Michigan voters will hear from several candidates Thursday as debates get underway ahead of the November midterm election.

Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed are scheduled to face off in their first debate in the U.S. Senate race Thursday night in Grand Rapids at 7 p.m. Another debate is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the University of Michigan in the race for Michigan Secretary of State, featuring Democrat Garlin Gilchrist and Republican Anthony Forlini.

New polling is also providing a snapshot of the closely watched statewide races. A survey from East Lansing-based Mitchell Research and Communications shows Gilchrist holding a five-point lead over Forlini in the Secretary of State race. In the Attorney General's race, Republican Doug Lloyd and Democrat Eli Savit are tied. The poll has a margin of error of just under four percentage points.

Johnson Campaigns With Barrett in Lansing Area

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited the Lansing area Wednesday to campaign for 7th District Congressman Tom Barrett.

Johnson appeared at a press event at the Ingham County Sheriff's Office, where law enforcement groups also voiced support for Barrett and criticized his Democratic challenger, Will Lawrence.

Lawrence has criticized Barrett over issues including health care cuts and corporate tax breaks.

Mason-Area Data Center Proposal Moves Forward

A proposed annexation connected to a potential data center in the Mason area is moving forward.

State Boundary Commissioners ruled Wednesday that property owners in Vevay Township submitted a legally proper petition seeking to annex approximately 400 acres to the city of Mason. The land is connected to plans for a proposed data center near Columbia and College roads.

A public hearing date before the Boundary Commissioners has not yet been announced.

Flag Worker Killed in Eaton County Construction-Zone Crash

Authorities are continuing to investigate a fatal construction-zone crash Tuesday in Eaton County.

According to the preliminary investigation, northbound Lansing Road was closed for road work while flaggers directed traffic. A 24-year-old flag worker was struck after a stopped pickup truck was rear-ended by a sanitation truck that was unable to stop.

The flag worker died at the scene. The pickup truck driver and passenger were injured and taken to a hospital, while the sanitation truck driver and passenger were not injured.

Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. The victim was reportedly killed on his last day on the job.

Suspicious Package Found Near Meridian Mall

Meridian Township police also responded Wednesday to a suspicious package found near Meridian Mall.

Police said the item was discovered outside near the mall's east-side entrance. Authorities later determined that there was no threat to the public.

Officials have not indicated what was contained in the package.