AGP Executive Report

Michigan GOP Convention: Republicans gathered in Mt. Pleasant to officially nominate statewide candidates for November, including Gov. candidate John James and Lt. Gov. pick Jay DeBoyer, as the party pushed a “Michigan is in decline” message. Public Safety: Michigan State Police arrested an 18-year-old suspect for an attempted murder after a stabbing in Moran Township; the victim was hospitalized and the case remains under investigation. Education & Enrollment: New state enrollment figures spotlight how Michigan schools vary widely by race—examples include Fountain Elementary (2 American Indian students), Conant Elementary (38 Asian students), and Morrish Elementary (40 African American students). Tribes vs. Line 5: A federal permit cleared a Line 5 segment update under the Straits of Mackinac, drawing sharp criticism from tribes who say it violates treaty rights. Consumer Fraud: The BBB Scam Tracker ranked Center Line among Michigan cities with multiple scam reports in July, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses. National Parks: Six Michigan national parks will waive entrance fees on Aug. 25 for the National Park Service’s 110th anniversary.

Michigan Football (U-M): Kyle Whittingham says Michigan’s special teams will keep putting the ball in playmakers’ hands, with Andrew Marsh, Savion Hiter and Smith Snowden among the key options. Michigan Football (defense line): With the season nearing, U-M’s interior defensive tackles are trying to prove they’re “made for this” after years of standout names. Michigan State Football: New OC Nick Sheridan is pushing physicality, while the pass rush and run game are getting fresh attention under Pat Fitzgerald’s rebuild. NBA shakeup: Dusty May explains why he left Michigan for the Dallas Mavericks, citing college basketball’s transfer portal and NIL pressures. Politics (GOP): Michigan Republicans locked in their 2026 ticket at the Mount Pleasant convention, nominating John James and Jay DeBoyer, with little focus on Trump. Ballot access: A ballot petition review hinges on a very small signature sample, and critics say voters deserve more transparency before the Board of State Canvassers rules. Public safety: A woman died after being hit by a train in Fenton, and police are investigating. Weather: Cooler fall-like conditions move in Sunday, with breezy conditions and a chance of rain later.

Public Safety: A black car lost control and drove into Lake Michigan early Saturday near N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive in Streeterville; three people were hurt, including a 26-year-old man with a dislocated shoulder, all taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Politics: Abdul El-Sayed won Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary over Rep. Haley Stevens by about 15,000 votes, setting up a general election fight against Republican Mike Rogers. Health Care: Protesters say Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s March 1 billing change will cut coverage for limited-licensed mental health providers in private practice, potentially shrinking access to care. Education: Michigan School Meals is returning for 2026-27 with $200 million in the state budget to keep free breakfast and lunch for about 1.4 million students. Local Sports: The PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships hit Kensington Metropark in Milford Aug. 26-30, with 300 top players competing for $300,000 in prize money. Recruiting: Prep Redzone lists multiple July 2026 college football commitments from Oakland, Wayne, Ingham, and Emmet County high schools.

Northern Michigan Violence: Michigan State Police identified victims in the Aug. 14 Missaukee County mass killing, including 13-year-old survivor Bella Padilla Everitt and others killed by suspected shooter Chad Hickman, with new court-record context tying Hickman’s family to a prior 1991 kidnapping/rape case. Public Safety at School: 26 officers graduated from the TEAM School Liaison Program, expanding K-12 safety lessons on topics like bullying, cyber-crime, and school security. Health & Research: University of Michigan researchers report a two-drug epigenetic approach that shows promise against treatment-resistant prostate cancer in lab and mouse models. Michigan Politics: New polling shows Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican Mike Rogers in the U.S. Senate race, as both campaigns sharpen messages to voters. Local Life: Ypsilanti District Library’s Michigan Avenue branch reopened after a bed-bug closure; and Grand Rapids’ Michigan Street Taco Bell urban-legend spot reopened after renovations. Workplace & Justice: Prosecutors say a hedge fund-backed mobile home park owner pleaded guilty after residents reported sewage and brown tap water.

Politics & Elections: Four new polls give progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed a lead over Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s US Senate race, keeping the contest tight but shifting momentum. Public Safety: Michigan State Police identified five victims from the Aug. 14 Missaukee County shootings, saying the suspect knew those killed and injured. Energy & Jobs: LG Energy Solution began production at a new Lansing battery plant targeting 35 GWh annually and 1,700 jobs at full operation. Health & Community: A University of Michigan analysis finds nearly 40% of Michiganders struggle to afford basic needs, including many above the poverty line. Local Watch: Michigan cities continue to rack up BBB scam reports, with Grosse Pointe among those tied for 80th statewide in July. Education: New state enrollment data show wide racial disparities across individual schools, including Michigan International Prep School and New Bedford Academy. Infrastructure: Michigan’s Line 5 fight remains in focus as voters could reshape the state’s legal strategy after November elections.

Defense & Economy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praised General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights for building Michigan’s role in national defense, including work tied to a lighter M1E3 Abrams. Traffic & Public Safety: A CSX train finally cleared a Canton Township crossing near Haggerty Road after days of blocking, raising emergency-response concerns. Crime: Michigan prison officials say a homicide investigation is underway after inmate Kevin Joseph Kelly, 36, was found dead at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. Drugs & Courts: Detroit rapper Sada Baby (Casada Sorrell) got six months of non-reporting probation for a 2025 felony drug case. Elections & Policy: Haley Stevens said she’ll finish her term and “not turn into a pumpkin” after losing Michigan’s Senate primary by 1 point; meanwhile, Michigan is sticking with the childhood vaccine schedule despite a federal executive order. Environment & Outdoors: Michigan DNR announced major 2026 deer regulation changes, including expanded crossbow options in the U.P. and new firearms rules. Local Life: MDOT plans US-12 pavement repairs at the I-69 interchange in Coldwater starting Aug. 24 with single-lane closures.

Public Health: Michigan reported 14,277 cyclosporiasis cases tied to the summer outbreak, up 368 from last week, with 335 hospitalizations and two deaths; officials say the pace is slowing and routine produce prep guidance is back in place. Public Health: The state also confirmed its first human eastern equine encephalitis case since 2021—a Roscommon County resident—prompting renewed mosquito bite warnings and expanded trapping/testing. Education & Demographics: A new batch of Michigan school enrollment snapshots shows shifting student makeup across districts, including rising Hispanic enrollment at Hamilton Flex (17 students, 9.9%) and multiracial enrollment at Elk Rapids High (6 students, 1.7%). Housing & Courts: A Southfield woman accused of COVID rental assistance fraud pleaded guilty to charges tied to nearly $100,000 in alleged fraudulent CERA applications. Economy & Industry: LG Energy Solution began production at its Lansing battery plant, now targeting not just EV batteries but also stationary energy storage driven by AI data centers. Politics: An AARP poll finds Michigan’s Senate race nearly tied—Abdul El-Sayed 48% to Mike Rogers 47%—with older voters a key swing.

Elections & Voting Integrity: Michigan’s State Board of Canvassers rejected a second attempt to recall Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop over alleged voter-record changes. Public Safety: A new bill would require more training for police mental-health crisis responses, including de-escalation and crisis tactics. Health Watch: Michigan reported its first human eastern equine encephalitis case since 2021, with officials urging residents to prevent mosquito bites. State Politics: Jocelyn Benson named Sen. Winnie Brinks as her running mate in the governor’s race. Higher Ed & Sports: MSU’s new athletic director Dan Bartholomae says Spartans will “play to win.” Local Government: Pentwater Village moved forward toward joining the West Michigan Fire Authority. Business & Industry: General Dynamics Land Systems celebrated $35 million in updates to its Sterling Heights headquarters. Community & Culture: The Ally Challenge at Warwick Hills will add enhanced safety and security protocols for its late-August tournament week. Education Data: New state enrollment snapshots show shifting student demographics across Michigan schools, including very small white enrollment counts at some districts.

Public Health: Michigan confirmed its first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis since 2021, a rare but dangerous mosquito-borne illness, with MDHHS urging residents to prevent bites. Workplace Safety: A journeyman line worker died after being electrocuted during overhead electric work in Northern Lower Michigan, marking Michigan’s 30th workplace death of 2026, and MIOSHA also added two other recent fatal workplace investigations. Education (Enrollment Snapshot): New state data show wide local differences in student demographics, including 6 Hispanic students at Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine (Detroit) and 308 white students at Kettle Lake Elementary (Caledonia). Local Notes: Michigan’s marriage license listings were released for Aug. 18, 2026. Sports & Community: Several Michigan road races posted results, including Kevin Svacha winning the male 35–39 division at the Dragon Dash 5K in Lake Orion.

MSU Football: Pat Fitzgerald says the Spartans are starting to look like a “cohesive group,” with chemistry built through winter workouts, spring ball, and summer bonding. Local Impact: Clarkston Rotary helped stock the “Freedge” community pantry at Renaissance High School as part of its “Create Lasting Impact” day. Energy & Jobs: LG Energy Solution began full operations at its Lansing plant, completing its North America ESS battery hub network and targeting 35+ GWh annual capacity. Education Policy: Michigan schools used seclusion or restraint nearly 18,000 times in 2024-25, mostly for students with disabilities, prompting calls for stronger limits. Elections & Voting Security: Sen. Elissa Slotkin pressed Defense leadership to confirm troops won’t be sent to polling places. Community & Safety: Dearborn saw arrests after an anti-Muslim protest drew major counter-protests; Ypsilanti’s downtown library branch closed over bed bugs. Sports: Former Michigan QB Davis Warren was named Stanford’s starting quarterback. Weather: Showers and a possible thunderstorm move into Metro Detroit overnight before improving midweek. Business/Local: Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is taking applications for its HYPE pitch competition in November. Lottery: Michigan Lottery Daily 3 and Daily 4 results for Aug. 18 were released.

University of Michigan Leadership: U-M has picked C. Cybele Raver, Vanderbilt’s provost, as its next president—making her the second woman to lead the school and effective Dec. 1. Privacy & Public Safety: “Flock” license plate reader cameras are back in the spotlight, with Michigan residents asking how to check whether their vehicle data is being captured. Toledo Industrial Explosion: A worker was found dead and another remains unaccounted for after explosions and a fire at an industrial recycling building in Toledo. Education Enrollment Snapshots: New state data show shifting student demographics at local schools, including a Lake Fenton High School increase in Black enrollment and small-but-notable changes in American Indian, Asian, Hispanic, and multiracial counts across multiple districts. Politics: Abdul El-Sayed’s Democratic primary win is complicating Chuck Schumer’s Senate strategy, with concerns among some Michigan voters. Local Government: Wyoming, Michigan is seeking a new police chief as Chief Kip Snyder plans to retire in early 2027. Library Policy: Royal Oak Public Library bans large bags and shopping carts after a bedbug issue. Traffic: Telegraph Road in Brownstown Township is closed for hours after a serious crash.

Michigan State Athletics: Dan Bartholomae is leaving Western Michigan to become Michigan State’s new athletic director, replacing J. Batt and inheriting a push for “next era” athletics. Detroit & the legal world: Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is headed to a high-profile law firm role after 12 years in office. Back-to-school pressure: A mid-Michigan report finds families are spending about $863.86 to get kids ready for school, with experts urging smarter timing and prioritizing essentials. Public health & safety: Cadillac officials admitted a delay in reporting a 16+ million gallon sewage spill after a lift station failure during April flooding. Education policy: At the University of Michigan, first-semester freshmen grades would be hidden starting fall 2027, shifting to pass/no credit. State consumer help: DIFS is reminding students and parents to review insurance and money plans via Michigan.gov/DIFS. Sports & events: LIV Golf is ending its season early and canceling the Michigan team event. Environment: Invasive carp surveillance ramps up after hundreds of juvenile silver carp were found about 80 miles from Lake Michigan on the Illinois River.

Northern Michigan Violence: Michigan State Police say six people are dead, including the suspect, and one person is critically wounded after a mass shooting in Lake City, Missaukee County, with investigators still working to determine motive. Education Policy: The University of Michigan’s pass-fail grading plan for first-semester students is drawing pushback from educators who argue it won’t fix mental health and may lower effort. MSU Updates: MSU’s fall campus construction and road changes include ongoing work tied to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Farm Lane utility reconstruction, with more projects continuing through the semester. Athletics Leadership: Reports say Michigan State is finalizing a deal to hire Western Michigan AD Dan Bartholomae as its next athletic director. Local Business: Firefighters responded to a blaze at a storage barn behind Great Lakes Custom Meats and More in Howell; the business says it will stay open while the cause is investigated. Health & Weather: Ragweed is driving Michigan’s allergy season back up, with experts warning pollen seasons are getting longer and more intense. Sports Tech: The Detroit Lions are partnering with L1VE to bring immersive, stereoscopic 360 experiences to fans at Ford Field starting Aug. 22.

Missaukee County Shooting Aftermath: A 13-year-old girl survived a rural northern Michigan spree by calling 911 after being shot four times, as police say suspect Chad Hickman was later found dead near Whitlock Lake and families begin fundraisers for victims. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a permit for an Enbridge Line 5 tunnel under the Straits of Mackinac, moving the project forward after Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to revisit another permit. Higher Ed & Immigration: UMich filed notices to hire foreign guest workers for women’s golf coaching and assistant professor roles, drawing criticism over use of visa programs. Local Public Safety: Sterling Heights police are using the SAVES Project to prep drivers with autism for traffic stops, including a blue envelope and bumper sticker system. Legal Watch: Two Southeast Michigan residents sued Apple over alleged AirTag stalking risks, claiming the company knew safeguards weren’t in place. Education Policy: UMich’s new grading plan will show first-semester freshmen “pass/no credit” publicly while tracking internal grades. Sports: Michigan State grad Ozan Baris reached the Edwardsville Futures singles final before falling in the championship match. Lottery: Michigan Lottery results for Aug. 16, 2026 include Daily 3 (Midday 6-6-2; Evening 9-3-1) and Daily 4 (Midday 4-6-1-5; Evening 2-8-6-0).

Education Enrollment Watch: Mason Middle School in Monroe County enrolled just 2 African American students in 2024-25 (0.9% of 223 total), down from 6 the year before, while Airport Senior High in Carleton-area schools had 36 Hispanic students (4.7% of 760). Demographics in Focus: Asher School in Southgate saw a big jump to 111 African American students in 2024-25 (24% of 463), and Baraga School enrolled 160 white students (49.4% of 324). School-by-School Snapshot: Other districts show tiny counts—Eugene M. Nikkari Elementary had 3 African American students (1.4% of 215), and Maple Valley Pathways High School enrolled 1 multiracial student (4.3% of 23). Public Safety: Michigan State Police say alcohol may have contributed to a fatal Aug. 14 ATV crash in Branch County that killed a 26-year-old woman; she wasn’t wearing a helmet. Scam Reports: Mount Morris logged one BBB Scam Tracker report in July 2026, tied for 126th among Michigan cities.

Northern Michigan Mass Shooting: Michigan State Police say six people are dead, including suspect Chad Hickman, after shootings across three locations in Missaukee County; a 13-year-old girl survived and called 911 after being shot four times, and investigators are still working to determine motive. Public Safety & Gun Violence: Records cited by MSP show Hickman had a prior conviction tied to child abuse and domestic abuse allegations, as authorities continue to piece together what led to the rampage. Local Law Enforcement: Sterling Heights police took a man into custody after a reported domestic disturbance drew a Special Response Team; no serious injuries were reported. Health Watch: Michigan health officials confirmed a rare swine flu case in an Ionia County resident linked to livestock at the Kent County Youth Fair, and are contacting fair visitors who may have been exposed. State Government: Michigan’s insurance regulator won five-year NAIC reaccreditation, and state leaders marked National Minority Donor Awareness Month to boost organ donation sign-ups. Community & Culture: Lapeer Days returns Aug. 21-23, and the Lapeer city council is set to consider transferring two marijuana dispensary licenses amid industry financial pressure.