AGP Executive Report

Detroit Zoo Fundraiser: Hundreds of walkers took part in the St. Jude Walk Detroit on the zoo grounds in Royal Oak, raising money for children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Lansing Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed apologized to Michigan’s Jewish Democratic Caucus for comments he made after a March synagogue attack, as he tries to steady support ahead of a race against Mike Rogers. Detroit Crime: A 15-year-old has been charged in connection with a Detroit liquor store shooting on Aug. 21 that killed 65-year-old Faith Williams and injured a 29-year-old woman; prosecutors say the victims didn’t know the teen and he faces adult court. Sports (Detroit Lions): The Lions closed the preseason with a 25-16 win over the Colts, setting up the final roster-cut scramble to get to 53 players. Michigan Golf: The Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc is set to return in 2027 after finalizing an extension, a bright spot for Michigan’s pro golf calendar. Local Sports: Disc Golf World Championships are underway in Milford, bringing nearly 300 athletes from 26 countries to Kensington Metro Park.

Democratic Party Tensions in Lansing: Michigan Democrats meet Saturday in Lansing for their 2026 state nominating convention as antisemitic harassment and hostility over U.S. support for Israel roil the party; Attorney General Dana Nessel says she won’t attend, citing safety concerns after pro-Israel speakers were shouted down at a prior convention. Local Government Staffing Crunch: A new report highlights how Michigan communities struggle to fill mandated jobs, with rural areas feeling the strain most. Data Center Moratorium Fight: A federal lawsuit challenges Gibraltar’s one-year data center moratorium, arguing the city restricted a project after a site plan was already submitted. Voter Roll Oversight: Michigan’s auditor general released an evaluation of how the state maintains voter rolls, finding very low counts of dead voters and noncitizens but noting small fractions can be misleading due to data lag. Metro Detroit Construction Watch: Road closures and utility work are planned across multiple corridors in Macomb and Oakland counties. Sports—Skubal Returns: Tarik Skubal’s emotional return to Comerica Park ended with the Dodgers beating the Tigers 2-1, with Skubal striking out seven in six innings.

Energy & Local Control: Michigan regulators approved the state’s first solar farm under the 2023 law that lets the Michigan Public Service Commission override local objections, clearing the way for a 90-megawatt project across 870 acres in southern Ingham County. Detroit Police & Mayor Sheffield: Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison asked an activist to remove social media photos involving Mayor Mary Sheffield, and the activist says the request blurred personal and official roles. Sports—Skubal Returns: Tarik Skubal made his Dodgers debut against the Tigers at Comerica Park, drawing cheers and boos in a highly emotional homecoming. Housing & Student Stress: University of Michigan students say move-in delays at Haven on Geddes left them scrambling after they believed apartments would be ready on time. Health—Parasite Update: Michigan reported 233 new cyclosporiasis cases, with 21 more hospitalizations. Community Support: A Metro Detroit furniture bank helped a mother of seven turn an empty house into a home. Legal—UM Settlement: The University of Michigan agreed to pay nearly $1.2 million to resolve a sexual assault claim tied to a former football staffer.

Sports (Detroit baseball): Tarik Skubal returns to Comerica Park Friday for an emotional first start against the Tigers, just weeks after the trade to the Dodgers. Detroit manager A.J. Hinch says the team will separate the human bond from the competitor mindset as Skubal looks to add to a tough stretch for the Tigers. Public health & families (Meta settlement): Michigan and Wisconsin are set to receive major payouts from a landmark Meta settlement, with new limits aimed at reducing teen social media harm—daily time caps, nighttime blocks, school-time restrictions, and stronger parental controls. Reproductive care (Title X fight): Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a multistate lawsuit to block new Title X grant conditions she says would strip funding from family planning and preventive services. Local safety (Detroit gun incident): Detroit police say a 13-year-old was shot in an incident involving an unsecured firearm; the suspect is in custody and the city is hosting a gun safety event with free locks. Crime (Detroit hit-and-run): Police are seeking tips in a fatal west-side hit-and-run from Aug. 11, offering a $5,000 reward for information that moves the case forward. Elections (voter ID/citizenship ballot fight): A campaign is suing after a Michigan elections board decision kept its voter ID and citizenship proof measure off the ballot, asking the state Supreme Court to intervene.

Mail-in Ballot Lawsuit: Michigan and more than 20 states sued to block a USPS plan tied to Trump’s voter list order, with AG Dana Nessel calling it an attempt to sow chaos and suppress turnout ahead of November. Local Politics: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield denied allegations of “illegal kickbacks,” saying no city funds or contracts were involved and accusing a former partner of bullying and fabricating lies. Democrats in Dispute: Nessel also criticized Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed’s remarks after a synagogue attack, saying his “hurt people hurt people” framing “bothers me a lot,” as party tensions spill into the campaign. Education & Youth Safety: Michigan reminded students about OK2SAY, the 24/7 tip line for threats or harm, as the school year begins. School Access Funding: The state is setting aside $40 million to expand dual enrollment for more high school students, prioritizing districts with more low-income students. Elections Measure: A voter ID constitutional amendment is headed to the Michigan Supreme Court after petition affidavit disputes, with a ballot fight looming. Environment & Hunting: The DNR rolled out new 2026 deer hunting rules, including changes to season timing and firearm limits. Detroit Community: Brilliant Detroit is expanding neighborhood “hubs” to support kids and families with literacy, meals, and services.

Childcare & Workforce: Michigan lawmakers made the bipartisan Tri-Share childcare cost-sharing program permanent, letting businesses split childcare costs with employees and the state. Elections & Voting Access: Michigan is among 26 states suing USPS over a new rule that would let USPS regulate mail-in voting in federal elections. Youth Safety Online: Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Michigan will receive at least $171 million from a multistate Meta settlement tied to Instagram and Facebook “addictive features,” with safeguards like nighttime access blocks and daily screen breaks. Public Health: Wayne County reported a human West Nile virus case, a reminder that mosquito season isn’t over. Environment & Local Life: Sleepy Hollow State Park’s beach near Ovid is closed again due to an algae bloom. Local Politics: The Michigan House formed a select committee to investigate the state Elections Bureau and Board of State Canvassers after ballot-signature disputes. Metro Detroit Culture: Eastern Market After Dark returns Sept. 17 with late-night artist and designer showcases.

Detroit Legal Fight: A federal judge let a telecom carrier keep suing Detroit over alleged discrimination tied to city-controlled fiber access, while tossing state constitutional, antitrust and mandamus claims. Tigers Update: Freddy Peralta shut down Detroit for six innings as the Rays won 3-0, extending a rough stretch for the Tigers’ bats. Skubal Return: Tarik Skubal is set to start Friday for the Dodgers against his former team at Comerica Park, with Shohei Ohtani potentially pitching Sunday. Local Courts/Jobs: Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is running an attorney recruitment ad campaign aimed at experienced, courtroom-ready lawyers to curb turnover. Child Safety & Social Media: Michigan will receive $171M from a Meta settlement, and Meta must add limits and safeguards for kids on Instagram and Facebook. Voting Rights: Michigan joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging a USPS rule tied to vote-by-mail procedures. Health Care Access: Lawmakers unveiled an eight-bill package to expand primary care and the workforce after many patients struggle to get appointments. Metro Detroit Scam Watch: Ferndale logged one BBB scam report in July, while Detroit and Grand Rapids led statewide totals.

Pipeline & Environment: Enbridge’s Line 5 was damaged in far northeastern Wisconsin near Michigan’s UP border, leaking natural gas liquids; nearby rural homes were evacuated and the affected section was isolated. U-M Policy: The University of Michigan will stop grading freshmen for their first semester to reduce stress. Detroit Housing: Detroit launched a push to inspect and certify thousands of rental homes, aiming to raise compliance from about 14% to 25% by September 2027, with tenants able to report issues online. Public Safety & Justice: FBI and local agents raided three Metro Detroit substance abuse treatment centers; separately, a Detroit officer accused of drunk driving was placed on administrative leave. Politics in Lansing: The Michigan House approved a “money out of politics” proposal limiting certain corporate political donations, but the Senate is expected to stall it. Weather: Wednesday brings partly sunny skies, then scattered strong-to-severe storms late afternoon/evening. Sports: The Tigers snapped a six-game skid with a 4-1 win over the Rays; Wednesday’s series rubber match is set for 1:10 p.m.

Ballot Fight: Michigan’s “money out of politics” initiative is headed to the Nov. ballot after the House voted to intervene but the Senate declined, setting up a voter showdown over political spending by state-regulated utilities and big government contractors. Education & Equity: New school-year enrollment snapshots show tiny but shifting demographics at individual schools, including 0.4% American Indian enrollment at Eastside Elementary and 12.2% Hispanic enrollment at Paw Paw High School. Teacher Shortages: A new poll finds many Michigan teachers are considering leaving—about a quarter within a year and 56% within five years—citing pay, training, and limits on classroom innovation. Classroom Rules: Michigan’s new cellphone ban is now in effect, with districts using lockers/caddies and allowing limited phone use outside instruction. Detroit Housing: Mayor Mary Sheffield unveiled a rental compliance push aimed at getting thousands more units up to code. Sports & Culture: Detroit Lions debuted their “Defend the Den” Rivalries uniform; and Eminem shared Dolly Parton tributes after her death.

Politics/Interview: Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed sparred with Fox News host Jesse Watters on “sex changes for minors,” with El-Sayed arguing healthcare decisions belong to patients, parents and doctors while Watters pressed with provocative questions. Detroit Fire: A vacant home fire on Burlingame Street spread to a neighboring house; one person escaped from the adjacent home and no injuries were reported. Elections/Lawsuit: A Michigan voter ID and registration ballot proposal narrowly missed the November ballot after the Board of State Canvassers refused to certify signatures; backers say they’ll fight in court. Public Health: Michigan reported two swine-flu cases tied to the same agricultural fair, with no contact between the two under-18 patients. Weather: Warm Tuesday across Michigan with highs in the 70s and 80s, plus storms possible later in the western Upper Peninsula. Local Governance/Data Centers: Ypsilanti Township approved a 180-day “study break” moratorium on major electric utility infrastructure tied to a proposed large data center.

Courts & Transparency: The Michigan Judicial Council held a Zoom forum on a six-point plan to improve access to justice, with speakers urging courts to livestream and digitally record most hearings so residents statewide can follow cases remotely. Elections & Voting Rights: A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment tightening voter ID and requiring proof of citizenship is headed to court after the Board of State Canvassers deadlocked and refused to certify it for the November ballot. Detroit & Education: Cass Technical High School students wrapped up a homelessness-focused telethon, raising over $40,000 for Detroit nonprofits after a student-led effort sparked by a death outside the school. Trade & Jobs: A proposed 50% tariff on Canadian cars and auto parts starting Jan. 1, 2027 is raising alarms for Michigan’s auto supply chain and workers near Detroit. Upper Peninsula Food Access: U.P. food pantries are getting $250,000 in grants to expand fresh food options, including refrigeration and dairy purchases. Michigan Stadium Food: Michigan Stadium unveiled a revamped concessions menu for the new season, aiming to speed up service and add new items.

Back-to-School Rules: Michigan’s new law banning most student cellphone use during class starts today, with districts rolling out their own “distraction-free” plans. Detroit Schools & Attendance: Detroit Public Schools Community District is expanding its Attendance Pays program, offering gift cards for perfect attendance to fight absenteeism. Public Safety & Justice: Viral footage from Big Rapids shows a “Woman in Pink” stepping in during a restraint outside a Walmart; key details before the video remain unclear. Energy Costs: AAA says Michigan gas prices fell 11 cents to an average of $4.16 a gallon. Politics in Lansing: Michigan Republicans formally nominated candidates for November’s midterms, with energy affordability highlighted as a key election issue. Health & Science: U-M researchers report a yeast-based “universal” flu vaccine approach in mice, targeting the more stable M2 protein. Local Business: Chicken Shack marks 70 years with a 1956 throwback meal deal for Rewards members today. Sports: The Tigers open a road series vs. the Rays after a tough stretch, while Kevin McGonigle says the losing is frustrating.

Public Safety: A 15-year-old was arrested after a shooting outside a Detroit liquor store left one woman dead and another in critical condition, with police saying the suspect fled on foot. Lake Michigan Hazards: A woman died after being pulled from Lake Michigan near 47th Street in Chicago, as officials warn of dangerous swimming conditions. School Safety & Reporting: Michigan State Police say OK2SAY received 10,777 tips in 2025, its second-highest total since the program began. Education Data: Michigan Online School enrolled 336 African American students in 2024-25 (26.5% of enrollment), and statewide enrollment continues to dip from pre-pandemic levels. Community & Culture: Detroit’s Hug Day Detroit returns as a citywide tradition celebrating neighbors and connection. Sports (MSU): No. 5/6 Michigan State women’s soccer beat No. 7/8 North Carolina 3-2, and MSU men’s soccer topped Seattle U 2-1. Scams: BBB Scam Tracker ranks Detroit highest in Michigan for July scam reports, with Lansing also among the top cities.

Detroit Public Safety: A woman was killed and a suspect was taken into custody after a late-night shooting on Detroit’s east side, while police also reported a separate drive-by that left three adults and a 10-year-old boy wounded. Detroit Investigations: Authorities found three bodies in a Detroit home, with no public threat reported as the Wayne County Medical Examiner works to identify victims. Lansing/State Politics & Tech: Lansing City Council is set to consider a move to “de-flock” the city by ending contracts tied to Flock Safety’s license-plate cameras, amid wider concerns about AI surveillance and data rules. Health & Food Safety: Michigan officials say tracing a cyclosporiasis outbreak took multiple requests to Taco Bell before regulators could track the likely source. Agriculture: The Michigan State Fair is tightening livestock biosecurity after swine flu was detected at the Kent County Fair. Sports (Detroit): Tigers aim to snap a skid vs. the Royals, and former Tigers pitcher Casey Mize left a game with an ankle sprain after a slip in the dugout.

Detroit Lions Preseason: Joshua Dobbs ran for a 50-yard TD and Detroit held off the Washington Commanders 17-13 at Ford Field, with Dobbs finishing 7-for-12 for 74 yards plus an interception and fumble. Michigan GOP Politics: At the Mount Pleasant nominating convention, Republicans formally picked state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as lieutenant governor running mate for John James, while largely avoiding talk of President Trump. Back-to-School Help: The Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation’s backpack giveaway handed out 500 backpacks and resources to help families ahead of the new school year. Detroit Public Safety: Police are investigating after human remains were found in a west-side home, and a separate east-side shooting left one woman dead and another critically injured; a suspect is in custody. Weather/Travel: A thunderstorm ground stop at Detroit Metro has been lifted; DTE reported power outages for thousands during storms. Education & Attendance: Detroit schools expanded a “Perfect Attendance Pays” cash incentive, including new middle-school participation. Lake Michigan Safety: Officials warned of dangerous swimming conditions as storms and strong currents keep beachgoers out of the water.

U.S. Senate Race: Republican Mike Rogers is courting Democratic voters in Michigan, including Jewish Democrats, as he tries to flip a must-win seat against Abdul El-Sayed after a contentious Democratic primary. Detroit Violence: Police are investigating a drive-by shooting on Detroit’s east side that injured four family members, including a 10-year-old; the child’s mother is in critical condition and investigators recovered a weapon. Politics Ahead of 2028: Michigan will be early on the Democratic presidential nominating calendar in 2028, with the state set for a Feb. 22 primary. Local Life in Detroit: Developing K.I.D.S. is keeping kids learning and active through summer programs, and one Detroit mother is building a neighborhood “village” for children. Road & Weather: Metro Detroit faces Saturday storms with an isolated severe risk, and roadwork continues across Macomb and Oakland. Community & Safety: Ypsilanti District Library’s Michigan Avenue branch reopened after a bed-bug closure, with treatment and inspections completed. Sports & Culture: Iggy Pop opened My Chemical Romance’s “Black Parade” show at Comerica Park, and the Tigers host the Royals after a home win streak.