AGP Executive Report

Detroit Public Safety: City leaders say summer homicides dropped 25%, with juvenile homicide victims falling from nine to one, crediting police work plus youth programs and more late-night activities. Detroit Politics & Campaigns: Former President Barack Obama will campaign in Detroit with Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson on Oct. 24, as the race stays tight and GOP groups respond to El-Sayed’s progressive foreign-policy stance. Pistons Contract Update: Jalen Duren says he’s “relieved and excited” after signing a five-year, $200 million extension, clarifying that the negotiation didn’t change how he feels about Detroit. Michigan Law & Crime: Michigan is cracking down on gift card fraud by treating card-draining schemes as organized retail crime, raising felony penalties. Weather: A frost advisory is in effect early Tuesday in parts of Southeast Michigan, with sunshine and mid-60s returning quickly. Local Courts: A Sixth Circuit ruling reopens a homeowner’s fight after a county kept surplus proceeds from a tax foreclosure sale. Business & Growth: Kroger plans to remodel a Portage shopping center it bought, interconnecting stores while the city awaits a site plan and timeline.

Michigan Senate race: Former President Barack Obama is set to join Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed on the campaign trail in Detroit on Oct. 24, as the race against Republican Mike Rogers tightens. Local politics & turnout: El-Sayed’s team also announced a Cadillac stop Oct. 10 as part of a statewide tour. Courts & schools: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal over a Michigan school district’s ban on “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts. Public safety & accountability: Michigan State Police clarified that Larry Nassar was never on Michigan’s sex offender registry, after confusion tied to a state Supreme Court ruling removing thousands of names. Health & benefits: MDHHS will hold a virtual public meeting Oct. 27 on the Medicaid drug formulary. Economy & daily life: Gas prices in Michigan are down about 22 cents from last week, while oil prices trend lower. Sports: The Lions fell 32-26 to the Panthers, and Michigan’s college sports scene saw Central Michigan sweep Michigan State in women’s club hockey.

NFL & Detroit Sports: Carolina’s Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan powered the Panthers to a 32-26 Sunday Night Football win over the Detroit Lions, while NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth called Detroit’s late offensive drive “a disaster.” Local History & Business: Lansing’s historic Union Depot, built in 1901, has a new life as a Starbucks—continuing the depot’s long run from rail hub to restaurant to coffee shop. Politics & Rights: Michigan AG candidate Doug Lloyd attacked Democratic rival Eli Savit over sex-work policy, arguing it could enable trafficking, as Savit points to limits under state law and decriminalization in Washtenaw County. Courts: Joseph Kuilema v. Calvin University heads to the Michigan Supreme Court for oral arguments Oct. 8. Weather: Metro Detroit starts sunny and cool, with highs in the low 60s and dry conditions through the workweek. Public Input: MDOT will hold an open house Tuesday on an M-14 noise study affecting Ann Arbor schools, with comments due Oct. 26.

NFL (Lions-Panthers): Detroit heads to Charlotte for Sunday Night Football, aiming for its 3rd straight win as the Lions (2-1) face a 1-2 Panthers team missing key pieces, including cornerback depth. Kickoff is 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, with Detroit listed around a 3.5-point favorite and totals hovering in the 50s. NBA (Pistons): Jalen Duren says the offseason negotiations were about staying focused, and he’s now locked into a five-year, $200M extension—while insisting he wants to be “a Piston for life.” Weather (Metro Detroit): Sunshine returns with cooler air; Monday stays dry, but frost is possible Tuesday morning. Courts (Unclaimed property): A federal ruling vacated Michigan’s handling of unclaimed financial accounts, saying original owners still retain ownership even after the state takes custody. Public safety (Gun violence): State Sen. Chedrick Greene hosted a Saginaw forum on gun violence, pairing survivors and advocates with calls for both legislation and community action. Health care (SANE program): McLaren Central Michigan’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program received comfort-item donations from the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.

NFL (Detroit): The Detroit Lions host the Carolina Panthers on Sunday Night Football, with Detroit favored at about -3 and a 50.5-point total, as the Lions look to keep rolling after a 31-24 win over the Jets and Carolina drops to 1-2. Contract Watch (Lions): Sources say star TE Sam LaPorta and Detroit have broken off long-term contract talks, with LaPorta set to hit free agency in 2027 unless a deal gets done later. Michigan Politics (Senate): In Macomb County, Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed held a first joint town hall, pushing party unity ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Michigan Sports (College Football): Michigan’s road trip ended in a 20-14 loss to Minnesota and more quarterback scrutiny after Bryce Underwood’s 10-of-21, 101-yard, two-interception outing. Detroit Fire Safety: Detroit Fire Department kicks off Fire Prevention Week with free hands-on events, including smoke alarm sign-ups, CPR training, and a mobile fire safety house. NHL (Red Wings): Contract tension continues for Simon Edvinsson, with reports saying he’d prefer a trade as Detroit weighs whether to keep negotiating. Weather: Sunday is mild and sunny in Detroit, but Monday turns much cooler with frost possible inland.

Weather: Mid-Michigan stays cool tonight with lows in the upper 30s to low 40s, a few light showers possible late, then Sunday warms to around 70. Frost Watch: Monday night could bring frost, especially Saginaw Valley and the Thumb, with early-week chill continuing before a gradual warmup. Michigan Football: Michigan’s 20-14 loss to Minnesota has fans and boosters pushing for changes, with coach Kyle Whittingham saying the offense needs to “figure it out” during the bye week after another scoreless second half. Detroit Sports: The Pistons officially signed Jalen Duren to a five-year, $200M extension after a tense offseason. Metro Safety: A Detroit gas station shooting case has led to 15 felony charges against a man accused of firing after a price dispute. Public Health: Flu activity is starting to show up in Wayne, Oakland, and Washtenaw counties, with early cases reported in local ERs. College Football (EMUs): Eastern Michigan beat UMass 38-14, and Central Michigan topped Akron 41-17 in MAC openers.

Data Center Power Rules: Michigan regulators approved a 20-year electricity deal for Google’s new data center, aiming to keep DTE Energy customers from absorbing the costs as the state weighs how much hyperscale sites should generate on their own—especially with an even bigger Oracle/OpenAI project already under construction in Saline. Health Care Innovation: Trinity Health Ann Arbor is using robotic assistance for a less-invasive aortic valve procedure, with surgeons saying quicker recovery and more options are the goal. Mental Health Funding: Common Ground will receive new state contracts to expand crisis services tied to 988, including a specialized hotline for first responders as call volume keeps rising. Local Safety: Parents in Canton Township were charged after a 3-year-old allegedly brought a loaded handgun into a day-care and passed it among children before a teacher intervened. Sports (Big Ten): Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug matchup, while Michigan State travels to face Wisconsin in Madison; meanwhile, Michigan Tech postponed a game vs. Minnesota due to player-safety concerns over ice conditions. Community & Environment: Consumers Energy will temporarily stop flow at Hodenpyl Dam for inspections, and crews are advancing a Freshwater Research and Innovation Center project in Traverse City.

Red Wings Update: Dylan Larkin was placed on non-roster injured reserve hours before Detroit’s season opener, sidelined with an upper-body injury and still dealing with a trade request that left him booed at the rink. Detroit Public Safety: A Detroit homicide detective faces OWI charges after a wrong-way crash caught on surveillance video, with reports that she left the scene on foot. Great Lakes Environment: A pollution-sensitive greenside darter fish has been found again in the Rouge River after more than 100 years, a sign advocates say cleanup efforts are working. Energy & Policy: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin visited Michigan to discuss Line 5 and the proposed Great Lakes Tunnel, framing it as key for reliability and national security. Mid-Michigan Health: Two Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks are set for Flint (Oct. 10) and Saginaw Valley State University (Oct. 17). Housing & Stability: A report highlights how Michigan’s foster youth struggle after aging out, with only about 1% earning a postsecondary degree by age 21. Local Complaints: Wixom residents say compost odors from a city-linked facility are still a problem and want stronger oversight.

Water Cleanup Push: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state leaders announced $89 million from environmental settlement funds to restore the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers, including $50 million aimed at cutting PCBs in the Detroit River. Court Watch: The Michigan Supreme Court ordered the appeals court to revisit a challenge to CAFO permits, directing it to apply the state’s Line 5-linked approach to environmental review. State Politics: The Michigan Senate didn’t vote on a 90-day gas tax suspension Thursday, setting session dates instead, while Whitmer said her team is exploring other ways to lower prices. EV Investment: Toyota opened a new battery research and development center near Saline to test EV batteries and support North American manufacturing. Local Culture & Community: Habla Detroit is expanding in-person Spanish practice for metro Detroiters, creating a safer space to learn and reconnect with the language. Sports: The PWHL Detroit released its full 2026-27 schedule, with 13 games at Little Caesars Arena.

Public Safety & Justice: Michigan Supreme Court fallout continues as more than 20,000 sex offenders—including Larry Nassar—are removed from the state registry after a ruling that registration changes can’t be applied retroactively. Local Crime: A former Trinity Health Ann Arbor nurse, Chloe Freeman, faces a criminal complaint after she allegedly helped an ICE detainee escape a hospital. State Policy: The Michigan Senate voted to overhaul dam safety laws, boosting flood control standards and inspections, with one more procedural step needed before Gov. Whitmer. Environment & Infrastructure: Michigan announced $89 million to restore and clean up the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers, targeting toxic sediment and habitat restoration. Health & Schools: Nearly half of Michigan high schools lack access to an athletic trainer, and new bills aim to ease hiring barriers for people with criminal records to help address healthcare worker shortages. Sports & Community: UM-Flint reports its fourth straight enrollment growth year, while Detroit People’s Food Co-op asks for community support amid financial strain. Hunting Update: Michigan’s archery deer season opens Oct. 1 with new digital eHarvest tagging via the DNR app.

U-M Policy Reversal: The University of Michigan has paused a plan to “cover” incoming freshmen’s first-semester grades with pass/no-credit marks after a national backlash, saying it wants more discussion and worries students could be portrayed as less prepared. Public Safety: Canton Township parents face charges after a toddler brought a loaded handgun to daycare; staff intervened quickly and no one was hurt. Food Costs in Focus: Rising gas and diesel prices are squeezing Michigan food budgets and increasing costs for the Greater Lansing Food Bank and partner pantries. Road Funding Fight: Michigan’s Senate may vote on a 90-day gas tax suspension, with lawmakers debating whether to replace the lost revenue. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging people to file claims tied to multistate settlements over allegedly inflated generic drug prices. Detroit Community Watch: A Detroit People’s Food Co-op says a fundraising push is needed as customers’ baskets shrink amid mounting operating pressures. Election Politics: Sen. Elissa Slotkin warns of election interference risks ahead of midterms, pointing to recent federal actions and last-minute changes to voting rules.

Detroit Courts & Safety: A Detroit judge ordered a longtime tenant out of a RealToken-linked duplex after finding it uninhabitable, citing testimony that repairs could cost about $200,000. AI & Industry: Verizon CEO Dan Schulman told a Detroit event that today’s AI models are “the worst we’ll ever use,” predicting AGI in 6 to 18 months and major disruption for businesses. Local Crime & Courts: A Detroit homicide detective in Harper Woods was arraigned on OWI charges after a wrong-way crash; she pleaded not guilty. Sports & Injuries: Oakland’s Zack Gelof sued the Tigers and related stadium entities, saying “sharp metal” fencing caused a serious knee cut at Comerica Park. Public Input: Bedrock, GM and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy held a community meeting on a $2.2B riverfront redevelopment plan. Infrastructure: Crews will close a northbound I-75 ramp to M-3 in Detroit from Oct. 2 to Oct. 5 for resurfacing tied to upcoming bridge work. State Politics: Michigan Senate candidates Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed clashed over who’s better on crime, with Trump also weighing in to boost GOP turnout. Environment & Water: A new report warns Michigan water systems may need up to $85B in upgrades over 20 years.

Auto Economy & Trade: Trump’s escalating Canada trade war is raising fresh alarms for Michigan’s auto and mobility jobs, with MichAuto estimating 1.2M Michigan jobs tied to the sector and warning of supply-chain disruption. Elections & Voting Access: Michigan Secretary of State candidates clashed on election security and misinformation at a League of Women Voters forum, while Detroit voters with disabilities are again raising concerns about unreliable voting machines. Local Politics: The Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved a recall petition effort against Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, clearing the way for petition circulation. Public Safety: A toddler was arrested after bringing a loaded handgun into a Canton daycare classroom; in Warren, a man faces murder charges after allegedly running over a flea market vendor during a dispute. Great Lakes Infrastructure: The Soo Locks’ Phase 3 construction hit the halfway mark, advancing a $3.2B project to build a second Poe-sized lock. Higher Ed: MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz delivered his State of the University address, touting research growth and fundraising progress. Detroit Transit: Detroit is pushing ahead with plans to add about 100 bus shelters and 120 benches through 2027.

University Governance: Michigan voters will elect board members for MSU, U-M, and Wayne State this November—an unusual statewide system that can shape tuition, budgets, and who runs each university. Election Watch: Absentee ballots are arriving as Michiganders weigh Proposal 2 (“Mop Up Michigan”), with a new analysis warning it could face legal challenges if it passes. U-M Backtracks: After backlash, U-M paused a plan to “cover” first-semester freshmen grades with pass/no credit on transcripts. Public Safety & Courts: More than 20,000 convicted sex offenders were removed from Michigan’s registry after a Supreme Court ruling. Detroit Crime & Scams: Detroit logged 37 scam reports in August, and a Detroit man was sentenced to 20–40 years in the murder of Haleigh Pace. Kids & Guns: Police say a toddler pulled a loaded handgun from a backpack at a Canton daycare; staff acted quickly and no one was hurt. Sports: Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug after its late loss to Iowa, while Pistons star Jalen Duren remains in a contract standoff.

Michigan Supreme Court races: Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are on the November ballot, with Justice Noah Hood and Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh seeking reelection—an outcome that could shift the court’s direction on issues like abortion access and climate policy. Monroe County court fight: Marshella Chidester, convicted in the 2024 Swan Boat Club crash that killed two children, is seeking a new trial and is in a Ginther hearing over claims of ineffective legal representation. Public safety in Metro Detroit: A toddler in Canton pulled a loaded pistol from a backpack at daycare; a parent who is a police officer was taken into custody as officials review and tighten firearm security protocols. Detroit sports legal action: Athletics third baseman Zack Gelof sued the Detroit Tigers and others after a July injury at Comerica Park, alleging exposed metal fencing caused a serious knee laceration. EV manufacturing update: GM is cutting Chevrolet Bolt production sharply—about 75% fewer than planned—citing shifting EV demand after federal support was withdrawn. Michigan ballot proposals: Voters will also weigh two statewide measures—one on constitutional convention/campaign finance rules and another on limiting certain political contributions.

Daycare Gun Scare: Canton police say a toddler was found with a loaded firearm at Children’s World Early Learning Center; the weapon was secured and a parent was taken into custody while investigators look into how the gun got there. Election Politics: U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing fresh backlash after a resurfaced podcast clip where he questioned whether football is “ethical,” and he’s also traded barbs with Bill Maher over comments about Muslims. Cost-of-Living Help: Michigan’s Home Heating Credit applications are due Sept. 30, with energy drafts needing redemption by Dec. 15; the Treasury is pointing residents to free help via 211, 898211, or MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org. Public Safety Tech: Michigan lawmakers are advancing bills to tighten rules on automatic license plate reader cameras, limiting searches, sharing, and commercial use while raising penalties for misuse. Detroit Violence Update: After a west-side mass shooting that killed three and injured four, police say a suspect is still missing and the address had drawn multiple prior calls. Sports (Detroit): Jahmyr Gibbs powered the Lions’ 31-24 win over the Jets with three touchdowns, and the Red Wings finalized a 23-man roster for the season opener.