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Fusion Capital Find II, LLC. v. Ham

(United States Seventh Circuit) - In an insolvent corporation's suit against defendant-corporation for tortious interference with its merger agreement, district court's judgment awarding defendant about $1.2 million in legal fees after ruling in favor of defendant and holding the insolvent corporation's board of directors personally liable is reversed as, under Nev. Rev. Stat. section 78.747, there isn't any fraud as plaintiff's thin capitalization was both the reason why the deal had been proposed and the dominant feature in the deal's structure. Furthermore, when plaintiff signed a contract promising to reimburse defendant's legal expenses if litigation ensued, defendant knew beyond doubt that plaintiff would be unable to keep that promise unless the merger closed. Thus, the court is not aware of any statute or decision holding that investors in a thinly capitalized corporation are personally liable for its debts to a contracting partner when that partner, with knowledge of the corporation's insolvency, signs without getting a guaranty from the investors.




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Equitable Res., Inc. v. United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Mfg., etc.

(United States Sixth Circuit) - In a company's suit under section 301 of the Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) to vacate or modify the arbitration award against it, district court's grant of summary judgment in favor of the union is affirmed where: 1) the arbitrator did not exceed his authority by interpreting the CBA in a way that allowed the company to be found liable for a breach; 2) the arbitrator did not exceed the scope of his authority to decide a representational issue in this case because the arbitrator's successor decision was permissible in furtherance of his interpretation of the CBA; 3) the award's remedy does not violate public policy; and 4) the arbitrator did not dispense his own brand of industrial justice.




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IDX Capital, LLC v. Phoenix Partners Group LLC

(Court of Appeals of New York) - In a suit for tortious interference with prospective business relations and aiding and abetting breach of fiduciary duty, arising from the defendants' alleged participation in derailing the plaintiff company's acquisition by a third party, the Appellate Division's dismissal of the complaint is affirmed by memorandum, where the plaintiffs failed to produce evidentiary proof as to whether: 1) individual defendants participated in a co-defendant's admitted campaign to interfere with the proposed acquisition; 2) defendant entities should be held vicariously liable for the interference; or 3) an individual plaintiff was entitled to injunctive relief.



  • Injury & Tort Law
  • M&A

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YPF S.A. v. Apache Overseas, Inc.

(United States Fifth Circuit) - Upheld an arbitration award in a business dispute involving one company's sale of certain assets to another. Affirmed the district court's confirmation of the arbitration award.



  • M&A
  • Dispute Resolution & Arbitration

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Churchman v. Bay Area Rapid Transit Dist

(California Court of Appeal) - Affirmed. Plaintiff sued Defendant for a slip and fall accident in the BART station on the theory that the train operator owed a heightened duty of care under Civil Code section 2100. The trial court dismissed the action on the grounds that Defendant had no liability for accidents that did not occur on the train. The appeals court agreed also holding that section 2100 does not apply to minor commonplace hazards in a train station.




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Zenhiser Releases "Swagger" Sample Pack For Hip Hop & Trap

Blurring The Lines Between Hip Hop & Trap, Swagger Adds Attitude To Your Tracks




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New Happy Song "Your Turn Me All Around" By CHICAGOBOY Out Now

New Happy Song "Your Turn Me All Around" By CHICAGOBOY Out Now




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Kader v. Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.

(United States First Circuit) - Affirming the district court dismissal of a case in which a class of purchasers of securities issued by a drug company that the investors said recklessly misled them about their target date for submitting an application to the Food and Drug Administration for a drug approval because the court did not err in finding that they had failed to state a claim.




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Khoja v. Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.

(United States Ninth Circuit) - Reversed in part the dismissal of a securities fraud class action alleging that a biotechnology firm misrepresented to investors the status of a clinical drug trial. An investor brought this suit contending that the company and certain top executives violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. On appeal, the Ninth Circuit held that the district court erred in part in dismissing the complaint for failure to state a claim. The panel also ruled that the district court abused its discretion in judicially noticing certain facts and in incorporating certain documents into the complaint.




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Persona maken in 5 stappen [met template]

In dit artikel leg ik je uit hoe je in 5 handige stappen een buyer persona maakt. Een persona vormt de basis voor alle marketing- en salescommunicatie met je klant. Juist nu we met z’n allen thuiswerken, kun je dit als praktische desktaak uitvoeren. Zo ben je bijzonder zinvol bezig voor je organisatie. Waarom een […]




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De YouTube Video Builder: korte, professionele video’s in 5 stappen

Met de huidige omstandigheden verandert de manier waarop we communiceren met klanten. Video gaat steeds meer een rol spelen. Google speelt hier goed op in en komt met de YouTube Video Builder. Hierdoor wordt het voor ieder midden- en kleinbedrijf mogelijk om zonder kennis van videobewerking of dure videoproductie aan de slag te gaan. Scheelt […]




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11 tips voor een productievere werkdag [infographic]

To-do-lijstjes die groter worden in plaats van kleiner, deadlines die zich opstapelen en een bomvolle agenda met afspraken. Het kan frustrerend zijn als je na een lange werkdag niet alles afgerond hebt wat je graag af wilde hebben. Zeker in deze periode waarin thuiswerken de normaalste zaak ter wereld is en alles op afstand moet. […]




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Chechen Migrant Drags French Policeman Over 60 Feet to Escape Virus Check

A Chechen migrant was arrested in the commune of Montereau-Fault-Yonne after dragging a police officer 60 feet with his vehicle while trying to escape a Wuhan coronavirus lockdown checkpoint.




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Italian Nurse on Coronavirus Frontline Raped by Illegal Migrant After Her Shift

An Italian nurse working on the frontline against the Chinese coronavirus was brutally sexually assaulted by an African migrant after finishing her shift and heading to her home.




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GOP Rep. Aderholt: 'Cheap Products' from China Now Costing U.S. 'Dearly'

As the globe contends with the coronavirus pandemic, still looming large now more than ever is the threat posed by Communist China, which is something Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) warns should not be taken lightly.




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Afghanistan Has Freed over 900 Taliban Jihadis So Far in Prisoner Swap

Afghanistan's government has freed 933 Taliban prisoners since the terrorists agreed to a peace deal with the U.S. in February, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported on Friday.





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US v. Apple Macpro Computer

(United States Third Circuit) - In an appeal concerning the Government's ability to compel the decryption of digital devices when the Government seizes those devices pursuant to a valid search warrant, the district court's order, finding John Doe in civil contempt for refusing to comply with an order issued pursuant to the All Writs Act, 28 U.S.C. section 1651, which required him to produce several seized devices in a fully unencrypted state, is affirmed over Doe's claims that the court did not have subject matter jurisdiction to issue the order and that the order itself violates his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.




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Mavrix Photographs, LLC. v LiveJournal, Inc.

(United States Ninth Circuit) - In a copyright dispute arising out of photographs posted online on defendant's social media website, the district court's summary judgment that defendant was entitled protected by the safe harbor of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act is reversed where: 1) the safe harbor set forth in 17 U.S.C. section 512(c) would apply if the photographs were posted at the direction of users; 2) defendant posted the photographs after a team of volunteer moderators, led by an employee of the defendant, reviewed and approved them; 3) the common law of agency applied to the defendant's safe harbor defense; and 4) there were genuine factual disputes regarding whether the moderators were the defendant's agents.




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Modisette v. Apple Inc.

(California Court of Appeal) - Held that Apple Inc. was not liable for a five-year-old girl's death and injuries to her family members that occurred when a driver using the FaceTime application on his iPhone crashed into her parents' car on a Texas highway. Affirmed dismissal of the complaint, concluding that Apple did not owe a duty of care and that the iPhone's design was not a proximate cause.




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Meador v. Apple, Inc.

(United States Fifth Circuit) - Held that Apple Inc. was not liable for a fatal car crash that happened when a distracted driver looked down to read a text message on her iPhone 5. The suit alleged that the iPhone caused the accident because it had no lockout mechanism. Affirmed dismissal of the complaint, holding that Texas law would not regard a driver's neurobiological response to a smartphone notification as a cause of a car crash.




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Khrapunov v. Prosyankin

(United States Ninth Circuit) - Vacated and remanded. Plaintiff filed a 28 U.S.C. § 1782 application seeking issuance of a subpoena to Google, Inc. for the disclosure of certain subscriber information to assist him in ongoing litigation in England. The district court granted Plaintiff’s application for the information from Google. Concluded that there was doubt whether 1782 could be used in a foreign proceeding and vacated and remanded for further proceedings in the district court.




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The Ramona Flowers Release Captivating Single “Out Of Focus”

UK Band Unveils Music Video Ahead Of “Strangers” Album Release




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Red Barn Motors, Inc. v. NextGear Capital, Inc.

(United States Seventh Circuit) - Held that the district court did not adequately explain its reason for rescinding certification of a class in a business dispute between numerous used-car dealerships and a financing company. Vacated the class certification ruling and remanded for further proceedings.




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Kaplan v. Reed Smith LLP

(United States Second Circuit) - Addressed a fee dispute between two law firms that had served as co‐class counsel in a securities class action. Affirmed an order enjoining a state court lawsuit in which one of the firms brought claims against the other for tortious interference and unjust enrichment.




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HAPPY BIRTHDAY! DISKERY TURNS 20!

Diskery.com Celebrates 20 Years On-line!




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Young Trap Releases New Album 'Hustle And Glow' Feat. Boosie Badazz And Too $hort.

The Music Artist Known As Young Trap Has Released His Latest Album, “Hustle And Glow.”




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Black Sky Capital, LLC v. Cobb

(Supreme Court of California) - Interpreting Code of Civil Procedure section 580d, the California Supreme Court held that a creditor holding two deeds of trust on the same property may recover a deficiency judgment on the junior lien extinguished by a nonjudicial foreclosure sale on the senior lien.




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People v. Capers

(Supreme Court of California) - Affirmed judgment and sentence of capital punishment in death penalty case.




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The Hype Magazine Signs Exclusive Podcast Agreement With Digital Soapbox Network

Distributed By The Digital Soapbox Network, The Hype Magazine “Live Session” Podcast Is Available Via Some Of The Biggest Streaming Platforms In The Digital Space




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Australia's First Online Radio/Podcast Station Launches As Apple Announces ITunes Closure

New Podcast Concept Station "Elevate Radio" To Help Podcasters And Musicians




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Ceraphin Radio Network's IJazzy Classical To Air Broadway Musical Songs

IJazzy Classical Is Haiti’ Only Jazz Radio Station.




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Kreg Therapeutics, Inc. v. VitalGo, Inc.

(United States Seventh Circuit) - Held that a manufacturer breached its contractual agreement with a distributor in the medical-supply industry. Affirmed a bench trial judgment, in a case involving distribution rights to a special type of hospital bed.




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Papalote Creek II, L.L.C. v. Lower Colorado River Authority

(United States Fifth Circuit) - Held that a dispute involving an agreement to purchase power from a wind turbine farm was outside the scope of the parties' arbitration clause. Reversed an order compelling arbitration, in this lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment regarding the meaning of a contractual provision.




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Apache Deepwater L.L.C. v. W & T Offshore, Inc.

(United States Fifth Circuit) - Affirmed. The jury award of more than $43 mil. for the breach of a Joint Operating Agreement relating to the plugging and abandonment operation of offshore oil and gas wells in the Gulf of Mexico was affirmed because the application of Louisiana Civil Code and interpretation of the contract was appropriate. No bad faith offset entitlement was found.




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Capsco Industries, Inc. v. Ground Control, LLC

(United States Fifth Circuit) - Affirmed. A subcontractor did not owe a duty to indemnify a company for its expenditures in labor and materials in a construction project.




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Video: Appeal To Locate Chavelle Dillon-Burgess

The Bermuda Police Service continues to seek the public’s help in locating 26-year-old Chavelle Dillon-Burgess, which was last seen over the...




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Reopening In The COVID Era: How To Adapt To A New Normal

By Julie Appleby, Kaiser Health News

As many states begin to reopen — most without meeting the thresholds recommended by the White House — a new level of COVID-19 risk analysis begins for Americans.

Should I go to the beach? What about the hair salon? A sit-down restaurant meal? Visit Mom on Mother’s Day?

States are responding to the tremendous economic cost of the pandemic and people’s pent-up desire to be “normal” again. But public health experts remain cautious. In many areas, they note, COVID cases — and deaths — are still on the rise, and some fear new surges will follow the easing of restrictions.

“Reopening is not back to normal. It is trying to find ways to allow people to get back out to do things they want to do, and business to do business,” said Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer at the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. “We can’t pretend the virus has gone away. The vast majority of the population is still susceptible.”

So far, state rules vary. But they involve a basic theme.

“They are making assumptions that people will use common sense and good public health practice when they go out,” said Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director with the American Public Health Association.

As states start to reopen, people will have to weigh the risk versus benefit of getting out more, along with their own tolerance for uncertainty. The bottom line, health experts say, is people should continue to be vigilant: Maintain distance, wear masks, wash your hands — and take responsibility for your own health and that of those around you.

“It’s clearly too early, in my mind, in many places to pull the stay-at-home rules,” said Benjamin. “But, to the extent that is going to happen, we have to give people advice to do it safely. No one should interpret my comments as being overly supportive of doing it, but if you’re going to do it, you have to be careful.”

An added caveat: All advice applies to people at normal risk of weathering the disease. Those 60 or older and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems should continue staying home.

“Folks who are at higher risk of having a more severe reaction have to continue to be very careful and limit contact with other people,” Plescia said.

So, should I go to the beach?

There’s nothing inherently risky about the beach, said Benjamin. But, again, “if you can, avoid crowds,” he said. “Have as few people around you as possible.”

Maintain that 6-foot distance, even in the water.

“If you are standing close and interacting, there is a chance they could be sick and they may not know it and you could catch it,” Plescia said. “The whole 6-foot distance is a good thing to remember going forward.”

Still, “one thing about the beach or anywhere outside is that there is a lot of good air movement, which is very different than standing in a crowded subway car,” he said.

Even so, recent images of packed beaches and parks raise questions about whether people are able or willing to continue heeding distancing directives.

But if we’re all wearing masks, do we really need to stay 6 feet apart?

Yes, for two reasons. First, while masks can reduce the amount of droplets expelled from the mouth and nose, they aren’t perfect.

Droplets from sneezing, coughing or possibly even talking are considered the main way the coronavirus is transmitted, from landing either on another person or surface. Those who touch that surface may be at risk of infection if they then touch their face, especially the eyes or mouth. “By wearing a mask, I reduce the amount of particles I express out of my mouth,” said Benjamin. “I try to protect you from me, but it also protects me from you.”

And, second, masks don’t protect your eyes. Since the virus can enter the body through the eyes, standing further apart also reduces that risk.

Should I visit Mom on Mother’s Day?

This is a complex choice for many families. Obviously, if Mom is in a nursing home or assisted living, the answer is clearly no, as most care facilities are closed to visitors because the virus has been devastating that population.

There’s still risk beyond such venues. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 8 out of 10 reported deaths from the coronavirus are among those 65 or older. Underlying conditions, such as heart or lung disease and diabetes, appear to play a role, and older adults are more likely to have such conditions.

So, what if Mom is healthy? There’s no easy answer, public health experts say, because how the virus affects any individual is unpredictable. And visitors may be infected and not know it. An estimated 25% of people show no or few symptoms.

“A virtual gathering is a much safer alternative this year,” said Benjamin.

But if your family insists on an in-person Mother’s Day after weighing Mom’s health (and Dad’s, too, if he’s there), “everyone in the family should do a health check before gathering,” he said. “No one with any COVID symptoms or a fever should participate.”

How prevalent COVID is in your region is also a consideration, experts say, as is how much contact you and your other family members have had with other people.

If you do visit Mom, wear masks and refrain from hugging, kissing or other close contact, Benjamin said.

My hair is a mess. What about going to the salon?

Again, no clear answer. As salons and barbershops reopen in some states, they are taking precautions.

States and professional associations are recommending requiring reservations, limiting the number of customers inside the shop at a given time, installing Plexiglas barriers between stations, cleaning the chairs, sinks and other surfaces often, and having stylists and customers wear masks. Ask what steps your salon is taking.

“Employees should stay home if they are sick or in contact with someone who is sick,” said Dr. Amanda Castel, professor of epidemiology at Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. “Also, employers should make sure they don’t have everyone congregating in the kitchen or break room.”

Some salons or barbers are cutting hair outside, she noted, which may reduce the risk because of better ventilation. Salons should also keep track of the customers they see, just in case they need to contact them later, should there be a reason to suspect a client or stylist had become infected, Castel said.

Consider limiting chitchat during the cut, said Plescia, as talking in close proximity may increase your risk, although “it feels a little rude,” he admitted.

What if your stylist is coughing and sneezing?

“I would leave immediately,” he said.

What about dining at a restaurant?

Many states and the CDC have recommendations for restaurants that limit capacity — some states say 25% — in addition to setting tables well apart, using disposable menus and single-serve condiments, and requiring wait staff to wear masks.

“That’s the kind of thing that does help reduce the chance of spread of infection,” Plescia said.

If your favorite eatery is opening, call to ask what precautions are in place. Make a reservation and “be thoughtful about who you are having dinner with,” said Plescia. Household members are one thing, but “getting into closer physical contact with friends is something people should be cautious about.”

Overall, decide how comfortable you are with the concept.

“If you’re going to go to a restaurant just to sit around and worry, then you might as well do takeout,” he said.

And travel?

Consider your options and whether you really need to go, say experts.

Driving and staying in a hotel may be an option for some people.

If hotels are adequately cleaned between guests, “you could make that work,” said Plescia. Bring cleaning wipes and even your own pillows. Again, though, “if you’re going to see an elderly parent, you don’t want to contract something on the way and give it to them.”

Regarding air travel — airlines are taking steps, such as doing deep cleaning between flights. Fresh and recirculated air goes through special HEPA filters. While there is little specific research yet on the coronavirus and air travel, studies on other respiratory and infectious diseases have generally concluded the overall risk is low, except for people within two rows of the infected person. But a case involving an earlier type of coronavirus seemed to indicate wider possible spread across several rows.

Maintaining distance on the plane and in the boarding process is key.

“Wear a mask on the plane,” said Benjamin.

And plan ahead. How prevalent is the coronavirus in the areas you are traveling to and from? Are there any requirements that you self-isolate upon arrival? How will you get to and from the airport while minimizing your proximity to others?

But if it’s not essential, you might want to think twice right now.

“People who absolutely don’t have to travel should avoid doing it,” said Plescia.

Worship services are important to me. What precautions should be considered?

The distance rule applies as houses of worship consider reopening.

“As much as you can within religious rules, try to avoid contact,” said Benjamin.

He is not giving any advice on Holy Communion, saying that is up to religious leaders. But, he noted, “drinking from the same cup raises the risk if a person is sick or items are touched by anyone who is sick.”

Finally, keep in mind that much is being learned about the virus every day, from treatments to side effects to how it spreads.

“My own personal approach is, try to play it on the cautious side a bit longer,” said Plescia.

Castel agreed.

“We need a little more time to fully understand how COVID-19 works and more time to ramp up our testing, find treatments and hopefully a vaccine,” she said. “We all have social distancing fatigue. But we can continue to save lives by doing this.”




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‘Just Be Courteous’ — CapRadio Answers Your Questions About Anxiety, Who To Listen To And What Precautions To Take As The Stay-At-Home Orders Begin to Lift

By Ezra David Romero

As the state slowly begins to reopen there’s a lot of mixed messages about what it means for Californians because counties, cities and the state are opening at different paces. 

CapRadio recently asked our audience about what concerns them about the reopening beginning to take place. We heard everything from California is opening prematurely so officials should take more caution to relief that some people can go back to work. 

There was an air of anxiety in their responses like this: “I think it is too early, and people just need to calm down. We need more testing before we start making plans to reopen so we can know what we are dealing with.”

Our listeners noted that they’re concerned because there are new transmissions and deaths from COVID-19 almost daily in the state. As of May 6 there were 60,614 cases in the state and 2,504 deaths. 

But how do we move forward? CapRadio’s region encompasses many counties and two states all with different rules. Imagine living in one county with a strict stay-at-home order and working in another where restrictions are limited. That’s the reality for many of our listeners and it’s producing anxiety for some.

We reached out to experts to find out how to meander through all the noise, news and changing guidelines.

What we looked into:

Experts:

Sarah Jaquette Ray - Author, A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety: How to Keep Your Cool on a Warming Planet 

Paul Smaldino - Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science at UC Merced. He studies the interaction between individual behavior and social organization, with a perspective rooted in evolutionary ecology and complex systems.

Holly MartinezDirector of Programs and Advocacy with the California State Parks Foundation.

Kathyrn G. Kietzman - research scientist at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. Emphasis in elder health. 

John Swartzberg - an infectious disease specialist at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health.

How to find meaning within this crisis and how to fight off anxiety

Make a list.

That’s the advice Sarah Jaquette Ray is giving people who are dealing with anxiety because of the pandemic. The list should include all the things that are going well, because it will hopefully lift you out of the mundane. 

“Every morning I try to write down a couple of things that I'm going to look forward to that day,” Ray said. “Even if it's as simple as like making lunch for my kids or something dumb like calling my mom … it kind of marks points in my day that are a little bit more redolent with meaning for myself.”

The goal is to milk the value out of what we can control in our lives, Ray said. She recently wrote a book about climate anxiety and she says COVID-19 isn’t too different. 

“Climate change is going to unleash a lot more pandemics,” she said. “There's a direct kind of scientific connection. But in terms of the immediate threat that we feel with COVID, most people don't really feel that with climate change.”

She says people should see pandemics as part of climate change. But she says not to get too caught up in that and think about ways to overcome anxiety. She recommends only consuming media so often, because it can be overwhelming, disruptive and confusing for people.  

“We should be really thoughtful about the media that we consume and be quite disciplined about that because the media that we're consuming is known for trying to capture our negative attention,” she said. “We are also more inclined neurologically to focus on negative news … so we really need to be deliberate about the media that we consume.”

Lastly she says people should focus on what they can control because “that will distract us from a lot of the anxiety and worry, which is going to be there anyway.”

Precautions moving forward

With so many recommendations out there from local, county and state leadership, CapRadio decided to ask public health experts about how to go about life as the economy reopens. 

John Swartzberg, an infectious disease specialist at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, says it can be hard to know what to do because there is no recent playbook on how to deal with the pandemic. 

“So the next best thing is to turn to people who are making decisions based upon good solid data as opposed to the kind of information we're getting out of the White House,” Swartzberg said.

He applauds how California dealt with bending the curve and he says “we can’t shelter in place forever,” but going back to work may mean a second wave of transmissions. As the pandemic lingers and some people return to their jobs he says it’s still important to socially distance, to use masks and to wash your hands. 

“I worry that people think that if they're wearing a mask, they don't have to be very careful … and that's not the case,” he said. “The mask will help prevent somebody else from transmitting it to you.”

But he says California hasn’t tested enough people and that “without rigorous testing, we may see the curve starting to go up, then we immediately have to pull back.”

Swartzberg reiterated that the virus is still here and we don't know what percentage of the American population has already been infected with it.

“Our best guesses are somewhere between 3 and 5%, which means there's somewhere between 95 and 97% of the American population still susceptible to this virus,” he said. “Nothing has substantially changed since this pandemic began. Nothing.

“It's hard to believe it won't happen, that people are going to get infected in large numbers again.”

Paul Smaldino, a professor who studies collective social behavior at UC Merced, is also concerned a second wave could take place. He recommends taking any precaution you can because this is about protecting each other. 

“Wearing a mask is going to dramatically decrease the chance that you infect someone else; and I think that framing often gets lost,” he said. “You should also think about the fact that if you're sick, you have a responsibility to other people to not infect them. Not just because you're a nice person or whatever, but because we are all part of a society.”

He recognizes needs are different for each community. For example, a rural town might need different rules than a metropolis.

“We also need to remember that we're connected, right?” he questioned. “Just because you live in a low population area doesn't mean you don't have the possibility of infecting someone or being infected by someone in a high population area, even if you yourself aren't going between those areas [because] people still travel.”

How do vulnerable communities move ahead? 

CapRadio also received a lot of questions about seniors and disadvantaged communities that are more prone to catching COVID-19. Some said they’re “scared about more infections and the disproportionate impact on people of color.” Others have illnesses or are of an age that make them more vulnerable and are “not not sure when it will be actually safe to go out or when can we allow family members to visit?”

Kathryn Kietzman studies elder care at UCLA and says it’s very important that vulnerable communities take extra precaution. That may mean staying indoors a lot longer than everyone else. 

“I think that seniors and people of all ages with health conditions need to really proceed with caution and to not assume that because things are starting to open up that means we're free and clear,” she said. 

Because there's so many unknowns, like when a vaccine will be available, she says it’s important for seniors and their loved ones to stay the course.

Kietzman says “it’s a big risk to” open up the economy, because “you can't bring back a life. So, for me, the scales need to be balanced toward protecting and saving lives at all costs.”

For anyone dealing with sickness or 65 years of age or older she recommends talking to your doctor before you follow any order saying you can leave your home. 

“They may be able to help you without you having to leave your home to get evaluated,” she said. “Seniors and others with underlying health conditions that need attention, need to consult a doctor … to find out what can be done in response to their immediate health needs.”

She says it’s still very important to keep seniors in mind and to help them, because they will most likely be the last people to undergo a lifting of stay-at-home orders. 

“If stores are opening up that weren't open before, and an older adult has a need for something, enlist a family member or enlist a caregiver to get those things,” she said. “I would still recommend staying as close to the original stay at home guidelines as possible.”

For any seniors needing someone to chat with she recommends calling the Friendship Line. It’s a 24-hour hotline designed for older adults to have someone to reach out to when feeling anxious or to get information. That number is 1-888-670-1360

Is it safe to go out into the natural world?

Californians love the outdoors. It’s been hard for many to shelter-in-place when some of the best trails, parks and beaches in the world are so close by. 

CapRadio listeners who enjoy the outdoors or live in rural areas are concerned as well. They are worried about people bringing the coronavirus to places like Lake Tahoe, which could have lasting effects on the economy there.

There’s been a lot of confusion, or desire, about where people can recreate during the shelter-in-place orders. Holly Martinez, director of programs and advocacy with the California State Parks Foundation, says that’s because “most Californians don't typically understand the difference between a city, county, regional, state or national park.”

Martinez’s advice is simple. Check to see if the area you want to visit is open before you leave. And if you’re sick stay home no matter what the order for your area is. 

“Don't go outside — that is a really important thing even if you have face covering or gloves, it's just better to be safe than sorry to not expose other people to whatever illness you might have,” she said.

If you are feeling well and choose to hike a trail or visit a beach she says only go with the people you live with. 

“Don't take that risk to expose others who might be carrying the virus and not even know it,” she said. 

When people go outside she recommends wearing a mask and gloves, especially when visiting areas with lots of people. She also says to bring hand sanitizer and lots of water because fountains will likely not be running.  

When hiking, visiting a park or laying out at the beach she says to stay six feet away from people and to make sure your presence is known.

“If you're approaching somebody, simply say hello and move aside giving the other person six feet of space to move by,” she said. “Just be courteous … and be very communicative about your presence so that people are clear that you're there and that we're respecting each other's space so that we can all enjoy these incredible places.”

CapRadio's Helga Salinas contributed to this report.




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Federal Trade Commission v. AMG Capital Management, LLC

(United States Ninth Circuit) - Held that the Federal Trade Commission Act could support an order compelling an online payday lender to pay more than $1 billion in monetary relief for unfair business practices. Two of the judges on the Ninth Circuit panel filed a concurring opinion to suggest that the court should rehear the case en banc to reconsider relevant circuit precedent.



  • Consumer Protection Law
  • Banking Law
  • Antitrust & Trade Regulation

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Kolbasyuk v. Capital Management Services, LP

(United States Second Circuit) - Held that a consumer could not proceed with a claim that a debt collection letter unlawfully failed to inform him of certain information. Affirmed the dismissal of his proposed class action lawsuit against the debt collector under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.




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Apple, Inc. v. Pepper

(United States Supreme Court) - Held that consumers could proceed with an antitrust lawsuit alleging that Apple Inc. used monopolistic power to overcharge for iPhone apps. Apple contended that the lawsuit was barred because the consumers were not "direct purchasers" within the meaning of the Illinois Brick case. However, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Apple's argument in a 5-4 decision, on review of a dismissal ruling. Justice Kavanaugh delivered the majority opinion, joined by the four liberal justices.



  • Antitrust & Trade Regulation
  • Consumer Protection Law

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New Rap Sensation Etoc Drops Motivational Song "The Run"

The Orlando Based Wordsmith Has Dropped His Standout Single "The Run", Which Is Available On Soundcloud, Spotify And All Online Retailers Including ITunes, Tidal, Apple Music And Amazon.




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CapChat: Round Up Of Presidential Candidates In Nevada; California As The 'State Of Resistance'

Democratic presidential candidates Massachusetts U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Former Vice President Joe Biden held dueling rallies in Reno and Carson City Wednesday night. California U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris is due in Nevada today.

In a conversation yesterday with CapRadio’s Capitol Bureau Chief Ben Adler, host Beth Ruyak talked about recent changes in California poll rankings of the top candidates: Warren, Biden, Harris and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders.  These trends are mirrored in national poll trends, with Warren surging and Harris falling behind.

In the “State of Resistance” currently known as California, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Xavier Becerra are keeping up the pressure, filing lawsuits against the Trump administration. With the end of the legislative session, Ben and Beth also talked about stylistic differences between Newsom and former Gov. Jerry Brown. Newsom is focused in many areas at the same time, including the battle with the federal government. Brown was focused on a smaller number of concurrent issues.

And, finally, we discuss the state of the Republican party in California.




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Capitol Chat: State Refuses To Release Sexual Harassment Complaint Data Since January

Public records requests are tricky and can often take weeks, or longer, before a reporter hears back. And sometimes, the request is denied and the reporter is left without vital data.

CapRadio’s Capitol Bureau Chief Ben Adler has submitted records requests for sexual harassment complaint data from the California Legislature, but officials have refused to provide data on complaints made since January 31, 2019. On the latest Cap Chat, he details what this could mean for how the state handles these claims in the future.




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CapChat: Santa Anita Horse Deaths / Uber Pilots New Pricing / State Of The State

Today’s CapChat looks at three current issues. 

First, with horse death investigations underway at Santa Anita Park, three more deaths have occurred in recent days. Since December 2018, there have been a total of 42 deaths at the park. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law in June of 2019 allowing the state to suspend horse racing at tracks with dangerous conditions. That has, as yet, not happened at Santa Anita.

Next, in a new pilot program, Uber is giving some of its driving contractors more control by letting them set their own rates. Drivers at the Sacramento, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara airports can increase rates in ten percent increments, with a cap. Depending on results, Uber could expand this to other airports. This is an effort to clarify that Uber drivers are independent, not employees, since the implementation of AB 5 on Jan. 1, 2020.

Third, with the impeachment trial underway in the U.S. Senate, the date of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union somewhat uncertain, Newsom has yet to set a date for his own annual State of the State address. 

Guests

  • CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd




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Insight Digital Special: Capitol Chat On Rent Control And A Move To Unionize Childcare Workers

A new rent control ballot measure would permit local governments establish rent control on buildings over 15 years old and allow landlords to raise rents by no more than 15 percent every three years. This new initiative mirrors one that failed in 2018.

The move to unionize child care workers: there was a rally yesterday at the Capitol where workers delivered over 8,000 union cards. This number of cards qualifies workers to hold an election to form a union. Their union would allow collective bargaining with the state for health care benefits and funding for training, as well as the ability to negotiate wages.

Guests

  • CapRadio State Government Reporter Scott Rodd




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Why Singapore Stock Broker-Turned-Entrepreneur Is Bullish On Asian Pop

Stock Broker-turned-entrepreneur Alan Chan Sets Sights On Investing In Not Just Kpop, But The "Asian Pop" Entertainment Business




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Excellence In Jazz Playlist, April 28, 2020

Tonight we will feature music from two great musicians born on this day, Blossom Dearie and Steve Khan! We also have new music by Joey Alexander and Kandace Springs, as well a CapRadio Jazz Classic from Duke Pearson.




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Excellence In Jazz Playlist, April 29, 2020

Sir Duke! Duke Ellington was born on this day in 1899, and we are going to celebrate accordingly. Numerous Ellington performances and compositions will be heard throughout the evening. We also have a CapRadio Jazz Classic from Freddie Hubbard.