AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & Local Control: Forsyth Township held (and is expanding) public input on a proposed data-center push in the Sawyer area, keeping a year-long moratorium in place while it builds zoning protections since Michigan law limits outright bans. Defense Manufacturing: General Dynamics Land Systems opened a $35M Sterling Heights expansion to add classified workspace tied to U.S. Army needs, underscoring Michigan’s role in defense production. Battery Industry: LG Energy Solution fully opened its Lansing battery plant and is ramping EV and storage-battery output, with production tied to major automaker customers and AI-driven energy storage demand. Energy & Utilities: EGLE awarded $3.9M in brownfield grants across seven Michigan projects to unlock housing and jobs, while a separate Google grant backed water reuse upgrades at a Three Rivers filtration facility. Food Safety: Cyclospora cases tied to recalled Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce are trending down nationally, but Michigan remains the outbreak epicenter. Public Health: Michigan confirmed its first eastern equine encephalitis human case since 2021 in Roscommon County, with mosquito testing ramping up. Logistics Tech: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities by end of 2026, including Detroit. Workplace/Legal: A Michigan judge is weighing a data-tracking lawsuit involving state healthcare facilities, while another case involves NLRB scrutiny over an alleged unlawful firing. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Michigan cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor leading scam-report counts in July.

Data Centers & Local Power: Ypsilanti Township approved a land-use moratorium that pauses major electric utility infrastructure tied to a University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory research data center, buying time to set new rules for the substation and related power buildout. Battery Manufacturing Boom: LG Energy Solution began full production at its Lansing battery plant, targeting 35+ GWh capacity and supplying LFP cells for energy storage plus NMC cells for EVs, with jobs expected to grow from about 900 to 1,700. Energy & Worker Safety: A Consumers Energy lineman died after being electrocuted during overhead electrical work in Henderson; MIOSHA is investigating. Food & Supply Chain: A Michigan-linked ripple from the national lettuce recall continues as cyclosporiasis cases top 15,700 nationwide and the outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce remains under review. Agribusiness Recognition: Women in Agribusiness named its 2026 Demeter Award of Excellence winners, spotlighting leaders across dairy, eggs, and crop innovation. Community Food Access: LEAF (Lakewood Earth and Food Community) is expanding weekly local food programs and farm-share pickups to connect residents with growers and fresh produce. Tech Policy & Water: Google announced a $1.1 million grant for City Utilities’ water treatment upgrades, tying the move to data-center sustainability goals.

Battery Manufacturing: LG Energy Solution began full operations at its $2B Lansing battery plant, ramping cell production for Toyota’s 2027 Highlander EV and expanding into grid storage LFP batteries for the growing North American ESS market. Energy & Logistics: Michigan lawmakers and federal officials are pushing over Great Lakes icebreaking capacity after shipping leaders warned they lost 82 days of ship time; the Coast Guard’s heavy icebreaker limits are putting iron ore and steel supply at risk. Defense Supply Chain: The U.S. Army Contracting Command at Detroit Arsenal is seeking hard-to-find parts for aging Bradley fighting vehicles headed to Ukraine, highlighting gaps in the industrial base. Data Centers & Local Control: House Speaker Mike Johnson warned against a federal data center moratorium, arguing communities should set rules while Michigan lawmakers continue to debate how much state or federal oversight is appropriate. Consumer & Food Safety: CDC reported cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. rising to 15,716, with Michigan near 13,909, tied to recalled produce; meanwhile AAA says Michigan gas prices are ticking back upward amid crude oil volatility. Workplace Safety: A Stellantis Dundee Engine Plant worker died after being trapped in industrial equipment, adding to a recent cluster of serious automaker workplace incidents.

Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico has triggered a widening recall of salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, taco dips, prepared salads and other ready-to-eat foods sold by major retailers including Walmart, Kroger and Whole Foods. Public Health & Policy: The American Academy of Pediatrics and a broad coalition of medical groups are pushing back hard on a White House executive order that advises reducing and spacing childhood vaccines, warning it would leave kids less protected. Michigan Industry & Manufacturing: MAHLE marked 80 years at its St. Johns, Michigan piston ring plant, highlighting continued demand for lower-wear, better-sealing engine components. Agriculture: Michigan apple harvest guidance points to early starts with Paula Red and Ginger Gold in mid-August, followed by Gala and Honeycrisp through late August and September varieties. Energy Regulation: Michigan’s utility regulator is urging lawmakers to end annual rate hikes and change how DTE and Consumers Energy earn profits, arguing the current model favors costly capital projects. Environment & Land Use: A University of Michigan study finds many public parks sit near toxic chemical facilities and Superfund sites, raising concerns about how pollution risk overlaps with everyday community spaces. Healthcare Business: Privia Health adds Opella Ernest, M.D. to its board, effective Sept. 1, as it continues building provider networks. Retail Expansion: Bealls Inc. is entering Michigan with six new stores opening this fall.

Data Center Push Meets Local Resistance: A Kentucky farming family rejected a $26.48M offer tied to a planned 2.2-gigawatt hyperscale data center, underscoring how the AI buildout is colliding with land, power, and community concerns. Great Lakes & Invasive Species: Illinois officials stepped up surveillance after hundreds of juvenile silver carp turned up in the Marseilles Pool—about 80 miles from Lake Michigan—prompting more monitoring and plans to resume commercial fishing in September. Michigan Venture Capital: Michigan’s bioscience sector (about 48,000 jobs) is driving a push to train more venture investors, with MVCA’s VentureTrack 2026 set for Sept. 23 in Ann Arbor. Energy & Grid Legal Fight: Michigan AG Dana Nessel says she’ll challenge DOE orders keeping a west Michigan coal plant running longer, arguing the agency can’t prove an energy emergency. Local Business & Jobs: GM layoffs tied to Lansing-area plants raise ripple effects for nearby suppliers and small businesses. Back-to-School Consumer Protection: Michigan DIFS rolled out financial and insurance tips for students, including budgeting, credit checks, and renters/auto coverage basics. Scam Tracker Watch: BBB reports show ongoing scam activity across Michigan cities, with Detroit leading statewide totals in July.

Auto & Trade Policy: Detroit automakers are warning that a revamped North American trade deal could raise costs, with Ford, GM and Stellantis pushing back on proposals tied to a 50% U.S.-made content rule and higher North American thresholds. Energy & Infrastructure: Michigan’s DNR is set to buy 4,494 acres on the Keweenaw Peninsula to block private development, while the U.S. Army is also moving deeper into EVs and drone testing with private-sector partners. Workforce & Benefits: Michigan unemployment claimants now must document three work-search activities each week to keep benefits, a change that took effect July 19. Retail & Consumer Pressure: Convenience-store executives point to weaker consumer sentiment and higher fuel prices squeezing discretionary in-store buys, as Michigan’s consumer sentiment reading fell to 51 in August. Logistics & Manufacturing: UFP Packaging plans a $5.31M Upstate factory in South Carolina creating 136 jobs, underscoring ongoing demand for industrial packaging tied to supply chains. Public Life & Community: Lowell’s new Muralocity campaign will add five professionally painted murals, including one highlighting the town’s logging and river history. Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases continue to surge nationwide, with Michigan tied to the broader outbreak as detection and reporting ramp up.

Federal Rail Funding: Michigan DOT is set to receive $145 million in federal grants for rail upgrades, including $98 million for track work between Dearborn and Kalamazoo, bridge replacements along the Michigan line, and new trains for the Blue Water Amtrak route to boost capacity. Auto & Jobs: Unifor says Stellantis is considering selling its Brampton, Ontario plant, a move that could reshape Canadian operations and affect contract talks tied to the Detroit Three supply chain. Energy & Business Climate: Two Michigan opinion pieces zero in on the need for reliable energy and warn that legal fights over major oil could ripple through hiring and competitiveness. Consumer Protection & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker data show Sturgis logged three scam reports in July (with online purchase scams driving losses), while Walled Lake reported two, including phishing. Food Safety Oversight: FDA inspection results for a Kent County-area company found Gordon Food Service, Inc. in line with regulations (“No Action Indicated”). Local Industry & Community: AndyS is preparing to open in downtown Ludington after delays, adding a new restaurant, sports bar, and entertainment venue. Defense Tech Access: The U.S. Army is opening test ranges to private drone firms, including Michigan’s Camp Grayling.

Data Centers & Local Power/Water/Noise: Wixom advanced revisions to its zoning rules for data centers after a 180-day moratorium, as officials weigh electricity, water demand, and neighborhood impacts while a proposed 600,000+ sq. ft. complex moves through planning. Housing Costs & Buildability: A new analysis highlights a national paradox: affordable apartments often cost more to build than market-rate units, driven by land prices, financing complexity, and permitting delays—Colorado is cited as a case where costs can be cut. Food Supply Pressure: A fresh-produce report says U.S. fruit/vegetable output has fallen since 2010 while imports rose about 70%, intensifying overlap during key harvest seasons and raising food-security concerns. Michigan Energy Regulation: Michigan’s utility regulator is pushing to change how annual rate cases work, aiming to lower power bills. Agriculture/Health Watch: Michigan is among states reporting a large cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to produce distribution, underscoring food-safety and supply-chain risk. Invasive Species: Michigan’s Tree Check Month urges residents to inspect for the Asian longhorned beetle to catch new infestations early. Michigan Cannabis Industry: Lapeer reports a squeeze on legal marijuana as wholesale prices drop and the new 24% state wholesale tax takes effect. Detroit Green Restoration: Arboretum Detroit has planted 1,800+ trees across 55 vacant parcels in Poletown East, turning scattered lots into connected green space.

Michigan Infrastructure: MDOT says work on the M-129 bridge over Fletcher Creek in Chippewa County will resume soon after fabrication delays; testing is underway and the road is tentatively set to reopen by Oct. 2. State Oversight: Michigan’s insurance regulator (DIFS) earned a five-year NAIC reaccreditation after a financial oversight review. Food Safety: FDA is inspecting Taylor Farms’ Mexico plant tied to a multistate cyclospora outbreak; Michigan health officials previously traced the source to lettuce from that supplier. Public Health & Agriculture: Michigan released more than 4,400 parasitoid wasps to curb invasive scarlet lily beetles, aiming to stop westward spread. Consumer/Business Watch: A Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip hair mousse recall covers distribution including Michigan due to a packaging defect that could cause cans to leak under pressure. Local Economy & Energy: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Bay County at $4.85 (week ending Aug. 8), with broader Michigan prices easing. Community & Industry Tensions: Cass County residents packed a town hall opposing a hyperscale data center, a fiberglass plant, and solar projects over water and utility concerns.

Consumer Economy Watch: U.S. retail sales fell 0.6% in July and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index dropped to 51 in August, with inflation worries and weaker business expectations weighing on shoppers. Market Pulse: Stocks wobbled after the data, while traders pared back expectations for Fed rate hikes as inflation prints looked softer. Michigan Policy & Business: Michigan AG Dana Nessel reissued data-breach alerts, urging residents to protect against identity theft as breaches hit major health and credit firms. Public Safety & Health: Michigan confirmed a swine flu H1N2 case tied to the Kent County Youth Fair after sick pigs and at least one death; officials urged monitoring for symptoms. Infrastructure & Roads: MDOT starts a $3.1M U.S. 131 repaving project near Cadillac Aug. 17 through Nov. 6, with lane and ramp closures. Legal/Local Courts: Michigan appeals decisions included keeping a district judge off the ballot over false filing claims and ruling a dog-euthanasia order used the wrong standard.

Trade Policy: A U.S. trade court upheld Trump’s move to eliminate the de minimis exemption, keeping the $800 duty-free import rule off the table and dousing hopes for a Michigan-based auto-parts firm to revive it. Auto Manufacturing: Stellantis is weighing closure and sale of its idled Brampton, Ontario plant, with Unifor blaming U.S. tariff pressure—another reminder of how North American trade rules can reshape production plans. Defense Supply Chain: GM and Ford secured U.S. Army prototype tactical truck contracts under new limits on China-sourced materials and software, a policy that could tighten sourcing for defense makers. Workforce & Training: North Central Michigan College will open the Martin Jahn Technology Center, expanding advanced manufacturing, engineering tech, and skilled trades training. Energy Ops: Consumers Energy will test dam emergency sirens Aug. 19 at Rogers, Hardy and Croton dams. Food Safety: FDA investigators traveled to Mexico to continue the Taylor Farms cyclospora probe. Public Health: Michigan reported a swine flu case tied to the Kent County Youth Fair.

Michigan AG Action: Dana Nessel sued Waterford nonprofit Chosen Kingdom Builders, alleging deceptive housing-lease practices that led to evictions and major losses, plus claims the group operated without a required real estate license. Auto Theft Crackdown: Caesar Cooper of Detroit was sentenced to 5–20 years for running a Metro Detroit auto theft ring that targeted vehicle storage lots tied to manufacturers, dealerships, and residences. CDL Driver Privacy Fight: Nessel joined a coalition suing the Trump administration over demands that AAMVA hand over a database of sensitive driver records, arguing federal privacy-law violations and lack of state consultation. Public Health & Community: Oakland County WIC earned a national Gold Breastfeeding Award of Excellence, and the county is hosting a free Baby Cafe breastfeeding event Aug. 17. Consumer Protection: Nessel renewed warnings about bank/credit union imposter scams using caller ID spoofing. Trade Policy Impact: A federal trade court upheld Trump’s move to scrap the de minimis duty-free exemption for goods under $800, a potential hit to Michigan import-heavy supply chains. Manufacturing Training Push: Apple opened a Houston advanced manufacturing center to train small and medium-sized businesses, with Foxconn building assembly lines for Apple output. EV/Industrial Events: Battery Show North America returns to Detroit Oct. 12–15 with an executive summit and major focus on EV batteries, manufacturing, and grid storage.

EV Supply Chain: GM and LG Energy Solution restart Ultium Cells battery production in Warren, bringing about 1,400 workers back after a months-long pause tied to softer EV demand. Road Construction: Lansing’s US-127 rebuild triggers ramp closures and lane shifts starting Friday, with major work continuing through fall 2028. Food Safety & Farming: Taylor Farms faces fresh fallout as jalapeño-linked recalls expand amid Salmonella concerns, while a separate Cyclospora outbreak update shows Michigan nearing 14,000 cases. Trade & Tariffs: A U.S. court backs Trump’s move to end the “de minimis” tariff exemption, a rare win that keeps pressure on low-value import rules. Maritime & Shipbuilding: MARAD awards $35.18M to 45 small shipyards nationwide, with Michigan receiving three grants for equipment, upgrades, and workforce training. Energy Infrastructure: The Sault Tribe condemns federal approval for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel permit, arguing it threatens tribal sites and sovereignty. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Portage with three scam reports in July and Michigan cities continue to rack up losses. Public Health Impact: A study estimates Canada wildfire smoke caused over $6.6B in economic losses in Michigan.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño-containing products tied to a salmonella outbreak, with items sold at major retailers across 26 states; regulators also issued a separate alert for jalapeño-linked meat and poultry products. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing nationwide, with Florida reporting 407 cases since May 1 as the CDC tallies more than 13,000 cases and two deaths. Agriculture & Competition: The FTC reached a settlement with Deere in an antitrust case over repair restrictions, aimed at protecting farmers’ right to repair John Deere equipment (pending court approval). Energy & Manufacturing: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells battery plant in northeast Ohio is set to restart EV battery cell production after a seven-month pause, bringing back about 1,400 workers. Michigan Business & Growth: TechTown Detroit announced the 2026 Detroit Elevate cohort, selecting more than two dozen local entrepreneurs for training and pitch support. Environment & Health: EGLE is opening registration for a free Great Lakes Microplastics Summit (Oct. 7-8), focused on detection, risks, and how microplastics move through water systems.

Auto Manufacturing: Ford says it will shift some Lincoln production from China to the U.S. starting in 2030, aiming to strengthen domestic manufacturing as tariffs keep pressure on China-built models. Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved the Line 5 tunnel proposal, but Michigan’s dispute is still alive and tribes/environmental groups are pushing back over treaty and review concerns. EV Supply Chain: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells plant in Ohio is set to restart EV battery cell production next week after a seven-month pause, bringing back about 1,400 workers. Food Safety: Whole Foods and other retailers are recalling jalapeño-containing products after salmonella concerns tied to peppers from Mexico; Taylor Farms is already under scrutiny from a separate outbreak. Local Business & Growth: Cold Stone Creamery plans to add 8–12 Michigan locations over four years, with a Plymouth opening this fall. Tech & Community: Dowagiac residents sued a data center operator over nonstop noise after a 2021 conversion to cryptocurrency mining. Franchise Expansion: Another Nine marks its first year of franchising with 80+ territories sold across 16 states, including Detroit among target metros.

Energy Policy: The Michigan Public Service Commission is pushing performance-based utility rate plans and “reining in unnecessary costs” to lower power bills, including tying earnings to affordability and reliability instead of spending. Local Governance & Tech: Wixom is moving from a data-center moratorium toward zoning rules, with council reviewing where facilities can go and what standards they must meet as the six-month pause nears its end. Civic Engagement: A new opinion piece highlights how Michigan residents are using grassroots pressure—like ballot drives against data centers—to force local decisions. Public Health & Safety: A sewer force-main breach in Sault Ste. Marie spilled about 1,000 gallons of raw sewage into the St. Marys River; officials say the intake is upstream and drinking-water concerns are limited. Higher Ed: University of Michigan is adopting pass-fail grading for some first-semester freshmen starting fall 2027, aiming to ease a mental-health crisis. Food & Retail: Domino’s (Ann Arbor-based) is rolling out “The Domino,” a personal Detroit-style pizza for one, debuting nationally Aug. 31.