Lawsuit challenging ban on school aid will switch courts
LANSING (AP) — A lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on public aid for private schools is moving to federal court.
The case was filed in state court in March by a Grand Rapids Catholic school, parents and some lawmakers. But it was withdrawn Tuesday after lawyers decided that federal court is a more appropriate venue.
The ban on public aid for private schools was added to the state Constitution in 1970. A judge earlier this year blocked Michigan from giving $2.5 million to private schools for fire drills, inspections and other state requirements.
But critics say the ban was deeply rooted in anti-Catholic sentiment. They say the prohibition violates the U.S. Constitution in a number of ways.
Nephew of slain couple gets life in prison for killings
MOUNT CLEMENS (AP) — A man convicted in the slayings of his aunt and uncle has been sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Joseph Borowiak, 38, was given the mandatory punishment Tuesday after earlier being found guilty of first-degree murder for September’s deaths of Steven Collins, 67, and Cynthia Collins, 66.
He gave only curt answers to questions from the judge before he was sentenced.
Officers found the bodies inside their Warren home after a neighbor who had noticed the couple's dog running loose outside called police.
Authorities say Borowiak attacked the sleeping couple with a hatchet in the middle of the night.
The verdict noted that Borowiak, who was raised by the Collinses, is mentally ill. That’s intended to provide him with treatment while imprisoned.
Firefighters rescue raccoon that got head stuck in mayo jar
ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) — Firefighters in upstate New York helped out a presumably hungry raccoon that got its head stuck inside a mayonnaise jar.
The Ithaca Fire Department says the raccoon was spotted in a tree during its recent predicament.
The Ithaca Journal reports both city firefighters and a state conservation officer got the animal down. They placed the raccoon into a plastic tub and freed its head.
Once the DEC officer determined the raccoon was not injured, it was let go. The critter was last seen running toward a nearby creek.
Pranksters plant city’s flower pots with real pot
POWELL, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming city has discovered its potted plants have literally gone to pot.
Officials in Powell believe pranksters planted marijuana seeds in city-owned flower pots this spring, leading unsuspecting city workers to water and care for them.
The Powell Tribune reports city Parks and Recreation staff noticed the unauthorized greenery late last month while watering the pots, including one not far from the police station.
Police Chief Roy Eckerdt believes the clandestine cultivating is “somebody’s sense of humor.” After learning about the “weeds” in the city pots, he quickly checked the planters in front of the police station.
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