AGP Executive Report

Cross-Border Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening between Detroit and Windsor was delayed again over “outstanding issues,” pushing back a Friday ribbon-cutting and keeping trade-and-transport uncertainty front and center. Auto & Manufacturing Labor: UAW and American Axle & Manufacturing reached a tentative deal ending a 10-day strike in Three Rivers, with wages rising to $30/hour by 2030 and healthcare premium freezes. EV Battery Strategy: GM is reconsidering lithium-iron phosphate for future EVs, leaning toward lithium manganese-rich for volume EV use while LFP shifts to energy storage. Energy & Grid: Consumers Energy crews restored power after severe storms and warned of more dangerous weather; separate coverage also highlights Michigan’s push to improve energy affordability and utility accountability. Local Infrastructure & Quality of Life: Macomb County announced an odor control facility to cut long-running sewer smell near Sterling Heights. Business Climate Watch: GVSU’s West Michigan survey remains positive but shows warning signs, including a dip in employment. Public Health/Compliance: Michigan DHHS discontinued Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements, requiring the MCIR opt-out form at vaccination sites statewide.

Michigan Vaccine Policy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after it couldn’t document federal approval, shifting providers statewide to the MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine. Inflation Watch: U.S. inflation jumped to 4.2% in May, the highest in three years, driven largely by energy costs—while Trump blamed the Iran war for the spike. Cross-Border Infrastructure: The U.S. and Canada delayed the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening to resolve “outstanding issues,” pushing back a ribbon-cutting tied to Detroit-Windsor trade and travel. Energy & Utilities: Michigan House Democrats unveiled new ratepayer protections targeting utility spending and performance, including caps on return on equity and independent audits. Manufacturing Signals: West Michigan manufacturers reported modest growth in May, but the employment index turned negative for the first time in months, hinting at a softer labor market. Tech & Industry: Starship Technologies is exiting college campus delivery to focus on grocery robots, moving 1,200 units to retail operations. Local Construction: Dearborn celebrated the rebuilt Miller-Rotunda bridges, reopening June 26 after $70M+ in updates. Data Center Pressure: A Nashville Zoo fight highlights how data center zoning can spark backlash—an issue Michigan communities are also wrestling with.

GM Battery Strategy: GM may drop EV plans for cheaper LFP chemistry and instead lean harder on lithium manganese-rich (LMR), with LFP production shifting to grid storage—another sign automakers are retooling for cost and energy-density tradeoffs. Auto Supply Chain: Ford’s aluminum supplier Novelis restarted its Oswego hot mill after last fall’s fires, a key step toward stabilizing F-Series production. EV-to-Grid Push: GM also continues expanding vehicle-to-grid and energy-storage ambitions, aiming to turn EVs into grid assets as data-center power demand grows. Data Centers & Power: Oracle’s big capex surge (and plans for more) and Amazon’s proposed Indiana data center highlight how quickly AI infrastructure is colliding with local energy costs and grid constraints. Michigan Energy & Storms: Severe storms knocked out power for 100,000+ Consumers Energy customers in Mid-Michigan, with more weather expected. Local Governance & Funding: Detroit lost a court fight over the Census Bureau’s county cap rule, which officials say has systematically undercounted the city. Consumer Watch: Michigan AG Dana Nessel warns homeowners to vet contractors and resist high-pressure home-improvement offers. Community & Jobs: Habitat’s First Annual Pride Build in Marquette County targets affordable housing with volunteer build days June 19-20.

Energy & Industry Policy: GM is reshaping its battery plans, with Reuters reporting it may drop EV-focused LFP chemistry in favor of lithium manganese-rich (LMR) for volume, while LFP production shifts to grid-scale energy storage. Grid & Power Infrastructure: ITC Michigan is holding public sessions on a proposed Oneida-Sabine Lake transmission line route in Livingston and Eaton counties, aiming to reduce outages and support growth. Manufacturing & Design: A new Michigan-focused explainer on design for manufacturability (DFM) lays out how early engineering choices can cut production errors and improve quality. Agriculture & Food Supply: Michigan’s asparagus research farm highlights global variety trials at home, while a separate national report says nearly 1 in 5 packaged foods still contain synthetic dyes despite a federal phase-out push. Ports & Logistics: Pentwater Harbor dredging is set to begin June 9 to maintain safe navigation depths for marine traffic and tourism. Weather & Risk: Michigan lawmakers are urging a rapid federal disaster declaration after April storms and tornadoes caused about $23 million in public damage. Local Business Costs: A new NFIB survey finds Michigan small businesses are bracing for higher costs from inflation, fuel, electricity, labor, and supply-chain disruptions.

Detroit Water Infrastructure: GLWA cleared a rezoning step for the $130M Jefferson Chalmers Freud Pump Station Improvement Project, aiming to cut sewer backups and improve reliability, with residents raising concerns about construction impacts. Industrial Tech & Manufacturing: Formlabs launched the Fuse X1, a large-format SLS ecosystem priced from $84,999, targeting faster, lower-cost production-quality parts for engineering teams. AI for Mobility: Schaeffler and Sonatus teamed up to bring Edge AI into motion control for software-defined vehicles, pushing intelligence closer to the vehicle. EV Grid Services: GM rolled out V2G as a standard EV feature and expanded battery plans, including sodium-ion storage and second-life packs tied to Michigan utility testing. Energy & Power Demand: Consumers Energy urged conservation amid intense heat and severe weather risk, warning outages are possible. Data Center Pushback: In Haring Township, officials discussed a possible ban or moratorium on data centers over water and electricity concerns. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Canada’s Mark Carney said the Gordie Howe Bridge will open this week despite Trump threats, a major logistics and construction milestone for the Detroit River corridor. Agriculture Prices: USDA’s May milk benchmarks rose modestly, with Class III at $16.92/cwt and Class IV at $22.32/cwt.

Energy Storage for AI Demand: GM says it’s developing lower-cost sodium-ion battery tech at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, partnering with Peak Energy to target large-scale energy storage for data centers by 2028. Workforce Pipeline: Michigan leaders warn the state needs about 45,000 skilled trades openings a year through 2030 as data centers, grid upgrades, and manufacturing expansions compete for electricians, welders, HVAC techs, and line workers. Cross-Border Infrastructure: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe International Bridge will hold a ribbon-cutting by week’s end, with traffic expected to start June 15, despite earlier Trump threats. Local Data Center Resistance: Lyon Township residents and officials continue pushing back against proposed data center projects, with moratorium efforts gaining momentum. Cybersecurity Compliance: Brighton-based BrightlineIT announces it achieved CMMC Level 2, aiming to win regulated defense and government-data work. Weather & Safety: Tornado warnings hit parts of Michigan Tuesday, and heat/humidity plus storm risk remains elevated into midweek. Pet Food Recall: FDA updates expand a GO Raw LLC recall tied to dangerously low thiamine levels.

Connected Cars & National Security: Michigan Democrats Haley Stevens and Elissa Slotkin unveiled the Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act, aiming to block Chinese-connected vehicles from entering the U.S. through Canada and Mexico over data-collection and tampering risks. AI & IPO Watch: OpenAI confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO, joining the AI IPO rush as investors eye trillion-dollar valuations. Energy & Grid Resilience: A new look at extreme heat says planners are treating it as a design baseline, not just a seasonal risk, as drought and demand growth strain the grid. Data Center Backlash in Michigan: Lyon Township residents packed meetings to oppose Verrus’ Project Flex data center, with developers warning of legal action over delays. Aerospace & Electrification: Electra revealed a NASA-backed turbo-electric 100+ passenger aircraft concept, targeting efficiency gains beyond expected 2050 improvements. Local Industry Signals: AAA reports Michigan gas prices continue to fall, averaging $4.17/gal for regular. Agriculture Policy: A Farm Bill proposal drew fire from a Michigan lawmaker over “Save Our Bacon” language that could limit animal protections at farms.

Connected-vehicle security: Michigan Democrats Haley Stevens and Elissa Slotkin backed a bill to block Chinese-connected cars from entering the U.S. through Canada and Mexico, citing risks from data collection and possible remote tampering. Bridge & trade infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing a milestone, with a ribbon-cutting reportedly planned for Friday as testing and approvals continue. Data-center pressure in Michigan: A Michigan opinion piece highlights growing local opposition to data centers, pointing to packed township meetings and rising demands for transparency. Local zoning fights: Lowell Township planners will weigh Microsoft’s request to add data centers as a permitted use in its light industrial district, after earlier moratorium talks stalled. Energy & climate policy: Fayette Township denied Ranger Power’s Heartwood Solar expansion, though the company can appeal to the Michigan Public Service Commission. Tech & workforce immigration: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a win for employers relying on skilled foreign workers. Water safety: EGLE updated Michigan’s online reporting form so residents can flag suspected harmful algal blooms. Healthcare AI caution: Researchers found a flaw in reinforcement-learning studies for sepsis that can mislead treatment recommendations.

Data Center Backlash in Michigan: Local officials are pausing new data center plans as moratorium zones spread, with residents asking what the projects will cost in power, water, and land—Meridian Township just approved a six-month pause on data centers and battery storage. Energy & Grid Pressure: The debate is landing as utilities and developers push ahead, while communities weigh impacts on electricity demand and local infrastructure. Water Infrastructure Funding: Michigan Sen. Sam Singh introduced the Michigan Water Trust Fund Act, proposing a 25-cent-per-gallon royalty on bottled water to raise about $300M annually for drinking-water and water-system repairs. Aging-in-Place Accessibility: A new “living showroom” in Flushing is bringing accessibility products into a real home setting to help bridge gaps between home access and healthcare. Community Health Planning: Baraga Community Memorial Hospital is holding listening sessions to shape its strategic plan. Local Roads: MDOT is making emergency repairs to the M-77 culvert at Lake Ann Louise, triggering a lane closure in Schoolcraft County. NASCAR Spotlight: Denny Hamlin won at Michigan International Speedway, dedicating the victory to late teammate Kyle Busch.

EV Battery Push in Michigan: TechCrunch Mobility reports GM’s $900M EV battery bet is centered on LMR chemistry and a new Battery Cell Development Center at its Warren Technical Center, aiming to cut EV costs (including claims like a Silverado EV potentially $6,000 cheaper). AI Power Politics: A new report says AI data centers are driving up electricity bills, with voters increasingly blaming the boom for higher utility costs. Energy-Grid Strain Beyond Michigan: AWS plans a major data center campus in Wheatfield, Indiana (near a power plant), estimating a $7B investment and paying $1.25B to offset energy-cost impacts on local ratepayers. Home Accessibility Industry: VGM Live at Home and COR Freedom opened a “living showroom” in Flushing, Michigan to show aging-in-place accessibility solutions in a real home setting. Detroit Manufacturing & Logistics Angle: Michigan’s teen job market looks tighter this summer, with forecasts of teen unemployment rising as more young people compete for openings. Food & Health Watch: A Harvard study links ultra-processed foods to higher dementia risk, with processed meats flagged as a major contributor.

Great Lakes & Water Infrastructure: Chesaning is moving ahead with USDA-funded watermain upgrades and replacing lead/galvanized service lines to meet Michigan lead and copper rules, with council approval and no public opposition. Energy Resilience: After a damaging ice storm, northern Michigan utility Great Lakes Energy says it will bury all new power lines to reduce outage risk as extreme weather intensifies. AI Data Centers in Michigan: OpenAI broke ground on “The Barn,” a $16B AI data center in Saline Township tied to Oracle, following a 2025 rezoning fight that ended in a settlement. Consumer Pressure: Retailers report shoppers are still spending but are quietly cutting back—especially lower-income customers—as higher gas and prices add up. Manufacturing/Logistics Watch: Michigan’s M-66 reconstruction update and broader freight/logistics strain coverage point to ongoing delivery pressure. Motorsports (Michigan): Corey Heim won the NASCAR Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway, setting up Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 with qualifying speeds topping 195 mph. Food & Policy: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA funding conditions tied to Trump positions, including impacts on food assistance and agricultural research.

Trade & Border Readiness: DHS Sec. Markwayne Mullin told a Senate hearing the Gordie Howe International Bridge is “ready to go,” but final contractor sign-off is still pending, keeping the opening date unclear. Great Lakes & Fisheries: U.S. Fish and Wildlife and Canada’s fisheries team plan sea lamprey control in Michigan’s White River tributaries with lampricide applications June 16–25. Energy Costs for Michigan Families: AAA reports gas is up sharply year over year, and boaters are feeling it too—ethanol-free fuel can run $7/gallon near Detroit-area lakes. Manufacturing Headwinds: Whirlpool says it will lay off 288 more workers at its Middle Amana, Iowa refrigerator plant, bringing cuts to 879 since last summer. Housing & Community Impact: A Detroit civic group, the Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs, is at risk of losing its historic clubhouse after being named among America’s most endangered historic places. Food Safety: Target is recalling multiple Up & Up baby wipe varieties due to reported bacteria contamination and irritation complaints. Auto Industry History: A look at Chrysler’s tech center legacy highlights how the Auburn Hills campus remains active even as the brand structure changed.

Auto & Labor: UAW backed progressive Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, signaling a sharper working-class push in a tight primary. Manufacturing & Jobs: UAW says about 1,000 workers at Dauch’s Three Rivers plant are on strike, with talks still stuck over wages, healthcare, and work-life protections. Infrastructure & Trade: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is “essentially complete,” but lawsuits and political finger-pointing keep a firm opening date out of reach. Retail & Local Economy: Meijer is moving into a Clinton Township shopping center, replacing a vacant Big Lots with a 76,000-square-foot grocery store. Housing & Community Services: Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan launched “Our Calling: We Build More Than Houses” to tackle rural housing shortages across five counties. Energy Costs: New reporting highlights how higher electricity prices are hitting households, with Michigan among states seeing steep year-over-year increases. Local Industry News: Gladstone’s Delfab, a forestry-machinery maker, filed for bankruptcy after 23 years, with equipment set for auction. Sports & Talent Pipeline: Tarik Skubal’s rehab start for the Whitecaps is drawing major attention in West Michigan.

UAW Endorsements: The United Auto Workers backed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat and Jocelyn Benson for governor, a major signal in the state’s high-stakes 2026 primaries. Cannabis Shakeout: Michigan’s $3B cannabis market is showing strain as TerrAscend exits and other operators shutter cultivation sites, raising job-loss concerns and questions about how many companies can survive. Data Center Water Push: Google pledged to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and highlighted Michigan partnerships tied to green infrastructure and watershed work. Energy & Rates: Consumers Energy’s proposed $456M rate hike and the return of summer peak electric rates keep affordability in focus for Michigan households and industry. Aquatic Invasives & Access: Elk Rapids opened Michigan’s first permanent non-motorized boat wash plus an accessible launch on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail to curb invasive spread. Industrial Compliance: A Saginaw business was sentenced to $500,000 and probation for asbestos violations tied to illegal demolition work. STEM Pipeline: Nissan brought Michigan-area students into STEM careers via hands-on exposure to testing and engineering at its proving grounds.

Industrial AI & Data Infrastructure: Siemens teamed with HighByte to expand its Industrial Edge ecosystem, aiming to connect factory operations data to AI tools by bridging OT and IT through a unified data layer. Energy & Manufacturing Policy: Trump announced nearly $700M to prop up coal-fired power plants and exports, using Cold War-era defense authority—an effort tied to grid reliability and thousands of jobs. Auto Industry Watch: Ford is testing prototypes of an affordable all-electric midsize pickup for a 2027 launch, with road testing planned soon in Michigan. Local Housing & Inclusion: Oakland County broke ground on Auburn Oaks in Rochester Hills, an “inclusive” neighborhood with 55 homes, including 19 for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mobility Safety: AAA launched an e-bike and scooter safety campaign in Michigan after injury trends rose nationally, pushing helmet use and safer riding habits. Community & Planning: Allen Park denied a 26-megawatt data center site plan after multiple postponements over water use and sound concerns. Michigan Business & Growth: Detroit home values surged over the past decade, with Zillow data showing a sharp rise that could mean higher property taxes for residents.

Michigan Energy & Utilities: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll intervene in Consumers Energy’s $456M electric rate hike request, as lawmakers and residents weigh what higher summer peak rates could mean for households and businesses. Data Centers & Local Control: State Sen. Jim Runestad proposes a one-year pause on Michigan data center projects amid concerns about farmland loss, environmental impacts, and rate hikes; Flint City Council’s committee also approved a 12-month data center moratorium that would halt new permits and reviews while zoning rules are reviewed. Industrial Growth & Jobs: Northern Michigan fabricator Moran Iron Works is expanding hiring across welding, skilled trades, project management and admin roles as it grows work in marine, power, industrial and hydro sectors. Construction & Infrastructure: MDOT holds an open house on US-127 reconstruction between I-496 and Lake Lansing Road, covering pavement repairs, bridge work, drainage upgrades and traffic impacts. Environment & Public Health: EGLE says no Michigan beaches are currently closed or under advisories for bacteria, while Sleeping Hollow State Park lifted an algal bloom no-contact advisory. Local Manufacturing/Tech: Detroit-area supplier and imaging expansion news includes RadX’s outpatient imaging growth backed by Kain Capital, with multiple Michigan centers.