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• A monster storm is hitting Northern California this evening – there are already reports of downed trees and flooding.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency, as much of the state prepared for an intense winter storm that could produce what meteorologists call a bomb cyclone, or a storm that intensifies rapidly. 
• The heavy rains may bring flooding along the Russian River.
• North Bay advocates are calling for more emergency shelter and law enforcement to stop citing people sheltering in cars, as unhoused residents brace for the intense winter storms. 
• Much of Europe is experiencing a record breaking winter heat wave.
• California Republican Kevin McCarthy comes up short on the 4th, 5th and 6th ballots to choose a new House Speaker. Even Donald Trump’s endorsement of McCarthy isn’t persuasive.
• President Biden says he’ll make his first presidential visit to the U.S. Mexico border when he travels to Mexico City next week.
• And Poland’s Defense Minister signs a deal to buy a second batch of U.S. Abrams battle tanks.

Image: Flooding in Sonoma County in 2008 by Patrick Dirden via FLICKR

The post Monster storm hits Northern California, prompting Gov Newsom to declare a state of emergency; CA Republican Kevin McCarthy falls short after six rounds of voting to choose a new House Speaker; North Bay homeless advocates call for more emergency shelter appeared first on KPFA.

This post was originally published on KPFA – The Pacifica Evening News, Weekdays.