AGP Executive Report

Health Policy: Michigan health officials are ending the state’s Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements, saying they can’t document federal approval for the long-used forms; parents will instead get the MCIR opt-out form at every vaccination site statewide. State Politics: GOP House Speaker Matt Hall is threatening a budget stall unless Senate Democrats move on his priorities, setting up another tense Lansing fight with a July 1 deadline looming. Health Insurance: Senate Democrats advanced bills to create a Michigan health and dental insurance exchange, sending them back to the full Senate after committee approval. Higher Ed: MSU trustees approved a 4.37% tuition hike for incoming freshmen and censured two trustees over refusal to sign a new code of conduct. Detroit Youth & Public Safety: Mayor Mary Sheffield kicked off “Occupy the Summer” at Adams Butzel Complex with music, food, and youth programs aimed at reducing violence and disruption. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers lost 3-2 to Cleveland as Jack Flaherty exited early with left leg discomfort; Tarik Skubal is set to start next.

University of Michigan: Federal prosecutors indicted eight people tied to U-M over an alleged intimidation campaign targeting university officials, local businesses, and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, with threats and vandalism described in court filings. Politics & Israel: Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing fresh scrutiny as a former campaign staffer was charged in the same federal threat case, while El-Sayed continues courting Jewish voters without backing away from his Israel rhetoric. Public safety: Michigan health officials ended the state’s Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements, saying they couldn’t document federal approval; vaccination sites must now use the MCIR opt-out form before shots. Crime & weapons: Macomb County and Warren investigators seized “ghost gun” components and arrested two people after warrants in Warren. Weather & tragedy: A Hillsdale County crash killed a 21-year-old after a downed tree during severe storm conditions. Housing & childcare: Battle Creek launched “First Home, First Teacher,” offering free housing to early childhood educators; Michigan also updated a child care mapping tool to show local gaps. Local business: On the Border will close its company-owned Michigan locations in Grandville and Kentwood. Detroit-area sports: PWHL Detroit added Macomb’s Taylor Girard to its roster.

Vaccine Rights Fight: Michigan health officials have stopped using Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements tied to the state’s vaccine tracking system, saying they couldn’t back up federal approval for the old forms; parents will now get the official MCIR opt-out form at every vaccination site statewide before shots are given. Cross-Border Bridge Update: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening between Detroit and Windsor was delayed again due to unresolved issues, after Trump’s earlier demands put the project in limbo. Detroit Crime Tech: Detroit police are weighing whether to expand gunshot detection coverage, with ShotSpotter contract discussions raising questions about whether expansion plans were fully disclosed. Severe Weather & Outages: Storms moved through Mid-Michigan with tornado warnings, damage reports, and tens of thousands without power; Consumers Energy crews worked through the night to restore service. UM Threat Case: Federal prosecutors unsealed charges tied to an alleged intimidation campaign against University of Michigan leaders and others, tied to Israel-related demands. Sports—Tigers & PWHL: Detroit’s Tigers crushed Minnesota 11-0 and open a series vs. Cleveland; PWHL Detroit’s expansion roster added new players as the league moves through its next phase. Detroit Shooting: Police are investigating a Thursday night shooting that sent a 16-year-old to the hospital and left two girls with minor injuries from debris.

Vaccine Rules in Michigan: The state health department is ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements, saying it can’t document federal approval for the forms used for decades. Providers must instead give parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine. UM Security Case: Federal prosecutors unsealed charges tied to an alleged campaign to threaten University of Michigan leaders and others over Israel ties, with eight people accused and arraignments scheduled. Lansing Energy Fight: House Democrats unveiled more “ratepayer bill of rights” proposals aimed at limiting utility spending and tightening oversight as frustrations with reliability and bills continue. Detroit River Restoration: EGLE and partners announced $10 million to push the next phase of Detroit River cleanup, including work on contaminated sediment and habitat restoration. Heat & Safety: Consumers Energy is urging customers to prepare for extreme heat and possible storms that can knock out power. Road Work: MDOT starts I-94 bridge repairs at US-127 in Jackson County this weekend with intermittent lane closures. Sports: Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is set to return to the rotation Saturday vs. the Guardians. Outdoor Fun: DNR’s Three Free Weekend runs June 13-14 with free fishing and waived recreation passport fees for access.

Detroit River/Bridge Watch: Sources say the Gordie Howe International Bridge ribbon-cutting could be delayed, though officials frame it as a minor hiccup rather than a crisis. Belle Isle Safety: State police are investigating after a body was recovered from the water near Belle Isle tied to an abandoned-car probe, with no public danger reported. Severe Weather & Power: Heat advisories and storm warnings rolled across Southeast Michigan, and Consumers Energy reported more than 100,000 customers without power as storms moved through. U-M Federal Case: The DOJ unsealed federal indictments charging eight pro-Palestinian activists tied to an alleged intimidation campaign against University of Michigan officials and Jewish community leaders. Health & Food: MDHHS released updated 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides, offering consumption recommendations for 696 Michigan waterbodies. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers fell to the Twins 6-4 as Byron Buxton hit a three-run homer; Detroit’s Framber Valdez took the loss. Consumer Watch: Michigan AG Dana Nessel reminded homeowners to vet contractors and avoid high-pressure home improvement offers. Workplace Policy: Michigan lawmakers introduced a bill to require employers to provide suitable seating when tasks can be done seated.

PWHL Detroit: Olympic star Hilary Knight is reportedly headed to PWHL Detroit in a sign-and-trade, with the deal tied to the league’s June 16 trade freeze and the Detroit draft at the Fox Theatre. Public Safety & Courts: A former Detroit officer, Derond Crawford, was sentenced to probation and jail after pleading no contest to stealing nude images and videos from a woman’s phone. Education Policy: A Michigan House committee advanced bills to boost K-5 literacy, including required specialized training for teachers, as lawmakers point to low reading proficiency statewide. Health & Workforce: MDHHS is taking applications for a Michigan Opioid Treatment Access Internship Stipend Program, offering up to $20,000 for eligible students doing unpaid internships. Weather & Travel: Severe storms and heavy rain are expected across Michigan, with a cooler weekend forecast after a hot, humid pattern. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe International Bridge may open later than expected, despite a Friday ribbon-cutting. Local Government: Pentwater Police earned state accreditation after a multi-year process.

Detroit Tigers: Dillon Dingler went 4-for-4 with two homers and four RBIs as the Tigers beat the Minnesota Twins 10-4 at Comerica Park, with Kerry Carpenter adding a go-ahead two-run shot and Detroit winning for the sixth time in seven games. PWHL Detroit: GM Manon Rheaume stayed tight-lipped on a reported Hilary Knight trade, saying Knight is under contract elsewhere, as Detroit’s expansion continues to build its roster. Canada–Michigan Bridge: Prime Minister Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe Bridge—previously threatened by Trump—will open “end of the week,” a major cross-river milestone for Detroit and Ontario. Legal/Politics: Michigan Court of Appeals overturned Joe Morrison’s conviction tied to a plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and AG Dana Nessel says she’ll push the case to the Michigan Supreme Court. Public Safety: A man died after being struck by a vehicle while walking on Detroit’s east side; police are searching for the driver. Local Governance: Northern Michigan counties are weighing a Rural Roads Alliance push to give rural road issues more of a voice in Lansing. Sports Media: News 10 Sports Director Tim Staudt is a finalist for the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, with voting closing June 12.

Armed Violence & Courts: A Detroit man, Michael Yharbrough, was convicted in the 2025 death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son, facing life terms for murder, torture and first-degree child abuse. Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service canceled a tornado warning for central Wayne County but issued a heat advisory for southeast Michigan counties, warning heat index values near 100 and urging residents to stay hydrated and avoid leaving kids or pets in cars. Detroit Crime: Two people were wounded in an early-morning I-94 shooting near Dickerson Street, and a separate downtown case saw a man charged after an alleged assault on his girlfriend at a Potbelly. Canada-Michigan Trade & Travel: Canadian PM Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe International Bridge ribbon-cutting will happen by week’s end, with traffic expected to begin June 15. Sports & Local Economy: The PGA Tour’s Rocket Classic will end after the 2026 tournament, with the final event set for July 30-Aug. 2 at Detroit Golf Club. Health & Work: Mid-Michigan doctors warn heat illness can hit fast, while Michigan leaders flag a growing skilled trades shortage as AI, data centers and power projects ramp up.

PWHL Detroit Power Moves: Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight is set to join PWHL Detroit in a sign-and-trade with Las Vegas, with the deal expected to finalize after the league’s June 16 trade freeze lifts. More Detroit Hockey: Jesse Compher, sister of Red Wings center J.T. Compher, signed a three-year deal with PWHL Detroit, reuniting with several familiar teammates. Farm Bill Fight: A letter warns Congress’s “Save Our Bacon” language could block animal-protection rules at Michigan farms, arguing it would undercut local growers who already met state standards. Courtroom Update: The Michigan Court of Appeals sided with the Department of State in a ballot-signature dispute involving Oakland County judicial candidate Ariel Drissman, while critiquing how the statute was written. Local Legal Help: Birmingham’s 40th annual Law Day Clinic and Family Fun Fair returns June 13 with free legal advice, kid activities, and giveaways. Weather & Safety: Mid-Michigan heat can trigger illness fast; doctors urge hydration and watching for early warning signs. Gas Prices: AAA says Michigan gas prices fell again, with the state average down 21 cents from last week to about $4.17/gal.

PWHL Detroit Expansion: Women’s hockey star Hilary Knight is set to anchor PWHL Detroit via a sign-and-trade with Las Vegas, with the deal tied to Detroit’s first-round pick and expected to finalize after the league’s June 16 trade freeze. PWHL Detroit Adds Depth: The team also signed forward Jesse Compher to a three-year deal, bringing another high-profile talent to the expansion roster. Health Alert—Lyme Disease: Michigan health officials say Lyme cases are rising, with 215 new cases reported in the last four weeks, as tick season peaks; officials urge quick tick removal and watch for symptoms. Weather: Southeast Michigan is bracing for early summer heat and storms, with humidity and heavy rain possible and heat-index values near or above 100. Local Justice: A Macomb County man faces trial after allegations he assaulted people at a friend’s home and stabbed the family dog. Sports—NASCAR at Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400, while Carson Hocevar’s aggressive driving helped spark a major multi-car crash. Water Safety: Michigan agencies updated an online form for reporting harmful algal blooms, asking residents near waterways to report suspected scum or discoloration.

NASCAR at Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, taking the checkered flag after starting from the rear and celebrating with a Kyle Busch tribute flag following Busch’s May 21 death. Detroit Sports: The Detroit Tigers snapped a rough stretch with a 5-4 walk-off win over the Seattle Mariners, powered by Kevin McGonigle’s two-out, two-run single in the ninth; Tarik Skubal also made a rehab start, throwing five scoreless innings for West Michigan. Public Safety/Justice: A third inmate has died in less than a month at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, and lawmakers are again calling for leadership changes at MDOC. Local Government: Data center resistance keeps spreading—Meridian Township approved a six-month moratorium, adding to a growing list of Michigan communities pausing new projects. Transportation: M-77 in Schoolcraft County is seeing an emergency culvert repair lane closure with alternating traffic and a temporary signal. Detroit Watch: A Detroit Police lieutenant’s overtime-fraud whistleblower lawsuit says she was punished after raising concerns about a “$3 Million Unit” spreadsheet.

Crash & Safety: A Bloomfield Township officer was taken to the hospital with minor injuries after a rollover crash near Telegraph and Lone Pine; the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Sports Rehab Watch: Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal threw five scoreless innings in his first minor-league rehab start with West Michigan against Dayton. Public Health & Aging: A new University of Michigan poll finds LGBTQ+ adults over 50 report higher rates of mental health strain, isolation, and lack of support than non-LGBTQ+ peers. Community & Faith: Anchorville’s Immaculate Conception parish is facing restructuring after listening sessions, with plans that could end weekend Masses there. Corrections Update: Michigan officials say a third inmate has died at a women’s prison in less than a month; the latest death is under investigation. Weather Alert: Excessive heat and Gulf-level humidity are expected to hit Michigan this week, with heat index values climbing into the low 100s. NASCAR Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the Cup pole but will start from the rear after qualifying damage; the FireKeepers Casino 400 is set for Sunday at MIS. Detroit Crime: Police report two separate overnight shootings left two men dead on Detroit’s east and west sides.

NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway: Denny Hamlin won his 50th Cup pole with a 195.117 mph lap, edging Carson Hocevar, but Hamlin expects to start from the rear after repairs from a practice flat tire. Detroit-area sports: The Seattle Mariners shut out the Detroit Tigers 4-0, highlighted by Bryce Miller’s one-hit, six-inning outing. Michigan Democrats’ convention rules: The party’s August Lansing convention is set up so April losers can’t run again, and only the governor-nominee’s pick can seek lieutenant governor. Outdoor plans for summer: Michigan’s DNR is promoting Three Free Weekend (June 13-14) for free fishing, ORV riding, and state park entry, and reminds swimmers to use buoyed swim areas and follow Great Lakes beach flags. Public safety: Police arrested a suspect tied to two attempted home invasions in Livonia last month, including a man seen wearing a protective-style suit. Local events: Motor City Pride drew crowds to Hart Plaza, and Kristin Hannah is set to draw a massive audience in Grand Rapids.

NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway: Richard Childress held a somber press conference Saturday after Kyle Busch’s death, saying he’d hoped to announce a contract extension but instead addressed the loss and how familiar it feels after Dale Earnhardt’s 2001 death. Local Public Safety: Rochester is weighing an ordinance that could restrict e-bike, scooter, bike and skateboard use in a downtown pedestrian safety zone, with riders required to walk through the area. Metro Detroit Water Updates: Madison Heights crews are repairing six water main breaks from Friday night; officials say there’s no boil-water advisory, though residents may see temporary outages or discolored water. Detroit Civic & Culture: The Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs’ historic clubhouse is on the National Trust’s “Most Endangered” list, seeking funds to reopen after major pipe damage. Sports—Detroit Teams: The Tigers are navigating pitcher rehab returns (including Tarik Skubal’s rehab start) while also dealing with injuries like Trey Sweeney’s season-ending shoulder surgery. PWHL Expansion: PWHL Detroit added Daryl Watts on a four-year deal as the league’s expansion signing process continues.

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.