Republican candidates seeking Michigan's governorship squared off during a debate in Detroit Tuesday night, highlighting differences over the future of data centers and local control while addressing a range of issues affecting the state.

Businessman Perry Johnson called for a moratorium on new data centers, arguing Michigan's natural resources make it especially attractive for the rapidly growing industry.

"We have the best environment anyone could ever want," Johnson said. "We have the most coastline in the entire country and we have a relatively cool climate, which is ideal for these data centers."

Congressman John James emphasized protecting local communities and natural resources while supporting responsible development.

"My priority is local control, protecting our water, preventing pollution, making sure electricity bills do not go up, and prioritizing blighted and brownfield sites over productive farmland," James said.

Former Attorney General Mike Cox echoed those concerns, saying local governments should have the final say on whether data centers are built in their communities. He also said developers should bear the costs of any new electrical infrastructure and comply with environmental standards.

The three Republican candidates are scheduled to meet again for another debate Wednesday evening in Grand Rapids.

James Draws Criticism Over Remarks

Meanwhile, John James is facing criticism following comments he made during a Newsmax interview regarding the recent Ashura procession in Dearborn.

James questioned why American flags were absent from the event and compared the gathering to extremists he encountered while serving in Iraq, saying he "did not fight extremists to have them at our doorstep."

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) condemned the remarks in a July 2 statement, calling the comparison "misguided" and arguing it unfairly equated peaceful Americans exercising their constitutional rights with violent extremists.

Holt Community Mourns Teacher

The Holt Public Schools community is mourning the loss of Nicholas Parisho, a special education teacher at Holt Junior High School, who was killed in a traffic crash last weekend in Toledo, Ohio.

Parisho's partner suffered critical injuries in the crash. Superintendent Hal Heard III informed district families and staff of the tragedy in a letter released this week.

Former Michigan Assistant Sues University

A former assistant to University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore has filed a lawsuit against the university.

Paige Shiver alleges the university wrongfully denied her requests for records related to its investigation into her relationship with Moore. The relationship became public after Moore was arrested last year following a confrontation at Shiver's home. The University of Michigan has not commented on the lawsuit.

Cyclospora Outbreak Nears 1,000 Cases

Michigan's cyclospora outbreak continues to grow, with state health officials reporting 992 confirmed cases as of Wednesday—an increase from approximately 700 cases reported earlier this week.

Investigators have not yet identified the source of the outbreak.

Earthquake Recorded in Lake Michigan

A minor earthquake was recorded Wednesday in Lake Michigan.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 2.9-magnitude earthquake occurred roughly 12 miles northwest of Kenilworth, Illinois. No damage or injuries were immediately reported.