Here's your daily briefing...
Reneged bonuses may get returned: The imbroglio over re-enlistment bonuses looks headed for resolution. According to Capital Public Radio’s Chris Nichols, Congress is expected to approve language that would return sign-up bonuses given to members of the California National Guard that the Pentagon had clawed back from service members. Loopholes, however, could prevent some soldiers from getting their money back.
Drought restrictions could become permanent: State water agencies are considering making some of the emergency regulations adopted during the recent and possibly on-going drought permanent. Capital Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports that the final plan by the State Water Resources Control Board will be released in January.
Financier tapped for Treasury raises ire: After vowing to crack down on Wall Street, President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for Treasury Secretary, a well-connected financier and Goldman Sachs alum whose firms profited mightily during the foreclosure crisis is having California consumer groups ringing alarm bells. KPCC’s Ben Bergman has the story.
Man shot repeatedly in Butte Co.: Authorities reported Wednesday that a man was found shot multiple times in the unincorporated Berry Creek area of Butte County Tuesday. The shooting followed a dispute between the victim and another man at an address along Galen Ridge Road. The victim was transported to a local hospital. Authorities have not identified a suspect or motive.
Smoke and fire: Smoke from a prescribed burn planned for this morning will likely be visible in the city of Quincy and surrounding areas in Plumas County today and tomorrow. The US Forest Service is plans to burn an area roughly five acres in size. The smoke should dissipate by Saturday.
No new trial for disgraced cop: A judge has rejected ex-Paradise police officer Patrick Feaster’s request for a new trial, according to the Chico Enterprise-Record. Feaster is due to be sentenced Dec. 9 after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Feaster shot an unarmed motorist in the neck last Thanksgiving. The driver died several weeks later.
Energy drink scam defendants found guilty: A Southern California couple were convicted of plotting to sell millions of bottles of counterfeit energy drink 5-Hour Energy, according to the Associated Press. Authorities say the couple produced and marketed millions of fake 5-Hour Energy shots that were mixed from unregulated ingredients by day laborers under unsanitary conditions. It's unknown whether any consumers were harmed.
Finally, on the California Report: The US Supreme Court could be heading for a split decision on a case out of California that sets limits on the detention of immigrants. And President-elect Donald Trump's threat to defund sanctuary cities and deport millions of immigrants is worrying a lot of people in California. Informational events are being held for undocumented people, and immigration attorneys are responding to the increased demand for services.