Thanks to a pair of recent judicial appointments, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has quickly become one of the most potentially consequential battlegrounds for Second Amendment litigation.

President Donald Trump nominated and the Senate confirmed two judges to fill vacancies on the court earlier this year. That gave the appellate court overseeing Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania an 8-6 Republican-appointed majority. The new balance created a tantalizing prospect for gun-rights advocates: an appeals court overseeing states with some of the strictest gun laws in existence that may skew toward an expansive view of the Second Amendment.

The rebalanced court has wasted little time making its presence felt in pending Second Amendment cases, particularly through grants of en banc review.

On Thursday, the circuit announced that it was granting full court review of Koons v. Platkin, a case challenging New Jersey’s sweeping gun-carry restrictions adopted in response to the Supreme Court’s New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen decision.

Back in September, a three-judge panel composed of two Democratic appointees and one Republican appointee largely sided with New Jersey officials in upholding broad swaths of the state’s law. The majority OKed the state’s ban on licensed gun carry in zoos, parks, beaches, playgrounds, recreational facilities, libraries, museums, places that serve alcohol, entertainment facilities, healthcare facilities, casinos, public transit, youth sports events, and within 100 feet of public gatherings. It also approved the law’s requirement that carry permit applicants provide four separate character references before receiving a permit.

“Throughout our Nation’s history, the People have time and time again opted to limit the use of firearms at specific venues set aside for civic purposes, namely, governmental and democratic functions, and public places akin to the fairs and markets of old,” Judge Cheryl Ann Krause wrote for the majority. “We have done our best to distill the principles of our Nation’s tradition of firearm regulation from the available historical record, and what we have found convinces us that New Jersey’s law, at least in part, continues that tradition.”

That decision has now been vacated in light of the en banc grant, and the full panel of Third Circuit judges will rehear the case on February 11. And it won’t be the only Second Amendment case they’ll be rehearing that day.

The court similarly granted en banc review in Williams v. Attorney General, a case challenging the federal lifetime gun ban for convicted felons as applied to a particular non-violent misdemeanant. In November 2023, a US District Judge ruled that the Second Amendment prevents the government from permanently disarming a Pennsylvania man convicted of a repeat DUI offense under a state law carrying a penalty of up to five years in jail.

“[T]he Court finds that the Government has not carried its burden in proving that the United States’ tradition of firearm regulation supports stripping an individual of their right to possess a firearm because they had previously driven while intoxicated,” Judge John Younge wrote. “The application of Section 922(g)(1) to Plaintiff, therefore, constitutes a violation of his Second Amendment rights, and the Court finds that Plaintiff is entitled to the requested relief.”

A three-judge panel of the Third Circuit was reviewing that decision and heard oral arguments in the case in July. However, before it could issue a decision, the full court decided to take the case up sua sponte, something it had already shown a willingness to do on an even more hot-button Second Amendment subject just a few weeks prior.

In August, the full Third Circuit Court of Appeals decided sua sponte to take a consolidated group of lawsuits challenging New Jersey’s “assault weapon” and “large capacity” magazine bans en banc less than two months after a three-judge panel comprised of two Democratic appointees and one Republican appointee heard oral arguments in the case. The recomposed 8-6 court reheard oral arguments in that challenge in October and could issue a final decision at any time. 

The trend in the new Third Circuit points toward a newfound enthusiasm for gun-rights challenges.

En banc hearings are rare. According to one study, appeals courts grant less than one percent of requests for en banc rehearings. Yet in a span of about four months, the Third Circuit has granted en banc review of three separate Second Amendment cases, twice doing so on its own accord.

And while the outcomes of its eventual rulings in these cases aren’t guaranteed, the procedural context of the specific cases it’s chosen to wade into suggests a favorable decision for gun owners is more likely than not.

Gun-rights advocates have long been searching for a way to entice the Supreme Court to take up bigger-ticket Second Amendment issues like assault weapon bans, magazine limits, and gun-carry restrictions. With an eager Third Circuit set to begin churning out potentially circuit-splitting decisions on those very issues, they just may have found one.

Top student teams from the districts

The Student Rugby League competition took place at the Yessentuki Arena stadium from November 30 to December 5. Six teams from Moscow, Tatarstan, Dagestan, Volgograd Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, and Krasnoyarsk Krai participated in the event. All teams won their respective regional competitions.

But not only amateurs participated in the tournament. There were also some experienced athletes: silver medalists of the Russian championship, as well as players who have contracts with professional clubs.

Rugby teams had to play group stage matches, followed by playoffs: the four best ones played in the semifinals, where the finalists were determined. The game format was 15×15 with 25 for each half.

Sports student events as a bridge between a school and a career

A competition was held to make rugby more popular. The progress is now getting noticeable. In five years, the number of rugby players in Russia has doubled—80,000 people compared to 40,000 in 2020, said Emil Aslanov, president of the Student Rugby League.

He noted that this sport originated in universities. At the same time, rugby helps high school graduates, who have been accepted into universities, to stay involved in sports until they figure out their career paths.

Student sports are an important bridge that ensures the transition from school to amateur or professional sports. It is a platform where you can fulfill your potential and not be afraid of being left with nothing.

— said Emil Aslanov.

So, for the first time, in 2025 the organizers decided to add an educational module to the competition. It was developed with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. Educational events are held between tournaments. Students engage in conversation with speakers and discover options for employment in various fields. 

Particular attention is devoted to the opportunities in the sports sector. Players also attend lectures on different topics: artificial intelligence in sports, anti-doping, psychology, sports management, and modern trends in training.

We do not view our league solely as a platform for competitions. The educational and developmental components are just as important to us. We want to help players after they finish their sports careers. We know not everyone will become a professional athlete, and that is not our goal. But we must help young people socialize—this is just as important as their physical development.

— explained Emil Aslanov.

Long-term path

On the final day, December 5, the fate of the student championship was decided by a match between teams from Krasnoyarsk and from Moscow, which the latter one won by 23:17.

The winners and best players of the tournament received their trophies at the awards ceremony. Delighted with their success, the athletes gave interviews—it won’t be long before some of them head off to compete in professional tournaments.

Emil Aslanov, in turn, thanked the student teams for participating in the competition. He announced that educational programs and social support for students are planned to be further developed in the upcoming years.

It’s the holiday season, and you are throwing a festive party to celebrate the occasion. As the evening winds down, Cousin Ralph, who had a bit too much eggnog, misses the last step and slides down the driveway on the ice. Always looking for a payday, Ralph sues you for injuries, pain and suffering — and for serving him that last toddy.

Your homeowners’ liability policy may cover up to $300,000, but Ralph saw a billboard ad for an attorney wielding a hammer who believes the case is worth half a million. What happens if he prevails?

The answer in many cases is: You pay. A plaintiff who receives a legal award in excess of your insurance limits may generally go after your other assets. Today, $300,000 in coverage may not be enough. That is where a supplemental insurance product called an umbrella policy becomes invaluable.

Umbrella coverage is an additional policy laid on top of your other coverage that can pick up the difference if you experience a liability loss that is greater than your standard limits. This type of supplemental coverage is cheap for the protection it offers, starting at around $200 per year for $1 million in additional protection, and anyone with significant property or financial assets should have it.

The concept of liability insurance in the U.S. began in the late 19th century to address potential hazards faced by employers. Policies were narrowly tailored to cover specific risks like fire, work accidents, vehicle crashes and maritime incidents. As the magnitude of losses increased, a secondary market developed to tack on additional protection, known as excess liability coverage, also covering narrowly defined risks.

The first generalized add-on policy to cover multiple exposures above the standard coverage was written by Lloyd’s of London and sold to Gulf Oil in 1949. Originally called “broad form third-party excess liability” coverage, this unwieldy moniker was quickly changed to the more efficient and descriptive “umbrella” insurance. U.S. companies began offering umbrella policies to wealthier individual households around 1959, and ultimately the industry developed a standardized contract in 1997 that made supplemental coverage widely available to a broader customer base.

Some risks that homeowners face are fairly obvious, like a fall down the stairs by a visitor (or even by an Amazon porch pirate) on your property. Policies can also extend beyond the limits of coverage on your vehicles and are especially important if there are young drivers in the house. Other types of vehicles can also be included or added, like boats or RVs, although you must verify with your agent that the specific policy covers additional vehicles.

Household workers like babysitters, landscapers, contractors and housekeepers can also pose a risk when they are on your property if their company does not carry its own liability coverage.

Other risks may not be so obvious until you face one of them. Volunteering with nonprofit organizations can present liability risks if the organization does not carry its own insurance. For instance, around 2 million emergency room visits occur each year due to youth sports injuries. Coaches can be held responsible for failing to supervise properly or providing adequate instruction, and accusations of improper behavior are not unheard of. Adults who take part in potentially dangerous physical activities like hunting or skiing may be liable if they injure another party.

Do you own a dog? Fido could be just one mail carrier away from costing you your home. According to State Farm, $1.5 billion in liability claims were filed last year alleging injuries from dog bites. Do your kids have a trampoline in the back yard? Better cover it with an umbrella. Got a pool? Imagine the possibilities.

If you happen to be a social media troll, you may think you are safe. Think again. If you are found guilty of defamation including libel or slander, you can be sued. Same goes for harassment or cyberstalking, as well as invasion of privacy (exposing personal information). Damages are admittedly difficult to prove, but in any event, you would likely need to engage counsel.

And if you are a renter, you may still be exposed to substantial liability for damage and injuries that occur within your home. Renter’s policies typically cover up to $100,000 in liability. A fire caused by leaving a burner unattended could easily cost you more than that if you are found negligent.

Umbrella policies typically pay expenses that exceed your regular limits including bodily injury, damage to another person’s property, legal expenses in litigation and liability arising from personal behavior against another. They do not provide protection from criminal acts or intentional damage.

Given their relatively low cost and the peace of mind they provide, umbrella policies should be considered by pretty much anyone who owns more stuff that their various individual policies may not fully cover. Some insurance companies may not sell an umbrella policy to you unless you carry other coverage with them, but by all means shop around. Ask your agent for a recommendation. There are also many carriers who offer excellent coverage online. You should investigate the financial strength and claims history of any potential insurer, starting with AM Best. You can also check customer reviews (as you would with a new toaster from Walmart).

Litigation is a way of life in modern society. and the cost of being underinsured could be catastrophic in a worst case scenario. A modest investment in an umbrella policy can put your mind at ease and let you enjoy the party, even if Ralph is in his cups again.

Christopher A. Hopkins, CFA, is a co-founder of Apogee Wealth Partners in Chattanooga.

Demons girls still looking for first win this year

Durango’s Jaelyn Alston drives to the basket and attempts a 5-foot jumper against Aztec’s Alisia Valerio (21) and Grace Villarrial-Owens (4) in the first quarter of the Marv Sanders Invitational second round play on Friday at Scorpion Auxiliary Gym. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)

Curtis Ray Benally

The Durango High School basketball teams headed south for some great competition in Farmington at the Marv Sanders Invitational to mixed success.

Durango’s boys split their first two games, while the girls continued their streak of close losses to open the season.

Here’s how each team did in their first two games of the tournament:

Navajo Prep girls hold off Durango rally for 34-31 win in first round

The Navajo Prep girls basketball team led by as many as eight points in the third quarter before holding off a late rally, topping Durango 34-31 in an opening-round game of the Marv Sanders Memorial Girls Basketball Tournament on Thursday at Farmington High.

The win advanced the Eagles (2-1) into a second-round winner’s bracket match Friday against Volcano Vista, who routed Aztec in a first round game by a score of 55-21.

Senior Kameron Dale led the way with 10 points for Navajo Prep, and junior Leilani Wood had a strong outing, scoring all six of her points in the second quarter. Navajo Prep has now won two straight games.

The two-time defending Class 3A state champions took advantage of poor Durango shooting in the first half; the Demons converted only four of 14 field goal attempts before halftime.

The Eagles’ defense forced seven turnovers in the second half, even as the Demons closed the gap in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 31-31 with 3:30 remaining.

Led by Claire Goodwin’s game-high 15 points, Durango had several chances to claim the lead in the final minutes but missed a pair of jump shots and then resorted to fouling to stop the clock. Durango committed eight personal fouls in the fourth quarter, four of which sent Navajo Prep to the free-throw line.

Dale connected on a pair of free throws with 19.3 seconds left to seal the victory for the Eagles. Durango had a chance to tie the game on the final possession, but Navajo Prep junior Nataya Serrano intercepted a cross-court pass just before the final buzzer sounded.

Durango (0-3) looked to win its first game of the Sanders Invitational when it faced Aztec in a consolation-round clash Friday at 11 a.m.

Durango boys surge past Window Rock 52-41 in opening round

Durango held off a Window Rock push in the second half and advanced to the second round with a 52-41 win Thursday inside Scorpion Arena.

The Demons (1-1) leaned again on junior standout Kingston Kerlin, who poured in 29 points. Senior Jaylen Brown led the Fighting Scouts (3-4) with 15.

Both squads opened cold. Durango hit only one of nine shots yet stayed in front through strong free-throw shooting, knocking down six of eight. The Demons’ pressure forced stops, and they closed the quarter ahead 11-7.

Window Rock kept charging after the break, trading baskets until they pulled within 33-31 — the tightest margin of the contest. Durango’s pace then swung the game. The Demons found lanes, beat defenders downcourt, and went on a 7-0 run for a 44-35 lead entering the fourth.

Kerlin controlled the finish, grabbing his own miss for a putback and directing a patient offense that chewed clock. Durango closed strong, sealing the 52-41 victory.

“Everybody knows [Kerlin] on this side of the track, especially on the Western Slope and New Mexico-Colorado border, so everybody’s going to be looking for him,” Durango head coach Alan Batiste said. “So, it’s just going to be another guy that has to step up. We have to have someone help him out.”

Aztec girls edge Durango in consolation game

Senior Jazzlyn Gomez scored 15 points to lead the Aztec High School girls basketball team to a 31-26 win over Durango in another second-round consolation game at the tournament.

The win, coming after a tough loss to Volcano Vista in the opening round, improves the Tigers’ record to 3-1. Aztec will face Newcomb on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.

Both teams struggled offensively. The game featured a number of turnovers in the opening half, and the Tigers were held to only three points in the opening quarter.

Aztec trailed 14-13 at halftime but found more success shooting the ball in the third. Gomez connected on a 3-pointer and made a pair of free throws, while Camila Dominguez also helped put the Tigers’ offense in a better rhythm.

Gomez hit another 3-pointer to give the Tigers the lead in the third quarter, then Khloe Schmidt extended that advantage to 20-16. The Durango Demons (0-4) rallied and reclaimed the lead after Jaelyn Alston connected on back-to-back possessions.

As the third quarter was ending, Gomez put the Tigers back in front, converting a free throw attempt after driving to the lane and drawing a foul.

“She’s been so special to this team, and she really shouldered a load for us today,” Aztec head coach Bill McLaughlin said of Gomez.

The game was sealed midway through the final quarter with Aztec leading 26-23. Schmidt grabbed a turnover in the backcourt and sank a 3-pointer to lift Aztec’s lead to 29-23.

“That was really the shot of the game,” McLaughlin said. “[Durango] was starting to press a bit, and she came up with that shot that gave us a little separation.”

Durango (0-4) wrapped up its bracket play Saturday against Shiprock at 11 a.m.

Farmington boys dominate Durango in second round

Farmington senior Sataurus Griego pulls up and attempts a 6-foot jumper against Durango’s Jude Alderton in the first quarter of the Marv Sanders Memorial Invitational semifinal game on Friday at Scorpion Arena. (Curtis Ray Benally/Special to the Tri-City Record)

Curtis Ray Benally

In the other semifinal, Farmington dominated the boards and capitalized on clean execution to cruise to a commanding 68-38 win over Durango.

The Scorpions (6-1) pulled away with a 21-point fourth quarter. Senior Sataurus Griego finished with 11 points, while classmate Donathan Tracy added nine with smooth moves under the basket.

The Demons (1-2) were sparked by 11 early points from senior King Kerlin and sophomore Taj Batiste, who stepped in as a key scorer in the second half.

Farmington took a 21-13 lead at the end of the opening frame, helped by a triple from senior Conner Neff and a basket from Griego.

Tracy began flashing his moves and footwork in the second quarter, providing a boost as the Scorpions’ offense stalled briefly.

“When (Tracy) is driving down to the basket, he’s just so crafty down there and they think they’ve got him,” said Farmington head coach Larry Don-Chitty. “I thought he was sort of our saving grace in the first half.”

Farmington led 36-24 at the break and held a 47-33 lead after three quarters, despite posting its lowest scoring quarter of the night with 11 points.

The Scorpions opened the final quarter strong on defense, forcing a five-second inbound violation. Neff fed Isaac Dinning for a score, and senior Derrick Jaramillo Jr. added six fast-break points, powering the 21-point fourth quarter and sealing the 68-38 victory.

“I’m so pleased with (Jaramillo),” Chitty said. “When he comes in, he plays so hard every time. It’s cool that he can come off the bench like that and be ready to go.”

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Coming off a Sweet 16 loss last season, Fort Walton Beach High’s girls basketball has roared back with a 9-0 start that has the Lady Vikings looking like the gold standard the area has come to expect.

• It’s not just that they’re winning — it’s how they’re winning. 

Through nine games, Fort Walton Beach has won by an average margin of 27 points, including a 60-point victory over Rutherford. The dominant stretch also includes wins over teams with winning records: an 11-point margin over Pine Forest, a 24-point margin over Chipley and a 21-point margin over Rickards.

Coach Mercedez Clayborne points to resilience as the driving force behind this hot start, staying true to the “Whatever It Takes” mantra that has become synonymous with Lady Vikings basketball.

• “It’s just the resilience of our team,” Clayborne said. “It doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we show up, and we remember that the standard must be the standard.”

The success appears to be the product of a young core that could push Fort Walton Beach to its first Final Four since 2017 — or possibly its first state title since 1999.

Junior Alexis Smith anchors the group as a versatile post player who scores, rebounds and blocks shots. Freshman Harmony Lee has already made her mark as a reliable scorer and shooter who has filled the shoes of departed senior Alyx Hall. Anecia Stallworth has emerged as a lockdown wing, averaging 2.5 steals per game while shooting 75% from the field. Aniyah Boyd runs the floor as a point guard who also contributes on the boards, and Abria Jackson has developed into the team’s third-leading scorer behind Smith and Lee.

“What’s impressed me the most is how they’re coming together as a team and really using each other,” Clayborne said.

Even with an undefeated record and dominant margins, Clayborne sees room for growth. Limiting turnovers and maintaining discipline within the game plan remain areas of focus.

• “We need to do a better job of taking care of the basketball, and we need to do a better job of sticking to the gameplan,” Clayborne said. “We had times where we broke down and freestyled a bit. We took some shots we probably shouldn’t have taken, but then, ultimately, we got it back on the defensive end.”

If the Lady Vikings continue playing at this level, a state championship run is well within reach.

“I think the sky is the limit for this team and that’s the thing that we’ve been preaching to them since the beginning,” Clayborne said. “We’ve got pieces at every position and the biggest thing is trusting the process and doing what we do well.”