AGP Executive Report

Michigan State Police Leadership: Jason Welch was promoted to inspector and will serve as assistant district commander for MSP’s Eighth District, overseeing Upper Peninsula field services and supporting personnel and partners. Election Politics & Advocacy: A reported rupture between Mike Rogers and AIPAC underscores how the pro-Israel group’s spending is becoming a liability in Michigan’s Senate race against Abdul El-Sayed. State Elections Engagement: Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced winners of the statewide “I Voted” sticker contest, including Aryana Lintz of Berrien Springs, with election clerks able to order the winning designs for November. Local Government & Surveillance: A Lansing City Council proposal would ask the city to end Flock Safety contracts and pause similar AI-assisted surveillance deals pending privacy and data rules. Education & School Funding: Bridge Michigan reports Michigan awarded $224M in school infrastructure grants, but districts say it covers only a fraction of the roughly $23B need.

Michigan GOP Convention: Republicans wrapped up their Mount Pleasant nominating convention, formally naming state Rep. Jay DeBoyer as lieutenant governor running mate to U.S. Rep. John James, while largely avoiding President Trump in speeches and focusing instead on attacks on Democrats over schools, roads, energy costs, and auto insurance. Michigan Senate Race: A report says Mike Rogers’ campaign asked AIPAC not to run ads against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed, after AIPAC spent heavily trying to stop El-Sayed in the primary—setting up a high-stakes, Israel-focused general election fight. Election Integrity & Voting Tech: Separate coverage highlights federal election-monitor plans and Michigan-related concerns around election administration, including scrutiny of noncitizen voting claims and how election systems are handled. Energy, Water, and AI Data Centers: Opposition to AI data center expansion is spreading as a bipartisan midterm issue, with protests and voter concerns centered on electricity, water use, and local impacts. Cybersecurity: Iran-linked hackers reportedly shut down a UK power plant for four days, underscoring growing worries about attacks on critical infrastructure. Detroit Water Fight: A filing warns a Detroit Reservoir drawdown could endanger Salem’s water supply, adding to ongoing legal battles over water management.

Michigan Senate race: A reported rift between GOP nominee Mike Rogers and AIPAC is adding new friction to an already tight contest against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, with polling still showing El-Sayed holding a slight edge. Campaign strategy: Rogers is also leaning hard on Democrats who are uneasy with El-Sayed, including Jewish voters, as he tries to peel off support after a contentious Democratic primary. Election misinformation: A New York Times report says unreliable polling and fake surveys are warping Democratic narratives and donor expectations, with Michigan cited as a recent example where “blowout” polling didn’t match the final result. Data centers as a ballot issue: New polling and national coverage highlight voter backlash to data centers, and Michigan is framed as a key battleground where the issue is shaping Senate-race messaging. Local governance: Cadillac is moving to expand where tattoo/body art studios can operate, shifting them from tightly restricted “adult business” zoning. Student safety: Michigan State Police says OK2SAY logged 10,777 tips in 2025, its second-highest year, underscoring demand for school safety and mental health support. Trade & tariffs: The U.S. and Canada have suspended talks and imposed 50% tariffs on about $20B in Canadian goods, setting up retaliation that could ripple into Michigan’s economy.

Dearborn Police Shooting: Two Dearborn officers were shot early Friday during an attempted arrest after a tow-truck driver allegedly fled from police following a nightclub call; both officers are recovering, and the suspect remains hospitalized. Michigan Senate Race Politics: MAGA Senate nominee Mike Rogers is courting Jewish Democrats amid community pushback over his attacks on Abdul El-Sayed, with leaders saying the issue isn’t monolithic and withholding endorsements pending further outreach. Election Integrity & Voting Rights: A Michigan-related report alleges state software automatically registered noncitizens to vote, adding fuel to ongoing disputes over election administration. Data Center Backlash: Michigan’s data-center boom continues to spark political fights, with residents and officials arguing for limits as some GOP candidates shift positions. Criminal Justice Ruling: The Michigan Supreme Court revived the diminished capacity defense, overturning a decades-old bar and reshaping how mental illness can be argued in intent-based crimes. Public Safety & Community: Lansing’s Earvin Johnson Car and Truck Show expands under the Faith and Blue initiative, pairing classic cars with police-community connection and local charity support.

Gubernatorial Ticket Shake-Up: Gov. Jocelyn Benson picked State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate, setting up a historic all-women major-party ticket in Michigan and teeing up a formal delegate vote at the Aug. 29 convention. Republican Slate Locked In: Rep. John James named Jay DeBoyer as his lieutenant governor pick, with the GOP nominating convention set to approve the slate Saturday. Court Watch: Whitmer appointed Dearborn Magistrate Rula Aoun to the Wayne County Circuit Court, expanding Arab American representation on Michigan’s largest trial court. Election Integrity & Federal Oversight: The Justice Department plans to deploy about 1,000 federal election monitors for the November midterms, a move that voting-rights groups say raises major questions about federal oversight. Public Safety: Dearborn police said two officers and a suspect were shot during an arrest attempt; MSP is investigating. School Safety Push: Michigan officials urged students to use OK2SAY, highlighting tens of thousands of tips since 2014. Unemployment & Scams: Michigan’s jobless rate dipped to 4.9% in July, while the UIA warned of phone scams demanding fees to release benefits. Data Center Backlash: A new wave of anti–data center organizing is pushing recalls and ballot fights, with Michigan cited among places where voters may weigh in.

Michigan Senate race: Republican Mike Rogers is courting Democrats who backed Abdul El-Sayed in the primary, pitching himself as a “listen to you” senator and highlighting issues like literacy, affordability, and credit—while El-Sayed’s campaign faces renewed scrutiny over ties and rhetoric. Labor & health care: More than 10,000 Corewell Health East nurses ratified their first Teamsters contract, including a 15% wage increase and staffing-focused provisions. Auto safety & quality: Ford named NHTSA veteran David Hines as chief auto safety officer, as the automaker remains under a federal monitor tied to prior recall compliance problems. Elections & voting access: A Michigan appeals court barred testimony from an ineffective-counsel hearing from being used in a murder retrial, underscoring how courts are tightening what can be replayed in high-stakes cases. Public safety tech: Saginaw Township activated Flock license-plate cameras at three intersections, with residents raising privacy concerns and questions about misuse. Economy & jobs: Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet and Sen. Elissa Slotkin blamed Trump-era economic instability for Michigan manufacturing job losses amid the closure of SK Siltron, a site tied to a large federal loan.

Childcare Costs: Michigan’s signed FY 2027 budget adds $30 million to expand Great Start Readiness Program access and creates a new $5 million childcare fund, aiming to cut costs for working families. Surveillance Backlash: Madison Heights is set to vote on cementing the removal of a controversial Flock camera aimed at a JARS dispensary, after privacy concerns and a “No Flock Zone” response. Election Politics: A report says Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s birth mother worked for a terror-linked charity, fueling fresh scrutiny in the Michigan race. Campaign Rhetoric: A Mid-Michigan congresswoman warns that anti-Muslim and other faith-based political attacks are escalating ahead of November. Public Safety & Courts: A Southfield woman pleaded guilty for fraudulent COVID Emergency Rental Assistance applications, and Michigan officials say she must repay nearly $98,000. Cybersecurity: Federal agencies warn hackers are targeting Siemens devices used in water systems, with AI helping generate exploit code. Local Governance & Data Centers: Developers are suing Gibraltar over a data center moratorium, arguing it violates zoning rules. Voter Engagement: A survey finds many young Black men in battleground states are uncertain or unlikely to vote in 2026 even as they say voting matters.

Gubernatorial Ticket Shake-Up: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson named state Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks as her running mate, teeing up a Nov. 3 matchup against GOP nominee John James. Election Integrity & Trust: Coverage continues to frame the governor race as a fight over election legitimacy, with James attacking Benson on voting security ahead of the general election. Local Governance & Public Safety: Dearborn police said 22 people were arrested during an anti-Islam “Christian Crusade” demonstration tied to Jake Lang, as tensions spilled into clashes and riot-control response. Education & Community: A 25-year-old youth advocate, Jeremiah Steen, was appointed to the Detroit school board, with an emphasis on workforce development and college/career readiness. Civic Engagement: Michigan’s “I Voted” sticker contest winners were announced, including a Saginaw student whose design will appear statewide. Local Policy & Infrastructure: Forsyth Township held a town hall on data center concerns in the Sawyer area as it weighs zoning protections during a yearlong moratorium. Energy & Utilities: City Utilities in Three Rivers received a $1.1M Google grant to cut water use and operating costs at its filtration plant.

Election Integrity & Courts: The Sixth Circuit refused the DOJ’s bid to rehear a Michigan case over an unredacted demand for Michigan voters’ full electronic list, keeping the focus on protecting sensitive voter data. Voting Access & Administration: Michigan’s Court of Appeals also ruled a community college district is a local political subdivision, not a state actor, meaning Court of Claims notice rules don’t apply in that civil-rights lawsuit. Public Safety & Prisons: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced charges against a Detroit man accused of running a narcotics smuggling operation into multiple state prisons via mail. Local Governance & Community Tensions: Dearborn police and officials faced a charged city council scene tied to a “Christian Crusader March” led by a Jan. 6 rioter, underscoring ongoing anti-Muslim agitation. Military & Training: Camp Grayling released its range report with planned aerial gunnery and bombing exercises and temporary gate closures. Tech, Data Centers & Water: Google announced a $1.1 million local water infrastructure grant, while broader debate continues over data center power and water impacts. State Politics & Campaign Money: A report says GOP Senate nominee Mike Rogers drew nearly $100,000 from telecom industry players tied to government data-sharing efforts.

Election Politics: Michigan’s Senate race chatter continues as national coverage spotlights the broader midterm fight over progressive vs. more moderate Democrats, with Florida’s primaries underscoring how insurgent energy can reshape party dynamics. Public Safety: Police in Haring Township responded to an apparent swatting call at a Walmart, found no threat, and determined it was a hoax. Local Flood Resilience: Cadillac City Council approved a $22,000 city contribution toward a Clam River dam study with Wexford County to address extreme flooding, plus a backup generator purchase after April flood failures. Courts & Legal Policy: Michigan argued in federal court that legal fees sought in a newborn blood spot lawsuit are excessive, pushing for delay or a major reduction. Housing Data (HUD): HUD’s latest “Picture of Subsidized Households” shows Detroit’s public housing count holding at 602 in 2025, while several Michigan communities reported small shifts—like Flint staying at 602, Hamtramck at 451, and Romulus at 101—alongside occupancy and rent snapshots. Prisons & Crime: A Detroit man was charged with smuggling narcotics into Michigan prisons via a mail scheme that allegedly used “legal mail” packaging to get contraband past MDOC processing. Business & Community: Michigan’s Match on Main program awarded $25,000 to a small Upper Peninsula business to expand seating and add a food kitchen. Defense Supply Chain: The U.S. Army is seeking suppliers for hard-to-find, obsolete Bradley components, with Detroit Arsenal named in the procurement market survey.

Election Security in Michigan: U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell hosted a town hall in Ann Arbor where Michigan lawmakers and the deputy secretary of state fielded questions on paper ballots, absentee logistics, voter suppression fears, and the role of AI—plus reminders that results are audited after each election. Campaign Finance Ballot Language: Michigan’s Board of State Canvassers finalized the “Michiganders for Money Out of Politics” ballot wording, with supporters and opponents sparring over whether the summary should name utilities and contractors or stay more general. DOJ Election Monitoring: The Justice Department says it plans a “historic” deployment of roughly 1,000 federal monitors for the November midterms, including prior Michigan primary monitoring. Utility Rate Reform Push: Michigan regulators told lawmakers that ending annual utility rate hikes and changing how DTE and Consumers earn profit could do more for household bills than agency action alone. Legal Fight in Federal Court: A former DOJ prosecutor, Sunita Doddamani, sued Attorney General Todd Blanche and others, alleging her April firing was retaliation tied to FACE Act prosecutions.

Voting Rights & Ballot Access: Michigan’s Bureau of Elections says a proposed proof-of-citizenship/photo-ID amendment fell short of the 434,423-signature certification threshold, with staff finding 612 valid signatures in a 1,000-signature sample—17 short of what’s needed. Federal Election Fight: The Trump DOJ keeps losing in court over demands for unredacted voter rolls, including another Minnesota setback where a judge rejected the government’s bid for sensitive registration data. Immigration Governance: Washtenaw County asked a federal judge to dismiss DOJ’s lawsuit challenging local limits on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, arguing federal law makes coordination optional. State Senate Ballot: The Board of State Canvassers approved independent candidate Sara Cambensy for the 38th State Senate seat after a signature challenge. Public Housing Costs: New HUD data show average 2025 public-housing rents in Michigan counties like Marquette ($466), Isabella ($350), Mackinac ($333), and others. Local Politics & Public Safety: A Sleepy Hollow trustee was charged with felony possession of a stolen Maserati, and the case raises questions about her absence from village meetings. Tech & Power Backdrop: Midwestern communities keep wrestling with the AI/data-center boom’s land and energy impacts, with Michigan-area concerns echoing national fights.

State Budget & DNR Fisheries: Michigan lawmakers’ one-time funding won’t stabilize the DNR Fisheries Division, which says rising costs and staffing cutbacks are forcing reductions in fish stocking—potentially jeopardizing the walleye fishery in Saginaw Bay. K-12 Funding Debate: A new analysis argues that plans to improve Michigan schools hinge on how the state funds public education, with education spending already a major share of state spending. Unemployment Rules: Michigan is tightening unemployment benefits: claimants must complete three work-search activities each week (unless waived) to keep receiving benefits. Local Governance—Data Centers: Coldwater officials are holding a joint city meeting to shape zoning and operational rules for data centers, with an emphasis on building a permanent regulatory framework. Public Safety & Courts: Michigan AG Dana Nessel highlighted child-support enforcement results and celebrated downloads of fillable power of attorney forms. Military & Infrastructure: Groundbreaking is set for a highway relocation project near Selfridge Air National Guard Base, tied to future mission needs. Election Politics: The DNC approved the 2028 presidential primary calendar, with Michigan slated for an early contest.

Michigan Senate race: Rep. Haley Stevens urged Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed to cut ties with streamer Hasan Piker as the general election ramps up, while a Fox News poll shows Mike Rogers leading El-Sayed. Election integrity & legal fights: The Michigan AG’s noncitizen voting charges remain a live political flashpoint as courts and election officials face renewed scrutiny. Public safety: A federal judge sentenced a New York man in Michigan for sexually exploiting a child, and Michigan also continues to grapple with a deadly shooting spree that left multiple people dead. Local government: Hamlin Township recall elections are set for Nov. 3 for the treasurer and trustee after petition signatures were certified. Consumer & business: Michigan’s consumer protection law is back in the spotlight in an opinion piece, and separate reporting tracks midgrade gas prices across Lapeer and Alpena counties. Housing data: New HUD-assisted housing figures show public housing household incomes in multiple Michigan counties, including Macomb and Charlevoix. Defense & tech: The U.S. Army is opening more training range access to private drone firms, including Camp Grayling in Michigan.

Voting Rights & Mail Ballots: Rep. Debbie Dingell pressed USPS over delayed mail deliveries in Southeast Michigan that left absentee ballots and voting materials sitting in mailboxes and not being picked up, raising fears about missed deadlines and asking what safeguards will prevent a repeat. Elections & Party Strategy: The DNC approved the 2028 presidential primary calendar, moving South Carolina to Jan. 22, Nevada to Feb. 1, with Michigan among the early states in February—an effort to force candidates to prove they can win with Black, Latino, and union voters. State Politics & Gun Safety: Washtenaw County prosecutor Eli Savit, running for Michigan attorney general, pitched continued funding and statewide training around extreme risk protection orders, community violence interruption, and crackdowns on “ghost guns.” Local Governance & Data Centers: Wixom advanced data-center zoning revisions after a 180-day moratorium, as officials weigh electricity, water, and noise impacts from a proposed 600,000-square-foot complex. Education Policy: A Bridge Michigan report says Michigan schools restrain or seclude students nearly 18,000 times a year, despite a law meant to reduce those practices, fueling debate over whether clearer state rules are needed. Public Safety: Michigan State Police identified suspected gunman Chad Hickman as six people were killed in a Missaukee County shooting spree, with a 13-year-old girl surviving after being shot four times.

Northern Michigan Mass Shooting: Family members identified Amanda Everitt, 40, as one of five victims killed in Missaukee County; police say suspected gunman Chad Hickman, 39, is also dead, after a Friday spree that left multiple people shot across two homes and nearby woods. State Politics & Elections: Democrats approved a new 2028 presidential primary calendar that puts South Carolina first (Jan. 22), followed by Nevada (Feb. 1), then New Hampshire, New Mexico, Michigan, and Virginia through February—an effort to “battle-test” candidates with earlier exposure to Black, Latino, and union voters. Michigan Voting Integrity: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against five non-citizens for allegedly voting in the 2024 election, adding to the state’s ongoing legal fights over voter eligibility. Public Safety Tech Debate: Flock Safety’s license-plate camera data retention changes are sparking debate among law enforcement and community advocates in Michigan and nearby states. Campaign Watch: Karl Rove weighed in on the Michigan Senate race, warning of potential trouble for Abdul El-Sayed as the contest tightens.