Court Rules Middle Finger Gesture Not Obscene
In Hartford Connecticut Superior Court overturns youthful offender conviction for making an obscene gesture toward a state trooper. The court held that the digitus impudicus, the middle finger, is not inherently obscene unless it appeals to prurient sexual interest or is patently offensive. The ruling cites ancient use and notes the gesture more often provokes anger than sexual arousal. The decision voids the prior conviction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hartford
Conn
Superior Court
Connecticut Law Journal
Court of Common Pleas
Diogenes
Demosthenes
Tuckered Out by Travel Buddies Resting in Corry
Young traveler Jason Pratt, 14, son of Mr and Mrs David Pratt of Geneva New York, dozes after a busy sightseeing day in Corry. He visits with his mother’s family including Carmen and Nancy Piccirillo at 807 West Pleasant Street as guests of his grandparents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jason
David Pratt
Geneva
N.Y
Corry
Nancy Piccirillo
Carmen Piccirillo
West Pleasant Street
Pa. Pensions Promised But Cities Can't Pay
AP reports Pennsylvania cities promised employee pensions they cannot fund. Unfunded liabilities total about 1.4 billion dollars as 19 cities defer payments, risking higher future taxes and possible municipal bankruptcy. State official William Wilcox cites drought risks and argues for a statewide pension commission to review benefit changes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harrisburg
Pennsylvania
Willian Wilcox
Wileng
Wilcox
Wilcox Sand
Senate
Mixed Metaphors But Robbed Bank in San Francisco
A woman with a neck brace robbed a Wells Fargo bank in San Francisco, tallying $978 after entering Tuesday afternoon with a note demanding surrender. Police say the suspect, described as calm, left promptly after the teller complied.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
San. Francisco
Wells Fargo
Labor department warns workers amid looming pay cut
Washington AP reports Labor Department employees are advised to consider welfare alternatives if Congress blocks funds for next week’s payroll. The memo suggests coping strategies and seeking Salvation Army assistance while urging legal options to handle the pay reduction.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Michael Putzel
Prem Wester
Washington
Labor Department
Congress
High Court to rule on death penalty for nontriggermen
The Supreme Court will decide if states may execute murderers who did not kill, under felony murder laws. The case of Sandra Lockett from Akron, Ohio, highlights the issue as justices weigh whether such punishments fit capital punishment norms.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Supreme Court
Alabama
High Court
Sandra Lockett
Akron
Ohio
Sidney Cohen
Miss Lockett
Cohen
Todale
Florida
Georgia
Texas
Arlington County
Theater Group Receives $800 State Arts Grant
The Brokenstraw Players, a local community theater group, won an $800 grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The funds will expand the upcoming season with more quality productions. Upcoming shows include The Hobbit, Charlie by Mrozek, and The Heat Inspector Hound by Tom Stoppard.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Brokenstraw Players
Pennsylvania Council On the Arts
Mary Jane Potocki
Hobbit
Tolkien
Charlie
Mrozek
Tom Stop
Senate votes down judge retention change in Pennsylvania
In Harrisburg the Senate rejected a proposal to revert to contested elections for judges, killing a plan that would end the current retention referendum system. Supporters argued voters should decide whether judges continue in office, while opponents warned of renewed political pressure on judges.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Harrisburg
Senate
Thomas Nolan
D-Allegheny
Nolan
Poll Funded by State Used in Hager Gubernatorial Inquiry
Public funds and resources were used by Senate GOP staff for a one month statewide poll, conducted this summer, asking about the next month’s Supreme Court election and the 1978 gubernatorial race. Henry Hager of Williamsport and staffer William Cromer said the poll, paid partly from state accounts, was prepared for the Senate caucus. It sought views on gun control and on whether a governor should come from outside or within state government, with results forwarded to candidate Frank Montemuro for the Supreme Court race. Public and private funds funded about 4 percent of the poll, which cost an estimated 25,000 to 230,000.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Philadelphia
Henry Hager
Supreme Court
Hager
Williamsport
Philadelphia Inquirer
Senate Republican
William Cromer
Senate
GOP
Cromer
Cramer
Frank Montemuro
State Supreme Court
the Inquirer
Richard Thornburgh
Arlen Specter
Welfare Cash Crunch Sparks Abortions Funding Clash
The dispute between the House and Senate over when federal funds will be used for abortions halts appropriations for Labor and HEW. Pay may be delayed for 240000 workers, and state programs such as welfare, nutrition aid, and aging services face cuts if Congress misses a temporary funding plan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Associated Press
Second Labor Department
Wantung
HEW
Joseph Califano Jr
Congressional Teaders
Sos
Senate
Robert Byrd
Unuse
Thorns O Nei
Cablana
Congress
New York
Texas
Idaho
Also Mentioned on This Page
Court UK
Journal
Martin
Theater Group
P. R
Salvation Army
Departments of Labor and Health Education and Welfare
House
Beri
Talkie
Itu
Eden
Nelron
Toy Gale
Instr
Hettige
Charly
Dresser
Corry Plaza
Wall OF Fame Sports
Uxor Ane
Colgarte
Savin Msi
Rey
Ase
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