Michigan's gubernatorial candidates squared off over tariffs and other issues during a debate Tuesday night in Grand Rapids, while local officials in East Lansing and Lansing addressed police policies and infrastructure concerns.

Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Republican Congressman John James debated several issues during the event moderated by WOOD-TV. Tariffs were a major point of disagreement.

Benson said that if elected governor, she would immediately work to address tariffs affecting Michigan.

“On day one in office, I will call Canada and negotiate a contract between Michigan and Canada to eliminate the tariffs and the costs in Michigan,” Benson said.

Benson also criticized James for supporting tariffs. James, who represents Michigan's 10th Congressional District, said he has never voted to increase tariffs on Canada and said he has urged the administration to return to negotiations.

“I've actually never voted to increase tariffs on Canada,” James said, adding that officials need to “get back to the table.”

East Lansing Council Approves New Police Policies

The East Lansing City Council unanimously approved new use-of-force and de-escalation policies for the city's police department Tuesday night.

The vote came amid several recent public safety incidents. Council Member Steve Whalen expressed concerns about the procedure surrounding the vote but ultimately supported the policies.

Mayor Pro Tem Chuck Grigsby said the policies had support from the police chief, community, oversight commission and city attorney.

Lansing Storm Drains Raise Concerns

In Lansing, City Council members are raising concerns about thousands of storm drains that apparently have not been cleaned since 2024.

Councilman Adam Hussain said only about 3,800 of the city's approximately 13,000 catch basins have been cleaned. He warned that the city could potentially be out of compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Hussain said neglected catch basins could contribute to additional flooding, damage local waterways and accelerate the deterioration of city infrastructure.

He is calling for funding to create a dedicated two-person crew and provide a truck specifically for catch basin cleaning.

Eaton County Road Commission Worker Killed

A 24-year-old Eaton County Road Commission worker was killed Tuesday in a work zone crash on Lansing Road between Royston and Windsor.

Michigan State Police are investigating. The newscast reported that there was no immediate word on whether anyone else was injured.

Mason Man Extradited to Florida on Child Sex Crime Charges

A 19-year-old Mason man has been arrested and extradited to Florida to face child sex crime charges.

Authorities allege Austin Alden sent sexual images and videos of himself to a 13-year-old. He is being held on $200,000 bail.

Michigan Supreme Court to Hear South Haven Case

The Michigan Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments Wednesday in a case involving the 2020 drowning death of 18-year-old Brandon Chambers of Jackson in South Haven.

Chambers' family sued the city over how revenue is generated from its beaches. An appeals court ruled last year that South Haven has governmental immunity, overturning a lower court decision.

The Supreme Court hearing will focus on the legal issues surrounding the case.