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Litter? Detroit Newspaper Sues Suburb Over Shopping Guide

ORION TWP. (AP) - The Detroit Free Press 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 Free Press says the publication is protected by the First Amendment.

The newspaper says it filed a lawsuit 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.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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