courthousenews--2020-11-06--New Allegations Emerge Against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton

DALLAS ( CN ) — Two anonymous sources claim that Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had an affair with a woman whom he later helped get a job with a campaign donor who is tied to criminal corruption allegations against him .
The sources , who fear retaliation and spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity , alleged Paxton admitted the affair to his senior staff in 2018 .
Paxton allegedly said he ended the affair and that the mistress worked for an unidentified Republican state senator .
Paxton ’ s wife is state Senator Angela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paxton and his wife walked into the meeting holding hands , saying he was recommitted to his marriage .
The disclosure was reportedly made due to it being an election year and concern it would become public .
Paxton went on to defeat Democrat Justin Nelson with 50.6 % of the vote .
According to the Associated Press , Austin real estate developer and Republican campaign donor Nate Paul said in a deposition this week that Paxton recommended the woman to him for a job but Paul explicitly denied he hired her as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul was being deposed in a civil case against several of his companies .
Staffers for Paxton and his wife did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Thursday evening .
Paul ’ s lawyer , Michael Wynne , said his client has hundreds of employees and he can not “ invade their privacy including to inquire about their personal lives ” under state and federal law .
The bombshell allegations come one month after seven of Paxton ’ s senior staff members revolted against him , reporting him to federal officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office charges for investigating creditors , the FBI and Texas Rangers on Paul ’ s behalf .
Paxton had appointed Houston attorney Brandon Cammack as an outside special prosecutor to handle the investigation .
Cammack had a Travis County grand jury issue subpoenas against Paul ’ s creditors in September .
“ We have a good faith belief that the Attorney General is violating federal and/or state law , including prohibitions relating to improper influences , abuse of office , bribery , and other potential criminal offenses , ” the staffers ’ one-page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Each signatory below has knowledge of facts relevant to these potential offenses and has provided statements concerning those facts to the appropriate law enforcement authority.
” Paul donated $ 25,000 to Paxton ’ s campaign in 2018 .
Federal Election Commission records show Paul has also been a frequent donor to other Republicans since , including U.S .
Representatives Chip Roy and Michael McCaul , U.S .
Senator John Cornyn and the WinRed political action committee .
The seven whistleblowers have all since been fired , suspended or resigned .
Six of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human resources that they were retaliated against by being blocked from meetings and being subjected to a hostile work environment .
Paxton campaign spokesman Ian Prior disputed those claims Thursday , stating the whistleblowers are under investigation for “ making false representations to the court , illegally leaking grand jury materials and violating numerous agency policies.
” He dismissed them as “ desperate former employees trying to spin a false narrative ” to disrupt Paxton ’ s office .
Few of Paxton ’ s fellow Republicans have dared to demand his resignation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick refused to comment when the corruption allegations were first made last month , stating they will comment only after an investigation is complete .
Roy , who served as Paxton ’ s first assistant until he was asked to resign in 2015 , tweeted last month that Paxton must resign “ for the good of the people of Texas and the extraordinary public servants ” in his office and that the allegations “ are more than trouble on the merits.
” State Representative Sarah Davis , R-Houston , also urged Paxton to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devote his time to his personal legal matters if he can not quickly address the allegations .
Paxton was forced to close the Paul investigation on Oct. 9 when Republican Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore called him out , stating “ newly surfaced information raises serious concerns about the integrity of your investigation and the propriety of your conducting it.
” Moore had confirmed one day earlier that Paxton personally approached her office with Paul and Paul ’ s attorney to complain about the FBI and Rangers investigation into Paul , resulting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paxton ’ s office on June 10 .
Skepticism of Paxton ’ s ethics have followed him for five years .
A Collin County grand jury charged Paxton in August 2015 with two first-degree felony counts of securities fraud and a third-degree felony count of failing to register with the Texas State Securities Board from his time in the Texas House .
Prosecutors claim Paxton urged investors to put $ 600,000 into technology firm Servergy without disclosing he would earn a commission and misrepresented he was investing in the McKinney-based company .
Paxton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prison if convicted .
The criminal case has been stuck in pretrial for over five years as the case has been moved to Harris County and back while Paxton has launched several attempts at having the judge removed .
Paxton has repeatedly denied the criminal charges against him , blaming his political opponents for retaliating against him for opposing policies by then-President Barack Obama .
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a similar civil lawsuit against Paxton in April 2016 in federal court in Dallas over the Servergy matter .
A federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , finding Paxton “ did not have a legal obligation to disclose his financial arrangements ” to the firm ’ s investors.One year later , a Dallas-area district attorney launched an ethics probe into Paxton accepting a $ 100,000 gift for his legal defense fund from James Webb , the leader of a company that was being investigated for Medicaid fraud .

Two anonymous sources claim that Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had an affair with a woman whom he later helped get a job with a campaign donor tied to criminal corruption allegations against him.
DALLAS (CN) — Two anonymous sources claim that Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton had an affair with a woman whom he later helped get a job with a campaign donor who is tied to criminal corruption allegations against him.
The sources, who fear retaliation and spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, alleged Paxton admitted the affair to his senior staff in 2018. Paxton allegedly said he ended the affair and that the mistress worked for an unidentified Republican state senator. Paxton’s wife is state Senator Angela Paxton, R-McKinney. The sources said Paxton and his wife walked into the meeting holding hands, saying he was recommitted to his marriage.
The disclosure was reportedly made due to it being an election year and concern it would become public. Paxton went on to defeat Democrat Justin Nelson with 50.6% of the vote.
According to the Associated Press, Austin real estate developer and Republican campaign donor Nate Paul said in a deposition this week that Paxton recommended the woman to him for a job but Paul explicitly denied he hired her as a favor to the attorney general. Paul was being deposed in a civil case against several of his companies.
Staffers for Paxton and his wife did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Thursday evening.
Paul’s lawyer, Michael Wynne, said his client has hundreds of employees and he cannot “ invade their privacy including to inquire about their personal lives” under state and federal law.
The bombshell allegations come one month after seven of Paxton’s senior staff members revolted against him, reporting him to federal officials to investigate possible bribery and abuse of office charges for investigating creditors, the FBI and Texas Rangers on Paul’s behalf. Paxton had appointed Houston attorney Brandon Cammack as an outside special prosecutor to handle the investigation. Cammack had a Travis County grand jury issue subpoenas against Paul’s creditors in September.
“We have a good faith belief that the Attorney General is violating federal and/or state law, including prohibitions relating to improper influences, abuse of office, bribery, and other potential criminal offenses,” the staffers’ one-page letter dated Oct. 1 stated. “Each signatory below has knowledge of facts relevant to these potential offenses and has provided statements concerning those facts to the appropriate law enforcement authority.”
Paul donated $25,000 to Paxton’s campaign in 2018. Federal Election Commission records show Paul has also been a frequent donor to other Republicans since, including U.S. Representatives Chip Roy and Michael McCaul, U.S. Senator John Cornyn and the WinRed political action committee.
The seven whistleblowers have all since been fired, suspended or resigned. Six of the whistleblowers have since made formal complaints to human resources that they were retaliated against by being blocked from meetings and being subjected to a hostile work environment.
Paxton campaign spokesman Ian Prior disputed those claims Thursday, stating the whistleblowers are under investigation for “making false representations to the court, illegally leaking grand jury materials and violating numerous agency policies.” He dismissed them as “desperate former employees trying to spin a false narrative” to disrupt Paxton’s office.
Few of Paxton’s fellow Republicans have dared to demand his resignation. Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Gan Patrick refused to comment when the corruption allegations were first made last month, stating they will comment only after an investigation is complete.
Roy, who served as Paxton’s first assistant until he was asked to resign in 2015, tweeted last month that Paxton must resign “for the good of the people of Texas and the extraordinary public servants” in his office and that the allegations “are more than trouble on the merits.”
State Representative Sarah Davis, R-Houston, also urged Paxton to resign, stating he should leave to devote his time to his personal legal matters if he cannot quickly address the allegations.
Paxton was forced to close the Paul investigation on Oct. 9 when Republican Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore called him out, stating “newly surfaced information raises serious concerns about the integrity of your investigation and the propriety of your conducting it.” Moore had confirmed one day earlier that Paxton personally approached her office with Paul and Paul’s attorney to complain about the FBI and Rangers investigation into Paul, resulting in Moore referring the complaint back to Paxton’s office on June 10.
Skepticism of Paxton’s ethics have followed him for five years. A Collin County grand jury charged Paxton in August 2015 with two first-degree felony counts of securities fraud and a third-degree felony count of failing to register with the Texas State Securities Board from his time in the Texas House.
Prosecutors claim Paxton urged investors to put $600,000 into technology firm Servergy without disclosing he would earn a commission and misrepresented he was investing in the McKinney-based company.
Paxton faces up to 99 years in state prison if convicted. The criminal case has been stuck in pretrial for over five years as the case has been moved to Harris County and back while Paxton has launched several attempts at having the judge removed.
Paxton has repeatedly denied the criminal charges against him, blaming his political opponents for retaliating against him for opposing policies by then-President Barack Obama.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a similar civil lawsuit against Paxton in April 2016 in federal court in Dallas over the Servergy matter. A federal judge dismissed that lawsuit six months later, finding Paxton “did not have a legal obligation to disclose his financial arrangements” to the firm’s investors. One year later, a Dallas-area district attorney launched an ethics probe into Paxton accepting a $100,000 gift for his legal defense fund from James Webb, the leader of a company that was being investigated for Medicaid fraud.


courthousenews--2020-11-06--Judge Orders FDA to Rethink Approval of GMO Salmon

SAN FRANCISCO ( CN ) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must rethink its approval of a plan to breed genetically altered salmon because it did not fully consider what would happen if those fish escaped into the wild , a federal judge ruled Thursday .
“ It basically requires FDA to finally grapple with what scientists both inside and outside the government have been telling it for a very long time , which is that there are unacceptable risks from genetically engineered salmon , ” said Earthjustice lawyer Stephen Mashuda , who represents conservation and fishing industry groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the FDA approved the company AquaBounty ’ s plans to breed its “ AquAdvantage ” salmon — a genetic mix of ocean pout and Pacific Chinook — at a hatchery in Rollo Bay on Prince Edward Island , then transport the eggs for growth at an Indiana farm site .
The approval spurred a lawsuit led by the Institute for Fisheries Resources , claiming the agency failed to fully assess potential consequences for the environment and endangered fish .
U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria , a Barack Obama appointee , previously ruled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genetically engineered animals because the genetic material used to modify those creatures is considered a “ drug ” under the Food , Drug and Cosmetic Act .
In a 16-page decision Thursday , Chhabria flatly rejected the FDA ’ s position that it has no duty to consider environmental impacts when reviewing applications to breed genetically modified animals .
“ Even if the FDA is correct that environmental considerations writ large were not relevant to its decision , the agency is always required to consider the subset of environmental impacts that directly involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” the judge wrote .
Mashuda considers that part of Chhabria ’ s ruling most significant because it will require the agency to fully assess environmental impacts for all proposals to raise genetically engineered animals in the future .
“ Ensuring that FDA has the duty to look at effects on the environment from these approvals is critical , ” Mashuda said .
The agency argued that it only has to ensure a drug is “ safe for use.
” Noting that the law requires consideration of a drug ’ s “ cumulative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chhabria said it would be an absurd result if the agency only considered effects on the person or animal for whom the drug was intended .
He pitched the example of a drug designed to treat a livestock disease , for which the manufacturing process might contaminate the local water supply and kill people in a nearby community .
“ Surely the FDA could deny that application to avoid killing people , even if those people are not directly administering the drug or eating the livestock , ” Chhabria wrote .
In its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions on AquaBounty ’ s hatchery to prevent genetically engineered salmon from fleeing into the ocean .
With those conditions , the agency concluded it was highly unlikely the altered fish would escape .
However , the agency did not “ meaningfully analyze ” what would happen if modified salmon did escape and establish themselves in the wild , the judge concluded .
“ Even if this scenario was unlikely , the FDA was still required to assess the consequences of it coming to pass , ” Chhabria wrote .
The judge ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully examine the risk of genetically altered fish escaping into the wild , where they could compete with wild salmon for food or breed with wild salmon , causing “ genetic pollution.
” Chhabria also directed the agency to consider potential impacts on the endangered Gulf of Maine Atlantic salmon population , which has dwindled to around 1,200 fish according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries .
The judge declined to vacate the FDA ’ s approval of genetically modified salmon breeding while reconsidering the issue , finding that would cause @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approval would presumably require the current stock of salmon to be destroyed , a significant loss of property and animal life that would be wasteful given the real possibility that the FDA will be able to cure the [ National Environmental Policy Act ] and [ Endangered Species Act ] errors on remand , ” Chhabria wrote .
The judge found the FDA put in place adequate conditions , such as banning the use of ocean net pens , to prevent modified salmon from escaping into the ocean .
Mashuda said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FDA ’ s approval , but he is hopeful this will lead to more robust protections to mitigate the risks associated with breeding genetically altered salmon .
“ If FDA is to look at all the risks these fish pose , it has to modify in some way its initial approval , ” Mashuda said .
In a statement Thursday , AquaBounty CEO and President Sylvia Wulf said the company is disappointed with some of the judge ’ s conclusions but stressed that the court ruling focused on “ potential environmental impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ This decision will not have an impact on our on-going operations on Prince Edward Island , Canada , to produce eggs or in the raising and selling of AquAdvantage salmon from our farm in Indiana , ” Wulf said .
“ We are committed to working with FDA on next steps and continue to evaluate the legal decision.
” The FDA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday .

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must rethink its approval of a plan to breed genetically altered salmon because it did not fully consider what would happen if those fish escaped into the wild, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
SAN FRANCISCO (CN) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must rethink its approval of a plan to breed genetically altered salmon because it did not fully consider what would happen if those fish escaped into the wild, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
“It basically requires FDA to finally grapple with what scientists both inside and outside the government have been telling it for a very long time, which is that there are unacceptable risks from genetically engineered salmon,” said Earthjustice lawyer Stephen Mashuda, who represents conservation and fishing industry groups that sued the FDA.
In 2015, the FDA approved the company AquaBounty’s plans to breed its “AquAdvantage” salmon — a genetic mix of ocean pout and Pacific Chinook — at a hatchery in Rollo Bay on Prince Edward Island, then transport the eggs for growth at an Indiana farm site.
The approval spurred a lawsuit led by the Institute for Fisheries Resources, claiming the agency failed to fully assess potential consequences for the environment and endangered fish.
U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria, a Barack Obama appointee, previously ruled that the FDA has authority to approve genetically engineered animals because the genetic material used to modify those creatures is considered a “drug” under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
In a 16-page decision Thursday, Chhabria flatly rejected the FDA’s position that it has no duty to consider environmental impacts when reviewing applications to breed genetically modified animals.
“Even if the FDA is correct that environmental considerations writ large were not relevant to its decision, the agency is always required to consider the subset of environmental impacts that directly involve the health of animals or humans,” the judge wrote.
Mashuda considers that part of Chhabria’s ruling most significant because it will require the agency to fully assess environmental impacts for all proposals to raise genetically engineered animals in the future.
“Ensuring that FDA has the duty to look at effects on the environment from these approvals is critical,” Mashuda said.
The agency argued that it only has to ensure a drug is “safe for use.”
Noting that the law requires consideration of a drug’s “cumulative effects on man or animal,” Chhabria said it would be an absurd result if the agency only considered effects on the person or animal for whom the drug was intended.
He pitched the example of a drug designed to treat a livestock disease, for which the manufacturing process might contaminate the local water supply and kill people in a nearby community.
“Surely the FDA could deny that application to avoid killing people, even if those people are not directly administering the drug or eating the livestock,” Chhabria wrote.
In its 2015 approval, the FDA imposed several conditions on AquaBounty’s hatchery to prevent genetically engineered salmon from fleeing into the ocean. With those conditions, the agency concluded it was highly unlikely the altered fish would escape.
However, the agency did not “meaningfully analyze” what would happen if modified salmon did escape and establish themselves in the wild, the judge concluded.
“Even if this scenario was unlikely, the FDA was still required to assess the consequences of it coming to pass,” Chhabria wrote.
The judge ordered the agency to reconsider its decision and fully examine the risk of genetically altered fish escaping into the wild, where they could compete with wild salmon for food or breed with wild salmon, causing “genetic pollution.”
Chhabria also directed the agency to consider potential impacts on the endangered Gulf of Maine Atlantic salmon population, which has dwindled to around 1,200 fish according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries.
The judge declined to vacate the FDA’s approval of genetically modified salmon breeding while reconsidering the issue, finding that would cause “disruptive consequences.”
“Revoking the approval would presumably require the current stock of salmon to be destroyed, a significant loss of property and animal life that would be wasteful given the real possibility that the FDA will be able to cure the [National Environmental Policy Act] and [Endangered Species Act] errors on remand,” Chhabria wrote.
The judge found the FDA put in place adequate conditions, such as banning the use of ocean net pens, to prevent modified salmon from escaping into the ocean.
Mashuda said he was disappointed that Chhabria chose not to vacate the FDA’s approval, but he is hopeful this will lead to more robust protections to mitigate the risks associated with breeding genetically altered salmon.
“If FDA is to look at all the risks these fish pose, it has to modify in some way its initial approval,” Mashuda said.
In a statement Thursday, AquaBounty CEO and President Sylvia Wulf said the company is disappointed with some of the judge’s conclusions but stressed that the court ruling focused on “potential environmental impacts” of genetically altered salmon breeding.
“This decision will not have an impact on our on-going operations on Prince Edward Island, Canada, to produce eggs or in the raising and selling of AquAdvantage salmon from our farm in Indiana,” Wulf said. “We are committed to working with FDA on next steps and continue to evaluate the legal decision.”
An FDA spokesperson emphasized that the court did not vacate its approval of the genetically modified salmon breeding operation.
“The FDA’s approval of the application for AquAdvantage Salmon remains in place as does the FDA’s finding of safety and effectiveness,” the spokesperson said. “The FDA is continuing to evaluate the opinion.”


courthousenews--2020-11-07--Indian Fossils Support New Hypothesis for Origin of Hoofed Animals

( CN ) — After over a decade of research and hundreds of new fossils recovered from the hot mines of India , researchers say they have uncovered new details regarding the evolutionary history of Earth ’ s most famous hoofed animals .
For centuries , scientists have labored to construct comprehensive records that detail how Earth ’ s many creatures have evolved and adapted .
Perhaps one of the most explored animal groups are perissodactyls , a specific group of hoofed animals that includes horses , zebras and even rhinoceroses that have played crucial roles in societies and cultures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being on researchers ’ radar for so long , questions have long swirled over some key details in the evolutionary backstory of perissodactyls , perhaps most notably where on Earth they evolved in the first place .
In a study published Friday in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology , experts say that they may have answered some of these pressing questions after an exhaustive research effort that stretches back 15 years .
Friday ’ s study reports that researchers have amassed data from more than 350 new fossils to create a virtually complete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cambaytherium , a long extinct sheep-like animal that researchers say is an evolutionary cousin of perissodactyls .
After analyzing cambaytherium bones and comparing them with other mammals , both living and extinct , researchers concluded the cambaytherium represents one of the earliest and most primitive stages for any known perissodactyl .
With the fossil record suggesting that cambaytherium lived on the Indian subcontinent roughly 55 million years ago before eventually dispersing to other parts of the world , this area likely served as the earliest known evolutionary home for perissodactyls as well .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins University and lead author of the study , said that given what researchers were able to uncover about the cambaytherium and how closely they connect with perissodactyls , experts now have a much more comprehensive understanding of perissodactyls and their earliest ancestors .
“ You can think of a sister-group as a cousin to perissodactyls ; the fossil evidence suggests that both perissodactyls and cambaytherium shared a common ancestor , i.e.
, they had the same grandpa , ” Rose said in an email .
“ Cambaytherium , while showing evidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ features ( grandpa ’ s features ) than do perissodactyls , so it gives us a clearer picture of what the ancestor of perissodactyls was like.
” While the cambaytherium was first revealed in 2005 and it became clear that they branched off on their own prior to the evolution of perissodactyls as they ’ re know today , researchers say it has taken years to fully explore their hypothesis that perissodactyls first evolved in India where cambaytherium thrived millions of years ago .
Researchers say they had to make several expeditions to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout the years before eventually coming across the Vastan Mine in Gujarat .
At this active open-pit lignite mine , researchers worked through hot and dusty conditions to at last collect enough fossils to support their theory .
Rose says he is optimistic that this new and critical information , gathered after more than a decade ’ s worth of challenging fieldwork and examination of hundreds of prehistoric fossils , will significantly shakeup the ongoing research into perissodactyls and help to answer more questions regarding this well-debated order of animals .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two new pieces to the puzzle — will stimulate a lively discussion/debate among paleontologists about the origin of the order Perissodactyla , ” Rose said .

After over a decade of research and hundreds of new fossils recovered from the hot mines of India, researchers say they have uncovered new details regarding the evolutionary history of Earth’s most famous hoofed animals.
(CN) — After over a decade of research and hundreds of new fossils recovered from the hot mines of India, researchers say they have uncovered new details regarding the evolutionary history of Earth’s most famous hoofed animals.
For centuries, scientists have labored to construct comprehensive records that detail how Earth’s many creatures have evolved and adapted. Perhaps one of the most explored animal groups are perissodactyls, a specific group of hoofed animals that includes horses, zebras and even rhinoceroses that have played crucial roles in societies and cultures around the world for centuries.
Despite being on researchers’ radar for so long, questions have long swirled over some key details in the evolutionary backstory of perissodactyls, perhaps most notably where on Earth they evolved in the first place.
In a study published Friday in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, experts say that they may have answered some of these pressing questions after an exhaustive research effort that stretches back 15 years.
Friday’s study reports that researchers have amassed data from more than 350 new fossils to create a virtually complete profile of the skeletal makeup of the cambaytherium, a long extinct sheep-like animal that researchers say is an evolutionary cousin of perissodactyls.
After analyzing cambaytherium bones and comparing them with other mammals, both living and extinct, researchers concluded the cambaytherium represents one of the earliest and most primitive stages for any known perissodactyl.
With the fossil record suggesting that cambaytherium lived on the Indian subcontinent roughly 55 million years ago before eventually dispersing to other parts of the world, this area likely served as the earliest known evolutionary home for perissodactyls as well.
Ken Rose, emeritus professor at Johns Hopkins University and lead author of the study, said that given what researchers were able to uncover about the cambaytherium and how closely they connect with perissodactyls, experts now have a much more comprehensive understanding of perissodactyls and their earliest ancestors.
“You can think of a sister-group as a cousin to perissodactyls; the fossil evidence suggests that both perissodactyls and cambaytherium shared a common ancestor, i.e., they had the same grandpa,” Rose said in an email. “Cambaytherium, while showing evidence of relationship to perissodactyls, retains more primitive features (grandpa’s features) than do perissodactyls, so it gives us a clearer picture of what the ancestor of perissodactyls was like.”
While the cambaytherium was first revealed in 2005 and it became clear that they branched off on their own prior to the evolution of perissodactyls as they’re know today, researchers say it has taken years to fully explore their hypothesis that perissodactyls first evolved in India where cambaytherium thrived millions of years ago.
Researchers say they had to make several expeditions to India in their hunt for rare fossils throughout the years before eventually coming across the Vastan Mine in Gujarat. At this active open-pit lignite mine, researchers worked through hot and dusty conditions to at last collect enough fossils to support their theory.
Rose says he is optimistic that this new and critical information, gathered after more than a decade’s worth of challenging fieldwork and examination of hundreds of prehistoric fossils, will significantly shakeup the ongoing research into perissodactyls and help to answer more questions regarding this well-debated order of animals.
“I hope these two main conclusions — adding two new pieces to the puzzle — will stimulate a lively discussion/debate among paleontologists about the origin of the order Perissodactyla,” Rose said.


courthousenews--2020-11-07--California Election Roundup: Where Hot Races Stand

Several congressional races and statewide ballot initiatives remained too close to call Friday .
Here ’ s how some of the hottest races stack up .
Many Initiatives Still Too Close to Call in California A record 22 million Californians registered to vote ahead of the November general election .
While the allure of choosing the next occupant of the White House no doubt spurred many of them to the ballot box , they also had a list of initiatives to decide ranging from whether the state should go to a split-roll property tax scheme to ending the money bail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bail failed , but here ’ s a look at how some of the other propositions are faring — even as the vote count continues : Ignoring pleas for budget relief from California ’ s cash-strapped cities and Governor Gavin Newsom , voters are on the verge of rejecting a bid to amend the state ’ s landmark tax code and put the squeeze on commercial landlords .
With over 75 % of the estimated total vote counted , 52 % have voted no on Proposition 15 — the so-called “ split-roll ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising up to $ 11.5 billion in new tax revenues for schools and cities is on the ropes , as the measure faces a 426,000 vote-deficit as of Friday .
If the result holds , it would be further proof of the popularity and resiliency of a voter-approved tax scheme that is credited with preventing runaway tax bills for property owners in the Golden State for decades .
With the state facing a record $ 54 billion Covid-induced deficit , proponents have been trying to convince voters they could unearth a giant new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties valued above $ 3 million .
The supporters amassed a deep and influential bench featuring Newsom , former Vice President Joe Biden , Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and many of the state ’ s largest labor unions .
Leading the fight against the tax reform are a collection of business and agricultural groups , as well as the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association — named after the author of the original property tax scheme passed by voters in 1978 .
The opposition casts Proposition 15 as the “ largest property tax increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send commercial rents and the cost of consumer goods skyrocketing .
In the run up to the election , the sides combined to raise a staggering $ 139 million on Proposition 15 .
With millions of ballots left to be counted , support for the measure is strong along the coast but fades rapidly inland .
California would crack down on longstanding tax breaks for inherited homes but allow older residents the ability to take their cushy property tax rates with them when they move under a closely contested ballot measure .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Friday morning , Proposition 19 was leading by a 51-49 % margin .
Backed by Newsom along with realtor and firefighter groups , Proposition 19 is meant to give seniors wishing to move within the state more flexibility .
If passed , homeowners over the age of 55 — as well as those with certain disabilities and wildfire victims — could keep their property tax bill with them if they sell and move to a more expensive place .
Supporters say the change could spur more seniors to downsize or move into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasing housing supply .
“ Prop 19 will open up tens of thousands of homes that haven ’ t been on the market for decades , creating opportunities for new buyers and helping to stabilize housing costs so more Californians can afford home ownership , ” the supporters claim on their website .
The proposal , placed on the ballot by the Democrat-controlled Legislature , also purports to raise new revenue for local governments and fire departments , as it would increase the tax hit on in-family property transfers .
Led by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ argue the change would punish those simply looking to pass on family homes to their children or grandchildren .
They note a similar proposal was nixed by voters in 2018 .
“ This is a billion-dollar tax increase on California families , ” the taxpayers association warns .
“ The price is too high.
” Much like the related split-roll proposal , the residential tax reform proposal has performed well in the San Francisco Bay Area as well San Diego and Ventura counties .
But supporters remain on edge as the measure hasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % support in any county and there isn ’ t a clear result as Proposition 19 is ahead by only 336,000 votes .
Two decades after greenlighting a taxpayer-funded stem cell research agency , California voters are on the verge of approving billions more to find a cure for chronic diseases and cancers .
Ahead by a 51-49 % margin , Proposition 14 would allow the state to sell up to $ 5.5 billion in bonds to prop the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and its efforts to fight everything from Parkinson ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious diseases including Covid-19 .
After a ban on federal funding for stem cell research during the George W. Bush administration , researchers in 2004 turned to the state ballot .
They ultimately convinced voters by a 59-41 % margin to create a constitutional right to study stem cell cures as well as take on $ 3 billion in new debt .
Since 2004 , nearly a dozen states including New York and Maryland have created similar programs but on a much smaller scale .
Now the backers seek to keep the institute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that could ultimately cost $ 7.8 billion to pay off .
Supporters include Newsom , the University of California Board of Regents and the American Association for Cancer Research .
Critics countered that private stem cell research has made great strides since 2004 and that the federal funding ban was lifted under President Barack Obama .
With the state mired in recession , the editorial boards of several California newspapers concluded it was bad timing for Proposition 14 and urged readers to vote no .
The latest update from the Secretary of State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14 in coastal counties like San Diego , Los Angeles and San Francisco .
It has effectively been shut out of the Central Valley and rural counties .
The tight race shows that California voters are cognizant of the state ’ s shattered finances and are not overly enthusiastic about inking new bonds during a recession , said Moylan , the UOP professor .
She says though the initiative is close , the critics seem to have made a persuasive pitch .
“ People are not in the mood for bonds ; they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state and are not feeling like expenditures or committing money down the line is a great idea , ” she said .
Former California congressman David Valadao holds a slim lead in his bid to unseat Democratic incumbent T.J. Cox in a rematch of their 2018 election that flipped the GOP stronghold for Democrats and helped them win control of the House .
Valadao has 51.8 % of the vote over Cox , who has 48.2 % , according to California election data .
Valadao leads 4,033 votes as of Friday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up the 21st Congressional District — Fresno , Kern , Kings and Tulare — which has historically elected Republicans to office .
Writing on Twitter , Cox said Thursday residents in the rural region should be patient as election officials continue counting ballots .
“ This race is far from over , ” Cox tweeted .
“ Tens of thousands of votes haven ’ t been counted yet and we ’ re doing everything in our power to make sure every voice is heard.
” In 2018 , the hotly contested race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted by Democrats after Hillary Clinton carried the district , which is dominated by the agriculture industry .
Valadao had been declared the winner on election night in 2018 by major news outlets including The Associated Press before Cox closed a gap in the race .
When the night was over , the Central Valley congressional seat was the seventh House seat flipped by Democrats in the Golden State .
In his bid for reelection , Valadao again leaned on his background as a Latino and a son of immigrants and on his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a campaign ad featuring an undocumented Central Valley resident who praised Valadao ’ s support for the DREAM Act , which in part provides a pathway to citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants .
President Donald Trump , who is deeply unpopular in California , has gone back on his word to defend so-called Dreamers , a move Valadao has sought to distance himself from .
On the campaign trail , Cox has defended his record in Congress and painted Valadao as a rubber stamp for the Trump agenda .
Neither candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press time .
House Seat in GOP Stronghold in Danger of Flipping Back to Red In 2018 , Harley Rouda did the unthinkable : He wrested Orange County ’ s 48th Congressional District from the hands of longtime Republican incumbent Dana Rohrabacher and turned the seat blue .
But the district might flip back to red this year , with GOP candidate Michelle Steel holding a healthy lead of about 5,000 votes , according to the latest count update from the Orange County Registrar of Voters .
As of Friday , 175,000 votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an important caveat , because vote-by-mail ballots postmarked Nov. 3 will be accepted by the Orange County Registrar up until Nov. 20 under rules adopted by California due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
Much had been made about vote-by-mail ballots and drop boxes in the weeks leading up to the election in the Golden State .
The California GOP placed unofficial ballot boxes in at least three counties , including Orange County , and Rouda accused Steel of having boxes at her campaign headquarters .
A Republican sea change wouldn ’ t be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that saw thousands of anti-mask protesters taking to the streets along coastal communities , demanding Orange County officials rescind a mask mandate implemented to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
Along with her colleagues on the Orange County Board of Supervisors , Steel appointed Dr. Clayton Chau as county health officer when former health officer Dr. Nichole Quick abruptly resigned after receiving threats over the mandate .
Rouda and Steel differ greatly in their approach to the virus .
Rouda criticized the county ’ s mishandling of testing in July that led to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steel has advocated for a faster reopening despite a surging case count .
Both candidates have boasted their humble beginnings as they vie to represent the 48th District .
Rouda , a former registered Republican , was a practicing lawyer in Columbus , Ohio , before becoming general counsel for his family ’ s real estate business .
Steel , a South Korean immigrant who arrived in the United States as a young adult , is married to Republican National Committee member Shawn Steel .
He also runs a personal injury practice in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempted to draw attention to his opponent ’ s ties to the Trump presidency .
That might have been an ineffective tactic in the onetime Republican stronghold , though the latest results show former Vice President Joe Biden secured 53 % of the vote in Orange County versus just 44 % for President Donald Trump .
Like the presidential race , the race for Rouda ’ s seat is still too close to call , but the gap between the two candidates has been widening as Steel pulls ahead .
“ Look , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Rouda in a video statement on Thursday .
“ We want to know how this race turned out , but we have to make sure that every vote is counted .
So , we need to be patient , not just in this race , but across America , many races are still having votes being counted.
” ‘ Purple ’ House Seat in Southern California Still Too Close to Call Congressman Gil Cisneros narrowly trails Republican Young Kim in his bid to hold onto one of the congressional seats that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Representatives in 2018 .
Kim , a businesswoman and former state lawmaker , has 50.3 % of the vote over Cisneros , who trails the GOP challenger by just 1,710 votes , according to California election data Friday .
Hundreds of thousands of ballots , including more than 719,000 in Los Angeles County , remain outstanding , according to election officials .
The candidates are squaring off in a rematch of their 2018 election , which was initially called for Kim — who had even traveled to Washington for new member orientation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave the victory to Cisneros .
Spanning Los Angeles , Orange and San Bernardino counties , California ’ s 39th Congressional District is a firmly purple district that has been represented for years by Republicans , including longtime Congressman Ed Royce .
Democrats drew up designs to challenge Republicans for control of the district after Hillary Clinton won the majority of Orange County votes in the 2016 presidential race .
The former first lady and secretary of state was the first Democrat to carry Orange County in a presidential election since 1936 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Orange Curtain ” congressional seats had loosened .
After Royce retired — not surprising given his support for President Donald Trump ’ s agenda and the president ’ s unpopularity in the region , even among some Republicans — Democrats positioned Cisneros to run for the tri-county congressional seat .
Cisneros , a Navy veteran whose lottery win in 2010 propelled him into philanthropy and politics , was a first-time candidate who campaigned on immigration reform , support for veterans and job growth .
Two years later , Cisneros has a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ veterans , small businesses , Dreamers , residents seeking better health care and constituents struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Both his Republican and Democratic constituents have criticized Cisneros for either being too moderate on some issues or siding too closely with Democratic party leaders on others .
The OC Republican Party said last December it would invest heavily in the race after Cisneros backed impeachment proceedings against Trump .
Cisneros said in a campaign statement Wednesday he expected the race would not be officially called until officials could count all ballots submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this unprecedented time for our country , the regular election playbook has been thrown out the window , ” Cisneros said .
“ We must count every vote , because every voice in the 39th District matters.
” Kim , a Korean immigrant , has repeatedly criticized Trump ’ s policy on immigration and styled herself as an open-minded Republican who ’ s cognizant of the demographic change taking place in the region .
Republican party officials told Courthouse News that Trump ’ s unpopularity in the district won ’ t hurt down-ballot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behavior in office but support the GOP agenda locally .
Kim , a former Royce aide , has criticized Cisneros for campaigning as a moderate but siding with an agenda set by Democratic leaders in Congress .
She did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Fred Smoller , political scientist at Chapman University in Southern California , told Courthouse News he thinks the outcome of the tight race is clear : Cisneros won ’ t be able to close the gap and Kim will win the congressional seat .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smoller said .
“ What we see in this race for Kim is , what I feel , a sign that Orange County is not blue or red , it ’ s purple and it ’ s competitive.
” Cisneros has proven he ’ s qualified to serve his constituents and will likely run for in the future if he does indeed lose the race , Smoller said .
In her bid to reclaim the 25th congressional district for Democrats , California lawmaker Christy Smith was neck-and-neck Friday with incumbent Republican Mike Garcia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both Garcia and Smith , who currently represents Santa Clarita in the California Assembly , hold 50 % of the vote and are separated by less than 270 votes .
Early results Wednesday put Smith in the lead to represent the district , which includes parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and has historically elected moderate Republicans .
Garcia , a former Navy pilot and political newcomer , won a special election this past May to fill a congressional seat left vacant by Democrat Katie Hill who resigned in 2019 following an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign aide .
Hill defeated Republican Steve Knight in a closely watched 2018 election , part of the “ blue wave ” that secured Democrats ’ control of the House .
Smith also flipped a seat that year from red to blue : California ’ s 38th Assembly District , which covers nearly 60 % of the 25th Congressional District .
Garcia , a former executive at defense-systems company Raytheon , will serve in the House until January while the candidate who wins the November general election will serve the two-year term beginning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Twitter on Thursday , Garcia urged his supporters to track their ballots online as officials continued their vote count .
“ Tell your friends , family and neighbors to get out there and make sure their voices are being counted , ” Garcia says in the short video .
The incumbent rode a wave of support from the state and national Republican party to secure victory in the special election , which he said in an interview this past February was a sign voters were fed up with repeated tax increases enacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Garcia said his run for office was inspired by a “ second calling to serve ” after seeing Hill champion pro-immigrant policies and proposals that would raise taxes .
Since taking office , Garcia has established a voting record aligned with President Donald Trump and House Republicans on all issues .
In her campaign , Smith criticized Garcia ’ s alignment with Trump even after the president downplayed the severity of the Covid-19 outbreak before it swelled into a global pandemic .
Smith is backed by prominent California Democrats and the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her campaign ahead of the March primary , the Los Angeles Times Editorial Board said in Feb. 12 endorsement that Smith is the kind of level-headed , policy-focused leader the district needs at this moment .
“ Smith is a centrist , pragmatic Democrat who in just a year in the Legislature has distinguished herself as an elected official more interested in pushing good policy than playing politics , something we ’ d like to see more often in Congress , ” the board said .
In virtual press conference Tuesday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advantage due to the larger number of registered Democrats in the district and the increased use of vote-by-mail ballots .
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ’ s victory over Trump in the district in the 2016 election should also signal increased voter turnout in favor of Democrats , Smith said .
Smith told reporters her focus remains on pushing for health care reforms at the national level and on increasing support for district residents and businesses struggling during the pandemic .
She said her campaign will wait patiently for election officials to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said Thursday evening more than 4.5 million ballots remain unprocessed and uncounted .
The vast majority , just over 4 million , are mail-in ballots , which can be counted if received no later than 17 days after the election provided they were postmarked on or before Nov. 3 .

Several congressional races and statewide ballot initiatives remained too close to call Friday. Here's how some of the hottest races stack up.
Many Initiatives Still Too Close to Call in California
GOP Sees Slight Edge in Central Valley House Race
House Seat in GOP Stronghold in Danger of Flipping Back to Red
‘Purple’ House Seat in Southern California Still Too Close to Call
Democrat, GOP Incumbent in Dead Heat for Southern California House Seat
A record 22 million Californians registered to vote ahead of the November general election. While the allure of choosing the next occupant of the White House no doubt spurred many of them to the ballot box, they also had a list of initiatives to decide ranging from whether the state should go to a split-roll property tax scheme to ending the money bail system.
The bid to end cash bail failed, but here’s a look at how some of the other propositions are faring — even as the vote count continues:
Proposition 15
Ignoring pleas for budget relief from California’s cash-strapped cities and Governor Gavin Newsom, voters are on the verge of rejecting a bid to amend the state’s landmark tax code and put the squeeze on commercial landlords.
With over 75% of the estimated total vote counted, 52% have voted no on Proposition 15 — the so-called “split-roll” bid. The proponents’ dreams of raising up to $11.5 billion in new tax revenues for schools and cities is on the ropes, as the measure faces a 426,000 vote-deficit as of Friday.
If the result holds, it would be further proof of the popularity and resiliency of a voter-approved tax scheme that is credited with preventing runaway tax bills for property owners in the Golden State for decades.
With the state facing a record $54 billion Covid-induced deficit, proponents have been trying to convince voters they could unearth a giant new revenue stream by raising taxes on commercial properties valued above $3 million. The supporters amassed a deep and influential bench featuring Newsom, former Vice President Joe Biden, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and many of the state’s largest labor unions.
Leading the fight against the tax reform are a collection of business and agricultural groups, as well as the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association — named after the author of the original property tax scheme passed by voters in 1978. The opposition casts Proposition 15 as the “largest property tax increase in California history” and claimed it would send commercial rents and the cost of consumer goods skyrocketing.
In the run up to the election, the sides combined to raise a staggering $139 million on Proposition 15.
With millions of ballots left to be counted, support for the measure is strong along the coast but fades rapidly inland.
Proposition 19
California would crack down on longstanding tax breaks for inherited homes but allow older residents the ability to take their cushy property tax rates with them when they move under a closely contested ballot measure.
In a race too close to call as of Friday morning, Proposition 19 was leading by a 51-49% margin.
Backed by Newsom along with realtor and firefighter groups, Proposition 19 is meant to give seniors wishing to move within the state more flexibility. If passed, homeowners over the age of 55 — as well as those with certain disabilities and wildfire victims — could keep their property tax bill with them if they sell and move to a more expensive place.
Supporters say the change could spur more seniors to downsize or move into retirement centers and carries the bonus of increasing housing supply.
“Prop 19 will open up tens of thousands of homes that haven’t been on the market for decades, creating opportunities for new buyers and helping to stabilize housing costs so more Californians can afford home ownership,” the supporters claim on their website.
The proposal, placed on the ballot by the Democrat-controlled Legislature, also purports to raise new revenue for local governments and fire departments, as it would increase the tax hit on in-family property transfers.
Led by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, the opponents argue the change would punish those simply looking to pass on family homes to their children or grandchildren. They note a similar proposal was nixed by voters in 2018.


courthousenews--2020-11-06--California Courts Covid Update

California Courts Covid Update

Click to share on Twitter ( Opens in new window )

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.


courthousenews--2020-11-06--GOP Sees Slight Edge in Central Valley House Race

FRESNO , Calif. ( CN ) — Former California congressman David Valadao holds a slim lead in his bid to unseat Democratic incumbent T.J. Cox in a rematch of their 2018 election that flipped the GOP stronghold for Democrats and helped them win control of the House .
Valadao has 51.8 % of the vote over Cox , who has 48.2 % , according to California election data .
Valadao leads 4,033 votes as of Friday morning .
Counting continues in the four counties that make up the 21st Congressional District — Fresno , Kern , Kings and Tulare — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Writing on Twitter , Cox said Thursday residents in the rural region should be patient as election officials continue counting ballots .
“ This race is far from over , ” Cox tweeted .
“ Tens of thousands of votes haven ’ t been counted yet and we ’ re doing everything in our power to make sure every voice is heard.
” In 2018 , the hotly contested race was one of the seven Congressional seats targeted by Democrats after Hillary Clinton carried the district , which is dominated by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winner on election night in 2018 by major news outlets including The Associated Press before Cox closed a gap in the race .
When the night was over , the Central Valley congressional seat was the seventh House seat flipped by Democrats in the Golden State .
In his bid for reelection , Valadao again leaned on his background as a Latino and a son of immigrants and on his moderate stance on immigration .
He released a campaign ad featuring an undocumented Central Valley resident who praised Valadao ’ s support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part provides a pathway to citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants .
President Donald Trump , who is deeply unpopular in California , has gone back on his word to defend so-called Dreamers , a move Valadao has sought to distance himself from .
On the campaign trail , Cox has defended his record in Congress and painted Valadao as a rubber stamp for the Trump agenda .
Neither candidate responded to emailed requests for comment by press time .

Former California congressman David Valadao holds a slim lead in his bid to unseat Democratic incumbent T.J. Cox in a rematch of their 2018 election that flipped the GOP stronghold for Democrats and helped them win control of the House.
FRESNO, Calif. (CN) — Former California congressman David Valadao holds a slim lead in his bid to unseat Democratic incumbent T.J. Cox in a rematch of their 2018 election that flipped the GOP stronghold for Democrats and helped them win control of the House.
Valadao has 51.8% of the vote over Cox, who has 48.2%, according to California election data. Valadao leads 4,033 votes as of Friday morning.
Counting continues in the four counties that make up the 21st Congressional District — Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare — which has historically elected Republicans to office.
Writing on Twitter, Cox said Thursday residents in the rural region should be patient as election officials continue counting ballots.
“This race is far from over,” Cox tweeted. “Tens of thousands of votes haven't been counted yet and we're doing everything in our power to make sure every voice is heard.”
In 2018, the hotly contested race was one of the seven Congressional seats targeted by Democrats after Hillary Clinton carried the district, which is dominated by the agriculture industry.
Valadao had been declared the winner on election night in 2018 by major news outlets including The Associated Press before Cox closed a gap in the race.
When the night was over, the Central Valley congressional seat was the seventh House seat flipped by Democrats in the Golden State.
In his bid for reelection, Valadao again leaned on his background as a Latino and a son of immigrants and on his moderate stance on immigration.
He released a campaign ad featuring an undocumented Central Valley resident who praised Valadao’s support for the DREAM Act, which in part provides a pathway to citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants.
President Donald Trump, who is deeply unpopular in California, has gone back on his word to defend so-called Dreamers, a move Valadao has sought to distance himself from.
On the campaign trail, Cox has defended his record in Congress and painted Valadao as a rubber stamp for the Trump agenda.
Neither candidate responded to emailed requests for comment by press time.


Viral Photo

ST. LOUIS — The white St. Louis couple pictured waving guns at Black Lives Matter protesters this summer are suing @ @ @ @ @ photographer who took the now-infamous photo , claiming he didn ’ t have permission to @ @ @ @ @ sell it online .


courthousenews--2020-11-06--Just the Art, Hold the Tax

Just the Art, Hold the Tax

MANHATTAN — The New York attorney general claims in court that Sotheby ’ s played along with a fraud when @ @ @ @ @ worth of art to a collector who misrepresented himself as a dealer so that he @ @ @ @ @


Top Eight

Your Friday night briefing from the staff of Courthouse News Top eight CNS stories for today including Pennsylvania is steadily pushing Joe Biden over the threshold to victory in the 2020 presidential race ; Countries across the world are reporting an accelerating number of coronavirus deaths and infections ; The U.S. economy added back 638,000 jobs last month , 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 .
1 . )
Pennsylvania is steadily pushing Joe Biden over the threshold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but the race is still too close with thousands of votes still to count .
2 . )
Signaling a continued slowdown in recovery , the U.S. economy added back just 638,000 jobs in October while the unemployment rate dropped to 6.9 % .
3 . )
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy may be held in contempt for the failure of the U.S .
Postal Service to comply with a federal judge ’ s Election Day order .
4 . )
In the early Friday morning hours , presidential candidate Joe Biden narrowly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Georgia .
5 . )
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey conceded the largest county prosecutorial agency in the nation to reform challenger George Gascón , a result spurred by years of organizing by Black Lives Matter that sent shockwaves across the movement for police accountability .
6 . )
A Wisconsin appeals court on Friday blocked enforcement of the Democratic governor ’ s emergency order limiting public gatherings and capping bar and restaurant capacity as a means to contain the state ’ s rampant spread of Covid-19 .
7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic , the world is reporting an accelerating number of deaths and infections .
8 . )
A Kenyan lawyer accused of bribing witnesses made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on Friday , denying that he tried to sway an investigation into post-election violence in the East Africa nation .

Top eight CNS stories for today including Pennsylvania is steadily pushing Joe Biden over the threshold to victory in the 2020 presidential race; Countries across the world are reporting an accelerating number of coronavirus deaths and infections; The U.S. economy added back 638,000 jobs last month, and more.
Your Friday night briefing from the staff of Courthouse News
Top eight CNS stories for today including Pennsylvania is steadily pushing Joe Biden over the threshold to victory in the 2020 presidential race; Countries across the world are reporting an accelerating number of coronavirus deaths and infections; The U.S. economy added back 638,000 jobs last month, 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.) Pennsylvania is steadily pushing Joe Biden over the threshold to victory in the 2020 presidential race, but the race is still too close with thousands of votes still to count.
Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden arrives to speak at The Queen theater Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, in Wilmington, Del. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
2.) Signaling a continued slowdown in recovery, the U.S. economy added back just 638,000 jobs in October while the unemployment rate dropped to 6.9%.
FILE - In this Sept. 2, 2020 file photo, a customer wears a face mask as they carry their order past a now hiring sign at an eatery in Richardson, Texas. On Thursday, Nov. 5, the number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 751,000, a still-historically high level that shows that many employers keep cutting jobs in the face of the accelerating pandemic. (AP Photo/LM Otero, File)
3.) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy may be held in contempt for the failure of the U.S. Postal Service to comply with a federal judge’s Election Day order.
A election supervisor answer questions for the election workers as they count ballots at State Farm Arena on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Regional
4.) In the early Friday morning hours, presidential candidate Joe Biden narrowly amassed more votes than President Donald Trump in Georgia.
Hundreds of people wait in line for early voting on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, in Marietta, Georgia. Eager voters have waited six hours or more in the former Republican stronghold of Cobb County, and lines have wrapped around buildings in solidly Democratic DeKalb County. (AP Photo/Ron Harris)
5.) Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey conceded the largest county prosecutorial agency in the nation to reform challenger George Gascón, a result spurred by years of organizing by Black Lives Matter that sent shockwaves across the movement for police accountability.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey conceded Friday to reform candidate George Gascón, saying her bid for reelection faced demands from Black Lives Matter for a “tsunami of change” within the largest county prosecutorial agency in the nation. (Courthouse News photo / Martín Macías Jr.)
6.) A Wisconsin appeals court on Friday blocked enforcement of the Democratic governor’s emergency order limiting public gatherings and capping bar and restaurant capacity as a means to contain the state’s rampant spread of Covid-19.
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.) Eight months since the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus a pandemic, the world is reporting an accelerating number of deaths and infections.
A mother and her daughter wave goodbye as school resumes with new sanitary precautions during the lockdown, Monday Nov.2, 2020 in Strasbourg, Eastern France. France went into shutdown mode Friday, closing non-essential businesses and ordering residents to stay within one kilometer (half-mile) from home unless they're going to school or have an exceptional reason to leave. Permission slips are required to leave home, and violators fined 135 euros. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
8.) A Kenyan lawyer accused of bribing witnesses made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on Friday, denying that he tried to sway an investigation into post-election violence in the East Africa nation.


courthousenews--2020-11-06--‘Purple’ House Seat in Southern California Still Too Close to Call

( CN ) — Congressman Gil Cisneros narrowly trails Republican Young Kim in his bid to hold onto one of the congressional seats that handed Democrats control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018 .
Kim , a businesswoman and former state lawmaker , has 50.3 % of the vote over Cisneros , who trails the GOP challenger by just 1,710 votes , according to California election data Friday .
Hundreds of thousands of ballots , including more than 719,000 in Los Angeles County , remain outstanding , according to election officials .
The candidates are squaring off in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was initially called for Kim — who had even traveled to Washington for new member orientation — before a count of additional ballots gave the victory to Cisneros .
Spanning Los Angeles , Orange and San Bernardino counties , California ’ s 39th Congressional District is a firmly purple district that has been represented for years by Republicans , including longtime Congressman Ed Royce .
Democrats drew up designs to challenge Republicans for control of the district after Hillary Clinton won the majority of Orange County votes in the 2016 presidential race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of state was the first Democrat to carry Orange County in a presidential election since 1936 .
The GOP ’ s once-tight grip on “ Orange Curtain ” congressional seats had loosened .
After Royce retired — not surprising given his support for President Donald Trump ’ s agenda and the president ’ s unpopularity in the region , even among some Republicans — Democrats positioned Cisneros to run for the tri-county congressional seat .
Cisneros , a Navy veteran whose lottery win in 2010 propelled him into philanthropy and politics , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reform , support for veterans and job growth .
Two years later , Cisneros has a record in Congress marked by his support for veterans , small businesses , Dreamers , residents seeking better health care and constituents struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic .
Both his Republican and Democratic constituents have criticized Cisneros for either being too moderate on some issues or siding too closely with Democratic party leaders on others .
The OC Republican Party said last December it would invest heavily in the race after Cisneros backed impeachment proceedings against Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday he expected the race would not be officially called until officials could count all ballots submitted during an unprecedented election .
“ In this unprecedented time for our country , the regular election playbook has been thrown out the window , ” Cisneros said .
“ We must count every vote , because every voice in the 39th District matters.
” Kim , a Korean immigrant , has repeatedly criticized Trump ’ s policy on immigration and styled herself as an open-minded Republican who ’ s cognizant of the demographic change taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials told Courthouse News that Trump ’ s unpopularity in the district won ’ t hurt down-ballot candidates who reject the president ’ s behavior in office but support the GOP agenda locally .
Kim , a former Royce aide , has criticized Cisneros for campaigning as a moderate but siding with an agenda set by Democratic leaders in Congress .
She did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Fred Smoller , political scientist at Chapman University in Southern California , told Courthouse News he thinks the outcome of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be able to close the gap and Kim will win the congressional seat .
“ She ’ ll beat him , ” Smoller said .
“ What we see in this race for Kim is , what I feel , a sign that Orange County is not blue or red , it ’ s purple and it ’ s competitive.
” Cisneros has proven he ’ s qualified to serve his constituents and will likely run for in the future if he does indeed lose the race , Smoller said .

U.S. Rep. Gil Cisneros. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson, File)
GOP Congressional candidate Young Kim. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
(CN) — Congressman Gil Cisneros narrowly trails Republican Young Kim in his bid to hold onto one of the congressional seats that handed Democrats control of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018.
Kim, a businesswoman and former state lawmaker, has 50.3% of the vote over Cisneros, who trails the GOP challenger by just 1,710 votes, according to California election data Friday. Hundreds of thousands of ballots, including more than 719,000 in Los Angeles County, remain outstanding, according to election officials.
The candidates are squaring off in a rematch of their 2018 election, which was initially called for Kim — who had even traveled to Washington for new member orientation — before a count of additional ballots gave the victory to Cisneros.
Spanning Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, California’s 39th Congressional District is a firmly purple district that has been represented for years by Republicans, including longtime Congressman Ed Royce.
Democrats drew up designs to challenge Republicans for control of the district after Hillary Clinton won the majority of Orange County votes in the 2016 presidential race.
The former first lady and secretary of state was the first Democrat to carry Orange County in a presidential election since 1936. The GOP’s once-tight grip on “Orange Curtain” congressional seats had loosened.
After Royce retired — not surprising given his support for President Donald Trump’s agenda and the president’s unpopularity in the region, even among some Republicans — Democrats positioned Cisneros to run for the tri-county congressional seat.
Cisneros, a Navy veteran whose lottery win in 2010 propelled him into philanthropy and politics, was a first-time candidate who campaigned on immigration reform, support for veterans and job growth.
Two years later, Cisneros has a record in Congress marked by his support for veterans, small businesses, Dreamers, residents seeking better health care and constituents struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both his Republican and Democratic constituents have criticized Cisneros for either being too moderate on some issues or siding too closely with Democratic party leaders on others.
The OC Republican Party said last December it would invest heavily in the race after Cisneros backed impeachment proceedings against Trump.
Cisneros said in a campaign statement Wednesday he expected the race would not be officially called until officials could count all ballots submitted during an unprecedented election.
“In this unprecedented time for our country, the regular election playbook has been thrown out the window,” Cisneros said. “We must count every vote, because every voice in the 39th District matters.”
Kim, a Korean immigrant, has repeatedly criticized Trump’s policy on immigration and styled herself as an open-minded Republican who’s cognizant of the demographic change taking place in the region.
Republican party officials told Courthouse News that Trump’s unpopularity in the district won’t hurt down-ballot candidates who reject the president’s behavior in office but support the GOP agenda locally.
Kim, a former Royce aide, has criticized Cisneros for campaigning as a moderate but siding with an agenda set by Democratic leaders in Congress.
She did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fred Smoller, political scientist at Chapman University in Southern California, told Courthouse News he thinks the outcome of the tight race is clear: Cisneros won’t be able to close the gap and Kim will win the congressional seat.
“She’ll beat him,” Smoller said. “What we see in this race for Kim is, what I feel, a sign that Orange County is not blue or red, it’s purple and it’s competitive.”
Cisneros has proven he’s qualified to serve his constituents and will likely run for in the future if he does indeed lose the race, Smoller said.


courthousenews--2020-11-06--Ancient Skeleton Find in Germany Offers Clues on Prehistoric Era

BERLIN ( AFP ) — German researchers are piecing together the life of a prehistoric woman who died more than 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period , after her skeleton was found during excavation works for wind turbines .
The “ Lady of Bietikow , ” as she has been named , was found near a village of the same name in northeastern Germany ’ s Uckermark region .
The skeleton had been buried in a settlement in a squatting position , one of the oldest known forms of burial , according to local media .
Investigations have shown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years old and died more than 5,000 years ago .
That means that she lived during the same period as Oetzi the Iceman , the stunningly preserved corpse found by tourists in the Alps in the 1990s .
“ You can compare Oetzi and the Lady of Bietikow in terms of age , ” said Philipp Roskoschinski , one of the two archeologists who made the discovery in the state of Brandenburg , which surrounds Berlin .
Oetzi was found by two hikers in 1991 in the Oetztal Alps on the border between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extremely well preserved , with organs , skin and other organic material still intact — researchers were even able to see what he had eaten hours before he died .
“ The discovery of Oetzi was much more spectacular due to the conditions of preservation , ” Roskoschinski said .
All that is left of Lady Bietikow are bones and some fragments of clothing , but researchers have still managed to piece together some details about her life .
It was during the Neolithic period that humans first introduced grains into their diet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ easily than meat and could also be used as a means of payment , according to anthropologist Bettina Jungklaus .
However , this led to a deterioration in people ’ s general health .
This can be seen in the state of the Lady of Bietikow ’ s teeth , which are severely eroded and missing completely in some places , Jungklaus said .
“ Normally there is enamel on the surface of the teeth .
But here it is heavily worn , chewed off , ” she said .
“ This allows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : it was probably very rich in fiber , very hard .
There are certain grains that cause the teeth to wear out easily.
” It remains unclear whether the condition of Lady Bietikow ’ s teeth indicates an illness or even the cause of her death .
Researchers are now hoping to find out more about her life , including whether she came from the Uckermark region or had immigrated there from elsewhere .

German researchers are piecing together the life of a prehistoric woman who died more than 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period, after her skeleton was found during excavation works for wind turbines.
BERLIN (AFP) — German researchers are piecing together the life of a prehistoric woman who died more than 5,000 years ago in the Neolithic period, after her skeleton was found during excavation works for wind turbines.
The "Lady of Bietikow," as she has been named, was found near a village of the same name in northeastern Germany's Uckermark region.
The skeleton had been buried in a settlement in a squatting position, one of the oldest known forms of burial, according to local media.
Investigations have shown that she was between 30 and 45 years old and died more than 5,000 years ago.
That means that she lived during the same period as Oetzi the Iceman, the stunningly preserved corpse found by tourists in the Alps in the 1990s.
"You can compare Oetzi and the Lady of Bietikow in terms of age," said Philipp Roskoschinski, one of the two archeologists who made the discovery in the state of Brandenburg, which surrounds Berlin.
Oetzi was found by two hikers in 1991 in the Oetztal Alps on the border between Austria and Italy.
His body was extremely well preserved, with organs, skin and other organic material still intact — researchers were even able to see what he had eaten hours before he died.
"The discovery of Oetzi was much more spectacular due to the conditions of preservation," Roskoschinski said.
All that is left of Lady Bietikow are bones and some fragments of clothing, but researchers have still managed to piece together some details about her life.
It was during the Neolithic period that humans first introduced grains into their diet, since they could be stored more easily than meat and could also be used as a means of payment, according to anthropologist Bettina Jungklaus.
However, this led to a deterioration in people's general health.
This can be seen in the state of the Lady of Bietikow's teeth, which are severely eroded and missing completely in some places, Jungklaus said.
"Normally there is enamel on the surface of the teeth. But here it is heavily worn, chewed off," she said.
"This allows us to draw conclusions about her diet: it was probably very rich in fiber, very hard. There are certain grains that cause the teeth to wear out easily."
It remains unclear whether the condition of Lady Bietikow's teeth indicates an illness or even the cause of her death.
Researchers are now hoping to find out more about her life, including whether she came from the Uckermark region or had immigrated there from elsewhere.
© Agence France-Presse


courthousenews--2020-11-06--Next Gen: Myanmar Youth Look to Election and Beyond

YANGON , Myanmar ( AFP ) — Five million young voters will be able to cast their ballots for the first time in Myanmar ’ s election on Sunday — about 14 % of the electorate .
In a country that emerged less than a decade ago from near total isolation under military rule , the nation ’ s youth defies easy classification .
AFP spoke to a number of Myanmar ’ s Generation Z about the challenges they face and what they hope the next government will bring .
History student Wai Wai Tun , 19 , can vote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s capital Sittwe , but her family in her home town will miss out .
Myanmar banned voting in a long list of areas for “ security reasons , ” leaving more than a million disenfranchised in Rakhine and hundreds of thousands more elsewhere .
“ I just want the election to be fair and credible , ” she says , adding the decision has raised already-high tensions .
A civil war between Myanmar ’ s military and the Arakan Army ( AA ) — militants fighting for more autonomy for the ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and forced 200,000 from their homes .
“ We , Rakhine , are citizens of Myanmar and want to live in safety with equal rights too.
” Man Chen , 18 , belongs to the Konyak , a Naga tribe on the Indian border once feared for its head-hunting traditions .
The motorbike fanatic describes his identity as “ Naga first , Konyak second ” — and does not even mention Myanmar .
Isolated from the rest of the country by mountains and poor infrastructure , the Konyak are divided by the frontier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side for food .
“ I don ’ t have enough money and I don ’ t have a regular job , ” he says , adding that five of his 12 siblings have died .
He worries about the effect of the election on the long-running conflict between armed Naga groups and the Myanmar military .
“ There was fighting in my village last time , so I ’ m worried this might happen again.
” Wai Yan Min Khin , 20 , is Muslim and lives in the Bamar Buddhist heartlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ descended into intercommunal violence between Muslims and Buddhists in 2013 and deep scars remain .
“ People often insult us , ” he says .
“ I see a lot of discrimination.
” He describes how he has been waiting for an ID card for four years , while Buddhist friends receive the document in weeks .
Myanmar ’ s Muslim minority — about 4 % of the population — also faces systemic corruption .
Many Muslims plan to boycott Sunday ’ s vote , disillusioned by Aung San Suu Kyi ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party and seeing no worthy alternative .
But Wai Yan Min Khin says he will vote NLD : “ I love Mother Suu !
” Nursing graduate Kay Khaing Tun , 22 , was only released from jail a few weeks ago after 17 months behind bars .
Her crime : harpooning Myanmar ’ s powerful military through poetry , comedy and music .
But the ethnic Rakhine-Bamar says her jail sentence came as no surprise .
“ The military has the authority to do whatever it wants to anyone.
” Since her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yangon General Hospital , inputting data on the country ’ s surging coronavirus cases .
“ I wanted to do something to help others and it also helps me feel calm , ” she explains .
She hopes to study further overseas , but her long-term goal is to go into politics .
Despite her ordeal , Suu Kyi ’ s NLD will get her vote .
“ We ’ re only at the very start of the road to democracy.
” In northern Kachin state , Kyaw Htet Aung spends his free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives in Hpakant , where military-linked mines have turned the mountains into a treacherous moonscape of mud .
One landslide in July claimed the lives of nearly 300 miners .
“ My dream is to find a big jade stone , move to another city and start my own business , ” the ethnic Shan says .
Demand in neighboring China has supercharged the largely illicit , multi-billion-dollar industry .
Local mafia and armed groups line up to take their cut from the exploited jade pickers .
Young people see little future beyond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ There ’ s no rule of law in Hpakant .
Even if the election changes the government , people think nothing will change here.
” In a sprawling refugee camp in Bangladesh , Sawyed Ullah laments his disconnect from the election .
The 18-year-old was among the 750,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee military-backed violence in 2017 that now sees Myanmar facing genocide charges .
“ I ’ m very frustrated… I have a right to vote , ” he says .
There is no sign Sawyed Ullah will be able to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limbo .
“ In the camps , we have just our life , not liberty.
” He tries to keep abreast of Myanmar politics and describes the widespread disappointment Rohingya feel about Suu Kyi .
“ We respected her a lot when she was elected , ” he says .
“ Now we don ’ t understand who we should support.
” One day he hopes to return home as a journalist or lawyer to become a “ proud citizen .
”

Five million young voters will be able to cast their ballots for the first time in Myanmar's election on Sunday — about 14% of the electorate.
YANGON, Myanmar (AFP) — Five million young voters will be able to cast their ballots for the first time in Myanmar's election on Sunday — about 14% of the electorate.
In a country that emerged less than a decade ago from near total isolation under military rule, the nation's youth defies easy classification.
AFP spoke to a number of Myanmar's Generation Z about the challenges they face and what they hope the next government will bring.
Rakhine anger
History student Wai Wai Tun, 19, can vote because she lives in Rakhine state's capital Sittwe, but her family in her home town will miss out.
Myanmar banned voting in a long list of areas for "security reasons," leaving more than a million disenfranchised in Rakhine and hundreds of thousands more elsewhere.
"I just want the election to be fair and credible," she says, adding the decision has raised already-high tensions.
A civil war between Myanmar's military and the Arakan Army (AA) — militants fighting for more autonomy for the ethnic Rakhine — has killed and wounded hundreds and forced 200,000 from their homes.
"We, Rakhine, are citizens of Myanmar and want to live in safety with equal rights too."
Naga tribesman
Man Chen, 18, belongs to the Konyak, a Naga tribe on the Indian border once feared for its head-hunting traditions.
The motorbike fanatic describes his identity as "Naga first, Konyak second" — and does not even mention Myanmar.
Isolated from the rest of the country by mountains and poor infrastructure, the Konyak are divided by the frontier and rely on markets on the Indian side for food.
"I don't have enough money and I don't have a regular job," he says, adding that five of his 12 siblings have died.
He worries about the effect of the election on the long-running conflict between armed Naga groups and the Myanmar military.
"There was fighting in my village last time, so I'm worried this might happen again."
Muslim in Myanmar
Wai Yan Min Khin, 20, is Muslim and lives in the Bamar Buddhist heartlands of central Myanmar.
His hometown Meiktila descended into intercommunal violence between Muslims and Buddhists in 2013 and deep scars remain.
"People often insult us," he says. "I see a lot of discrimination."
He describes how he has been waiting for an ID card for four years, while Buddhist friends receive the document in weeks.
Myanmar's Muslim minority — about 4% of the population — also faces systemic corruption.
Many Muslims plan to boycott Sunday's vote, disillusioned by Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party and seeing no worthy alternative.
But Wai Yan Min Khin says he will vote NLD: "I love Mother Suu!"
Jailed satirist and Covid nurse
Nursing graduate Kay Khaing Tun, 22, was only released from jail a few weeks ago after 17 months behind bars.
Her crime: harpooning Myanmar's powerful military through poetry, comedy and music.
But the ethnic Rakhine-Bamar says her jail sentence came as no surprise.
"The military has the authority to do whatever it wants to anyone."
Since her release, she has been volunteering at Yangon General Hospital, inputting data on the country's surging coronavirus cases.
"I wanted to do something to help others and it also helps me feel calm," she explains.
She hopes to study further overseas, but her long-term goal is to go into politics.
Despite her ordeal, Suu Kyi's NLD will get her vote.
"We're only at the very start of the road to democracy."
Jade miner
In northern Kachin state, Kyaw Htet Aung spends his free time scouring for jade.
The 19-year-old lives in Hpakant, where military-linked mines have turned the mountains into a treacherous moonscape of mud.
One landslide in July claimed the lives of nearly 300 miners.
"My dream is to find a big jade stone, move to another city and start my own business," the ethnic Shan says.
Demand in neighboring China has supercharged the largely illicit, multi-billion-dollar industry.
Local mafia and armed groups line up to take their cut from the exploited jade pickers.
Young people see little future beyond toiling as miners or gem brokers.
"There's no rule of law in Hpakant. Even if the election changes the government, people think nothing will change here."
Rohingya in exile
In a sprawling refugee camp in Bangladesh, Sawyed Ullah laments his disconnect from the election.
The 18-year-old was among the 750,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee military-backed violence in 2017 that now sees Myanmar facing genocide charges.
"I'm very frustrated... I have a right to vote," he says.
There is no sign Sawyed Ullah will be able to return home soon, so he waits in limbo.
"In the camps, we have just our life, not liberty."
He tries to keep abreast of Myanmar politics and describes the widespread disappointment Rohingya feel about Suu Kyi.
"We respected her a lot when she was elected," he says.
"Now we don't understand who we should support."
One day he hopes to return home as a journalist or lawyer to become a "proud citizen."
© Agence France-Presse


Nude Photos

DALLAS — A Texas appeals court revived a teacher ’ s suit against a school district in which she claims @ @ @ @ @ from her position under duress and false pretenses after her ex-fiance emailed them unauthorized nude @ @ @ @


Antitrust Settlement

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal court in California granted final approval of a multimillion-dollar settlement in an antitrust dispute between @ @ @ @ @ companies Panasonic , AVX , and others .


Agricultural Workers

OLYMPIA , Wash. — The Washington Supreme Court upheld a ruling in favor of a class of dairy workers who @ @ @ @ @ state Constitution that exempted agricultural workers from an overtime pay requirement .


Road Shooting

CHICAGO — The supervisors of a police communications operator were entitled to immunity in her suit claiming they fired her @ @ @ @ @ her Second Amendment rights after she shot another driver in a road range incident , @ @ @ @ @ The woman was acquitted of attempted murder but caselaw has not clearly established that her @ @ @ @ @ .
”


Nevada Ballots

LAS VEGAS — In a hearing Friday , a federal court in Nevada refused to grant an emergency motion for @ @ @ @ @ Nevada Republicans who asked the court to stop Clark County from using its ballot signature-verification @ @ @


courthousenews--2020-11-07--Australia Inquiry Says Police Should Guard Hotel Quarantine

MELBOURNE , Australia ( AP ) — Overseas travelers should be quarantined in hotels guarded by police , an inquiry into an Australian city ’ s bungled quarantine program reported on Friday .
The Victoria state government ’ s decision to use private security firms instead of police and the military to enforce quarantines in Melbourne hotels has been widely blamed for lax infection controls that led to Australia ’ s worst virus resurgence in its second-largest city .
An inquiry into that quarantine program recommended in an interim report “ a 24/7 police presence on-site at each quarantine facility.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ international arrivals in July before commissioning retired judge Jennifer Coate to investigate what went wrong in hotel quarantine , which has been blamed for virtually all COVID-19 community transmission in Victoria .
Coate will deliver her final report and findings , including who made the decisions to hire private security and rebuff the military ’ s offer of help , by Dec. 21 .
Victoria Health Minister Jenny Mikakos and senior public servant Chris Eccles both resigned after the inquiry heard evidence of their involvement in the program .
Victoria has accounted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths .
Cases peaked at 725 across the state in a single day in early August .
Victoria on Friday recorded its seventh day without a new COVID-19 diagnosis .
Two weeks ago , Melbourne emerged from a 111-day lockdown .
Also Friday , Australia ’ s highest court upheld a state ’ s border closure and dismissed billionaire businessman Clive Palmer ’ s argument that the pandemic measure was unconstitutional .
The seven High Court judges ruled that Western Australia ’ s state border closure to non-essential travel applied during “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or epidemic ” complied with the constitution .
All Australian states and territories have used border restrictions to curb infections and a court ruling against Western Australia could have impacted their pandemic responses .
The state shut its border to the rest of Australia on April 5 and has maintained the travel restriction despite not recording a case of COVID-19 community transmission since April 11 .

Overseas travelers should be quarantined in hotels guarded by police, an inquiry into an Australian city’s bungled quarantine program reported on Friday.
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Overseas travelers should be quarantined in hotels guarded by police, an inquiry into an Australian city’s bungled quarantine program reported on Friday.
The Victoria state government’s decision to use private security firms instead of police and the military to enforce quarantines in Melbourne hotels has been widely blamed for lax infection controls that led to Australia’s worst virus resurgence in its second-largest city.
An inquiry into that quarantine program recommended in an interim report “a 24/7 police presence on-site at each quarantine facility.”
The government closed Melbourne Airport to international arrivals in July before commissioning retired judge Jennifer Coate to investigate what went wrong in hotel quarantine, which has been blamed for virtually all COVID-19 community transmission in Victoria.
Coate will deliver her final report and findings, including who made the decisions to hire private security and rebuff the military’s offer of help, by Dec. 21.
Victoria Health Minister Jenny Mikakos and senior public servant Chris Eccles both resigned after the inquiry heard evidence of their involvement in the program.
Victoria has accounted for 819 of Australia’s 907 coronavirus deaths.
Cases peaked at 725 across the state in a single day in early August. Victoria on Friday recorded its seventh day without a new COVID-19 diagnosis. Two weeks ago, Melbourne emerged from a 111-day lockdown.
Also Friday, Australia’s highest court upheld a state’s border closure and dismissed billionaire businessman Clive Palmer’s argument that the pandemic measure was unconstitutional.
The seven High Court judges ruled that Western Australia’s state border closure to non-essential travel applied during “a hazard in the nature of a plague or epidemic” complied with the constitution. All Australian states and territories have used border restrictions to curb infections and a court ruling against Western Australia could have impacted their pandemic responses.
The state shut its border to the rest of Australia on April 5 and has maintained the travel restriction despite not recording a case of COVID-19 community transmission since April 11.