AGP Executive Report

Michigan Politics & Elections: Michigan’s Senate race remains the center of gravity as Democrats push unity and high-profile campaigning—Elissa Slotkin and Abdul El-Sayed drew a packed Macomb County event, underscoring how close the contest is and how much is riding on turnout. Local Governance: Voters in multiple Michigan counties are still dealing with absentee-ballot problems after clerks missed mailing deadlines, raising fresh questions about election administration ahead of Nov. 3. State Policy & Courts: A key mechanics story for Election 2026 explains how millages are calculated, a reminder that local tax votes can shape school and community budgets. Public Safety: A fatal crash shut down the Lodge Freeway near 9 Mile in Southfield for hours, while separate reporting details a Berkley crash where police say the driver was intoxicated and driving over 100 mph. National Politics: AP reports Pete Buttigieg is barnstorming battleground states—including Michigan—using cost-of-living themes to sharpen his political brand as midterms near.

Michigan Elections & Voting Access: A judge ordered 37 disputed absentee ballots to be counted in Hamtramck’s 2025 mayoral race, a contest decided by 11 votes, with lawyers now arguing about ballot integrity and chain of custody. State Courts & Appointments: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Dr. Amber Libby to the 6th District Probate Court covering Mackinac and Luce counties. Public Safety: Police say a man was stabbed in Chocolay Township near Ojibwe Casino after an altercation tied to a prior child assault; the victim was seriously injured, the child suffered minor injuries. Gun Safety & Accountability: New Michigan daycare gun case coverage highlights how quickly unsecured firearms can endanger kids, alongside broader research urging quick-access lockboxes. Detroit Crime: A Detroit gas station shooting case adds felony charges against a suspect after a dispute escalated to gunfire. Campaign Politics: In Flint, right-wing heckling at Abdul El-Sayed’s town hall was quickly removed, but clips spread and were reframed online. Midterms Watch: Multiple reports point to record spending and heightened anxiety inside GOP ranks as Election Day nears.

Dam Safety Overhaul: Michigan lawmakers are moving closer to stronger dam safety laws after the 2020 Edenville disaster, with proposals aimed at tougher flood-control standards, more inspections, and requiring dam owners to prove they can maintain structures. Election Law Watch: With Election Day a month away, a new look at the Trump administration’s actions in Michigan says courts have blocked some moves (like parts of mail-ballot changes and requests for voter data), while other federal election-enforcement powers remain in place. Sex Offender Registry Update: Michigan State Police say Larry Nassar was never on the state sex offender registry, after the Michigan Supreme Court limited retroactive application of SORA—following claims by a local prosecutor’s office that he had been removed. Campaign Politics: One month out, national coverage highlights Senate races Michigan is part of, as Republicans and Democrats adjust spending and strategy for a potentially tight map. AG Race Clash: Republican AG candidate Doug Lloyd attacked Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit over sex-work decriminalization, arguing it ignores realities of the sex trade while Savit points to legal limits and policy guidelines.

Supreme Court Security Push: Michigan AG Jeff Jackson is leading a bipartisan coalition of 45 attorneys general urging Congress to fully fund the U.S. Supreme Court’s FY 2027 security request after a spike in threats and incidents. State Government & Health Policy: MDHHS will host a virtual public meeting Oct. 27 on Michigan’s Medicaid prescription drug formulary, letting residents and partners comment on the covered drug list. Michigan Elections & Administration: Michigan secretary of state candidates are ramping up messaging on election security and voter trust as Election Day nears, with absentee-ballot delivery problems still popping up in multiple counties. Energy & Data Centers: Michigan regulators approved DTE contracts tied to Google’s 1-gigawatt data center in Van Buren Township, a major step for hyperscale development. Economy Watch: A weak September jobs report—29,000 jobs added and unemployment up to 4.2%—raises pressure heading into midterms, with Michigan already facing higher joblessness than the national rate. Public Safety & Courts: A Michigan Supreme Court ruling is behind the removal of Larry Nassar from the sex offender registry, even as he remains in prison. Midwest Water & PFAS: Whitmer’s first PFAS Awareness Week highlighted community-led education and treatment tours across Michigan.

Michigan Senate Gas Tax Fight: The Michigan Senate is set to consider a 90-day suspension of the state’s 52.4-cent-per-gallon gas tax, as lawmakers weigh relief for drivers against a roughly $600 million hit to road funding, with House Democrats floating Rainy Day Fund coverage and GOP leaders calling the plan “politically unserious.” Sex Offender Registry Fallout: Larry Nassar has been removed from Michigan’s sex offender registry after a Michigan Supreme Court ruling barred retroactive application of the 2021 registration law to crimes committed before July 2011; prosecutors say the change weakens public awareness even though convictions and prison time remain intact. Courtroom Delay in AG Case: Hillsdale County Sheriff Scott Hodshire’s felony hearing was pushed to November after his defense asked for more time to review newly received digital evidence in charges tied to alleged leaks in an Ohio theft investigation. Legal System Watch: A Michigan appeals court conditionally reversed an entrapment-related conviction in a Genesee County child-sex sting, ordering a hearing on whether police used unlawful inducement. Public Safety & Justice: A Kent County man was arrested on allegations of torturing his girlfriend, including threats and waterboarding, according to local reporting. Election Access: A DNC lawsuit alleges the Defense Department altered a voting postcard for some overseas U.S. citizens, making it harder to register. Infrastructure Oversight: The Michigan Senate advanced long-stalled dam safety reforms, boosting flood control standards and inspections, with one more procedural step needed before Gov. Gretchen Whitmer can act. Federal Funding Lawsuit: California and several states, including Michigan, sued the Trump administration over alleged impoundment of congressionally appropriated funds.

Michigan Politics & Courts: The race for Michigan attorney general is heating up with candidates Doug Lloyd (R), Eli Savit (D), and four third-party contenders, as voters weigh who will lead the state’s top law-and-enforcement office. Elections & Voting Access: In multiple Michigan counties, absentee ballot problems are still lingering after clerks missed mailing deadlines, raising fresh concerns about whether voters can actually get their ballots in time. Public Safety: Canton police say parents will face charges after a toddler brought a loaded handgun to a daycare; officials praised staff for quick action and noted Michigan’s strict safe-storage rules. Immigration Enforcement: A former Trinity Health Ann Arbor nurse faces federal charges tied to an alleged ICE detainee escape from a hospital. Statehouse Watch: Michigan’s Student Advisory Council is giving high schoolers a direct channel to the superintendent, including feedback on the new statewide classroom cellphone ban and debates over AI use. Campaign Trail: Abdul El-Sayed’s energized U.S. Senate bid continues to draw national attention as he takes on Republican Mike Rogers, with attacks increasingly focused on identity and faith.

ACA Refund Checks: The Trump administration has started mailing $500 Affordable Care Act “user fee” rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Michigan, with eligibility tied to federal marketplace coverage and not subsidies. Michigan Senate Race: A Fox News poll cited by Mediaite shows Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leading GOP Rep. Mike Rogers 51%-48%, with cost of living topping voter concerns—fueling GOP anxiety heading into the midterms. Crime & Campaign Trail: Michigan’s U.S. Senate candidates spar over who’s “better on crime,” with Rogers leaning on his FBI background and El-Sayed accusing him of voting against community policing. Election Administration: A judge’s re-election campaign in Eastpointe reportedly had its website disabled after an opponent flagged endorsements listing three deceased attorneys. Local Courts & Housing: A Detroit judge ordered a RealToken-linked tenant out of an unsafe duplex, citing uninhabitable conditions. Public Safety: Fenton police say an ATM theft at ChoiceOne Bank appears tied to an organized group, after a second hit using the same stolen pickup.

Election Administration: Some Michigan counties missed the Sept. 24 deadline to mail absentee ballots, leaving voters in places like Antrim and Presque Isle still waiting while others mailed late or only made ballots available for pickup. Cybersecurity & Consumer Protection: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a $2.3 million multistate settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to its debt-collector vendor, AMCA, which exposed millions nationwide including thousands of Michigan residents. Immigration Enforcement: A Michigan nurse faces a federal misdemeanor charge after authorities alleged she helped an injured immigration detainee escape hospital custody. Public Safety & Health: FDA assigned a Class I risk level to a Salata Salad Kitchen jalapeño avocado dressing recall in three states over possible Salmonella contamination. Civic Rights: The Michigan Civil Rights Commission scheduled a hybrid public meeting Oct. 26 in Mount Pleasant, with community comment and updates on ongoing civil-rights work. State Politics & Campaigns: Democrats attacked a plan to use $20 million in Homeland Security funds for Trump TV ads, while Republicans and attorneys general are weighing in on the legality. Energy & Cost of Living: GOP Rep. John James called for suspending Michigan’s gas tax, drawing pushback from infrastructure advocates. Local Governance: Detroit Public Schools board candidates are debating whether parents of chronically absent students should face stronger accountability.

Detroit Fire/Justice: A former Detroit Fire Department dispatcher, Stephanie Steen, is accused in federal court of tipping off her brother about an impending raid and then lying to the FBI, raising questions about public-safety integrity. Hate-Crime Push: After a crash confrontation involving an Arab American driver and an African American woman went viral, the victim’s attorney is urging Wayne County prosecutors to file hate-crime charges. Election Admin Glitch: Wayne County absentee ballots were sent with a printing error affecting the Belleville Area District Library Board race; corrected ballots are being reprinted and mailed to Belleville, Sumpter, and Van Buren Township. Local Ballot Watch (Metro Detroit): Voters in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb will decide on a Detroit Zoo millage renewal (10 years, no tax increase), while Wayne and Oakland voters also face a museums millage for the Charles H. Wright Museum and the Detroit Historical Society. Detroit Schools: With five of seven seats up, the Detroit School Board race is framed as a high-stakes fight over literacy, attendance, facilities, safety, and the next strategic plan. Higher Ed Governance: Michigan’s unusual system puts elected board seats for MSU, U-M, and Wayne State on the ballot statewide this November. Campaign/Politics: Michigan Libertarians disavowed their gubernatorial nominee, Anthony Hudson, after party leadership censured him over comments and positions. Economy/Policy: Fed Vice Chair John Williams signaled a possible December rate hike but said there’s no rush, as markets recalibrate expectations.

Michigan Elections: Absentee voting is underway for the Nov. 3, 2026 midterms, with clerks in Metro Detroit warning voters to watch for ballots in the mail and noting deadlines to request ballots online (Oct. 30) or in person (Nov. 2), plus the 8 p.m. Election Day return deadline. Michigan Ballot Measures: Michigan leaders are urging voters to vote no on Proposal 1, arguing a constitutional convention would be complex, expensive, and risky for local control. Michigan Courts: Two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court are on the ballot, with candidates including Justice Noah Hood and Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh, and the outcome could shift the court’s 6-1 Democratic tilt. Michigan Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed is facing renewed scrutiny after declining to denounce Iran’s leadership when pressed at an event, a moment that’s likely to fuel campaign attacks. Public Safety: Canton police are investigating after a toddler allegedly pulled a loaded gun from a backpack at a daycare; a parent was taken into custody. Cannabis & Insurance: A bipartisan federal CLAIM Act would limit federal penalties for insurers serving state-legal marijuana businesses, with Michigan operators among those potentially affected.

Data Centers & Local Control: Saginaw City Council unanimously approved a 10-page data center ordinance, effective Oct. 9, after a 2026 moratorium—aimed at balancing growth with zoning, environmental stewardship, and community protections. Energy Costs & Policy: Michigan Senate leader Winnie Brinks said she’s open to suspending the state gas tax and considering a data center moratorium, as AAA reports Michigan gas averaging $4.67 on Sept. 28. Elections & Voting Disputes: The Michigan Board of Canvassers approved a recall petition against Antrim County Clerk Victoria Bishop, clearing three of four petition versions tied to alleged voter-registration changes. Gun Safety & Schools: A new report says only half of Michigan schools are complying with a safe firearm storage deadline. Courts & Federal Rules: A coalition of 15 states, including Michigan, sued the FAA over its environmental review for expanded commercial drone delivery rules. Local Governance: Greenville City Council voted down a proposed change to infill lot width standards, while other code amendments moved forward.

Election Access: Michigan has started mailing absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 general election, and voters who aren’t on the permanent list still have time to request one online or through their local clerk. Campaign & Messaging: A Michigan-focused GOP super PAC is leaning into “soft on crime” attacks, including against former prosecutor Christina Hines, as Republicans try to sharpen their midterm message. Workplace Rights: The EEOC sued Corunna-based Davis Cartage, alleging a logistics executive sexually harassed female employees and the company let it continue. Local Politics & Community: J Street is forming a new Jewish Community Advisory Council, signaling a push to gain a bigger seat at the mainstream Israel policy table. Health & Safety: A federal lawsuit ties a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak to recalled iceberg lettuce, while Michigan readers also get reminders on what to do if they need an absentee ballot. Public Life: Youmacon returns to Huntington Place in Detroit over Halloween weekend.

Absentee Voting Rollout: Michigan election clerks have started mailing absentee ballots to more than 2 million voters with about six weeks left, as local officials say they’re ready to run elections despite lingering mistrust tied to federal mail-in voting fights. State Senate Race Shakeup: Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole plans to retire after 41 years, creating a vacancy weeks before the Nov. 3 election; he’s also the GOP nominee for the 32nd District state Senate seat. AG vs. H-1B Tax Rule: Michigan’s attorney general Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 22 AGs opposing a Trump administration proposal to impose a massive H-1B petition tax, arguing it would undercut states’ ability to fill staffing shortages. Local Infrastructure: Lansing lawmakers are advancing bipartisan dam safety legislation tied to the Edenville/Sanford failures, aiming for more inspections, stronger emergency plans, and state authority to respond to unsafe dams. Data Centers & Transparency: A bipartisan push in Congress would force public disclosure of data center deals now often hidden behind NDAs, with Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett among co-sponsors. Public Safety: Detroit police are investigating a deadly after-hours strip club shooting that left three dead and four wounded. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports show diesel and gasoline still fluctuating across Michigan counties, keeping affordability front and center.

Gun Violence & Worship Rights: A Maryland synagogue won a partial court fight over a county gun-free buffer zone, and worshippers now argue they need the right to carry while commuting to and from services. Data Centers & Local Control: Michigan communities are moving to regulate AI data centers before new projects arrive; Saginaw is set to vote Monday on an ordinance covering siting, noise, and water/electricity impacts. Michigan Election Prep: Michigan’s absentee voting process and election rules continue to be a focus as officials and candidates gear up for the Nov. 3 midterms. State Policy Watch: Michigan lawmakers are advancing measures tied to public safety and consumer protection, including guidance from Attorney General Dana Nessel on tribal protection orders and new rules affecting renters’ fees. Energy & Costs: Fuel prices remain a political pressure point, with local gas reporting showing variation across Michigan counties.

U.S. Senate Watch: Post–Labor Day polling shows Democrats gaining ground, with the RealClearPolitics generic ballot up 8.6 points and Trump’s approval hitting a record low, while Senate battlegrounds—including several Republicans currently hold—show GOP candidates trailing. Michigan Crime & Courts: Michigan State Police say a traffic stop near Marshall led to the seizure of 174 handguns and about 167 kilograms of suspected heroin, with serial numbers “obliterated.” Veterans Policy: Rep. Jack Bergman and others introduced the bipartisan SMILE for Veterans Act to create a VA pilot reimbursing community dental providers for rural veterans’ care. Michigan Gun Safety/Enforcement: Michigan officers seized 174 guns and suspected heroin during a traffic stop, underscoring ongoing state-level enforcement efforts. Israel Divide in Michigan Politics: A new discussion highlights how Democrats are splitting over Israel policy, with Michigan’s Senate race and national messaging tied to that fault line. Auto Policy With Michigan Stakes: Trump says he approved new fuel-economy standards ending the Biden EV mandate, a move that could reshape Detroit-area manufacturing and consumer costs. Tech & Education: Michigan-linked political debate continues as candidates and allies weigh how to talk about trans rights, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer defending her record.

Michigan Senate race: Abdul El-Sayed is leaning hard on his public health résumé as he campaigns for the open U.S. Senate seat, while Mike Rogers and other critics argue his record shows big promises with limited follow-through. Veterans & Iran war: Michigan veterans protested outside a Lansing gas station against the U.S. war in Iran, tying higher fuel costs and an electronic records rollout to frustrations with GOP leadership. Military voting controversy: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing backlash for urging troops to vote while spotlighting Democratic cities like Detroit, with critics calling it partisan and “unethical.” Trade & prices: A new U.S. ban on Canadian imports tied to the ongoing trade dispute is expected to hit consumer prices, with Michigan watching broader cost pressures. Local economy/transport: The Gordie Howe Bridge’s multi-use path is credited with reviving activity in Windsor-Detroit neighborhoods. Energy costs (data): GasBuddy reports show Michigan fuel prices remain elevated, with notable county-by-county lows for regular, midgrade, premium, E85, and diesel.