AGP Executive Report

Gubernatorial Race: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson named state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate, setting up a high-stakes November matchup against GOP U.S. Rep. John James, who’s already framed the election as “rigged.” Stadium Ads: The University of Michigan says Coca-Cola, Meijer and Google Gemini will get in-stadium advertising at Michigan Stadium, including around the field and on videoboards. Public Health: Michigan confirmed a human case of Eastern equine encephalitis, the first since 2021, as officials urge awareness of mosquito-borne risks. Local Crime/Justice: A judge threw out felony charges against a pro-Palestinian University of Michigan grad student accused over laptop purchases tied to a student club. Housing/Jobs: EGLE awarded $3.9 million in brownfield funding to seven projects aimed at new housing units and jobs. Business & Community: Michigan WIC will switch infant formula providers starting Nov. 1, moving from Abbott to Mead Johnson. Detroit Culture/Food: A vegan doughnut pop-up from Cloudy Donut Co. is coming to Detroit this weekend at Periodicals.

Local Politics & Planning: Ypsilanti Township approved a six-month land-use moratorium that limits major electric utility infrastructure, directly affecting a University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory data center planned near Textile and Bridge roads. Public Health: Michigan health officials say childhood vaccine recommendations and school requirements remain unchanged, even after recent federal shifts, and are urging families to get records updated before school starts. Healthcare Access: McLaren Northern Michigan is partnering with Grand Traverse Women’s Clinic to keep local OB/GYN services running after Bay View OB/GYN’s closure, with inpatient coverage starting Aug. 16 and outpatient care Aug. 24. Workplace Safety: MIOSHA reported a Consumers Energy line worker was electrocuted while doing overhead electrical work in Henderson. Economy & Energy: LG Energy Solution began production at its new Lansing battery plant, adding EV and energy storage capacity, while Michigan also revived EV charger expansion after a federal funding reversal. Community Notes: Ypsilanti District Library temporarily closed its Michigan Avenue branch after confirming bedbugs, and former state Rep./Handy Twp official Cindy Denby died at 70.

University of Michigan Leadership: U-M regents are set to name C. Cybele Raver as the next president, with reports noting her sister is TV actress Kim Raver of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Prison Drug Case: A Detroit man, John Calhoun, was charged with running a narcotics smuggling scheme into Michigan prisons by exploiting the mail system. Dearborn Protest Chaos: Chaos erupted in Dearborn as anti-Islam demonstrators and Nazi sympathizers showed up for Jake Lang’s appearance ahead of a city council meeting. Local Public Health: The Ypsilanti District Library’s Michigan Avenue branch is temporarily closed after bed bugs were found, with events canceled until treatment is complete. Cost of Living: AAA says Michigan gas prices are climbing again, with the statewide average around $4.27 a gallon. Northern Michigan Tragedy: Residents in Missaukee County are still reeling after a mass killing left six dead, including the gunman. Education & Community: Detroit’s Historical Society and the Charles H. Wright Museum are launching a 10-year millage request for free admission and student/senior transportation. Sports/Community: Sky Bird marked 50 years with a gala in Southfield, honoring its Michigan and travel-industry contributions.

Detroit Tigers Playoff Push: After snapping a three-game skid, the Tigers host the Pirates with Keider Montero on Tuesday, chasing wins in a tight wild-card race. Public Safety: Michigan State Police charged a driver after a trooper clocked 105 mph with an unrestrained 4-year-old in the back seat. Local Politics: Dearborn leaders are uniting ahead of expected protests, while Berkley approved new e-bike rules. Michigan Energy Costs: The state utility regulator is urging lawmakers to end annual rate hikes and change how DTE and Consumers earn profits, arguing it would do more for bills than regulators alone can. Election Security: Michigan lawmakers fielded questions at a town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, including absentee voting and AI concerns. MSU Leadership: Western Michigan AD Dan Bartholomae is set to become Michigan State’s next athletic director. Business & Jobs: Detroit startup Grounded closed a $5M seed round and is expanding into a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Weather: Metro Detroit expects rain and storms to return Tuesday night into Wednesday, with no severe weather expected.

FEMA Recovery: Northern Michigan counties are receiving millions in FEMA aid for April flooding, with more than 500 applications approved for individual assistance, including nearly $5 million for northwestern Lower Michigan. Election Access Fight: A proposed Michigan constitutional amendment requiring proof of citizenship and photo ID to vote fell short of signature requirements, with the Bureau of Elections saying it missed the certification threshold by 17 valid signatures in a sample review. Detroit Crime: A 15-year-old Detroit resident was charged in a fatal July stabbing, facing first-degree murder, felony murder, and armed robbery charges. Local Human Interest: A Metro Detroit woman is trying to recover two hand-drawn portraits of her great-great grandparents after they were accidentally sold at a garage sale. Politics Watch: A new poll shows Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed trailing Republican Mike Rogers by 4 points, a warning sign for Democrats heading into November. Scam Tracker: Fowlerville and other Michigan cities reported scam activity in July, with Lansing and Warren also among the higher-report areas statewide. Sports & Campus: MSU hired Dan Bartholomae as its next athletic director, and John Beilein is returning to the NBA as a consultant for the Orlando Magic. Public Safety & Health: Michigan DIFS is offering back-to-school financial and insurance guidance for students, and a Detroit toddler who survived a rare heart condition returned to the hospital to celebrate his first birthday.

Trade & Jobs: Reuters reports Ford, GM, and Stellantis are preparing a lobbying push ahead of next month’s U.S.-Mexico talks, warning a new North American trade deal could raise the bar for lower tariffs—especially a proposed 50% U.S.-made content requirement. Public Safety: Sterling Heights police are offering SAVES training so new drivers with special needs know what to expect during traffic stops. Infrastructure: The M-129 bridge replacement in Chippewa County is delayed as fabrication issues push back a new culvert; detours stay in place, with a tentative Oct. 2 reopening. Weather: Michigan braces for a cool, showery weekend as a cutoff upper low settles over the Great Lakes. Cost of Living: AAA says Michigan gas prices are up 12¢ this week to about $4.27 a gallon. Crime & Courts: Michigan State Police say six people died in a Missaukee County shooting spree, including the alleged gunman; a 13-year-old girl called 9-1-1 and is in stable condition. Environment & Land: Michigan plans to buy 4,494 acres near the Keweenaw Peninsula to protect conservation and public access. Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis total is near 13,909 cases, with 314 hospitalizations reported.

Consumer Protection: An op-ed argues Michigan’s Consumer Protection Act should keep its “teeth,” warning that weaker enforcement invites unfair and deceptive business practices. New Parents: Another op-ed says new parents in Michigan shouldn’t face financial strain alone, calling for more support during the earliest months. Energy & Jobs: A business-focused opinion warns Michigan needs reliable, affordable energy—not more legal fights that can stall growth. Housing Math: A housing op-ed says the state’s debate is missing key numbers, arguing the shortage is driving costs up and that lawmakers need to act. Detroit Tigers: The White Sox completed a three-game sweep at Comerica Park, rallying to beat Detroit 7-5 as Munetaka Murakami hit a go-ahead two-run homer. Community & Education Data: Detroit’s Barton Elementary reported 215 African American students in 2024-25 (97.3% of enrollment), while other local school enrollment snapshots show shifting demographics across the state. Northern Michigan Shooting: State police say a 13-year-old survivor called 911 after being shot multiple times in a Missaukee County spree that left six dead, with suspect Chad Hickman later found dead. Weather: Mid-Michigan could see scattered showers this evening, with drier conditions expected to start the week.

Mass Shooting Update: Michigan State Police say five people were killed in a rural northern Michigan shooting spree, with a 13-year-old survivor calling 911; authorities also identified suspect Chad Hickman, 39, after bodies were found across multiple locations in Missaukee County. Gun Violence & Policy: In Detroit, Democratic AG candidate Eli Savit pushed for sustained community violence interruption funding and stronger public awareness of red flag and safe storage laws. Local Government: Wixom advanced revisions to data center zoning rules after a 180-day moratorium, as residents worry about power, water, and noise. Elections & Mail: Rep. Debbie Dingell demanded answers from USPS over delayed absentee ballots and voting materials during Michigan’s primary. Weather: Sunday brings scattered showers and thunderstorms with highs in the 80s and a slight severe risk near Saginaw Bay. Sports: The White Sox beat the Tigers again, extending their AL Central lead, as Detroit looks to salvage the series finale. Community: Arboretum Detroit’s Poletown East tree-planting effort continues turning vacant lots into connected green spaces.

Northern Michigan Tragedy: Michigan State Police say six people died in a rural Missaukee County shooting spree across three locations, including suspected gunman Chad Hickman, 39. A 13-year-old girl was shot and survived, and police are still investigating motive and whether victims were connected. Detroit Sports: The White Sox beat the Tigers 4-3 again at Comerica Park as Andrew Benintendi delivered a go-ahead single in the seventh; Chicago now leads the AL Central by 4½ games. Statehouse & Policy: Michigan’s insurance regulator, DIFS, earned a five-year NAIC reaccreditation after a financial oversight review. Health & Community: Michigan marked National Minority Donor Awareness Month, urging more people to join the organ donor registry. Politics Watch: AP reports Democratic primary turnout surged in Michigan and other states, fueling optimism heading into November. Local Culture: Metro Detroit rock writer Dave Marsh, creator of SiriusXM’s E Street Radio, died at 76.

Election Integrity: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced charges against five non-citizens tied to allegedly voting in the 2024 general election, plus a related case involving a U.S. citizen registering a non-citizen spouse. Public Safety: Michigan State Police say six people died, including suspected gunman Chad Hickman, after a shooting spree in Missaukee County that unfolded across two homes and a wooded area following a large manhunt; authorities say there’s no longer a threat and asked residents to avoid the locations. Privacy & Policing: In metro Detroit and northwest Ohio, debate is heating up over Flock Safety’s proposed license-plate camera data retention cut from 30 days to seven, with sheriffs split on whether it helps or hurts investigations. Consumer Protection: Nessel also reissued a data-breach consumer alert, pointing to rising identity theft risk and urging Michiganders to take precautions. Detroit Community: Detroit wrapped up its “Occupy the Summer” youth program with a final event aimed at keeping teens engaged with positive activities. Sports: The Tigers snapped a skid with a win over the Guardians, while the White Sox beat Detroit 9-5 in another matchup.

Mass Shooting in Northern Michigan: Michigan State Police say six people died, including suspect Chad Hickman, after a multi-scene shooting in Missaukee County. Troopers found three dead and one critically injured at a home near LaChance and Kelly roads, then located additional victims near Whitlock Lake and at a separate residence; Hickman was later found dead. Police say there’s no ongoing public threat and investigators are still working to determine what happened and why. Detroit Back-to-School Transportation: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield and school leaders announced efforts to get more students to class on time, including making the Ride to Rise free DDOT rides permanent with $1 million in state funding, plus added safety steps on routes. Metro Detroit Public Safety: Detroit police shut down an east-side gas station after an undercover operation tied to sales to minors led to seizures of guns, cash, and illegal marijuana. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers updated injured outfielder Riley Greene ahead of a series with the White Sox, and Detroit-area fans also got Woodward Dream Cruise coverage as the classic-car event rolls through metro Detroit.

Trauma Care Access: Henry Ford Providence Southfield lost its Level II trauma center status for ambulance trauma patients, meaning serious injuries near the Lodge Freeway and parts of Oakland County must be routed to other hospitals—raising stakes for faster care. Elections & Politics: Jocelyn Benson launched her first TV ad in the Michigan governor race, while a Fox News poll shows Mike Rogers leading in the Michigan Senate contest; Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign continues to face scrutiny as the general election nears. Public Health: Michigan cyclosporiasis cases jumped 11% in a week to about 13,909, with Wayne and Oakland counties hardest hit; WIC also expanded eligibility for families of four up to $61,050. Local Government & Planning: Metro Detroit cities are updating zoning to respond to data center proposals, including concerns about noise, light, water, and electricity. Sports: The Tigers beat the Guardians 3-0 with Eduardo Valencia’s power surge, and the Lions opened preseason with a 16-14 loss to the Bengals.

Election Integrity: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced charges against five non-citizens accused of voting in the 2024 general election, plus a case involving a U.S. citizen allegedly registering a non-citizen spouse. Gubernatorial Race: GOP candidate John James named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his running mate, while Michigan Democrats attacked the pick as part of a MAGA agenda. Michigan Politics Polling: A Fox News survey shows a tight Michigan Senate matchup, with Rogers slightly ahead of El-Sayed. Public Health & Schools: A new federal childhood vaccine framework is prompting Michigan doctors to weigh what changes mean for school requirements, as districts also prepare for Michigan’s wireless device limits. Economy & Environment: A study estimates Michigan’s wildfire smoke losses at more than $6.6B, and Michigan businesses reported over $4B in direct economic activity losses. Local Crime/Justice: The FBI is offering up to $150,000 for information leading to the arrest of a man tied to a $100M ponzi-style fraud and money laundering scheme. Sports: The Tigers shut out the Guardians 3-0, and the Lions’ preseason buzz continues.

Election Staffing: Michigan’s poll-worker shortage is getting worse as early voting expands, and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pushing “Support MI Clerks” to recruit more workers, including younger residents. Recreation & Conservation: Michigan’s ORV Free Weekend returns Aug. 15-16 with access to 4,000+ miles of trails and scramble areas, while riders are reminded that other ORV rules still apply and invasive-species prevention matters. Higher Ed Access: Kalamazoo College is joining MI College Match, letting eligible students enroll without a separate application. Marijuana Policy: A Michigan lawmaker is proposing to eliminate the 24% wholesale marijuana tax, arguing revenue is falling short and costs could drop for licensed businesses. Detroit & Community: Detroit’s Hudson-Webber Foundation is awarding $3.6M for arts and neighborhood projects, including work at MOCAD. Sports: The Lions and Bengals kick off their preseason Thursday night in Cincinnati, and the Guardians and Tigers continue their series in Detroit.

Legal & Courts: A Michigan appeals court tossed a former WXYZ reporter’s sex-bias lawsuit, saying the station had legitimate pay reasons and that “distracting” comments weren’t direct proof. Public Safety: Detroit police want tips after a hit-and-run on the east side left a victim in critical condition; a red Chrysler 300 was last seen heading east. Education & Youth: Gull Lake High School canceled its 2026 varsity football season after players raised safety concerns amid alleged assaults at a camp; separate investigations are underway. Higher Ed: U-M is moving to pass-or-fail for most first-semester LSA students to ease mental-health pressure, while Ypsilanti residents are pushing back over a planned Textile Road supercomputing facility. Detroit Community: Graduate 313 opened on the west side to connect residents with college and career resources. Sports: The Pistons will face Donovan Mitchell and the Cavaliers in the NBA’s MLK Day showcase; the Tigers placed All-Star Riley Greene on the IL with a hamstring strain. Health: Detroit Lions Foundation and the American Heart Association hosted CPR training at Ford Field.

Ballot Access: Michigan Board of State Canvassers staff say Sara Cambensy’s independent petition signatures are sufficient after a challenge raised by Linda Donckers, clearing the way for her to appear on the November ballot. Road Safety/Repairs: A sinkhole forced the closure of westbound I-196 in Allegan County near the 45-mile marker; MDOT says barricades will be in place about a week with detours via M-40 and US-31. Metro Detroit Crime: Detroit police say a 13-year-old boy accused of shooting his father fled in the family SUV and was taken into custody in Ohio; the father is expected to survive. Disaster Aid: FEMA denied Michigan’s tornado disaster aid appeal for March storms, but the SBA says low-interest loans remain available for affected residents and businesses. Energy Costs: The Michigan Public Service Commission released recommendations aimed at lowering power bills, including performance-based incentives and reining in unnecessary costs. Local Government/Data Centers: Wixom city council began steps to regulate data centers as a six-month moratorium nears its end. Health/Outdoors: State officials warn ticks are spreading in Michigan and remind pet owners to keep vaccinations up before road trips. Sports: The Detroit Tigers beat the Guardians 6-4.