An appeals court has granted a federal request to pause appellate court proceedings in a lawsuit challenging the massive detention center in the Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The pause effectively halts the lawsuit brought by conservation groups. Citing the government shutdown, the federal government sought a stay of its appeal, claiming its lawyers have been furloughed. Today’s decision means the Trump administration and the state of Florida can continue polluting, destroying and degrading the sensitive ecosystems and endangered wildlife in Big Cypress National Preserve, even as much of the federal government remains closed during the budget shutdown. If you are in the area, there will be a peaceful demonstration in the Big Cypress National Preserve across from the gates of the detention facility on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by the weekly interfaith vigil. #AlligatorAlcatraz #Everglades #WildlifeConservation [Image description: Aerial view of the ...