In this episode of Michigan: We Need to Talk, Stephen Henderson and callers from across Michigan take on the escalating trade fight between the United States and Canada and what it means for Michigan workers, businesses, consumers and the auto industry.

Stephen is joined by former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard, who also served as U.S. ambassador to Canada; Ben Buyak of Capital Steel and Builders Supply in Holt, a family-owned Michigan steel business navigating the uncertainty around tariffs; and Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.

Together, they explore the costs and consequences of President Trump’s trade policies: whether tariffs can protect American industry, how much pain businesses and consumers should be expected to absorb, and what happens when Michigan’s economic interests are tied so closely to a country now being treated more like an adversary than a partner.

At the center of the conversation: What happens when national trade politics collide with the cross-border relationship Michigan’s economy depends on?

In this live call-in portion of Michigan: We Need to Talk, Stephen Henderson continues the conversation on Flock cameras and automated license plate readers in Michigan.

Police departments say the cameras help solve serious crimes, recover stolen vehicles and find missing people. Civil liberties advocates say they can also create a searchable record of where ordinary people drive, raising concerns about surveillance, privacy, data sharing and public oversight.

Stephen is joined by Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit, who explains why law enforcement agencies use the technology, and State Rep. Jimmie Wilson (D-Ypsilanti), sponsor of legislation that would create statewide safeguards for Flock cameras and similar systems.

Together with callers, they ask: Do these cameras make communities safer, less free, or both? And what rules should Michigan have for technology that can track where cars move through public space?

Stephen Henderson and producer Jake Neher drive around Detroit with Kyle Zawacki, legislative director for the ACLU of Michigan, looking for Flock cameras — automated license plate readers used by police departments across the state.

Police say the cameras help solve serious crimes and find missing people. Civil liberties advocates say they also create a searchable record of where ordinary drivers go, raising questions about privacy, surveillance, data sharing and public oversight.

The full live show airs tonight (8/27) at 8 p.m. on Michigan Public. We’ll ask: Do these cameras make communities safer, less free, or both? And what rules should Michigan have for technology that can track where cars move through public space?

Listen live tonight at 8 p.m. on Michigan Public and join the conversation.