Legislation headed to governor targets ‘porch pirates’
LANSING (AP) — Bills going to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer would make it a state-level crime to steal mail, including packages left on doorsteps.
The Legislature gave final approval to the legislation Thursday. It is a bid to combat rising reports of thefts as people who increasingly shop online are targeted by “porch pirates.”
Supporters say the measures are needed because ID thieves and package stealers are not being punished under federal laws, and there are gaps in existing state laws related to the theft of checks.
Whitmer is expected to sign the bills.
A first offense for mail theft would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. A repeat offense would be a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Two arrested after drone flown over Michigan Stadium
ANN ARBOR (AP) — Two people have been arrested for flying a drone over Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor during the Wolverines’ football season opener against Middle Tennessee State.
University Deputy Police Chief Melissa Overton says the individuals arrested are not students at the school.
The arrests were made after the report. The suspects face misdemeanor university ordinance and Federal Aviation Administration violations. Overton did not release their names and said in an email that both were released pending the authorization of warrants.
The case remains under investigation. Overton says there was no threat to the community.
Game spectator Richard Sheridan told The Detroit News she saw the drone hover over the stadium’s south end before flying away.
Official: Obnoxious parents driving away game refs, umpires
CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) — The organization that oversees high school sports in Rhode Island is asking overzealous parents to settle down, because they are driving away qualified game officials.
The executive director of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League tells WJAR-TV that the primary reason the state has a shortage of referees and umpires is because officials don't want to put up with obnoxious parents.
In a letter to parents of high school athletes, Tom Mezzanotte wrote: "Yelling, screaming and berating the officials humiliates your child, annoys those sitting around you" and "embarrasses your child's school."
He says the shortage of officials results in games being rescheduled, postponed or canceled.
Softball umpire Susan Johnson says an angry parent drove toward a colleague's car after a game before swerving away at the last second.
Wheels stolen from New Mexico speed limit monitoring device
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A mobile speed limit monitoring trailer in Albuquerque can still monitor speeding motorists but can't be moved because thieves recently stole its tires.
KOB-TV reports that police said Thursday that the wheels of the speed trailer were stolen and the device is now stationary after it was put on metal pegs.
Police say the speed monitor still shows drivers how fast they are going and tracks the data.
Authorities say the trailer will be repaired.
The search was on for suspects.
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