AGP Executive Report

Storytelling & Community: Colum McCann is set to appear at the University of Michigan for a free Narrative 4 event on how stories build compassion and connection. Faith & Politics: A Michigan Democrat, Karen Whitsett, says her Christian faith no longer aligns with the Democratic Party as she steps away from office. Religion & Rights in Dearborn: A Dearborn resident has sued the city and mayor, alleging favoritism toward Muslims over Christians and Jews, as the city insists it serves everyone equally. Campaign Culture Wars: Michigan’s Senate race continues to spark backlash and outreach, with rabbis and Jewish leaders asking Kamala Harris to press Abdul El-Sayed on Jewish safety concerns. Health & Family Policy: The Lindsay Clancy maternal mental health trial is fueling momentum for new postpartum care proposals, including nurse home visits and faster psychiatric consults. Local Business & Money Stress: Express Wages is partnering with a Metro Detroit early childhood center to offer earned wage access for educators. Food & Detroit Flavor: Detroit Original Chicken Shack marks National Potato Month with free “Shack Potato” coupons for returning guests. Tech & Infrastructure: VergeIO names a new CEO in Ann Arbor as it pushes a unified data-center operating system approach.

Local Sports: Indiana’s rise is reshaping Big Ten matchups, and Michigan’s own football story is all about consistency—coach Kyle Whittingham says the Wolverines have had “poor halves” and need steadier energy from start to finish. Education & Equity: Michigan lawmakers added $12.5M for English learners, but advocates warn the state still excludes students nearing proficiency, leaving a support gap. Culture & Community: Traverse City designer Kelly Weldon launched Gichigami, pairing natural wine with house music and Detroit DJs to build social space for adults in their 20s–40s. Politics & Rights: Two Republicans in tight Senate races—including Michigan’s Mike Rogers—called for a swift end to the Iran war, signaling a bid to distance from Trump as fuel prices bite. Local Schools Data: East China School District enrollment fell 3% in 2024–25, with most students white and achievement still below pre-pandemic levels. Arts & Learning: A new UW–Madison building—Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall—opens as a hub for humanities departments including African American, Indigenous, Asian American, Gender & Women’s Studies, Jewish Studies, and Religious Studies. Sports (Pro): River Ryan debuted for the Tigers with three scoreless innings, and Detroit blasted three homers to beat the Nationals 9–2.

Local Education & Demographics: South Redford School District reported 2,775 students in 2024-25, with African American students at 78.3%, while MacDonald Middle School in East Lansing enrolled 857 students and saw Hispanic enrollment rise to 13.2%. Local Education & Enrollment Trends: Byron Center Public Schools logged 4,572 students in 2024-25, up 1.3%, and Kenowa Hills Public Schools held steady at 4,572 students; across Michigan, total enrollment is down about 5.3% since 2019-20. Workforce & Career Pathways: Goodwill Industries of West Michigan and the Muskegon Area ISD are teaming up to create a shared workforce training hub starting fall 2026, with CTE students training in HVAC and Advanced Manufacturing at Goodwill’s Career Center. Community & Lifestyle Events: North Michigan’s Sept. 20-26 lineup includes library speaker series, chair yoga, Smart Recovery, yarn club, and farmers market sweet-and-scent events. Arts & Learning: GVSU’s fifth annual Chalk Art Symposium turned undergraduate research into public chalk murals on campus. State Education Policy: The Michigan Education Savings Program surpassed $10B in assets and cut its annual management fee to 0.01% as families mark College Savings Month.

Cybersecurity & Public Safety: Federal agencies warn that AI is helping hackers write faster exploit code for internet-exposed Siemens industrial controls, putting power grids and water systems at higher risk. Local Faith & Community: Holy Family Catholic Parish in Arnold held a groundbreaking for a new church, aiming to reopen for Christmas Mass in 2027. Education & Demographics: Michigan school enrollment snapshots show sharp local variation—Pontiac Academy for Excellence is 65.6% African American, while Eastpointe’s Pleasantview Elementary is 84.2% African American and Oxford Middle is just 0.9% Asian. Culture & Identity in the Spotlight: Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn appeared to back “Free Palestine” after Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s tour, keeping the debate front-and-center in pop culture. Sports & Community Life: The White Sox beat the Tigers 8-1 in a rain-delayed game, while Pontiac-area school and youth stories continue to highlight how local events shape everyday Michigan life.

Education & Community Snapshot: Brighton-area Hawkins Elementary reports 18 multiracial students (3.3% of 551 total) in 2024-25, while Hazel Park’s United Oaks Elementary shows a very different mix: 150 white students (41.3%) alongside 190 African American students (52.3%) out of 363. More Enrollment Signals: Utica’s Roberts Elementary jumped to 39 multiracial students (7.3% of 534), and Detroit’s Davis Aerospace Technical High School at Golightly is overwhelmingly African American at 96.9% (93 of 96). Local Politics & Culture: U.S. Senate hopeful Mike Rogers is pitching Detroit Democrats on reading gains, calling literacy a “civil rights” issue. Sports & Detroit Life: The White Sox keep their playoff push alive with Miguel Vargas’ power surge in the Tigers series finale. Family & Fun: North Michigan lists a full week of kids and family events, from library Lego and storytimes to fall crafts and open-mic poetry. Fashion Milestone: Dapper Dan is set to make history as the first Black designer to receive CFDA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Religious Freedom & Local Politics: Dearborn is facing a federal lawsuit claiming the city spent taxpayer money on Ramadan displays while allegedly ignoring repeated requests to recognize Easter and Passover, with the city pushing back by pointing to its “welcoming” approach. Campus Life & Student Well-Being: Wayne State’s Student Senate kicked off the year with complaints about cleanliness, maintenance contract gaps, and mental health priorities, including concerns about janitorial accountability. Election Countdown: With 44 days left until Nov. 3, voting is already underway in multiple states and groups warn that funding shortfalls could weaken turnout and voter protection efforts. AI Anxiety in Michigan Politics: In the race for Michigan’s U.S. Senate seat, candidates are clashing over health care and broader tech risk, as AI fears fuel progressive campaigns in battleground districts. Community & Culture: Zaman International marked 30 years in Dearborn with its Run Walk Picnic, highlighting its anti-poverty work across 25 countries. Public Safety: Michigan is marking Child Passenger Safety Week, urging families to ensure car seats are correctly installed ahead of free inspection events. Sports & Local Pride: The Detroit-area sports beat included a White Sox bounce-back win over the Tigers and Michigan college athletics coverage, from MSU events to volleyball and golf updates.

Education & Community Demographics: Michigan’s latest school enrollment snapshots show how uneven representation can look at the building level: Northwest Elementary (Howell) reported 16 Hispanic students (3.8%) in 2024-25, while Kaiser Elementary (Roseville) had just 4 Hispanic students (1.9%). Other figures include Carpenter School (Ann Arbor) with 18 Asian students (5%), Mason Middle (Waterford) with 113 African American students (15.5%), and Hamtramck High with 7 multiracial students (0.8%). Higher Ed Leadership: Eastern Michigan University held an investiture for President Dr. Brendan Kelly, emphasizing student well-being and staying “visible and seen” in a digital world. Faith & Public Life: A federal lawsuit targets Dearborn and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud over Ramadan displays, alleging unequal treatment for Christian and Jewish holidays. Politics & Turnout: A major AP report warns progressive voter groups face funding shortfalls and staffing cuts as midterm voting ramps up. Sports (Local Interest): College football Week 3 spotlights Michigan’s game at Wisconsin and Notre Dame vs. Michigan State, while Detroit-area fans also get a Tigers-White Sox matchup update.

Detroit Police Oversight: The Detroit Board of Police Commissioners voted to back Chief Todd Bettison while an Office of Inspector General probe continues into his request involving activist photos tied to Mayor Mary Sheffield. School Attendance: Michigan reported a fourth straight year of improved public school attendance, with chronic absenteeism down and attendance up to 91.5% for 2025-26. Community & Culture: ArtPrize 2026 kicks off in downtown Grand Rapids, aiming for a massive public art takeover through Oct. 3. Outdoor Lifestyle: Michigan Trails Week runs Sept. 19–26, spotlighting the state’s trail network and outdoor recreation economy. Local Spotlight: Western Michigan University marked Mexican Independence Day with cross-cultural events like papel picado and Lotería. Nature Conservation: The Save Sibley Prairie coalition is racing to protect a globally rare lakeplain prairie near Detroit as development pressure looms. Sports & Identity: NHRA driver Leah Pruett will step away after this season to focus on expanding her family with Tony Stewart. Politics & Health: Vice President Kamala Harris is set to campaign in Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed, including a roundtable on Black maternal health.

Education & Demographics: Michigan’s enrollment picture keeps shifting. Grand Blanc Community Schools reported 7,489 students in 2024-25 (down 1.1%), with white students at 60.7%. Lansing Public Schools fell 2.7% to 9,951 students, while Romeo Community Schools rose 2.3% to 5,355. Smaller district snapshots show how uneven diversity can be school to school, from Lee High School’s 16 multiracial students (3%) to Early College Alliance’s 46 Hispanic students (10.1%). Arts & Community: The Detroit Institute of Arts is bringing back its annual el Día de Muertos Ofrendas exhibit, featuring 10 altars by Michigan artists and community partners. Local Culture & Music: Death Cab for Cutie announced a 2027 North American tour that includes a Detroit stop (April 1). Civic Life: A DNR public hearing is set for Oct. 19 in Berrien Township on watercraft controls for Big & Little Smith Lakes. Jobs Watch: U.S. jobless claims dropped to 196,000, the lowest since mid-July.

Michigan Senate race: The Detroit News endorsed former GOP congressman Mike Rogers, portraying him as “mature” and “prepared,” while contrasting his record with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s background and past social-media deletions. Elections & voting access: Early voting is set to begin Friday for the midterms, with vote-by-mail fights still shaping how people think about protections at the polls. Protest & healthcare: A year after Michigan Medicine ended gender-affirming care for youth, protesters returned to demand reinstatement amid federal pressure. Community storytelling: Detroit cultural anthropologist Zarinah El-Amin is building a legacy project to preserve Arab and Muslim family histories. Education snapshot: New state enrollment data show shifting demographics at individual schools, including 36 multiracial students at Willow Ridge Elementary and 63 American Indian students at Mt. Pleasant Senior High. Public safety: An F-16 crash in Grand Traverse County led to evacuations and a pilot ejection; officials say the pilot is stable. Arts & labor: San Francisco Opera musicians struck, canceling performances—another reminder of mounting strain in major arts institutions. Sports culture: The Pistons will debut a new look next season as Tobias Harris and Isaiah Stewart depart.

Autism & Inclusion: Traverse City’s COGNiTiON Science and Discovery Center renewed its Certified Autism Center™ status after staff completed updated autism and sensory training, keeping the focus on calm, accessible learning. Religion & Civil Rights: A public interest law firm sued Dearborn, alleging city officials used public funds and property to promote Ramadan while denying equal recognition to Christian and Jewish holidays. Education & Community Data: New Michigan enrollment snapshots show how diverse student populations vary by district and school—like multiracial enrollment rising at White Lake Middle School and a single Hawaiian student at Dudley School—while broader reporting flags persistent achievement gaps. Public Health & Safety: A new analysis of 2024 Clery Act data highlights reported sexual offenses at NCAA FBS universities, with the Big Ten leading in raw counts. Climate & Everyday Life: Mid-Michigan storm flooding is framed as a growing, climate-linked infrastructure strain, with residents facing higher damage and insurance costs. Arts & Live Music: Hillsdale’s Dawn Theater hosts The Taildraggers with a student opener, supported by local arts funding.

Workforce & Housing: State Rep. Julie M. Rogers was named Michigan Works! Association 2026 Legislator of the Year for pushing workforce development, childcare access, and cutting red tape. Road Safety: Michigan Auto Law released a list of the state’s 20 most dangerous intersections, with many in metro Detroit and several roundabouts near the top. Education & Demographics: New Michigan Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting student diversity at specific schools, including multiracial and African American enrollment changes across districts. Culture & Community: OURSPACE 517 kicks off its 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage festivities in downtown Lansing, with seminars, dance classes, food trucks, and Latin jazz. Faith & Local Life: Auglaize Chapel Church of God begins fall revival services with Rev. Ray Houser. Public Safety: Oakland County investigators are still looking into an e-moto crash in Rochester Hills that left a rider seriously hurt. Environment & Innovation: Michigan State University researchers unveiled a recyclable resin that could turn old wind turbine blade material into new products. Sports Media: The NHL and Disney+ announced a five-year streaming deal for Sweden and Finland starting in 2026-27.

Idlewild at Purdue: A new Purdue exhibit spotlights Idlewild, Michigan’s Black resort community and its role in building Black culture, business, and community life during segregation. Education & demographics: Recent Michigan school enrollment snapshots show shifting representation—Mt. Pleasant Senior High (38 African American students), Discovery Middle (54 multiracial), and Lakeshore Middle (614 white students) among others—while overall statewide enrollment continues to dip. Trans healthcare funding fight: A report says $2.6M in federal funds went to a North Carolina nonprofit tied to trans-care for adults and possibly minors, drawing fresh scrutiny over taxpayer support. Detroit cleantech spotlight: The Battery Show North America returns to Detroit Oct. 12–15, pitching itself as a hub for battery, EV, and energy storage innovation. Local immigration policy pressure: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joins a lawsuit to block a Trump public charge rule that could deny green cards over public benefits use. Midwest arts & family fun: Blippi’s winter 2027 tour adds Detroit dates, and “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” announces a national run with Kurtis Blow and Da Brat. Culture in motion: Detroit Month of Design spotlights how design can shape community and culture, while Coltrane at 100 plans a citywide jazz celebration. Big policy ripple: A tracker says Trump administration cuts or freezes up to $177B in federal grants across all 50 states, with health and education among the hardest hit.

Labor & Politics: UAW President Shawn Fain told members in Lansing that the union’s fight is about “adequate wages, adequate healthcare, retirement security, and time off,” warning that billionaires push culture-war distractions while profits keep rising. Education & Health: Michigan’s school vaccine waiver rate hit 7.1% in 2025, the highest in a decade, as public health experts warn more exemptions can fuel outbreaks. Community & Faith: Temple Emanu-El in Detroit is hosting a Sukkot Extravaganza with crafts, bounce houses, mini golf, and a community dinner on Sept. 26. Local Safety: A 79-year-old Troy man, Peter Northup, was arraigned on hate-crime charges after allegedly threatening Muslim men outside the Troy Library. Arts & Neighborhood Life: Dally in the Alley returned to Cass Corridor, reviving a decades-old tradition rooted in local organizing and community creativity. School Demographics (Michigan Department of Education): Kentwood’s Crestwood Middle added one Hawaiian student (0.1%); Wyandotte’s Roosevelt High also rose to seven (0.6%); and Pontiac’s Owen Elementary saw Asian enrollment drop to nine (2.3%).

PFAS Awareness Week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed Sept. 21, 2026 as PFAS Awareness Week, spotlighting Michigan’s MPART work and urging residents to test private wells, use Eat Safe Fish guidance, avoid foam on surface water, and cut exposure from PFAS-containing products. Accessibility & education: The Charleston Conference is hosting accessibility conversations tied to ADA Title II compliance deadlines, with sessions focused on making legacy content usable for everyone. Adult learning push: MiLEAP awarded nearly $1.8M to six Michigan colleges to help adults enroll and persist through flexible options, Credit for Prior Learning, childcare access, and career connections. School demographics spotlight: New Michigan Department of Education enrollment snapshots show shifting racial/ethnic shares at specific schools, including Cousino Senior High (663 white students in 2024-25) and Hamilton Elementary (17 Black students, 3.7%). Workforce for students with disabilities: Gesher Human Services wrapped up a paid summer internship program for disabled high school students across metro Detroit job sites. Domestic violence at work: A workplace-focused piece urges employers to reduce stigma and support survivors, citing major productivity and safety impacts. Music & culture: Kenny Chesney announced his 2027 “Original Vibe Room Tour,” with Eric Church and Sheryl Crow joining.

Community Spotlight: The Dick Beardsley Races in Detroit Lakes drew just over 1,000 runners to People’s Park, with local school teams cheering along the half-marathon, 10K, and 5K routes. Sports Policy: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. Maria Cantwell pushed the Protect College Sports Act toward a Senate floor vote, arguing college athletics need tighter rules as costs and “wild west” practices grow. Immigration & Rights: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition suing to block a new Trump public charge rule that would let officials penalize immigrants for using public benefits. Education & Demographics: Holt’s Washington Woods Middle School reported 22 Asian students in 2024-25 (6.4% of enrollment), while other Michigan schools show shifting ethnic enrollment patterns. Culture & Identity: A first Latin American and Caribbean Festival in Bowling Green highlighted folk dance, language, and community services for Hispanic residents. Local Nonprofits (Data): IRS Form 990 rankings spotlight top-revenue groups across Michigan towns, from Adopt-A-Pet in Lake Fenton to Detroit Public Media in Wixom.