AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity & Privacy: The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let federal officials verify voters’ citizenship using the SAVE database, after a judge ruled the approach violated privacy laws—setting up another high-stakes fight over how far Washington can go in Michigan and beyond. Michigan Coal Power Fight: A D.C. appeals court vacated an emergency order that would have kept Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant running, saying the government exceeded its authority and failed to justify emergency action. U.S. Senate Race Politics: Abdul El-Sayed faces renewed pressure to distance himself from Hasan Piker, while Michigan Jewish leaders are circulating “nonnegotiable” demands for Democrats tied to safety and Israel-related language. Campaign Messaging & Islamophobia: Republicans are sharpening focus on Muslim and Islam-related issues ahead of the midterms, including attacks on El-Sayed over comments after a Detroit-area synagogue attack. Energy Costs & Regulation: A new look at Michigan electricity bills points to the state’s rate-case “machine” and compounding utility rate hikes as a driver of some of the highest bills in the Midwest. Local Government & Voting Access: A student voter guide highlights how Michigan students can register using campus or home addresses and what deadlines to watch. Public Safety: A Detroit man walked into the 11th Precinct seeking help after a buttock-area shooting; investigators say the case is ongoing. Workforce & Immigration: An ICE stop of H-2B workers in Highland Township is being framed by the employer as a targeted raid, with lawmakers’ offices now getting involved.

Campaign Trail: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed used an MSU town hall to press Medicare for all, corporate accountability, and a tougher stance on AI and data centers, while Republicans—including Mike Rogers—keep spotlighting his past ties to far-left streamer Hasan Piker and his 9/11 remarks. Political Money: A Trump-linked super PAC tied to Elon Musk reserved tens of millions in TV ad time for GOP races, with Michigan getting a major share as the midterm fight tightens. Coal Court Fight: Federal appeals courts dealt fresh blows to Trump’s “emergency” coal orders, ruling DOE overstepped in trying to keep Michigan’s J.H. Campbell plant running—setting up a broader legal fight over energy emergency powers. Public Safety & Health: MSU police said a former resident physician was arrested in Georgia over alleged sexual assaults of patients, and Detroit-area 9/11 commemorations drew federal and local leaders. State Politics: Michigan’s 110th House District nominees were set, with Greg Markkanen seeking a fourth term against Brian Irizarry. Economy & Cost of Living: New consumer sentiment data pointed to affordability stress as gas prices and trade tensions weigh on voters.

U.S. Senate Race: Republican Mike Rogers escalated attacks on Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed at the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, calling him a “con man” and tying him to Hasan Piker, while El-Sayed responded to crowd calls for him to be “shot.” State Legislature: Michigan Senate Democrats advanced new versions of nine bills after Whitmer vetoed the originals following a House logjam, but the package could face another House delay tied to Speaker Matt Hall’s stalled property tax talks. Utilities & Cost of Living: DTE customers will see a slight natural gas bill increase starting Oct. 1 after regulators approved a $74.5 million rate hike. Election & Governance: Michigan’s Supreme Court limits a sex offender registry law to post-2011 cases, and a federal appeals ruling barred qualified immunity for a state-created danger claim tied to a student suicide. Public Safety: Michigan State Police seized illegally possessed firearms during traffic stops, and a separate incident involved an officer struggling to keep a suspect from a knife. Border/Commemoration: Michigan flags will fly at half-staff for Patriot Day, and Canada border crossings will briefly close for 9/11 observances.

Michigan Election & Voting Security: Michigan’s GOP nominee John James escalated his campaign against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, attacking her record over misprinted state IDs and voter-roll claims, while Benson’s team says the ID errors came from a vendor and were corrected. Great Lakes Energy & Line 5: Whitmer and EGLE are re-reviewing Line 5 tunnel permits after a Michigan Supreme Court ruling raised the bar for environmental review, as tribes and environmental groups push to overturn approvals. State Legislature: The Michigan Senate revived nine vetoed bills after a long procedural fight, setting up another attempt to send them back to Whitmer. Nonprofits & Medicaid: The Michigan Nonprofit Association launched a Medicaid Community Support Network to fund nonprofits preparing for 2027 Medicaid changes, including work requirements, warning 170,000 to 350,000 people could be at risk. Federal Health Policy: Trump announced $500 Obamacare refunds for nearly 1 million Americans in states using the federal exchange, targeting alleged overcharges tied to exchange “user fees.” National Politics: At the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Trump put himself at the center of the campaign and pledged $5,000 “dividends” if Republicans keep Congress, while CNN fact-checkers challenged some convention claims.

Patriot Day in Michigan: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags lowered to half-staff Friday, Sept. 11, and urged a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Border operations: Michigan ports of entry will briefly close Friday morning for the 9/11 tribute, with traffic cleared before 8:46 a.m. and normal operations resuming right after. 9/11 first-responder politics: A Michigan GOP Senate candidate, Mike Rogers, is facing renewed scrutiny over past votes against 9/11 first-responder benefits, as he tries to tie Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed to 9/11-era comments. Immigration enforcement fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition urging a federal appeals court to uphold limits on ICE warrantless arrests. Fair housing win: Nessel also announced a victory in a lawsuit challenging Trump administration conditions tied to fair housing enforcement funding. Education spotlight: More than 500 Michigan students were named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists for 2027. Local governance: A Michigan Supreme Court decision struck down retroactive sex offender registry enforcement, reshaping how the state applies the rule.

Midterm Politics in the Spotlight: Republicans kicked off their two-day “Trumpapalooza” convention in Dallas, pitching Trump as the face of the November fight even as polling shows low approval and Democrats look favored in both House and Senate races. Michigan Voters and Trade: A new Michigan poll finds only 29% of likely voters approve of Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods, a potential headache for Michigan Republicans as the Canada-U.S. trade fight escalates. Energy Permitting: Canada’s government says it will scale back environmental reviews for major energy projects, aiming to speed approvals amid the tariff standoff. Michigan Courts: The Michigan Supreme Court struck down retroactive enforcement of the state’s sex offender registry rules, shielding people convicted before 2011 amendments from newer, stricter requirements. Housing Numbers: New HUD rankings show Wayne County leading multiple assisted-housing categories, while several counties saw small year-to-year shifts in voucher, project-based Section 8, and public housing totals.

Education & Reading Scores: Michigan’s latest M-STEP results show third-grade reading proficiency slipping again, with just 38.2% proficient in English Language Arts—the lowest in the test’s 12-year history—while scores in grades 4-7 also fell, renewing pressure on state literacy reforms. Elections & Voter Access: A Flint man alleges Michigan’s voter file shows absentee votes he never cast, and says his mother was turned away at the polls after workers told her she’d already voted. Great Lakes Energy Policy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan will reconsider EGLE permits for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel after the state Supreme Court sided with tribes and environmental groups, and she urged Enbridge to pursue alternatives. Public Safety & Consumer Protection: AG Dana Nessel reissued storm-scam warnings as communities clean up from severe weather, urging residents to verify contractors and claims before paying. Housing Data Watch: New HUD rankings highlight where counties stand on assisted housing—St. Clair is No. 2 for 811/PRAC units, while Macomb leads Housing Choice Vouchers and Wayne dominates overall HUD-assisted totals. Airport Security Update: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting some trusted travelers without a ticket pass security at select airports to meet people at the gate. Detroit & Culture: Detroit will host the first-ever MICHELIN Guide America Great Lakes ceremony in 2027 at Michigan Central Station.

Bankruptcy Watch: LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 in New Jersey, listing $100M–$500M in assets and $500M–$1B in liabilities, with stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau among top unsecured creditors, and says it aims to return to competition in 2027 under a player-first ownership model. Trade & Cost of Living: The U.S. escalated its Canada trade war by banning imports of some Canadian dairy, most alcohol, and some motorcycles, with the dairy/alcohol/motorcycle bans set to take effect Sept. 29—an issue Michigan voters will feel as tariffs also hit U.S. goods. Food Assistance Policy: A new House bill would end SNAP’s Restaurant Meals Program, which lets eligible people use EBT at certain restaurants in states including Michigan. Election & Courts: Justice Brett Kavanaugh denied Missouri’s emergency bid to use a GOP-friendly congressional map, while the NCAA refused to overturn Michigan’s controversial win over Western Michigan. Travel Rules: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting some non-flyers enter terminal gates at select airports, rolling back parts of post-9/11 access limits.

Michigan Elections & Courts: The Michigan Supreme Court rejected efforts to put a proof-of-citizenship voting proposal on the November ballot, keeping the measure off voters’ plates. State Government Tech: The Secretary of State says about 8,200 renewed Michigan IDs and licenses were misprinted by vendor Idemia, with generic stock photos and wrong dates of birth; corrected cards are being sent and temporary printouts are available. U.S.-Canada Trade & Michigan Politics: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs (15% to 50%) on about $20 billion in U.S. goods took effect Tuesday, a move that could hit Michigan and other battleground states with heavy cross-border business as the midterm fight heats up. National Senate Stakes: A major Senate forecast shift has the chamber control probability moving to a 50-50 toss-up, tightening the race Democrats need four seats to win. Transportation Policy: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved PreCheck members pass airport security without a flight at participating airports including Detroit Metro. Public Safety: Two 13-year-old boys were critically hurt after an e-bike crash with a pickup on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township. Local Environment: Michigan and tribal scientists are launching a last-ditch Great Lakes whitefish “genetic rescue” effort to preserve spawning stocks amid mussel pressure.

Mackinac Bridge Walk Security: State and local law enforcement coordinated behind the scenes for Monday’s Mackinac Bridge Walk, with agencies monitoring the water, airspace, parking, and medical response. Election Season, Labor Day Push: With Nov. 3 approaching, candidates in competitive states including Michigan are leaning hard into Labor Day events as the midterm sprint heats up. TSA Changes Airport Access: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible non-flyers with a KTN enter secure areas at 13 airports to meet people at gates or during layovers. Michigan Campaign Trail & Violence Concerns: UAW President Shawn Fain rallied union members in Detroit and backed Michigan Democrats for governor and Senate; meanwhile, a separate political-violence incident in Ohio underscored security worries for candidates. Public Safety Flashpoints: Bloomfield Township teens were critically hurt in an e-motorcycle crash; Southfield investigators are reviewing a deadly TGI Fridays parking-lot shooting after a suspect was released pending charging. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest midgrade/diesel prices in multiple counties, with Michigan averages easing slightly from earlier highs.

Election & Voting Rights: Michigan’s election fight stays in the spotlight as courts keep blocking proof-of-citizenship and voter-ID changes, while federal election-watch efforts shift toward alleged fraud. Campaign Money & Influence: A new report says AI and crypto interests backed a big slice of 2026 primaries, with super PAC spending tied to major legislation priorities. Midterm Politics: National coverage highlights how few House races may be truly competitive—and how Trump’s sagging approval could complicate GOP control. Michigan Governance & Public Safety: Severe weather recovery continues in Metro Detroit, with thousands still without power and storm damage response underway. Cost of Living: Tariffs and utility rate hikes remain major pressure points, with Michigan tied to high tariff impact and regulators approving only part of what utilities request. Local Michigan Watch: Michigan’s Kalshi sports-betting fight and election administration concerns keep generating legal headlines, while state officials warn voters about election misinformation. Environment & Community: Volunteers are relocating thousands of Huron River mussels ahead of dam removal in Ypsilanti. Business & Daily Life: A new 24/7 Meijer gas station opens near Detroit’s airport, adding more late-night fuel access for travelers.

Election & Voting Access: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson told CBS voters will “know the truth” about elections as a federal judge again blocks Trump administration mail-voting restrictions, setting up another fight over how ballots are handled heading into November. Trade & Cost of Living: Benson also pledged “direct Canada deals” to blunt tariff-driven price pressure, while Rep. Haley Stevens warned Michigan is “paying the price” with investment pullbacks and job uncertainty from the U.S.-Canada tariff war. GOP Politics: Michigan Rep. Lisa McClain backed Ohio Rep. Max Miller’s re-election despite abuse allegations, arguing Republicans should let the process play out. Campaign Finance: A Bay City man filed a complaint alleging the Michigan New Leaders Coalition violated Michigan campaign finance rules over election mailers tied to a state Senate race. Courts & Media: Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal continues to ripple as a former Wolverine, Joey Velazquez, sues CBS Detroit for defamation over coverage. Public Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating a suspected homicide at Carson City Correctional Facility after a 28-year-old inmate died in a cell; separately, MSP is investigating a fatal crash that killed a 12-year-old bicyclist and critically injured his 13-year-old sister. Local Government/Infrastructure: Sterling Heights and Macomb County unveiled a finished $1.1 million Sterling Relief Drain green infrastructure project with restored habitat and a new walking/biking path.

Election & courts: The U.S. Supreme Court revived a policy letting Republican party committees buy discounted TV and radio ad rates, a boost heading into the Nov. 3 midterms. Michigan politics: Michigan’s Senate race remains a fight over image and moderation as Abdul El-Sayed faces fresh criticism and attempts to present himself as more centrist. Voting integrity & security: DHS is pushing DOJ to revisit ERIC voter-data sharing and election-system concerns, keeping Michigan’s election-security debate in the spotlight. Local governance & public safety: Detroit-area officials and agencies continue to grapple with fallout from severe storms and major infrastructure disruptions, while a Detroit Lakes utility leader highlighted public-power priorities. Labor & community: A Detroit residency for union members wrapped up over Labor Day, spotlighting how workers are carving out time for art beyond the job.

Michigan Politics & Courts: Michigan AG Dana Nessel again drew national attention for remarks urging Jewish Democrats to put “the needs of the world” above “our own self-interest,” even suggesting Jews may need to “sacrifice” their “future” for humanity. Elections & Voting Rights: A major legal fight over Michigan’s proof-of-citizenship and voter ID measures continues to ripple through the courts, with the latest reporting focused on whether the proposals can reach the ballot and how federal and state judges are handling the dispute. Privacy & Public Safety: Flock license-plate camera misuse remains a live Michigan campaign issue after Michigan City police announced an officer resigned over violations tied to Flock data access, adding to a broader backlash over automated surveillance. Local Government: Detroit-area officials and state partners are also dealing with environmental and governance fallout, including a reported settlement track involving the state and city over “Little Jim” environmental issues. Public Safety Tragedy: In Ingham County, a 12-year-old boy died and his 13-year-old sister was critically injured after an SUV struck bicyclists in Leroy Township. Justice System: A Clawson man Timothy Higle was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography.

Auto Insurance Reform: Michigan drivers are seeing lower premiums after the 2021 PIP overhaul, with one analysis citing a 44.7% drop in PIP costs and an improved national affordability ranking—though the report notes drivers still pay about $200 more than before the reform. Election Integrity & Courts: A Michigan government email trail is being cited in connection with how law officers handled a voter registration fraud case, while separate coverage highlights the U.S. Supreme Court keeping party access to low-cost TV ads and Michigan courts rejecting proof-of-citizenship and voter ID ballot efforts. Michigan Politics & Governance: Chelsea City Manager Elle Cole was fired after six months, with the termination paperwork citing alleged dishonesty, misuse of public funds, and inappropriate workplace behavior. Public Safety & Federal Procurement: ATF is moving to buy a Roshel armored vehicle on a sole-source basis, citing aging equipment and a faster delivery timeline. Health & Consumer Policy: A coalition of states is challenging a Trump administration move aimed at blocking Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for low-income transgender youth. Local Crime: A West Michigan daycare worker is facing serious child sexual abuse allegations after an investigation tied to online tips.

Flock Cameras Under Scrutiny: Michigan City police say an officer resigned after an internal audit found questionable searches using the Flock public-safety camera system; the department says it violated policy and will forward the case to the LaPorte County Prosecutor. Detroit Storm Response: Mayor Mary Sheffield declared a local state of emergency after a tornado hit the city’s east side, expanding authority to coordinate cleanup and seek state and federal help. Election Mail Fight: Democrats and voting-rights groups praised a federal court order blocking USPS from enforcing new mail-ballot restrictions for the 2026 midterms, with AG Nick Brown leading a multi-state coalition. Courtroom Update in Flint: A judge allowed an expert swap in a Flint water crisis FTCA case after an expert was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Public Safety Tech Politics: Michigan gubernatorial candidates Jocelyn Benson and John James clashed over Flock/ALPR oversight, with Benson pushing for stricter rules and James emphasizing constitutional privacy protections. Crime & Courts: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a major trafficking conviction in Macomb County involving illicit massage parlors, sentencing a defendant to 40 months to 20 years. Preparedness Push: State Police urged residents to update emergency plans during September Preparedness Month.