News In Brief

Rhode Island city replacing creche

A city-sponsored Nativity scene that sparked a court case now before the US Supreme Court will be replaced this Christmas season by holly, Santa Claus, and reindeer.

A federal judge three years ago upheld the American Civil Liberty Union's claim that city sponsorship of the creche was unconstitutional. Justices are expected to rule on the case before Christmas, but city officials said the creche will not be displayed this year.