At a Glance ...

Regulators begin investigation of fire that cut gas supply

LANSING (AP) — Michigan regulators have opened an investigation into a compressor station fire that raised concerns about keeping natural gas flowing to millions of residents in bitterly cold weather.

The Public Service Commission voted 2-0 Thursday to launch the review.

Consumers Energy asked people to temporarily lower thermostats last week following the fire at its facility in Macomb County. The fire cut the amount of natural gas that could be delivered.

Commissioner Norm Saari says the commission has an “increasing, serious concern” that gas utilities have strong safety programs following the fire, an explosion in a Pontiac neighborhood and a contractor’s “dig-in” of a gas line in Warren.


Washtenaw County probation officer avoids jail for lying

ANN ARBOR (AP) — A Washtenaw County probation officer accused of lying to investigators about the shooting death of man in Ypsilanti has avoided jail time in the case.

The Ann Arbor News reports that Sarah Stein, 40,was sentenced to 1½ years of probation. She quit her job in December before she pleaded guilty to a felony count of lying to a peace officer and a misdemeanor count of lying to a peace officer.

Stein’'s former job involved enforcing probation sentences. She apologized, telling the court she was "embarrassed and ashamed of my behavior."

Stein was charged after an investigation revealed she'd lied about a former juvenile probationer who is now in prison for the gang-related slaying of  Keandre Duff.


Woody Allen sues Amazon for ending movie deal

NEW YORK (AP) — Filmmaker Woody Allen is suing Amazon for at least $68 million, saying that the company ended a four-picture movie deal last year after old accusations against him resurfaced in the press.

The lawsuit says Amazon knew about a "25-year-old" allegation before signing with Allen in 2017, but still used it as an excuse to back out of the deal.

Allen's daughter, Dylan Farrow, has said that Allen molested her when she was seven-years-old, which Allen has denied. Farrow talked about the allegations in a TV interview
for the first time in 2018. The lawsuit doesn't mention Farrow by name.

According to the complaint, Allen finished a film that Amazon never released.


Inmate falls through ceiling trying to escape from jail

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. (AP) — An inmate fell through the ceiling while trying to escape from a jail in Indiana.

Jackson County officials posted on Facebook that Blaze Ayers, 28, bolted from officers and locked himself in a medical room, then made his way into the ceiling.

Ayers eventually fell through the ceiling and onto the floor of the jail, officers said, at which point a stun gun was used to subdue him after he refused to surrender.
Offiials say the attempted escape caused extensive damage to the ceiling.

Ayers was treated for minor injuries and is charged with attempted escape and criminal mischief.

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