AGP Executive Report

State Budget: Michigan lawmakers approved a roughly $75B state budget after an overnight marathon, sending it to Gov. Whitmer with no new tax increases and a higher K-12 foundation allowance ($10,300) plus added literacy, roads, Medicaid, mental health, and public safety funding. Education Funding: The late passage still left districts scrambling to finalize plans, with school leaders citing relief mixed with frustration over the delay. Public Safety—Mall Shooting: Dearborn police are investigating a fatal shooting at Fairlane Town Center that left at least two dead and a third injured; officials say it stemmed from an altercation between people who knew each other, not a random attack. Labor: Nurses at MyMichigan Medical Center Alma began a three-day strike over contract talks and alleged unfair labor practices. Local Policing: Oakland County is boosting lake patrols for the holiday under “Operation Dry Water” to curb boating under the influence. Community & Culture: Kresge Foundation named 10 Detroit-area Artist Fellows for 2026, awarding $50,000 each. Health & Policy: DOJ argues opponents of marijuana rescheduling have financial “pocketbook” interests in keeping cannabis Schedule I.

Disaster Aid Politics: President Trump announced $846M+ in disaster relief approvals, but reporting says FEMA aid has shown partisan gaps, raising questions about how Michigan and other states get treated when storms hit. 250th Anniversary, Partisan Tone: A columnist contrasts Trump’s campaign-style Fourth of July messaging with the “unity” approach associated with Ford’s era, keeping the bicentennial/semicentennial theme tied to politics. Michigan Budget Standoff: Michigan lawmakers remain stuck in budget negotiations with conference committees givingled in and out without progress, leaving schools and agencies waiting. Gas-Pump Relief Extended: Gov. Whitmer says the legislature extended her executive order to keep lower-cost fuel available through the rest of summer, aiming to cut prices 10–20 cents a gallon. Election Rules Fight: AG Brown leads multistate opposition to a USPS plan tied to Trump’s mail-voting “citizenship list” idea, arguing it would undermine state control of elections. Consumer Protection: AG Nessel reissued warnings about toll and ticket text scams targeting young adults ahead of holiday travel. Local Governance & Environment: 68 Michigan communities earned honors in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge, highlighting local sustainability work.

Election Integrity Fight: Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou and 48 House Democrats sent USPS a letter opposing a proposed rule tied to President Trump’s order that would create a federal mail-ballot list—arguing it violates the U.S. and Michigan constitutions and would give USPS an unprecedented role in elections. Budget Gridlock: Michigan lawmakers missed the July 1 budget deadline again, with negotiations continuing as school districts and public universities face uncertainty; Rep. Jennifer Wortz says the delay is creating funding problems. U.S. Senate Primary: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Aug. 4 Democratic Senate primary, adding to a growing list of high-profile backers as negative messaging from pro-Israel-aligned groups targets him. Disaster Relief: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Trump approved Michigan’s major disaster declaration for April storms, flooding, and nine tornadoes, unlocking FEMA and SBA assistance across dozens of counties. Public Health Watch: Michigan is tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with more than 225 cases reported across 21 counties and Detroit as of July 1. Michigan Politics & Governance: The Free Press editorial board endorsed candidates in competitive metro Detroit House primaries, setting up Aug. 4 contests that could shape November outcomes.

Budget & Energy Relief: Michigan lawmakers extended Governor Whitmer’s executive order to keep lower-cost gasoline available through the rest of summer, a move aimed at easing pump prices. Statehouse Deadlines: The legislature again missed the July 1 budget deadline, leaving schools and districts waiting on state aid while negotiations continue. Elections & Voting Rules: A federal judge halted Trump administration plans to change how ballots are processed, and Michigan’s court fight over Kalshi’s sports-betting contracts continues after rulings blocking operations. Immigration & Civil Rights: Activists are planning a July 9 rally outside the Supreme Court tied to the 14th Amendment’s equal protections, as the court upheld birthright citizenship. Public Safety: Michigan police and sheriffs are stepping up speed enforcement for the holiday travel period, with distracted and impaired driving also in focus. Human Trafficking: The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission launched a quarterly newsletter highlighting resources and the Attorney General’s Address Confidentiality Program. Local Governance: Ford River Township approved an ordinance amendment restricting short-term rentals to commercial zones, tightening Airbnb/Vrbo rules.

Budget Deadline Drama: Michigan lawmakers missed the July 1 state budget deadline again, leaving school districts to draft plans without confirmed state aid and fueling frustration over teacher shortages and hiring freezes. Courts & Access to Justice: The Michigan Supreme Court’s State Court Administrative Office rolled out the first redesigned civil court forms since 1979, starting with small claims, aiming to make self-represented filings more understandable and interactive. Election & Federal Overreach: A federal judge in New Hampshire rejected the Trump Justice Department’s push for state voter registration lists, marking another loss for the administration in cases seeking election records. Legal Battles in Michigan: A federal judge narrowed a former U-M football staffer’s hacking case by throwing out illegally seized device evidence, while another Michigan judge dismissed an ex-GM worker’s bias suit as vexatious. Public Safety & Policy: A Michigan judge refused to block a state advisory on overloaded fireworks, and a Detroit mayoral order detailed the city’s response to a heat wave. Local Politics: A Hamtramck councilman was acquitted of felony election fraud and forgery charges, though convicted on a misdemeanor false-statement count.

U.S.-Canada-Michigan cross-border infrastructure: Detroit’s Gordie Howe bridge is still not open to the public yet, even after construction completion, keeping attention on how major binational projects get from ribbon-cutting to real-world traffic flow. Great Lakes environmental politics: Milwaukee’s $122M “bathtub” storage facility for toxic sediment is wrapping up under the EPA’s Great Lakes Areas of Concern program, a reminder that Great Lakes cleanup is slow, expensive, and politically consequential. Tribal energy and pipeline oversight: Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute construction sparked renewed Bad River Band fears after a drilling-fluid spill into a reservation wetland, with questions about notice and transparency. Michigan election law and courts: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down limits on coordinated party spending in federal elections, a ruling that will shape Michigan’s political money landscape heading into the next cycle. Michigan education policy: Laws ending the Michigan Merit Exam essay requirement took effect, shifting how students and districts handle standardized testing and transcripts. Public safety and enforcement: Michigan agencies are ramping up July speed enforcement and holiday boating patrols, with officials urging safer driving and alcohol-free water behavior. Sports betting regulation: Michigan judges and state actions continue to halt Kalshi’s sports-related prediction market operations, underscoring the state’s tightening stance on wagering. Healthcare policy: States brace for new Medicaid “medically frail” work-exemption rules that could reduce coverage for some Michigan enrollees.

Michigan Cannabis Enforcement: The state Cannabis Regulatory Agency’s latest disciplinary report finds METRC tracking failures are still the most common compliance problem, with 16 licensed businesses disciplined for issues ranging from seed-to-sale tracking to security and operational lapses. Detroit Schools: Detroit Public Schools Community District added five more schools to a list of buildings being monitored for possible consolidation or closure, citing high operating costs, low enrollment, and underutilization. Student Loans: A federal student loan repayment overhaul begins July 1, with Michigan borrowers in SAVE potentially facing higher monthly payments after the transition away from the program. Elections & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s attempt to limit it, while Michigan officials continue to respond to related election-law fallout. Public Safety: A suspect was arrested after alleged death threats against a Madison Heights mosque, prompting hate-crime concerns. Sports & Local Justice: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was released from Florida jail on a $1 million bond with conditions as his kidnapping and armed robbery case proceeds. State Budget Pressure: Michigan lawmakers are still racing toward the July 1 budget deadline that affects school planning and staffing.

Mail-in Voting Ruling: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled states can count ballots arriving after Election Day as long as they’re postmarked by Election Day, a decision that undercuts a Trump-backed push to tighten deadlines. Federal Power vs. Agencies: In another major election-adjacent ruling, the Court expanded presidential power over independent agencies—while carving out an exception for Fed Gov. Lisa Cook, who can keep fighting her removal. Michigan Election Watch: Michigan’s AG Dana Nessel and allies continue pushing back on federal election overreach, including disputes over voter data access and mail-ballot rules. Lions/Criminal Case: Detroit released cornerback Terrion Arnold after felony kidnapping and armed robbery allegations; a Florida judge set $1 million bond with strict conditions. Public Safety & Courts: A Michigan appeals court upheld a prison term for a former school resource officer convicted of sexually abusing a student. Medicaid Fight: Democrats-led states sued over new Medicaid work requirements, challenging a narrower “medically frail” exemption. Michigan Politics & Campaigns: Indivisible backed Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while Michigan’s election calendar and primary forums continue to ramp up. Water Policy Angle: A national report highlights how lead-pipe replacement costs vary wildly, with Michigan included among cities facing expensive compliance timelines.

Supreme Court & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld state grace periods for counting late-arriving mail ballots, a win Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says protects voters—including military and overseas ballots. Federal Power vs. Independence: In a major rebuke to President Trump, the Court ruled Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook can keep her job for now, while also expanding presidential power by upholding other Trump firings. Michigan Courts & Schools: Michigan lawmakers face a budget timing gap that leaves many school districts scrambling for state aid, and the Michigan Supreme Court ordered a new murder trial after jurors weren’t properly instructed on voluntary manslaughter. Criminal Justice (Detroit sports): Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was released after a Florida judge set a $1 million bond in a kidnapping/armed robbery case, with the team cutting him hours later. Medicaid & Health Policy: Twenty-five Democratic-led states sued over Trump Medicaid work requirements, challenging a narrow “medically frail” exemption that could tighten access for disabled and ill residents. Gaming Law: Michigan judge Rosemarie Aquilina blocked Kalshi from offering sports-betting-style financial wagers in the state. Public Safety (4th of July): Alpena County reminded residents fireworks are legal only during specific state dates/times and urged people to reduce calls as holiday volumes peak.

Detroit Education & Housing Support: Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Health Hubs and “navigators” are credited with improving attendance and helping families navigate housing, food, and mental health needs. Voting Rights & Federal Overreach: Michigan’s attorney general and secretary of state are again blocking Trump administration efforts to control elections, while courts weigh disputes over voter data and mail voting rules. SAVE Act Pushback: A new report says the SAVE Act may be stalled in Congress, but state versions are moving forward, raising fresh concerns about documentary proof for voter registration. Affordability Agenda in Lansing: Michigan lawmakers are advancing a package aimed at lowering costs—expanding licensing reciprocity, easing permitting, and boosting competition. Public Safety & Justice: Michigan prosecutors filed murder charges in the case of a 7-year-old who died after extreme neglect, and investigators are also looking into a newborn found dumped in a portable toilet at Electric Forest. Higher Ed & Governance: University of Michigan regent Jordan Acker apologized after confirmed vulgar comments, as the board faces renewed scrutiny. U.S.-Canada Security & Trade: Commentary highlights tensions over defense cooperation and the delayed Detroit-Windsor bridge as industrial security strains. Local Government Finance: Holland won top national awards for financial reporting and budgeting, adding to its Michigan Green Communities recognition.

Election Law Fight: A federal judge dismissed DOJ’s bid to get Pennsylvania’s unredacted voter rolls, saying the request looks like a nationwide voter-database “for potential weaponization,” a fresh setback for Trump’s push to control election administration. Michigan Courts & Voting Access: The same broader legal fight is hitting Michigan too, with courts rejecting attempts to obtain sensitive voter information. Catholic Charities Lawsuit: Catholic Charities in mid-Michigan sued Michigan officials in federal court after losing a state funding designation tied to its religious beliefs on abortion and contraception. Public Safety & Health: Michigan’s hands-free phone law marks its third anniversary June 30, with the state touting road-safety results. Great Lakes Environment: UM researchers report tree swallows shrinking at a Lake Erie observatory as insect populations crash. Local Tragedy: A girl died after going underwater in the Detroit River near Maheras-Gentry Park; rescue efforts turned into a recovery. Community & Culture: The Michigan Military Heritage Museum held Living History Day in Jackson, and East Lansing wrapped up its 30th annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival.

EV Charging Rollout: A federal judge forced the Trump administration to release long-held National EV Infrastructure funding, and Michigan’s DOT says it will add 60 more charging stations along major travel routes over the next three years after $51 million was released. Public Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating after a Southgate officer fatally shot a man at a Meijer following a reported theft; police say the suspect pulled a “sharp instrument” and officers fired at least one round. Child Welfare & Criminal Charges: Prosecutors charged a Michigan couple with second-degree murder, child abuse, and torture after their 7-year-old son died at 255 pounds, with allegations of extreme neglect and lack of regular medical care. Local Governance & Housing: Dearborn voters will decide this fall on a $1.51 billion school bond proposal, while Montrose City Council discussed rental inspection policy after a housing survey drew mostly negative feedback. Elections & Courts: Michigan’s Court of Appeals ruled a missing ballot stub shouldn’t silence a voter, and earlier rulings continue to shape absentee ballot handling and voter privacy fights. Labor: UAW delegates are set to gather in Detroit for leadership nominations and policy debates as President Shawn Fain faces challengers. Data Centers Backlash: Rural Michigan communities keep pushing back on data centers, including a Saline Township dispute that moved into court after local opposition.

Michigan Election Courts: The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed a lower-court ruling and said absentee ballots can still be counted even when returned ballot stubs are missing or don’t match, pushing back on a GOP-backed effort to treat those ballots as barred from tabulation. Michigan Criminal Justice: Flint Township parents Damien and Jessica O’Brien were charged with second-degree murder (plus torture and child abuse counts) after prosecutors alleged years of neglect contributed to the death of their 7-year-old son, Casper, who weighed 255 pounds. Public Safety & Health Policy: The Pentagon restored mandatory flu shots for all military recruits after a boot-camp outbreak sickened nearly 300, reversing an earlier decision that made the vaccine optional. Michigan Governance & Budget: With the state budget still in negotiations, lawmakers have passed versions of an $80 billion plan but must reconcile differences before a July 1 deadline, affecting K-12 funding and agencies like the State Police. National Politics With Michigan Ties: DOJ sued Minnesota over SNAP applicant-records, naming Michigan among states in the dispute over federal access to sensitive benefits data.

Election Integrity & Voting Rules: Michigan’s Court of Appeals says absent-voter ballots can be counted even when the ballot stub is missing or doesn’t match, reversing a lower-court block and scrapping a complicated “cure” process—another win for AG Dana Nessel in the state’s long-running election-rule fight. State Government & Courts: The same broader legal battle continues as federal efforts to control Michigan election administration face setbacks, keeping the focus on who gets to run the rules. Immigration & Human Impact: In Coldwater, Pete Buttigieg says a bogus, politically motivated complaint led to his children being temporarily removed; Michigan State Police confirmed the anonymous report was unfounded. Immigration & Local Economy: A separate report highlights how the U.S. Supreme Court’s TPS rollback could immediately destabilize Haitian families and employers in Michigan communities like Coldwater. Housing & Property Rights: Wayne County reminds owners to file by July 1 to claim leftover money from tax foreclosure sales, following Michigan Supreme Court rulings that allow retroactive claims. Public Safety: DNR urges fire-safety precautions for Independence Day, emphasizing fireworks, campfires, and outdoor grills. Budget Watch: School leaders warn the July 1 state budget deadline is leaving districts in limbo, pushing uncertainty into staffing and planning. Housing Policy: A Michigan House bill would limit large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes, aiming to protect homeownership for working families.

Child Safety Hoax in Traverse City: Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says an anonymous, false Child Protective Services report led to police and CPS showing up at his home and separating him from his four-year-old twins overnight; Michigan State Police later said the report was determined false. Religious Freedom Lawsuit: Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties sued Michigan in federal court, alleging the state revoked its women’s substance abuse treatment contract as “religious targeting” tied to abortion/contraceptive positions. Elections & Voting Access: A Michigan appeals court ruling blocked a Trump administration push tied to Michigan voter information, while other coverage highlights absentee voting ramping up for the Aug. 4 primary. Local Government & Services: Southwest Michigan Regional Airport marked its 90th anniversary and is pushing a millage renewal on Aug. 4; Tawas City council discussed a US-23-linked pathway project and police-station upgrades. Public Health & Overdose Response: A Midwest medical examiner office sought a $1.5M federal grant to speed overdose toxicology results from weeks to under an hour. Courts & Public Safety: A Dearborn Heights man was charged after alleged online attempts to meet a teen; separate reporting covers a Michigan couple charged with murder in the death of a 7-year-old boy.

Election Law Fight: A federal appeals court said Michigan doesn’t have to hand over unredacted personal voter data to the Trump administration, dealing another blow to efforts to build a national voter file. University Governance: Three Michigan House Democrats want to strip the University of Michigan of autonomy to buy land without following local zoning rules, citing recent data-center and campus acquisitions. Housing Policy: The Michigan House passed a bill to limit large institutional investors from buying single-family homes, aiming to protect inventory for families. Public Health Funding: MDHHS awarded nearly $3.75M for youth substance-use prevention, including grants to the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe. Local Courts & Safety: The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld an Osceola County woman’s probation violation convictions tied to alcohol addiction. Community & Crime: Two children and 16+ animals were removed from an Ishpeming Township home after a domestic violence investigation. Sports/Legal: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was ordered held without bail in Florida after kidnapping/armed robbery charges.