courthousenews--2020-11-28--Carbon Capture, Climate Levels Trigger Earlier Shedding of Leaves

( CN ) — The change of seasons can be marked by autumn leaves falling from a tree or sprouting from buds as spring draws near .
But like many natural occurrences , the cycle has been altered by climate change , according to a study that found European trees may shed leaves earlier as they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere .
Climate change has brought about an earlier start to the period in which deciduous trees — those that produce leaves annually — expand their branches and grow leaves , also called a growing season .
The growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leaves — also called senescence — play major roles in regulating climate systems , carbon cycles and surface temperatures worldwide .
With the expanded growth season , trees are capturing more carbon and once a tree has enough carbon stored , it could shed its leaves earlier in autumn , according to the study published Thursday in the journal Science .
“ As a result , primary productivity of temperate forests is expected to increase , with each day advance in spring leaf-out translating to an increase in net carbon uptake of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per hectare forest and each day delay in autumn senescence translating to an increase of 98 kg ( 216 pounds ) , ” the study said .
But scientists have long speculated that the shedding of leaves would occur later and later under climate change .
Previous studies found that in decade after decade , as warmer climates stretched longer into the year , leaves stayed on branches for more time .
That so-called productivity was believed to have the potential to curb climate change because trees would have more time to capture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trend is changing .
Researcher Deborah Zani and colleagues found that tree productivity or growth is limited by the tree tissue ’ s ability to use and store carbon .
To study climate ’ s impact on senescence , the team led by Zani , with the Institute of Integrative Biology in Switzerland , used data gathered between 1948 and 2015 on productivity of central European trees and results from climate manipulation experiments .
Researchers found that in growing seasons extended by elevated carbon dioxide levels , trees shed their leaves earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Temperature levels and varying quantities of natural light also impacted senescence .
The roots , trunk and branches of trees have limited ability to store carbon captured by leaves for long periods .
Study authors used their observations to build projection models for autumn senescence over the next century , though their findings are specific to tree species in the European region .
“ Although autumn warming is likely to increase over the rest of the century , our model forecasts that there might be slight advances , not delays , in autumn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ These results highlight physiological constraints on growing-season lengths and plant productivity in a warming , CO2-enriched world , which has direct implications for future carbon-cycle and climate projections.
” The authors write that results stifle prior predictions that extended growing seasons will lead to increased carbon uptake in forests , though the study says more research is needed to understand this effect in other regions of the world .
“ Furthermore , given that ecosystems with high nutrient availability and minimal carbon-sink limitation , such as regions dominated by nitrogen-fixing trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ observed negative relationship between seasonal productivity and senescence dates , a major research challenge will be to generate a thorough spatial understanding of the extent of sink limitation to forecast plant phenology and forest productivity over space and time , ” the study said .
Researchers did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on the study .
In a related commentary on Zani ’ s study , Christine Rollinson of the Morton Arboretum in Illinois said the findings show that forest preservation and even expansion can not be the sole method @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The study of Zani et al .
shows that the forest carbon sink is limited in ways that are not yet fully understood , ” Rollinson said in a Perspectives post published Thursday in Science .
“ A diverse portfolio of climate actions that include emissions reductions and tree conservation and planting is essential to mitigate anthropogenic carbon emissions and climate change .
”

The change of seasons can be marked by autumn leaves falling from a tree or sprouting from buds as spring draws near. But like many natural occurrences, the cycle has been altered by climate change, according to a study that found European trees may shed leaves earlier as they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.
(CN) — The change of seasons can be marked by autumn leaves falling from a tree or sprouting from buds as spring draws near. But like many natural occurrences, the cycle has been altered by climate change, according to a study that found European trees may shed leaves earlier as they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere.
Climate change has brought about an earlier start to the period in which deciduous trees — those that produce leaves annually — expand their branches and grow leaves, also called a growing season.
The growing cycles of temperate forests and the shedding of leaves — also called senescence — play major roles in regulating climate systems, carbon cycles and surface temperatures worldwide.
With the expanded growth season, trees are capturing more carbon and once a tree has enough carbon stored, it could shed its leaves earlier in autumn, according to the study published Thursday in the journal Science.
“As a result, primary productivity of temperate forests is expected to increase, with each day advance in spring leaf-out translating to an increase in net carbon uptake of 45 kg (99 pounds) carbon per hectare forest and each day delay in autumn senescence translating to an increase of 98 kg (216 pounds),” the study said.
But scientists have long speculated that the shedding of leaves would occur later and later under climate change.
Previous studies found that in decade after decade, as warmer climates stretched longer into the year, leaves stayed on branches for more time.
That so-called productivity was believed to have the potential to curb climate change because trees would have more time to capture atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis.
But the trend is changing.
Researcher Deborah Zani and colleagues found that tree productivity or growth is limited by the tree tissue’s ability to use and store carbon.
To study climate’s impact on senescence, the team led by Zani, with the Institute of Integrative Biology in Switzerland, used data gathered between 1948 and 2015 on productivity of central European trees and results from climate manipulation experiments.
Researchers found that in growing seasons extended by elevated carbon dioxide levels, trees shed their leaves earlier, not later, in the year. Temperature levels and varying quantities of natural light also impacted senescence.
The roots, trunk and branches of trees have limited ability to store carbon captured by leaves for long periods.
Study authors used their observations to build projection models for autumn senescence over the next century, though their findings are specific to tree species in the European region.
“Although autumn warming is likely to increase over the rest of the century, our model forecasts that there might be slight advances, not delays, in autumn senescence dates,” the study said. “These results highlight physiological constraints on growing-season lengths and plant productivity in a warming, CO2-enriched world, which has direct implications for future carbon-cycle and climate projections.”
The authors write that results stifle prior predictions that extended growing seasons will lead to increased carbon uptake in forests, though the study says more research is needed to understand this effect in other regions of the world.
“Furthermore, given that ecosystems with high nutrient availability and minimal carbon-sink limitation, such as regions dominated by nitrogen-fixing trees, are not expected to show the observed negative relationship between seasonal productivity and senescence dates, a major research challenge will be to generate a thorough spatial understanding of the extent of sink limitation to forecast plant phenology and forest productivity over space and time,” the study said.
Researchers did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on the study.
In a related commentary on Zani’s study, Christine Rollinson of the Morton Arboretum in Illinois said the findings show that forest preservation and even expansion cannot be the sole method for carbon sequestration on a global scale.
“The study of Zani et al. shows that the forest carbon sink is limited in ways that are not yet fully understood,” Rollinson said in a Perspectives post published Thursday in Science. “A diverse portfolio of climate actions that include emissions reductions and tree conservation and planting is essential to mitigate anthropogenic carbon emissions and climate change.”


courthousenews--2020-11-28--From Covid-Free to Covid Town: Sicilian Town Meets the Virus

CASTELBUONO , Sicily ( CN ) — It wasn ’ t long ago that Castelbuono was held up as a success story in keeping the novel coronavirus off its streets and as someone else ’ s messy and traumatic reality .
But in the space of three weeks , this mountain burg in northern Sicily , a charming former Medieval fiefdom with a rich cultural history , went from zero Covid-19 cases to more than 100 .
That ’ s a lot for a community with about 9,000 residents .
In epidemiological terms , Castelbuono is experiencing what is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state where the virus is quickly passing from one person to another and , if left unchecked , can lead to out-of-control transmission .
It ’ s a harsh dose of reality that populations around the world have had to swallow : The moment when the coronavirus is no longer an imaginary threat .
Castelbuono is in the midst of a wave of infections hitting southern Italy , one of Europe ’ s poorer regions where public health systems have been weakened by cuts in recent decades and where lockdowns are exasperating tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate stands at about 40 % .
In Naples , hospitals were so overwhelmed , patients were treated in parking lots and videos surfaced on social media showing at least two Covid-19 patients who ’ d died inside hospital bathrooms .
The Campania region ran low on oxygen tanks and struggled with a shortage of medical staff .
Similar problems have been reported in Sicily , which is pleading with Cuba to send medical teams .
Cuba has dispatched its health workers around the world during the pandemic , earning the communist island @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finds a town in a state of anxiety where the residents , under orders to wear masks and keep distant from one another , can ’ t help but carry on their customary banter — though at a bit more of a distance .
Now , though , the conversations are tinged with recriminations and criticisms of the conduct of others for not wearing their masks properly or not at all , for spitting in the street , for holding parties away from prying eyes in the countryside , for not obeying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15-20 people sitting there on the benches in front of the cafe in the square , doing nothing , ” one man complained , stopping to join a discussion outside a store .
“ The cafe owners need to tell them all to scatter .
It ’ s not right !
And the town police don ’ t do anything .
Zero patrols !
” “ My house has a balcony that overlooks the square , ” he continued , bringing up another piece of evidence about how he sees his fellow citizens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I watched a woman inspect every pepper , each one , ” he said , referring to the piles of fruit and vegetable for sale outside a store on the square .
“ She picked up each pepper and no one said anything to her !
I went down there myself and told them to stop her from touching all the vegetables !
” The store owner he was talking with nodded , his face shrouded in concern .
He was in the mood to blame the mayor — as so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The mayor , a center-left politician called Mario Cicero , is coming under a lot of fire for not alerting Castelbuono quickly enough about the discovery of the first infections and for not doing more to enforce a curfew and other restrictions .
Many people are blaming the arrival of the virus on the casual behavior of young people .
“ He ’ s being light-handed , ” the store owner said .
“ He doesn ’ t want to create any enemies.
” Making matters worse for the mayor , his administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place to visit because it was “ Covid free ” and declaring itself a success story .
Castelbuono largely depends on tourists and its economy has suffered since the pandemic started .
In a Nov. 5 piece by the Giornale di Sicilia , a major Palermo-based newspaper , Cicero talked about how Castelbuono regularly disinfected its streets , barred traveling vendors and made waiters , cooks and store owners undergo monthly tests .
“ We have been able to contain the spread of the virus , ” the mayor told the newspaper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that same day the town was falling into a state of alarm after word surfaced that a school janitor had turned up positive with the virus , prompting an immediate shutdown of schools .
More school personnel were tested and more positive cases turned up .
By Nov. 14 , the town set up a mass screening for students and their families and school staff .
About two dozen more infections were detected after about 500 people were tested .
The infections kept mounting and arrived at 106 earlier this week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked to the virus .
Suddenly , Castelbuono was making headlines as a hotspot in Sicily .
The rash of infections has left residents stunned and the mayor open to brutal criticism .
“ We ’ ve gone from being Covid-free to being Covid-fried , ” said Vincenzo Allegra , a veterinarian and the leader of a rival political group in town , as he stood outside a cafe in the town ’ s main square .
With sarcasm , he added : “ They thought the Madonna of St. Anne was protecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus from ever entering.
” St. Anne is Castelbuono ’ s patron saint .
He criticized the mayor ’ s “ Covid-free ” marketing campaign as downplaying the threat from the virus and helping foster lax attitudes .
He said the mayor made the situation worse by not providing enough data on who is infected and how severe the infections are .
He surmised the number of people infected is far higher than the official numbers because so many cases are asymptomatic .
“ This is the most worrying element , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems that everyone knows someone who ’ s been infected or who ’ s in quarantine , adding new strange layers to the life of a close-knit mountain town .
On the main street , a 61-year-old man stood on his balcony , taking in some fresh air on a bright November morning .
He ’ d tested positive .
He said he most likely picked up the virus from a priest he helps during church masses .
“ Thanks to God I feel well , ” he said , giving only his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only felt a bit of nausea ; food wasn ’ t very appealing .
But no fever.
” He said it was lonely and boring in quarantine .
A sister was bringing him food and he spent his time watching television and waiting for the moment to be able to walk the streets again .
As he stood on the balcony , every few moments someone passed along the street who knew him and called up to him .
Some knew he was in quarantine , others didn ’ t .
“ Pietro @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man asked .
“ Really !
How do you feel ?
Do you have a fever ?
” Shortly afterward , another man came along with a cloth medical mask awkwardly displayed on his face that left his nostrils exposed .
They spoke jovially and then Pietro kindly scolded him : “ Come on , put your mask up !
” The threat of the virus is causing fear and by evening the streets are empty .
Children are indoors , told not to go outside .
All the schools are closed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be better not to go out at all , ” a retired forest firefighter said as he stood outside a cafe on a side street .
People now must drink or eat whatever they order at cafes on the street .
“ But I can ’ t stay home .
I have to go out.
” He sighed .
“ The town is a mess .
We have to be careful , ” he said .
“ I ’ m of a certain age now .
I ’ ve decided to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
When there is a vaccine for Covid , I ’ m going to take it , even if I have to pay for it.
” The bartender stood at the door too , his mask lowered below his chin .
Just then , a police car passed by and the bartender quickly covered his face with his mask .
“ You can ’ t take risks , ” he said and lowered the mask below his chin once the police were out of sight .
In public , everyone is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fine .
The bartender ’ s removal of his mask with the passing of the police highlights another tension found in Castelbuono and around the world : Doubts about just how bad Covid-19 really is .
In the main square , as Allegra , the veterinarian and politician , spoke out against the mayor ’ s handling of the health crisis , he got into a conversation with a man called Gioacchino who was passing by .
As it turned out , Gioacchino said two relatives had tested positive .
They began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allegra pointed out that the vast majority of those infected showed few or no signs of sickness , prompting Gioacchino to raise his eyebrows and question whether the veterinarian was among those denying the seriousness of the pandemic .
“ I am not a denier , absolutely not , ” Allegra said .
“ But it ’ s important to distinguish between real facts from banal facts.
” “ I can tell you Covid exists , ” Gioacchino said .
“ You must adapt yourself to the restrictions .
Now , if this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if everything is reopened , everyone ’ s sacrifices to be so careful will go to pieces .
We ’ ll be ruined again.
” Down the main street , a two-man patrol of carabinieri , Italy ’ s military police , came into sight .
They entered and exited businesses , ensuring the pandemic rules were being followed .
“ At this point , the virus is everywhere : on surfaces , on door handles , ” Gioacchino said , making sweeping gestures .
Vincenzo nodded .
“ Look , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , referring to the Courthouse News reporter too .
“ Probably one of us , maybe all of us , have had Covid.
” Just then , a woman passing by was brought into the debate .
She was a head nurse at a hospital about 40 miles from Castelbuono .
In a bizarre twist , she started to loudly deny the seriousness of the virus , saying doctors were being paid to classify deaths as being caused by the virus and claiming the majority of Covid-19 tests were giving false @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manipulated , the doctors are bought off , ” she said .
“ All the research has been manipulated , the statistics have been manipulated.
” Allegra and Gioacchino had already heard her spiels before .
The church bells rang as the lunch hour approached and the small gathering split up , each carrying away their own version of the pandemic .
Courthouse News reporter Cain Burdeau is based in the European Union .

In a Nov. 5 piece by the Giornale di Sicilia, a major Palermo-based newspaper, Cicero talked about how Castelbuono regularly disinfected its streets, barred traveling vendors and made waiters, cooks and store owners undergo monthly tests.
“We have been able to contain the spread of the virus,” the mayor told the newspaper, speaking from behind a visor.
Ironically, that same day the town was falling into a state of alarm after word surfaced that a school janitor had turned up positive with the virus, prompting an immediate shutdown of schools.
More school personnel were tested and more positive cases turned up. By Nov. 14, the town set up a mass screening for students and their families and school staff. About two dozen more infections were detected after about 500 people were tested.
The infections kept mounting and arrived at 106 earlier this week, with one death of an elderly person linked to the virus. Suddenly, Castelbuono was making headlines as a hotspot in Sicily.
The rash of infections has left residents stunned and the mayor open to brutal criticism.
“We've gone from being Covid-free to being Covid-fried,” said Vincenzo Allegra, a veterinarian and the leader of a rival political group in town, as he stood outside a cafe in the town's main square.
With sarcasm, he added: “They thought the Madonna of St. Anne was protecting Castelbuono and that she'd keep the virus from ever entering.” St. Anne is Castelbuono's patron saint.
A bread store in Castelbuono, Sicily, displays signs in its window depicting the various sanitary measures clients need to follow to enter. This month, Castelbuono went from being a town touted as a success story in containing the novel coronavirus to a Covid-19 hotspot. (Courthouse News photo/Cain Burdeau)
He criticized the mayor's “Covid-free” marketing campaign as downplaying the threat from the virus and helping foster lax attitudes. He said the mayor made the situation worse by not providing enough data on who is infected and how severe the infections are.
He surmised the number of people infected is far higher than the official numbers because so many cases are asymptomatic.
“This is the most worrying element,” he said.
These days, it seems that everyone knows someone who's been infected or who's in quarantine, adding new strange layers to the life of a close-knit mountain town.
On the main street, a 61-year-old man stood on his balcony, taking in some fresh air on a bright November morning. He'd tested positive. He said he most likely picked up the virus from a priest he helps during church masses.
Pietro, a resident of Castelbuono, Sicily, who is in quarantine after testing positive for Covid-19, stands on his balcony and speaks with a man passing by on the main street below. This month, Castelbuono went from being a town touted as a success story in containing the novel coronavirus to a Covid-19 hotspot. (Courthouse News photo/Cain Burdeau)
“Thanks to God I feel well,” he said, giving only his first name, Pietro. “I only felt a bit of nausea; food wasn't very appealing. But no fever.”
He said it was lonely and boring in quarantine. A sister was bringing him food and he spent his time watching television and waiting for the moment to be able to walk the streets again.
As he stood on the balcony, every few moments someone passed along the street who knew him and called up to him. Some knew he was in quarantine, others didn't.
“Pietro! How are you?” one man asked.
“I'm in quarantine,” Pietro replied.
“Really! How do you feel? Do you have a fever?”
“No, I feel fine.”
Shortly afterward, another man came along with a cloth medical mask awkwardly displayed on his face that left his nostrils exposed. They spoke jovially and then Pietro kindly scolded him: “Come on, put your mask up!”
The threat of the virus is causing fear and by evening the streets are empty. Children are indoors, told not to go outside. All the schools are closed and classes are now online.
“It would be better not to go out at all,” a retired forest firefighter said as he stood outside a cafe on a side street. People now must drink or eat whatever they order at cafes on the street. “But I can't stay home. I have to go out.”
He sighed. “The town is a mess. We have to be careful,” he said. “I'm of a certain age now. I've decided to take the flu vaccine for the first time this year. When there is a vaccine for Covid, I'm going to take it, even if I have to pay for it.”
The bartender stood at the door too, his mask lowered below his chin. Just then, a police car passed by and the bartender quickly covered his face with his mask.
“You can't take risks,” he said and lowered the mask below his chin once the police were out of sight. In public, everyone is supposed to wear a mask or face a fine.
The bartender's removal of his mask with the passing of the police highlights another tension found in Castelbuono and around the world: Doubts about just how bad Covid-19 really is.
Cars line up for a mass screening on Nov. 14, 2020, in Castelbuono, Sicily, at the beginning of the town's outbreak. The mass screening was ordered after school staff began to get infected. This month, Castelbuono went from being a town touted as a success story in containing the novel coronavirus to a Covid-19 hotspot. (Courthouse News photo/Cain Burdeau)
In the main square, as Allegra, the veterinarian and politician, spoke out against the mayor's handling of the health crisis, he got into a conversation with a man called Gioacchino who was passing by. As it turned out, Gioacchino said two relatives had tested positive.
They began a lively back-and-forth about the virus.
Allegra pointed out that the vast majority of those infected showed few or no signs of sickness, prompting Gioacchino to raise his eyebrows and question whether the veterinarian was among those denying the seriousness of the pandemic.
“I am not a denier, absolutely not,” Allegra said. “But it's important to distinguish between real facts from banal facts.”
“I can tell you Covid exists,” Gioacchino said. “You must adapt yourself to the restrictions. Now, if this government opens up the borders for Christmas, if everything is reopened, everyone's sacrifices to be so careful will go to pieces. We'll be ruined again.”
Down the main street, a two-man patrol of carabinieri, Italy's military police, came into sight. They entered and exited businesses, ensuring the pandemic rules were being followed.
The conversation continued.
“At this point, the virus is everywhere: on surfaces, on door handles,” Gioacchino said, making sweeping gestures.
Vincenzo nodded. “Look, there are three of us here,” he said, referring to the Courthouse News reporter too. “Probably one of us, maybe all of us, have had Covid.”
Just then, a woman passing by was brought into the debate. She was a head nurse at a hospital about 40 miles from Castelbuono.
In a bizarre twist, she started to loudly deny the seriousness of the virus, saying doctors were being paid to classify deaths as being caused by the virus and claiming the majority of Covid-19 tests were giving false positives.
“It's all manipulated, the doctors are bought off,” she said. “All the research has been manipulated, the statistics have been manipulated.”
Allegra and Gioacchino had already heard her spiels before.
The carabinieri passed by.
“Good day,” everyone said.
The church bells rang as the lunch hour approached and the small gathering split up, each carrying away their own version of the pandemic.
Courthouse News reporter Cain Burdeau is based in the European Union.


courthousenews--2020-11-28--Former GOP Congressman Wins Back Central California House Seat

( CN ) — Former congressman David Valadao is headed back to Congress after reclaiming his Central California House seat from incumbent Democrat T.J. Cox in a nail-biting rematch of their 2018 race .
In his bid for reelection , Valadao had characterized the Nov. 3 race as being bigger than any candidate or political party and said he had the experience to lead the 21st Congressional District .
In his message to voters , Valadao leaned — as he has in the past — on his background as a Latino and a son of immigrants and touted his moderate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as the coronavirus continues to spread and our community and nation struggle , we desperately need relief , ” he said .
“ The only way we will get through this is by sticking together as Americans , not divided by political parties .
When I head back to Washington every resident of the Central Valley has my word that I will continue to always put this community first.
” Valadao had 50.6 % of the vote over Cox , who has 49.4 % , according to California election data .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , down from a lead of more than 4,000 votes last week .
By Friday , he had more than 1,500 votes over Cox .
With Valadao ’ s victory , the GOP has now captured four House seats won by Democrats in 2018 .
In the 25th Congressional District , Rep. Mike Garcia retained his seat after defeating Democratic lawmaker Christy Smith .
Cox shocked the nation in 2018 when he flipped the GOP stronghold for Democrats and helped them win control of the House .
In a statement on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final numbers to come in before conceding the race .
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 , who is of Portuguese descent , had been declared the winner on election night in 2018 by major news outlets including The Associated Press before Cox closed the gap .
In the end , the Central Valley congressional seat was the seventh House seat flipped by Democrats in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upset this time , Valadao will again serve a district covering Kings County and portions of Fresno , Kern , and Tulare counties in California ’ s Central Valley .
Before the general election , Valadao 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .
He pointed to his record of defending Medicare and Social Security benefits for seniors and his vote for the American Dream and Promise Act , which extends a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients .
Valadao was endorsed by the National Republican Congressional Committee ( NRCC ) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy , R-Bakersfield .
The NRCC ’ s Twitter account description says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialist Democrats ” and reclaiming control of the House for Republicans .

Former congressman David Valadao is headed back to Congress after reclaiming his Central California House seat from incumbent Democrat T.J. Cox in a nail-biting rematch of their 2018 race.
(CN) — Former congressman David Valadao is headed back to Congress after reclaiming his Central California House seat from incumbent Democrat T.J. Cox in a nail-biting rematch of their 2018 race.
In his bid for reelection, Valadao had characterized the Nov. 3 race as being bigger than any candidate or political party and said he had the experience to lead the 21st Congressional District.
In his message to voters, Valadao leaned — as he has in the past — on his background as a Latino and a son of immigrants and touted his moderate stance on immigration.
Valadao declared victory in a statement on Wednesday.
“This Thanksgiving, as the coronavirus continues to spread and our community and nation struggle, we desperately need relief,” he said. “The only way we will get through this is by sticking together as Americans, not divided by political parties. When I head back to Washington every resident of the Central Valley has my word that I will continue to always put this community first.”
Valadao had 50.6% of the vote over Cox, who has 49.4%, according to California election data. He led Cox by 2,065 votes as of Monday, down from a lead of more than 4,000 votes last week. By Friday, he had more than 1,500 votes over Cox.
With Valadao’s victory, the GOP has now captured four House seats won by Democrats in 2018. In the 25th Congressional District, Rep. Mike Garcia retained his seat after defeating Democratic lawmaker Christy Smith.
Cox shocked the nation in 2018 when he flipped the GOP stronghold for Democrats and helped them win control of the House.
In a statement on Thursday, Cox said he would wait for final numbers to come in before conceding the race.
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, who is of Portuguese descent, had been declared the winner on election night in 2018 by major news outlets including The Associated Press before Cox closed the gap. In the end, the Central Valley congressional seat was the seventh House seat flipped by Democrats in the Golden State.
Having avoided a last-minute upset this time, Valadao will again serve a district covering Kings County and portions of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare counties in California’s Central Valley.
Before the general election, Valadao 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. He pointed to his record of defending Medicare and Social Security benefits for seniors and his vote for the American Dream and Promise Act, which extends a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients.
Valadao was endorsed by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield.
The NRCC’s Twitter account description says the organization is “dedicated to defeating the socialist Democrats” and reclaiming control of the House for Republicans.


courthousenews--2020-11-29--Biden Announces All-Female Senior White House Press Team

( CN ) — President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris announced Sunday the members of their administration ’ s senior communications staff , a history-making team made up entirely of women .
“ I am proud to announce today the first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women , ” Biden said in a statement .
“ These qualified , experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better.
” This is the first time the White House senior press team will be made up entirely of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as communications director for the Biden-Harris campaign , will take the top job as White House communications director .
Bedingfield previously served in several communications roles in the Obama administration , including deputy director of media affairs .
Jen Psaki , who is overseeing confirmations for the transition will serve as press secretary .
She also held several roles during the Obama administration , including White House communications director .
Biden is also expected to name Neera Tanden , president and CEO of liberal think tank Center for American Progress as director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to media reports .
The three have all worked in the Obama administration .
“ Communicating directly and truthfully to the American people is one of the most important duties of a President , and this team will be entrusted with the tremendous responsibility of connecting the American people to the White House , ” Biden said .
Karine Jean-Pierre , a campaign adviser and former head of liberal organization MoveOn , will take on the role of principal deputy press secretary .
Pili Tobar , a former immigrant advocate , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Symone Sanders , formerly of political consultant organization 360 Group LLC will be senior adviser and chief spokesperson for Vice President-elect Harris .
Ashley Etienne , who served as as adviser to the campaign , will serve as communications director for Harris .
“ Our country is facing unprecedented challenges–from the coronavirus pandemic to the economic crisis , to the climate crisis , and a long-overdue reckoning over racial injustice , ” Harris said in a statement .
“ To overcome these challenges , we need to communicate clearly , honestly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this experienced , talented , and barrier-shattering team will help us do that.
” More administration officials are expected to be announced later this week .

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris announced Sunday the members of their administration's senior communications staff, a history-making team made up entirely of women.
(CN) — President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris announced Sunday the members of their administration's senior communications staff, a history-making team made up entirely of women.
"I am proud to announce today the first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women," Biden said in a statement. "These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better."
This is the first time the White House senior press team will be made up entirely of women.
Kate Bedingfield, who served as communications director for the Biden-Harris campaign, will take the top job as White House communications director. Bedingfield previously served in several communications roles in the Obama administration, including deputy director of media affairs.
Jen Psaki, who is overseeing confirmations for the transition will serve as press secretary. She also held several roles during the Obama administration, including White House communications director.
Biden is also expected to name Neera Tanden, president and CEO of liberal think tank Center for American Progress as director of the Office of Management and Budget, according to media reports. The three have all worked in the Obama administration.
“Communicating directly and truthfully to the American people is one of the most important duties of a President, and this team will be entrusted with the tremendous responsibility of connecting the American people to the White House,” Biden said.
Karine Jean-Pierre, a campaign adviser and former head of liberal organization MoveOn, will take on the role of principal deputy press secretary. Pili Tobar, a former immigrant advocate, will serve as deputy White House communications director.
Symone Sanders, formerly of political consultant organization 360 Group LLC will be senior adviser and chief spokesperson for Vice President-elect Harris. Ashley Etienne, who served as as adviser to the campaign, will serve as communications director for Harris.
“Our country is facing unprecedented challenges–from the coronavirus pandemic to the economic crisis, to the climate crisis, and a long-overdue reckoning over racial injustice," Harris said in a statement. "To overcome these challenges, we need to communicate clearly, honestly, and transparently with the American people, and this experienced, talented, and barrier-shattering team will help us do that."
More administration officials are expected to be announced later this week.


courthousenews--2020-11-29--Mysterious Silver Monolith Disappears From Utah Desert

SALT LAKE CITY ( AP ) — A mysterious silver monolith that was placed in the Utah desert has disappeared less than 10 days after it was spotted by wildlife biologists performing a helicopter survey of bighorn sheep , federal officials and witnesses said .
“ We have received credible reports that the illegally installed structure , referred to as the ‘ monolith ’ has been removed from Bureau of Land Management public lands by an unknown party , ” on Nov. 27 , BLM spokesperson Kimberly Finch said in a statement .
The agency did not remove the structure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Public Safety said biologists spotted the monolith on Nov. 18 , a report that garnered international attention .
It was about 11 feet ( 3.4 meters ) tall with sides that appeared to be made of stainless steel .
While Utah officials did not say specifically where the monolith was located , people soon found it on satellite images dating back to 2016 and determined its GPS coordinates , prompting people to hike into the area .
Reporters with The Salt Lake Tribune hiked to the spot on Saturday and confirmed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Salt Lake City said he saw the monolith Friday afternoon and camped in the region overnight , but as he hiked to the area again on Saturday people passing him on the trail warned him it was gone , the Tribune reported .
When he arrived at the spot , all that was left was a triangular piece of metal covering a triangular-shaped hole in the rocks .
“ I was really bummed , ” said Owen , who posted a video on his Instagram .
“ It was so pretty and shiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again.
” Riccardo Marino and his girlfriend Sierra Van Meter were traveling from Colorado to California on Friday and decided to stop and see the object after finding the GPS coordinates online .
“ This was just a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we couldn ’ t miss out , ” Marino told KUTV .
On the way , they passed a long-bed truck with a large object in the back and he said he joked “ oh look , there ’ s the Utah monolith right there , ” he said .
When they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone .
Steve Adams said he left Helper , in central Utah , at 7 a.m. Saturday to drive to the area .
When he arrived and asked someone for directions he was told the tower was gone .
He and some friends made the hike anyway .
“ It was pretty disappointing , ” he told the Tribune .
“ We were really excited to go down and have an adventure to see it .
It feels like it was everybody ’ s and then it was nobody ’ s .
It @ @ @ @ @

A mysterious silver monolith that was placed in the Utah desert has disappeared less than 10 days after it was spotted by wildlife biologists performing a helicopter survey of bighorn sheep, federal officials and witnesses said.
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A mysterious silver monolith that was placed in the Utah desert has disappeared less than 10 days after it was spotted by wildlife biologists performing a helicopter survey of bighorn sheep, federal officials and witnesses said.
"We have received credible reports that the illegally installed structure, referred to as the 'monolith' has been removed from Bureau of Land Management public lands by an unknown party," on Nov. 27, BLM spokesperson Kimberly Finch said in a statement. The agency did not remove the structure, she said.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said biologists spotted the monolith on Nov. 18, a report that garnered international attention. It was about 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall with sides that appeared to be made of stainless steel.
While Utah officials did not say specifically where the monolith was located, people soon found it on satellite images dating back to 2016 and determined its GPS coordinates, prompting people to hike into the area.
Reporters with The Salt Lake Tribune hiked to the spot on Saturday and confirmed that it was gone.
Spencer Owen of Salt Lake City said he saw the monolith Friday afternoon and camped in the region overnight, but as he hiked to the area again on Saturday people passing him on the trail warned him it was gone, the Tribune reported. When he arrived at the spot, all that was left was a triangular piece of metal covering a triangular-shaped hole in the rocks.
"I was really bummed," said Owen, who posted a video on his Instagram. "It was so pretty and shiny. I wanted to go see it again."
Riccardo Marino and his girlfriend Sierra Van Meter were traveling from Colorado to California on Friday and decided to stop and see the object after finding the GPS coordinates online.
"This was just a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we couldn't miss out," Marino told KUTV.
On the way, they passed a long-bed truck with a large object in the back and he said he joked "oh look, there's the Utah monolith right there," he said.
When they arrived at the spot, it was gone.
Steve Adams said he left Helper, in central Utah, at 7 a.m. Saturday to drive to the area. When he arrived and asked someone for directions he was told the tower was gone. He and some friends made the hike anyway.
"It was pretty disappointing," he told the Tribune. "We were really excited to go down and have an adventure to see it. It feels like it was everybody's and then it was nobody's. It's gone."
By Riccardo Marino


Kentucky Schools

CINCINNATI — The Sixth Circuit released an order Sunday morning staying an injunction that would have allowed private and religious @ @ @ @ @ in-person classes this week , despite an executive order from the governor that halted classes @ @ @ @ @ a rise in Covid-19 cases .

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--2020-11-29--NYC to Reopen Schools, Even as Virus Spread Intensifies

NEW YORK ( AP ) — New York City will reopen its school system to in-person learning , and increase the number of days a week many children attend class , even as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies in the city , Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday .
The announcement marks a major policy reversal for the nation ’ s largest school system , less than two weeks after de Blasio , a Democrat , announced that schools were shutting down because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city .
Some elementary schools and pre-kindergarten programs will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Monday , the mayor said .
Others will take longer to reopen their doors .
School programs serving special-needs students at all grade levels will open to in-person learning starting Dec. 10 , de Blasio said .
The plan for reopening middle and high schools is still being developed , de Blasio said .
“ We feel confident that we can keep schools safe , ” he said .
New York City ’ s public schools opened to in-person learning starting in September for students whose parents had chosen bricks-and-mortar schooling .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising COVID-19 infections in the city .
Masks and social distancing were mandatory during the weeks that schools were open , and class sizes were a fraction of the pre-pandemic average of 25 to 30 students .
About 190,000 students will be eligible to return to classrooms in the first round of reopening , just a fraction of the more than 1 million total pupils in the system .
The great majority of parents have opted to have their kids learn remotely by computer .
De Blasio said that many of those returning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five days of class a week , up from one to three days previously .
Students attending in person will be required to undergo frequent testing for the virus .
Previously , the city had set a target of testing 20 % of teachers and students in each school building once a month .
Now , the testing will be weekly .
The mayor said the city was doing away with its previous trigger for closing schools , which was when 3 % or more of the virus tests conducted in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The idea of the hard number made a lot of sense back in the summer when we had not yet experienced all this , ” de Blasio said .
Since then , de Blasio suggested , relatively low numbers of positive coronavirus tests at schools show that it ’ s possible to keep schools open even with a citywide test positivity rate over 3 % .
Schools that are in COVID-19 orange zones designated by Gov .
Andrew Cuomo because of rising infection rates will reopen according to rules set by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De Blasio said at a news briefing that he had discussed his reopening plan with Cuomo .
“ We all agree that we have a different reality than what we had in the summer and that this is now the way forward and the best way to protect everyone , ” he said .
New York City exceeded the 3 % threshold early in November , and things have slightly worsened since then .
More than 9,300 New York City residents have tested positive for the virus over the past seven days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Associated Press

New York City will reopen its school system to in-person learning, and increase the number of days a week many children attend class, even as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies in the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.
NEW YORK (AP) — New York City will reopen its school system to in-person learning, and increase the number of days a week many children attend class, even as the coronavirus pandemic intensifies in the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Sunday.
The announcement marks a major policy reversal for the nation's largest school system, less than two weeks after de Blasio, a Democrat, announced that schools were shutting down because of a rising number of COVID-19 cases in the city.
Some elementary schools and pre-kindergarten programs will resume classes Dec. 7, a week from Monday, the mayor said. Others will take longer to reopen their doors.
School programs serving special-needs students at all grade levels will open to in-person learning starting Dec. 10, de Blasio said.
The plan for reopening middle and high schools is still being developed, de Blasio said.
"We feel confident that we can keep schools safe," he said.
New York City's public schools opened to in-person learning starting in September for students whose parents had chosen bricks-and-mortar schooling. School buildings closed again Nov. 19 amid rising COVID-19 infections in the city.
Masks and social distancing were mandatory during the weeks that schools were open, and class sizes were a fraction of the pre-pandemic average of 25 to 30 students.
About 190,000 students will be eligible to return to classrooms in the first round of reopening, just a fraction of the more than 1 million total pupils in the system. The great majority of parents have opted to have their kids learn remotely by computer.
De Blasio said that many of those returning in person will be able to attend five days of class a week, up from one to three days previously.
Students attending in person will be required to undergo frequent testing for the virus. Previously, the city had set a target of testing 20% of teachers and students in each school building once a month. Now, the testing will be weekly.
The mayor said the city was doing away with its previous trigger for closing schools, which was when 3% or more of the virus tests conducted in the city over a seven-day period came back positive.
"The idea of the hard number made a lot of sense back in the summer when we had not yet experienced all this," de Blasio said.
Since then, de Blasio suggested, relatively low numbers of positive coronavirus tests at schools show that it's possible to keep schools open even with a citywide test positivity rate over 3%.
Schools that are in COVID-19 orange zones designated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo because of rising infection rates will reopen according to rules set by the governor, de Blasio said.
De Blasio said at a news briefing that he had discussed his reopening plan with Cuomo. "We all agree that we have a different reality than what we had in the summer and that this is now the way forward and the best way to protect everyone," he said.
New York City exceeded the 3% threshold early in November, and things have slightly worsened since then. More than 9,300 New York City residents have tested positive for the virus over the past seven days.
By DAVID B. CARUSO and KAREN MATTHEWS Associated Press


courthousenews--2020-11-29--Completed Wisconsin Recount Confirms Biden’s Win Over Trump

MADISON , Wis. ( AP ) — Wisconsin finished a recount of its presidential results on Sunday , confirming Democrat Joe Biden ’ s victory over President Donald Trump in the key battleground state .
Trump vowed to challenge the outcome in court even before the recount concluded .
Dane County was the second and last county to finish its recount , reporting a 45-vote gain for Trump .
Milwaukee County , the state ’ s other big and overwhelmingly liberal county targeted in a recount that Trump paid for , reported its results Friday , a 132-vote gain for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counties barely budged Biden ’ s winning margin of about 20,600 votes .
“ As we have said , the recount only served to reaffirm Joe Biden ’ s victory in Wisconsin , ” Danielle Melfi , who led Biden ’ s campaign in Wisconsin , said in a statement to The Associated Press .
With no precedent for overturning a result as large as Biden ’ s , Trump was widely expected to head to court once the recount was finished .
His campaign challenged thousands of absentee ballots during the recount @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump tweeted that he would sue .
“ The Wisconsin recount is not about finding mistakes in the count , it is about finding people who have voted illegally , and that case will be brought after the recount is over , on Monday or Tuesday , ” Trump tweeted on Saturday .
“ We have found many illegal votes .
Stay tuned !
” Trump campaign officials didn ’ t immediately respond to AP requests for comment on Sunday .
The deadline to certify the vote is Tuesday .
Certification is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wisconsin Election Commission , which is bipartisan .
The Wisconsin Voters Alliance , a conservative group , has already filed a lawsuit against state election officials seeking to block certification of the results .
It makes many of the claims Trump is expected to make .
Gov .
Tony Evers ’ attorneys have asked the state Supreme Court to dismiss the suit .
Evers , a Democrat , said the complaint is a “ mishmash of legal distortions ” that uses factual misrepresentations in an attempt to take voting rights away from millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend by Wisconsin resident Dean Mueller argues that ballots placed in drop boxes are illegal and must not be counted .
Trump ’ s attorneys have complained about absentee ballots where voters identified themselves as “ indefinitely confined , ” allowing them to cast an absentee ballot without showing a photo ID ; ballots that have a certification envelope with two different ink colors , indicating a poll worker may have helped complete it ; and absentee ballots that don ’ t have a separate written record for its request , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials in the two counties counted those ballots during the recount , but marked them as exhibits at the request of the Trump campaign .
Trump ’ s campaign has already failed elsewhere in court without proof of widespread fraud , which experts widely agree doesn ’ t exist .
Trump legal challenges have failed in Arizona , Georgia , Michigan , Nevada and Pennsylvania .

Wisconsin finished a recount of its presidential results on Sunday, confirming Democrat Joe Biden's victory over President Donald Trump in the key battleground state. Trump vowed to challenge the outcome in court even before the recount concluded.
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin finished a recount of its presidential results on Sunday, confirming Democrat Joe Biden's victory over President Donald Trump in the key battleground state. Trump vowed to challenge the outcome in court even before the recount concluded.
Dane County was the second and last county to finish its recount, reporting a 45-vote gain for Trump. Milwaukee County, the state's other big and overwhelmingly liberal county targeted in a recount that Trump paid for, reported its results Friday, a 132-vote gain for Biden.
Taken together, the two counties barely budged Biden's winning margin of about 20,600 votes.
"As we have said, the recount only served to reaffirm Joe Biden's victory in Wisconsin," Danielle Melfi, who led Biden's campaign in Wisconsin, said in a statement to The Associated Press.
With no precedent for overturning a result as large as Biden's, Trump was widely expected to head to court once the recount was finished. His campaign challenged thousands of absentee ballots during the recount, and even before it was complete, Trump tweeted that he would sue.
"The Wisconsin recount is not about finding mistakes in the count, it is about finding people who have voted illegally, and that case will be brought after the recount is over, on Monday or Tuesday," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "We have found many illegal votes. Stay tuned!"
Trump campaign officials didn't immediately respond to AP requests for comment on Sunday.
The deadline to certify the vote is Tuesday. Certification is done by the Democratic chair of the Wisconsin Election Commission, which is bipartisan.
The Wisconsin Voters Alliance, a conservative group, has already filed a lawsuit against state election officials seeking to block certification of the results. It makes many of the claims Trump is expected to make. Gov. Tony Evers' attorneys have asked the state Supreme Court to dismiss the suit. Evers, a Democrat, said the complaint is a "mishmash of legal distortions" that uses factual misrepresentations in an attempt to take voting rights away from millions of Wisconsin residents.
Another suit filed over the weekend by Wisconsin resident Dean Mueller argues that ballots placed in drop boxes are illegal and must not be counted.
Trump's attorneys have complained about absentee ballots where voters identified themselves as "indefinitely confined," allowing them to cast an absentee ballot without showing a photo ID; ballots that have a certification envelope with two different ink colors, indicating a poll worker may have helped complete it; and absentee ballots that don't have a separate written record for its request, such as in-person absentee ballots.
Election officials in the two counties counted those ballots during the recount, but marked them as exhibits at the request of the Trump campaign.
Trump's campaign has already failed elsewhere in court without proof of widespread fraud, which experts widely agree doesn't exist. Trump legal challenges have failed in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania.


courthousenews--2020-12-01--LA City Hall Corruption Probe Snares Ex-Deputy Mayor

LOS ANGELES ( CN ) — Federal prosecutors pulled back the curtain on an ongoing corruption probe at Los Angeles City Hall , revealing charges Monday against a former deputy mayor and two businessmen accused of bribing former Councilman Jose Huizar for favorable votes on downtown development projects .
Monday ’ s charges follow months of indictments and plea agreements into a corruption investigation that has centered around Huizar .
Co-conspirators , former aides that acted as liaisons to business developers and former Councilman Mitch Englander have either been charged or pleaded guilty over their involvement in the bribery scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former LA deputy mayor Raymond Chan on suspicion of bribery , federal racketeering and lying to investigators .
Before being appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti to oversee economic development in 2016 and 2017 , Chan was in a chief position with the LA Department of Building and Safety .
Authorities say Chan accepted $ 100,000 in bribes from Chinese developer Shenzhen Hazens and its subsidiary Jia Yuan USA .
He is also accused of sending talking points to Huizar in 2013 in an effort to keep his department from being merged with another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powerful position .
News of drew quick and decisive outrage from Garcetti .
“ The behavior outlined in this indictment is reprehensible , and Mayor Garcetti is disgusted to learn that Mr. Chan and the others charged were allegedly involved in this effort to defraud the people of our city , ” Garcetti ’ s spokesperson Alex Comisar said in a statement .
“ Abhorrent conduct like this severely damages the public ’ s trust in government , and there can be absolutely no place for it .
The mayor hopes that anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the fullest extent of the law.
” Monday ’ s superseding indictment also includes charges for Wei Huang — a wealthy Chinese developer and owner of the L.A. Grand Hotel — who authorities say gave Huizar $ 600,000 to help settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former city employee .
On other occasions , Huang offered Huizar and some of his associates luxurious trips to Las Vegas and on one trip gave Huizar $ 65,000 in casino chips according to the 138-page superseding indictment unsealed on Monday .
Huang , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court documents , faces charges of bribery , honest services fraud and Travel Act violations .
Prosecutors say he paid Huizar over $ 800,000 , and in exchange Huizar signed a letter on official letterhead to the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou , China , in support of a visa application for an employee of an affiliate of Huang ’ s company .
According to prosecutors , Huang also asked Huizar to help his son apply to college and arrange a meeting with a union representative over a dispute related to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huizar to recognize him for his business achievements and developments in the downtown LA core — a resolution that was adopted and signed by the City Council .
Huang ’ s U.S. company Shen Zheng New World I , which purchased the LA Grand Hotel in 2011 for $ 90 million , is also named in the indictment .
Another developer , Dae Yong Lee , is accused of giving Huizar and Huizar ’ s former aide George Esparza $ 500,000 to help resolve a labor dispute for a development project .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents against Justin Kim , a former Huizar fundraiser who pleaded guilty to a federal bribery offense .
Esparza pleaded guilty this past May to racketeering charges and federal prosecutors said he too received bribes from Huang .
Lee ’ s company , which was used to purchase a downtown property in 2008 for $ 9 million , was also named in the superseding indictment .
U.S. Attorney Nicola Hanna from the Central District of California said the four-year pay-to-play scheme at City Hall turned Huizar ’ s council “ seat into a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of corruption outlined in this indictment is staggering , ” said Hanna in a statement .
Huizar was removed from office after being arrested this past June on charges of accepting at least $ 1.5 million in bribes .
He pleaded not guilty and goes to trial in 2021 on 34 federal counts .
A federal grand jury indictment alleges 402 overt acts committed by Huizar and his co-conspirators , which the superseding indictment adds 50 accusations of overt acts to the racketeering count .
Huizar will be arraigned on the new accusations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken plea deals in the ongoing investigation .

Federal prosecutors pulled back the curtain on an ongoing corruption probe at Los Angeles City Hall, revealing charges Monday against a former deputy mayor and two businessmen accused of bribing former Councilman Jose Huizar for favorable votes on downtown development projects.
LOS ANGELES (CN) — Federal prosecutors pulled back the curtain on an ongoing corruption probe at Los Angeles City Hall, revealing charges Monday against a former deputy mayor and two businessmen accused of bribing former Councilman Jose Huizar for favorable votes on downtown development projects.
Monday’s charges follow months of indictments and plea agreements into a corruption investigation that has centered around Huizar.
Co-conspirators, former aides that acted as liaisons to business developers and former Councilman Mitch Englander have either been charged or pleaded guilty over their involvement in the bribery scheme.
On Monday, federal prosecutors charged former LA deputy mayor Raymond Chan on suspicion of bribery, federal racketeering and lying to investigators. Before being appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti to oversee economic development in 2016 and 2017, Chan was in a chief position with the LA Department of Building and Safety.
Authorities say Chan accepted $100,000 in bribes from Chinese developer Shenzhen Hazens and its subsidiary Jia Yuan USA. He is also accused of sending talking points to Huizar in 2013 in an effort to keep his department from being merged with another city agency so he could keep his powerful position.
News of drew quick and decisive outrage from Garcetti.
“The behavior outlined in this indictment is reprehensible, and Mayor Garcetti is disgusted to learn that Mr. Chan and the others charged were allegedly involved in this effort to defraud the people of our city,” Garcetti’s spokesperson Alex Comisar said in a statement. “Abhorrent conduct like this severely damages the public’s trust in government, and there can be absolutely no place for it. The mayor hopes that anyone found guilty in this matter is punished to the fullest extent of the law.”
Monday’s superseding indictment also includes charges for Wei Huang — a wealthy Chinese developer and owner of the L.A. Grand Hotel — who authorities say gave Huizar $600,000 to help settle a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former city employee.
On other occasions, Huang offered Huizar and some of his associates luxurious trips to Las Vegas and on one trip gave Huizar $65,000 in casino chips according to the 138-page superseding indictment unsealed on Monday.
Huang, previously identified as “Chairman E” in court documents, faces charges of bribery, honest services fraud and Travel Act violations.
Prosecutors say he paid Huizar over $800,000, and in exchange Huizar signed a letter on official letterhead to the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou, China, in support of a visa application for an employee of an affiliate of Huang’s company.
According to prosecutors, Huang also asked Huizar to help his son apply to college and arrange a meeting with a union representative over a dispute related to the LA Grand Hotel. He also asked Huizar to recognize him for his business achievements and developments in the downtown LA core — a resolution that was adopted and signed by the City Council.
Huang’s U.S. company Shen Zheng New World I, which purchased the LA Grand Hotel in 2011 for $90 million, is also named in the indictment.
Another developer, Dae Yong Lee, is accused of giving Huizar and Huizar’s former aide George Esparza $500,000 to help resolve a labor dispute for a development project. That bribery agreement was detailed in the charging documents against Justin Kim, a former Huizar fundraiser who pleaded guilty to a federal bribery offense. Esparza pleaded guilty this past May to racketeering charges and federal prosecutors said he too received bribes from Huang.
Lee’s company, which was used to purchase a downtown property in 2008 for $9 million, was also named in the superseding indictment.
U.S. Attorney Nicola Hanna from the Central District of California said the four-year pay-to-play scheme at City Hall turned Huizar’s council “seat into a money-making criminal enterprise.”
“The scope of corruption outlined in this indictment is staggering,” said Hanna in a statement.
Huizar was removed from office after being arrested this past June on charges of accepting at least $1.5 million in bribes. He pleaded not guilty and goes to trial in 2021 on 34 federal counts.
A federal grand jury indictment alleges 402 overt acts committed by Huizar and his co-conspirators, which the superseding indictment adds 50 accusations of overt acts to the racketeering count. Huizar will be arraigned on the new accusations on Dec. 7.
Five men have taken plea deals in the ongoing investigation.


courthousenews--2020-12-01--San Francisco Utilities Chief Faces Bribery Charge in Corruption Probe

SAN FRANCISCO ( CN ) — In the latest chapter of a corruption scandal that has rocked San Francisco for the last 10 months , federal prosecutors on Monday filed bribery charges against a public utilities chief who is married to San Francisco ’ s highest-ranking unelected official .
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission general manager Harlan Kelly , 58 , used his position to benefit an influential city contractor and permit expediter in exchange for paid international trips , free meals and other gifts , federal prosecutors claim in a newly unsealed criminal complaint .
Kelly is married to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , City Administrator Naomi Kelly .
Naomi Kelly oversees 25 agencies and programs including the Department of Public Works , whose former director was first implicated in the corruption scandal in January .
“ Bribery scams undermine our faith in city government , ” said David Anderson , U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California , in a statement Monday .
“ Our investigation into City Hall corruption will continue.
” San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced that she has accepted Kelly ’ s resignation .
“ The allegations detailed in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Office are disturbing and unacceptable for anyone serving in our government , let alone the leader of one of our largest departments , ” Breed said in a statement .
“ As public officials , we have to hold ourselves to the highest standard and put the public good before all else.
” Appointed general manager of the commission in 2012 by the late Mayor Ed Lee , Kelly developed a relationship with Walter Wong , a construction contractor who also owns a business that helps other contractors navigate San Francisco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up approvals for building projects .
In June , Wong agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and money laundering charges and to cooperate with federal investigators .
According to the complaint unsealed Monday , Wong paid full or partial expenses for Kelly on multiple trips to China , most recently for a family trip to Hong Kong and China in March 2016 .
During that trip , Wong covered Kelly ’ s hotel stays , meals and jewelry purchases .
Wong later reimbursed Kelly for the family ’ s airfare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s bank account .
Prosecutors say Kelly acknowledged those gifts in a note to Wong via the encrypted WeChat messaging app , writing “ Thank you for the best family vacation ever !
A little something for everyone !
” At the same time Kelly received those lavish gifts , Wong was seeking a multimillion-dollar contract for the company run by his son , Green Source Trading LLC , to convert thousands of San Francisco city streetlights to smart LED technology .
Kelly and Wong discussed the bid multiple times , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The general manager hand-delivered confidential , internal PUC bid documents to Wong and delayed a deadline to give him an unfair advantage in the process , though Wong eventually withdrew his bid due to multiple contract changes , prosecutors say .
Wong also did $ 23,236 worth of water damage repair work on Kelly ’ s personal residence , but Kelly only paid $ 11,547 for the work — the maximum his insurance company would pay .
“ Wong stated that he never pressed Kelly to pay the remainder of the bill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits in exchange for Kelly , as head of the PUC , directing business to Wong and his companies as Kelly had done in the past , ” the complaint states .
In a recorded conversation between the two in May 2020 , Wong told Kelly the FBI had seized his records and that his attorneys were asking about the repair work .
Kelly said he was willing to pay the remainder but added , “ It ’ s not like you were giving me money .
We were friends , you were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was telling me ‘ That ’ s too high ; he ’ s ripping you off , ’ but I know you ’ re not ripping me off.
” Kelly said they should get a third-party estimate and that Wong should tell those questioning the repair work that the cost is “ disputed.
” He faces one count of honest services wire fraud , which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $ 250,000 fine .
The U.S. Attorney ’ s Office did not say if Kelly was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at this time .
He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler on Dec. 8 .
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission deferred comment to Kelly ’ s attorney , Brian Getz , who did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment Monday .
Kelly is the 10th person charged in the corruption scandal and the highest-ranking city official to face charges after former Public Works director Mohammed Nuru , who resigned from his $ 273,000-per-year job after being charged with bribery in January .
FBI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a statement Monday that the agency is “ surging ” its resources to uncover more potential wrongdoing in the ongoing corruption probe .
“ We urge anyone with information on this matter , or any other suspected public corruption , to come forward and contact the FBI , ” Fair said .

In the latest chapter of a corruption scandal that has rocked San Francisco for the last 10 months, federal prosecutors on Monday filed bribery charges against a public utilities chief who is married to San Francisco’s highest-ranking unelected official.
SAN FRANCISCO (CN) — In the latest chapter of a corruption scandal that has rocked San Francisco for the last 10 months, federal prosecutors on Monday filed bribery charges against a public utilities chief who is married to San Francisco’s highest-ranking unelected official.
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission general manager Harlan Kelly, 58, used his position to benefit an influential city contractor and permit expediter in exchange for paid international trips, free meals and other gifts, federal prosecutors claim in a newly unsealed criminal complaint.
Kelly is married to San Francisco’s top unelected official, City Administrator Naomi Kelly. Naomi Kelly oversees 25 agencies and programs including the Department of Public Works, whose former director was first implicated in the corruption scandal in January.
“Bribery scams undermine our faith in city government,” said David Anderson, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California, in a statement Monday. “Our investigation into City Hall corruption will continue.”
San Francisco Mayor London Breed announced that she has accepted Kelly’s resignation.
“The allegations detailed in the federal investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office are disturbing and unacceptable for anyone serving in our government, let alone the leader of one of our largest departments,” Breed said in a statement. “As public officials, we have to hold ourselves to the highest standard and put the public good before all else.”
Appointed general manager of the commission in 2012 by the late Mayor Ed Lee, Kelly developed a relationship with Walter Wong, a construction contractor who also owns a business that helps other contractors navigate San Francisco’s complex permitting process and speed up approvals for building projects.
In June, Wong agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and money laundering charges and to cooperate with federal investigators.
According to the complaint unsealed Monday, Wong paid full or partial expenses for Kelly on multiple trips to China, most recently for a family trip to Hong Kong and China in March 2016. During that trip, Wong covered Kelly’s hotel stays, meals and jewelry purchases. Wong later reimbursed Kelly for the family’s airfare with cash deposited in the general manager’s bank account.
Prosecutors say Kelly acknowledged those gifts in a note to Wong via the encrypted WeChat messaging app, writing “Thank you for the best family vacation ever! A little something for everyone!”
At the same time Kelly received those lavish gifts, Wong was seeking a multimillion-dollar contract for the company run by his son, Green Source Trading LLC, to convert thousands of San Francisco city streetlights to smart LED technology. Kelly and Wong discussed the bid multiple times, according to text messages cited in the complaint. The general manager hand-delivered confidential, internal PUC bid documents to Wong and delayed a deadline to give him an unfair advantage in the process, though Wong eventually withdrew his bid due to multiple contract changes, prosecutors say.
Wong also did $23,236 worth of water damage repair work on Kelly’s personal residence, but Kelly only paid $11,547 for the work — the maximum his insurance company would pay.
“Wong stated that he never pressed Kelly to pay the remainder of the bill because he wished to provide Kelly with benefits in exchange for Kelly, as head of the PUC, directing business to Wong and his companies as Kelly had done in the past,” the complaint states.
In a recorded conversation between the two in May 2020, Wong told Kelly the FBI had seized his records and that his attorneys were asking about the repair work. Kelly said he was willing to pay the remainder but added, “It’s not like you were giving me money. We were friends, you were helping me, and the insurance company was telling me ‘That’s too high; he’s ripping you off,’ but I know you’re not ripping me off.”
Kelly said they should get a third-party estimate and that Wong should tell those questioning the repair work that the cost is “disputed.”
He faces one count of honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office did not say if Kelly was arrested but confirmed he is not in custody at this time. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Laurel Beeler on Dec. 8.
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission deferred comment to Kelly’s attorney, Brian Getz, who did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment Monday.
Kelly is the 10th person charged in the corruption scandal and the highest-ranking city official to face charges after former Public Works director Mohammed Nuru, who resigned from his $273,000-per-year job after being charged with bribery in January.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig D. Fair said in a statement Monday that the agency is “surging” its resources to uncover more potential wrongdoing in the ongoing corruption probe.
“We urge anyone with information on this matter, or any other suspected public corruption, to come forward and contact the FBI,” Fair said.


Protecting Peppered Chub

WASHINGTON — Responding to a lawsuit filed this year by conservationists , the U.S .
Fish and Wildlife Service said @ @ @ @ @ peppered chub — a fish once widely found in the Arkansas River — as an @ @ @ @ @ river miles in four states as critical habitat .


courthousenews--2020-11-30--Californians Face Threat of New Lockdown as Covid Cases Break Records

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( CN ) — Drowning in another wave of coronavirus infections , California Governor Gavin Newsom telegraphed Monday that new lockdowns are headed to the state ’ s largest counties due to surging hospitalizations , ICU admissions and deaths .
With the current rate of spread greatly surpassing a July peak , Newsom forecast a bleak December and warned officials are expecting hospitalizations to double or triple in wake of Thanksgiving celebrations .
The potential added strain could surpass the state ’ s supply of ICU beds by Christmas at the current rate , Newsom underscored in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these trends continue , we ’ re going to have to take much more dramatic , arguably drastic action , ” Newsom told reporters .
The ghastly statistics continue to pile up as the state ’ s rolling daily average of new cases has spiked to a record 14,600 , shattering the previous record of 9,800 set during last summer ’ s surge .
The alarming total — along with statewide hospitalizations spiking 89 % over the last two weeks — could trigger new restrictions for the world ’ s fifth largest economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sobering ” and acknowledged his administration is once again considering stay-at-home orders for the over 50 counties currently in the most restrictive level of the state ’ s reopening framework .
Still in the works , Newsom said the potential orders would be more “ surgical ” and “ less ” blunt than previous mandatory lockdowns .
In March , California became the first state to implement a statewide lockdown requiring residents to stay indoors except for exercise and essential employment .
To underscore the looming threat , California Health and Human Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases — including ones originating from Thanksgiving gatherings — are not yet part of the state ’ s total of 7,700 hospitalizations .
“ The high case number that we ’ ve seen in the last week and 10 days have not even begun to impact hospitals yet ; we know that it takes about two weeks , ” Ghaly said .
Hospitals are likely to see hundreds if not thousands of new patients in the coming weeks , as Ghaly reiterated approximately 12 % of all new infections result in hospitalizations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgently with hospitals and county health departments to prepare for the coming weeks and that many facilities have already stopped performing elective surgeries .
Beating the state to the punch , Los Angeles County officials on Monday initiated stay-at-home orders that ban most outdoor gatherings and limits how many customers businesses can serve in person .
The orders come after the county recorded over 100,000 new coronavirus cases in a single month .
The hope is the 20-day orders will stave off the need for a more severe lockdown , but that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ LA County Public Health director Barbara Ferrer .
“ We are at the most difficult moment in the pandemic , ” said Ferrer , who also announced the county ’ s “ alarming milestone ” of 400,000 cases since the pandemic began .
Hospitalizations also spiked over the Thanksgiving weekend , Ferrer said .
“ A continued surge in cases is just not sustainable , ” said Ferrer .
“ The virus is running rampant through almost every part of our county.
” Along with 1.2 million confirmed cases — becoming the second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month — California has reported over 19,000 Covid-19 related deaths since the start of the pandemic .
According to a model by researchers at the University of Washington , California could see a wave of deaths this winter that could nearly double the death toll to 37,000 by March 1 .
The undesirable honor spurred Newsom to request that residents cancel holiday travel plans and he demoted handfuls of counties to the most restrictive tier — which bars indoor dining and services — and instituted overnight curfews for businesses and gatherings the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the state ’ s prison system are also trending upward , despite efforts to reduce populations over the summer .
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation , over 3,400 new inmate cases have been reported over the last two weeks .
Since March , over 21,000 inmates have been infected and 85 have died in a series of separate outbreaks that struck prisons like San Quentin .
Meanwhile California ’ s latest coronavirus surge is sending professional and amateur sports teams scrambling for places to practice and play .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ banning team sports and implementing mandatory quarantines for traveling residents , the San Francisco 49ers announced Monday it would play the rest of its home games in Arizona .
Many team officials , coaches and players say they found out about the new rules while traveling to their most recent game against the Los Angeles Rams .
“ The San Francisco 49ers have come to an agreement with the National Football League and Arizona Cardinals which allows the 49ers to host their weeks 13 and 14 home games against the Buffalo Bills and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Arizona , ” the team stated .
To brace for the latest round of economic harm , Newsom said the state will offer $ 500 million in Covid-19 relief for to small businesses .
The plan is centered around allowing businesses owing under $ 1 million to defer sales tax payments for three months as well as take out up to $ 25,000 in new state grants .
Newsom said the goal was to “ float ” Main Street until Congress — or the state in the next budget — enacts new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end .
This is just the beginning of a bridge , ” Newsom said .
There was a slice of optimism in the hourlong briefing as Newsom rattled off previous actions taken to ward against hospital overcrowding .
Exceeding the national stockpile by 40 million , Newsom claimed the state has a solid supply of N-95 masks , more ventilators than any other state and a robust collection of retired health care workers on standby .
He says he ’ s confident Californians can band together and extinguish the dire projections as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I want folks to know that we intend to bend this proverbial curve and impact the statistics favorably , ” Newsom concluded .

Drowning in another wave of coronavirus infections, California Governor Gavin Newsom telegraphed Monday that new lockdowns are headed to the state’s largest counties due to surging hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — Drowning in another wave of coronavirus infections, California Governor Gavin Newsom telegraphed Monday that new lockdowns are headed to the state’s largest counties due to surging hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths.
California coronavirus threat map as seen on Nov. 30, 2020.
With the current rate of spread greatly surpassing a July peak, Newsom forecast a bleak December and warned officials are expecting hospitalizations to double or triple in wake of Thanksgiving celebrations. The potential added strain could surpass the state’s supply of ICU beds by Christmas at the current rate, Newsom underscored in a jarring pandemic briefing.
“If these trends continue, we’re going to have to take much more dramatic, arguably drastic action,” Newsom told reporters.
The ghastly statistics continue to pile up as the state’s rolling daily average of new cases has spiked to a record 14,600, shattering the previous record of 9,800 set during last summer’s surge. The alarming total — along with statewide hospitalizations spiking 89% over the last two weeks — could trigger new restrictions for the world’s fifth largest economy.
Newsom called the latest data “sobering” and acknowledged his administration is once again considering stay-at-home orders for the over 50 counties currently in the most restrictive level of the state’s reopening framework. Still in the works, Newsom said the potential orders would be more “surgical” and “less” blunt than previous mandatory lockdowns.
In March, California became the first state to implement a statewide lockdown requiring residents to stay indoors except for exercise and essential employment.
To underscore the looming threat, California Health and Human Services chief Mark Ghaly highlighted the recent batch of cases — including ones originating from Thanksgiving gatherings — are not yet part of the state’s total of 7,700 hospitalizations.
“The high case number that we’ve seen in the last week and 10 days have not even begun to impact hospitals yet; we know that it takes about two weeks,” Ghaly said.
Hospitals are likely to see hundreds if not thousands of new patients in the coming weeks, as Ghaly reiterated approximately 12% of all new infections result in hospitalizations. He said the state is working urgently with hospitals and county health departments to prepare for the coming weeks and that many facilities have already stopped performing elective surgeries.
Beating the state to the punch, Los Angeles County officials on Monday initiated stay-at-home orders that ban most outdoor gatherings and limits how many customers businesses can serve in person. The orders come after the county recorded over 100,000 new coronavirus cases in a single month.
The hope is the 20-day orders will stave off the need for a more severe lockdown, but that will depend on how Angelenos behave according to LA County Public Health director Barbara Ferrer.
“We are at the most difficult moment in the pandemic,” said Ferrer, who also announced the county’s “alarming milestone” of 400,000 cases since the pandemic began.
Hospitalizations also spiked over the Thanksgiving weekend, Ferrer said.
“A continued surge in cases is just not sustainable,” said Ferrer. “The virus is running rampant through almost every part of our county.”
Along with 1.2 million confirmed cases — becoming the second state to cross the 1 million-case mark this month — California has reported over 19,000 Covid-19 related deaths since the start of the pandemic. According to a model by researchers at the University of Washington, California could see a wave of deaths this winter that could nearly double the death toll to 37,000 by March 1.
The undesirable honor spurred Newsom to request that residents cancel holiday travel plans and he demoted handfuls of counties to the most restrictive tier — which bars indoor dining and services — and instituted overnight curfews for businesses and gatherings the state deems as non-essential.
Coronavirus infections within the state’s prison system are also trending upward, despite efforts to reduce populations over the summer.
According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, over 3,400 new inmate cases have been reported over the last two weeks. Since March, over 21,000 inmates have been infected and 85 have died in a series of separate outbreaks that struck prisons like San Quentin.
Meanwhile California’s latest coronavirus surge is sending professional and amateur sports teams scrambling for places to practice and play.
With its home county of Santa Clara banning team sports and implementing mandatory quarantines for traveling residents, the San Francisco 49ers announced Monday it would play the rest of its home games in Arizona. Many team officials, coaches and players say they found out about the new rules while traveling to their most recent game against the Los Angeles Rams.
"The San Francisco 49ers have come to an agreement with the National Football League and Arizona Cardinals which allows the 49ers to host their weeks 13 and 14 home games against the Buffalo Bills and Washington Football Team at State Farm Stadium in Arizona,” the team stated.
To brace for the latest round of economic harm, Newsom said the state will offer $500 million in Covid-19 relief for to small businesses. The plan is centered around allowing businesses owing under $1 million to defer sales tax payments for three months as well as take out up to $25,000 in new state grants. Newsom said the goal was to “float” Main Street until Congress — or the state in the next budget — enacts new aid.
“This is not the end. This is just the beginning of a bridge,” Newsom said.
There was a slice of optimism in the hourlong briefing as Newsom rattled off previous actions taken to ward against hospital overcrowding.
Exceeding the national stockpile by 40 million, Newsom claimed the state has a solid supply of N-95 masks, more ventilators than any other state and a robust collection of retired health care workers on standby. He says he’s confident Californians can band together and extinguish the dire projections as they’ve done twice already this year. “I want folks to know that we intend to bend this proverbial curve and impact the statistics favorably,” Newsom concluded.


Top Eight

Your Monday night briefing from the staff of Courthouse News Top eight CNS stories for today including the Supreme Court sketched uncertainty for the Trump administration ’ s latest census ploy ; President-elect Joe Biden announced his nominations for key members of his economic team ; The number of new coronavirus infections is decreasing around the world with much of Europe under lockdown , 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 . )
The Supreme Court sketched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s latest census ploy , with the government downplaying Democrats ’ fears about lost seats in Congress .
2 . )
President-elect Joe Biden announced his nominations for key members of his economic team Monday , including one name that many Americans will recognize .
3 . )
Moderna is ready to seek emergency use authorization for the vaccine it has reported as over 94 % effective in preventing Covid-19 , the Massachusetts-based drugmaker said Monday .
4 . )
The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday over whether a police officer broke a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a government database to check a license plate for someone who bribed him .
5 . )
Virginia ’ s Democratic governor released a doorstopper of a marijuana legalization report Monday afternoon , projecting hundreds of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue while stressing the need for social equity in the legal pot market .
6 . )
Facing a tight runoff race for reelection , Senator David Perdue of Georgia is raising eyebrows with some of the stock trades he made as a sitting lawmaker .
But it is not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his actions surrounding the stock market .
7 . )
With much of Europe under lockdown , the number of new coronavirus infections is decreasing around the world though Mexico and Brazil are seeing a dangerous rise in cases and deaths , the head of the World Health Organization said Monday .
8 . )
Nicolas Sarkozy , France ’ s popular former conservative president , became the first French head of state in modern times to take the stand on Monday in a trial where he is accused of corruption .

Top eight CNS stories for today including the Supreme Court sketched uncertainty for the Trump administration’s latest census ploy; President-elect Joe Biden announced his nominations for key members of his economic team; The number of new coronavirus infections is decreasing around the world with much of Europe under lockdown, and more.
Your Monday night briefing from the staff of Courthouse News
Top eight CNS stories for today including the Supreme Court sketched uncertainty for the Trump administration’s latest census ploy; President-elect Joe Biden announced his nominations for key members of his economic team; The number of new coronavirus infections is decreasing around the world with much of Europe under lockdown, 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.) The Supreme Court sketched uncertainty Monday for the Trump administration’s latest census ploy, with the government downplaying Democrats’ fears about lost seats in Congress.
Amid concerns of the spread of COVID-19, census worker Jennifer Pope wears a mask and sits by ready to help at a U.S. Census walk-up counting site set up for Hunt County in Greenville, Texas, Friday, July 31, 2020. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
2.) President-elect Joe Biden announced his nominations for key members of his economic team Monday, including one name that many Americans will recognize.
FILE - In this Aug. 14, 2019, file photo former Fed Chair Janet Yellen speaks with FOX Business Network guest anchor Jon Hilsenrath in the Fox Washington bureau in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
3.) Moderna is ready to seek emergency use authorization for the vaccine it has reported as over 94% effective in preventing Covid-19, the Massachusetts-based drugmaker said Monday.
FILE - In this July 27, 2020, file photo, nurse Kathe Olmstead prepares a shot that is part of a possible COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., in Binghamton, N.Y. Moderna Inc. says it will ask U.S. and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink, File)
4.) The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday over whether a police officer broke a federal computer crime law when he accessed a government database to check a license plate for someone who bribed him.
A person types on a laptop. (AP photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Regional
5.) Virginia’s Democratic governor released a doorstopper of a marijuana legalization report Monday afternoon, projecting hundreds of millions of dollars in annual tax revenue while stressing the need for social equity in the legal pot market.
A marijuana plant nearly ready for harvest. (Matthew Brown/AP)
6.) Facing a tight runoff race for reelection, Senator David Perdue of Georgia is raising eyebrows with some of the stock trades he made as a sitting lawmaker. But it is not the first time he has faced questions about his actions surrounding the stock market.
Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., takes the stage before Vice President Mike Pence during a Defend the Majority Rally, Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 in Canton, Ga. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)
International
7.) With much of Europe under lockdown, the number of new coronavirus infections is decreasing around the world though Mexico and Brazil are seeing a dangerous rise in cases and deaths, the head of the World Health Organization said Monday.
FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020 file photo, women wearing face masks walk past a Christmas tree and lights in Burlington Arcade, where all non-essential shops are temporarily closed during England's second coronavirus lockdown, in London. Nations are struggling to reconcile cold medical advice with a holiday tradition that calls for big gatherings in often poorly ventilated rooms, where people chat, shout and sing together, providing an ideal conduit for a virus that has killed over 350,000 people in Europe so far. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)
8.) Nicolas Sarkozy, France’s popular former conservative president, became the first French head of state in modern times to take the stand on Monday in a trial where he is accused of corruption.