AGP Executive Report

Health Policy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA pressure, and will instead require providers to hand parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine statewide. Sports & Local Economy: Michigan State AD J Batt is reportedly a finalist target for Kentucky’s athletic director job, adding more leadership churn at East Lansing. Weather & Safety: NWS confirmed two EF-0 tornadoes touched down in West Michigan, with storms also blamed for widespread outages earlier this week. Public Safety: Flint youth and partners held a youth-led gun violence summit at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, with attendees getting tools and $50 gift cards. Crime: Two Michigan sisters face felony charges after an alleged restaurant dispute escalated into a violent attack on an employee. Community & Loss: Michigan will lower flags to half-staff Saturday for Army Cpl. George F. Sepsey, whose remains were identified decades after WWII. Adoption Spotlight: Meet Anthony, a 16-year-old in Michigan foster care waiting for a permanent adoptive family.

Health & Privacy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and will instead require providers to give parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine, after the state said it couldn’t show federal approval for the old forms. Public Safety: Two men died after a water emergency on Lake Michigan near the Pigeon Lake Channel in Port Sheldon Township; authorities are investigating. Crime & Courts: A Troy police tip helped trigger charges against a Washington Township man accused of multiple acts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor and possessing child sexually abusive material. Domestic Violence: A Sterling Heights man was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder for killing his girlfriend in 2023. Weather & Community: After Thursday storms, power restoration is still ongoing in parts of the region, and a 6-year-old was rescued after a tree fell on a Dearborn home. Sports (Michigan): Christopher Bell is set to race at Pocono with a cast on his fractured left wrist after a violent Michigan crash; and Michigan State landed four-star OL Caleb Johnson for the 2027 class. Local Life: We Fixin to Fish taught thousands to fish in southeast Michigan, including kids at Belle Isle.

Health & Privacy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after it couldn’t document federal approval, and now requires vaccination sites statewide to provide parents the MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine. Corrections: The MDOC says testing at Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility found no widespread “black or toxic mold” and that minor vent growth was cleaned up. Courts & Public Safety: Michigan Innocence Clinic says evolving fire-science has helped overturn arson convictions, with multiple new trials or exonerations tied to discredited methods. State Politics: GOP House Speaker Matt Hall threatens a budget stall unless Senate Democrats move on his priorities, setting up another tense Lansing fight. Summer & Community: USA TODAY ranks four Michigan lake beaches among the nation’s best, including Manistee’s First Street Beach, Saugatuck’s Oval Beach, Ludington’s Hamlin Beach, and Silver Lake State Park. Local Life: Michigan’s largest amusement park, Michigan’s Adventure, is being sold in a multi-park deal, but officials say the 2026 season should run normally.

Public Health & Privacy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and will instead require vaccine sites to provide the MCIR opt-out form before shots, after the state said it couldn’t document federal approval for the old forms. Crime & Safety: Michigan State Police arrested a Green Bay man in Kincheloe after an alleged vehicle theft and knifepoint kidnapping of his roommate, with charges including unlawful imprisonment. Local Justice & Accountability: MSU trustees censured two members after they refused to sign a new code of ethics, revoking privileges tied to tickets, legal help, and reimbursements. Economy Watch: The University of Michigan consumer sentiment rose 9% in June as gas prices eased, though experts warn worries could linger. Outdoor Access: Michigan’s “Three Free Weekend” (June 13-14) waives fishing license, ORV, and state park Recreation Passport fees. Education & Early Childhood: Oakland University was selected to evaluate GSRP, Michigan’s state-funded pre-K program, as the state expands “Pre-K for All.” Sports & Community: Harbor Springs won northern Michigan’s first girls soccer state title, and a new U.P./northern Lower football “Bridge Alliance” is set for 2026.

Severe Weather & Power: DTE reported about 24,000 customers without power early Friday after Thursday night storms, while Consumers Energy said roughly 36,000 were still out, with numbers only slightly improving by morning. Next Round Alert: Another wave of storms is expected tonight, with tornado watch and damaging wind threats across parts of Michigan. Energy Costs & Accountability: Michigan House Democrats unveiled add-ons to a “Ratepayer Bill of Rights,” aiming to cap utility profits, limit spending on lobbying and executive pay, and require infrastructure reviews every five years. Local Politics: Voters in Dearborn and Dearborn Heights head to the Aug. 4 primary with key local ballot questions, including SMART bus funding and a Dearborn library millage. Public Safety & Health: MDHHS ended Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and now requires providers to give parents the MCIR opt-out form before vaccination. Corrections Scrutiny: Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility faces renewed backlash after a third inmate death in less than a month. Transportation: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening has been delayed again amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions.

UM & Israel Threat Case: Federal authorities arrested eight people tied to the University of Michigan after indictments alleged a campaign of violent threats and vandalism aimed at pressuring the school and the Jewish Federation to sever ties with Israel. Courts & Public Safety: A federal judge said he’ll take weeks to review whether evidence should be tossed in the UM sex case involving former football co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss. Energy & Utilities: A Michigan judge recommended regulators reject Consumers Energy’s plan to sell 13 hydro dams for $1 each, citing safety and customer concerns. Health & Parents’ Rights: Michigan health officials ended Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and will require providers to give parents the MCIR opt-out form before vaccination. Weather & Preparedness: Another round of severe storms is forecast across Michigan with damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes, plus a heat advisory in the south. Local Law Enforcement: Michigan State Police promoted two troopers for new roles serving Delta and Schoolcraft counties and expanded its Northern Michigan law enforcement career academy registration. Business & Kids Care: MiLEAP and partners launched a statewide support hub to help child care business owners start, grow, and stay open.

Severe Weather & Power: Heat advisories hit Southeast Michigan again today (96–102°) with a line of thunderstorms possible late tonight, bringing damaging winds over 70 mph, hail, and even spin-up tornadoes. Storm Aftermath: Wednesday’s storms left more than 100,000 Consumers Energy customers without power (73,000 still out by 6 a.m. Thursday) and DTE reported 3,800 without power, down to 468 by 6 a.m. Public Safety: If your fridge/freezer loses power, keep doors closed—USDA says a full fridge holds about 4 hours, and a full freezer can last 48 hours. Federal Charges (UMich): DOJ unsealed an indictment charging eight people tied to the University of Michigan with allegedly orchestrating threats and vandalism aimed at UM leaders and the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit. Local Protections: Hazel Park became the first Michigan city to explicitly protect polyamorous people from discrimination via an update to its human rights ordinance. Health & Costs: Michigan’s overdose death rate dropped 47% since 2021, and a new state fish-safety guide updates 2026 recommendations for what’s safest to eat.

Mid-Michigan Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down Tuesday—an EF-1 near Freeland that damaged dozens of homes and an EF-U twister near Montrose. Public Safety & Courts: A federal judge dismissed a property rights lawsuit against a Michigan DNR conservation officer tied to a deer-hunting dispute in Newaygo County. Higher Ed & Threats: Federal prosecutors indicted eight University of Michigan–associated anti-Israel activists over an alleged two-and-a-half-year campaign of threats and vandalism targeting campus leaders and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Health Policy: Michigan lawmakers advanced bills aimed at eliminating out-of-pocket costs for life-saving meds like EpiPens, insulin supplies, and prescription inhalers. Local Government: Dowagiac approved more than $550,000 for a replacement fire truck after an earlier crash destroyed an engine. Community & Health Access: Michigan is offering an opioid treatment internship stipend program to students completing unpaid internships, aiming to grow the workforce for substance use disorder care. Sports: New Lothrop beat Millington 3-2 in extra innings to win a Division 3 softball quarterfinal.

Courts & Public Safety: Michigan’s Court of Appeals overturned Joseph Morrison’s convictions tied to the 2020 plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, arguing kidnapping can’t qualify as a violent felony under the state’s terrorism law; AG Dana Nessel says the ruling is “nonsensical” and plans to appeal. Public Health: Michigan overdose deaths are down 47% since 2021, with MDHHS projecting 2025 at 16.4 deaths per 100,000 residents. Weather & Emergency Response: Severe storms hit with two tornadoes confirmed in Michigan, plus a heat advisory for parts of Southeast Michigan and a renewed severe-storm threat late Thursday/Thursday night. Statehouse: The Michigan House passed bills creating 25-foot buffer zones around law enforcement and emergency responders and tightening penalties for demonstrators who threaten or harass public safety workers. Accountability in Government: Lawmakers also advanced a package to increase oversight of how state departments write administrative rules, adding new categories and approval steps. Local Michigan Life: Northern Michigan counties are exploring a Rural Roads Alliance to give rural road issues more voice in Lansing. Sports: Mendon is headed back to the Division 4 softball Final Four after a quarterfinal win.

Prison Oversight: Michigan lawmakers and advocates are pressing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to act after a third death in a month at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, with former inmates alleging delays in medical care and calling it “death care.” Severe Weather: The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes Tuesday—one near Freeland that damaged 30-40 homes and overturned campers, and another near Montrose—while heat advisories and more storm chances are set for Wednesday and Thursday. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe Bridge will open by the end of the week, despite earlier Trump threats, with traffic expected to begin June 15. Politics & Campaigns: A pro-Israel super PAC began spending in Michigan’s U.S. Senate Democratic primary to boost Rep. Haley Stevens, while the Michigan Court of Appeals vacated a Jackson County man’s Whitmer kidnap-plot conviction. Health Care Labor: Nurses with Teamsters Local 332 continue a long Henry Ford Health strike, demanding staffing ratios, fair wages, and an end to union-busting tactics.

Insurance Deal: Union Bay Acquisition LLC bought Livonia’s Arlington Agency, expanding the Pennsylvania-based insurer’s Michigan footprint with undisclosed terms. NASCAR Michigan: Denny Hamlin won again at Michigan International Speedway after starting last, while Carson Hocevar’s nine-car crash drew sharp criticism and Bubba Wallace warned him that mistakes will cost him. Public Safety Weather: A dense fog advisory was issued for Sheboygan County, and mid-Michigan faces scattered showers and thunderstorms with a humid feel. Early Childhood Housing: Battle Creek is testing rent-free housing for early childhood educators through a “First Home, First Teacher” style program aimed at keeping teachers in the field. Courts & Elections: The Michigan Court of Appeals sided with the Department of State in a ballot-signature dispute, highlighting strict timing rules for signature review requests. Prison Oversight: Three women have died in 25 days at Michigan’s Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility, renewing calls for changes to care and staffing. State Policy Watch: Michigan unemployment insurance law changes take effect in July, including a new weekly work-search requirement.

Corrections Crisis: Michigan’s Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility is under fresh scrutiny after a third inmate death in less than a month—Ashley Hoath, 36, died Saturday after being transferred to a hospital; officials say the cause is under investigation. Public Health: MDHHS released updated 2026 “Eat Safe Fish” guides, warning anglers about toxic chemicals in specific species and waters, including “do not eat” fish. Great Lakes Watch: Michigan DNR and MSU researchers are heading to Lake Superior’s deepest point to study “zombie” siscowet lake trout and rule out whether disease is involved. Environment & Cleanup: Michigan and the EPA announced a $10 million push to accelerate Detroit River sediment cleanup along the Belle Isle area. Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing opening with a ribbon-cutting expected later this week, despite earlier Trump threats. Weather: Metro Detroit braces for a hot, stormy week with flash-flood risk and heat index values near 100.

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.