AGP Executive Report

Democratic Senate shake-up: Progressive Dr. Abdul El-Sayed has been projected to win Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, narrowly defeating Rep. Haley Stevens and setting up a November matchup with GOP nominee Mike Rogers. The race stayed close through late counting, with El-Sayed framing the win as beating “outside spending” and calling for Democrats to unite after a divisive primary. Election turnout in focus: Michigan clerks say the primary drew unusually high participation, driven by the Senate and governor races plus heavy early and absentee voting. Local school finance: Detroit voters approved DPSCD’s operating millage switch, allowing the district to collect 18 mills for 20 years to fund general operations, with the levy aimed at businesses and other non-homestead property. Public safety and courts: A short-lived Wayne County public defender strike ended with a tentative deal, and police say a suspect tied to vehicle break-ins was shot after striking an officer during an attempted arrest in Ecorse. Community news: Detroit’s historic Merrill Fountain is set for restoration and relocation at Palmer Park. Other headlines: A Detroit Zoo giraffe was euthanized after being “accidentally knocked down” during herd interaction, and two siblings died in a Lake Michigan drowning.

Democratic Senate primary: Michigan’s U.S. Senate nomination is still too close to call as progressive Abdul El-Sayed holds a narrow lead over establishment-backed Haley Stevens, with vote counting stretching into Wednesday; both camps urged unity and warned the general election against Republican Mike Rogers is the real test. Governor race: Jocelyn Benson won the Democratic nomination for governor, while John James took the GOP nod—both quickly pivoted to November. Local ballot watch: In mid-Michigan, voters weighed key millages and proposals, including Lansing’s decision to keep the city-owned Lansing Shuffle property for now. Public health: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak continues to climb, with reports of deaths and thousands of cases statewide. Community & culture: Detroit’s Wasserman Projects is hosting Neal Spector’s home-state solo exhibition, and Theatre NOVA’s Michigan Playwrights Festival is set to begin Aug. 13. Environment: ReLeaf Michigan launched its Big Tree Hunt, asking residents to nominate the state’s biggest trees.

Michigan Supreme Court: The Michigan Supreme Court struck down a long-standing loophole in Smith v. Globe Life and Liss v. Lewiston-Richards, clearing the way for the Michigan Consumer Protection Act to apply to unfair pricing and deceptive practices—an AG-led win that state Rep. Kelly Breen called a victory for consumers. Election 2026 (Detroit/Lansing focus): Voters headed to the polls Tuesday in a nationally watched Democratic U.S. Senate primary between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens, with the outcome seen as a test of where Democrats go next; polls close at 8 p.m. and results are rolling in across the state. DOJ election monitoring: The Justice Department sent letters to Detroit, Lansing and East Lansing about placing monitors at some polling sites for the Aug. 4 primary. Public health: Michigan health officials say cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing, with the outbreak already tied to multiple deaths. Local human story: A Michigan woman attacked in Wilmington remains hospitalized after a break-in, while her family prepares for a memorial service for another Grand Haven-area tragedy.

Cyclospora Outbreak: Michigan confirmed the first two U.S. deaths tied to the parasite, as cases topped 11,000 and health officials said both victims had serious underlying conditions worsened by dehydration. Election Day in Detroit: Polls opened Tuesday for Michigan’s primary, with Detroit officials urging voters to weigh races and local millage proposals; the city also offered free rides to polling sites via SMART and Detroit transit. Democratic Senate Showdown: The state’s biggest political test is underway as progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens battle for the chance to face Republican Mike Rogers, with the Israel-and-party-direction fight driving national attention. Local Governance & Schools: Detroit Public Schools Community District held a virtual town hall after viral criticism over building cleanliness and contracting, fielding hundreds of questions from families. Energy & Growth: Take 5 Oil Change opened its first Chesterfield location, while Advantage Renewables announced it acquired three early-stage Michigan battery storage projects. Public Safety & Outdoors: DNR opened registration for Hunter Safety Education Week classes starting Aug. 10.

Cyclospora Outbreak: Michigan health officials confirmed the first two U.S. deaths tied to cyclosporiasis, with the state reporting 11,234 cases and 193 hospitalizations as the parasite outbreak continues to surge. Election Watch: As Tuesday’s Aug. 4 primary nears, Michigan election officials say 1.2 million voters already cast ballots, while Detroit, Lansing and East Lansing are preparing for Trump DOJ election monitors. Democratic Senate Primary: The race between Rep. Haley Stevens and progressive Abdul El-Sayed is framed as a referendum on the party’s direction, with El-Sayed closing in Detroit and Stevens campaigning with establishment Democrats. Tigers Trade: Detroit traded pitcher Casey Mize to the Padres just before the deadline, sending Mize and Gage Workman for prospects Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf. Local Community: Metro Detroit nonprofits teamed up to donate backpacks and school supplies to families in need ahead of the school year. Public Safety: Two kayakers missing near Washington Island in Lake Michigan were found dead.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Dodgers completed a blockbuster deal for Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, sending Zyhir Hope and pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith to Detroit as the Aug. 3 deadline hits 6 p.m. ET. PGA Tour (Detroit): Michael Thorbjornsen won the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club with a final-round 63, his first PGA Tour title, and a big jump up the money list. Michigan Primary (Aug. 4): With Tuesday’s election looming, polling and field efforts intensify in the Democratic Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, while voters also weigh governor and other contests. Roads/Commuting: A major I-94 traffic shift around Detroit Metro Airport is now in effect, with lane changes and ramp closures tied to the Restore I-94 project through mid-2027. Weather & Safety: A flood watch covered parts of southeast Michigan as heavy rain threatened, and Detroit reported a crash into a Corktown home that injured four people. Energy Costs: AAA says Michigan gas prices hit $4.36 a gallon, the highest since May. Local Business/Community: A car wash fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan Area 36 raised $1,100 in Negaunee.

GOP Governor Race: Perry Johnson and John James made final-push pitches in West Michigan, with James stressing “proven, tested leadership” against socialism while Johnson leaned into momentum and contrast with Trump-backed endorsements. Detroit Politics: At a Detroit church stop, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens rejected a supporter’s demand to “kick the Muslim butt” of rival Abdul El-Sayed, saying her campaign is about Michigan and diversity. Dem Senate Primary Stakes: The El-Sayed vs. Stevens fight keeps centering on Israel/AIPAC and party direction as early voting continues and the Aug. 4 primary nears. Public Input: MDHHS will hold a virtual public hearing on Michigan’s Community Service Block Grant State Plan (2–2:30 p.m. Aug. 17) for the 2026–2028 plan. Labor Accountability: A federal court ordered a Leo’s Coney Island owner to pay $515,857 in overtime back wages and damages to 143 workers. Weather: Flood watch issued for parts of southeast Michigan through Sunday evening. Sports (Detroit): Michael Thorbjornsen won his first PGA Tour title by two shots at the Rocket Classic, the event’s final year in Detroit. Safety: A boat ran aground near Celeron Island; one person died and another was hospitalized.

Michigan Politics: Michigan has agreed not to enforce its “conversion therapy” ban for minors, locking in a permanent federal court order after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling struck down a similar Colorado law—an issue now tied up in First Amendment fights. Democratic Primary Showdown: With Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary days away, Democrats are facing a high-stakes test over who can win in November, as Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens battle over ideology, spending, and electability. Cybersecurity & Water: Michigan joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems, with the FBI investigating and officials saying systems kept operating safely and no public health impacts were known. Detroit Sports: The Detroit Tigers traded two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospects Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith. Local Sports & Community: At the Rocket Classic in Detroit, Davis Riley grabbed a one-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round, while Detroit’s Police Athletic League bike-safety program handed out new bicycles to kids after weeks of training.

Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Michigan joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on nine water systems, with the FBI investigating and state officials saying all systems kept operating safely and no public health impacts were known. Politics (Dem Senate): The Michigan Democratic Senate primary stayed tense as spending and pro-Israel group attacks fueled arguments between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed in the final stretch before Aug. 4. Court Watch (Line 5): Michigan’s Supreme Court ordered regulators to redo a key permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel, saying the review fell short on environmental impacts and how the tunnel could extend the pipeline’s life. Local Safety & Justice: A Livonia man was charged after allegedly spraying fire extinguishers at Detroit police in three incidents, with a $50,000 cash bond set. Detroit Sports: Devin White signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions, while Davis Riley took a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. Community: After kids spent time with Detroit police officers, more than 20 received new bikes through a bikings-with-cops program.

Michigan Supreme Court: The court sided with Attorney General Dana Nessel in a fight over Eli Lilly’s insulin pricing probe, overturning prior rules about when regulated businesses can be investigated under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Line 5: In a separate major ruling, the Michigan Supreme Court tossed a key permit for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel, sending the project back for more review after finding regulators fell short under state environmental law and the public trust doctrine; the U.S. and Canada also asked a federal court to block Michigan’s push. Metro Detroit courts & labor: The U.S. Department of Labor secured a consent judgment requiring a Leo’s Coney Island owner to pay more than $500K in back overtime to 143 workers. Public safety & justice: A Boy Scout leader in Muskegon County was sentenced to at least 17 years for recording girls with hidden cameras. Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak may be easing, but officials warn the risk isn’t over. Politics: The Democratic Senate primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed keeps turning into a broader party fight, with outside money pouring into Michigan House races. Weather: Southeast Michigan is bracing for a wet weekend with rain and a few thunderstorms, mainly ramping up Saturday night into Sunday. Detroit & sports: The Detroit Lions open camp with Jahmyr Gibbs still out on a contract hold, and the Tigers host the Athletics in a key matchup.

Michigan Supreme Court: The court cleared the way for AG Dana Nessel to pursue drug-pricing and consumer-protection investigations, and also sent Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel approval back for a fuller environmental review. Elections & politics: With Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary days away, new polling keeps the spotlight on the Democratic Senate race, while Nessel says she’s skipping the party convention over antisemitism fears. Public safety: A driver charged after killing two road workers in Ingham County is now facing felony counts. Metro Detroit: Police are investigating multiple anti-Semitic flyer incidents across Oakland County communities. Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing, and Windsor-Essex officials are warning travelers to avoid raw produce. Detroit & sports: The Rocket Classic leaderboard is led by Cameron Young after a 61, while Lions training camp continues with injuries to two defenders and Jahmyr Gibbs sitting again. Local services: Planned Parenthood of Michigan is closing three more centers in Lansing, Livonia and Warren amid funding cuts.

Detroit West Side Safety: Cleanup is underway after a vehicle crashed into Liberty Temple Baptist Church on Greenfield Road overnight, with the driver taken to the hospital and officials saying a mental health crisis may have played a role. Public Health: Michigan is warning residents to stay out of the water at several Lake Michigan beaches due to high E. coli levels, including Mount Baldy, Central Beach, Dunbar Beach, Portage Lakefront and West Beach. Election Watch (Aug. 4): A new Emerson College poll shows progressive Abdul El-Sayed leading Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, with big gaps by age and race. Transportation: MDOT begins the next phase of Restore 94 with an eastbound I-94 traffic shift between I-275 and Michigan Ave starting Saturday, with ramp closures lasting through mid-2027. Assistance Update: Michigan will issue new chip- and tap-enabled Bridge Cards later this year to reduce benefit theft and fraud. Courts: The Michigan Supreme Court struck down a 50-year sentence for a youth convicted of second-degree murder as unconstitutional. Sports (Detroit): Peter Malnati shot a 9-under 61 to take an early lead at the final Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club.

Planned Parenthood Closures: Planned Parenthood of Michigan says it’s permanently shutting three more health centers in Lansing, Livonia and Warren, effective immediately, blaming a $4.2 million drop in patient-care reimbursement and federal family planning funding. Medicaid Pressure in Lansing: A coalition marked the 61st anniversary of Medicaid on the Capitol lawn, warning federal changes could disrupt coverage for about 200,000 Michiganders. Nursing Home Lawsuit: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is suing the owner of nine nursing homes, alleging the chain collected $111 million in Medicaid funds while residents were left unsafe and understaffed. Election Scrutiny in Detroit: Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey and election officials pushed back on DOJ concerns about provisional ballots, accessible voting machines and poll-worker readiness, saying the city’s process is tested and ready. Surveillance Fight: Michigan Democrats are urging MDOT to end contracts that allow Flock Safety-style license plate cameras on state property. Public Health Alert: Michigan reported 10,386 cyclosporiasis cases, with 193 hospitalizations, as the outbreak continues to spread. Detroit Arts Development: Detroit Blight Busters is turning a former Woolworth building on Grand River into the Sunflower Arts Center, a 30,000-square-foot mixed-use hub for classrooms, artists and a new diner. Sports—Local Spotlight: The Detroit People Mover marked its 1987 opening anniversary, and PGA’s Rocket Classic in Detroit saw Peter Malnati fire a 9-under 61 to take an early lead.

Democratic Primary Showdown: Michigan’s Aug. 4 U.S. Senate race is turning into a national proxy fight, with centrists and progressives battling for the party’s future as black and Jewish voters weigh candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. Local Politics & Housing: Detroit is moving up to 140 families from shelters into permanent housing with rental assistance for up to a year under Mayor Mary Sheffield’s “Homeless to Housed” plan. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has topped 10,000 cases, with health officials continuing to investigate links to iceberg lettuce. State Law & Consumer Costs: Whitmer signed a bill capping Michigan liquor delivery fees to help prevent spirits price hikes. Wildlife Rules: Michigan now allows limited backyard feeding of deer and elk, with strict limits and no hunting-baiting. Civil Rights: A Traverse City hair salon must change posts and pay costs after the Michigan Civil Rights Commission found anti-trans discriminatory advertising. Safety: A man was hospitalized after a shooting on Detroit’s west side; police say a suspect barricaded inside a home.

Tigers Trade Deadline Drama: Tarik Skubal got a standing-ovation sendoff vibe in Detroit, reaching 1,000 career strikeouts, but the Orioles erased a 7-0 deficit to win 10-9 in 12 innings—likely complicating any “final start” plans before Monday’s deadline. Big Ten Football: Michigan State’s Pat Fitzgerald hit Big Ten Media Days with a “rebirth” message, saying he’s energized for his first conference game and pushing back on the idea he ever left the sport. Homeless to Housed: Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield announced a $9.2 million, three-year initiative to move families from shelters into permanent housing, expanding rapid rehousing and rental assistance. Public Health Watch: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak shows signs of slowing, though officials warn testing limits may undercount milder cases. Election Prep: A Michigan primary guide highlights Aug. 4 voting rules, including that split-ticket voting invalidates ballots. Consumer Safety: Ford recalled nearly 80,000 SUVs over a seat issue that could trap passengers. Local Business & Tourism: The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association is asking for $3 million more in Pure Michigan promotion funds after Canadian wildfire smoke hurt summer travel.

Michigan Senate primary: Sen. Ed Markey endorsed Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, pitching him as a “bold progressive” and highlighting his refusal to take corporate PAC money, as the Aug. 4 contest with Rep. Haley Stevens heats up. Food safety: A source says Taylor Farms complained to the White House and FDA about inspections as Michigan reports a spike in cyclosporiasis tied to lettuce from the company’s Mexico operations. Elections in Michigan: More than 832,000 ballots have already been cast statewide for the Aug. 4 primary, with early in-person voting and mail returns both up sharply. Detroit voting access: Detroit early voting drew 979 ballots through Monday, and the city is also offering free rides to help voters get to the polls. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers activated Javier Báez and beat the Orioles 14-0, while Wednesday’s rubber match features Tarik Skubal vs. Trevor Rogers. Lansing/EGLE: EGLE expanded its Renewables Ready Communities Awards, offering up to $4,000 per megawatt (with possible increases) for local governments that permit large-scale clean energy projects.