At a Glance ...

High court schedules arguments in case of suspended judge

The Michigan Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments on Wednesday, June 19 in Lansing regarding grievances filed against 53rd District Court Judge Theresa M. Brennan of Livingston County.

Brennan, 61, was suspended in February amid the ongoing ethics case.

She says a judicial oversight board was wrong in finding she committed misconduct and wants the Supreme Court to allow her to remain on the bench.

Brennan has served on the district court bench since her appointment in 2005.


Court won’t upset prisoner rights ruling

LANSING (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court has cleared the way for prisoners to sue the Corrections Department for alleged civil rights violations.

The court declined to take an appeal from state officials. They’re accused of failing to prevent prisoners from physically abusing inmates who were under 18 years old.

The Michigan Constitution says “no person shall be denied the equal protection of laws” when receiving a public service. But in 1999, lawmakers carved out an exception, saying public service doesn't include prisons or jails.

The state appeals court in 2018 declared that exception unconstitutional. The Supreme Court last week didn't take the case, which means the earlier decision will stand.

Justices Brian Zahra and Stephen Markman wanted to hear it. They say the Supreme Court “should have the final word on this significant issue of Michigan constitutional law.”


Background check petition would close gun show loophole

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A gun safety group has taken the first step toward changing Ohio law to require background checks on virtually all guns sales, including those done privately.

The petition filed Monday with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office by Ohioans for Gun Safety would close a loophole that allows sales without background checks at gun shows and between private individuals.

The measure would require such sales and background checks to be handled by a federally licensed firearms dealer.

Gun transfers or sales between family members or involving antique guns, or gun transfers specifically for hunting, would be exempted.

Should the petition advance, it would first ask Ohio lawmakers to enact the universal background checks. Should lawmakers decline, the petition would be presented directly to voters.


Unicyclist completes Trek Across Maine

BRUNSWICK, Maine (AP) — Thousands have ridden their bicycles in the three-day Trek Across Maine. But only one participant has accomplished the feat on a single wheel.

Hugh Sharp from Cape Elizabeth, Maine, rode 180 miles on a unicycle in the fundraiser for the American Lung Association, which ended Sunday. His pace was slower than the other cyclists, so he had to pedal longer.

The nurse anesthetist at Maine Medical Center was pedaling in honor of his father, who died two years ago from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Riders started and ended in Brunswick, Maine, with overnight stops at Bates College and Colby College.

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