New lawsuit targets faith-based policy at Michigan resort
PETOSKEY (AP) — A Michigan resort community is being sued again over membership policies that are related to religion.
Bay View Association last year eliminated a rule that requires cottage owners to be of “Christian persuasion.” But a lawsuit filed last week in federal court targets a new policy, which says applicants must “respect the principles of the United Methodist Church.”
The rule also says membership applicants must support “Christian values and traditions” of the Bay View Association. The lawsuit says the policy, approved by members, violates federal law because Christian beliefs are put above others.
Bay View is a seasonal community along Little Traverse Bay, near Petoskey. The lawsuit says Bay View must follow the U.S. Constitution because it has some government powers under state law.
Man who impersonated mom stole $175K from Social Security
DETROIT (AP) — A man who impersonated his late mother’s voice has pleaded guilty to illegally collecting $175,000 in Social Security benefits for nearly 16 years.
Frank Johnson apparently fooled the Social Security Administration with the impersonation in 2013. But he admits a similar attempt in 2017 failed and “his scheme unraveled.”
Johnson’s plea deal Monday said he forged his mother’s signature on checks and also used a debit-style card that was regularly loaded with Social Security benefits. The government didn’t know his mother had died.
Johnson could get a year or more in prison. He’ll return to Detroit federal court on Aug. 19.
Foundation unveils nearly $19M in grants
DETROIT (AP) — Grants worth nearly $19 million are being made to organizations across seven Michigan counties.
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan says the money will be used in areas such as health, education, arts, the environment and human services.
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will receive $250,000 over two years to attract new audiences. Another $250,000 is going to the Invest Detroit Foundation to expand a program on entrepreneurial talent.
The Detroit Food Policy Council will receive $10,000 for educational programs focused on urban agriculture and raising chickens. The Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association will receive $75,000 for in-home care counseling for people affected by dementia.
Police K-9 on chase stuck with more than 200 quills by porcupine
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) — A police K-9 in Oregon is recovering after encountering a porcupine and getting stuck with more than 200 quills.
The Coos County Sheriff's Office said Odin was called to the scene to track a suspect on Saturday when the dog crossed paths with the porcupine. Photos showed the outcome, with several quills in Odin's mouth and two near his left eye.
The search was suspended and Odin was taken to an animal hospital, where he was treated for more than two hours.
At midweek, the search continued for the suspect.
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