AGP Executive Report

PWHL Detroit Expansion: The league’s new Detroit team moved fast, signing forward Daryl Watts to a four-year foundational deal and adding defenders Cayla Barnes and Hannah Bilka, while Britta Curl-Salemme also joins PWHL Detroit as the expansion player market keeps shifting. Local Sports: The Detroit Tigers kept rolling, beating the Seattle Mariners 7-3 with Kerry Carpenter and Spencer Torkelson homers, while J.P. Crawford left early after being hit by a pitch but is considered day-to-day. Detroit Public Safety: Detroit police say a 16-year-old suspect, Da’Marko Ballard, has been taken into custody in an officer-involved shooting case tied to a May 27 search-warrant incident. Border Infrastructure Politics: The Gordie Howe Bridge looks close to done, but officials still haven’t set a firm opening date, and Michigan Democrats are pushing the federal government to move forward. Consumer Protection: FOX 2 reports Great Lakes Dog Training customers in Southeast Michigan allege they paid thousands for services that weren’t delivered. Statehouse/UP Roads: State Sen. Ed McBroom is backing a bill to name a stretch of U.S. 8 the “Medio J. Bacco Memorial Highway.” Community Events: Motor City Pride returns to Hart Plaza this weekend with a Sunday parade and two days of music and performances.

Disaster Relief Push: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is asking FEMA for a presidential disaster declaration for April storm damage, seeking Individual Assistance for 37 counties and Public Assistance for 26—potentially bringing federal help to places still recovering from flooding and tornadoes. UAW Endorsements: The United Auto Workers backed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and Jocelyn Benson for governor, a major boost in the high-stakes Democratic primaries. Local Infrastructure & Safety: A sinkhole closed the westbound lane of John Beers Road in Lincoln Township, while MDOT is down to one lane on M-77 in Schoolcraft County for emergency culvert repairs. Public Health & Community: Michigan State Police announced a Troopers Bleed Blue blood drive June 23 in Alpena. Detroit River Fishing Watch: The DNR is reminding anglers about the Detroit River walleye limit after over-limit catches led to investigations. Sports & Industry: Detroit’s Motor City Pride returns this weekend, and GM is betting big on EV costs with a new Battery Cell Development Center in Warren.

NHL Drama in Detroit: Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, with analysts noting his no-trade clause and the challenge of getting equal value for a top-line center. Great Lakes Safety: A couple from Ohio was rescued after their kayaks overturned on cold Lake Huron; neither wore a life jacket. Road Safety: Michigan State Police investigated a serious crash on I-96 near Outer Drive after a man with a flat tire was hit by oncoming traffic, closing lanes for hours. Public Health & Seniors: AG Dana Nessel marked Elder Abuse Awareness Month, pointing residents to resources and a June 15 Lansing 5K. Local Crime Case: A Roseville man accused in the killing of his missing ex-girlfriend was found mentally competent for trial. Metro Detroit Transit: A statewide public-transit tour stopped in Flint to highlight shared challenges and local fixes. Fire Danger Alert: DNR urged Michiganders to avoid burning as conditions hit extreme levels in the U.P. and very high risk in northern Lower Michigan. Sports & Community: AAA launched an e-bike and scooter safety campaign, and Michigan Tech added two transfers to its soccer signing class.

Data Centers: State Sen. Jim Runestad is proposing a one-year moratorium on new data center projects in Michigan, saying lawmakers need more scrutiny over potential rate hikes and environmental impacts. Public Safety & Weather: Fire danger stays extreme in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and very high in the northern Lower Peninsula, with burn permits closed and officials urging extra caution with sparks and outdoor equipment. Beaches & Water Quality: EGLE says no Michigan beaches are currently closed or under advisories for bacteria, but officials remind swimmers to check online updates and DNR beach flags. Lansing Education: Michigan’s first fully outdoor preschool is set to open Monday in Lansing at the Fenner Nature Center. Justice for Survivors: State Rep. Julie Brixie reintroduced a “Justice for Survivors” package to extend criminal sexual conduct timelines and add a one-year revival window for expired civil claims. Detroit Area Crime: Michigan State Police arrested a 29-year-old woman in a Flint case tied to an alleged May 2 fatal shooting. Sports: The Detroit Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin has requested a trade, and Lions rookie WR Kendrick Law is out for the season after a torn ACL.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week: Michigan officials are urging residents to watch for scams targeting older adults, stressing never to share Medicare or Social Security info and to report suspicious activity. State Government: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer named two attorneys to her staff, adding legal counsel AJ Marineau and associate legal counsel Aditya Vedapudi. Courts: A new statewide survey of nearly 300 family-law practitioners says Michigan’s family court system is in crisis, citing delays, judge mismatches, and inconsistent rulings across the state. Education & Community: Lansing-area readers may also note a push to make free school meals permanent for about 1.4 million students, with debate over how private schools could participate. Detroit Sports: The Detroit Tigers completed a sweep of the Rays, winning 7-2, while the Pistons’ offseason buzz continues with Jalen Duren contract talk.

Public Safety: Oakland County investigators are searching for a masked gunman who shattered a rear door and robbed two employees at a Jimmy John’s in Independence Township, taking their purses after demanding access to the safe. State Capitol Security: An Oahu man was charged federally for allegedly threatening to kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack the Michigan State Capitol, with authorities saying he researched travel to Lansing. Health & Safety: Federal prosecutors charged two NIH-affiliated researchers with allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox vials through Detroit Metro Airport and lying to investigators. Local Government & Community: Detroit held a ribbon-cutting for the first new Coleman Young International Airport facility in 60 years, a new Avflight FBO complex. Michigan Politics: Lawmakers sparred over the Rx Kids cash-assistance program, with Republicans pressing for oversight and costs while supporters defend its impact on families. Sports & Business: The Detroit Lions hired former Dolphins GM Chris Grier as a personnel executive, and Sharrow Marine announced leadership hires to scale its Detroit manufacturing.

Public Safety: A Marquette-area shooting suspect was arrested after a chase ended when his car crashed into gas pumps at a Krist gas station, triggering an explosion; US-41 briefly shut down and the suspect is expected to be jailed after medical clearance. Detroit Crime: Detroit police are investigating a fatal shooting after a ShotSpotter alert on Gratiot Avenue; homicide detectives are still working the case and a suspect hasn’t been named. Corrections Pay: Michigan’s MDOC is raising pay for new correctional officer recruits at five Upper Peninsula facilities by about $10,000 a year as part of a Safe Prisons initiative. Elections & Law Enforcement: Attorney General Dana Nessel sent election-law guidance to law enforcement ahead of the August 4 primary and November 3 general election. Environment & Outdoors: EGLE won a major internship award; DNR promoted “Three Free” weekend (free fishing, ORV access, and state park entry June 13-14). Local Politics: Sterling Heights will consider opposing Lansing property-tax bills it says could cut about $5 million in annual revenue. Sports: The Tigers snapped a skid with a 10-9 win over the Rays after five homers, then followed with an 8-0 rout.

Utility & Rates: Consumers Energy filed for a $456 million annual revenue hike—its biggest request in 20+ years—seeking about a 9.8% hit to residential bills, with the company pointing to grid upgrades and storm-related tree trimming. Road Work: MDOT is widening M-28 shoulders in Chippewa County, starting June 8 through Aug. 21, with single-lane closures and an 11-foot width limit. Public Safety: DNR warns northern Michigan faces extreme wildfire risk in spots, with no yard-debris burning allowed in permitted counties. Health Watch: West Nile virus was detected in Kent County mosquito samples near Grand Rapids. Detroit Corruption Case: A former Detroit People Mover official and a businessman face federal bribery charges tied to alleged phony IT invoices totaling about $305,000. Local Business: Capital Grille is opening a new Livonia location June 14. Community & Culture: Detroit’s Coalition for Black and Jewish Unity brought students to Washington, D.C., for Holocaust and civil-rights focused programming. Sports: Michigan and UConn will meet again Nov. 6 in Boston as part of the Hall of Fame Series.

Stanley Cup Finals: The Vegas Golden Knights open the series Tuesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, with Detroit-area fans watching a Tortorella-led Vegas squad that’s surged since he took over. Public Safety: Hazel Park police say a 21-year-old released after an after-prom shooting appears to have fired in self-defense during a robbery; the victim died and a woman was hurt. Weather & Fire Risk: Clear skies are boosting wildfire danger across northern Michigan, though officials say there’s no drought statewide thanks to winter moisture. State Policy & Costs: Michigan gas prices fell 27 cents from last week to about $4.38 a gallon, while higher summer electric rates kick in during weekday peak hours. Environment: Michigan’s annual Lake Erie Domestic Action Plan report tracks progress toward cutting phosphorus runoff feeding harmful algal blooms. Community & Health: Medicare Fraud Prevention Week runs June 1-5, with state agencies urging residents to watch for scams. Sports: The Detroit Tigers snapped a skid with a 10-9 win over Tampa Bay, powered by five homers. Elections: Michigan’s “I Voted” sticker contest is open for public voting through June 30.

UAW Strike Disrupts GM Supply Chain: About 1,000 workers walked out at a Dauch Corp axle plant in Three Rivers, raising fears of parts shortages for GM’s Silverado and Sierra pickups. Detroit Grand Prix: Alex Palou won the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix, extending his IndyCar lead after a chaotic race with multiple cautions. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy’s Summer Peak Rates kick in today, with weekday afternoon premiums starting at 2 p.m. Local Public Safety: Hazel Park issued a six-month moratorium on new short-term rental licenses after an “after-prom” shooting; Saginaw Township approved Flock license-plate cameras at 15 intersections. Health Care Warning: A new report highlights Americans turning to cheaper ACA plans after premium tax credits expired, with big risks for coverage gaps. Northern Michigan Economy: A study will measure how Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary boosts recreation and tourism from Rogers City to Harrisville. Sports & Community: Brad Galli launched “The Brad Galli Show” on digital platforms; U-M expects up to 100,000 visitors for its peony garden bloom.

Detroit Grand Prix: Alex Palou won the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix from the pole, leading 71 of 100 laps and extending his IndyCar points lead after a chaotic, caution-filled race on Detroit streets. Public Safety: Michigan State Police arrested a suspect after an attempted child abduction in Brighton Township involving an 8-year-old girl. State Government: House Democrats revived physician-assisted suicide legislation under a “Death with Dignity” framework, setting up a tough fight in the Republican-controlled Legislature. Corrections: Michigan will raise starting pay for Upper Peninsula corrections officers as part of a Safe Prisons Initiative, boosting new-recruit hourly pay to $28.24. Environment: AG Dana Nessel secured a $108M settlement with Monsanto over PCB contamination, with EGLE and DNR overseeing remediation and restoration. Local Roads: MDOT plans about $780,000 in I-75 Business Spur concrete repairs in Sault Ste. Marie starting June 5, with single-lane closures. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers open a three-game series vs. the Rays in St. Petersburg Monday, with Jonathan Aranda driving Tampa’s hot offense.

IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix: Alex Palou won the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix after starting on pole and holding off Kyle Kirkwood and Graham Rahal, with organizers projecting about 150,000 visitors and $150M in spending. Racing Rules & Tech: IndyCar changed how full-course cautions are deployed, a shift Kirkwood’s strategist said can make races less about merit; separately, Chevrolet blamed Detroit engine failures on a valve/valve-guide coating issue and replaced engines in multiple cars. Hockey Honors: Two former Detroit Red Wings—Niklas Kronwall and Thomas Vanek—were inducted into the 2026 IIHF Hall of Fame. Tigers Move: Detroit activated Kerry Carpenter from the injured list and optioned Gage Workman to Triple-A. Public Safety: A man died in a Bloomfield Township crash where drugs were suspected; in Monroe Township, a tree-trimmer was killed when a falling tree struck him. Local Sports: Power failure at Ford Field postponed the Michigan girls high school flag football championship.

Transportation Costs: Michigan drivers are still paying well above $4 a gallon, even after the state slipped out of the top 10 most-expensive gas states—AAA puts the average at about $4.47, and Michigan’s 2026 fuel tax structure now relies more heavily on a per-gallon motor fuel rate (52.4 cents) instead of sales tax on fuel. Airport Safety: Metro Detroit is again dealing with a vehicle crash into Detroit Metro Airport’s Evans Terminal, the second such incident in months, as experts push for stronger concrete/steel barriers to protect against both accidents and attacks. Public Safety Campaigns: Former Detroit Lions lineman Lomas Brown is helping launch a PSA urging drivers to stop illegally passing stopped school buses with flashing red lights. Politics & Affordability: At the Mackinac Island policy conference, chamber polling shows voters are worried the economy is weakening and inflation could worsen—an issue candidates are leaning into as the governor race heats up. Detroit Sports: The Detroit Grand Prix weekend is underway with sunny, mild weather, while the Lions continue OTAs and Dan Campbell keeps expectations grounded with “pajama party” comments. Health & Community: A federal class-action lawsuit alleges nonstop noise from a Dowagiac data center is disrupting nearby residents’ lives.

Detroit Tigers: Miguel Vargas crushed a two-run homer in the 10th to lift the White Sox over the Tigers, 4-3, after Detroit led late and fell 0-5 in extra innings this year. FEMA Funding: FEMA approved more than $15.3 million in disaster recovery and hazard mitigation money across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, including nearly $2.3 million tied to Michigan COVID-19 recovery efforts. Voting Access: Michigan’s automatic voter registration opt-out process is changing—starting June 1, eligible voters will get a mailer with instructions to remove themselves. Public Health: Michigan ended its temporary early MMR vaccine recommendation for infants in outbreak-affected counties after community spread subsided. Wildfire Risk: The DNR is warning of high wildfire danger in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, pausing yard-debris burn permits and urging extreme caution outdoors. Detroit Grand Prix: The downtown race weekend is underway, with IMSA drivers testing a tight, concrete-lined course. Gordie Howe Bridge: Construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge and customs plazas is nearing completion, with an opening timeline that could set up a political fight. Local Culture: Detroit-area youth are getting their poetry on billboards, turning school writing into public art.

Detroit Metro Airport: A vehicle crashed into the Evans Terminal at DTW Friday morning, briefly disrupting operations; police detained the driver and said no serious injuries were reported, marking the second terminal ramming incident in recent months. Lions Football: Detroit is moving Penei Sewell from left tackle to the blind side this season, with Dan Campbell calling the switch “like riding a bike” as the team also monitors rehab progress for stars Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Sam LaPorta. Public Safety: An 83-year-old woman died after a fiery crash following an attempted traffic stop in Arenac County, and eight people were hospitalized after a van overturned in Isabella County. State Politics & Policy: U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin says bipartisan farm bill talks are gaining momentum in the Senate, while Michigan Democrats clash in a heated U.S. Senate primary debate on Mackinac Island. Energy & Jobs: DTE announced battery storage deals tied to Michigan projects, aiming to boost grid reliability and create jobs. Environment & Health: Michigan DNR urged “extreme caution” as fire danger rises, and pollen forecasts warn southeast Michigan allergy sufferers may face medium-high counts this weekend. Detroit Area Training: Detroiters can now earn skilled trades certifications through a new Operation Next program in Corktown.

Family Courts Under Fire: A new statewide survey of nearly 300 Michigan family-law practitioners says the system is in crisis, citing delays, heavy backlogs, and judges assigned without family-law experience—urging legislative fixes. Detroit Grand Prix Weekend: IndyCar and IMSA roar into downtown Detroit this weekend, with race-day coverage on Fox and FS1/FS2, plus a full schedule and trackside weather looking dry and comfortable. PWHL Detroit Leadership: The league’s Detroit expansion is leaning into Michigan ties as Josh Sciba, a Westland native, is named head coach. Politics Watch: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she won’t run for president in 2028—then backtracks hours later, saying “never say never.” Public Safety: Detroit police are investigating a teen shooting at an apartment complex; separately, a man was found dead in a suspected east-side house fire. Local Sports & Community: West Michigan’s pickleball scene keeps growing with 20 new courts opening in Rockford, and a youth association is building competitive pathways for kids.