AGP Executive Report

FEMA Funding Fight: New York AG Letitia James joined a coalition suing the Trump administration to block new FEMA conditions that would cut off billions for anti-terrorism, police/fire support, disaster prep, and infrastructure protection—arguing the rules are unlawful and unconstitutional. Local Data Center Politics: Saline Township reversed course on Oracle’s hyperscale data center tax break after legal warnings tied to Michigan’s Industrial Facilities Exemption Act and a prior consent judgment. Michigan Schools & Literacy: A breakdown of Michigan governor candidates’ education plans spotlights shared goals on early literacy, career readiness, and teacher support, but notes major differences on how to fund and deliver reforms. Iran War Powers: In Washington, four Michigan House Republicans joined Democrats to pass a House resolution limiting Trump’s Iran war powers without explicit authorization; the Senate later rejected a similar measure. Detroit-Area Business & Cybersecurity: A Detroit Official Cybersecurity Summit is set for Aug. 18, focusing on AI-driven threats and practical defenses for Michigan organizations. Economy & Costs: Oil prices pushed past $100 a barrel, raising expectations for higher gas and grocery costs—right as consumers already feel squeezed. Early Learning Expansion: Michigan’s Strong Beginnings pre-K pilot expands to more intermediate school districts, adding access for eligible 3-year-olds statewide. Cyclospora Fallout: Ongoing cyclosporiasis coverage keeps spotlighting shifting guidance and food-safety communication as Michigan cases remain part of the national outbreak story.

Gordie Howe Bridge Politics: The long-awaited Detroit-Windsor bridge opening is heading toward separate U.S. and Canada ceremonies after Ottawa pulled back amid fresh tariff tensions, turning a big regional milestone into a quieter, more divided moment. Michigan Budget Watch: A new report says Whitmer’s signed education-and-state budget still leaves a projected general-fund deficit, raising questions about how the next governor will handle a potential $500M+ shortfall. Wildfire Smoke Costs: Analysis puts Michigan’s wildfire smoke losses at at least $4 billion, with the economic hit tied to lost productivity and business disruption. Public Safety & Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing, with health officials tracking a growing outbreak tied to contaminated food and water. Local Governance: Voters around Cadillac will weigh August millages for services like transportation and aid for older adults, plus township fire funding. Consumer Protection: AG Dana Nessel is warning recent grads about common job and rental scams. Utilities Transparency: The MPSC rolled out a new online tool letting residents check electric reliability data by ZIP code. Detroit Metro Business: DTW is moving to buy Spirit’s vacated hangar for $18M.

Gordie Howe Bridge Deal: Canada released the full text of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge revenue-sharing agreement after criticism over unclear terms, with the latest pact saying Canada will share 50% of net revenues for the first 15 years into a U.S.-controlled economic development fund—while the document notably omits any mention of debt repayment that Prime Minister Mark Carney previously referenced. Cross-Border Politics: Canada also canceled a planned joint U.S.-Canada celebration event for the bridge opening, calling it inappropriate amid fresh U.S. tariff threats. Michigan Housing & Costs: A new SoFi analysis finds U.S. monthly homeownership costs rose to a median $2,035 in 2024, with affordability still squeezed by elevated home prices and mortgage rates. Local Business & Jobs: Star of the West will build Michigan’s only dry corn mill in Quincy, replacing its decommissioned flour mill, with plans to be operational by July 2028 and create 17 jobs. Michigan Courts & Health Policy: A federal judge blocked Michigan’s abortion mandate for pro-life ministries, issuing a preliminary injunction protecting faith-based groups’ hiring and insurance coverage rules while the case proceeds. Detroit-Area Economy: A study from the University of Michigan-backed research suggests banker turnover can lower municipal borrowing costs when issuers follow the underwriter to a new firm. Tech & Industry: Michigan’s defense-tech startup scene is expanding again, with new companies in drones, space, aerospace, and AI as the Pentagon pushes modernization. Public Safety & Privacy: Western Australia’s live facial recognition trial scanned 131,000 faces and generated arrests before its privacy watchdog was fully involved, raising questions about how such systems are governed.

Michigan Primary Prep: Michigan voters head to the Aug. 4 primary (7 a.m.-8 p.m.), with mandatory early voting July 25-Aug. 2 and registration/absentee options through local clerks; details are at michigan.gov/vote. Detroit & Local Government: Jackson’s downtown encampment could stick around until September after City Council removed an emergency designation while weighing a new ordinance on tents and stored property. Public Safety & Health: Detroit detention center oversight is pressing for hour-by-hour indoor temperature records and a cooling plan amid heat and wildfire-smoke concerns. Food Safety: Michigan remains the epicenter of the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with the recall expanding to 27 states and Michigan cases climbing. State Housing Policy: Michigan signed laws to expand affordable housing, including incentives tied to the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit and limits on big investors buying more single-family homes. Trade & Borders: Canada canceled Gordie Howe Bridge opening celebrations after Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. Business & Jobs: UFP Industries plans a $4.5M expansion in a vacant Peachview building, creating 136 jobs in Michigan. Sports Media: The NHL will produce local game telecasts for several teams as regional sports networks keep shifting.

Michigan Politics & Elections: With just weeks left before Michigan’s U.S. Senate primary, Elizabeth Warren endorsed Abdul El-Sayed and plans a weekend campaign swing, while AOC and Bernie Sanders rallied in Detroit for him as the race sharpens into a fight over corporate influence and outside money. Local Government & Public Safety: Detroit’s Construction and Demolition department updated council on contaminated dirt cleanup, replacing tainted backfill at more than 100 properties and tightening approval of fill sources. Auto Industry & National Security: U.S. automakers are racing to purge Chinese connected-car hardware as federal rules phase in bans, with suppliers scaling up to meet new timelines. Courts & Accountability: Michigan’s Court of Appeals vacated two more convictions tied to the 2020 Whitmer kidnapping plot, ruling kidnapping can’t serve as the violent-felony basis for material-support charges. Health & Food Safety: Michigan remains at the center of the cyclospora outbreak, with guidance narrowing to specific lettuce concerns even as local growers report demand holding up. Business & Consumer Watch: Fowlerville police warned drivers to inspect gas pumps after a tampering scheme that could charge one customer’s fuel to the next. Sports & Culture: The NHL will centrally produce local games for several teams, including Detroit-area interest via the broader regional sports shakeup.

Michigan Politics & Courts: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll appeal after the state Court of Appeals reversed more convictions tied to the 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, arguing the rulings “downplay domestic terrorism.” Public Health: U.S. lawmakers from Michigan pressed CDC and FDA for answers on the cyclosporiasis outbreak after Michigan topped 5,000 cases, while FDA clarified a “false positive” in a Taylor Farms lettuce test without changing the ongoing investigation. Energy & Ethics: Michigan lawmakers approved lobbying restrictions creating a two-year “cooling off” period after leaving office, as Whitmer reviews the bills. Local Economy: Domino’s (Ann Arbor) beat Wall Street expectations as its supply-chain business offset softer restaurant demand. Detroit Housing/Finance: Oakland County treasurer and neighbors are threatening action over unpaid taxes and assessments on former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s Novi home. Community Development: Black Leaders Detroit launched a building fund with no-interest loans up to $150,000 to help Black developers rehab vacant properties. Environment & Health Research: New research tracks how PFAS “forever chemicals” move through the Great Lakes food web and into people. Transportation Costs: AAA says Michigan gas prices climbed back above $4 a gallon.

Michigan Politics: With Michigan’s Aug. 4 Democratic Senate primary days away, the race is sharpening into a test of the party’s left flank, as voters weigh progressive change versus moderates backed by big money; Abdul El-Sayed’s momentum keeps growing with new national endorsements, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, while the field keeps shrinking after key candidates drop out. Food Safety & Local Economy: The FDA’s cyclospora probe tied to Taylor Farms lettuce is back in the spotlight after a “false positive” reversal, leaving sick people and retailers still navigating recalls and fallout—plus reports of traffic hits for Taco Bell and lawsuits from customers. Early Childhood Budget: Michigan’s final FY2027 budget adds funding for Early On early intervention services for kids under 5, though advocates say gaps remain. Community & Business: A storm damaged vendor tents at Blake’s Lavender Festival in Armada, and Michigan’s wildfire-smoke season continues to disrupt events and daily life. Housing & Fairness: A major apartment manager, Greystar, faces allegations of refusing Section 8 vouchers in multiple states including Michigan.

ICE Body Cameras: Trump’s “border czar” Tom Homan says ICE will require at least one body camera during vehicle stops after fatal shootings in Maine and Texas renewed scrutiny. Michigan Politics: Abdul El-Sayed pushed back on CNN’s Jake Tapper over Iran/Israel questions as Michigan’s Senate primary turns into a fight over the party’s direction. Data Centers & Rates: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rolled out a Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, urging data centers to sign a pledge to protect ratepayers and natural resources. Gordie Howe Bridge: U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the U.S. will get 50% of net revenues through 2041 and a say in toll-setting as the Windsor-Detroit span nears opening. Cannabis Courts: A judge lifted an injunction in Menominee that would have capped marijuana licenses at eight, clearing the way for a possible ninth license. Public Health: Michigan remains hit by the Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taco Bell, with cases climbing and FDA warnings expanding.

Wildfire smoke & tariffs: President Trump blamed Canada for the wildfire haze choking the U.S. and said the pollution “cost” should be added to Canada’s tariffs, promising to call Prime Minister Mark Carney; Ontario Premier Doug Ford fired back that politicians should send help, not complaints. Air-quality safety in Metro Detroit: As Canadian smoke pushed Detroit-area alerts, experts said running AC is generally okay if it recirculates indoor air and avoids fresh-air intake; Detroit officials also issued mask and guidance updates. Cyclospora lettuce recall: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak to 27 states, including Michigan, while FDA/CDC investigations continued and Walmart removed additional products as the case count climbed. Michigan election logistics: Michigan’s online registration deadline for the Aug. 4 primary is July 20, with in-person registration required starting July 21. Michigan politics (Senate primary): Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens kept battling for the Aug. 4 Democratic nomination, with national progressives and critics weighing in. Tigers on the field: Tarik Skubal struck out nine in a 7-0 win over the Angels, keeping Detroit’s playoff push humming.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is still choking parts of the U.S. and Great Lakes, with Detroit-area conditions improving at times but remaining unhealthy for sensitive groups; forecasts hint at relief as storms move in, while officials keep issuing alerts and distributing masks. U.S.-Canada Tensions: President Trump renewed attacks on Canada over wildfire smoke, threatening tariffs tied to air pollution costs; Michigan lawmakers also weighed in, urging Canada to do more. Food Safety—Cyclospora: A multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell has Michigan health officials reporting thousands of cases, while Mexico and U.S. agencies investigate supply-chain links and Taylor Farms expands recalls. Local Government: Detroit denied a Canadian-owned oil recycling company’s request to rebuild/expand after years of air and odor complaints. Airport Policy: DTW canceled a proposed lounge with an enclosed cigar-smoking area, citing financial uncertainty after Spirit’s closure. Politics & Voting Claims: The White House released election-integrity files tied to renewed claims about foreign interference and Michigan voter-registration issues. Kalamazoo Cannabis: The city commission will consider revisions to its marijuana social equity policy, shifting some tax money toward broader wealth-building and capital access.

Food Safety: The CDC says shredded iceberg lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia is linked to a major cyclospora outbreak, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases; Taylor Farms says it’s voluntarily removing the implicated lettuce. Michigan Politics: Former Attorney General Mike Cox drops out of the GOP governor race after Trump’s endorsement of John James, leaving a James vs. Perry Johnson primary. Wildfire Smoke & Trade: Trump blames Canada for wildfire smoke choking the U.S., threatening to add the “cost” to Canada’s tariffs and calling for action from Prime Minister Mark Carney. Elections in Court: Federal courts reject Trump Justice Department demands for state voter-roll data, with judges warning it would amount to sweeping federal surveillance. Economy & Prices: Diesel tops $5 as renewed Middle East tensions raise fears of broader cost pressure across the supply chain. Air Quality: Detroit and other Great Lakes cities remain among the worst-hit as smoke persists and health officials urge masks and staying indoors.

Wildfire Smoke & Health in Michigan: Detroit again topped global air-pollution lists as Canadian wildfire smoke lingered, with officials urging masks, limiting outdoor activity, canceling events, and distributing 112,000 face masks while EMS responded to breathing complaints. U.S.-Canada Tensions: Michigan lawmakers and other U.S. Republicans pressed Canada for faster wildfire action, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford told critics to stop “chirping” and send help. Food Safety Crisis (Cyclospora): Federal health officials tied a multistate cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with Michigan reporting the highest case counts; FDA/CDC traced the ingredient to a Mexico supplier (reported as Taylor Farms) and Taco Bell removed the lettuce. Michigan Politics: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced her chief of staff, JoAnne Huls, is leaving at month’s end. Election Integrity Fight: State election chiefs condemned Trump’s debunked 2020 claims, warning they chill voter confidence.

Election Security & Federal Control: President Trump’s primetime address and new declassified releases reignited debate over election integrity, with Michigan named in claims about alleged foreign interference and voter-data vulnerabilities, while local officials and fact-checkers say the new material doesn’t prove votes were changed. Local Politics: Trump also pointed to a Muskegon voter-registration case as a reason to tighten federal oversight, despite federal authorities dropping it—an example Michigan election officials say shows safeguards working. Public Health: The FDA says Taco Bell will stop using a lettuce supplier tied to a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak; Michigan is among the hardest hit, and residents are urged to avoid certain lettuce products. Environment & Daily Life: Canadian wildfire smoke continues to push hazardous air into Michigan, with Detroit reported among the worst globally and events disrupted; officials urge masks and staying indoors. Auto & Industry: A new analysis says automakers are absorbing tens of billions in tariff costs, underscoring pressure on Detroit’s Big Three and global rivals. Sports: Steve Yzerman steps down as Detroit Red Wings GM, staying as an advisor as the team searches for a new roster manager.

Wildfire Smoke Crisis: Canadian wildfires are sending hazardous smoke across the U.S., with Detroit hitting the worst air quality in the world as air alerts spread through Michigan and beyond; Detroit is handing out free masks and opening respite sites while urging residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activity. Michigan-Canada Pressure: Michigan lawmakers are escalating demands for action from Prime Minister Mark Carney, arguing Canada’s wildfire management isn’t preventing repeat smoke episodes and calling for measurable steps to reduce cross-border fire risk. Line 5 Tunnel Update: EGLE reissued key permits for Enbridge’s Great Lakes Tunnel Project, clearing a major hurdle but triggering sharp tribal opposition and vows to challenge the decision in court. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis “explosive diarrhea” cases keep climbing nationwide, with Michigan reporting thousands of confirmed cases and hospitalizations as health officials urge testing and care guidance. Detroit Community & Jobs: Oakland University named David A. Dulio its chief community engagement officer, effective Aug. 1, expanding the school’s civic outreach. Local Culture: Armenia Fest returns to Royal Oak’s Farmers Market Aug. 22 with food, music, dance and family activities.

Gordie Howe Bridge: The Detroit-Windsor crossing opens to vehicles July 27, but pedestrians and cyclists won’t get access until Aug. 5. Court Access: Michigan is redesigning civil court forms—starting with small claims—to make them clearer and easier for people to use without lawyers. Housing Costs: Sen. Gary Peters helped pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aiming to boost supply and cut red tape. Energy & Data Centers: Gov. Whitmer unveiled a Michigan plan to hold data centers to “responsible growth,” as electricity demand and costs tied to data centers keep drawing scrutiny. Great Lakes & Weather: A heat wave is pushing residents to the water; Lake Michigan temperatures are near record highs for mid-July. Public Safety: The FBI is offering a $15,000 reward after a newborn baby was found dead at Michigan’s Electric Forest festival. Foodborne Illness: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Michigan among the hardest hit—health officials urge caution with fresh produce. Sports: Steve Yzerman is stepping down as Red Wings GM, setting up a leadership transition. Local Schools: Detroit voters face another DPSCD operating millage question on Aug. 4, with major funding stakes if it fails.