At a Glance

Magistrate selected for U.S. District Court

Gerald Rosen, chief judge of the U.S. District Court based in Detroit, has announced that David R. Grand has been selected for appointment as a magistrate judge.

A resident of Ann Arbor, Grand obtained his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and his juris doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. He currently is an attorney with Miller Canfield in Ann Arbor.

Grand was one of the candidates nominated by a court-appointed panel from a field of 72 applicants.

Rosen said Grand’s selection will be forwarded to the Administrative office of the United States Courts in Washington, D.C.

If the appointment goes through, Grand will serve as a magistrate judge in Ann Arbor, filling a vacancy created by Judge Virginia  Morgan’s retirement.
 

Lawmakers propose new film incentive plan

LANSING (AP) — Michigan lawmakers are exploring ways to change the state’s downsizing film production incentive program.

Legislation introduced in the Senate this week would focus the program on rewarding companies for hiring Michigan workers and having state-centered operations.

The incentives generally wouldn’t be as lucrative as the 42 percent subsidy now received by those doing film business in Michigan. But supporters of the legislation say incentives would be competitive with other states.

Michigan’s current film incentive program isn’t capped but overall assistance will be limited to $25 million in the budget year starting October 1.
 

State seeks fines for Ambassador Bridge

DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Department of Transportation has requested monetary sanctions against the Detroit International Bridge Co. for failing to complete court-ordered work on the $230 million Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project.

Assistant Attorney General Robert Mol has asked Wayne County Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards to order Ambassador Bridge operators to pay $100,000 per day for each item not completed, unless the company removes a bridge support pier on the site.

The bridge company is being sued by transportation officials over work on the joint project designed to link traffic from nearby freeways to the bridge between Detroit and Canada.

Bridge company attorney Reginald Turner asked that both sides work with Edwards on what needs to be done to complete the project.

The judge adjourned the hearing without issuing a ruling.

AG: Gas stations conspired on prices

MADISON HEIGHTS (AP) — State Attorney General  Bill Schuette says five Detroit-area gas stations located within two miles of each other participated in a price-fixing operation.

According to Schuette, criminal charges have been filed against the owners or operators of five Madison Heights stations. He says the stations all set their gas prices within a penny or two on at least five days in February and March.

A tip came from another Madison Heights station owner who was pressured to participate.

Each of the stations and four owner-operators face five counts of violating Michigan’s antitrust law. A fifth owner faces one count.

Each count is punishable by up to two years in prison. Fines also are possible of $10,000 for individuals and up to $1 million for the companies.
 

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