AGP Executive Report

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Detroit’s Tarik Skubal is the headline name as the Aug. 3 deadline nears, with the Dodgers framed as a front-runner and the Brewers also in the mix; the Tigers’ future looks fluid as Casey Mize’s status and other pitching rumors swirl. Prospect Spotlight: Max Clark made a splash in his MLB debut for Detroit, going 3-for-? with two doubles and an RBI in a 13-1 rout of the Athletics—an encouraging sign for the organization even as trade talk intensifies. Michigan Courts & Consumer Protection: The Michigan Supreme Court sided with Attorney General Dana Nessel in a case involving Eli Lilly and insulin pricing, narrowing an exception that had limited the AG’s ability to pursue misconduct claims under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Energy & Environment: Michigan regulators approved air-quality permits for Marathon Petroleum’s Southwest Detroit refinery expansion, adding monitoring conditions after a recent flaring event raised health and emissions concerns. Workplace Rights: The U.S. Department of Labor secured a consent judgment against four Leo’s Coney Island franchise owners for more than $500,000 in owed overtime wages to 143 employees. Workforce & Maritime Growth: Northern Michigan’s maritime training push moved forward as a grant selected NLEA and the Industrial Arts Institute for the state’s Maritime Innovation program, targeting shipyard-ready welding and fabrication skills.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: The Detroit Tigers made a key roster move ahead of Monday’s deadline, calling up top prospect Max Clark and scratching starter Casey Mize as Tarik Skubal trade talk swirls. Consumer & Markets: University of Michigan sentiment jumped to a post–February high in July, while inflation expectations eased—an upbeat read for Michigan households watching prices. Energy & Environment: Michigan Supreme Court tossed key state approval for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel, sending the review back for a fuller environmental look. Health & Business Regulation: The Michigan Supreme Court sided with AG Dana Nessel, clearing the way for a price-gouging probe into Eli Lilly insulin. Local Business Ops: Priority Waste’s new CEO promised a “recovery plan” after pickup delays sparked frustration across metro Detroit communities. Tech & Data Centers: In Saline Township, Oracle and OpenAI sought an EGLE permit to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River, drawing resident concerns. Venture Capital: Henry Ford Health and MSU backed two health-tech startups, though neither product is yet cleared for routine patient use. Sports & Community: Zimmy’s Tavern staff are rallying after a fire destroyed the Union, Mich., bar, with local businesses stepping in to help.

Homelessness Beyond Big Cities: A new look at Michigan shows homelessness is increasingly visible in smaller communities like Three Rivers and Jackson, with residents and businesses dealing with people seeking food, shelter, mental-health care and addiction treatment. Michigan Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed insists he’s “simply not a socialist” despite close ties to prominent left-wing figures, as the primary tightens between him and Haley Stevens. MLB Trade Deadline: The Orioles acquired catcher Jake Rogers from the Tigers to address injuries behind the plate, while Tarik Skubal remains the central trade-market question for Detroit. Michigan Business & Infrastructure: Business 51 reconstruction advances with commission approval of temporary limited easements for a corridor slated for construction in 2027. Public Safety & Consumer Alerts: Michigan State Police warn of phone scams spoofing MSP and demanding payments. Prediction Markets Crackdown: New York AG Letitia James sues Kalshi, calling prediction markets illegal gambling and seeking to halt operations. Workforce Pipeline: Michigan’s EMS workforce gets a boost: a grant will fund tuition for 131 EMT and paramedic students at Oakland Community College. State Finance & Crypto: Michigan’s state retirement system more than doubles its Strategy (MSTR) stake, signaling growing pension interest in indirect Bitcoin exposure. Cross-Border Trade: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opens amid a U.S.-Canada tariff dispute, underscoring economic stakes for Michigan businesses.

Consumer Fraud: The Better Business Bureau warns Michigan shoppers about tap-to-pay scams where criminals set up higher charges or reroute payments—read the screen before confirming. Detroit Schools: The Detroit school board is reconsidering plans to demolish four recently closed schools after community pushback, including calls to sell or lease buildings sooner. Health Care Funding: Planned Parenthood of Michigan will permanently close three clinics in Livonia, Warren and Lansing, citing a $4.2M drop in reimbursement and $5.6M in uncompensated care. Rural Access: A town hall in Sturgis highlighted the fallout from Sturgis Hospital’s June closure, leaving 11,000+ residents without local emergency/surgical/outpatient services. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to climb past 10,000 cases. Business & Jobs: Stryker reported strong Q2 results, beating expectations. Real Estate: Agree Realty posted Q2 profitability ahead of forecasts. Detroit Infrastructure: A feasibility study clears the way for Detroit’s $300M I-75 cap project to move into environmental review and funding talks. Politics & Economy: Trump touted tariffs in Michigan despite rising costs, while lobbying around trade policy continues to intensify. Sports Business: The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal trade chatter and Tigers roster moves keep heating up ahead of the MLB deadline.

Auto & Defense: Ford CEO Jim Farley says the automaker is pursuing more U.S. military work and exploring “adjacent” businesses beyond vehicles, including battery energy storage tied to Michigan and Kentucky plants. Earnings Watch: Phinia (Auburn Hills) posted Q2 net income of $40M on $940M revenue; DT Midstream (Detroit) reported Q2 profit of $112M and missed Wall Street expectations. Detroit Real Estate: The Detroit Land Bank threatened to take back a Native center site, but the Thečhíȟila Collective avoided it after resolving paperwork issues and expanding its land purchase. Consumer & Mobility: Ford filed a recall covering nearly 388,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles over a rear-seat mechanism defect. State Policy & Costs: Michigan signed a bill capping spirits delivery fees, aiming to prevent delivery costs from driving price hikes. Affordability & Politics: A new report and local coverage highlight Michigan’s affordability squeeze as tariffs and prices weigh on voters ahead of the primary. MLB Business: The Tigers face a trade deadline decision on ace Tarik Skubal after a late-season collapse, with major-market teams signaling interest. Public Services: Thousands of Michiganders report prolonged delays in state tax refunds, citing security checks and manual verification.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Tarik Skubal’s Detroit farewell got a standing-ovation sendoff after his 1,000th career strikeout, but the Tigers blew a 7-0 lead and lost to the Orioles 10-9 in 12 innings—making a Skubal trade before the Aug. 3 deadline feel even more likely. Retail & Delivery: Uber Eats expanded its grocery lineup by adding regional chains Busch’s Fresh Food Market, Hays, Lowe’s Market and Piggly Wiggly, letting shoppers order through Uber Eats/Uber/Postmates with on-demand or scheduled delivery. State Policy & Energy: EGLE announced a bigger Renewables Ready Communities Awards phase, offering local governments up to $4,000 per megawatt (potentially $5,000) to help speed permitting for large wind, solar and battery projects. Health & Community: MDHHS launched the Recovery Housing Assistance Fund, providing up to $4,000 to help people in substance use treatment or recovery secure stable housing. Business & Markets: UFP Industries reported Q2 earnings that beat expectations, with revenue of $1.88 billion.

Data Centers & Power Demand: DTE Energy says its Michigan data-center pipeline has surged to more than 8GW, backed by executed deals with Oracle (1.4GW, under construction) and Google (1GW, awaiting PSC approval), with the load expected to drive billions in capital spending and renewables, storage and demand response. Manufacturing Expansion: STEMCO completed a 20,000-square-foot expansion at its Millington, Michigan facility to boost capacity for heavy-duty commercial vehicle components, including Kaiser king pins and bushings. Corporate Earnings: Masco reported Q2 net income of $318 million (adjusted $1.64/share) while revenue missed forecasts; Owens Corning named Jonathan Collins as CFO effective Aug. 10. Local Business Closures: Kroger will close its Carman Plaza store in Flint Township Sept. 30, offering transfers to other locations. Community & Nonprofits: Battle Creek’s Youth Day is set for Aug. 13 at Mill Race Park, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan will benefit from an Aug. 21 Watermark Golf Classic. Sports Business: The Rocket Classic returns to Detroit Golf Club for its final year, with a restored course and a field featuring top PGA Tour names.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Tigers manager A.J. Hinch says Tarik Skubal is still scheduled to start Wednesday vs. the Orioles, even as Detroit’s 50-57 record and the Aug. 3 deadline fuel speculation about whether the Cy Young winner will be dealt. Auto & Jobs Politics: President Trump renewed attacks on electric vehicle policies during a GM visit, arguing consumers should choose freely and that EVs take fewer workers to build—an argument aimed squarely at Michigan’s auto workforce. Health & Food Supply: Michigan reported cyclosporiasis cases rising to 9,680, with officials still working to pin down sources after a multistate outbreak tied to lettuce. Clean Energy Incentives: EGLE expanded its Renewables Ready Communities Awards, offering larger per-megawatt payments to local governments that permit big wind, solar and battery projects. Retail Access for Families: Meijer became the first Michigan retailer to let WIC families use benefits for online and mobile orders, with pickup and delivery options. Local Business Growth: Farmington’s “Retail LAB” is giving entrepreneurs 90-day storefront leases to test concepts before committing to longer-term space. Civic/Politics: Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed remains the national money magnet as both campaign in Detroit.

Auto & Trade Policy: President Trump used a Michigan stop at the GM Milford Proving Ground to tout tariffs and an auto “turnaround,” but the rally was punctuated by a heckler calling him a “pedophile protector,” which he deflected by reframing the moment as a fight against “communists.” Energy & Utilities: Reuters reports Detroit-based DTE Energy beat profit estimates for the quarter, helped by stronger energy trading results, while its electric segment faced pressure from higher costs and weather. Fed Watch: Fed officials head into their late-July meeting facing renewed inflation pressure from oil, AI-driven demand, and fresh tariff announcements, with markets split on whether rates will rise again. Local Business & Growth: The National Veteran Business Development Council says Elaine Taylor will unveil its expanded “NVBDC 3.0” vision at a Detroit conference focused on helping veteran-owned firms grow beyond certification. Housing & Consumer Costs: A survey finds many Michigan-area homebuyers underestimate maintenance costs after purchase, with repairs and upkeep driving stress in the first years. Politics & Transparency: In the final Democratic U.S. Senate primary debate, Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed sparred over outside spending and transparency, with El-Sayed pressing Stevens on PAC influence and Stevens attacking his experience. Food & Agriculture: Michigan’s MDARD will spotlight a new initiative to boost Michigan-grown food in schools and hospitals during the Farmers Market at the Capitol. Disaster Relief: A Branch County tornado recovery story highlights delayed FEMA funding that was later approved after appeals, raising questions about whether politics affected timing.

Food Safety & Litigation: Consumers filed another Michigan federal suit against Taco Bell and produce supplier Taylor Farms, alleging negligence in a cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce. Cybersecurity & Business Continuity: Coca-Cola says Fairlife has resumed most U.S. milk production after a ransomware attack, with no expected product-quality impact. Auto & Politics: President Donald Trump made a campaign-style stop at GM’s Milford proving ground, touting tariffs and manufacturing while Republicans press midterm messaging in Michigan. Cross-Border Trade & Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opened to traffic between Detroit and Windsor, aiming to ease congestion and boost the auto and logistics corridor amid ongoing U.S.-Canada trade tensions. Local Economy & Development: Novi City West—a $407 million mixed-use plan—heads to city council, proposing 750 housing units and a 225-room convention hotel. Energy & Democracy: Michigan’s “Money Out of Politics” initiative cleared signature certification for the November ballot, targeting political spending by regulated utilities and large contractors. Manufacturing Jobs & Strategy: GM CEO Mary Barra told investors the automaker is building new revenue streams beyond cars, including defense and software, with potential spillover for Michigan suppliers and tech firms.

Auto & Manufacturing: Ford recalls 565,691 Bronco and Bronco Raptor vehicles over a wiring-harness fire risk, with dealers adding protective covers free of charge. Trade & Politics: President Trump visits GM’s Milford Proving Ground to defend sweeping tariffs ahead of Michigan’s Aug. 4 primary, as new Canada import levies raise fresh pressure on the state’s auto supply chain. Cross-Border Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opens to vehicle traffic Monday at noon, adding a faster Detroit River crossing—though U.S. officials were reportedly uninvited from Canada’s ribbon-cutting amid tariff tensions. Elections & Policy: Michigan election officials advance a measure to restrict corporate spending in state politics after signature verification. Business & Consumer Finance: Top CD rates from major banks on July 27 run up to 4.00% for 12-month terms, with several big-bank options near that ceiling. Sports Business: MLB trade deadline coverage spotlights Detroit’s Tarik Skubal as the key name to watch, with contenders weighing pitching and bullpen upgrades before Aug. 3.

Markets & Energy: Oil slid sharply after a pause in Gulf fighting, easing inflation worries and lifting Asian stocks and bonds, with Brent down to about $91.73 and U.S. crude near $84.45. Food Safety & Local Business: Michigan’s cyclospora outbreak has topped 8,000 cases, and some shoppers are turning to farmers markets—vendors in East Lansing report big jumps in lettuce demand and frequent sellouts. Detroit-Area Taxes: A Michigan court ruling says Detroit’s “New District” can’t keep levying an operating tax after it repays a state emergency loan, shaping how school finance works in the city. Housing/Retirement Finance: A Michigan Tax Tribunal valuation dispute involving a Grosse Pointe Woods senior care retirement center was sent back because rent restrictions tied to federal bond rules weren’t properly considered. Courts & Corporate Risk: A federal appeals decision reversed a Michigan RICO case over personal-jurisdiction limits for Florida defendants. Politics & Turnout: GOP pollsters warn Michigan and other states’ reliable base voters may sit out midterms, citing inflation concerns. Cross-Border Trade Boost: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open for drivers Monday, with nearby businesses—like a Detroit-area brewery—betting on more foot traffic and cross-border customers. Sports & Local Economy: The Tigers lost 5-4 to the Royals as Tarik Skubal’s trade future stays a week-long question ahead of Aug. 3.

Local Policing & Privacy: Sterling Heights City Council ordered Police Chief Andrew Satterfield to provide internal access to Flock Safety license-plate reader logs ahead of a contract renewal vote, as residents and critics question how the data is searched and used. Detroit Corporate Place-Making: A new Detroit-focused corporate sponsorship story highlights how Rocket Classic’s long run helped fund local nonprofits, including efforts aimed at closing the city’s digital divide, even as Rocket Companies declines to extend the title sponsorship past 2026. Auto Aftermarket Growth: Ford Custom Garage is expanding its dealer-upfit “easy button” channel, with sales more than tripling since launch as Ford grows its customization team to boost aftermarket revenue. Youth Finance With Real-World Support: Detroit’s Money Matters For Youth summer camp is drawing attention for a holistic approach that goes beyond money basics, using community venues and hands-on experiences. Michigan Politics & Voting Rules: A report says the Trump administration is pressuring states to tighten voting rules and pursue “illegal voters,” raising concerns about reduced turnout and possible federal interference. MLB Trade Deadline Watch (Detroit): Detroit’s Tarik Skubal remains the headline target as teams line up for deadline moves, with “sleepers” also getting attention for potential impact. Robotics Standards: Oak Forest Robotics published an open “Robotics Guardian Standard” for privacy and safety in home robots, paired with a manufacturer pledge.

Data Center Costs & Utility Rates: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun joined 23 GOP governors backing Trump’s Ratepayer Protection Pledge, pushing data-center developers to cover full project costs and hire locally—an effort aimed at shielding households and businesses from higher utility bills. Michigan Energy & Prices: Michigan gas prices rose as Brent crude topped $100 a barrel amid Red Sea tanker attacks, with AAA putting the statewide average at $4.26/gal and diesel at $5.15. Trade Tensions Spill Into Michigan: Trump doubled down on threats tied to Canada wildfire smoke, including a proposed “North America Air Filter Barrier,” while new tariff talk continues to roil cross-border business planning. Maritime Funding: Michigan awarded $3.5M across five projects to advance maritime innovation, commercialization, and workforce development. Detroit Property Enforcement: Detroit sued HGTV’s Nicole Curtis and her firm over a blighted Grand Blvd house, alleging it stayed a public nuisance despite a 2021 court order. AI Risk for Michigan Firms: A report on an OpenAI autonomous-agent security incident flags new cybersecurity concerns as Michigan companies accelerate AI adoption. Consumer Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 180,000+ cans of lentil soup sold in Michigan due to potential spoilage. Public Safety Scams: Michigan State Police warned of scammers posing as MSP to demand payments and personal info. Sports With Local Business Impact: Tigers’ bullpen faltered late in a 3-2 loss to Kansas City, while Skubal’s trade chatter continues to swirl around Detroit’s MLB deadline.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Detroit’s Tarik Skubal delivered a possible “last home start” performance, striking out 12 in 7⅓ innings as the Tigers beat the Royals 2-1, keeping the Aug. 3 trade buzz front and center. Cross-Border Infrastructure & Trade: Canada celebrated the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening with no U.S. or Michigan officials after Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, underscoring how trade friction can undercut major Michigan-Canada projects. State Economic Development: Michigan awarded $1.5M (with $2M in private match) to maritime innovation projects under its Maritime Innovation Grant, aiming to grow Great Lakes jobs and commercialization. Workforce Training: West Michigan Works announced $1.9M in Going PRO Talent Fund awards for employer training across the region. Regulation & Business Climate: The CFTC warned prediction-market platforms against “boilerplate” self-certifications, tightening oversight as event-contract trading grows. Courts & Consumer Impact: Michigan’s Supreme Court ruled marijuana smell alone can’t justify a warrantless vehicle search, a decision with direct implications for cannabis businesses and drivers. Public Health & Local Economy: Cyclospora outbreak concerns are driving shoppers toward locally grown lettuce, boosting sales for small farmers and farmers markets. Politics: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s U.S. Senate primary, ramping up labor-backed momentum ahead of Aug. 4.

Food Safety & Consumer Impact: Taylor Farms issued a fresh statement amid the expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak, saying it removed potentially implicated produce, issued an urgent recall, and suspended iceberg lettuce sourcing/production from central Mexico while independent experts review its facility. Public Health Update: The CDC-linked outbreak is now tied to multiple states, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases and rising hospitalizations, keeping pressure on local produce markets and retailers. Politics & Business Climate: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s heated Democratic U.S. Senate primary, framing the race around tariffs, gas prices, and Medicaid cuts—issues that directly affect household budgets and Michigan’s economy. Trade & Cross-Border Infrastructure: Trump criticized Canada for excluding U.S. officials from the Gordie Howe bridge opening, while Canada played down expectations for near-term toll revenue—another reminder that trade tensions can reshape Michigan-Ontario business and logistics. Civic Governance: A Michigan elections board certified the “money out of politics” initiative to move forward after signature challenges, setting up a major ballot fight with potential implications for how political spending intersects with utilities and public contracting. Energy & Industry: GM and IONATE announced smart grid transformer deployments at GM’s Romulus plant, aiming to improve power flow reliability as data centers and EV charging strain local grids.