INSIDER
Self-professed 'Wolf of Airbnb' sentenced to over 4 years in prison for defrauding landlords
Read full article: Self-professed 'Wolf of Airbnb' sentenced to over 4 years in prison for defrauding landlordsA Florida man who boasted that he was the “Wolf of Airbnb” has been sentenced to over four years in prison after defrauding New York City landlords and a federal pandemic-relief government program.
Malaysia's top court invalidates state's Islam-based laws on incest, sodomy and other offenses
Read full article: Malaysia's top court invalidates state's Islam-based laws on incest, sodomy and other offensesMalaysia’s top court has struck down Shariah-based criminal laws in an opposition-run state, saying they encroached on federal authority.
Australia's highest court finds Qantas illegally fired 1,700 ground staff
Read full article: Australia's highest court finds Qantas illegally fired 1,700 ground staffQantas Airways has lost its challenge to a court ruling that the Australian flag carrier had illegally fired 1,700 baggage handlers, cleaners and other ground staff at the height of pandemic travel disruptions.
New Hampshire is sued over removal of marker dedicated to Communist Party leader
Read full article: New Hampshire is sued over removal of marker dedicated to Communist Party leaderSupporters of a former historical marker dedicated to a feminist and labor activist from New Hampshire who also led the Communist Party have sued the state.
Malaysia ex-PM Najib goes to jail after losing graft appeal
Read full article: Malaysia ex-PM Najib goes to jail after losing graft appealMalaysian ex-Prime Minister Najib Razak has begun a 12-year prison sentence after losing his final appeal in a graft case linked to the looting of the 1MDB state fund, with the top court unanimously upholding his conviction and sentence.
Former aide to testify against former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith
Read full article: Former aide to testify against former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric SmithHe was the Chief Operating Officer of the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office under embattled former Prosecutor Eric Smith. Tuesday (May 31) night, he’s reached a plea deal that includes testifying against his former boss.
Timeline: Everything we know as Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot trial nears end
Read full article: Timeline: Everything we know as Michigan Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot trial nears endThe jury is in deliberations in the case against four Michigan men accused of plotting to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Former Macomb County prosecutor sentenced to prison: ‘I did this to myself and I’ve lost everything as a result’
Read full article: Former Macomb County prosecutor sentenced to prison: ‘I did this to myself and I’ve lost everything as a result’It’s been more than two years since Michigan State Police raided then-Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith’s home.
Ex-music professor at University of Michigan expected to plead guilty to sex charges
Read full article: Ex-music professor at University of Michigan expected to plead guilty to sex chargesStephen Shipps is reportedly scheduled to plead guilty to two felony counts of “coercion of enticement of a minor female” next month.
Australia's highest court upholds foreign interference law
Read full article: Australia's highest court upholds foreign interference lawAustralia’s highest court has rejected a challenge to foreign interference laws in a case that involved a U.S. conservative political organization and free speech arguments.
Australian court upholds ban on most international travel
Read full article: Australian court upholds ban on most international travelAn Australian court has rejected a challenge to the federal government’s draconian power to prevent most citizens from leaving the country so they don’t bring COVID-19 home.
Australian telco fined $39M for exploiting Indigenous folk
Read full article: Australian telco fined $39M for exploiting Indigenous folkAustralia’s largest telecommunications company Telstra has been fined 50 million Australian dollars ($39 million) for unconscionable conduct in selling remote Indigenous customers mobile phone contracts that they did not understand and could not afford.
In court, Ghislaine Maxwell pleads not guilty to new charges
Read full article: In court, Ghislaine Maxwell pleads not guilty to new chargesGhislaine Maxwell has faced her trial judge in person for the first time as lawyers squabble over exactly when she should be tried on sex trafficking charges alleging that she procured teenage girls for Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse at his posh residences.
Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee opens up about PTSD after Jan. 6 insurrection
Read full article: Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee opens up about PTSD after Jan. 6 insurrectionThe deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building will forever live in the history books as a dark chapter of the United State’s story.
Michigan hotel manager indicted for tax fraud and obstruction
Read full article: Michigan hotel manager indicted for tax fraud and obstructionTwo defendants indicted on tax fraud and obstruction charges made their first appearances in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Friday.
Southgate man charged in connection with deadly attack on US Capitol
Read full article: Southgate man charged in connection with deadly attack on US CapitolSOUTHGATE, Mich. – The FBI had asked for tips from people to help identify those involved in the deadly Jan. 6 siege on the U.S. Capitol Building. Anthony Williams, a man from Southgate, was identified and reported. Police said he likely deleted photos and videos from his Facebook page, but authorities were able to get copies anyway. The tipster even supplied screenshots from William’s Facebook page. The FBI said photos of Williams inside the Capitol Building were deleted and perhaps Williams thought he was in the clear, but investigators were able to retrieve the deleted photos and videos.
2 Metro Detroit men arrested in connection with deadly attack on US Capitol
Read full article: 2 Metro Detroit men arrested in connection with deadly attack on US CapitolMOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Two more Michigan men were charged Thursday after photos and other evidence showed they were at the deadly Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. The FBI said Robert “Bobby” Schornak and Daniel Herendeen -- both from Macomb County -- traveled to Washington in support of President Donald Trump and got inside the U.S. Capitol Building. A Roseville mother had a feeling when the FBI raided a home on Commonwealth Street she knew why. Her gut told her it was to go after someone involved in the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol Building. They said a friend of Herendeen tipped them off and they found Facebook Messenger plans were made by both men.
Wixom man accused of attacking police at Capitol with hockey stick denied bond
Read full article: Wixom man accused of attacking police at Capitol with hockey stick denied bondWASHINGTON – The Wixom man accused of beating a police officer with a hockey stick during the Capitol riot on January 6 was denied bond on Monday. Attorneys for Michael Foy argued that he was trying to save a woman from being trampled when he struck police with a hockey stick. READ: Wixom man accused of attacking police at Capitol with hockey stick pushes for release from custodyAdFoy has been in custody in Washington D.C. since he was arrested at his Wixom condo in late January. Officials said he used a hockey stick to beat officers, the assault was recorded on a body camera. The man in the photo appears to be throwing a sharpened poll at police outside of the Capitol, prosecutors said.
Wixom man accused of attacking police at Capitol with hockey stick pushes for release from custody
Read full article: Wixom man accused of attacking police at Capitol with hockey stick pushes for release from custodyWASHINGTON – The Wixom man accused of beating a police officer with a hockey stick during the Capitol riot on January 6 is asking to be released from custody until his trial. READ: Body cam footage shows Wixom man attacking police at US CapitolAdFoy has been in custody in Washington D.C. since he was arrested at his Wixom condo in late January. Court documents said that Foy traveled to D.C. to attend former President Donald Trump’s rally and then moved to the Capitol. Officials said he used a hockey stick to beat officers, the assault was recorded on a body camera. He repeatedly used the hockey stick to beat police officers in the face, head, neck and body area.
Metro Detroit woman first in nation charged with stealing COVID aid money designated for medical providers
Read full article: Metro Detroit woman first in nation charged with stealing COVID aid money designated for medical providersDETROIT – A Metro Detroit woman has been indicted after she was accused of misappropriating government money designated to aid medical providers in treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19 and instead using it for personal use. While the company was not operational during the pandemic, it did receive $37,656 for medical treatment and care for COVID-19 patients. Officials said Abbas misappropriated that money, issuing checks to her family members for personal use. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General and the FBI. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, enacted in March 2020, manages the Provider Relief Fund, which assigns money for medical providers’ COVID response.
Body cam footage shows Wixom man attacking police at US Capitol
Read full article: Body cam footage shows Wixom man attacking police at US CapitolFederal prosecutors said newly-released body cam footage shows a Wixom man attacking police on Jan. 6 at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month. Prosecutors used the video, pointing out who they said is Michael Foy using a hockey stick to swing at officers guarding the doors of the Capitol. The video also shows Foy jumping through a broken window to gain access to the Capitol. AdFoy had no prior criminal record and spent five years in the Marine Corps but was not deployed. Lawmakers will pay tribute Wednesday morning before a ceremonial departure for Arlington National Cemetery, where Sicknick will be interred.
Federal judge approves consent decree for independent monitor to oversee UAW’s finances, operations
Read full article: Federal judge approves consent decree for independent monitor to oversee UAW’s finances, operationsDETROIT – A federal judge approved Friday a consent decree in which an independent monitor will watch over the United Auto Workers’ finances and operations for the next six years. According to court documents, “the Court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce the terms of this consent decree through Jan. 12. The approval comes one month after the UAW agreed to an independent monitor following a federal probe into corruption. Within six months of when the monitor is appointed, union members will decide by secret ballots whether they will vote directly to pick the union’s future leaders. Union members met with federal prosecutors in June as a first step to bring reform to the union.
Wixom man charged with assaulting police officer at Capitol riot will be transferred to Washington, D.C.
Read full article: Wixom man charged with assaulting police officer at Capitol riot will be transferred to Washington, D.C.WIXOM, Mich. – The Wixom man that was charged with assaulting a Capitol police officer at the pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. is being transferred out of Michigan as the case against him continues. Michael Foy was shown in videos taken at the violent riot using a hockey stick as a weapon to strike a police officer who had been knocked to the ground, according to police. That video is one piece of evidence that led FBI agents to a condo in Wixom and Foy. READ: Feds: Wixom man was one of the most violent participants in siege on US CapitolFederal prosecutors said the officer’s body camera shows Foy using a hockey stick to strike the officer in his head, face, neck and body. Photos from Foy’s own cell phone placed Foy in the middle of a trashed Capitol, police said.
Feds: Wixom man was one of the most violent participants in siege on US Capitol
Read full article: Feds: Wixom man was one of the most violent participants in siege on US CapitolWIXOM, Mich. – Michael Foy, the Wixom man charged with attacking a Capitol police officer at the pro-Trump riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6., was in court on Monday. A video from the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol Building shows a man using a hockey stick as a weapon to strike a police officer who had been knocked to the ground. That video is one piece of evidence that led FBI agents to a condo in Wixom and Foy. Federal prosecutors said the officer’s body camera shows Foy using a hockey stick to strike the officer in his head, face, neck and body. The hockey stick police said was used in the attack was found in Foy’s condo.
Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith tests positive for COVID-19
Read full article: Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith tests positive for COVID-19Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the U.S. District Court for Eastern Michigan. Smith was scheduled for a plea hearing in federal court on Friday. Smith said he had told three people -- two assistant prosecutors and a friend -- to lie about the use of campaign funds. He is also facing charges of embezzlement and racketeering for his spending of $600,000 from an obscure Macomb County forfeiture fund. READ: Former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith charged in state, federal investigationsREAD: Ex-Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith faces up to 21 months in jail following guilty pleaREAD: Former Macomb County prosecutor Eric Smith pleads guilty to obstruction of justice
Court records: Man had guns, search online for Biden home
Read full article: Court records: Man had guns, search online for Biden homeThe information was contained in documents related to a detention hearing for Alexander Hillel Treisman, held in U.S. District Court in Durham. A magistrate, in an order signed Oct. 8, ordered Treisman to remain in custody. An FBI special agent testified that workers at a Kannapolis bank branch reported the van in the parking lot. The agent said in the records that a search of the van revealed approximately $509,000 in cash; books on survival, bomb making, improvised weapons and Islam, drawings of swastikas and planes crashing into buildings. The search also turned up additional firearms, according to the agent.
Federal court hearing for suspects in Whitmer kidnapping plot -- what we’ve learned as of Tuesday
Read full article: Federal court hearing for suspects in Whitmer kidnapping plot -- what we’ve learned as of TuesdayGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Federal prosecutors and FBI agents detailed the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Federal officials said Kaleb Franks, of Waterford, advocated for someone to impersonate a pizza delivery driver and shoot Whitmer at her home. Brandon Caserta, of Canton, may have been the reason federal officials moved to arrest the men. According to federal officials, the men were angry over COVID-19 shutdown orders and also contemplated attacking the governor of Virginia. The plot against Whitmer and an attack on the State House were the main focus.
Judge: Flint residents have right to sue federal government over water crisis
Read full article: Judge: Flint residents have right to sue federal government over water crisisJudge: Flint residents have right to sue federal government over water crisisPublished: August 27, 2020, 6:20 pmA federal judge said residents in Flint have the right to sue government over the water crisis
Cancer doctor Farid Fata denied COVID-19 prison release, sentence reduction
Read full article: Cancer doctor Farid Fata denied COVID-19 prison release, sentence reductionDETROIT – Detroit Federal Judge Paul D. Borman on Friday issued an order denying cancer doctor Farid Fata’s request for COVID-19 prison release and a sentence reduction. The announcement comes after Fata requested to be released from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic. He recently made a request for compassionate release and reduction in sentence. The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan maintained jurisdiction over Fata’s request for release from prison. Read: Farid Fata requests release from federal prison due to COVID-19According to federal prosecutors, Fata victimized 553 patients.
GM and FCA keep sparring while Ford rolls out big new incentive
Read full article: GM and FCA keep sparring while Ford rolls out big new incentiveGM went to federal court with a RICO claim saying the UAW and FCA colluded costing the company millions of dollars. Now GM wants the judge off the case. The judge wants it settled. In 2015, the late FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne is seen hugging then UAW president Dennis Williams kicking off national contract negotiations. GM appealed and the appeals court ruled today that hearing wouldn’t happen and wanted to hear from FCA and the judge over the next week.
Detroit federal court to maintain jurisdiction over case of cancer doctor Farid Fata
Read full article: Detroit federal court to maintain jurisdiction over case of cancer doctor Farid FataDETROIT The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan is maintaining jurisdiction over cancer doctor Farid Fatas request for release from prison. The announcement comes after Fata requested to be released from prison due to the coronavirus pandemic. Read: Farid Fata requests release from federal prison due to COVID-19According to federal prosecutors, Fata victimized 553 patients. He ordered unnecessary treatments on patients who did not have cancer including chemotherapy to enrich himself. The Metro Detroit case made national news after a whistleblower blew Fatas cover a few years ago.
The Latest: Steve Bannon called as Stone prosecution witness
Read full article: The Latest: Steve Bannon called as Stone prosecution witnessRoger Stone, and his wife Nydia, arrive at Federal Court for his federal trial in Washington, Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Al Drago)WASHINGTON, DC The Latest on the Roger Stone trial (all times local):2:25 p.m.Steve Bannon is making his first appearance in the Roger Stone trial as a prosecution witness. The former senior Trump campaign and administration official was called earlier than expected Friday on the third day of testimony. Bannon was one of several officials connected to the Trump campaign who was in contact with Stone. Bannon is expected to testify about a flurry of calls between Stone, Bannon, Paul Manafort and others in the Trump campaign orbit.
Comedian says Roger Stone pressed him to lie about contacts
Read full article: Comedian says Roger Stone pressed him to lie about contactsRoger Stone, and his wife Nydia, arrive at Federal Court for his federal trial in Washington, Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Al Drago)WASHINGTON, DC A comedian and former talk show host is telling jurors in the Roger Stone trial that the political operative pressured him into backing up lies he told Congress. Randy Credico says Stone pressed him to "go along" with a false account of the operative's contacts with WikiLeaks during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. The testimony Friday is damaging to Stone as he faces a federal trial on charges of lying to Congress and witness tampering. Stone is a confidant of President Donald Trump who claimed he had inside information that WikiLeaks would release information damaging to Hillary Clinton.
Stone cited Nixon as he urged witness to stonewall Congress
Read full article: Stone cited Nixon as he urged witness to stonewall CongressRoger Stone arrives at Federal Court for his federal trial in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)WASHINGTON, DC An ex-FBI agent is telling jurors that Donald Trump confidant Roger Stone quoted hero Richard Nixon as Stone urged an associate not to contradict his own testimony to lawmakers. A Stone associate, radio host Randy Credico, was asked in 2017 to appear before the House Intelligence Committee. That's when Stone texted him: "'Stonewall it, plead the fifth, anything to save the plan ...' Richard Nixon." Stone is on trial in federal court in Washington on charges of lying to Congress and tampering with a witness.
Air Canada has to pay couple over language equality
Read full article: Air Canada has to pay couple over language equalityThis week, the Federal Court ordered Air Canada to pay more than $15,000 ($21,000 CAD) and send formal apology letters to a French-speaking couple in Ottawa for repeated language equality violations. The couple also alleged violations of their French language rights on the airline in 2005, 2011 and 2012. Meanwhile, Air Canada said the plaintiffs was interpreting the country's Languages Act too strictly. Air Canada was ordered to pay $1,500 CAD for each of the Thibodeau's 14 successful complaints. "It's [Air Canada] that should be serving francophone customers in the same way that you're serving anglophone customers."