NTSB: Crew Conducting Stall Test Was Not Trained Test Pilots in Fatal Bath Township Crash

BATH TOWNSHIP — A preliminary federal investigation into last month’s deadly business jet crash in Bath Township reveals that the aircraft was being operated by its regular flight crew—not trained test pilots—during a post-maintenance stall test. The NTSB report confirms that the jet went down near Clark and Peacock Roads, killing two pilots and a mechanic, all of whom were from Mexico.

Authorities Seek Tips After Dog Found Dead in Crate

Also in Bath Township, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance after a dog was found dead inside a locked crate near Clark and Watson Roads. Animal control officials say the thin, approximately eight-year-old dog had likely been abandoned. Investigators are seeking any information related to the case.

Father of Missing Skelton Brothers Charged With Murder

In a major development in a 14-year-old missing persons case, 53-year-old John Skelton has been charged with murdering his three sons—Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner—who disappeared from Marenci in 2010. The boys were 9, 7, and 5 years old at the time.

The charges were filed just weeks before Skelton was set to be released from prison on an unrelated unlawful imprisonment conviction connected to the case. A judge formally declared the boys legally dead earlier this year. Skelton’s arraignment date will be set once he is returned to Lenawee County.

Dearborn Men Indicted on Federal Terrorism Charges

Federal prosecutors have indicted three men from Dearborn on charges connected to a planned terrorist attack targeting Ferndale over the Halloween weekend. The suspects are accused of stockpiling weapons and conspiring to support ISIS. They are among eight individuals charged across three states in the ongoing investigation.

State Board of Education Approves New Health Standards

Michigan’s State Board of Education voted 6–2 to adopt revised health education standards, including expanded guidance on LGBTQ relationships within sex education curricula. Officials emphasize that parents will retain the ability to opt their children out of sex education instruction.

Mid-Michigan Projects Receive Federal Funding After Shutdown Bill

Several mid-Michigan communities are set to receive new federal investments under the legislation that ended the recent government shutdown:

• Michigan State University will receive roughly $3 million for agricultural research initiatives.

• Livingston County will receive nearly $500,000 to modernize its 9-1-1 Central Dispatch Center.

• Putnam Township in Livingston County will receive funding for a new fire truck.

DTE Energy Proposes Natural Gas Rate Increase

DTE Energy customers could see higher monthly bills next year. The utility has submitted a request to state regulators seeking a $163 million increase in natural gas rates, which would raise residential bills by more than $6 per month. If approved, the new rates would take effect in October 2026.

Republican Lawmakers Urge Federal Oversight of 2026 Election

Nearly two dozen Republican state lawmakers are urging the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee Michigan’s 2026 elections, citing concerns that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson would be overseeing the election while running for governor as a Democrat.

A spokesperson for the Secretary of State’s office dismissed the request, saying the lawmakers are using "dangerous false rhetoric" to push President Trump to “illegally interfere” in state elections.