Mid-Michigan News Update: AI Rules, Canadian Tariffs, Soo Locks and U-M

Trump Says AI Leaders Agree to Voluntary Standards

President Donald Trump says top artificial intelligence executives have agreed to voluntary standards designed to increase oversight of the rapidly growing industry.

The agreement would put AI companies in charge of policing much of their own technology, as pressure continues to grow for stronger safeguards and regulations.

U.S. Bans Nearly $1 Billion in Canadian Imports

The trade fight between the United States and Canada is escalating.

The U.S. has banned nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including alcoholic beverages, dairy products and motorcycles.

President Trump previously imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian imports, prompting Canada to respond with tariffs of its own.

Trump's latest move targets a list of Canadian products as part of the ongoing dispute.

New Soo Locks Project Hits 50% Mark

There's a major milestone in one of Michigan's biggest infrastructure projects.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says Phase 3 of the new lock project at the Soo Locks is now 50% complete.

The overall project is expected to cost about $3.2 billion and will create a second lock capable of handling the same large ships as the existing Poe Lock.

The Poe Lock, which opened in 1969, currently handles ships carrying about 88% of all U.S. iron ore transported by water.

The new lock is designed to provide additional capacity and another route for the massive freighters moving through the Soo.

U-M Drops Pass-Fail Grading Pilot

The University of Michigan is dropping a pilot program that would have replaced traditional letter grades with a pass-fail system for first-semester students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

The program was scheduled to begin next fall.

The university president requested that the plan be paused, citing extensive media coverage, distorted narratives and misconceptions surrounding the proposal.

For now, it looks like students will be sticking with the traditional A, B, C, D and F system.

Sports

The NBA preseason gets underway Monday night, with the Detroit Pistons hosting the Phoenix Suns.

It's the first chance to get a look at the Pistons before the regular season gets underway.

Mid-Michigan Weather

Today: Cloudy with a 60% chance of showers. High near 71.

Tonight: Cloudy with showers developing after 1 a.m. Low around 61.

Thursday: Cloudy with showers. High near 71.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers early, then becoming mostly sunny. High near 67.