GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) -- The Michigan Supreme Court will use a case from Grand Rapids to examine the rights of black defendants to have blacks in the jury pool.

In 2002, Ramon Bryant was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and armed robbery in Kent County. Bryant is black, and there was only one black in the jury pool.

The state appeals court granted him a new trial, but the Supreme Court said Thursday it will look at the case. The court says it will consider several issues, including whether there was systematic exclusion of blacks.

The prosecutor says Bryant received a fair trial, no matter the makeup of the jury. Kent County has admitted that its computerized system years ago did not select jurors at random across all ZIP codes. It was fixed.

Experience one of the largest urban historic districts recognized by the National Register of Historic Places in a new season. We have ended our fall tour and have moved it to the spring so that you can enjoy the 1,300 homes in Heritage Hill in full bloom. Our neighborhood homes date from 1843 and represent the best of American architecture.

This is the 42nd year that Heritage Hill has opened its doors to visitors and the first time since the early 1970’s that we are back to the spring. Eight private houses and 3 historic buildings await you and offer an array of architecture, colors, decorating styles, and great urban gardens.

Tickets on the weekend of Tour are $18.00. To obtain tickets, please visit the Heritage Hill Association, 126 College SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or go online at www.heritagehillweb.org.

For more information on Tour ... call the Heritage Hill Association at (616) 459-8950
 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WZZM)- The clock is ticking for Michigan schools as lawmakers work to finish what's expected to be one of the largest cuts to education funding in decades. The fallout could be catastrophic for Grand Rapids Public Schools leaving the district millions of dollars in the hole.