With fewer than four weeks remaining before Michigan's August primary election, Democratic U.S. Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens squared off during a debate hosted in Grand Rapids.

One of the night's sharpest exchanges centered on the conflict involving Iran and U.S. foreign policy. El-Sayed argued that American policy has been overly influenced by Israel and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), suggesting both major political parties have allowed outside interests to shape decisions.

Stevens responded by emphasizing her support for a two-state solution in the Middle East, saying Israel has the right to exist peacefully alongside the Palestinian people. She also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying his leadership has not made the region safer.

Republican gubernatorial candidates John James, Perry Johnson, and Mike Cox are scheduled to participate in their own debate Wednesday evening in Grand Rapids.

Lansing Clerk Pushes Back on DOJ Election Claims

Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope is disputing claims made by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the administration of the 2024 election.

In a video posted to social media Tuesday, Swope said a recent DOJ letter contained false information, including allegations that voters experienced long lines and that Lansing failed to use Michigan's statewide voter list at polling locations.

The Justice Department has announced plans to send election monitors to Lansing, East Lansing, and Detroit during upcoming elections.

Swope welcomed the observers but warned against any actions he believes could interfere with voting.

"We've had election observers in the past and are comfortable with observers from the Department of Justice," Swope said. "What we won't stand for is interference in our election or intimidation of our voters."

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall expressed support for the DOJ's decision, saying additional oversight helps ensure election integrity and public confidence in the voting process.

Mason Recall Petition Rejected

Efforts to recall Mason Mayor Russell Whipple have hit a roadblock.

Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum rejected the recall petition after determining the language submitted did not match what had previously been approved by the County Election Commission.

The recall effort followed controversy over proposed zoning restrictions on data centers that were later repealed.

A separate recall petition targeting Mason City Council Member Elaine Ferris remains under review.

Power Restoration Nears Completion

Utility crews continue restoring electricity following last week's severe weather.

Consumers Energy reported fewer than 100 customers remained without power Tuesday, while DTE Energy said approximately 5,000 customers were still awaiting restoration.

Michigan Lawmakers Target Paraquat

Michigan could become one of the first states in the nation to phase out the herbicide Paraquat.

The highly toxic weed killer has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease and is already banned in more than 70 countries, though it remains legal in the United States.

State Representative Julie Rogers has introduced legislation that would gradually prohibit the sale and use of Paraquat in Michigan over the next two years.

If approved, the measure would place Michigan among the leaders in restricting the controversial agricultural chemical.