AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Courts: Michigan’s Supreme Court fight over a citizens-only voting amendment is back in focus, with SCOTUS ordering Michigan to respond in a ballot proposal case, while a separate dispute over proof-of-citizenship requirements heads to the nation’s highest court. Elections & Voting Access: Michigan AG Dana Nessel is drawing fresh backlash after remarks at a Jewish caucus event that critics say call for “sacrifice” of Jewish safety for broader goals, following earlier anti-antisemitism comments. Law Enforcement Tech: Monroe County voted 8-1 to end Flock license plate reader use where county funds paid for the service, directing the sheriff and municipalities to discontinue comparable systems. Crime: Michigan State Police are investigating Kalkaska’s police chief and village manager Aaron Popa after village leaders declined to handle the probe locally. Violence Charges: Two men face attempted murder charges in Roscommon County after an Aug. 25 assault left a victim badly injured and abandoned in a swamp. Education Data: New state enrollment snapshots show sharp racial disparities at individual schools, including NOVA Discipline Academy’s 94.4% African American enrollment and Richards Middle School’s 16.5% African American share. Sports: Wisconsin and Michigan men’s hockey and Wisconsin/Ohio State women’s hockey are set for a Feb. 20 doubleheader at Lambeau Field. Health & Environment: Ragweed season is ramping up across Michigan, with September flagged as especially tough for asthma sufferers.

U.S. Senate & governor races: A new MSU/IPPSR survey shows Democrats leading in Michigan’s top races—Jocelyn Benson ahead of John James for governor, and Abdul El-Sayed up on Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate. Election rules fight: A citizenship proof ballot proposal campaign asked the U.S. Supreme Court to put its measure on the November ballot after signature-verification delays. Jewish community security & politics: Vice President JD Vance met with Temple Israel clergy/security in the wake of the synagogue attack, pushing for more federal security funding as the Michigan Senate race turns sharply personal. U-M leadership: The University of Michigan Board of Regents unanimously confirmed C. Cybele Raver as the school’s next president, set to start Dec. 1. Weather: Southeast Michigan stays hot and humid with storm chances into Wednesday, including a slight risk for stronger storms. Public safety: Police are investigating after a 46-year-old man’s body was found inside a Novi home. Local governance: Grant Township hired an attorney as it weighs options in a proposed 1,800-acre solar project that could override local opposition under state law. Sports (college): MSU soccer is ranked in the top 10 for both men and women, while Michigan football opens the season Saturday vs. Western Michigan under new coach Kyle Whittingham.

Local Justice: Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire was charged with misconduct in office and obstruction of justice; a warrant was authorized Aug. 19 and he posted a $1,000 bond, with arraignment date not yet set. Public Safety: Three men tied to a South American theft network were arraigned after targeted West Michigan home invasions, with Ottawa County alleging they targeted Asian business owners for cash and valuables. Health & Safety: Michigan confirmed its first 2026 eastern equine encephalitis case in a domestic horse in Clare County, as mosquito season ramps up. Consumer & Environment: Michigan retailers are pushing to repeal or overhaul the state’s Bottle Bill, while Bay City reported a new high recycling rate and a local group is raising a $50,000 match for a $180,000 watershed study. Cost of Living: Home Heating Credit applications are open until Sept. 30, with free help available via 211 and local nonprofits. Higher Ed: U-M regents confirmed C. Cybele Raver as president-elect starting Dec. 1, and the university paid $1.2M to settle allegations involving a former football staffer. Sports: Michigan football opens at the Big House this weekend vs. Western Michigan, with ticket options still available.

Michigan Politics & Campaign Finance: Republicans are still waiting on Trump to open his campaign wallet as frustration grows over spending and midterm momentum. U.S.-Canada Trade & Michigan Jobs: A Canada tariff fight is hitting Michigan exports, with local lawmakers and candidates tying the pressure to higher costs. Great Lakes Naming Fight: Rep. Debbie Dingell and other Democrats are challenging Trump’s “Lake Ontario” name change order, pushing to protect Great Lakes names. Data Centers Backlash: Trump’s comments about data centers are drawing sharp local reactions in Michigan communities targeted by the debate. Public Safety & Environment: Lake County authorized EGLE access to investigate a confirmed underground storage tank release at the courthouse property after a remediation closeout was never completed. Courts & Legal Process: The Michigan Supreme Court will hold a public administrative hearing Sept. 23 via videoconference. Sports: Michigan transfer LB Nathaniel Staehling says he’s ready to prove himself at Michigan; meanwhile, Michigan State player Nick Sharpe is under sexual assault investigation. Community & Housing: A veteran housing support program highlighted how VA-funded services help families move toward stable housing.

High School Sports: Detroit Catholic Central tops the Southeast region in Week 2 rankings, with East Kentwood leading the Southwest, Mount Pleasant first in the Northwest, and Midland Dow atop the Northeast. Politics: Vice President JD Vance is set to campaign in Sterling Heights Monday with GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers and other Michigan Republicans at a MAGA Inc. event. Elections Workforce: Northern Michigan clerks are struggling to recruit younger poll workers as the election workforce ages, with the state pushing programs like Democracy MVP to fill gaps. Campaign Fallout: Abdul El-Sayed apologized to Michigan Jewish Democrats over remarks tied to a synagogue attack, while Republicans blasted his “sham apology” and he refused to condemn Hasan Piker. Cost of Living: Michigan gas prices inched up 1 cent to an average of $4.17 a gallon, with AAA citing oil-price moves and global factors. Local Services: Bath Township Library is launching a free legal self-help center starting Sept. 1. Education & Equity: A statewide LGBTQ+ safety program for schools faces possible funding loss in early 2027. Environment: Michigan wildlife officials found chronic wasting disease in farmed deer in Calhoun and Kent counties.

Michigan Politics: Abdul El-Sayed finally apologized again for remarks tied to the March synagogue attack, saying his comments were “misconstrued” and that he should have condemned the violence outright, as the fallout continues inside Michigan’s Democratic coalition. State Government & Voting: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson faces fresh claims from Republicans and right-leaning accounts trying to link her to the KKK via her past work at the Southern Poverty Law Center, with no court ruling yet and no evidence Benson knew of alleged wrongdoing. Public Safety & Health: Ontario wildfire smoke pushed Michigan’s air quality to extreme levels (AQI hit 616 in Grand Rapids), and researchers warn these episodes may become more frequent and more dangerous. Local Communities: Flint hosted Michigan NOW’s Neighborhoods Over War gathering to connect Black men, teens, and boys with violence-prevention resources and community leadership. Sports (Michigan): Michigan State women’s soccer held off Colorado 3-2 in rain, while MSU men’s soccer beat Niagara 4-1; in the NFL, former MSU WR Cody White was released by the Seahawks after roster cuts. Weather: Southeast Michigan braces for a hot, stormy week with repeated showers and heavy-rain risk.

U.S.-Canada trade fight hits Michigan budgets: Rep. John James said he’s in contact with the federal trade team as tariffs ripple toward Michigan’s auto economy, while Rep. Debbie Dingell blasted the Canada tariff fallout on MS NOW, arguing Michiganders are paying for it in everyday costs. Campaign fallout in the El-Sayed race: Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed spent the weekend apologizing to Michigan Jewish Democrats for remarks after a synagogue attack, saying “I made a mistake,” as party unity efforts continue at the Lansing convention. Health research: University of Michigan researchers say they found how colorectal tumors stockpile iron without dying, pointing to new therapy angles. Elections integrity: A Michigan auditor general report credits state reforms for more accurate voter rolls. Public safety: A Traverse City man was indicted for allegedly dumping sewage into Lake Michigan while impersonating a Coast Guard member. Fraud watch: Michigan warned of fake unemployment calls demanding a $105 fee before benefits. Local scams: Romulus and other Michigan cities logged scam reports in BBB Scam Tracker’s July roundup.

Democratic Politics: U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed apologized to Michigan’s Jewish Democratic caucus after comments he made in March about the Temple Israel attack were widely seen as justifying violence; he said his remarks were “misconstrued” and that “I made a mistake,” as Democrats try to project unity heading into November. State Party Convention: Michigan Democrats officially locked in their statewide ticket at the Lansing convention, nominating Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for secretary of state, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit for attorney general, and Winnie Brinks for lieutenant governor, while tensions lingered as Benson and El-Sayed didn’t share the stage. Higher Ed/Legal: The University of Michigan agreed to pay nearly $1.2 million to settle a sexual assault claim involving a former football staffer. Public Safety: Michigan State Police arrested two men accused of assaulting a victim and leaving him in a swampy area in Roscommon County. Sports (College): Noah Kim powered Eastern Michigan to a 28-17 season-opening MAC win over Sacramento State. Local Culture/Sports: The PDGA Disc Golf World Championships kicked off in Milford with nearly 300 athletes from 26 countries.

Weather & Food Costs: USDA disaster designations tied to drought, excessive rain, and frost are driving up insurance and grocery prices for Michigan crops like tart cherries, blueberries, and asparagus. Energy & Farming: The Michigan Public Service Commission approved a 90-megawatt solar project in Ingham County under a new state siting law, raising the question of how farmers keep farming under panels as AI data centers and manufacturing demand more power. Politics & Jewish Democrats: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she won’t attend the state Democratic nominating convention over harassment and safety fears, warning party leaders not to minimize Jewish voters’ concerns. Local Government Staffing: A new report highlights how Michigan communities struggle to fill mandated jobs, especially in rural areas. Voter Rolls Oversight: The state auditor general released findings on how Michigan maintains voter rolls, including low counts of dead or noncitizen registrations. Public Safety: Michigan City police are investigating after a woman was hit by a train, and a separate chase in Grand Blanc ended with a crash after a motorcyclist fled, wrongly believing Michigan had a no-chase law. Scams: Oxford and Rothbury each logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in July, tied for 126th among Michigan cities.

Consumer & Cost Pressures: A University of Michigan survey says U.S. consumer sentiment fell in August for the first time in three months, with inflation expectations easing but still high. Local Scam Alert: South Haven warned residents and businesses about fake invoices and emails impersonating its planning and zoning department, urging people not to wire money and to contact the city directly if unsure. Energy & Land Use: Michigan regulators approved the state’s first solar farm under a 2023 law that limits local veto power, clearing the way for a 90-megawatt project in Ingham County after a settlement with townships. Sports & Campus: Former Utah players are making serious allegations against new Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham over medical and playing-time decisions, while high school football kicked off with Cass Tech’s 62-0 win over Michigan City. Weather & Safety: West Michigan is facing persistent drought conditions, with more than half the state affected, and wakesurfing is growing—boaters are being reminded to stay in deeper water and watch for swimmers.

Wildlife Rescue: Michigan DNR saved two “dinosaur” lake sturgeon stranded by low water in the U.P., netting and relocating them nearly a mile back into the Ontonagon River. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep dropping, but Michigan still logged 233 new cases (and 21 more hospitalizations) over Aug. 20–27, bringing totals to 14,510 cases and 356 hospitalizations since June. Education Policy: University of Michigan is moving ahead with a 2027 pilot to keep first-year letter grades off transcripts (replacing them with pass/no credit) for LSA students, sparking debate about whether it helps or coddles. Higher Ed & Community: Michigan’s deer hunting rules for 2026–27 are changing, including a shorter statewide muzzleloader season and other Lower Peninsula firearm and timing updates. Tech & Safety: Meta’s multistate settlement will send Michigan at least $171 million and requires new Instagram/Facebook limits for kids, including daily time caps and nighttime blocks. Local Business: Inszone Insurance Services acquired Aviza Insurance Agency, expanding its Michigan presence with farm and agribusiness expertise. Sports: Michigan and Michigan State football coverage ramps up as fall camp questions turn to depth and starters.

Agriculture & Rural Resilience: MDARD launched a new dairy grazing initiative to help beginning, small, and mid-sized dairy farms cut input costs and boost profitability by moving cows to managed pasture. Energy & Public Access: Consumers Energy says it has restored and protected more than 6,700 acres across Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, turning utility land into trails, parks, and recreation through local agreements. Health Policy: Michigan again sued the Trump administration over federal Title X funding conditions, arguing HHS is trying to force recipients to change inclusion and care practices. Voting Rights: A group seeking proof-of-citizenship and photo ID to vote asked the Michigan Supreme Court to overturn a signature review decision that kept the measure off the November ballot. Education & Community: University of Michigan students began moving into Wolverine Village, a $649M dorm with geo-exchange heating/cooling and solar features. Sports & Campus: Western Michigan is preseason favorite to repeat as MAC champs, while Michigan’s freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. is “being evaluated” after an exhibition injury. Local Sports: Friday Night Frenzy Week 1 kicked off with Lansing Sexton beating Lansing Everett 33-0 and DeWitt topping Kenowa Hills 59-21.

Election Integrity & Voting Access: Michigan House Reps. Ann Bollin and Jason Woolford will sit on a new select committee after the Americans for Citizen Voting petition fell short of valid-signature requirements, with the Board of State Canvassers deadlocking over certification. Vote-by-Mail Fight: Michigan joined a 25-state lawsuit challenging a new USPS rule that would let USPS regulate mail voting in federal elections, with AG Dana Nessel warning it could disenfranchise voters. Corrections Oversight: The House passed prison safety and transparency bills expanding the Legislative Corrections Ombudsman’s authority, including broader complaint access and direct access to key records. Primary Care Push: Lawmakers introduced a bipartisan package to expand primary care access and train/mentor the next generation of Michigan providers. Broadband in the U.P.: NMU approved selling its Educational Access Network for $21M to Michigan Broadband Services, pending FCC approval. Public Safety: Michigan State Police shared traffic-stop safety steps and reminded drivers to follow the Move Over law. Environment & Health: Chronic wasting disease was confirmed in farmed deer in three Michigan counties, including two first-time detections. Skywatching: A partial lunar eclipse and northern lights could be visible over Michigan late Thursday into Friday.

Meta Settlement: Michigan is set to receive at least $171 million from Meta’s $18B multistate child-safety deal, aimed at Instagram/Facebook youth protections and enforcement. Flint Water Accountability: AG Dana Nessel released the final Flint water crisis criminal-investigation report; an activist criticized it for offering no new answers and for redactions. Public Health Update: MDHHS says cyclosporiasis guidance for handling lettuce and salad greens can return to routine as new cases and related ER visits decline. Health Policy: Gov. Whitmer signed bipartisan bills to expand health care access, strengthen provider safety, and address the opioid crisis. Education Access: Applications opened for expanded Michigan Reconnect for ages 21–24, with early demand already rising. Courts & Legal Aid: Michigan Court of Appeals agreed with MSU Law’s Clinical Appellate Practice Clinic arguments in a felony murder case, ordering a new trial. Consumer Safety: Nessel reissued a data-breach consumer alert with steps like phishing watch, password changes, and credit freezes. Sports & Community: Girls’ flag football returns to Detroit for a third straight year, and “American Pickers” plans to film in Southwest Michigan this fall.

Voting & Civic Life: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the 2026 “I Voted” sticker winners, with nearly 2,100 designs submitted and 53,000 votes cast to pick nine finalists across K-8, high school, and general categories. Healthcare Policy: State Rep. Matt Longjohn and partners unveiled a bipartisan Primary Care Transformation Package aimed at expanding access and rebuilding Michigan’s primary care workforce, citing shortages across 75 of 83 counties. Child Safety & Law: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a multistate Meta settlement over addictive social media features, with Michigan set to receive at least $171 million and new safeguards for kids. Flint Water Accountability: Nessel released a final Flint lead-water crisis report, saying it’s the last accountability step her office can take after criminal cases were shut down by the courts. Elections Access Fight: Michigan’s Board of Canvassers deadlocked on a proof-of-citizenship ballot measure, but backers are expected to seek a Supreme Court ruling. Education Snapshot (Local Enrollment): New state data show small but notable shifts in school demographics, including 9 Hispanic students at Bullock Creek Elementary and 8 African American students at Milan Middle School in 2024-25. Public Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting after a chase in Otsego County that began with a traffic stop.

Flint Water Crisis Accountability: Michigan AG Dana Nessel released a final report on the Flint lead-water criminal case, saying it’s the last step her office can take after courts shut down prosecutions, and she’s now pushing the Legislature to repeal a law that blocks public release of key evidence. Privacy Fight: Nessel won a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from demanding CDL drivers’ sensitive personal data and from cutting federal funding tied to AAMVA. Fraud Case: A Warren woman pleaded guilty to mortgage fraud and filing a false $374,000 tax refund return, admitting she used money she knew wasn’t owed to buy a home. Border Resurvey: Cass County approved a first border remap with Indiana in nearly 200 years, aiming to correct a line last surveyed in 1827. Local Schools & Reading: Mid-Michigan districts were recognized for plans to complete LETRS science-of-reading training for elementary teachers. Politics on the Ballot: A Michigan voter proof-of-citizenship proposal is headed for a legal fight after the Board of State Canvassers deadlocked on signature certification. Sports & Community: Coldwater will take a forfeit after it couldn’t find a Week 2 opponent, and Paw Paw is set to unveil a new interactive mural.