Supreme Court orders new trials for two men
ALLEGAN (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered new trials for two men after finding that Allegan County juries were likely swayed by experts whose testimony went too far.
In a unanimous decision, the court said experts can't tell a jury that children usually don't lie when reporting sexual abuse. The court also said a doctor can't give an opinion about whether an assault occurred if the conclusion simply is an opinion about the alleged victim’s truthfulness.
Justice Brian Zahra noted there was a dearth of evidence in the two cases, which made the experts’ testimony crucial for prosecutors.
Joshua Thorpe has been in prison for more than three years. Brandon Harbison was sent to prison in 2015.
Detroit police board member arrested at raucous meeting
DETROIT (AP) — A member of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners was arrested at a raucous meeting after being warned to stop interrupting the proceedings.
Shortly after Thursday’s meeting started, Lisa Carter was sworn in as the board’s chairwoman and Commissioner Willie Burton asked what she would do differently than the past chairman.
Carter told Burton multiple times he was “out of order,” and officers surrounded Burton and handcuffed him.
The Detroit News posted video of the arrest. Police say he was arrested for disorderly conduct was released on bail.
He says his arrest was a “disservice” to the public.
Some at the meeting were wearing masks to protest a proposal to use facial recognition software, but Carter said the board held off on the issue as police iron out details.
Want a paper with your Starbucks coffee? Bring your own
NEW YORK (AP) — Want to skim through the paper while drinking your Starbucks coffee? You'll have to bring your own (or look at your phone).
The sight of tables strewn with yesterday's news at the Seattle coffee chain is a thing of the past as well.
Starbucks chain will quit selling The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Gannett papers like USA Today in more than 8,600 U.S. stores in September, citing “changing customer behavior.”
Starbucks has sold The Times since 2000 and other papers since 2010.
Fearless dog chases bear from yard
WEST MILFORD, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man is promising to give his neighbor's dog a steak for chasing a black bear from his backyard.
Mark Stinziano tells WABC-TV his home security camera captured what happened Tuesday night when the bruin decided to snack on the bird feeder behind his West Milford home.
The video shows the bear pulling down the bird feeder when the neighbor’s dog, Riley, races into the yard. Riley slammed into the startled bear, which scrambled to escape.
Riley’s owner, Alan Tlusty, says his dog always chases the bear whenever he sees him in the yard.
Stinziano says Riley also checks on his children when they are in the pool.
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