Community Corner

Patch Morning Briefing: Northeast Snowstorm; Sessions Confirmed; SCOTUS Nominee Condemns Trump

Plus: Sessions' replacement, a rare photo found and an astronomical anomaly.

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Good morning, Patchers. Here's what you need to know on this Thursday morning:

Snowstorm Blankets Northeast

People from Washington up through Maine were waking up Thursday morning to the beginnings of a storm that could dump more than a foot of snow in some places, as Winter Storm Niko charged into the region overnight. Schools were cancelled, flights were rerouted and roads were covered during the region's biggest storm of the season. That came after unseasonably high temperatures on Wednesday. In New York, for example, the mercury reached 65 degrees Wednesday — before plunging below freezing and giving way to the expected snowfall. (Weather.com)

Jeff Sessions Confirmed As Next Attorney General

The Senate on Wednesday night voted 52-47 to confirm the Alabama senator, with Democrat Joe Manchin voting yes and Sessions abstaining. The nomination concluded a bitter fight for the confirmation of a man who 31 years ago was not confirmed to be a federal judge, in part because of his record on civil rights. (Patch)

Neil Gorsuch Calls President Trump's Attacks On Judges 'Demoralizing'

At least one federal judge is condemning President Trump's attacks on the judges hearing a case over his controversial executive action on immigration — Neil Gorsuch, Trump's nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. Gorsuch called Trump's remarks "demoralizing" and "disheartening" in a meeting that included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal. (Patch)

Quick Hits

New, Rare Photo Of Harriet Tubman Found

Who Will Replace Sessions In The Senate?

The most likely candidate is Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange — who is currently conducting an investigation after Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley was caught in an embarrassing sex tape scandal. And who gets to choose Sessions' interim replacement? Bentley. (Patch)

Sean Spicer Says McCain, Other Critics Owe Apology To Dead SEAL

Sen. John McCain has been one of the loudest voices to refuse to call a recent raid in Yemen a success, citing a lost $75 million airplane and the life of a Navy SEAL. Spicer said "anyone who undermines the success of that raid owes an apology and [does] a disservice" to the life of Chief Petty Officer William "Ryan" Owens. (NBC News)

Trump Tweets Nordstrom Is 'Terrible' For Cutting Ivanka Trump Brand

The president used his preferred method of communication do denounce the retailer for dropping his daughter's clothing line. (Patch)

New Dead Sea Scrolls Cave Discovered

A cave "full of scroll storage jars and other antiquities" was recently discovered on the Judean cliffside. "Until now, it was accepted that Dead Sea Scrolls were found only in 11 caves at Qumran, but now there is no doubt that this is the 12th cave," Dr. Oren Gutfeld said. (CNN)

Eclipse, 'Snow Moon' and Comet Coming To Skies

Stargazers are in for a treat Friday and Saturday with the arrival of a lunar eclipse, full moon and comet. (Patch)

Image via Marc Torrence, Patch

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