West Michigan pastor convicted of trespassing
Sep 27th, 2012 - Local News
HOLLAND, Mich. (AP) — A pastor who says he was inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement has been convicted of trespassing for refusing to leave Holland's city hall last fall in protest of the southwestern Michigan city's decision not to expand its anti-discrimination ordinance.
The Holland Sentinel reports the Rev. Bill Freeman was found guilty on Wednesday.
Judge Susan Jonas ordered the Interfaith Congregation pastor to pay a $100 fine. She could have imposed a maximum 90-day sentence for the misdemeanor offense.
Freeman wanted to stay at city hall until City Council's vote leaving the ordinance unchanged was overturned.
Freeman tells The Grand Rapids Press he "was trying to bring attention to the injustice of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender who are being discriminated against in the city of Holland."
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George W. Bush event raises $400,000 for school
May 16th, 2013 - Local News
— An event featuring President George W. Bush has raised $400,000 to support the West Michigan Aviation Academy.
Bush spoke Wednesday to a crowd of roughly 900 during the second annual Leaders of...
Pres. George W. Bush comes to Grand Rapids
May 15th, 2013 - Local News
The West Michigan Aviation Academy is preparing for a special Gala tonight that will take place in a hangar at the Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. The featured speaker for this year's fun...
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Power bills to rise for Consumers Energy customers
May 16th, 2013 - State News
— The average electric customer of Consumers Energy will start paying $1.67 more per month.
The $89 million rate increase was approved Wednesday by state regulators. It's less than a $110 million...
Law enforcement agencies observing police week
May 15th, 2013 - State News
— Law enforcement agencies statewide are holding events to mark National Police Week.
Ceremonies planned for Wednesday include the Port Huron Department of Public Safety, which will honor its pol...
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At least 6 dead in Texas tornadoes
May 16th, 2013 - National News
— Parts of North Texas have been slammed by tornadoes with at least six people killed.
The spring tornado outbreak destroyed or damaged dozens of homes and injured dozens of people. Officials say...
House panel set to OK cut in food stamps
May 15th, 2013 - National News
— The House Agriculture Committee is set today to consider small cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program in an effort to appease conservatives who say the food aid has become too expensiv...
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Deadly explosion in Afghan capital
May 16th, 2013 - International News
— NATO says two of its service members and four civilian contractors were killed when a suicide car bomber struck a convoy belonging to the military alliance in the Afghan capital today.
At least...
Captain locked out as plane cockpit door jams
May 15th, 2013 - International News
— Air India says the cockpit door of one of its planes got jammed during a flight while the captain was using the toilet, forcing an unscheduled landing by the co-pilot in central India.
An airl...
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Blackhawks edge Red Wings 4-1 in series opener
May 16th, 2013 - Sports News
— Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, Corey Crawford made 20 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opener of their second-round playoff serie...
Cabrera homers in Detroit's 6-2 win over Astros
May 15th, 2013 - Sports News
— Miguel Cabrera homered, Doug Fister pitched seven impressive innings and Andy Dirks gave the Tigers a lift for a second straight night in Detroit's 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday. ...
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FDA will investigate added caffeine in foods
Apr 30th, 2013 - Health News
— Looking for a new way to get that jolt of caffeine energy? Food companies are betting snacks like potato chips, jelly beans and gum with a caffeinated kick could be just the answer.
The Food an...
New Diabetes Drug Treats Disease Differently
Apr 1st, 2013 - Health News
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved a first-of-a-kind diabetes drug from Johnson & Johnson that uses a new method to lower blood sugar.
The agency cleared J&J'...