Newspaper sues suburb over shopping guide

ORION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - A Detroit newspaper is suing a suburb after receiving two littering tickets for delivering a free weekly shopping guide to residents.

Orion Township officials say many residents don't want the publication, called Select, which arrives in pink plastic bags on porches or driveways. But the Detroit Free Press says the publication is protected by the U.S. Constitution.

The newspaper says it filed a lawsuit last Thursday in federal court to try to stop the township from interfering. It also is seeking millions of dollars in punitive damages.

Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett says his office has received many complaints from residents. He says the lawsuit is "bullying" and an "absolute joke."

Free Press attorney Herschel Fink says residents have an opportunity to decline delivery.

Published: Mon, May 16, 2016