New AG wants to settle lawsuit over same-sex adoption
DETROIT (AP) — Under new leadership, the Michigan attorney general's office is in talks to settle a lawsuit by same-sex couples who say their rights have been violated by faith-based adoption agencies that don't want to work with gays and lesbians.
A federal judge granted a 30-day timeout Thursday for negotiations between the American Civil Liberties Union and Attorney General Dana Nessel.
During the fall campaign, Nessel told The Associated Press there's "no viable defense" to a 2015 law signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder. The law says faith-based groups can refuse to provide certain services if they conflict with their beliefs and still get tax dollars.
Nessel, who is a lesbian, said the only purpose is discrimination.
Groups such as Catholic Charities and Bethany Christian Services are paid by the state to place children from troubled families with new families.
State House leader pays fine to close case of gun at airport
PELLSTON (AP) — The leader of the Michigan House says he paid a fine of about $2,000 for possessing a loaded handgun at a northern Michigan airport last summer.
House Speaker Lee Chatfield of Emmet County says he got a 50 percent discount last week under a federal policy that gives a break to people if they pay within 30 days.
Chatfield had a gun in a bag that also contained a laptop computer. He says he forgot about the gun when he was at Pellston Regional Airport last July. He says he earlier paid a $250 fine because the gun wasn’t registered.
Chatfield, a Republican, tells The Detroit News it was an “expensive mistake.”
New congressional task force will focus on toxic chemicals
DETROIT (AP) — A newly formed U.S. House task force will focus on health threats from toxic chemicals in ground and surface waters.
Eleven lawmakers from Michigan have joined the group, including co-chairman Rep. Dan Kildee of Flint.
Leaders say the bipartisan panel will work to educate members of Congress on dangers from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. The chemicals are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and household products.
The lawmakers say they’ll also develop legislation to address PFAS contamination and seek more funding for cleanups.
Humane Society rescues 84 cockatiels from apartment
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Humane Society has rescued 84 cockatiels from an apartment.
The society posted on Twitter that officers were called to the apartment in the Rancho Bernardo section on Wednesday morning and found most of the birds flying freely in “unsanitary conditions.”
Sgt. Laurel Monreal says it is “extremely sad” to see animals living like this.
The birds were placed in boxes and taken for medical evaluations. They’ll be quarantined while officials check for diseases.
Police are investigating the man who lives in the apartment.
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