Christmas Display Banned in Warren Michigan

A 63-year tradition has been halted in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. A nativity scene in the town of Warren that has been privately hosted and maintained by resident John Satawa has been ordered removed by the city because it “clearly displays a religious message” in violation of the “separation of church and state,” according to the article. The decision was made after the Macomb County Road Commission received a letter from the Freedom from Religion Foundation in December 2008, which acted as a representative of all 134,000 residents in the city, and said it violated the Constitution. A federal lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Satawa, citing a violation of the Establishment Clause by disfavoring religion.

http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/oct/09102611.html

H1N1 Closes Schools in Michigan

At least two schools are closed for the rest of the week in St. Joseph, Michigan, because of the flu. Upton Middle School experienced 50 percent absenteeism on Tuesday due to illness with Lincoln Elementary found 30 percent of its students out because of illness. At least 17 schools in the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek area were closed on Tuesday due to low attendance.

http://www.wsbt.com/health/64982232.html

Senate Rejects Amendment to Cut Abortion Funding in Healthcare Bill

A senate committee vote yesterday defeated an amendment to the Baucus healthcare bill that would have cut abortion funding. In the 13-10 vote, the Senate Finance Committee rejected Amendment 355 introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch. The proposal to cut abortion funding in the Baucus healthcare bill was described by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan as “insulting” to women.

http://www.lifenews.com/nat5520.html