AGP Executive Report

Election 2026: More than 440,000 Michigan voters have returned ballots—6% of active voters—with absentee ballot requests up 20% from the same point in 2022. MSU’s Faculty Senate also urged instructors not to penalize students who miss class to vote. Upper Peninsula Wildfire: The Black River Fire south of Wakefield is 50% contained and has threatened no structures; command has shifted from the U.S. Forest Service to the Michigan DNR as winds could test containment lines. State Policy: Michigan is moving closer to a statewide septic code, while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced $65 million for transit service and connections. Health Care: Independent pharmacies say low reimbursements from pharmacy benefit managers are driving closures; nearly 300 have shut in recent years, owners say. Recovery and Jobs: Michigan plans to open or lease 24 recovery homes using opioid settlement funds and has joined 13 states suing over the termination of federal unemployment grants. Schools: Bus driver shortages are forcing districts to prioritize daily routes, leaving sports and other after-school activities scrambling for rides.

Rural Transit: A $678,366 state grant will help Thunder Bay Transportation Authority launch on-demand service in Montmorency County, improving connections to Alpena for medical care, work and shopping. Flint Food Access: MDARD is investing nearly $499,000 with the Greater Flint Health Coalition to support beginning farmers and expand access to locally grown food. Public Accountability: State Sen. Mark Huizenga’s disclosures show investments in pharmaceutical and health care companies while he serves on committees overseeing those industries. Election Rules: A Michigan Court of Claims judge is weighing a challenge to the state’s long-standing ban on fusion voting, which lets multiple parties nominate the same candidate. Public Safety: Lansing police are investigating whether five deaths of men along a river trail may be connected; authorities have noted a pattern but have not confirmed a serial killer. Economic Concerns: Michigan consumer sentiment neared a record low in October, while a state report points to a shrinking labor force, rising unemployment and higher manufacturing costs.

Energy Costs: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a statewide energy emergency, allowing qualifying farm and logging vehicles to use dyed diesel on public roads through Dec. 31 as fuel prices squeeze producers. Upper Peninsula Fires: Dry, windy conditions are fueling two wildfires, prompting evacuations and an air-quality alert. Public Safety: Lansing-area police are investigating whether five men found dead along a trail were killed in connected attacks; authorities have warned of a possible serial killer but have not confirmed a link. Health Care: Attorney General Dana Nessel sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging the insurer illegally monopolized the market. Recovery Housing: State grants totaling $3.4 million will add an estimated 205 recovery beds across 14 counties. Education: Michigan’s FY2027 budget continues funding teacher training and coaching for the Literacy Essentials reading framework, now marking its 10th year. State Politics: Democratic lawmaker Ranjeev Puri could contend for Michigan House speaker if his party wins control of the chamber in November.

Upper Peninsula Fires: Crews are battling the Ridge and Craig Lake fires in Marquette and Baraga counties, which have burned hundreds of acres and prompted evacuations. Smoke has triggered an air-quality alert across five U.P. counties. Health Care: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging its market dominance stifles competition and raises costs. Consumer Alert: State officials warn older adults to watch for Medicare scams as open enrollment begins Oct. 15; free plan counseling is available through MI Options at 800-803-7174. Public Safety: Alleged serial-killer fears are growing in Lansing as police examine whether five deaths along the River Trail are connected. In Allegan County, a Chinese national accused of taking part in a nationwide fraud scheme involving more than $1 million has been arrested. Household Costs: Michigan drivers face the Midwest’s highest auto-insurance burden, with lawmakers considering reforms to lower premiums. Election 2026: Candidates are divided over whether Michigan should pause new data-center projects or leave decisions to local communities, amid concerns about jobs and electricity bills.

Upper Peninsula Fires: Two wildfires are burning in Marquette and Baraga counties. The larger, near Marquette, has grown to about 256 acres, prompting three home evacuations. Officials urge residents to follow evacuation notices; rain is forecast Monday night into Tuesday. Gambling Warning: Michigan’s Gaming Control Board sent cease-and-desist letters to 33 unlicensed offshore gambling operators, warning that state self-exclusion protections don’t cover players on those sites. Senate Race: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers faced off in a heated debate, with another scheduled for Oct. 21 in Detroit as the closely watched race for Michigan’s open Senate seat continues. Invasive Species: State officials are investigating red swamp crayfish found in a Niles-area pond in Cass County. The invasive species can displace native crayfish, damage vegetation and erode shorelines; monitoring is planned for next year.

Health Costs: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sued Blue Cross Blue Shield, alleging its market dominance raises premiums and limits care. The insurer disputes the state’s claims. Data Centers: A tracker counts 31 Michigan projects with about $30 billion in announced investment—not guaranteed spending—putting jobs and tax revenue in tension with concerns over electricity bills, water use and local control. Public Safety: Police are investigating five deaths along the Lansing River Trail and have arrested a suspect in one case; a possible link among the deaths remains unconfirmed. Senate Race: Democrat Abdul El-Sayed warned that election results must be decisive to resist efforts to cast doubt on the vote. Jewish student organizers have also joined a campaign pressing him on antisemitism and campus safety. Wildlife Rescue: DNR crews and partners moved 27 lake sturgeon from shrinking pools in the Upper Peninsula’s Ontonagon River to safer water. College Sports: Michigan State fell to Illinois, 38-37, in overtime after a failed two-point try; Central Michigan lost 31-14 to Ohio, while Western Michigan routed Kent State 38-7.

Health Care: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sued Blue Cross Blue Shield, alleging its dominance has driven up costs and limited care. The insurer disputes the state’s claims and says it faces strong competition. College Football: Michigan State rallied from 17 points down against Illinois but lost 38-37 in overtime after its two-point try failed. Western Michigan rolled past Kent State 38-7, and Eastern Michigan edged Akron 25-23 on a late field goal. Central Michigan fell to Ohio, 31-14. Community: Lansing-area volunteers built beds for children in need; the local group makes nearly 1,000 a year but still has 100 to 200 families waiting. Legacy: Jim Bibbs, Michigan State’s trailblazing track and field coach and the university’s first Black coach, has died at 97.

Election 2026: The UAW is working to rebuild its political clout in Michigan ahead of the midterms, even as divisions among members complicate its push. In the Senate race, Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed clashed in a heated debate, while secretary of state candidates Garlin Gilchrist and Anthony Forlini sparred over election administration. Public Safety: Lansing police are investigating whether five men’s deaths along the River Trail since October 2025 are connected. Authorities say the victims were unhoused men; a suspect is in custody in at least one case. State Law: A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s challenge to Michigan’s hen-enclosure law, finding it failed to show standing. The ruling leaves the state’s standards in place. Foster Youth: A new Michigan law preserves federal benefits for foster children to use as they enter adulthood and requires financial-literacy education for youth 14 and older. Health Care: Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging its dominant market share drives up premiums and lowers provider pay.

Health Costs: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sued Blue Cross Blue Shield, alleging its dominant market share lets it raise costs and suppress payments to providers. The insurer disputes the claims, which have not been proven in court. Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers traded personal attacks in a heated debate over the economy, Iran and Israel, sharpening attention on Michigan’s closely watched Senate contest. Policing: Records show five Metro Detroit agencies used Flock license-plate cameras for immigration-related searches; Oakland County says such searches violate its policy. Detroit Jobs: A $1 million state grant will help clean up a contaminated Southwest Detroit site for a retail project expected to create 125 jobs. MSU Sports: Spartans hockey opened with a 6-2 win over Northern Michigan, scoring four power-play goals; MSU men’s soccer upset No. 7 Maryland, 2-1.

Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers traded sharp attacks in their first Michigan debate, clashing over health care, costs and U.S. support for Israel as absentee voting is underway. Health Care Costs: Attorney General Dana Nessel sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging its market dominance and agreements with other insurers stifle competition and drive up costs; the company’s market share and conduct will be tested in court. Economic Outlook: The University of Michigan’s preliminary October consumer sentiment index fell to 46.3, its lowest level since May, as high prices weighed on households. Lansing Safety: Police are investigating whether five deaths along local river trails are connected; authorities have not established a link. Cage-Free Egg Law: A federal judge dismissed the Trump administration’s challenge to Michigan’s hen-enclosure law, finding the government failed to show it had standing to sue.

Senate Race: Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed clashed in a combative Grand Rapids debate over tariffs, gas prices, health care and the Iran war, with frequent personal attacks. Rogers said the Canada trade fight should end; El-Sayed said both Israel and Iran have proven dangerous to the U.S. Election Readiness: Attorney General Dana Nessel says her office is preparing legal challenges to possible polling disruptions and attempts to block vote certification. Health Care: Nessel sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging its market dominance raises costs and limits care. The insurer disputes the claims. Voting: Michigan absentee-ballot returns are up 30% from the same point in 2022, according to state figures. Public Safety: Lansing police are investigating whether a possible serial killer is linked to five men’s deaths.

Public Safety: Lansing police are investigating whether five deaths of unhoused men along the River Trail over the past year are connected. The victims suffered fatal injuries, and investigators are asking the public for information. Political Campaigns: Michigan’s Senate race heated up as Donald Trump attacked Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed over his Muslim faith; El-Sayed accused the president of distracting voters from economic concerns. The candidates are set for their first debate. State Government: A Detroit News investigation found Sen. Sylvia Santana’s taxpayer-funded travel totaled more than $38,000 since 2021, nearly a third of Senate members’ trips and 41% of their spending. The Senate has not released her expense receipts. Michigan Economy: West Michigan manufacturing activity grew for a ninth straight month, but business leaders cited tariffs, supply-chain strains and rising costs as concerns. Ballot Measure: Michigan voters will decide Proposal 2 in November. A Mackinac Center policy brief says it could broaden campaign-finance reporting rules to cover public communications mentioning candidates, including online content. Housing and Jobs: State grants will help fund contaminated-site redevelopment in Pontiac, Kalamazoo and Detroit’s Corktown, supporting a homeless shelter, affordable housing and new jobs.

Election Security: Attorney General Dana Nessel says state lawyers and police are preparing for misinformation, voter intimidation and possible disruptions at Michigan polling places, including concerns about federal agents. Campaign 2026: Governor candidates Jocelyn Benson and John James clashed over tariffs, data centers, health care and the economy. Senate hopeful Mike Rogers is also calling for an end to Trump’s Canada tariff fight, reversing his earlier support. Public Health: Officials marked completion of Michigan’s $383 million psychiatric hospital in Northville. Environment: Invasive red swamp crayfish have been found in Cass County; the DNR is asking residents to report sightings. Wolverines: Michigan football’s loss to Minnesota has intensified questions about quarterback Bryce Underwood and the team’s struggling season.

Public Safety: A 24-year-old flagger was killed in an Eaton County work-zone crash Tuesday after a sanitation truck struck a stopped pickup; the pickup’s driver and passenger were injured. Election 2026: More than 201,000 Michigan voters have returned ballots, about 30% ahead of the same point in 2022. In Tuesday’s first gubernatorial debate, Jocelyn Benson and John James clashed over affordability, tariffs, energy, education and data centers. Energy Costs: Attorney General Dana Nessel urged regulators to cut Consumers Energy’s proposed $456 million annual rate increase by more than half, citing affordability concerns. Housing: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law barring large corporate investors that already own 100 or more Michigan single-family homes from buying more; violations carry a $25,000-per-home fine. Environment: Invasive red swamp crayfish were found in Cass County for the first time, prompting officials to ask the public to report sightings. Upper Peninsula: The iconic Porcupine Mountains State Park entrance sign was stolen over the weekend; park officials and police are seeking tips. Industry: Toyota opened a Saline battery center to test batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Elections & Voting Access: Michigan election officials say more than 201,000 voters have already returned ballots by mail, drop box, or in person—up 30% from the 2022 pace—while AG Dana Nessel stresses election security planning ahead of Nov. 3. Governor Race: In the first gubernatorial debate, Jocelyn Benson and John James clashed over data centers, tariffs, the gas tax, and Medicaid, with Benson pushing for a moratorium on new data centers and James arguing for locally-led limits. Campaign Fight Over Surveillance: South Haven residents urged the city to scale back a long-term Axon contract for police cameras and license plate readers, warning about future surveillance expansion. Public Safety: With deer-vehicle crashes peaking in fall, Michigan drivers are urged to slow down at dusk/dawn, watch for multiple deer, and avoid swerving. Education Funding: Parents and educators say Count Day attendance is crucial because state funding hinges on student counts. Environment: Michigan announced major funding for cleanup and recreation along the Detroit River as part of a broader waterways push. Sports (Local Interest): Michigan TE Zack Marshall apologized after leaked messages attributed to him criticized OC Jason Beck following the Wolverines’ loss to Minnesota.

Michigan Politics & Campaigns: President Trump escalated his feud with Fox News, accusing the network of “platforming” Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed while praising “good old fashioned Republicans.” U.S. Senate Race: El-Sayed challenged Trump to come to Michigan, framing it as a direct showdown as the midterm campaign heats up. Local Power & Rates: Michigan AG Dana Nessel filed testimony urging the Michigan Public Service Commission to cut Consumers Energy’s proposed rate hike by more than half. Energy Utility Shift (UP): Xcel announced plans to sell its Michigan operations—gas to SEMCO and electric to UPPCO—pending regulator approval, affecting customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties. Workforce & Education: Alpena Public Schools landed $3.0M in CTE expansion grants to grow career pathways in areas like advanced manufacturing, construction, computer science, and health occupations. Health Care: Trinity Health IHA opened new medical centers in Belleville and Oxford, adding primary care, urgent care, and imaging. Public Health: MDHHS launched the QuitLogix app to help adults quit tobacco with free Michigan Tobacco Quitlink support. Sports (Michigan Football): After the Wolverines’ loss to Minnesota, reports of internal frustration and calls for changes are growing as the team heads into its bye week. Weather: Michigan is leaning toward early fall-like conditions with chilly mornings and sunny afternoons, plus a possible southeast Michigan rain impact from a developing Gulf system.