Court rejects appeal in slaying of teen along Macomb County trail
LANSING (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals again has rejected an appeal from a man convicted in the 2014 slaying of 14-year-old girl along a trail in Macomb County.
James VanCallis argued that he had ineffective legal representation, but WDIV-TV reports the appeals court in an opinion issued last week said his counsel's strategy was sound.
April Millsap was found dead in 2014 along the Macomb Orchard Trail in Armada, where she had been walking her dog.
VanCallis, now 36, was convicted of first-degree murder and other charges in April's killing and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
An earlier appeal was denied in January. VanCallis' lawyer had argued that there was no DNA evidence linking VanCallis to the crime.
Boy raising money for a gravestone for his best friend
DETROIT (AP) — A 12-year-old Michigan boy is working odd jobs to raise money for a special Christmas gift: a gravestone for his best friend.
The Detroit News reports that Kaleb Klakulak and Kenneth “K.J.” Gross had been friends since second grade before K.J. died in May of complications from cancer.
K.J.’s mom couldn’t afford a grave marker, so Kaleb has been raking leaves, collecting bottles and soliciting PayPal donations on social media to help raise $2,500. He’s raised $900 so far and given the money to K.J.’s mother, LaSondra Singleton.
Singleton says she’s overwhelmed by Kaleb's actions and love for her son, even after his death. She says the boys “were kindred spirits; they were like brothers.”
Foie gras off Amazon’s offerings in California as part of settlement
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California prosecutors say Amazon has agreed not to sell foie gras in the state from birds that have been force-fed.
State lawmakers banned that form of the fatty duck and goose liver delicacy nearly 15 years ago.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said Friday a state judge approved a settlement between the online retailer, her office and district attorneys in Monterey and Santa Clara counties.
A spokeswoman for Amazon said the company was not commenting.
The prosecutors accused Amazon in a lawsuit of illegally selling foie gras in California on its website.
Animal rights activists say the process is painful and cruel. A U.S. appeals court upheld the law in 2017.
Moose rings doorbell at Alaska home
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A moose used the doorbell to awaken a couple in Alaska.
The couple thought maybe it was an aftershock or some kids playing a prank when the doorbell rang in their Anchorage home early Wednesday.
Kyle Stultz tells KTVA-TV he looked out the door and found nothing. He assumed it was kids playing “ding dong ditch.” Stultz decided to check his security camera.
The video showed a large moose backing its caboose right into the doorbell.
The family was relieved it was nothing else.
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