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Ann Arbor phasing in ban on gas-powered leaf blowers

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Leaf blowers are running out of gas in a Michigan college town. Ann Arbor is banning gas-powered blowers, citing noise and pollution. They can still be used from October through May but will be completely prohibited by January 2028 under a four-year phaseout, MLive.com reported. The City Council approved the ordinance, 10-0, Monday. Council member Jenn Cornell said the transition should provide time for landscape contractors to find alternative blowers. Lawn care workers will be “happy to not be abused by having to wear gasoline backpacks and be ...

‘Militia enthusiast’ gets over 4 years in prison for attacking police with baton during Jan. 6 riot

WASHINGTON — A Michigan man described by prosecutors as a self-professed militia leader was sentenced on Friday to more than four years in prison for attacking law enforcement officers with a stolen police baton during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. Matthew Thomas Krol, 65, of downstate Linden assaulted at least three officers, injuring one of them, with the baton that he took from police. A prosecutor said Krol was one of the worst instigators of violence that ultimately forced officers to retreat from the mob of rioters who stormed the Capitol’s West Plaza. Videos ...

Michigan State trustees approve release of Larry Nassar documents to state official

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Trustees at Michigan State University agreed Friday to release documents to the state attorney general related to the school’s investigations into now-imprisoned former sports doctor Larry Nassar. The East Lansing school’s trustees unanimously voted to finally turn over the documents, which first will be reviewed by the school’s general counsel before they’re released. There will be redactions of sensitive and personal privacy information. The school had argued that the documents are protected by attorney-client privilege. In its resolution, the ...

Supreme Court appoints Marquette County chief judges

By Journal Staff MARQUETTE — The Michigan Supreme Court has appointed Cheryl Hill and Karl Weber as chief judges for Marquette County. According to a press release from the Marquette County courts, Hill will assume responsibilities for the 25th Circuit Court and Marquette County Probate ...

Former Michigan GOP spokesman: Fake elector defendants were misled

LANSING — A former communications director for the Michigan GOP testified Thursday that he believes an attorney for then-President Donald Trump’s campaign “took advantage” of some of the 15 Republicans who face forgery and another charges for allegedly serving as false electors. Anthony Zammit testified during the second day of a preliminary hearing for six of the defendants in a Lansing courtroom. Investigators have said the group signed a document during a meeting at the Michigan Republican headquarters on Dec. 14, 2020, falsely stating they were the state’s “duly ...

Michigan prosecutors outline case against false Trump electors in first hearing

LANSING — Prosecutors began to outline their case Wednesday against 15 Michigan Republicans who face forgery and other charges for serving as false electors for then-President Donald Trump in 2020, in what is expected to provide the fullest glimpse yet at the state’s case. Former state Republican Party co-Chair Meshawn Maddock and Kathy Berden, a Michigan committeewoman for the Republican National Committee, were among the six defendants appearing for preliminary examinations, which are for the judge to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to substantiate the ...