Top Stories: UN Report, F-16 Crash, Rising Gas Prices and Weekend Sports
Here’s a look at some of the biggest stories making news across Michigan and beyond.
UN Report Raises Questions About U.S. Strikes in Iran
A U.N.-backed fact-finding mission says it found “reasonable grounds” to believe the United States committed war crimes in two strikes in Iran, including an attack on a school in the city of Minab.
The report says the February strikes killed scores of civilians, including children. The second strike involved a sports facility and residential area in Lamerd.
The mission also accused Iranian authorities of committing crimes against humanity during a crackdown on anti-government protests.
The findings are not legally binding, but the report could become part of evidence used in future legal proceedings. U.S. officials have disputed the findings and questioned the human rights body's conclusions.
F-16 Crashes in Northern Michigan
An F-16 fighter jet crashed Thursday during a training exercise in rural Grand Traverse County after the pilot safely ejected.
The pilot was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment. Officials have not released the pilot's identity or details about any injuries.
The aircraft was from the Texas Air National Guard and was taking part in training based out of Alpena. A temporary evacuation was ordered near the crash site after hazardous material spilled from the wreckage. The evacuation was later lifted.
The cause remains under investigation. Preliminary air-traffic-control audio indicated a possible bird strike, but officials have not reached a final conclusion.
Gas Prices Keep Climbing in Michigan
If you've filled up lately, you've probably noticed the pain at the pump.
AAA's latest figures show Michigan's average regular gasoline price at about $4.89 a gallon, with diesel reaching a new record of about $6.68 a gallon.
Prices have been rising steadily this week, and some stations in Southeast Michigan are already charging more than $7 a gallon for diesel.
In Sports
It was a tough night for Detroit.
The Chicago White Sox beat the Tigers 3-1, while the Buffalo Bills defeated the Detroit Lions 41-31.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines host UTEP at 3:30 p.m.
The Central Michigan Chippewas host Wyoming at 1 p.m.
And Saturday night, the Michigan State Spartans take on Notre Dame, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Your Mid-Michigan Weekend Forecast
For Friday, expect increasing clouds and a breezy afternoon, with a high around 71.
Tonight will be mostly cloudy with a low near 52.
Saturday brings cloudy skies and showers, with a high around 67.
And Sunday stays cloudy and breezy, with a high near 67.
So if you're heading to a game this weekend, bring the rain gear — and maybe leave the shorts at home.
