AGP Executive Report

Energy & Public Safety: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan should block Consumers Energy’s plan to sell 13 hydropower dams, warning the deal would create “unacceptable” safety and financial risks unless stronger safeguards are added. Elections & Integrity: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced felony charges against five non-citizens accused of illegally voting in 2024, plus a U.S. citizen accused of registering her non-citizen husband. Politics & Campaign Heat: Republican John James named state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as his running mate, while Democrats and GOP leaders keep trading sharp attacks over Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and his allies. Local Infrastructure: MDOT will hold a public meeting Aug. 19 on the 2027 M-66 rebuilding project in Ionia, including road, stormwater, bridge and culvert work. Detroit Business: Downtown Detroit Partnership added Stephanie Washington as a senior advisor. Housing & Cost of Living: Auto insurance premiums are rising again in more than half the U.S., with repair costs and weather cited as drivers.

Election Staffing: Michigan is pushing a new poll-worker recruitment push ahead of Nov. 3, with the governor and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce urging residents and employers to help fill shortages as many temporary workers age out. Higher Ed Policy: The University of Michigan will move some first-semester freshmen to pass/no-credit in 2027, aiming to reduce pressure tied to grades while students still see performance feedback during classes. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Metro Detroit communities are seeing vandalism of license plate reader cameras, as critics continue to challenge police surveillance and privacy concerns. Schools & Infrastructure: Evart Public Schools won nearly $3.1M for elementary HVAC upgrades, including replacing an aging boiler and adding air conditioning. Justice & Legal Aid: Michigan Immigrant Rights Center says federal funding for legal help to unaccompanied immigrant children is ending, forcing it to cut case coverage. Public Health: A new national review finds many U.S. parks sit within two miles of toxic sites, including Superfund areas. Business/Auto: Ford plans to increase Lincoln production in the U.S. starting in 2030 and phase out some China imports, citing tariffs. Environment/Infrastructure: The Army Corps approved Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel permit under the Straits of Mackinac, drawing criticism from opponents.

Michigan Politics & Elections: Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary continues to ripple nationally, with debate over how far-left politics is reshaping the party after Abdul El-Sayed’s razor-thin win and the backlash that followed, including a surge in anti-Muslim hate targeting him after his Aug. 4 victory. Public Safety & Privacy: State lawmakers are weighing tighter rules on automated license plate reader systems after renewed complaints about privacy and misuse, including concerns about whether the data can be used for tickets and points. Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project under the Straits of Mackinac, clearing a major federal hurdle, though the project still faces state review and court challenges. Health Care Access: A report highlights how online pharmacy benefit managers are helping rural patients but also pressuring Michigan’s independent drugstores as closures mount. Business & Labor: A Michigan federal court filing alleges an auto supplier fired a worker for FMLA leave and shorted hourly staff with off-the-clock work. Local Detroit Business: Downtown Detroit Partnership added Bank of America Detroit president Ed Siaje to its board, reinforcing support for downtown programming. Cannabis Economy: Michigan cannabis sales fell while Ohio’s surged, as lawmakers push again to repeal Michigan’s 24% wholesale marijuana tax amid closures and margin pressure.

Wisconsin Politics: Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley pulled off a stunning Democratic primary upset for governor, edging out socialist Francesca Hong by less than half a point, with late support from Gov. Tony Evers; Crowley now faces GOP Rep. Tom Tiffany in November. Michigan Politics: Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow win in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is already drawing national fire, including a surge in anti-Muslim attacks after his victory, while Republicans keep targeting his healthcare agenda and identity. Public Safety: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Operation Safe Neighborhoods has removed more than 1,000 illegal guns from Michigan streets, with thousands of felony check-ins tied to the effort. Courts & Regulation: A federal judge denied Coinbase’s bid to block Michigan from enforcing sports gambling rules tied to prediction markets. Corrections: Michigan’s Department of Corrections paid nearly $7M in lawsuit settlements and judgments in 2024-25, according to a legislative report. Environment: Michigan’s PFAS response team says it has identified 350 groundwater sites exceeding criteria and is continuing sampling and outreach. Business/Tech: Siemens won an $80M Army contract to convert a WWII-era depot into a drone component factory.

Michigan Politics: Abdul El-Sayed’s Democratic Senate win keeps reverberating nationally, with fresh scrutiny over resurfaced remarks about the Second Amendment and July 4th, while Michigan Democrats and allies scramble to unify for November. Detroit Public Safety: Detroit police say one suspect is in custody after a northeast-side shooting, with another suspect still at large. Health & Business: Together Women’s Health (Michigan-based) makes the Inc. 5000 list for the fourth straight year, and NOCD is expanding nationwide access to intensive OCD therapy via virtual outpatient care. Tech & Industry: EVgo and GM are showcasing new, higher-power fast-charging sites near Detroit, and robotics orders rose in Q2 as automation demand broadened. Cybersecurity: Uber Freight says it’s investigating an unauthorized access incident after hacker claims. Local Economy/Planning: Benton Harbor is seeking public input on riverfront and downtown redevelopment plans. Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data show Michigan logged 679 scam reports in July 2026.

Michigan Senate Race Fallout: President Trump escalated attacks on Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, posting a hijab photo captioned “They are coming for your home and your belongings,” while also using “jihadists” to describe Democratic candidates. Democratic Party Tension: Commentary and coverage argue El-Sayed’s narrow primary win signals a leftward shift that could complicate Democrats’ ability to win moderates in November. Local Governance & Capacity: A new report highlights rural Michigan struggling to recruit residents for township and village roles, leaving some officials staying in office longer than planned. Great Lakes Infrastructure: The Army Corps of Engineers is set to start the largest Great Lakes dredging operation this fall at Toledo Harbor, supporting navigation and shipping. West Michigan Data Centers: Communities in West Michigan are moving toward rules or moratoriums as data centers become a growing local issue. Farms & Growth: Michigan launched a “Farmers to Markets” program pairing local farms with marketing help and digital tools to boost sales. Business/Community: A Detroit-area retail incubator opened in Farmington, spotlighting small businesses and local entrepreneurship.

Cybersecurity & Public Safety: Hackers tried to seize control of small computers running municipal water pumps and valves in at least 30 systems in Minnesota, with similar attacks reported in Michigan and New Jersey; utilities say water stayed safe by shutting down control systems and switching to manual operations. State Budget & Cost of Living: Michigan’s FY 2026-27 budget was signed after lawmakers avoided major cuts to services while preparing for looming federal Medicaid and SNAP hits, including added Medicaid stabilization and continued free school meals funding. Local Government & Data Centers: Lowell City Council paused water and sewer talks with Lowell Township over data center concerns, while Michigan AG Dana Nessel is pressing an appeal over DTE’s conditional approval for major Saline Township data center energy contracts. Public Health: Michigan recognized four community water systems for long-running fluoridation programs, including 10- and 50-year awards and a reaffirmation in Marquette. Economy & Jobs: Michigan’s labor force shrank by 124,000 over the past year, with most regional markets down as businesses face tariffs, oil-price pressure, and uncertainty. Politics: Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow Michigan Senate primary win is still driving national debate, including GOP attacks tied to his associations and calls for Democrats to unite ahead of the general election. Northern Michigan Business: A free manufacturing conference in Cadillac on Aug. 12 will spotlight how automation and AI are reshaping production. Great Lakes Shipping: The Army Corps will start the largest Great Lakes dredging operation this fall at Toledo Harbor, supporting jobs and cargo flow.

Michigan Senate Shock: Abdulrahman El-Sayed, a former Detroit public health official, narrowly won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, setting up a November matchup with Mike Rogers and triggering a major establishment backlash after pro-Israel groups poured tens of millions into the race. Party Fallout & Unity Push: El-Sayed is trying to rally Democrats after a bitter, high-turnout contest, while outside progressives and national figures weigh in on whether the leftward shift helps or hurts in November. Campaign Clash: Trump escalated personal attacks, and El-Sayed fired back on CNN, framing the fight as affordability and accountability. National Politics Watch: Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries are turning into another test of progressive vs. establishment Democrats, with final pushes ahead of Tuesday’s vote. Local Good News: Youth advisory committees in Cadillac and Missaukee donated to expand financial literacy programs through Junior Achievement. Public Health & Science: Michigan’s scarlet lily beetle is getting a new biological control effort using parasitoid wasps, and corneal disease detection is moving toward earlier imaging-based diagnosis. Community & Economy: Detroit’s Brewery Faisan announced it’s closing and selling its facility; Indiana Michigan Power reported thousands without power after storms.

Detroit Pistons Contract Talks: The Pistons’ Jalen Duren standoff is still unresolved as he remains a restricted free agent, with Detroit sticking to its plan to re-sign him rather than pursue sign-and-trade options. Cybersecurity & Robotics: VicOne released a free extension for NVIDIA Isaac Sim so robotics teams can test cyber-safety attack scenarios in simulation. Michigan Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed is leaning into a high-stakes general election message after his primary win, responding to Trump’s “two very different Americas” post and defending his approach to accountability, affordability, and unity. Controversy Over Hasan Piker: El-Sayed says he’ll keep reaching out to Piker’s audience while calling Piker’s “America deserved 9/11” remark “dumb” and disavowed. Israel Aid Debate: El-Sayed reiterated his stance opposing unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel while supporting aid to Ukraine under specific circumstances. Big-Name Democratic Support: Gavin Newsom confirmed he’ll meet El-Sayed in Michigan, and El-Sayed said he spoke with Barack Obama and hopes Obama joins the campaign trail. Local Governance: Oakland County voters approved some fire/EMS and youth millages, but rejected police funding millages in several northern townships. Detroit Sports: Lions backup QB Teddy Bridgewater told the team he plans to retire, leaving Luke Altmyer as the only other QB on the roster.

Democratic Unity Push: Michigan Democrats rallied in Detroit to close ranks after a bruising U.S. Senate primary, with Abdul El-Sayed drawing the biggest cheers as he prepares to face GOP nominee Mike Rogers in November. State Politics: The party is framing the general election as a test of whether progressive energy can translate into legislative and Senate control, while Republicans argue Democrats have moved too far left. Campaign Fallout: JD Vance and other GOP voices attacked El-Sayed as “crazy,” as more Democrats publicly backed Rogers, signaling a messy, high-stakes fight for the Senate. Defense & Tech: The Army is opening Camp Grayling for private drone testing, aiming to speed development through a new “front door” for industry. Energy & Data Centers: Attorney General Dana Nessel and environmental groups challenged Michigan regulators’ approval of DTE-linked hyperscale data center contracts in Saline, arguing the process and cost calculations were flawed. Local Civic Life: The League of Women Voters highlighted voter engagement in Detroit ahead of key elections. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Michigan urged water utilities to strengthen cybersecurity, but said assessments aren’t currently mandatory. Economy Watch: A new GDP snapshot showed slower growth, with consumers still spending while savings rates remain low.

Michigan Senate Showdown: VP JD Vance escalated attacks on Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, calling him “crazy” and a “terrible senator,” as the campaign battle over the state’s next seat heats up. Party Unity Pressure: Michigan Democrats urged voters to rally behind El-Sayed after a bitter, razor-thin primary that exposed rifts between progressive and establishment wings. Healthcare & Politics: Hillary Clinton urged El-Sayed supporters to stop vilifying establishment Democrats, warning that online nastiness won’t translate into November wins. Legal Fight Over Citizen Suits: Right-leaning groups and Elon Musk’s AI company challenged the ability of private citizens to sue over major law violations, with Flint’s lead-pipe cleanup cited as a key example. Energy Costs: Michigan regulators proposed stronger earnings penalties tied to utility reliability for DTE and Consumers Energy, potentially affecting what customers pay. Local Economy: A west Michigan weatherman announced his departure after layoffs tied to station automation, and another metro Detroit brewery announced it’s closing. Public Health Watch: Michigan cleared shoppers to buy lettuce again after a cyclospora outbreak, but consumer anxiety is lingering.

Democratic unity push: Michigan Democrats kicked off the general election with dueling rallies and a Detroit unity event at Renaissance High School, featuring nominees including Jocelyn Benson and U.S. Senate pick Abdul El-Sayed, plus Pete Buttigieg urging the party to “lock arms” after a bruising primary. Police tech oversight: Michigan lawmakers are pressing for reforms after complaints that officers misused Flock Safety cameras and license plate readers, with a retired Detroit assistant chief backing training changes to prevent privacy abuses. Fed fight hits Michigan ties: The Trump White House renewed its effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing mortgage-fraud allegations tied to properties in Ann Arbor and Georgia, after the Supreme Court allowed her to stay while she challenges the move. Public health watch: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to imported iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with Michigan reporting more than 12,000 confirmed cases and two deaths. Local construction milestone: Detroit Public Schools Community District topped out the new Cody High School building, on track for the 2027-28 school year.

Michigan Senate Shakeup: Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, setting up a November fight with Republican Mike Rogers and triggering a fresh round of debate inside the party over Israel, antisemitism accusations, and how far left the ticket should go. Local Politics & Identity: A resurfaced 2020 clip where El-Sayed says he “hates” Mackinac Island is fueling online backlash as the campaign heads toward the general election. Economy Pressure in Michigan: New federal job data and revisions add to worries that Michigan workers are getting squeezed as jobs stall and inflation-adjusted wages lag, with auto-related employment weakness a key concern. Detroit Business Impact: A road project in Avon is hitting a long-running family farm business, showing how construction timelines can collide with seasonal operations. Government & Courts: Attorneys for the U.S. government asked a judge to consolidate city and county lawsuits over Army Corps plans tied to Detroit Reservoir drawdowns. Public Health: FEMA again denied Michigan individual assistance after the March tornadoes, while Michigan also reported deaths tied to a Cyclospora outbreak and continued hospital spread. Energy & Infrastructure: Michigan is weighing data center rules as hyperscale AI power needs raise grid and ratepayer questions.

U.S. Senate Politics: Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary over Haley Stevens, a result that’s already reshaping the party’s internal fight and setting up a November matchup with Republican Mike Rogers; the race drew record outside spending and intense national attention, with Trump publicly casting doubt on the integrity of Detroit and Wayne County voting. Local Business & Economy: Spirit’s collapse is hitting shops at Detroit Metro’s Evans Terminal, cutting foot traffic for businesses like Quix Chocolate as the airport tries to keep retail fresh. Auto & Industry: Rocket Companies reported strong Q2 results despite a tough spring housing market, driven by record marketshare gains in purchases and refinances. State Policy: Michigan expanded tax incentives for private employers that give paid time off to living organ donors, and House Republicans are pressing questions about the $300M Rx Kids maternal initiative. Public Health: Michigan lawmakers and advocates are watching the fallout from the Cyclospora outbreak and related safety concerns. Detroit & Community: The Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs building received national preservation recognition and grant support tied to Black heritage.

Michigan Senate: Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, beating Rep. Haley Stevens by about 1 point, setting up a November matchup with Trump-backed former Rep. Mike Rogers and triggering a fierce fight over the party’s direction. Detroit & Black representation: In Detroit’s 13th District, Donavan McKinney defeated incumbent Shri Thanedar, putting Detroit on track to regain Black representation in Congress. Israel/antisemitism fallout: Jewish groups and Democrats are intensifying scrutiny of El-Sayed’s Israel and terrorism comments, while top Michigan Democrats acknowledge the party’s internal rifts. Election administration: Federal DOJ monitors in key Michigan cities drew unease even though observers reported no problems. Public health: Michigan is leading a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce, with doctors warning standard stool tests can miss it. Local life & environment: Lansing’s compost drop-off program is expanding to cut food waste and landfill methane, with nearby communities joining in. Business & sports: Detroit’s Lions named Richard Haddad president and CEO, and Fortune announced early speakers for its Detroit innovation forum.

Democratic Senate Shake-Up: Abdul El-Sayed narrowly won Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary over Haley Stevens (48.5% to 47.5%), setting up a November matchup with Republican Mike Rogers and triggering a fight inside the party over its direction. National Backlash: Trump escalated attacks after the result, calling El-Sayed a threat tied to socialism/communism and arguing Democrats are shifting too far left. Party Unity Test: El-Sayed moved quickly to focus on affordability, healthcare, and housing while urging Democrats to come together after a bitter, high-spending primary. Housing Policy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed construction code changes allowing more “single-staircase” multifamily buildings, aiming to cut costs and expand “missing middle” options. Civic Vote Reminder: Michigan voters will decide this November whether to hold a constitutional convention, a process that happens every 16 years. Local Business Relief: USDA approved a $15.36M loan to keep the Bay City Doubletree Hotel operating after foreclosure.