Judge Heyburn attended to news concerning the Panel itself before turning to the pending proceedings this morning, and imPaneled will do the same.  He welcomed to her first hearing Judge Marjorie Rendell of the Third Circuit (and formerly resident in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Mansion) and honored departing Judge Frank Damrell, Jr. of the Eastern District of California, who is stepping down from the federal bench next month.  Chief Justice Roberts has appointed his brother’s brother, Judge Charles Breyer of the Northern District of California, to take Judge Damrell’s place on the Panel.

Judge Heyburn did not reference the absence of Judge W. Royal Furgeson, Jr. from today’s hearing.  Judge Furgeson’s mother passed away earlier this week.