AGP Executive Report

Water Cleanup Push: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state leaders announced $89 million from environmental settlement funds to restore the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers, including $50 million aimed at cutting PCBs in the Detroit River. Court Watch: The Michigan Supreme Court ordered the appeals court to revisit a challenge to CAFO permits, directing it to apply the state’s Line 5-linked approach to environmental review. State Politics: The Michigan Senate didn’t vote on a 90-day gas tax suspension Thursday, setting session dates instead, while Whitmer said her team is exploring other ways to lower prices. EV Investment: Toyota opened a new battery research and development center near Saline to test EV batteries and support North American manufacturing. Local Culture & Community: Habla Detroit is expanding in-person Spanish practice for metro Detroiters, creating a safer space to learn and reconnect with the language. Sports: The PWHL Detroit released its full 2026-27 schedule, with 13 games at Little Caesars Arena.

Public Safety & Justice: Michigan Supreme Court fallout continues as more than 20,000 sex offenders—including Larry Nassar—are removed from the state registry after a ruling that registration changes can’t be applied retroactively. Local Crime: A former Trinity Health Ann Arbor nurse, Chloe Freeman, faces a criminal complaint after she allegedly helped an ICE detainee escape a hospital. State Policy: The Michigan Senate voted to overhaul dam safety laws, boosting flood control standards and inspections, with one more procedural step needed before Gov. Whitmer. Environment & Infrastructure: Michigan announced $89 million to restore and clean up the Detroit and Kalamazoo rivers, targeting toxic sediment and habitat restoration. Health & Schools: Nearly half of Michigan high schools lack access to an athletic trainer, and new bills aim to ease hiring barriers for people with criminal records to help address healthcare worker shortages. Sports & Community: UM-Flint reports its fourth straight enrollment growth year, while Detroit People’s Food Co-op asks for community support amid financial strain. Hunting Update: Michigan’s archery deer season opens Oct. 1 with new digital eHarvest tagging via the DNR app.

U-M Policy Reversal: The University of Michigan has paused a plan to “cover” incoming freshmen’s first-semester grades with pass/no-credit marks after a national backlash, saying it wants more discussion and worries students could be portrayed as less prepared. Public Safety: Canton Township parents face charges after a toddler brought a loaded handgun to daycare; staff intervened quickly and no one was hurt. Food Costs in Focus: Rising gas and diesel prices are squeezing Michigan food budgets and increasing costs for the Greater Lansing Food Bank and partner pantries. Road Funding Fight: Michigan’s Senate may vote on a 90-day gas tax suspension, with lawmakers debating whether to replace the lost revenue. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging people to file claims tied to multistate settlements over allegedly inflated generic drug prices. Detroit Community Watch: A Detroit People’s Food Co-op says a fundraising push is needed as customers’ baskets shrink amid mounting operating pressures. Election Politics: Sen. Elissa Slotkin warns of election interference risks ahead of midterms, pointing to recent federal actions and last-minute changes to voting rules.

Detroit Courts & Safety: A Detroit judge ordered a longtime tenant out of a RealToken-linked duplex after finding it uninhabitable, citing testimony that repairs could cost about $200,000. AI & Industry: Verizon CEO Dan Schulman told a Detroit event that today’s AI models are “the worst we’ll ever use,” predicting AGI in 6 to 18 months and major disruption for businesses. Local Crime & Courts: A Detroit homicide detective in Harper Woods was arraigned on OWI charges after a wrong-way crash; she pleaded not guilty. Sports & Injuries: Oakland’s Zack Gelof sued the Tigers and related stadium entities, saying “sharp metal” fencing caused a serious knee cut at Comerica Park. Public Input: Bedrock, GM and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy held a community meeting on a $2.2B riverfront redevelopment plan. Infrastructure: Crews will close a northbound I-75 ramp to M-3 in Detroit from Oct. 2 to Oct. 5 for resurfacing tied to upcoming bridge work. State Politics: Michigan Senate candidates Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed clashed over who’s better on crime, with Trump also weighing in to boost GOP turnout. Environment & Water: A new report warns Michigan water systems may need up to $85B in upgrades over 20 years.

Auto Economy & Trade: Trump’s escalating Canada trade war is raising fresh alarms for Michigan’s auto and mobility jobs, with MichAuto estimating 1.2M Michigan jobs tied to the sector and warning of supply-chain disruption. Elections & Voting Access: Michigan Secretary of State candidates clashed on election security and misinformation at a League of Women Voters forum, while Detroit voters with disabilities are again raising concerns about unreliable voting machines. Local Politics: The Michigan Board of State Canvassers approved a recall petition effort against Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, clearing the way for petition circulation. Public Safety: A toddler was arrested after bringing a loaded handgun into a Canton daycare classroom; in Warren, a man faces murder charges after allegedly running over a flea market vendor during a dispute. Great Lakes Infrastructure: The Soo Locks’ Phase 3 construction hit the halfway mark, advancing a $3.2B project to build a second Poe-sized lock. Higher Ed: MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz delivered his State of the University address, touting research growth and fundraising progress. Detroit Transit: Detroit is pushing ahead with plans to add about 100 bus shelters and 120 benches through 2027.

University Governance: Michigan voters will elect board members for MSU, U-M, and Wayne State this November—an unusual statewide system that can shape tuition, budgets, and who runs each university. Election Watch: Absentee ballots are arriving as Michiganders weigh Proposal 2 (“Mop Up Michigan”), with a new analysis warning it could face legal challenges if it passes. U-M Backtracks: After backlash, U-M paused a plan to “cover” first-semester freshmen grades with pass/no credit on transcripts. Public Safety & Courts: More than 20,000 convicted sex offenders were removed from Michigan’s registry after a Supreme Court ruling. Detroit Crime & Scams: Detroit logged 37 scam reports in August, and a Detroit man was sentenced to 20–40 years in the murder of Haleigh Pace. Kids & Guns: Police say a toddler pulled a loaded handgun from a backpack at a Canton daycare; staff acted quickly and no one was hurt. Sports: Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug after its late loss to Iowa, while Pistons star Jalen Duren remains in a contract standoff.

Michigan Supreme Court races: Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are on the November ballot, with Justice Noah Hood and Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh seeking reelection—an outcome that could shift the court’s direction on issues like abortion access and climate policy. Monroe County court fight: Marshella Chidester, convicted in the 2024 Swan Boat Club crash that killed two children, is seeking a new trial and is in a Ginther hearing over claims of ineffective legal representation. Public safety in Metro Detroit: A toddler in Canton pulled a loaded pistol from a backpack at daycare; a parent who is a police officer was taken into custody as officials review and tighten firearm security protocols. Detroit sports legal action: Athletics third baseman Zack Gelof sued the Detroit Tigers and others after a July injury at Comerica Park, alleging exposed metal fencing caused a serious knee laceration. EV manufacturing update: GM is cutting Chevrolet Bolt production sharply—about 75% fewer than planned—citing shifting EV demand after federal support was withdrawn. Michigan ballot proposals: Voters will also weigh two statewide measures—one on constitutional convention/campaign finance rules and another on limiting certain political contributions.

Daycare Gun Scare: Canton police say a toddler was found with a loaded firearm at Children’s World Early Learning Center; the weapon was secured and a parent was taken into custody while investigators look into how the gun got there. Election Politics: U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing fresh backlash after a resurfaced podcast clip where he questioned whether football is “ethical,” and he’s also traded barbs with Bill Maher over comments about Muslims. Cost-of-Living Help: Michigan’s Home Heating Credit applications are due Sept. 30, with energy drafts needing redemption by Dec. 15; the Treasury is pointing residents to free help via 211, 898211, or MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org. Public Safety Tech: Michigan lawmakers are advancing bills to tighten rules on automatic license plate reader cameras, limiting searches, sharing, and commercial use while raising penalties for misuse. Detroit Violence Update: After a west-side mass shooting that killed three and injured four, police say a suspect is still missing and the address had drawn multiple prior calls. Sports (Detroit): Jahmyr Gibbs powered the Lions’ 31-24 win over the Jets with three touchdowns, and the Red Wings finalized a 23-man roster for the season opener.

Local Crime: Detroit police are investigating a weekend “after-hours” venue shooting that left 3 men dead and 4 others injured, following a fight near Eaton Avenue and Prest Street; investigators say they have leads and no arrests were confirmed. Public Safety & Courts: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel won an appeals court ruling upholding a 2024 second-degree murder conviction, and also issued statewide guidance on enforcing personal protection orders, including those from tribal courts. Consumer Protection: Nessel filed a lawsuit against a generator franchise owner alleging deposits were taken and refunds weren’t issued after closures. Business & Innovation: U-M’s Erb Institute received a $4.9M grant for legacy scholarships, and East Lansing’s Conquer FinTech Accelerator opened applications for its next cohort. EV & Transportation: Detroit’s RED E Charge launched RED E GO, aiming to simplify EV charging with one-time app registration. Economy Watch: AAA reports Michigan gas prices fell 24 cents to an average of $4.69 a gallon. Sports: The Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren contract standoff keeps him out of media day, while Detroit’s Lions’ Week 3 win over the Jets continues to draw headlines.

Detroit Public Safety: A shooting at an “after-hours” strip-club-like location on Detroit’s west side left 3 people dead and 4 others injured early Sunday; police say the address drew seven calls this year and Mayor Mary Sheffield vowed crackdowns on illegal after-hours spots. South Haven Fire Response: Cleanup and environmental monitoring continue after a major plastics facility fire at East Jordan Plastics; the EPA says air testing found no elevated particulate matter or volatile organic compounds, and DEQ will handle remaining water monitoring. MSU Food Waste Fight: Michigan State launched “Free Food Alert” to reduce food waste and help students facing food insecurity by texting nearby students when leftover catered food is available for a short pickup window. Berrien County Tech Upgrade: The county unveiled a redesigned website focused on accessibility and mobile use, with updated landing pages for departments. Lions-Jets Sports: Jahmyr Gibbs scored three touchdowns as the Detroit Lions beat the New York Jets 31-24, with a late defensive strip-sack sealing the win. Northern Michigan University: NMU highlighted efforts to boost student engagement survey response rates, including new outreach methods to improve participation.

Big Ten Football: Michigan’s comeback fell short in Ann Arbor as Iowa used 2 seconds on the clock for a 20-19 walk-off touchdown, with Michigan flagged eight times for 75 yards and red-zone chances turning into just 1 TD and a field goal. NFL (Detroit): The Detroit Lions host the New York Jets on Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX, with the matchup featuring former Lions coordinator Aaron Glenn and a key storyline around Detroit’s run defense after allowing 147 rushing yards per game. Weather (Metro Detroit): Mostly sunny and seasonable conditions continue through the weekend, with patchy dense fog possible in the morning. Public Health: Vaccine exemption waivers in Michigan hit a 10-year high, rising to 7.1% in 2025 and fueling concerns about outbreaks. Science/Environment: U-M chemists report a plant-inspired catalyst that can convert stubborn nitrate pollution into ammonia, pointing to a new way to tackle runoff and water contamination. Detroit Sports (MLB): Justin Verlander’s final start ended with a Tigers win over the Pirates, while Pirates reliever Kirby Yates marked his career with a memorable first start.

Big Ten Shock in Ann Arbor: No. 17 Iowa stunned No. 18 Michigan 20-19 on a last-play, 16-yard TD from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee, capping a 91-yard drive after a key unnecessary-roughness penalty kept it alive. Michigan outgained Iowa 429-285 but fell short after late execution errors, including a missed chance on fourth down and a costly personal foul late. Local Sports Roundup: In East Lansing, Nebraska opened Big Ten play with a 31-13 win over Michigan State, piling on turnovers, injuries, and a 17-3 first-half deficit. CFP Race Update: Boise State crushed Western Michigan 32-7 in Kalamazoo, with Maddux Madsen throwing three TDs as WMU’s hopes faded early. Detroit Community: A Detroit nonprofit is building a community garden on the east side with teens, aiming to teach life skills while growing free produce for neighbors. Public Safety: Michigan State Police seized 174 handguns and about 167 kilograms of suspected heroin during a traffic stop near Marshall; the investigation is ongoing.

Defense & Industry: Michigan drone maker Swarm Defense Technologies says it won a U.S. order for 4,000 “Kiwi” one-way attack drones, to be built in Auburn Hills under the Drone Dominance Program. Politics & Messaging: A Reuters door-knock look at Michigan’s Senate race finds some Trump voters won’t buy the GOP line that Democrats are “radicals,” even if they’re open to voting for Mike Rogers. Elections & Voting: Michigan’s absentee voting is underway, with reminders on how to vote and what to know before Election Day. Public Safety: Detroit is adding downtown patrols after the fatal stabbing of Chipotle worker Jaquoya Wix, while residents question access to mental health support. Local Economy & Culture: Jocelyn Benson backs bringing back Michigan film tax credits after a Detroit panel tied to Big Sean. Sports: The Lions host the Jets in Week 3 as Detroit looks to bounce back; the Tigers beat the Pirates 8-7, and Justin Verlander’s final stretch at Comerica continues with a $100K donation to Michigan Humane for Military. Community: 67 Detroit residents received deeds through the Land Bank Authority’s Buy Back program.

Detroit Lions-Jets: Aaron Glenn’s Jets visit Detroit as the Lions gear up for a key matchup, with local coverage also highlighting Justin Verlander’s emotional return to Comerica Park and his message to fans that he’s “always” a Detroit Tiger. Big Ten Football (East Lansing): Michigan State opens conference play hosting Nebraska, with MSU looking to prove it can compete after a tough early test and Nebraska arriving undefeated with an efficient, run-heavy offense. Absentee Voting in Michigan: Absentee ballots are now going out statewide, with reminders that Michigan’s permanent absentee ballot process lets voters request ballots without a new application each election. Renters’ Protections: Ann Arbor expands tenant rights and organizing protections, while a new state law requires landlords to offer at least one fee-free way to pay rent. Public Safety (Detroit): After the fatal stabbing of Chipotle worker Jaquoya Wix, Detroit Police ramp up downtown patrols, including foot and bike units, for a busy sports-and-concert weekend. South Haven Fire: A major industrial fire at East Jordan Plastics sends heavy smoke, triggers propane explosions, shuts off power, and cancels local events. AI Politics & Campaigns: Kamala Harris campaigns in Michigan while Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed leans into voter concerns about AI data centers. Tech & Privacy: Michigan lawmakers propose rules targeting AI robocalls and Flock/ALPR camera misuse.

VA & Veterans Care: Troy veteran-owned VETTED, founded by former Navy SEAL Evan Shelline, released free plain-language guides on how families can get VA-paid home care for aging veterans. Health Screenings: The Michigan Men’s Health Foundation is hosting free men’s screenings Saturday at Wayne State University in Detroit, with checkups plus lunch and a haircut. Legal/Climate: A federal judge dismissed Michigan’s antitrust case against major oil companies over alleged suppression of renewables; AG Dana Nessel says she’s reviewing options. Public Health: Nessel joined a coalition urging Congress to regulate AI and also called on the federal government to stop undermining vaccine guidance. Elections: Absentee voting is underway statewide, with Lansing mailing more than 23,000 ballots Friday. Local Economy: Rural townships say rising costs and staffing shortages are squeezing budgets, with a new survey showing worsening fiscal strain. Detroit Safety & Justice: Investigators are looking into what went wrong in the mental health system after Devon Watson was charged in the stabbing death of Jaquoya Wix. Transportation: Hazmat crews responded to an I-96 truck and street sweeper crash, and I-96 westbound closures are set to frustrate drivers this weekend.

Child Safety & Courts: A former nurse at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Kieran Ansley, faces charges after a premature 4-month-old baby girl was allegedly beaten, with broken bones and bruises reported. Elections: Absentee voting has started in Michigan, and clerks say ballots are protected with multiple checks as misinformation about election integrity continues. Local Government & Services: Lansing seniors and caregivers packed the Lansing Mall Fall Senior Expo for free screenings and support resources. Public Health: Michigan health groups are pushing back on a Trump order that would reduce federally recommended childhood vaccines, warning it could raise outbreaks. Energy & Environment: DTE Electric filed a long-term plan to end coal by 2032 while expanding clean energy, aiming to keep power reliable and bills affordable. Workforce & Families: Michigan recognized 2026 Child Care Champions for expanding access to care, citing major economic costs when parents can’t work. Detroit & Crime: Detroit police increased downtown patrols after the fatal stabbing of Chipotle worker Jaquoya Wix, and a mental health authority is investigating potential systemic failures. Sports: The Detroit Lions host the New York Jets, while the Detroit Red Wings play the Buffalo Sabres in preseason at Little Caesars Arena.