Login | October 04, 2023
Portage County Legal News.
Local
Menendez indictment looks bad, but there are defenses he can make
(THE CONVERSATION) Reactions came quickly to the federal indictment on Sept. 22, 2023, of New Jersey's senior U.S. senator, Democrat Bob Menendez. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy joined other state Democrats in urging Menendez to resign, saying, "The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez ... (full story)
Supreme Court's originalists have taken over. How they interpret the Constitution
(THE CONVERSATION) Today a majority of U.S. Supreme Court justices are either self-described originalists or strongly lean toward originalism. Yet less than 50 years ago, originalism was considered a fringe movement, hardly taken seriously by most legal scholars.
So, what is originalism, and why is it so influential today?
O ... (full story)
Desert dust storms carry human-made toxic pollutants, health risk extends indoors
(THE CONVERSATION) Humans have contended with dust storms for thousands of years, ever since early civilizations appeared in the Middle East and North Africa. But modern desert dust storms are different from their preindustrial counterparts.
Around the world, deserts now increasingly border built structures, including urban dwel ... (full story)
How local police could help prevent another January 6th-style insurrection
(THE CONVERSATION) Some of the most prominent members of the Proud Boys, a far-right militant group that functions more like a street gang than a militia, have been sentenced to long terms in federal prison for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Experts declare that these succes ... (full story)
Sports
Taking the leap away from platform pedals
It’s funny how many familial situations I’ve found myself in that ended up as ALN columns.
Well, “oops,” it happened again.
This most recent situation involves my ongoing coaching of a relative in his cycling skills, where during a get-together I suggested he move away from his Walmart platform peda ... (full story)
NFL making data-driven progress on leg muscle injury prediction
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The NFL 's health and safety initiatives focus heavily on concussions, the face of football's ever-present danger.
Torn knee ligaments are instant headlines, ending seasons for star players in a split second.
There's an even bigger thief of time lurking within every team in the league.
Lower extr ... (full story)
Beyond Bedard, NHL's rookie class stacked with talented newcomers
Connor Bedard is the most hyped hockey player since Connor McDavid. He is not the only rookie worth watching this NHL season.
Who's Bedard looking forward to seeing?
"Everyone," he said." There's so many guys. You can kind of go down the list. Just being a fan of the game and watching a lot of hockey, I'm real ... (full story)
State
With temporary status for Venezuelans, Biden admin turns to familiar tool
MEXICO CITY (AP) — From a White House podium in May, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas outlined new legal pathways to the United States for Venezuelans and others, along with a "very clear" message for those who come illegally.
"Our borders are not open. People who cross our border unlawful ... (full story)
Police suggested charging a child for her explicit photos. Experts say the practice is common
COLUMBUS (AP) — When an Ohio father learned that his 11-year-old daughter had been manipulated into sending explicit photos to an adult, he turned to the police for help.
But instead of treating the girl as a crime victim, an officer seemingly threatened to charge her under a law most people view as designed to protect chi ... (full story)
In the wake of Chile's Catholic abuse crisis, victims struggle to find justice
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — After she learned what happened, Helmut Kramer's mother cut the priest out of photographs from her son's baptism.
"She kept the photos after that," said Kramer, who was sexually abused at age 12 in a Jesuit school in Antofagasta, a city in northern Chile.
"My mom is still Catholic, ... (full story)