AGP Executive Report

NASCAR in Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, celebrating Kyle Busch with an “18-8” tribute flag after tying Busch for ninth on the all-time Cup wins list. Detroit sports: Kevin McGonigle’s late hit and Detroit’s rally beat the Mariners 5-4 to take the series 2-1. Great Lakes outdoors: U.S. Fish and Wildlife will survey Great Lakes tributaries for invasive sea lampreys, while Michigan DNR reports walleye are now the top harvested species in Michigan waters. Courts & access: A Michigan-based nonprofit published live, 50-state data on community service completion, highlighting gaps tied to geography, disability, and supervision needs. Local safety: Livonia police arrested a suspect in an attempted home invasion after reports of a man in a white protective jumpsuit. Community life: Thousands turned out for the Motor City Pride parade in downtown Detroit, with residents and allies celebrating queer joy and unity. Data center backlash: Michigan lawmakers and residents keep pushing back against new AI data center plans, citing electricity and quality-of-life concerns.

Prison Oversight: A third inmate has died in less than a month at Michigan’s Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility near Ypsilanti, with officials saying the cause is still under investigation after the woman was transferred to a hospital. Storm Recovery: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is seeking a major disaster declaration for April storms and flooding across 43 Michigan counties, which would unlock FEMA help for families and local governments. State Politics: Michigan lawmakers are pushing a new Upper Peninsula-only natural resources commission to set hunting and fishing policy, challenging the statewide commission’s fit for U.P. needs. Local Community & Culture: A free Juneteenth Freedom Day concert is set for June 13 in Detroit, aiming to promote unity through music. Public Safety & Immigration: An ICE-related crash in Detroit left a man impaled by a fence pole; ICE says he’s stable and the incident is under review. Business/Tech: GM is detailing its $900 million EV battery push, banking on new battery cell development to cut costs and protect range.

Prison Oversight: Michigan officials say a third inmate has died in less than a month at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, with the cause under investigation—adding fresh pressure on state corrections leadership. Detroit Public Safety & Community: Hundreds gathered for Detroit’s “Silence the Violence” rally, with organizers and community violence intervention groups urging prevention and support for families affected by gun violence. Local Housing & Development: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced MEDC placemaking support for redevelopment projects, including turning a former North Branch hardware store into housing and commercial space. State Politics: Michigan lawmakers’ first attempt to change how major university boards are selected failed to win enough Democratic support, keeping the current structure in place for now. Great Lakes Stewardship: Michigan’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week kicks off June 6–14, highlighting fishing access, education, and water-focused stewardship across the state. Detroit Culture: Nicole Curtis will open the renovated Ransom Gillis house in Detroit’s Brush Park to the public for the first time in more than a decade, with Sunday admission benefiting a local family.

Water & Public Safety: Madison Heights crews are repairing six water main breaks after ruptures hit Friday night, with one location still being fixed Saturday and others expected back online by Sunday; no boil-water advisory is in effect, though residents may see temporary outages or discoloration. Civic & Historic Preservation: The Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs’ historic clubhouse—honored as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places—needs about $500,000 in repairs and is seeking funds to reopen after damage from a 2024 pipe burst. Local Governance & Education: MSU trustees vote June 12 on the university’s operating budget and tuition rates, plus a $27.7 million expansion to its anaerobic digester and a renewable natural gas facility. Politics & Community: UAW endorsements in Michigan’s top races continue to shape the campaign landscape, including support for Jocelyn Benson for governor and Abdul El-Sayed for Senate. Economy & Industry: Michigan’s cannabis market is generating far less wholesale tax revenue than expected, raising questions about projections and policy impacts. Sports & Detroit Interest: Detroit’s sports scene stays busy as Tigers coverage continues and Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request fuels offseason chatter.

Local Politics & Policy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked President Trump for a disaster declaration after April storms, flooding and tornadoes hit 43 Michigan counties, seeking Individual and Public Assistance to help residents, businesses and local governments recover. Housing & Aging: The Detroit News will host a free June 10 discussion on aging in Metro Detroit, focusing on how the region’s fast-growing 65+ population will strain health care, housing and city services. Labor & Auto Supply Chain: UAW members at Dauch (formerly American Axle) remain on strike as talks stall, with the union demanding higher wages and better healthcare/vacation terms than the company’s latest offer. Business in Michigan: Thirteen fully Michigan-based companies made the Fortune 500 list, down from last year, as some firms dropped after acquisitions. Detroit Sports: The Tigers beat the Mariners 7-3 with homers from Kerry Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson; J.P. Crawford is day-to-day after being hit by a pitch. Community & Culture: Marquette’s Wednesday Night Farmers Market returns June 10 with a weekly downtown street closure and local vendors. Education & Tech: A Marquette startup, Athena Global Learning, is rolling out AI-focused workshops for students, parents and small businesses, emphasizing ethics and responsible use.

UAW Endorsements: The UAW backed Abdul el-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and Jocelyn Benson for governor, a major boost for the most progressive lane in the Democratic primaries. State Politics & Safety: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is seeking a presidential disaster declaration for April flooding that hit 43 counties, while a Honolulu man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill Whitmer and attack the Michigan Capitol. Michigan Business & Courts: The MEDC asked a judge to dismiss Global Link International’s $20M grant lawsuit, calling it baseless as the grant director faces felony charges. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Suttons Bay Public Schools kicked off demolition and upgrades for a new athletic facility, plus safety and utility improvements. Detroit-Area Media/Marketing: Tombras named Matt Hytinen senior director of commerce media in Detroit to expand retail media capabilities. Sports: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs is set to become the “bell cow,” and reports say Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade.

Fraud Crackdown: A new push to uproot government-linked fraud is framed as a major shift in fiscal conservatism, with the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and state AG roundtables leading the charge. Local Schools: Alpena Public Schools won relief on weather-related snow days after Gov. Whitmer signed HB 5797, extending the year to June 15 and forgiving 12 of 16 cancellations. Michigan Politics & Gun Safety: Whitmer re-established the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in Kalamazoo, moving from research to action and renewing June awareness efforts. Housing & Growth: Lansing-area leaders warn population growth will skew older, stressing housing and school capacity, while Housing North says it helped enable nearly 2,000 units across Northern Michigan in 2025. Flood Recovery: Michigan submitted a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration after historic flooding in the Cadillac area, setting up possible FEMA aid. Business/Legal: A real estate company told a federal court its title insurer owes about $6.4M tied to a Detroit River property dispute involving Ambassador Bridge foundations. Sports: Justin Verlander began a rehab start with Toledo, and Michigan landed 2027 four-star CB Blake Jenkins.

Detroit Crime & Safety: A French-American priest in Detroit tackled a hit-and-run suspect after a crash, helping a woman while police arrived. Sports: Lions rookie WR Kendrick Law is out for the season with a torn ACL; ex-Dolphins GM Chris Grier is reportedly joining Detroit as a personnel executive. Michigan Business & Energy: Michigan AG Dana Nessel will intervene in Consumers Energy’s $456M rate hike request, while Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill protecting tourism and lowering costs for Michiganders. Health & Courts: Two NIH researchers were charged after allegedly smuggling 113 virus vials through Detroit Metro Airport, including deactivated mpox samples. Housing/Finance: Coinbase and Better launched the first Fannie Mae-backed crypto mortgage, with an Ann Arbor couple closing the inaugural deal. Weather: Thunderstorms are expected to develop in Michigan, with wildfire risk still very high in parts of the state. Auto: Ford recalled 420K Expeditions and Navigators over a seat belt retractor issue.

War Powers Showdown: The U.S. House voted 215-208 to force President Trump to stop further military action against Iran unless Congress authorizes it, with four Republicans—including Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett—joining Democrats; it’s a major rebuke but still faces an uncertain Senate path. Mackinac Island Costs: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill letting Mackinac Island voters amend the charter to give the city control over ferry prices and fees, aiming to keep travel “accessible and affordable.” Energy & Housing Pressure: Consumers Energy is pushing a $456M annual rate hike and surcharges, while Michigan AG Dana Nessel challenges the proposal; separate reporting also flags rising logistics costs nationwide. Local Business/Environment: Lincoln Park preschool students were sent home early after a scrap-yard odor issue; the district says it’s been a chronic problem. Tech & Health: Wayne State received a new patent for real-time surgical bleeding detection and visualization. Sports: The Knicks opened the NBA Finals with a road win over the Spurs.

Utility Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll intervene in Consumers Energy’s new $456M rate-hike request, which would mean a 9.8% jump for residential customers, kicking off a 10-month review at the MPSC. Local Economy & Housing: A Michigan Senate committee advanced the low-income housing tax credit fix for developers, teeing it up for the full chamber. Election Integrity: Reports highlight how an AI-altered image of U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers went viral, underscoring the growing mess of synthetic political content. Rural Health: Michigan is set to receive $173M from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, with leaders urging the state to spread proven care models beyond pilot communities. College Sports: Nick Saban testified for the Protect College Sports Act, pushing for national rules on NIL and transfers. Public Land: The DNR is auctioning 101 surplus land parcels across 27 counties, including lakefront and Great Lakes frontage. Health & Safety: A tick-borne illness tied to red-meat allergy (alpha-gal syndrome) is spreading to new regions, health experts warn.

Great Lakes Water Quality: Michigan released its first annual report under the updated Domestic Action Plan to cut phosphorus runoff feeding harmful algal blooms in western Lake Erie, laying out progress, next steps, and targets for a sustained 40% reduction. Public Health & Safety: Two scientists tied to a U.S. lab were charged in federal court in Detroit for allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox vials into the country and lying to investigators at Detroit Metro Airport. Local Government & Taxes: Sterling Heights will consider a resolution opposing Michigan House property-tax bills, warning the cuts could cost the city about $5 million a year without guaranteed replacement revenue. Community Land-Use Fight: Taylor residents on Holland Road are pushing back against proposed rezoning that could allow light industrial development, citing traffic and loss of green space. Detroit-Area Business & Consumer Watch: Champion Foods recalled certain Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread batches due to possible Salmonella contamination. Sports: The Tigers beat the Rays 8-0 to take the series win, while Rocket Classic organizers granted YouTube golf star Brad Dalke a sponsor exemption to play in Detroit. Missing Person: The Coast Guard resumed its Bahamas search for missing Michigan woman Lynette Hooker, citing newly obtained GPS data.

LGBTQ Rights & Business Climate: A new Out Leadership report ranks Michigan No. 16 for LGBTQ friendliness, citing gains tied to the 2025 Hate Crime Act expansion and protections across politics, health access, safety, and work. Local Transit Funding: A Wayne County judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging a proposed countywide transit millage for SMART, clearing the way for voters to see it on the August ballot. Housing & Federal Policy: President Trump named Michigan-linked Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, a move critics say politicizes intelligence despite his housing-finance background. Data Centers & Community Impact: Erin Brockovich launched a crowdsourced online map to track AI data centers and local concerns, aiming to boost transparency as projects face backlash. Public Health & Safety: Michigan lawmakers grilled RX Kids founder Dr. Mona Hanna over how the program’s stipends could be used, while the program says it’s improving outcomes. Community & Animals: Cascades Humane Society opened a new Jackson adoption center at Jackson Crossing Mall.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Michigan health and insurance officials are urging residents to watch for Medicare scams and high-pressure tactics, warning people not to share Medicare or Social Security numbers and to report suspicious activity. Northern Michigan Politics: At an Alpena rally, U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed heard voters’ concerns about affordability, school funding and healthcare. Wildfire Watch: The DNR says wildfire risk is “very high” across much of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, with burn permits paused for yard debris in the most at-risk areas. Gordie Howe Bridge: Construction and testing on the Detroit River crossing are nearing completion, but the opening date remains uncertain amid final approvals and trade-related pressure. Local Water Alert: Union Township residents in affected areas face a boil-water advisory after a June 2 water shutoff for a main repair. Detroit Sports: The Tigers snapped a skid with a 10-9 win over the Rays, powered by five homers, and ace Tarik Skubal is trending toward a rehab start after a simulated game. Michigan Business & Jobs: OPmobility is set to bring a new auto-parts plant to Rossford, aiming for hundreds of jobs and major payroll growth.

Energy & Industry: Utilities now argue data centers could lower electricity bills for everyone else—but regulators and consumer advocates want proof that the new demand won’t force costly grid upgrades. Labor & Auto Supply Chain: UAW workers began an unfair-labor-practice strike at an axle plant in Three Rivers, threatening GM pickup production and raising the stakes for the summer push at Flint Assembly. Elections & Voting Access: Michigan’s automatic voter registration process will include opt-out instructions for newly registered voters, with the state mailing confirmation and a prepaid opt-out form. Housing & Investors: A Redfin report finds investor home purchases fell 6% year-over-year in Q1 2026, hitting the lowest level since 2020 as returns cool. Tech & Mobility: Waymo is rolling out purpose-built robotaxis in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles, with accessibility upgrades and a snow-focused software system. Business & Finance: FDIC bans a former Michigan bank CEO for life and fines him $125,000 again after unsafe lending and concealed transactions. Community & Culture: Grand Rapids is set for a FIFA World Cup watch party June 11 with local partners and family activities.

Physician-Assisted Suicide: Michigan House Democrats revived a “Death with Dignity” bill package that would let terminally ill, mentally competent adults request life-ending medication under strict safeguards, setting up a tough fight in a GOP-controlled Legislature. Public Safety: Michigan State Police arrested a suspect after an attempted child abduction in Brighton Township, where a door-to-door-looking man allegedly tried to lure an 8-year-old into woods. Local Infrastructure: MDOT is starting about $780,000 in concrete pavement repairs on the I-75 Business Spur in Sault Ste. Marie, with single-lane closures and an 11-foot width limit from June 5 to June 24. Health & Consumer Watch: The FDA issued warning letters to a Michigan pet treat maker over food-safety violations. Sports: The Detroit Tigers’ schedule update includes a matchup storyline tied to Rays slugger Jonathan Aranda as Detroit looks for answers. Tech/Policy: A major U.S.-Mexico auto trade push would raise North American vehicle content requirements to 82%, with the U.S. position not counting Canada. Media: Scripps pulled 54 local stations from DIRECTV, leaving viewers in multiple markets without service amid a retransmission-rate dispute.

Michigan Innovation & Startups: Ann Arbor SPARK and Business Leaders for Michigan say the state ranks 32nd nationally in early and growth-stage startup funding, even as the region shows signs of building an innovation ecosystem. State Tax Policy: Sen. Roger Hauck backs a bill to tighten Michigan sales tax collection rules for marketplace facilitators, aiming to reduce gaps and confusion for short-term rentals. Local Business & Tech: LG Electronics shares jumped after unveiling Google-based Android Automotive display tech that could cut automaker multi-screen costs. Sports (Detroit): The Detroit Lions’ Alim McNeill says he’s “losing sleep” over last season’s struggles but feels closer to his best as OTAs begin. NHL/Community Impact: Claude Lemieux’s family says it will donate his brain for CTE research and asks for compassionate reporting. Elections & Voting Access: USPS proposes requiring states to provide lists of voters who received mailed ballots, raising new hurdles for mail voting.