Local government follies

. Police in Cobb County, Ga., said in October that County Commissioner Annette Kesting had asked local "high voodoo priestess" George Ann Mills to perform a "death ritual" on her longtime political rival Woody Thompson ("cancer" or a "car accident" preferred). Mills acknowledged helping Kesting on some "family" issues, by sacrificing three hens and a rooster, but said she would never help take a human life.

. In Flint, Mich., two people (an assistant to the mayor and a local activist) accused City Councilwoman Jackie Poplar of assault following a rancorous council meeting. Poplar allegedly sprayed the pair with a can of Raid, proclaiming, "Pests! We need to get rid of these pests!"