon is the deadline to return absentee ballots)
The Election Commission’s full actions can be found here, along with an updated election calendar in the appendix.

 2020 Primary Election Update: 
 
Voter Registration Period for the 2020 Primary has been  extended to
Monday, May 4, 2020.

Registration can be done online or by mail as follows:

Register to Vote Online: Register to vote online by visiting indianavoters.com. Indiana residents with a valid Indiana driver’s license or Indiana state-issued identification card will be able to use this tool to submit a new voter registration application or to update an existing voter registration record.

Register to Vote by Mail : To register to vote or update your current registration by mail, you will need to complete and return the Voter Registration Form (VRG-7) on or before May 4, 2020. ONLY the version of the state voter registration form (VRG-7) published on the Indiana Secretary of State Election Division website will be accepted by the Vanderburgh County Voter Registration office. Return the completed form to the Vanderburgh County Voter Registration office or the Indiana Election Division by midnight, May 4, 2020.

Get a copy of form VRG-7: Voter Registration Application by visiting the Indiana Voter Portal HERE
Mail your completed VRG-7 form to : Vanderburgh County Voter Registration
Civic Center Complex, Room 214
1 NW M.L. King, Jr. Blvd

Evansville, IN. 47708

For more information visit the Vanderburgh County Voters Registration webpage, or call 812-435-5222.


2020 Primary Election Update:
 
Absentee Voting to begin Tuesday, May 5, 2020

The first day that a voter may vote an absentee ballot for the 2020 Primary Election has been changed to Tuesday May 5, 2020.  Early voting at the Election Office will be 8:00 am – 4:00 pm weekdays starting Tuesday May 5, 2020  and conclude at Noon on Monday June 1, 2020.

To vote absentee by mail:
 Request an APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT by contacting the Vanderburgh County Election Office at 812-435-5122, or by downloading the APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT found on the Vanderburgh County Clerk Elections web page .
Mail the completed  APPLICATION FOR ABSENTEE BALLOT  to:
Vanderburgh County Election
P.O. Box 3343

Evansville, IN 47732-3343

 The revised deadline for absentee-by-mail applications to be received by the Election Office for the 2020 Primary Election is 11:59 p.m., Thursday May 21, 2020. 
 If you have any questions, please call the Election Office at 812-435-5122.
 The Vanderburgh County Election Office is located at : Civic Center Complex, Room 216
1 NW ML King Jr. BLVD ,Evansville, IN

 

The VCRP is in need of poll workers for the June 2, 2020 Primary Election. To be a poll workers you must be a registered voter residing in Vanderburgh County. Additionally, poll workers cannot be a close relative to a candidate whose name appears on the ballot, and cannot be the chairman or treasurer of the committee of the candidate whose name appears on the ballot.
Vote Center Poll Worker compensation is $275 for Inspectors, $195 for Republican Judges and$195 for Republican Clerks. Training is a requirement.   For more information or to volunteer to be a Republican poll worker contact the Vanderburgh County GOP at 812-425-8207 or Email VCRP Political Director Mary Jo Kaiser at beamerjo59@gmail.com

EVSC Board of School Trustees Meeting-
 For more information visit the Board of School Trustees web page.

 VCRP Central Committee Meeting – CANCELLED
Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 if you have any questions.

 The Evansville Civic Center is CLOSED to the public until further notice.
 Visit www.evansvillegov.org for City of Evansville information.

 City Council Meeting-
For more information visit the

City Council webpage

 County Council Meeting-
 For more information visit

County Council webpage

 County Commission Meeting-
 For more information visit

County Commissioners webpage

VCRP Monthly April Breakfast

CANCELLED

 Contact Mary Jo Kaiser at 812-425-8207 if you have any questions.

Mayor’s Message on the 2020 Census:
(from April 1, 2020 Facebook post)
 Although our focus is understandably on the current public health crisis, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke reminds us of the importance of completing the US 2020 Census.
Watch the Mayor’s  message to “choose to shape our community’s future by responding to the 2020 Census” HERE.
                               Click to Watch

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Social distancing is the most important, effective tool we have to defeat COVID-19-and a growing coalition of Indiana-based partners is committed to equipping everyone in our state with the knowledge and the resources to stay connected and motivated. Here’s how you can join the fight, play your part and keep us working together. 
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is closely monitoring a pandemic of the 2019 novel (new) coronavirus or COVID-19. ISDH is working with federal and local partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to respond to this evolving public health situation.Please consult this page for updated news and guidance on the COVID-19 outbreak.

State, federal tax filing deadlines extended for Hoosiers
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Hoosiers will have an additional three months to file their state and federal taxes. Originally set for April 15, the deadline to file has been extended to July 15. This extension applies to both individuals and corporations, and Indiana’s Department of Revenue offers income tax forms for individuals and businesses with the updated corresponding submission date.
Learn more HERE.

Tips for managing stress during COVID-19 pandemic (from 04/03/20 News Update)
Many of us are feeling overwhelmed as we focus on the tremendous impact of COVID-19, whether it’s worrying about our health, loved ones, community or nation.
While we establish a “new normal,” the stress of working remotely, teaching our children at home and practicing social distancing can also be a lot to handle. To help cope and protect your mental health, try these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
  • Take care of your body with exercise and healthy eating;
  • Set aside time for activities you enjoy;
  • Maintain connections;
  • Establish a routine;
  • Be self-aware of distressed feelings or being overwhelmed; and
  • Take breaks from COVID-19 coverage.

The CDC also offers specific guidance for adults and first responders, and the Indiana Department of Education offers guidance for parents on talking to kids about the coronavirus.

There are also local, state and federal resources available for those who are struggling and need extra assistance:

Indiana 211 (2-1-1)
A free service helping Hoosiers quickly find needed resources.
Deaconess Cross Pointe (812-476-7200)
A health care service for emotional, behavioral and addiction-related needs.
Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990)
A free call center giving support to people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
A local 24/7 hotline.
A local mental health and behavioral care provider.
A free confidential support system for those in distress.

Understandably, this is a stressful time for many. As we all do our part to combat this virus and keep our bodies healthy, let’s also remember to take care of our mental health.

Let’s work together to support our community   (from 04/03/20 News Update)

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting many aspects of our daily lives, and as we all do our part to protect ourselves and each other, some may be looking for ways to help their communities and neighbors.

Here are five ways Hoosiers can help:

Contribute To Your Local Food Bank: Aside from making cash donations, consider reaching out to local food banks to see what can be done to help others in the community. They have plans in place for preventing the spread of the virus. Visit Feeding America’s website to find a food bank near you, and please contact them directly to see what they need and how you can help.

Check In With Neighbors: Consider checking-in with elderly neighbors by phone or via social media. Picking up groceries for others is a great way to help, just be sure to leave the items at a secure location, like a porch, in order to limit contact.

Donate Blood: Social distancing has prompted numerous blood drive cancellations, leaving the current supply critically low. If you are healthy, visit the American Red Cross’ website or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule a donation.

Support Local Businesses: While dining rooms are temporarily closed, many local restaurants offer carryout and curbside services. Check local listings for available menu options and take a look at Visit Indiana’s statewide guide of restaurants with pickup options. Consider purchasing gift cards from local businesses and contributing to fundraisers to help.

Sew And Donate Face Masks: According to Indiana hospitals, orders for standard/disposable masks are on long back-orders, due to both demand and supply chain issues. While fabric masks are not to be used in the care of COVID-19 patients, according to the CDC, fabric masks are a crisis response option when other supplies have been exhausted. Fabric masks can also be helpful in other areas of patient care as supplies of personal protective equipment are depleted. Follow these instructions on how to make face masks. Organizations that need masks can also request them through the Deaconess database connecting individuals and companies for this important effort.

For a list of resources and the latest information on what Indiana is doing to address the coronavirus, visit IN.gov/Coronavirus.

Stay in touch with GOP state legislators representing our area (click links below):

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President Donald J. Trump Approves Indiana Disaster Declaration
President Donald J. Trump declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Indiana and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic beginning on January 20, 2020, and continuing. Federal funding is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures

Senator Braun’s Guides to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: 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.  LEARN MORE HERE

Coronavirus Information for Hoosiers: Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, Senator Young’s office created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are available.  LEARN MORE HERE

Stay in touch with GOP members of Congress representing our area (click links below):

Visit the Vanderburgh GOP 

page for daily updates.

  Mark Your calendar                CLICK on event for more information
May 4
Voter Registration Ends
May 5
Early Voting at the Election Office Begins
May 18 Early Voting at Libraries Begins
May 21 Deadline to Request Absentee-by-Mail Ballot
May 23 Early Voting on Saturdays Begins
May 29 Last Day for Early Voting at Libraries
May 30 Last Day for Saturday Early Voting
June 1 (Noon) Early Voting at the Election Office End
June 2 Primary Election Day

  Make sure you add vandygop@gmail.com to your address book so we’ll be sure to land in your inbox!

If you have any questions, contact Mary Jo Kaiser, VCRP Political Director, at

or (812) 425-8207.
for more info. Thank you.

BREAKING NEWS: VANDERBURGH COUNTY NOW UNDER TRAVEL WATCH

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BREAKING NEWS: Coronavirus Confirmed In 48 First-Responders In Indianapolis

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4:15 p.m., April 7

Coronavirus Confirmed In 48 First-Responders In Indianapolis

Marion County officials announced Tuesday that 11 more first-responders in Indianapolis have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past four days, bringing the total to 48.

The Marion County Emergency Operations Center’s latest numbers show 20 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers, 21 Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters and seven Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services employees have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Five of those firefighters, two of the emergency medical employees and one of the police officers have recovered from the virus, been cleared by a medical professional and returned to work.

Indianapolis first responders who test positive for COVID-19 are self-quarantined at home and monitored for any progression of symptoms. Those individuals return to work only after being medically cleared by a doctor.

IMPD has more than 1,600 police officers who serve in 78 beats across Indianapolis. IFD is made up of more than 1,200 firefighters who serve neighborhoods from 43 fire stations. IEMS’ workforce is made up of more than 350 EMTs and paramedics.

—

Breaking News: Acting Navy Secretary Resigns Amid Flap Over Coronavirus-Hit Ship

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Acting Navy Secretary Resigns Amid Flap Over Coronavirus-Hit Ship

By Courtney Kube and Mosheh Gains
Thomas Modly was facing a backlash over his stinging remarks about Capt. Brett Crozier.
By Courtney Kube and Mosheh Gains

 

Acting Navy Secretary Thomas Modly has resigned, two defense officials said, a day after he ridiculed and then apologized to a captain he had ousted for raising concerns about a coronavirus outbreak on his aircraft carrier.

Modly offered to quit in a Tuesday morning conversation with Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the officials said. Esper accepted his resignation and has selected Under Secretary of the Army James McPherson to replace Modly as acting Navy secretary, according to the officials.

The revelation comes after Modly’s stinging remarks about Capt. Brett Crozier, broadcast over the loudspeakers on the USS Theodore Roosevelt on Monday, drew criticism from lawmakers and disapproval from President Donald Trump.

The controversy began last week when Crozier, the commanding officer of the Theodore Roosevelt, sent a strongly worded memo to a broad array of Navy officials begging for help amid a COVID-19 outbreak on the ship. The memo leaked to the press and generated a series of headlines.

Crozier was relieved of his command last Thursday. Modly said at the time he made the decision because Crozier went outside the chain of command and exposed sensitive information.

Video emerged a day later showing throngs of Theodore Roosevelt crew members cheering for Crozier as he walked off the ship.

APRIL 3, 202001:19

“If he didn’t think, in my opinion, that this information wasn’t going to get out into the public, in this day and information age that we live in, then he was either A, too naive or too stupid to be a commanding officer of a ship like this,” Modly said.

Modly, in a statement released after a purported transcript of the remarks as reported by several news outlets, didn’t back down.

“I stand by every word I said,” the statement read.

But several hours later, after Trump voiced support for Crozier, Modly released a new statement apologizing for his remarks.

“Let me be clear, I do not think Captain Brett Crozier is naïve nor stupid,” Modly said. “I think, and always believed him to be the opposite.”

Kenneth Braithwaite, the U.S ambassador to Norway, was formally nominated to replace Modly as secretary of the Navy but he is still awaiting Senate confirmation.

Tips for managing stress during COVID-19 pandemic

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Many of us are feeling overwhelmed as we focus on the tremendous impact of COVID-19, whether it’s worrying about our health, loved ones, community or nation.
While we establish a “new normal,” the stress of working remotely, teaching our children at home and practicing social distancing can also be a lot to handle. To help cope and protect your mental health, try these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Take care of your body with exercise and healthy eating;
  • Set aside time for activities you enjoy;
  • Maintain connections;
  • Establish a routine;
  • Be self-aware of distressed feelings or being overwhelmed; and
  • Take breaks from COVID-19 coverage.

The CDC also offers specific guidance for adults and first responders, and the Indiana Department of Education offers guidance for parents on talking to kids about the coronavirus.

There are also local, state and federal resources available for those who are struggling and need extra assistance:

Summer I Classes Moved to Online Instruction

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Our highest priority at the University of Evansville is the health and well-being of our community. As the COVID-19 virus continues to be a significant threat in our region, the University has decided that Summer I classes (May 18 – June 19) will continue to be offered through online instruction. For our full community-wide message, please visit or coronavirus section of our website at: https://www.evansville.edu/coronavirus/update-2020-04-06-summer-I.cfm.

Students at the University of Evansville shape powerful and enduring change. UE is the first in Indiana to be designated as an Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, and its changemaking culture empowers students to improve the world around them as UE Changemakers. With over 80 majors in the arts and sciences and pre-professional programs, UE’s diverse student body represents 44 states and 52 countries. U.S. News & World Report recognizes UE as the #6 Best College in the Midwest among private schools. For more information, please visit www.evansville.edu

View Online: http://evansville.meritpages.com/news/Summer-I-Classes-Moved-to-Online-Instruction/15048