Donors urged to take advantage of credit
DETROIT (AP) — Charities are encouraging people to make donations as a deadline approaches for the expiration of state credits for such giving.
The Detroit News reported that the Credit for Charitable Gifts, which disappears January 1, raised $100 million last year for Michigan charities and gave taxpayers more than $40 million in write-offs on state returns.
More than 250,000 taxpayers claimed one or more of the three Michigan charitable tax credits in 2010.
They're aimed at state colleges and universities, public libraries and museums, public broadcasting stations, homeless shelters, food banks and community foundations.
Charities want to make sure donors claim the credit this year. They expect to need help to make up any shortfall after the credit ends.
The credit has been used in Michigan since the 1960s.
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Court: Inmates must have access to newspaper
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that Louisiana state prisons can’t justify banning inmates from receiving copies of a newspaper published by the Nation of Islam.
A three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld a federal judge’s ruling that the David Wade Correctional Center must deliver copies of The Final Call newspaper to Henry Leonard, a convicted murderer.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana backed Leonard’s claims that the Homer prison violated his right to free exercise of religion.
Prison officials argued the newspaper contains racist rhetoric that could provoke an outbreak of violence, but the appeals court said “objectionable” material could be deleted without banning the entire newspaper.
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Court denies appeal from house thief
POLSON, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by a man who is serving a 10-year prison term for trying to steal a $400,000 house in foreclosure by breaking in and changing the locks.
Brent Arthur Wilson argued he never should have been allowed to represent himself.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that Wilson’s demeanor in court was unconventional and somewhat bizarre, but he was found mentally capable of making decisions and fit to proceed.
The court noted the judge tried to persuade Wilson to accept a public defender.
The Missoulian reports the ruling agrees with the state’s argument that “one’s competence to decide to represent himself is not dependent upon his having the skill and experience of a lawyer.”
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Notice
Macomb County government offices and the courts will be closed on Wednesday, November 23 for a county employee furlough day and Thursday, November 24 and Friday November 25, 2011 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
This action excludes emergency services and 24/7 operations.
County offices and courts will re-open at 8:30 a.m. Monday, November 28.
For additional information or to confirm this closing, call the Macomb County Board of Commissioners at 586.469.5125 or the Office of the County Executive at 586.469.7001.
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