AGP Executive Report

Michigan Education Funding: Lawmakers approved a $22.9 billion education budget after an all-nighter, boosting per-pupil funding 2.5% to a $10,300 minimum and adding targeted literacy money for teacher training, coaches and tutoring, plus more for at-risk students, English learners, special education, CTE, after-school and early childhood. U.S. Senate Politics: State Sen. Mallory McMorrow suspended her Michigan Democratic Senate bid, leaving a two-way Aug. 4 primary between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed, a shift that tightens the fight between establishment and progressive-left Democrats. Power and Storm Recovery: DTE reported 124,434 Southeast Michigan customers without power Sunday, with restoration expected to reach most by day’s end and some into early this week. Trade and Auto Costs: Trump’s plan to reopen USMCA with Canada and Mexico could add uncertainty for Michigan’s auto supply chain and affect prices for consumers. Environmental Oversight: BASF’s Wyandotte plant is proposing steps to improve contaminated groundwater containment under an EGLE consent decree, as regulators question whether prior pumping has been enough.

Michigan Budget & Schools: Michigan lawmakers finalized a $75.2B state budget after marathon sessions, with changes affecting education funding and districts still bracing for uncertainty as state approval timing ripples into local planning. Energy & Storm Fallout: Severe storms and a heat wave battered parts of Michigan over the Fourth of July weekend, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and forcing utility crews to scramble on restoration. Sports Betting Regulation: A Michigan judge ordered Kalshi to halt offering sports-event contracts for 14 days, arguing the prediction-market operator skirted gaming rules—raising new stakes for how “investing” is marketed in Michigan’s regulated betting market. Detroit Auto Tech & Jobs: Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe pushed an AI-and-robotics vision for the auto industry, arguing humanoid robots could become assembly workers—another signal of how Michigan manufacturers may need to rethink labor and training. Detroit Tigers on National Stage: Three Tigers—Riley Greene, Dillon Dingler and Kevin McGonigle—earned MLB All-Star spots in Philadelphia, giving Detroit a rare spotlight as the team navigates a tough season. Local Business Calendar: The Michigan Honey Festival returns July 18-19 in Corunna, spotlighting beekeeping, pollinators and local vendors.

Michigan Budget: Lawmakers finalized an about-$85B Michigan budget for fiscal year 2026-27 after an all-night session, setting K-12 and higher education funding at $22.9B and state agency spending at $63B, with some totals still tied to potential federal money. Power Restoration: Storms left more than 350,000 Michigan customers without power on July 4; Consumers Energy said it was adding crews and mobile command centers to restore service across the southern Lower Peninsula. Auto & Tech Supply Chain: Ford reported Q2 U.S. sales down 10.3% year over year, while GM and Micron announced a strategic customer agreement to secure long-term memory and storage supply for vehicle production. Regulation & Gambling: Michigan’s Gaming Control Board withdrew from the National Council on Problem Gambling over concerns tied to Kalshi’s sports-betting activities and partnerships. Detroit Business/Local: A Detroit man was charged after police found him with multiple bank and credit cards that weren’t his, along with other stolen items. Detroit Auto Show Legacy: A look at how the Detroit Auto Show evolved from a local exhibition to a global destination as car shopping shifted online.

Michigan Dam Safety: The state Senate passed a bill to tighten oversight of federally licensed dams, requiring more inspections and emergency planning and giving EGLE authority to remove dams deemed at risk after the Edenville failure. State Budget: Michigan lawmakers approved an $84B budget after a marathon 23-hour session, using cuts and funding maneuvers to close a $1B gap while boosting per-student support and literacy efforts. Power Outages: Severe storms hit Metro Detroit and surrounding areas, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity as crews worked through the holiday; utilities warned of downed lines and urged safety. Labor & Automation: The UAW is furious about GM’s Detroit Factory Zero installing 50 AI-integrated “cobots,” saying the move effectively idled more than 1,000 workers. Consumer & Tech: A new report says Michigan residents spent more than $82M on OnlyFans in 2025, with Detroit leading total spend while Grand Rapids tops per-capita spending. Aviation: Allegiant is cutting 61 routes nationwide, including some tied to Michigan airports. Weather Forecasting Debate: A Kansas tornado miss is fueling scrutiny of National Weather Service forecasting capacity amid staffing cuts.

Public Safety: A deadly crash on Detroit’s west side at 6 Mile and Schaefer left one driver dead and another in critical condition, with police saying the suspect may have been speeding and ran a red light. Retail Security: Two people were killed and one injured in a shooting at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn that began as an argument between two groups; police say it wasn’t random and there are no additional threats. Education Funding: Michigan lawmakers finally approved a $75B+ state education budget after missing the July 1 deadline, including a 2.5% per-pupil increase and targeted literacy investments—relief for districts, but frustration over the delay. Housing Policy: The Upper Peninsula is being invited to weigh in on MSHDA’s next statewide housing plan update, building on goals to create/preserve tens of thousands of units. Business & Economy: Michigan’s tariffs-and-inflation squeeze is pushing some small retailers toward domestic, reuse-based models that avoid import costs. Tech & Tax: Microsoft’s compliance report offers a rare look at how multinationals shift profits into low-tax jurisdictions. Sports Business: The Pistons are linked to Pelicans wing Trey Murphy III as they search for a second scoring option, while the Red Wings face criticism from NHL analysts after a quieter free-agency start.

Auto & energy policy: A new report argues Michigan’s biggest corporate subsidies amount to only a tiny share of promised jobs, spotlighting the state’s ongoing debate over incentives and accountability. Housing & labor: Michigan lawmakers again missed the July 1 budget deadline, while the House advanced a bill ending youth work permits—both moves that could reshape hiring and costs for employers. Consumer finance: Federal student-loan changes take effect July 1, hitting about 1.38 million Michigan borrowers (including Parent PLUS rules that remove the old income-driven option). Regulation & scams: AG Dana Nessel warned holiday travelers about toll and ticket text scams targeting young adults. Local business & community: The Gordie Howe Bridge opening remains blocked as the U.S. presses for trade concessions, and Michigan’s Green Communities Challenge recognized 68 local governments for sustainability work. Tech & power: LG Energy Solution-Honda’s U.S. battery JV is shifting to mass-producing grid energy storage batteries, reflecting EV demand uncertainty.

Foreclosure Protections: The Michigan House passed bipartisan HB 5152 and 5153 to curb predatory “quitclaim deed” tactics that target homeowners after foreclosure notices are filed but before sheriff sales, adding a seven-day cooling-off period, clearer disclosures, and limits on transferring redemption rights and surplus proceeds. Public Health: Michigan reported 300 cyclosporiasis cases in the past week as investigators hunt for the source, urging extra food-safety precautions for Fourth of July produce. Disaster Aid: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said President Trump approved a major disaster declaration for storm, flooding and tornado damage across 43 counties, unlocking FEMA Individual and Public Assistance. Power Reliability: Alpena Power restored electricity after early Thursday thunderstorms knocked out service for thousands, with crews focusing on the hardest-hit corridors. Workforce & Small Business: A new federal jobs report and NFIB survey point to a slowing but still active labor market, while AI is raising the bar for entry-level office work. Student Loans: A sweeping federal student loan overhaul took effect Wednesday, ending the SAVE plan and tightening repayment and borrowing options starting July 1. Housing & Youth Employment: The House advanced a bill ending Michigan’s minor work-permit requirement, shifting verification to employers and moving to the Senate. Local Business: BroBos Bait and Tackle opened in Northern Michigan ahead of the holiday weekend, adding a year-round fishing supply option for the Cadillac/Lake City area. Energy & Industry: Telo Trucks says Michigan-based Schwab Industries will build its tiny Telo MT1 body in white as the startup ramps up electric compact-truck development.

NBA Free Agency: Detroit’s Tobias Harris is reportedly headed to the San Antonio Spurs on a two-year, $31 million deal, after two seasons in Detroit that helped power a 60-win turnaround. Local Housing/Development: Holland City Council voted to terminate a Brownfield Reimbursement Agreement tied to the Black River Flats project and approved Unified Development Ordinance amendments. Public Safety: Extra speed-focused patrols and enforcement for distracted, reckless and impaired driving are underway for the holiday period, funded through federal traffic safety dollars. NHL Market Watch: Free agency continued with goalie and depth moves, including Stuart Skinner agreeing to a two-year, $7.5 million deal with Winnipeg. Michigan Business & Housing Affordability: A Rocket Mortgage analysis finds first-time buyers in Warren, Michigan can save for a down payment in about 3.1 years, while Detroit is about 3.9—highlighting how local markets reshape affordability timelines. Manufacturing Expansion: Barron Industries is acquiring TriTech Titanium Parts’ investment casting assets to expand vacuum-melt alloy casting capacity, targeting operations in Q4 2026. Food Insecurity (West Michigan): A Lowell mom launched the Shame Free Collective, building “take what you need” neighborhood pantries to reduce stigma around getting help. Workforce Policy: Michigan House passed a bill to replace school-issued work permits with employer age verification for minors, aiming to cut red tape for families and small businesses.

NHL Free Agency & Detroit’s Larkin Standoff: With the market opening July 1, the Red Wings still haven’t resolved Dylan Larkin’s trade request after months of uncertainty, while Detroit also moved to address roster needs with early signings and cap planning. NBA Free Agency: Tobias Harris reportedly agreed to a two-year, $31 million deal with the Spurs, signaling a major shift for Detroit’s frontcourt plans. Detroit Housing Finance: Detroit’s affordable housing trust fund gets a funding boost effective July 1, but officials say it won’t instantly trigger a construction surge—more likely it supports planning and future funding rounds. Michigan Courts Modernize Access: Michigan launched the first major redesign of civil court forms since 1979, starting with small claims, aiming to make self-represented filings more understandable and tech-friendly. Energy & Utilities: Consumers Energy offered a concession in its proposed dam sale—putting profits into a maintenance fund—after a judge called the deal “highly problematic.” Business Operations Under Heat: Metro Detroit businesses adjusted hours and menus during extreme heat, balancing customer needs and worker safety. Local Dealmaking: Fleming Brothers Oil sold its Value Market convenience store operations to Blarney Castle Oil & Propane. Sports Media: Spectrum cable customers in southeast Michigan won’t get Pistons games on WMYD-TV next season, with games available via over-the-air or streaming.

Michigan Courts & Gambling: A Michigan judge temporarily blocked Kalshi from offering sports-event contracts in the state, and the Michigan AG secured an order halting Kalshi’s operations—another blow to prediction-market expansion. Detroit & Public Safety Tech: Detroit City Council narrowly voted to renew ShotSpotter’s gunshot detection contract despite opposition, keeping the controversial system in place for now. State Policy & Health Costs: States are preparing for a new Trump Medicaid “medically frail” rule that could tighten exemptions from work requirements, raising coverage-loss concerns for sick and disabled enrollees. Workforce & Economic Development: Southwest Michigan First named Jennifer Owens as its next CEO; and MEDC’s Match on Main awarded $25,000 grants to two Shiawassee County businesses (Fortune House and Tank’s Tavern). Business & Industry: Michigan’s BASF won EPA approval for a cleanup plan, while a new Michigan fiberglass factory (Fibrosan) announced a $16.8M expansion. Auto Sales: U.S. car sales are expected to stay steady despite higher gas prices and inflation pressures, with buyers leaning more toward hybrids.

AI in Lending: Michigan First Credit Union is rolling out Scienaptic AI to speed lending decisions and expand access, aiming to move beyond traditional credit scores. Higher Ed + Tech Infrastructure: Oakland University’s board voted to advance a data center project into due diligence, with Fairmount Properties set to build and operate it at no extra cost to the university. Regulated Cannabis: Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency reports recurring METRC tracking failures as the most common compliance problem in its latest disciplinary update. Student Debt: A federal student loan repayment overhaul begins July 1, with about 140,000 Michigan borrowers in SAVE facing potential payment increases depending on the new plan they choose. Local Economy + Real Estate: Agree Realty set its Q2 2026 earnings release for July 30 and a call for July 31. Public Health + Environment: Michigan issued ozone air-quality alerts for southeast and western regions as heat pushes conditions that can worsen respiratory issues. Weather + Infrastructure: Heavy rain washed out multiple northern Michigan road sections, with MDOT closing several state highways as crews assess damage. Business Growth: Pipestone Golf is investing $2M+ to build a second indoor facility in Stevensville/nearby Lincoln Township. NBA/Local Sports Business: The Pistons reportedly plan to re-sign Kevin Huerter, while Kawhi Leonard’s trade talks keep swirling around the league.

NBA Offseason Watch (Michigan): The Pistons’ Jalen Duren is set for meetings with the Kings and Lakers as free agency opens, with Detroit signaling it wants to re-sign him rather than trade him. NFL Business & Risk: Detroit released cornerback Terrion Arnold after his arrest; the move reshapes the Lions’ cornerback plans heading into 2026. Public Finance & Policy: Bernie Sanders unveiled a plan to give the public direct ownership of AI companies via a sovereign wealth fund funded by a one-time 50% tax on the largest AI firms’ stock. Water & Industry: EPA approved BASF’s cleanup plan for its Wyandotte site to prevent contaminated groundwater from reaching the Detroit River, with construction slated for early 2027. Materials & Manufacturing Costs: Ferrari and BMW are moving toward cheaper aluminum wiring instead of copper, a shift that could affect global copper demand as prices and green-energy/data-center demand pressure supply. Local Economy & Infrastructure: A new compact AM antenna product from Zeeland-based Information Station Specialists is nearing market entry, aiming to help smaller broadcasters replace costly transmitter sites.

Fed Independence Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Lisa Cook can stay on the Federal Reserve for now, blocking President Trump’s attempt to remove her while litigation continues, even as it expanded presidential power by upholding other Trump firings of independent agency heads. Sports Betting Crackdown: Federal prosecutors indicted former NBA player Malik Beasley (and Ed Davis) in a scheme tied to fixing performances for illegal wagers, with allegations that bettors profited while players’ debts were reduced. Michigan Housing Policy: The Michigan House advanced a plan to bar large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, aiming to curb investor-driven bidding wars and protect would-be homeowners. Local Business Watch: Detroit’s Corktown coffee shop James Oliver warned customers it’s in a lease dispute that could force a closing, while planning for a possible new bakehouse location. Data Center Expansion: Hyperscale Data completed a land purchase in Michigan to expand its campus, including a reported 20MW customer deployment expected to be operational in late 2026. Public Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn’s body found in a portable restroom at the Electric Forest festival in Rothbury.

Manufacturing & Trade: A Reuters report on Whirlpool’s “Big Blue” refrigerator plant in Iowa says tariffs haven’t stopped job cuts—down from five assembly lines to one, with 288 more layoffs set for July—undercutting the promise that trade wars would “roar” jobs back. Labor & Auto Supply Chain: UAW president hopeful Will Lehman says Nexteer workers’ TA4 ratification was “fraudulent,” citing intimidation and a fired opponent, and urges rank-and-file committees to push back. Public Finance: Holland, Mich. earned top municipal finance honors from the Government Finance Officers Association, adding to its Michigan Green Communities gold status. Higher Ed & Workforce: A Milken Institute report finds most states’ free community college programs exclude adult learners; it flags Michigan as one of the few that offers tuition support for ages 25+ and argues for a “Second Chance” model. Tech & Data Centers: Michigan lawmakers are weighing data center guardrails as backlash grows over AI power and data-center impacts. Community & Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn’s body found in a portable toilet at Electric Forest in Rothbury.

NBA Trade Shock in Charlotte: The Hornets agreed to send Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and an unprotected 2033 first—part of a rapid roster reset after moving LaMelo Ball. Detroit Sports Business: The Red Wings confirmed Dylan Larkin requested a trade but Steve Yzerman offered no guarantees, while the Wings also wrapped the 2026 NHL Draft with a late trade and added multiple forwards. Michigan Jobs Math Under Scrutiny: A Mackinac Center report says Whitmer’s $1.8B in job subsidies produced just 602 jobs—about $3M per job—fueling renewed debate over economic development deals. Data Center Fight Escalates: Michigan lawmakers are weighing moratoriums and new rules for hyperscale data centers as residents and business groups clash over power, water, farmland, and noise impacts. USMCA Uncertainty: Analysts warn the July 1 review could push the trade pact into annual renewals, adding planning risk for Michigan employers tied to cross-border supply chains. Public Safety Update: Michigan State Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn body found in a portable restroom at Electric Forest in Rothbury.

EV Charging Rollback Reversed: Michigan is restarting its statewide EV charger buildout after a federal funding hold was lifted, with plans for 60 more stations on major routes over three years—though the state still lags far behind its 100,000-charger-by-2030 goal. Data Center Backlash: Rural communities are fighting proposed data centers in public hearings and court, including a Michigan township that reportedly voted “no” twice before a lawsuit pushed the project forward. Healthcare Relief: Gov. Whitmer announced Michigan has erased more than $74 million in medical debt for nearly 72,000 residents, adding to a total of over $200 million wiped since the program began. Workforce Focus: A new push highlights that Michigan’s biggest economic constraint is building and retaining a sustainable, higher-skill workforce—especially for advanced manufacturing and tech. Sports With Detroit Business Ties: Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman confirmed Dylan Larkin’s trade request but offered no guarantees, while two Detroit nightlife venues—Spot Lite and UFO Bar—are set to permanently close. Agriculture Watch: A cooler spring is cutting Michigan’s 2026 strawberry yield, tightening supply for local markets.