AGP Executive Report

NASCAR at Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 again, taking the checkered flag by 11 seconds after starting from the rear and tying Kyle Busch on the all-time win list, then dedicating the victory to Busch with a tribute burnout at Michigan International Speedway. Politics & policy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked FEMA for a Presidential disaster declaration after April flooding and severe weather hit 43 Michigan counties, aiming to unlock federal aid for families and communities. Local economy: Fifth Third Bank confirmed it will close 75 branches across Michigan by early September, including many former Comerica locations, even as it says its total footprint will rise through conversions. Courts & corrections: A prisoner at Cooper Street Correctional Facility sued staff over being denied books about investing, arguing it violated his First Amendment rights. Public safety: A third inmate died in less than a month at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, with lawmakers calling for MDOC leadership changes. Environment & infrastructure: Ottawa County’s Groundwater Board discussed groundwater availability efforts and plans for new wells, while a Senate bill proposes a Michigan Water Trust Fund Act funded by a bottled-water royalty. Weather & daily life: AAA says Michigan gas prices fell 21 cents this week, and forecasts point to hot, humid conditions with scattered storms.

NASCAR at Michigan: The FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway was stopped with 51 laps left to repair a damaged SAFER barrier after a violent Lap 148 crash involving Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell. Elliott said he took the blame, and both drivers walked away before heading to the infield care center. Qualifying fallout: Denny Hamlin won pole but will start from the rear after unapproved adjustments tied to a flat tire in qualifying, setting up a wild race for the field. Local public safety: A Bloomfield Township patrol officer was injured in a rollover crash near Telegraph and Lone Pine; the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. State disaster request: Gov. Whitmer asked President Trump for a major disaster declaration for April storms, flooding, and tornadoes, seeking FEMA Individual and Public Assistance for dozens of counties. Prison news: A Michigan inmate sued prison staff over being denied books about investing. Weather: Mid-Michigan faces hot, humid conditions with showers and storms building midweek.

NASCAR in Michigan: Denny Hamlin won the FireKeepers Casino 400 pole at Michigan International Speedway, but expects to start from the rear after qualifying damage to his car. NASCAR Trucks: Corey Heim held off Kaden Honeycutt to win the Michigan Truck race, with Carson Hocevar finishing strong at home. Public safety at parks: The DNR says buoyed swim areas and Great Lakes beach flags are key as summer begins, noting some buoy installations are delayed. Outdoor freebie: Michigan’s Three Free Weekend is set for June 13-14, with free fishing, ORV access, and state park entry. Corrections: Michigan officials report a third inmate death in a month at a women’s prison, with the latest death under investigation. Politics: Rules for the Michigan Democrats’ August convention aim to limit who can run again after the April convention. Local sports: High school baseball and softball regional results set up state quarterfinals and beyond, with multiple Mid-Michigan teams advancing. Business/community: Gov. Whitmer announced MEDC placemaking support for redevelopment projects in North Branch, Albion, and Monroe.

NASCAR at MIS: Richard Childress faced a heartbreaking weekend at Michigan International Speedway, holding his first public comments since Kyle Busch’s May 21 death from pneumonia that progressed to sepsis—after he’d planned to announce Busch’s 2027 return. Prison Oversight: Michigan lawmakers are watching closely after a MDOC employee was suspended with pay amid allegations of forced overnight work and threats at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, alongside a third sudden inmate death in just over three weeks. Local Safety: Ann Arbor police are investigating antisemitic vandalism at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, with symbols spray-painted at the hub; authorities say it’s part of a broader recent pattern in Southeast Michigan. Great Lakes: Michigan’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week kicks off June 6–14, with EGLE and partners pushing stewardship and education, including a free fishing weekend June 13–14. Sports (Local): Corey Heim won his first career Truck Series race at MIS, holding off Kaden Honeycutt in a photo-finish.

Budget Fight: Michigan House leaders are pushing to bring back a third-grade reading law that could hold students back if they’re more than a grade behind, with Republicans tying it to more kids’ spending and a phonics focus while Democrats call it political stunts. Public Safety & Recovery: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked the Trump administration for a major disaster declaration after April storms, flooding, and nine tornadoes hit 43 counties, aiming to unlock FEMA help for families and local governments. Infrastructure Watch: The Gordie Howe Bridge is nearing completion, but residents still don’t have a firm opening date, and the delay is turning into a political blame game. Education Policy: Whitmer’s new smartphone ban for K-12 schools takes effect in the 2026-27 school year, leaving districts to set the practical rules. Local Economy & Housing: Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan released a new “We Build More Than Houses” declaration to tackle the region’s rural housing shortage. Sports: Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is set for a rehab start Sunday with High-A West Michigan in Grand Rapids. Consumer/Community: A Southeast Michigan dog-training business, Great Lakes Dog Training, is accused of taking thousands without providing promised services.

Disaster Aid Push: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked President Trump for a presidential disaster declaration for 43 Michigan counties hit by April flooding and nine confirmed tornadoes, seeking FEMA Individual Assistance for 37 counties and Public Assistance for 26. Public Safety & Roads: MDOT is closing a northbound lane on M-77 in Schoolcraft County for emergency culvert repairs, and Lincoln Township has a westbound John Beers Road sinkhole closure. Local Crime: Michigan State Police arrested a Newberry woman on home invasion charges after an alleged John Street break-in and theft; she’s out on bond pending next court date. Accountability in Public Funding: Detroit Police lost more than $400,000 in training grant money due to a paperwork issue, prompting new internal controls. Health & Research: Corewell Health and BAMF Health are partnering on advanced imaging research aimed at improving endometriosis diagnosis. Sports & Community: UAW endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate seat and Jocelyn Benson for governor; and Michigan’s snowmobile trail permit fee is set to rise from $52 to $65 for the next five-year cycle.

Poverty Reality Check: A new ALICE report finds 43% of Marquette County households are in financial survival trouble—far higher than the 17% counted as “in poverty,” with 26% living in the gap where they earn too much for help but not enough for basics. Detroit Public Safety & Spending: Detroit is seeking a nine-month extension worth about $2.06M to its ShotSpotter contract, as critics question the price and residents watch the clock toward a June deadline. Health Care Access: Michigan EMT groups warn proposed EMS budget cuts could hit ambulance inspections, EMT licensing, and staffing—at a time when shortages are already hurting coverage. Housing & Inclusion: Rochester Hills broke ground on Auburn Oaks, an “inclusive” neighborhood with 55 homes, including 19 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Great Lakes Safety: Cold-water risk hit home after an Ohio couple’s Lake Huron kayaking trip went wrong; both were rescued, but neither wore a life jacket. Sports & Community: Flint’s police lieutenants union contract heads to City Council after unanimous approval, while Michigan’s 2027 recruiting buzz grows with four-star CB Blake Jenkins committing to the Wolverines.

Data Centers Debate: State Sen. Jim Runestad proposed a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers statewide, arguing Michigan needs more scrutiny on power costs, environmental impacts, and long-term effects. Education & Charters: Detroit parents are bracing for possible school closures, including the Barack Obama Leadership Academy, as families juggle uncertain authorizers and shifting options. Public Health: Michigan health officials urged earlier-than-usual measles vaccinations as outbreaks spread, pointing to rising vaccine waiver opt-outs. Great Lakes & Water: EGLE is kicking off Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week (June 6-14) with a focus on protecting freshwater and a statewide Free Fishing weekend (June 13-14). Wildlife & Safety: Northern Michigan black bear sightings are rising as young bears search for territory; officials shared deterrence and encounter tips. UP Weather & Fire Risk: The DNR warned of very high to extreme wildfire danger in the Upper Peninsula as storms and rain are expected later in the week. Corrections Staffing Fight: MDOC is sending new recruits to hard-to-recruit U.P. prisons, but the corrections officers union says the pay increase plan isn’t being applied fairly. Crime Search: Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,500 reward for information in the disappearance of Eastpointe teen Noah Winters.

Temple Israel rebuild: West Bloomfield’s Temple Israel is undergoing major interior repairs after an attack left the sanctuary stripped down to foundations, with the damage still visible. Violent crime: Kalamazoo police are searching for a 27-year-old accused of cutting a 14-year-old boy’s face during a fight at the Lilac Hills apartments. Aviation pipeline: WMU and the West Michigan Aviation Academy announced a new pathway program that sets aside flight science slots for qualified academy students. Local government & housing: Holland City Council approved changes tied to the former historic greenhouse site and rezoned about 110 acres near M-40/I-196 into open space for wetland mitigation. Public safety in the region: Indiana’s IDOC commissioner said more must have been done after devastating fires at Indiana State Prison, as safety changes are promised. Workforce & education: EGLE won a Grand Valley State University internship award, and Bay College named a student to its All-Michigan Academic Team. Family court crisis: A statewide survey of family-law practitioners says Michigan’s family court system is failing people through delays and mismatched judge assignments.

Defense & Industry: TACOM highlighted Army modernization and readiness at the 2026 Michigan Defense EXPO in Detroit, spotlighting the Detroit Arsenal’s role in turning partnerships into real-world capability. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy is asking Michigan regulators for a $456M electric rate hike, drawing criticism from AG Dana Nessel and affordability advocates. Wildfire Risk: The DNR closed burn permits across the Upper Peninsula and much of northern Lower Michigan as fire danger stays very high. MSU Governance Fight: Michigan House lawmakers blocked a plan that would let the governor appoint MSU trustees, while embattled MSU trustees now call for an AG investigation into a new ethics code. Public Health: West Nile virus was detected in West Michigan mosquitoes, with officials urging residents to prevent bites. Education Access: Michigan’s Talent Together program is helping adults become teachers through scholarships and flexible pathways. Local Safety: Dearborn launched an aggressive driving unit using electric patrol cars to target speeding and other dangerous behavior. Sports: Duke vs. Michigan is reportedly headed from MSG to loanDepot Park in Miami for Dec. 21.

Holland Twp. Sentencing: Christian Montijo, 32, was sentenced in Michigan after not contesting charges tied to stalking and assaulting a 31-year-old woman, including an alleged vehicle ambush in late 2024. Public Safety: An Oahu man, Ronald Saville, 48, was charged after threatening to kill Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack the state Capitol; he was arrested in Texas and ordered detained. Crash Update: An Ogemaw County crash killed a 63-year-old man after his tractor was hit by an 83-year-old driver on Greenwood Road; identities weren’t released. Seniors Affordability: U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed rolled out an “AAA Plan” aimed at lowering costs for Michigan seniors, including Medicare cost-sharing changes and a Social Security payroll tax cap lift. Transportation & Infrastructure: MDOT plans a Woodward Avenue closure in 2027 to replace a 97-year-old culvert, with a three-month shutdown between Long Lake Road and Hickory Grove Road. Environment & Health: A Michigan Senate panel advanced a fix for the state’s septic code gap, moving toward statewide standards and inspections. Weekend Plans: Michigan’s “Three Free” weekend returns June 13-14 with free fishing, ORV trail access, and state park entry.

Roads & Construction: MDOT is widening M-28 shoulders in Chippewa County with single-lane closures starting June 8 through Aug. 21, and separate UP bridge inspections may bring short lane closures June 5-11. Flood Damage: Parts of scenic M-119 (“Tunnel of Trees”) in Emmet County remain closed after spring flooding caused slope failure and a culvert washout, with reopening timelines still uncertain. Wildfire Watch: DNR warns wildfire danger is “very high to extreme” across much of Michigan, with no new burn permits until rain arrives; a wildfire in Hiawatha National Forest is burning about 15 acres. Housing & Costs: A Senate committee advanced a housing tax credit package aimed at easing Michigan’s affordability crunch, while Consumers Energy filed for its biggest rate increase in 20+ years. Legal & Public Safety: Michigan AG will decide whether to file criminal charges in an East Lansing officer-involved fatal shooting; Detroit and the Great Lakes Water Authority face an insurers’ flood payout lawsuit. Labor & Industry: UAW strike action hit a Three Rivers GM axle supplier, and Gotion is suing Green Charter Township over a failed EV battery deal. Sports: Michigan locks in a Nov. 6 UConn rematch at TD Garden in Boston.

Wildfire Watch: The DNR warns fire danger is high to very high across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, citing dry fuels and limited rain; burning yard debris permits are paused in the north. Public Safety & Corrections: MDOC is raising starting pay for new corrections officer recruits at five UP prisons by about $10,000 a year to tackle staffing shortages. Local Crime/Justice: Michigan Supreme Court ruled sex-offender registration rules added in 2011 can’t be forced on people convicted before those changes. Health & Community: MDHHS, DIFS and the AG are urging residents to watch for Medicare fraud during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week. Schools & Mobility: MDOT awarded $282,000 for Safe Routes to School mini-grants, funding walking school buses, bike rodeos, safety events and incentives. Elections & Culture: Public voting is open for Michigan’s 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest through June 30. Business/Finance: AAA says Michigan gas prices fell 27 cents from last week. Sports: Gaylord’s Calvin Cosby finished second in the D2 pole vault at state finals.

Banking Closures: Fifth Third says it will shut 75 Michigan branches this summer after its Comerica deal—55 Comerica sites plus 20 Fifth Third locations—aiming to finish by early September. Health Care Access: MDHHS awarded nearly $400K to expand sickle cell care across five projects, including work at Henry Ford and U-M to improve transitions and treatment access. School Safety: MDOT handed out $282K in Safe Routes to School mini-grants for programs like walking school buses, bike rodeos, and safety workshops. Fraud Watch: State agencies are warning Michiganders during Medicare Fraud Prevention Week to protect Medicare info and watch for common scam tactics. Energy Costs: Consumers Energy’s summer peak rates kick in June 1, with on-peak electricity costing 24.5 cents/kWh (2–7 p.m.). Local Economy/Jobs: A UAW strike at American Axle/Dauch in Three Rivers threatens GM pickup production. Tech & Power Debate: Oracle and OpenAI’s “Barn” data center campus broke ground in Saline Township, drawing praise from leaders while residents remain divided. Public Safety: Michigan State Police charged a Utah man in a Livingston County attempted child abduction case. Elections: Michigan’s “I Voted” sticker contest is open for public voting through June 30. Gas Prices: AAA reports Michigan gas is down 27 cents since last week, averaging $4.38/gallon.

Agriculture & Climate-Smart Farming: USDA-backed Farmers for Soil Health is reopening its cover-crop incentive enrollment, with higher annual payments of $35 per acre (up to 2,000 acres) and a new one-year contract structure aimed at cutting barriers for corn, soy, wheat and other growers. Great Lakes Shipping: A new report says Great Lakes shipping lost about a third of the 2026 season—82 ship days—blaming inadequate Coast Guard icebreaking, even as the Coast Guard cites record zero casualties during assisted transits. Public Safety & Health: Michigan is warning residents to watch for harmful algal blooms as summer nears, and the state is rolling out a new one-stop tool to report them. Elections: Michigan’s automatic voter registration process is getting updates, including changes to the opt-out flow. Local News: A Monroe County road-rage case has a semi-truck driver accused of firing a pistol at a family on U.S. 23. Sports: Kyle Whittingham is riding in IndyCar’s “Fastest Seat in Sports” at the Detroit Grand Prix, while Michigan’s recruiting continues to churn with more commitments and flips. Skilled Trades: Washtenaw Community College student Mikala Sposito is set to represent the U.S. in welding at WorldSkills in China.

Voting Access Update: Michigan is changing how automatic voter registration works: starting June 1, people added through AVR or preregistration will get a mail letter explaining how to opt out. Public Health & Environment: EGLE, MDHHS and MDARD are urging Michiganders to watch for harmful algal blooms as summer ramps up, and they’ve updated the HAB reporting form to make it easier to send in photos and details. Wildfire Risk: The DNR says elevated fire danger is high in northern Michigan due to dry fuels and low moisture, and it’s pausing burn permits in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula while conditions stay risky. Great Lakes Readiness: The Coast Guard met with Northern Michigan partners in Traverse City to discuss maritime readiness, including salvage and marine firefighting, plus a drill planned near the Straits of Mackinac in August. Local Sports & Community: The Detroit Grand Prix wrapped with Alex Palou winning after leading from the pole, and a father-daughter volunteer team helped run the winner’s circle ceremonies. Lottery: No jackpot winner in Saturday’s Powerball drawing; the next drawing is Monday with an estimated $180M.