Federal judge issues unusual sentence in food stamp theft case
HAMTRAMCK (AP) — A federal judge issued an unusual sentence to four Bangladeshi-American brothers convicted of food stamp fraud: They must pay for a newspaper ad warning others not to steal.
The Detroit Free Press reports U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn ordered the men to run the ad for three weeks — in English and Bengali — in a Hamtramck newspaper.
It must warn readers in the Bangladeshi community that cheating on foods stamps is a federal crime and include their names: Ali, Nazar, Mustak, and Mohammed Ahmed.
They were convicted of exchanging cash, batteries, and phone cards for food stamps at a family store.
Business owner Ali Ahmed was sentenced to nine months in prison. The others were sentenced to one day. All must pay restitution.
Supreme Court cites security in change to Kavanaugh ceremony
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says new Justice Brett Kavanaugh won’t take the traditional walk down the courthouse steps after his ceremonial installation on the court because of security concerns.
Kavanaugh’s investiture ceremony is set for Thursday morning in the courtroom. It is customary for a new justice to walk down the 44 marble steps in front of the building, accompanied by the chief justice. The moment provides a chance for news organizations to photograph the justice, since the courtroom event is closed to cameras.
A court spokeswoman said the change is being made “out of an abundance of caution due to security concerns.”
Kavanaugh was confirmed Oct. 6 by a 50-48 Senate vote following an allegation he sexually assaulted a woman decades ago. He denied any wrongdoing.
Former Microsoft CEO, wife give $16M to area nonprofits
DETROIT (AP) — Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, are giving $16 million to be shared among 18 nonprofits in the Detroit area.
The Ballmers announced the grants this past week through the Ballmer Group, which focuses on helping children and families escape poverty.
Recipients include City Year Detroit, Detroit Children’s Fund, Planned Parenthood of Michigan, United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan League for Public Policy and Detroit Employment Solutions Corp.
Steve Ballmer, who grew up in the area, told The Detroit News the goal is to help “a higher percentage of kids move up the economic totem pole.”
Woman tries to drive away in squad car
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. (AP) — Charges are pending against a woman who police say got into a police car and tried to drive away in northeast North Dakota.
KFGO radio reports that police responded to a fight early Sunday in Devils Lake, a city about 160 miles northwest of Fargo.
When one officer got out of a squad car to investigate, the woman allegedly jumped in, drove the car onto a curb and tried to back up onto the street.
Investigators say the officer was able to remove the woman from the vehicle. She was arrested on charges including driving under the influence.
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