courthousenews--2020-12-16--Covid Death, Hospitalization Records Shattered in LA County

LOS ANGELES ( CN ) — In a month of new Covid milestones where each day seems to surpass the grim records set the day before , Wednesday ’ s report by Los Angeles County officials of over 22,000 new infections and a record-breaking 138 deaths in a single day highlights both the brute force of infection spread and a hospital system about to be overrun .
Health officials said over 4,600 people with Covid-19 are hospitalized as of Wednesday , the most since the start of the pandemic and an increase of about 200 patients from the previous day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were hospitalized .
The rate of infection continues unabated , leaving LA County hospitals bursting at the seams .
In the last 24 hours , the county saw 22,422 new cases — some coming from an approximately 7,000-case backlog from over the weekend .
That figure represents another daily record , which means emergency rooms and hospital staff will soon be overwhelmed .
“ Our hospitals are under siege , ” said Dr. Christina Ghaly with the Department of Health Services during a public briefing .
“ But the worst is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds meant for the sickest patients in intensive care units across LA County are projected to be full in the next month based on the current rate of infection .
Ghaly called the projections “ frighteningly high ” and “ off the grid ” when compared to metrics in the early days of the pandemic .
As many as 5,000 hospital beds and 3,500 ICU beds could be needed in the next 30 days , exceeding the current availability across the entire county .
“ Slowing the spread when 1 in every 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a very different story and astronomically easier than slowing the spread of the virus when 1 in 80 people are infected and infecting others , ” said Ghaly .
Public health officials urged people to stay home over the holidays , wear face coverings and stay distant from people who don ’ t live in their home .
Emergency room doctor Denise Whitfield from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center noted that for nine months , health care workers have had to treat patients who could not draw a full breath and tell family members that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We have dealt with death of patients as well , ” said Whitfield during the county briefing .
“ Looking at our numbers and how these numbers are increasing throughout the county , it ’ s really quite frightening to me.
” The county ’ s death toll stands at 8,568 people and over 539,000 Angelenos have been infected with the novel coronavirus since the start of the pandemic .
Surge procedures will be rolled out at hospitals across the region , but health officials stress space is not the problem — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care for patients .
South of LA in Orange County , mobile hospitals will be established due to the current surge in new cases .
Roughly 1,300 people are hospitalized in Orange County and nearly 300 are in the ICU .
To the east , Riverside County has no available ICU beds , according to a county spokesperson .
Some 980 people have been hospitalized and 180 ICU beds in the Inland Empire county are occupied .
Despite the rollout of some of the nation ’ s first Covid-19 vaccines given to health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be just around the corner .
California Gov .
Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that the Golden State has ordered 5,000 body bags and 60 mobile morgue trucks to brace for what many medical experts have called “ the winter of death .
”

In a month of new Covid milestones where each day seems to surpass the grim records set the day before, Wednesday’s report by Los Angeles County officials of over 21,000 new infections and a record-breaking 138 deaths in a single day highlights both the brute force of infection spread and a hospital system about to be overrun.
LOS ANGELES (CN) — In a month of new Covid milestones where each day seems to surpass the grim records set the day before, Wednesday’s report by Los Angeles County officials of over 22,000 new infections and a record-breaking 138 deaths in a single day highlights both the brute force of infection spread and a hospital system about to be overrun.
Health officials said over 4,600 people with Covid-19 are hospitalized as of Wednesday, the most since the start of the pandemic and an increase of about 200 patients from the previous day. A month ago, just 1,100 people were hospitalized.
The rate of infection continues unabated, leaving LA County hospitals bursting at the seams. In the last 24 hours, the county saw 22,422 new cases — some coming from an approximately 7,000-case backlog from over the weekend.
That figure represents another daily record, which means emergency rooms and hospital staff will soon be overwhelmed.
“Our hospitals are under siege,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly with the Department of Health Services during a public briefing. “But the worst is still before us.”
Roughly 2,500 staffed hospital beds meant for the sickest patients in intensive care units across LA County are projected to be full in the next month based on the current rate of infection. Ghaly called the projections “frighteningly high” and “off the grid” when compared to metrics in the early days of the pandemic.
As many as 5,000 hospital beds and 3,500 ICU beds could be needed in the next 30 days, exceeding the current availability across the entire county.
“Slowing the spread when 1 in every 1,000 people are infected and infecting others is a very different story and astronomically easier than slowing the spread of the virus when 1 in 80 people are infected and infecting others,” said Ghaly.
Public health officials urged people to stay home over the holidays, wear face coverings and stay distant from people who don’t live in their home.
Emergency room doctor Denise Whitfield from Harbor-UCLA Medical Center noted that for nine months, health care workers have had to treat patients who could not draw a full breath and tell family members that their loved ones might not survive.
“We have dealt with death of patients as well,” said Whitfield during the county briefing. “Looking at our numbers and how these numbers are increasing throughout the county, it’s really quite frightening to me.”
The county’s death toll stands at 8,568 people and over 539,000 Angelenos have been infected with the novel coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.
Surge procedures will be rolled out at hospitals across the region, but health officials stress space is not the problem — facilities are short on staff who can care for patients.
South of LA in Orange County, mobile hospitals will be established due to the current surge in new cases. Roughly 1,300 people are hospitalized in Orange County and nearly 300 are in the ICU.
To the east, Riverside County has no available ICU beds, according to a county spokesperson. Some 980 people have been hospitalized and 180 ICU beds in the Inland Empire county are occupied.
Despite the rollout of some of the nation’s first Covid-19 vaccines given to health care workers this week, the worst seems to be just around the corner.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Tuesday that the Golden State has ordered 5,000 body bags and 60 mobile morgue trucks to brace for what many medical experts have called “the winter of death.”


courthousenews--2020-12-16--Georgia Sheriff Argues Against Order Requiring Better Jail Conditions

ATLANTA ( CN ) — An attorney for a Georgia sheriff asked an 11th Circuit panel Wednesday to overturn an order ending a jail ’ s policy of holding mentally ill women in solitary confinement up to 24 hours a day in disturbing conditions .
Ashley Palmer of the Fulton County Attorney ’ s Office told a three-judge panel of the Atlanta-appeals court that the lower court overstepped its authority by requiring Fulton County Sheriff Theodore Jackson and South Fulton Municipal Regional Jail officials to offer mentally disabled prisoners held in solitary confinement at least four hours of out-of-cell time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with serious mental illness are segregated from the general population and held in so-called mental health pods for solitary confinement .
U.S .
Circuit Judge Britt Grant , a Donald Trump appointee , called the allegations regarding conditions inside the pods “ pretty horrific ” during Wednesday ’ s hearing .
Devon Orland , an attorney for the nonprofit Georgia Advocacy Office , the lead plaintiff in the case , detailed the “ repulsive and shameful ” environment inside the jail , telling the panel that women with serious psychiatric disabilities were left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on end .
“ The cells were covered in bodily fluids , rust and mold .
In these conditions , they deteriorated , leaving them incoherent , screaming unintelligibly , laying catatonic , banging their heads against walls , and repeatedly attempting suicide , ” she said .
Orland noted that the defendants in the case have not disputed evidence put forth by experts that the jail was unsafe and unhealthy .
Photos taken during an inspection allegedly show garbage strewn around the cells , toilet water on the floor , a trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feces and blood on the walls , bloody clothes and underwear in the common area , toilets full of garbage , and women lying on their cell floors .
The Georgia Advocacy Office filed a federal class action against Sheriff Jackson and four jail officials on behalf of the inmates in April 2019 , claiming prolonged solitary confinement violates the Eighth and 14th Amendments , the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act .
The sheriff and jail officials have not disputed evidence that solitary confinement is known to exacerbate mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ II , a Trump appointee , ordered officials in July 2019 to track each inmate ’ s cell time and allow them four hours out of their cells at least five days each week .
Officials were also ordered to establish a plan for providing sanitary conditions of confinement and out-of-cell therapeutic activities to each inmate in the pods at least five days a week .
Palmer argued Wednesday that the judge should have given the sheriff and jail staff the opportunity to come up with their own remedy for the situation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ s order required the reallocation of jail funds and an “ upheaval ” by jail staff .
“ [ Courts ] owe wide-ranging and substantial deference to the decisions of prison administrators because of the complexity of prison management .
The fact is that that responsibility is necessarily vested in prison officials and courts are ill-equipped to deal with such problems , ” Palmer told the panel .
She added , “ A court is not in a position to be able to say what happens on a day-to-day basis , especially in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” But U.S .
Circuit Judge Charles Wilson , a Bill Clinton appointee , pushed back on that argument saying it was his understanding that the order “ provides a safety valve for the sheriff to ensure deference to jail administrators when it ’ s necessary for a penological purpose.
” Palmer said the so-called safety valve is “ very limited in scope ” and that provisions built into the judge ’ s plan impose onerous processes on jail staff .
“ Congress has placed strict limits on remedial relief that a court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison .
It must be narrowly drawn and not intrusive .
Here , the court went too far in dictating to the sheriff how he should remedy the alleged constitutional violations , ” she said .
Palmer also told the panel that the injunction expired and can not be revived because Ray did not make his order “ final.
” But Orland said that interpretation was based on a misunderstanding of the law .
“ If in fact the intent [ of the Prison Litigation Reform Act ] was to eliminate a preliminary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ’ ve said after 90 days the court must enter a permanent injunction , ” Orland said .
Grant and Wilson were joined on the panel by Senior U.S .
Circuit Judge Gerald Tjoflat , a Gerald Ford appointee .
The panel did not indicate when it will reach a decision in the case .

An attorney for a Georgia sheriff asked an 11th Circuit panel Wednesday to overturn an order ending a jail’s policy of holding mentally ill women in solitary confinement up to 24 hours a day in disturbing conditions.
ATLANTA (CN) — An attorney for a Georgia sheriff asked an 11th Circuit panel Wednesday to overturn an order ending a jail’s policy of holding mentally ill women in solitary confinement up to 24 hours a day in disturbing conditions.
Ashley Palmer of the Fulton County Attorney’s Office told a three-judge panel of the Atlanta-appeals court that the lower court overstepped its authority by requiring Fulton County Sheriff Theodore Jackson and South Fulton Municipal Regional Jail officials to offer mentally disabled prisoners held in solitary confinement at least four hours of out-of-cell time per day.
Women in the jail with serious mental illness are segregated from the general population and held in so-called mental health pods for solitary confinement.
U.S. Circuit Judge Britt Grant, a Donald Trump appointee, called the allegations regarding conditions inside the pods “pretty horrific” during Wednesday’s hearing.
Devon Orland, an attorney for the nonprofit Georgia Advocacy Office, the lead plaintiff in the case, detailed the “repulsive and shameful” environment inside the jail, telling the panel that women with serious psychiatric disabilities were left in their cells for weeks or months on end.
“The cells were covered in bodily fluids, rust and mold. In these conditions, they deteriorated, leaving them incoherent, screaming unintelligibly, laying catatonic, banging their heads against walls, and repeatedly attempting suicide,” she said.
Orland noted that the defendants in the case have not disputed evidence put forth by experts that the jail was unsafe and unhealthy.
Photos taken during an inspection allegedly show garbage strewn around the cells, toilet water on the floor, a trail of urine flowing from a cell door, feces and blood on the walls, bloody clothes and underwear in the common area, toilets full of garbage, and women lying on their cell floors.
The Georgia Advocacy Office filed a federal class action against Sheriff Jackson and four jail officials on behalf of the inmates in April 2019, claiming prolonged solitary confinement violates the Eighth and 14th Amendments, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act.
The sheriff and jail officials have not disputed evidence that solitary confinement is known to exacerbate mental illness.
U.S. District Judge William Ray II, a Trump appointee, ordered officials in July 2019 to track each inmate’s cell time and allow them four hours out of their cells at least five days each week. Officials were also ordered to establish a plan for providing sanitary conditions of confinement and out-of-cell therapeutic activities to each inmate in the pods at least five days a week.
Palmer argued Wednesday that the judge should have given the sheriff and jail staff the opportunity to come up with their own remedy for the situation. She told the panel that Ray’s order required the reallocation of jail funds and an “upheaval” by jail staff.
“[Courts] owe wide-ranging and substantial deference to the decisions of prison administrators because of the complexity of prison management. The fact is that that responsibility is necessarily vested in prison officials and courts are ill-equipped to deal with such problems,” Palmer told the panel.
She added, “A court is not in a position to be able to say what happens on a day-to-day basis, especially in such a fluid environment as a jail.”
But U.S. Circuit Judge Charles Wilson, a Bill Clinton appointee, pushed back on that argument saying it was his understanding that the order “provides a safety valve for the sheriff to ensure deference to jail administrators when it’s necessary for a penological purpose.”
Palmer said the so-called safety valve is “very limited in scope” and that provisions built into the judge’s plan impose onerous processes on jail staff.
“Congress has placed strict limits on remedial relief that a court may impose on a jail or a prison. It must be narrowly drawn and not intrusive. Here, the court went too far in dictating to the sheriff how he should remedy the alleged constitutional violations,” she said.
Palmer also told the panel that the injunction expired and cannot be revived because Ray did not make his order “final.”
But Orland said that interpretation was based on a misunderstanding of the law.
“If in fact the intent [of the Prison Litigation Reform Act] was to eliminate a preliminary injunction within 90 days, then Congress would’ve said after 90 days the court must enter a permanent injunction,” Orland said.
Grant and Wilson were joined on the panel by Senior U.S. Circuit Judge Gerald Tjoflat, a Gerald Ford appointee. The panel did not indicate when it will reach a decision in the case.


courthousenews--2020-12-17--Massive Snowstorm Clobbers the Northeast

( CN ) — Winter ’ s might hammered the Northeast Wednesday as a relentless and hulking storm not seen in years delivered massive amounts of snow , sleet and ice .
By late afternoon , snowfall blanketed Virginia to New York as the first major snowstorm of the year forced airport closures , delay of Covid-19 vaccine deliveries and power outages .
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm , which hit the Garden State with winds of up to 50 mph .
“ Our theme today ought to be , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it ’ s another , ” he said earlier in the day .
The snowstorm comes in the middle of a pandemic , as several cities closed coronavirus testing sites in anticipation of the wintry weather .
Forecasters from the National Weather Service predict up to 14 inches of snow for New York City , more snow than the city had seen last year .
“ Many locations from eastern West Virginia to far southern Maine are forecast to see a foot of snowfall accumulation , ” the service said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this would be more snow in one event that was seen all of last winter.
” New York Governor Andrew Cuomo asked residents to stay at home during the storm .
“ State and local emergency response assets and personnel have been staged throughout the state and are ready to help keep all New Yorkers safe as this powerful system moves through the Northeast , ” Cuomo said .
“ This is our first major storm of the season , and I ’ m urging the public to stay home this evening and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crews do their jobs and clear the roads .
Just remember – if you ’ re stuck in traffic , our plows are too.
” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took to Twitter to announce that in-person classes would be cancelled Thursday at city schools , but added that remote classes would continue as normal .
“ With a powerful winter storm on the way , we ’ re going to CANCEL in-person learning for @ NYCSchools on Thursday , December 17 , ” he wrote .
“ I know we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow days , but this year is different .
Tomorrow will be a FULL REMOTE learning day for our students.
” Snow fell on the Big Apple at a rate of 2 to 3 inches an hour and isn ’ t expected to slow until 1 a.m .
Authorities had to shut down southbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway after six people were injured in a 27-car pileup shortly after 6 p.m. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued a tractor trailer ban on limited access highways and ordered a closure of all executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ After consulting with the state ’ s emergency management team , we have decided to direct all Level 2 state employees who have been physically reporting to work during this pandemic to stay home out of an abundance of caution as road conditions are expected to severely deteriorate Thursday due to the winter storm , ” Lamont said .
“ I strongly encourage private sector employees consider enacting similar policies for their employees , as road conditions will be rough during the day.
” Maryland State Police received 500 calls from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in collisions .
In Virginia , state police fielded calls to 200 vehicle crashes before evening , including a multi-car pileup that killed two .
Authorities in Pennsylvania reported a 30 to 60 car crash on westbound Interstate 80 that resulted in the death of two and several injuries .
The storm is expected to last until Thursday evening .

Winter’s might hammered the Northeast Wednesday as a relentless and hulking storm not seen in years is forecast to deliver massive amounts of snow, sleet and ice.
(CN) — Winter’s might hammered the Northeast Wednesday as a relentless and hulking storm not seen in years delivered massive amounts of snow, sleet and ice.
By late afternoon, snowfall blanketed Virginia to New York as the first major snowstorm of the year forced airport closures, delay of Covid-19 vaccine deliveries and power outages.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency ahead of the storm, which hit the Garden State with winds of up to 50 mph.
“Our theme today ought to be, ‘If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” he said earlier in the day.
The snowstorm comes in the middle of a pandemic, as several cities closed coronavirus testing sites in anticipation of the wintry weather.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service predict up to 14 inches of snow for New York City, more snow than the city had seen last year.
“Many locations from eastern West Virginia to far southern Maine are forecast to see a foot of snowfall accumulation,” the service said in a statement. “In some areas, this would be more snow in one event that was seen all of last winter.”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo asked residents to stay at home during the storm.
"State and local emergency response assets and personnel have been staged throughout the state and are ready to help keep all New Yorkers safe as this powerful system moves through the Northeast," Cuomo said. "This is our first major storm of the season, and I'm urging the public to stay home this evening and throughout the overnight hours to let our crews do their jobs and clear the roads. Just remember - if you're stuck in traffic, our plows are too."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio took to Twitter to announce that in-person classes would be cancelled Thursday at city schools, but added that remote classes would continue as normal.
“With a powerful winter storm on the way, we're going to CANCEL in-person learning for @NYCSchools on Thursday, December 17,” he wrote. “I know we all grew up with the excitement of snow days, but this year is different. Tomorrow will be a FULL REMOTE learning day for our students.”
Snow fell on the Big Apple at a rate of 2 to 3 inches an hour and isn’t expected to slow until 1 a.m. Authorities had to shut down southbound lanes of the Henry Hudson Parkway after six people were injured in a 27-car pileup shortly after 6 p.m.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont issued a tractor trailer ban on limited access highways and ordered a closure of all executive branch state office buildings to the public.
"After consulting with the state's emergency management team, we have decided to direct all Level 2 state employees who have been physically reporting to work during this pandemic to stay home out of an abundance of caution as road conditions are expected to severely deteriorate Thursday due to the winter storm," Lamont said. "I strongly encourage private sector employees consider enacting similar policies for their employees, as road conditions will be rough during the day."
Maryland State Police received 500 calls from stranded motorists or those who were involved in collisions. In Virginia, state police fielded calls to 200 vehicle crashes before evening, including a multi-car pileup that killed two. Authorities in Pennsylvania reported a 30 to 60 car crash on westbound Interstate 80 that resulted in the death of two and several injuries.
The storm is expected to last until Thursday evening.


Shooting Threat

LOS ANGELES — A California appeals court upheld a finding a high school student made criminal threats by posting a @ @ @ @ @ on his Snapchat account and threatening to bring a gun to school .
The student @ @ @ @ @ but “ it can be inferred ” from the way the app works that the @ @ @ @ @ to see it , and he must have been aware that anyone who saw it @ @ @ @ @

The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.


Lottery Ticket

HARRISBURG , Pa. — An appeals court in Pennsylvania ruled in favor of a grocery store in a dispute over @ @ @ @ @ 4.1 million winning lottery ticket an employee attempted to sell to herself after realizing it @ @ @ @


Foreclosure Fraud

SAN FRANCISCO — Zalathiel Aguila , sentenced to four years in prison for his role in a wire fraud conspiracy @ @ @ @ @ to foreclosure , waived his right to appeal a restitution order , the Ninth Circuit @ @


Luxury Hotel

LOS ANGELES — In a settlement approved by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge , the owners of a @ @ @ @ @ , California , which was built without required permits , have agreed to pay $ @ @ @ @ @ restitution , in addition to the $ 15.6 million penalty already paid to the California @ @ @ @ @ incentivizes Sunshine Enterprises to pay up to $ 500,000 of the fees by providing discounted @ @ @ @ @ and other essential workers , according to the LA district attorney ’ s office .

In a settlement approved by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, the owners of a luxury hotel in Santa Monica, California, which was built without required permits, have agreed to pay $1 million in penalties and restitution, in addition to the $15.6 million penalty already paid to the California Coastal Commission.
LOS ANGELES — In a settlement approved by a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, the owners of a luxury hotel in Santa Monica, California, which was built without required permits, have agreed to pay $1 million in penalties and restitution, in addition to the $15.6 million penalty already paid to the California Coastal Commission.
The settlement incentivizes Sunshine Enterprises to pay up to $500,000 of the fees by providing discounted room rates to first responders and other essential workers, according to the LA district attorney’s office.


Tube Trouble

ST. LOUIS — A ski resort is not liable for a man ’ s injuries in a snow tubing accident @ @ @ @ @ Missouri ruled , because the man signed a release of liability contract before buying tickets @ @ @ @ @ As the man slid down the hill on a rubber inner tub , his foot @ @ @ @ @ slope , breaking his leg in two pieces .


courthousenews--2020-12-17--‘If Not One Thing, It’s Another’: Storm Rolls Into Northeast

NEW YORK ( AP ) — A major snowstorm rolled into the Northeast on Wednesday at a key moment in the coronavirus pandemic , days after the start of the U.S. vaccination campaign and in the thick of a virus surge that has throngs of people seeking tests per day .
Snow was falling from northern Virginia to points north of New York City by late afternoon .
The storm was poised to drop as much as 2 feet ( 0.6 meters ) of snow in some places by Thursday , and the pandemic added new complexities to officials ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sites , figuring out how to handle plowing amid outdoor dining platforms in New York City streets , redefining school snow days to mean another day of learning from home , and more .
“ Our theme today ought to be , ‘ If it ’ s not one thing , it ’ s another , ' ” New Jersey Gov .
Phil Murphy said as he gave residents storm guidance that ’ s new this year — mask up if you help your neighbors shovel .
Still , officials said they didn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disrupt vaccine distribution , which began Monday for frontline health care workers , the first group of Americans to get the shots .
The first 3 million shots are being strictly limited to those workers and to nursing home residents .
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday that the government is tracking the vaccine shipments precisely , has staffers already in place to receive them and believes the companies transporting them can navigate the storm .
“ This is FedEx , this is UPS express shipping .
They know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather .
But we are on it and following it , ” he told Fox News Channel ’ s “ Fox & Friends.
” With 35 vaccine deliveries to New Jersey hospitals expected over the next day or two , Murphy said his administration was focused on making sure they continued , including by exempting vaccine delivery trucks from a storm-related prohibition on commercial traffic on some highways .
New York Gov .
Andrew Cuomo said his state ’ s first-round vaccine shipment had already been distributed to some 90 hospitals , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , well after the storm .
The National Weather Service said the storm was “ set to bring an overabundance of hazards from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast , ” including freezing rain and ice in the mid-Atlantic , heavy snow in the New York City area and southern New England , strong winds and coastal flooding , and possibly even severe thunderstorms and some tornadoes in North Carolina ’ s Outer Banks .
In Virginia , the salvo of snow , sleet and freezing rain knocked out power to several thousand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The state police said that as of 3 p.m. , troopers had responded to approximately 200 crashes , including a wreck on Interstate 81 that killed a North Carolina man .
The heaviest snowfall was expected in central Pennsylvania , where forecasters in the state capital of Harrisburg said a six-decade-old record for a December snowfall could potentially be broken .
A crash in the state killed two people and involved dozens of vehicles on a major highway Wednesday afternoon , police said , while issuing a reminder to “ stay home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary.
” Some areas from West Virginia to Maine could get a foot ( 0.3 meters ) of snow — for some , more than they saw all last winter .
In New York City , officials braced for the biggest storm in about three years .
In addition to the usual rolling out of plows and salt spreaders , the nation ’ s most populous city was adding some pandemic-era preparations to its list , such as closing city-run testing sites Wednesday afternoon and suspending outdoor dining in the sometimes elaborate spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants .
The eateries aren ’ t being required to break down their wooden enclosures and other structures for outdoor dining , currently the only form of restaurant table service allowed in the city .
But they are being told to secure outdoor furniture , remove heaters and take other steps to make way for plows .
The city ’ s snow-removal chief , Acting Sanitation Commissioner Ed Grayson , said the agency had been planning and training since summer to maneuver around the structures .
De Blasio also announced that Thursday would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — for the nation ’ s largest school district .
School buildings will be closed , but students will be expected to go to class online ( many would anyway , as middle and high schools are currently all online , and many families have chosen all-remote learning ) .
“ I know we all grew up with the excitement of snow days , but this year is different , ” the mayor tweeted .

A major snowstorm rolled into the Northeast on Wednesday at a key moment in the coronavirus pandemic, days after the start of the U.S. vaccination campaign and in the thick of a virus surge that has throngs of people seeking tests per day.
NEW YORK (AP) — A major snowstorm rolled into the Northeast on Wednesday at a key moment in the coronavirus pandemic, days after the start of the U.S. vaccination campaign and in the thick of a virus surge that has throngs of people seeking tests per day.
Snow was falling from northern Virginia to points north of New York City by late afternoon. The storm was poised to drop as much as 2 feet (0.6 meters) of snow in some places by Thursday, and the pandemic added new complexities to officials' preparations — deciding whether to close testing sites, figuring out how to handle plowing amid outdoor dining platforms in New York City streets, redefining school snow days to mean another day of learning from home, and more.
"Our theme today ought to be, 'If it's not one thing, it's another,'" New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said as he gave residents storm guidance that's new this year — mask up if you help your neighbors shovel.
Still, officials said they didn't expect the winter blast to disrupt vaccine distribution, which began Monday for frontline health care workers, the first group of Americans to get the shots. The first 3 million shots are being strictly limited to those workers and to nursing home residents.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Wednesday that the government is tracking the vaccine shipments precisely, has staffers already in place to receive them and believes the companies transporting them can navigate the storm.
"This is FedEx, this is UPS express shipping. They know how to deal with snow and bad weather. But we are on it and following it," he told Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends."
With 35 vaccine deliveries to New Jersey hospitals expected over the next day or two, Murphy said his administration was focused on making sure they continued, including by exempting vaccine delivery trucks from a storm-related prohibition on commercial traffic on some highways. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his state's first-round vaccine shipment had already been distributed to some 90 hospitals, with the next delivery not due until roughly Tuesday, well after the storm.
The National Weather Service said the storm was "set to bring an overabundance of hazards from the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast," including freezing rain and ice in the mid-Atlantic, heavy snow in the New York City area and southern New England, strong winds and coastal flooding, and possibly even severe thunderstorms and some tornadoes in North Carolina's Outer Banks.
In Virginia, the salvo of snow, sleet and freezing rain knocked out power to several thousand homes and businesses by Wednesday afternoon. The state police said that as of 3 p.m., troopers had responded to approximately 200 crashes, including a wreck on Interstate 81 that killed a North Carolina man.
The heaviest snowfall was expected in central Pennsylvania, where forecasters in the state capital of Harrisburg said a six-decade-old record for a December snowfall could potentially be broken. A crash in the state killed two people and involved dozens of vehicles on a major highway Wednesday afternoon, police said, while issuing a reminder to "stay home and do not travel unless it is absolutely necessary."
Some areas from West Virginia to Maine could get a foot (0.3 meters) of snow — for some, more than they saw all last winter. In New York City, officials braced for the biggest storm in about three years.
"Take this seriously," Mayor de Blasio warned residents.
In addition to the usual rolling out of plows and salt spreaders, the nation's most populous city was adding some pandemic-era preparations to its list, such as closing city-run testing sites Wednesday afternoon and suspending outdoor dining in the sometimes elaborate spaces that now occupy parking spaces outside some restaurants.
The eateries aren't being required to break down their wooden enclosures and other structures for outdoor dining, currently the only form of restaurant table service allowed in the city. But they are being told to secure outdoor furniture, remove heaters and take other steps to make way for plows. The city's snow-removal chief, Acting Sanitation Commissioner Ed Grayson, said the agency had been planning and training since summer to maneuver around the structures.
De Blasio also announced that Thursday would also be a snow day — 2020-style — for the nation's largest school district. School buildings will be closed, but students will be expected to go to class online (many would anyway, as middle and high schools are currently all online, and many families have chosen all-remote learning).
"I know we all grew up with the excitement of snow days, but this year is different," the mayor tweeted.
Rhode Island, meanwhile, closed state-run coronavirus testing sites for Thursday.
By JENNIFER PELTZ Associated Press


courthousenews--2020-12-17--California Grows at Slowest Rate Since 1900

( CN ) — The rate of population growth in California slowed to its lowest point since 1900 , according to a demographic analysis released by the California Department of Finance on Wednesday .
California ’ s population grew by 21,200 from July 1 , 2019 to July 1 , 2020 , a growth rate of about 0.05 percent , even smaller than the previous lowest rate of 0.23 percent that occurred the year before .
“ Those numbers are really startling , ” said Mark Baldassare , president of the Public Policy Institute of California .
“ This isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past , which was a place in which we saw people from other states and abroad coming to find their way to the California dream.
” Once identified as the land of plenty , California has become increasingly difficult for low-income people who struggle to cope with the high cost of living in coastal regions of the state , while high-income individuals flee the high taxes and intense regulations .
Elon Musk and Larry Ellison recently grabbed headlines after they announced they are fleeing the Golden State for Texas and Hawaii , respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the story , according to the Department of Finance , the coronavirus pandemic also created barriers to migration into the state during the period .
“ It ’ s an open question whether the coastal to inland moves in California have more to do with affordability and lifestyle changes or whether it truly is a few months of Covid movement and the new telework environment , ” said California ’ s chief demographer Walter Schwarm .
California ’ s 10 largest counties by population — including urban coastal counties like Los Angeles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Diego and Orange Counties — lost population during the period , even though international migration to these places was positive .
“ Only Fresno , Riverside , and Sacramento counties had positive population growth from net migration , ” the department said .
“ It is the first time this decade where a majority of these large counties reported loss in net domestic migration.
” Sacramento and Riverside Counties received the most migration inflow , mostly from international migration in the case of Sacramento County , when studying the top 10 counties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest population gain in terms of numeric change .
Sacramento County saw an influx of 13,302 .
By contrast , Los Angeles County lost 40,036 people during the period , by far the largest numeric drop of the 58 counties that comprise California .
Percentage-wise , the biggest drop in population belonged to Butte County , home to Chico and Paradise , where the Camp Fire ripped through in 2018 , displacing hundreds of residents .
“ I think Butte is still a wildfire related loss , ” Schwarm said , noting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been steady since 2018 .
Butte County only lost 8,115 people but it represented a 3.82 % drop in population .
No other county was above a 1.65 % drop and only Plumas and Sutter — two other counties ravaged by wildfire — were above 1 % .
The largest gain by percentage was in El Dorado County , a mostly rural county that touches the southwestern part of Lake Tahoe , where adding 3,210 people was enough to create a 1.71 % increase .
“ El Dorado County reflects more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Schwarm said .
Only El Dorado , Glenn , Yuba , San Benito and Merced Counties posted population gains of above 1 % .
Those counties are mostly rural .
Sacramento County , the urban county with the largest percentage gain , posted a .87 % increase in population during the period .
“ Glenn and Yuba counties received additional population due to shifts related to the Camp Fire in Butte County in 2018 , ” the report states .
“ El Dorado is the highest growth county where the only source of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimates are reached by aggregating data from birth and death counts provided by the California Department of Public Health , along with driver ’ s license information including address change data from the Department of Motor Vehicles .
Schwarm said the data may be noisier this year due to delays in DMV processes because of the pandemic .
The department also uses housing data from local governments , school enrollment data from the California Department of Education and data from the federal government including tax return data .
“ This year will probably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , ” Schwarm said .
Nevertheless , the demographer is confident that the trends of migration out of California , and within the state from the coastal areas to the more affordable inland areas are a continuation of patterns that have held for several years .
“ The biggest takeaway is that it ’ s a very slow growth rate , ” he said .

The rate of population growth in California slowed to its lowest point since 1900, according to a demographic analysis released by the California Department of Finance on Wednesday.
(CN) — The rate of population growth in California slowed to its lowest point since 1900, according to a demographic analysis released by the California Department of Finance on Wednesday.
California’s population grew by 21,200 from July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2020, a growth rate of about 0.05 percent, even smaller than the previous lowest rate of 0.23 percent that occurred the year before.
“Those numbers are really startling,” said Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California. “This isn’t the Golden State of the past, which was a place in which we saw people from other states and abroad coming to find their way to the California dream.”
Once identified as the land of plenty, California has become increasingly difficult for low-income people who struggle to cope with the high cost of living in coastal regions of the state, while high-income individuals flee the high taxes and intense regulations.
Elon Musk and Larry Ellison recently grabbed headlines after they announced they are fleeing the Golden State for Texas and Hawaii, respectively.
While economic drivers are one part of the story, according to the Department of Finance, the coronavirus pandemic also created barriers to migration into the state during the period.
“It’s an open question whether the coastal to inland moves in California have more to do with affordability and lifestyle changes or whether it truly is a few months of Covid movement and the new telework environment,” said California’s chief demographer Walter Schwarm.
California’s 10 largest counties by population — including urban coastal counties like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Clara, San Diego and Orange Counties — lost population during the period, even though international migration to these places was positive.
“Only Fresno, Riverside, and Sacramento counties had positive population growth from net migration,” the department said. “It is the first time this decade where a majority of these large counties reported loss in net domestic migration.”
Sacramento and Riverside Counties received the most migration inflow, mostly from international migration in the case of Sacramento County, when studying the top 10 counties by population. Riverside gained 20,364 for the largest population gain in terms of numeric change. Sacramento County saw an influx of 13,302.
By contrast, Los Angeles County lost 40,036 people during the period, by far the largest numeric drop of the 58 counties that comprise California. Percentage-wise, the biggest drop in population belonged to Butte County, home to Chico and Paradise, where the Camp Fire ripped through in 2018, displacing hundreds of residents.
“I think Butte is still a wildfire related loss,” Schwarm said, noting that the population loss in that county has been steady since 2018.
Butte County only lost 8,115 people but it represented a 3.82% drop in population. No other county was above a 1.65% drop and only Plumas and Sutter — two other counties ravaged by wildfire — were above 1%.
The largest gain by percentage was in El Dorado County, a mostly rural county that touches the southwestern part of Lake Tahoe, where adding 3,210 people was enough to create a 1.71% increase.
“El Dorado County reflects more of the telework factor than affordability,” Schwarm said.
Only El Dorado, Glenn, Yuba, San Benito and Merced Counties posted population gains of above 1%. Those counties are mostly rural. Sacramento County, the urban county with the largest percentage gain, posted a .87% increase in population during the period.
“Glenn and Yuba counties received additional population due to shifts related to the Camp Fire in Butte County in 2018,” the report states. “El Dorado is the highest growth county where the only source of growth was net migration.”
The population estimates are reached by aggregating data from birth and death counts provided by the California Department of Public Health, along with driver’s license information including address change data from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Schwarm said the data may be noisier this year due to delays in DMV processes because of the pandemic. The department also uses housing data from local governments, school enrollment data from the California Department of Education and data from the federal government including tax return data.
“This year will probably require a bigger revision than we normally do,” Schwarm said.
Nevertheless, the demographer is confident that the trends of migration out of California, and within the state from the coastal areas to the more affordable inland areas are a continuation of patterns that have held for several years.
“The biggest takeaway is that it’s a very slow growth rate,” he said.


courthousenews--2020-12-17--California Blocked From Enforcing Stay-at-Home Orders Against San Diego Strip Clubs

SAN DIEGO ( CN ) — A pair of strip clubs became the unlikely heroes in the business industry ’ s fight against California ’ s pandemic-induced stay-at-home orders Wednesday when a state court judge found they could continue operating even as Southern California ’ s ICU capacity dropped to less than 1 % .
San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil issued a 9-page preliminary injunction order in favor of the strip clubs less than an hour following oral arguments in the case .
The injunction also applies to restaurants in San Diego County , which , under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orders temporarily closing outdoor and indoor dining in Southern California .
He found San Diego County and California public health officials should be blocked “ from enforcing the provisions of the cease and desist order , or any related orders including the State ’ s Regional Stay Home Order , that prevent 1 ) plaintiffs from providing live adult entertainment ; and 2 ) San Diego County businesses with restaurant service , such as plaintiffs ’ establishments , from continuing to operate their respective businesses , subject to protocols that are no greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to control the spread of COVID.
” Wohlfeil also found “ Plaintiffs have been devoid of covid , have done nothing to contribute to the spread of covid , and have honored their representations to Dr. Joel Day and the county.
” The pair of strip clubs — Pacers Showgirls and Cheetah ’ s — sued the County of San Diego and its public health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten , Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health within a week of receiving cease and desist orders in October ordering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operations to comply with state guidance issued Aug. 28 .
Wohlfeil issued a temporary restraining order blocking public health officials from enforcing the county ’ s cease-and-desist orders , which was set to expire Wednesday .
“ The State and the County are analyzing the scope of the ruling and discussing next steps which includes seeking clarity from the court .
Until we have clarity , we have suspended enforcement activities against restaurants and live entertainment establishments .
With record numbers of new infections , deaths , and ICUs at capacity , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part .
Please don ’ t gather , socially distance , wear a face covering , and wash your hands , ” county spokesman Michael Workman said .
Over the weekend , Attorney General Xavier Becerra also sent separate cease-and-desist orders to the strip clubs for violating the new stay-at-home policy which was implemented about a month after Wohlfeil ’ s injunction was issued .
The new stay-at-home order bars indoor and outdoor dining , social gatherings and live entertainment of all kinds , including adult entertainment , comedy shows , concerts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patty Li said during the court hearing Wednesday the temporary restrictions on live entertainment are content-neutral and do not single out First Amendment activities by strip clubs .
“ The restriction is based on the risk and characteristics of the type of activities — for live performances , you have people gathered in close proximity .
There is no targeting of expression here , ” Li said .
She noted Southern California ’ s ICU capacity “ is essentially at 0 % — it was at 0.5 % ” and ambulances in San @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patients to full emergency rooms over the weekend .
The state also ordered 5,000 additional body bags Monday as Covid-19 deaths have increased , Li said .
“ This is the most serious moment in this pandemic in the state , in the nation so far .
While this is going on , plaintiffs are open and operating indoors , with close contact and no physical distancing , ” Li said .
Li also pointed out Wohlfeil ’ s initial restraining order blocking enforcement of the county ’ s cease and desist order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” when San Diego County was classified under the “ Red Tier ” system which allowed indoor dining under limited capacity .
Attorney Jason Saccuzzo , representing the strip clubs , told Wohlfeil his clients “ are being treated far less favorably than other forms of speech ” including worship and political expression , which are activities permitted outdoors under the regional stay-at-home order issued Dec. 3 .
“ This is a discrimination against adult entertainment establishments .
There ’ s no apparent reason people can not gather for adult entertainment , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saccuzzo said , suggesting mall parking lots during the holiday season “ are packed.
” Saccuzzo said the state ’ s suggestion that Pacers and Cheetah ’ s could do their live adult entertainment on the internet was not a reasonable alternative .
“ The defendants submit no statistics on increased risk from live adult entertainment because there are none … No single covid case has been traceable to either of plaintiffs ’ establishments , ” Saccuzzo added .
He commended Judge Wohlfeil for issuing the initial temporary restraining order , saying “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important conversation on the limits of executive power in what has turned out to be , in the state of California , an endless emergency , ” Saccuzzo said .
“ If courts don ’ t look at these issues and put some restraints on the executive , what ’ s to come next — are we all going to be under house arrest ?
Will we even have a Constitution ?
This is an issue that involves strip clubs , but it involves an even bigger issue , ” he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19 restrictions on business operations in San Diego and California , tweeted following the ruling : “ Amazing !
Our pressure has worked once again !
” “ I hope it ’ s not too late for the many restaurants hanging on !
God bless you and thank you for your courage , ” Desmond tweeted .
County of San Diego Senior Deputy Attorney Timothy White said the county receives 500 complaints every day for businesses not complying with Covid-19 operating restrictions .
It has sent cease-and-desist letters , once violations have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voluntary compliance from businesses ranging from comedy shows , churches , sororities and fraternities and other businesses , White said .

A pair of strip clubs became the unlikely heroes in the business industry’s fight against California’s pandemic-induced stay-at-home orders Wednesday when a state court judge found they could continue operating even as Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to less than 1%.
SAN DIEGO (CN) — A pair of strip clubs became the unlikely heroes in the business industry’s fight against California’s pandemic-induced stay-at-home orders Wednesday when a state court judge found they could continue operating even as Southern California’s ICU capacity dropped to less than 1%.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Joel Wohlfeil issued a 9-page preliminary injunction order in favor of the strip clubs less than an hour following oral arguments in the case.
The injunction also applies to restaurants in San Diego County, which, under the order are protected from enforcement of stay-at-home orders temporarily closing outdoor and indoor dining in Southern California.
He found San Diego County and California public health officials should be blocked “from enforcing the provisions of the cease and desist order, or any related orders including the State's Regional Stay Home Order, that prevent 1) plaintiffs from providing live adult entertainment; and 2) San Diego County businesses with restaurant service, such as plaintiffs' establishments, from continuing to operate their respective businesses, subject to protocols that are no greater than is essential to further defendants' response to control the spread of COVID.”
Wohlfeil also found “Plaintiffs have been devoid of covid, have done nothing to contribute to the spread of covid, and have honored their representations to Dr. Joel Day and the county.”
The pair of strip clubs — Pacers Showgirls and Cheetah’s — sued the County of San Diego and its public health officer Dr. Wilma Wooten, Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health within a week of receiving cease and desist orders in October ordering the strip club/restaurants to cease live entertainment operations to comply with state guidance issued Aug. 28.
Wohlfeil issued a temporary restraining order blocking public health officials from enforcing the county’s cease-and-desist orders, which was set to expire Wednesday.
“The State and the County are analyzing the scope of the ruling and discussing next steps which includes seeking clarity from the court. Until we have clarity, we have suspended enforcement activities against restaurants and live entertainment establishments. With record numbers of new infections, deaths, and ICUs at capacity, we want to remind everyone to do your part. Please don’t gather, socially distance, wear a face covering, and wash your hands," county spokesman Michael Workman said.
Over the weekend, Attorney General Xavier Becerra also sent separate cease-and-desist orders to the strip clubs for violating the new stay-at-home policy which was implemented about a month after Wohlfeil’s injunction was issued.
The new stay-at-home order bars indoor and outdoor dining, social gatherings and live entertainment of all kinds, including adult entertainment, comedy shows, concerts and the like.
Deputy Attorney General P. Patty Li said during the court hearing Wednesday the temporary restrictions on live entertainment are content-neutral and do not single out First Amendment activities by strip clubs.
“The restriction is based on the risk and characteristics of the type of activities — for live performances, you have people gathered in close proximity. There is no targeting of expression here,” Li said.
She noted Southern California’s ICU capacity “is essentially at 0% — it was at 0.5%” and ambulances in San Diego County were turned away from bringing patients to full emergency rooms over the weekend.
The state also ordered 5,000 additional body bags Monday as Covid-19 deaths have increased, Li said.
“This is the most serious moment in this pandemic in the state, in the nation so far. While this is going on, plaintiffs are open and operating indoors, with close contact and no physical distancing,” Li said.
Li also pointed out Wohlfeil’s initial restraining order blocking enforcement of the county’s cease and desist order “was issued under very different circumstances” when San Diego County was classified under the “Red Tier” system which allowed indoor dining under limited capacity.
Attorney Jason Saccuzzo, representing the strip clubs, told Wohlfeil his clients “are being treated far less favorably than other forms of speech” including worship and political expression, which are activities permitted outdoors under the regional stay-at-home order issued Dec. 3.
“This is a discrimination against adult entertainment establishments. There’s no apparent reason people cannot gather for adult entertainment, but they can shop until they drop.” Saccuzzo said, suggesting mall parking lots during the holiday season “are packed.”
Saccuzzo said the state’s suggestion that Pacers and Cheetah’s could do their live adult entertainment on the internet was not a reasonable alternative.
“The defendants submit no statistics on increased risk from live adult entertainment because there are none … No single covid case has been traceable to either of plaintiffs’ establishments,” Saccuzzo added.
He commended Judge Wohlfeil for issuing the initial temporary restraining order, saying “This court’s TRO accelerated an important conversation on the limits of executive power in what has turned out to be, in the state of California, an endless emergency,” Saccuzzo said.
“If courts don’t look at these issues and put some restraints on the executive, what’s to come next — are we all going to be under house arrest? Will we even have a Constitution? This is an issue that involves strip clubs, but it involves an even bigger issue,” he added.
County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a critic of Covid-19 restrictions on business operations in San Diego and California, tweeted following the ruling: “Amazing! Our pressure has worked once again!”
“I hope it’s not too late for the many restaurants hanging on! God bless you and thank you for your courage,” Desmond tweeted.
County of San Diego Senior Deputy Attorney Timothy White said the county receives 500 complaints every day for businesses not complying with Covid-19 operating restrictions. It has sent cease-and-desist letters, once violations have been documented and verified, to gain voluntary compliance from businesses ranging from comedy shows, churches, sororities and fraternities and other businesses, White said.


courthousenews--2020-12-18--Church Asks Court to Prevent Shutdown of Services From California Covid Restrictions

( CN ) — The Calvary Chapel Church in San Jose appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon seeking a temporary restraining order preventing the state of California and Santa Clara County from imposing Covid-19 restrictions , including preventing the congregants from gathering to worship .
U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman indicated in a hearing held via Zoom that she was unlikely to grant the request , although she acknowledged the tension between the right to worship and public health orders warranted such a hearing .
“ I am inclined to deny the scope of the requested relief , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hearing , but asked the plaintiffs to try and convince her otherwise .
Calvary Church Pastor Mike McClure has captured national headlines for defying court orders to close his church , having been found in contempt by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Peter Kirwan last week for continuing to hold services despite county orders to cease .
“ You have to follow either God or follow man and I have to follow what God ’ s word says , ” McClure said from the courthouse steps in downtown San Jose after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mariah Rose Gondeiro , was in federal court Thursday , arguing that the recent Supreme Court decision that prevented states and local government entities from treating religious and secular institutions differently meant Calvary Chapel should be allowed to operate .
“ The capacity restrictions as construed in California are unconstitutional , ” Gondeiro said .
“ The Supreme Court ruled that the loss of First Amendment rights , even for temporary periods , constitutes harm.
” But Labson Freeman noted that the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case , which included The Roman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history of complying with public health orders , particularly as it related to mask-wearing and social distancing .
Robin Wall , the attorney arguing on behalf of Santa Clara County , took up the judge ’ s point when it came his turn to argue .
“ Plaintiffs do not have a history of compliance , ” he said .
“ They have flouted the rules at every opportunity.
” Perhaps the largest legal obstacle for the plaintiffs is jurisdiction .
Given there is a pending state court case , where there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Freeman indicated it would be inappropriate for the federal courts to assert their sway in the matter .
“ It ’ s clear that Judge Kirwan has given plaintiffs the opportunity and will continue to give them the opportunity to address constitutional issues before the court , ” Labson Freeman said .
Santa Clara County initially filed a lawsuit in state court in reaction to continued defiance from the pastor , but the church then pursued a lawsuit in federal court .
Generally speaking , federal judges are loath to intercede into matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are exceptions .
Labson Freeman said she wanted to get a full argument from both sides , considering the importance of the issues at the heart of the case .
“ No one is suggesting that the issues aren ’ t very critical as you have the First Amendment issue of freedom of religion and free exercise and the public health crisis that we are now in , ” Labson Freeman said .
Todd Grabarsky , arguing on behalf of the state , said the current conditions of the pandemic mean it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use their authority to prevent gatherings .
“ There couldn ’ t be a worse time to enjoin the state ’ s orders , ” Grabarsky said .
There were about 31,000 new cases of Covid-19 in California on Wednesday , according to the Covid-19 Tracker .
It represents an approximately 120 % increase in the two-week average .
There were 1061 cases in Santa Clara County Wednesday , representing a 130 % change in the two-week average .
Five people died in Santa Clara County last week alone .
Hall argued that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the order , only gatherings at the church .
“ Administrative functions at the church may continue but what you can ’ t do is gather there , ” Hall said .
Gondeiro said the church should be allowed to gather , particularly as there has not been a single case of Covid-19 linked to the services that have continued at the church in defiance of county orders .
“ There continue to be gatherings at malls , stores and public transit , ” she said .
Labson Freeman said she would rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order by Monday .

The Calvary Chapel Church in San Jose appeared in federal court Thursday afternoon seeking a temporary restraining order preventing the state of California and Santa Clara County from imposing Covid-19 restrictions, including preventing the congregants from gathering to worship.
(CN) — The Calvary Chapel Church in San Jose urged a federal judge Thursday afternoon to block California and Santa Clara County's Covid-19 restrictions so that its congregants can continue gathering to worship.
U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman indicated in a hearing held via Zoom that she was unlikely to grant the request, although she acknowledged the tension between the right to worship and public health orders warranted such a hearing.
“I am inclined to deny the scope of the requested relief,” Labson Freeman said at the beginning of the hearing as she asked the plaintiffs to persuade her otherwise.
Calvary Church Pastor Mike McClure has captured national headlines for defying court orders to close his church, having been found in contempt by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Peter Kirwan last week for continuing to hold services despite county orders to cease.
“You have to follow either God or follow man, and I have to follow what God's word says,” McClure said from the courthouse steps in downtown San Jose after he was charged.
His attorney, Mariah Rose Gondeiro, was in court Thursday, arguing that the recent Supreme Court decision that prevented states and local government entities from treating religious and secular institutions differently meant Calvary Chapel should be allowed to operate.
“The capacity restrictions as construed in California are unconstitutional,” Gondeiro said. “The Supreme Court ruled that the loss of First Amendment rights, even for temporary periods, constitutes harm.”
But Labson Freeman noted that the plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case, which included The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, had a history of complying with public health orders, particularly as it related to mask-wearing and social distancing.
Robin Wall, the attorney arguing on behalf of Santa Clara County, took up the judge’s point when it came his turn to argue.
“Plaintiffs do not have a history of compliance,” he said. “They have flouted the rules at every opportunity.”
Perhaps the largest legal obstacle for the plaintiffs is jurisdiction. Given there is a pending state court case, where there are contempt charges among other things, Labson Freeman indicated it would be inappropriate for the federal courts to assert their sway in the matter.
“It’s clear that Judge Kirwan has given plaintiffs the opportunity and will continue to give them the opportunity to address constitutional issues before the court,” Labson Freeman said.
Santa Clara County initially filed a lawsuit in state court in reaction to continued defiance from the pastor, but the church then pursued a lawsuit in federal court.
Generally speaking, federal judges are loath to intercede into matters pending in state courts, although there are exceptions.
Labson Freeman said she wanted to get a full argument from both sides, considering the importance of the issues at the heart of the case.
“No one is suggesting that the issues aren’t very critical as you have the First Amendment issue of freedom of religion and free exercise and the public health crisis that we are now in,” Labson Freeman said.
Todd Grabarsky, arguing on behalf of the state, said the conditions of the pandemic mean it is critical that government entities are allowed to use their authority to prevent gatherings.
“There couldn’t be a worse time to enjoin the state’s orders,” Grabarsky said.
There were about 31,000 new cases of Covid-19 in California on Wednesday, according to the Covid-19 Tracker. It represents an approximately 120% increase in the two-week average.
There were 1,061 cases in Santa Clara County Wednesday, representing a 130% change in the two-week average. Five people died in Santa Clara County last week alone.
Wall argued that Calvary Church is not being regulated by the order, only gatherings at the church.
“Administrative functions at the church may continue, but what you can’t do is gather there,” Wall said.
Gondeiro said the church should be allowed to gather, particularly as there has not been a single case of Covid-19 linked to the services that have continued at the church in defiance of county orders.
“There continue to be gatherings at malls, stores and public transit,” she said.
Labson Freeman said she would rule on whether to grant the temporary restraining order by Monday.


Social Media

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
— A federal court in Arkansas denied in part Arkansas state Senator Jason Rapert ’ @ @ @ @ @ suit brought against him by American Atheists and individual plaintiffs who claim they were banned @ @ @ @ @ accounts .


Defamation Suit Tossed

NEW YORK — A federal court in New York dismissed Peter Brimelow ’ s defamation suit against the New York @ @ @ @ @ and the content on his website VDARE as “ white nationalist , ” “ white @ @ @ @ @ anti-Semtic.
” The newspaper was entitled to base its description of Brimelow in one article @ @ @ @ @ ” of his writings and public comments and other articles “ stated only non-actionable opinion @ @ @ @


courthousenews--2020-12-18--California Courts Covid Update

California Courts Covid Update

Dec. 11 , 2020 : Press release regarding screening and other measures Dec. 10,2020 : Proposed order regarding e-filing as @ @ @ @ @ Dec. 10 , 2020 : Self-help centers in both courts are closed due to pandemic @ @ @ @ @ by phone or email Dec. 14 , 2020 : Stanislaus court is closed until further @ @ @ @ @


courthousenews--2020-12-18--Removed From the Bench

Removed From the Bench

FRANKFORT , Ky. — The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld the removal of Judge Dawn M. Gentry from her position as @ @ @ @ @ the state ’ s 16th Judicial Circuit .
In August , the Judicial Conduct Commission @ @ @ @ @ charges stemming from accusations of sexual misconduct and retaliation .


Covid Closures

PECOS , Texas — A U.S. magistrate judge recommended that the owner of the Gage Hotel , located in the @ @ @ @ @ town of Marathon , be permitted to pursue his equal protection claim against a county @ @ @ @ @ of hotels , motels and short-term rental in response to the Covid-19 pandemic .


courthousenews--2020-12-18--California Shatters One-Day Record for Covid Deaths

( CN ) — The Golden State reported a record-shattering 379 Covid-19 deaths and more than 53,000 new cases Thursday , even as health officials in Southern California waved the white flag after running out of intensive care unit beds .
California has become a virus epicenter in the last several weeks with record-breaking deaths , hospitalizations and new infections .
The surge has pushed hospitals to the brink , with over 16,000 Californians hospitalized with Covid-19 and nearly 3,400 in ICUs across the state according to the Public Health Department .
The next few weeks will likely bring many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days the state has seen 106,000 new confirmed cases .
And while cases , hospitalizations and deaths skyrocket across the state , densely populated Los Angeles County has been hit especially hard .
The county saw roughly 14,000 new cases and reported a one-day record of 4,600 people in the hospital and over 130 deaths on Wednesday .
“ We ’ re experiencing an explosive and very deadly surge , ” said LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer during a Wednesday briefing .
“ The virus is still very much with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the county and completely overwhelm our hospital care system.
” The news became more dire Thursday , when state health officials reported the Southern California region — which includes LA , San Diego , Orange , Ventura , San Luis Obispo and six other counties — has no empty ICU beds .
State health officials watched over the last 10 days as ICU capacity precariously dropped across the region , a metric that was meant to gauge how close hospitals were to being overrun .
In the early days of the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brace for such a scenario , but it never came .
Instead , hospitals weathered a mild summer surge .
Now , California has seen a staggering 1.7 million confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic , most of which have occurred in the fall .
Farther north , the San Joaquin Valley region has bounced between zero and 1 % ICU capacity and the Greater Sacramento region reports just 11 % of its ICU beds are empty .
The Bay Area region has 13 % of its ICU beds free while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 25 % capacity .
Any county that dips below 15 % capacity trips a regional three-week stay-at-home order .
Those orders can be extended if ICU capacity does not improve .
Some parts of the state enacted their own stay-at-home orders before they were required .
But some residents think elected officials should do more to stem the spread of the virus .
A coalition of union officials representing health care workers , teachers and two medical experts asked the LA County Board of Supervisors to rollout a “ circuit breaker ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get the virus under control .
“ Hospitals across LA County are bringing in mobile morgues because they know what ’ s coming unless we act decisively , ” said pathologist Dr. Sue Chang , assistant clinical professor at the City of Hope , in a statement to the board .
“ As a physician , my priority is saving lives and keeping people healthy .
I have done all that I can .
I ’ m looking at the Board of Supervisors and asking if they have done all that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue making the false choice between saving lives and saving jobs .
”

The Golden State reported a record-shattering 379 Covid-19 deaths and more than 53,000 new cases Thursday, even as health officials in Southern California waved the white flag after running out of intensive care unit beds.
(CN) — The Golden State reported a record-shattering 379 Covid-19 deaths and more than 53,000 new cases Thursday, even as health officials in Southern California waved the white flag after running out of intensive care unit beds.
California has become a virus epicenter in the last several weeks with record-breaking deaths, hospitalizations and new infections. The surge has pushed hospitals to the brink, with over 16,000 Californians hospitalized with Covid-19 and nearly 3,400 in ICUs across the state according to the Public Health Department.
The next few weeks will likely bring many more hospitalizations.
In the last two days the state has seen 106,000 new confirmed cases. And while cases, hospitalizations and deaths skyrocket across the state, densely populated Los Angeles County has been hit especially hard. The county saw roughly 14,000 new cases and reported a one-day record of 4,600 people in the hospital and over 130 deaths on Wednesday. That was followed by another 14,000 cases and 102 deaths on Thursday.
“We’re experiencing an explosive and very deadly surge,” said LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer during a Wednesday briefing. “The virus is still very much with us and continues to devastate lives throughout the county and completely overwhelm our hospital care system.”
The news became more dire Thursday, when state health officials reported the Southern California region — which includes LA, San Diego, Orange, Ventura, San Luis Obispo and six other counties — has no empty ICU beds.
There are some remaining hospital beds in LA County according to a health department spokesperson in a statement, but those beds “are a finite resource, primarily because we won’t have enough trained staff to meet the continued needs.”
State health officials watched over the last 10 days as ICU capacity precariously dropped across the region, a metric that was meant to gauge how close hospitals were to being overrun. In the early days of the pandemic, state health officials leased surge facilities to brace for such a scenario, but it never came. Instead, hospitals weathered a mild summer surge.
Now, California has seen a staggering 1.7 million confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic, most of which have occurred in the fall.
Farther north, the San Joaquin Valley region has bounced between zero and 1% ICU capacity and the Greater Sacramento region reports just 11% of its ICU beds are empty. The Bay Area region has 13% of its ICU beds free while the northern part of the state stands at 25% capacity.
Any county that dips below 15% capacity trips a regional three-week stay-at-home order. Those orders can be extended if ICU capacity does not improve.
Some parts of the state enacted their own stay-at-home orders before they were required. But some residents think elected officials should do more to stem the spread of the virus.
A coalition of union officials representing health care workers, teachers and two medical experts asked the LA County Board of Supervisors to rollout a “circuit breaker” measure — a strict, month-long lockdown to get the virus under control.
“Hospitals across LA County are bringing in mobile morgues because they know what's coming unless we act decisively,” said pathologist Dr. Sue Chang, assistant clinical professor at the City of Hope, in a statement to the board. “As a physician, my priority is saving lives and keeping people healthy. I have done all that I can. I'm looking at the Board of Supervisors and asking if they have done all that they can, or if they plan to continue making the false choice between saving lives and saving jobs.”


courthousenews--2020-12-18--California Officials Vow to Collaborate on Sea Level Rise

SAN DIEGO ( CN ) — Local and state officials in California vowed Thursday to serve as a united front as they seek state funding to mitigate the anticipated devastating impacts of sea level rise on the Golden State ’ s coast in the years to come .
It is a consensus which has been historically stunted by the fight between environmentalists and coastal homeowners for coastal access and state and local government leaders for resources .
The Local Government Working Group , consisting of representatives from the California State Association of Counties , League of California Cities and California @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priorities for addressing sea level rise statewide in 2021 .
The group ’ s objectives are memorialized in its joint statement on adaptation planning released this past October .
The objectives include flexibility in adaptation planning , incorporating the best available science , phased approaches based on triggers and prioritizing public infrastructure planning , among other goals .
The strategies follow a Legislative Analyst ’ s Office report in August that said sea level rise could cause $ 8 to $ 10 billion in current property to likely be underwater by 2050 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 billion in property at risk during high tides .
But that reality has not snuffed out the fight between wealthy coastal homeowners — whose property is at stake and who want seawalls built to protect it — and environmentalists who argue local and state governments need to consider the controversial policy of “ managed retreat ” in their adaptation plans for sea level rise .
Managed retreat includes moving properties and the built environment away from the coast .
Imperial Beach Councilman Ed Spriggs said the nature of our democracy makes sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If we lived in an authoritarian government , it would be easy for state policies to be implemented if it required all cities to move away from the coast in a certain amount of time , ” Spriggs said .
“ We have another challenge , and that ’ s we are a democracy with three levels — local , state and federal… This has to be built in , baked into everything we do , a reconciliation of state and local interests , ” he added .
Spriggs noted to avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level adaptation strategies by local governments , public education around coastal issues was necessary to get buy-in across the state and money allocated by the Legislature to address the problem .
Coastal Commissioner Sara Aminzadeh suggested the working group needs to implement an education campaign specifically targeted at homeowners and property owners in the coastal zone , including the latest science on anticipated impacts of sea level rise .
She pointed to measures undertaken by CalFire providing homeowners in high danger fire areas maps of how their properties could be impacted by wildfires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It could make a huge difference in dissolving some of the conflict of us versus them , ” Aminzadeh said .
Spriggs noted his community of Imperial Beach — the southernmost beach city in the state — is threatened “ as a whole ” by sea level rise .
He said getting people to understand sea level rise and the adaptations necessary to respond to it is a matter of “ meeting people where they are in terms of common experiences.
” “ Use flooding , El Nino , King Tides as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at it in a practical and experiential way , ” Spriggs said .

Local and state officials in California vowed Thursday to serve as a united front as they seek state funding to mitigate the anticipated devastating impacts of sea level rise on the Golden State’s coast in the years to come.
SAN DIEGO (CN) — Local and state officials in California vowed Thursday to serve as a united front as they seek state funding to mitigate the anticipated devastating impacts of sea level rise on the Golden State’s coast in the years to come.
It is a consensus which has been historically stunted by the fight between environmentalists and coastal homeowners for coastal access and state and local government leaders for resources.
The Local Government Working Group, consisting of representatives from the California State Association of Counties, League of California Cities and California Coastal Commission met virtually to discuss their priorities for addressing sea level rise statewide in 2021.
The group’s objectives are memorialized in its joint statement on adaptation planning released this past October. The objectives include flexibility in adaptation planning, incorporating the best available science, phased approaches based on triggers and prioritizing public infrastructure planning, among other goals.
The strategies follow a Legislative Analyst’s Office report in August that said sea level rise could cause $8 to $10 billion in current property to likely be underwater by 2050, with an additional $6 to $10 billion in property at risk during high tides.
But that reality has not snuffed out the fight between wealthy coastal homeowners — whose property is at stake and who want seawalls built to protect it — and environmentalists who argue local and state governments need to consider the controversial policy of “managed retreat” in their adaptation plans for sea level rise.
Managed retreat includes moving properties and the built environment away from the coast.
Imperial Beach Councilman Ed Spriggs said the nature of our democracy makes sea level rise adaptation difficult to enact.
“If we lived in an authoritarian government, it would be easy for state policies to be implemented if it required all cities to move away from the coast in a certain amount of time,” Spriggs said.
“We have another challenge, and that’s we are a democracy with three levels — local, state and federal… This has to be built in, baked into everything we do, a reconciliation of state and local interests,” he added.
Spriggs noted to avoid property rights lawsuits and resistance to sea level adaptation strategies by local governments, public education around coastal issues was necessary to get buy-in across the state and money allocated by the Legislature to address the problem.
Coastal Commissioner Sara Aminzadeh suggested the working group needs to implement an education campaign specifically targeted at homeowners and property owners in the coastal zone, including the latest science on anticipated impacts of sea level rise.
She pointed to measures undertaken by CalFire providing homeowners in high danger fire areas maps of how their properties could be impacted by wildfires as a potential example to emulate.
“It could make a huge difference in dissolving some of the conflict of us versus them,” Aminzadeh said.
Spriggs noted his community of Imperial Beach — the southernmost beach city in the state — is threatened “as a whole” by sea level rise. He said getting people to understand sea level rise and the adaptations necessary to respond to it is a matter of “meeting people where they are in terms of common experiences.”
“Use flooding, El Nino, King Tides as a starting point. Community education can look at it in a practical and experiential way,” Spriggs said.


courthousenews--2020-12-18--Hollywood Talent Agency Strikes Deal With Writers Guild to End Boycott

LOS ANGELES ( CN ) — The Writers Guild of America restored Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency ’ s ability to represent screenwriters after agreeing Wednesday to end a nearly two-year legal battle over talent packaging fees .
Most TV and film writers hire talent agencies to find them work and negotiate package deals — or contracts that bundle multiple talents for a project — with studios , often on a freelance basis .
The guild accused the talent agencies of negotiating deals that heavily favor studios ’ contract terms while driving down writers ’ wages , decreasing job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For its part , CAA said in federal antitrust counterclaims that the guild stifled entertainment industry competition by directing thousands of its writers — including Tina Fey and Seth MacFarlane — to fire agents who didn ’ t agree with the guild ’ s bid to invalidate the fees .
The joint agreement by CAA and the guild filed Wednesday in the Central District of California withdraws both parties ’ claims .
“ CAA and the WGA have concluded and signed a franchise agreement confirming CAA can resume representing writers and continue the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitions , ” the statement said .
“ We end this year of unprecedented global challenges with the optimism and energy that today ’ s news brings , starting now , and for the years ahead.
” Under the deal , CAA and its private equity owner TPG Capital must reduce their ownership stake in affiliated production companies to 20 % .
The Writers Guild confirmed the deal in a statement to the more than 16,000 writers it represents .
“ CAA may once again represent guild members for covered writing services , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and CAA have also agreed to withdraw the legal claims each has brought against the other in federal court.
” For more than a year , WGA has signed franchise agreements with more than 100 other talent agencies , including United Talent Agency , a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit that signed with the union in July .
The agreements leave William Morris Endeavor , also a plaintiff in the lawsuit , as the only major agency that hasn ’ t signed franchise contracts with WGA .
“ We have reached out to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific terms of their agreement with CAA , but we think today ’ s news is a positive development and suggests a path forward for WME to reach an agreement as well , ” the statement said .
This past April , U.S. District Court Judge Andre Birotte Jr. tossed the bulk of the guild ’ s claims that agencies engaged in unlawful price-fixing with studios when securing package deals for writers they represented .
The guild had also accused CAA , WME and UTA of engaging in an illegal group boycott and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union ’ s labor rules , but Birotte dismissed those claims as well .

The Writers Guild of America restored Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency’s ability to represent screenwriters after agreeing Wednesday to end a nearly two-year legal battle over talent packaging fees.
LOS ANGELES (CN) — The Writers Guild of America restored Hollywood talent firm Creative Artists Agency’s ability to represent screenwriters after agreeing Wednesday to end a nearly two-year legal battle over talent packaging fees.
Most TV and film writers hire talent agencies to find them work and negotiate package deals — or contracts that bundle multiple talents for a project — with studios, often on a freelance basis.
The guild accused the talent agencies of negotiating deals that heavily favor studios’ contract terms while driving down writers’ wages, decreasing job opportunities and cutting into union fees.
For its part, CAA said in federal antitrust counterclaims that the guild stifled entertainment industry competition by directing thousands of its writers — including Tina Fey and Seth MacFarlane — to fire agents who didn’t agree with the guild’s bid to invalidate the fees.
The joint agreement by CAA and the guild filed Wednesday in the Central District of California withdraws both parties’ claims.
In a statement, a CAA spokesperson applauded the agreement.
“CAA and the WGA have concluded and signed a franchise agreement confirming CAA can resume representing writers and continue the important work of helping them realize their ambitions,” the statement said. “We end this year of unprecedented global challenges with the optimism and energy that today’s news brings, starting now, and for the years ahead.”
Under the deal, CAA and its private equity owner TPG Capital must reduce their ownership stake in affiliated production companies to 20%.
The Writers Guild confirmed the deal in a statement to the more than 16,000 writers it represents.
"CAA may once again represent guild members for covered writing services,” the statement said. “WGA and CAA have also agreed to withdraw the legal claims each has brought against the other in federal court."
For more than a year, WGA has signed franchise agreements with more than 100 other talent agencies, including United Talent Agency, a plaintiff in the federal lawsuit that signed with the union in July.
The agreements leave William Morris Endeavor, also a plaintiff in the lawsuit, as the only major agency that hasn’t signed franchise contracts with WGA.
In a statement, WME called Wednesday’s agreement a “hopeful” development.
“We have reached out to the guild to learn more about the specific terms of their agreement with CAA, but we think today’s news is a positive development and suggests a path forward for WME to reach an agreement as well,” the statement said.
This past April, U.S. District Court Judge Andre Birotte Jr. tossed the bulk of the guild’s claims that agencies engaged in unlawful price-fixing with studios when securing package deals for writers they represented.
The guild had also accused CAA, WME and UTA of engaging in an illegal group boycott and blacklisting other agencies that agreed to the union’s labor rules, but Birotte dismissed those claims as well.


Top Eight

Your Thursday night briefing from the staff of Courthouse News Top eight stories for today including environmental groups wrapped up two weeks of hearings in a unique case that could force the oil giant Shell to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions ; Florida ’ s elected clerks have worked their way into the heart of the court system by acting as online cashier and collecting millions of dollars in “ convenience ” fees ; A second Covid-19 vaccine was recommended for emergency use by advisers to the FDA , and more .
Sign up for the CNS Top Eight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top stories delivered directly to your inbox Monday through Friday .
1 . )
Federal investigators warned Thursday a massive U.S. cybersecurity breach thought to be the work of Russian hackers continues to threaten government networks and the private sector .
2 . )
A second Covid-19 vaccine was recommended for emergency use by advisers to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday , meaning distribution nationwide could start as soon as next week .
3 . )
President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday picked North Carolina ’ s top environmental regulator to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmental Protection Agency .
4 . )
For the first time in the nation ’ s history , a Native American has been chosen to lead the department that oversees and manages America ’ s most cherished parks , waterways and tribal lands .
5 . )
Florida ’ s elected clerks have worked their way into the heart of the court system by acting as online cashier and collecting millions of dollars in “ convenience ” fees through a for-profit corporation that is owned by the clerks and avoids sunshine laws .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard arguments Thursday in a case retroactively examining state health officials ’ ability to issue coronavirus safety orders in the face of surging infections and deaths .
7 . )
A group of environmental groups wrapped up two weeks of hearings on Thursday in a unique case that could force the oil giant Shell to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions .
8 . )
French President Emmanuel Macron became the latest world leader to test positive for Covid-19 on Thursday after he showed mild symptoms overnight .

Top eight stories for today including environmental groups wrapped up two weeks of hearings in a unique case that could force the oil giant Shell to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions; Florida’s elected clerks have worked their way into the heart of the court system by acting as online cashier and collecting millions of dollars in “convenience” fees; A second Covid-19 vaccine was recommended for emergency use by advisers to the FDA, and more.
Your Thursday night briefing from the staff of Courthouse News
Top eight stories for today including environmental groups wrapped up two weeks of hearings in a unique case that could force the oil giant Shell to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions; Florida’s elected clerks have worked their way into the heart of the court system by acting as online cashier and collecting millions of dollars in “convenience” fees; A second Covid-19 vaccine was recommended for emergency use by advisers to the FDA, and more.
Sign up for the CNS Top Eight, a roundup of the day’s top stories delivered directly to your inbox Monday through Friday.
National
1.) Federal investigators warned Thursday a massive U.S. cybersecurity breach thought to be the work of Russian hackers continues to threaten government networks and the private sector.
The U.S. Treasury Department building viewed from the Washington Monument, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
2.) A second Covid-19 vaccine was recommended for emergency use by advisers to the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday, meaning distribution nationwide could start as soon as next week.
FILE - In this July 27, 2020, file photo, nurse Kathe Olmstead prepares a shot that is part of a possible COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., in Binghamton, N.Y. Moderna Inc. says it will ask U.S. and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)
3.) President-elect Joe Biden on Thursday picked North Carolina’s top environmental regulator to become the first Black man to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.
FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2017 file photo, Michael Regan listens as North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announces that Regan will lead the Department of Environmental Quality in North Carolina, at the Executive Manson in Raleigh, N.C. President-elect Joe Biden has picked an experienced but not widely known state regulator, Michael Regan of North Carolina, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Regan is head of North Carolina’s environmental agency. (Chuck Liddy/The News & Observer via AP)
4.) For the first time in the nation’s history, a Native American has been chosen to lead the department that oversees and manages America’s most cherished parks, waterways and tribal lands.
Rep. Debra Haaland, D-N.M. removes her face mask to speak during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, May 27, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Regional
5.) Florida’s elected clerks have worked their way into the heart of the court system by acting as online cashier and collecting millions of dollars in “convenience” fees through a for-profit corporation that is owned by the clerks and avoids sunshine laws.
Florida clerks association and Civitek books show assets of $26 million.
6.) The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a case retroactively examining state health officials’ ability to issue coronavirus safety orders in the face of surging infections and deaths.
Patrons fill the bar at the Dairyland Brew Pub in Appleton, Wis., on May 13, 2020. (William Glasheen/The Post-Crescent via AP File)
International
7.) A group of environmental groups wrapped up two weeks of hearings on Thursday in a unique case that could force the oil giant Shell to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Demonstrators hold a banner reading "standing by and watching is no longer an option" outside the court building prior to the start of the court case of Milieudefensie, the Dutch arm of the Friends of the Earth environmental organization, against Shell in The Hague, Netherlands, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. A landmark legal battle opened as climate change activists in the Netherlands go to court seeking an order for energy giant Shell to rein in its carbon emissions. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
8.) French President Emmanuel Macron became the latest world leader to test positive for Covid-19 on Thursday after he showed mild symptoms overnight.