AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Rights: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA challenges, and now requires vaccine sites statewide to provide parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine. Community & Culture: Cadillac’s 2026 History Speakers Series welcomed Chef Hermann Suhs, sharing a decades-long culinary journey from Vienna training to kitchens across Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia. Local Governance & Accountability: A report says Detroit People Mover board member Mary Sheffield skipped all 28 meetings from 2023–25, as federal prosecutors allege bribery tied to no-show IT contracts. Education Watch: New federal testing shows U.S. math scores for 9- and 13-year-olds remain below a decade ago, signaling a brewing school crisis. Arts & Identity: Rep. Cam Cavitt honored Northeast Michigan student Kylie Makowski on the House floor after she won his “Legislator for a Day” art contest. Sports & Community: PWHL Detroit added its first Michigander, Taylor Girard, as the league’s expansion roster continues to fill ahead of the June 17 entry draft.

Public Health & Parenting: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after it couldn’t document federal approval, and now requires vaccine sites statewide to provide the official MCIR opt-out form before shots. Child Care Business Support: Michigan is launching a statewide hub (via SBAM Foundation and MiLEAP) to help child care owners start, grow, and stay open amid licensing, staffing, and pricing hurdles. Education & Literacy: Gov. Whitmer is pushing literacy gains before her term ends, with proposals for more funding, teacher training, and dyslexia-focused testing requirements. Community Safety & Violence Prevention: Rep. Donavan McKinney backs CVI bills to create a statewide office and grant fund for evidence-informed violence intervention. Detroit Culture & Storytelling: A new “Stories of Us” project is rolling out in Detroit through public art “Talking Drums,” inviting residents to share identity and history ahead of America’s 250th. Arts & Local Pride: Vernors turns 160 with a street party at Eastern Market, celebrating Detroit’s ginger ale legacy. Environment & Nature: Michigan Audubon’s Bird City Michigan program expands to UM-Dearborn, adding another campus partner for bird-friendly practices. Higher Ed & Policy: U-M-related federal charges allege a coordinated intimidation campaign tied to Israel divestment, while civil rights advocates argue it blurs protected speech and criminal conduct.

Local Music & Nightlife: Iron Mountain’s Braumart hosts Anthony Shore’s Sinatra & Elvis tribute Friday, with tickets $25 advance/$30 door, while Bay College keeps the summer coming with “Strings on the Bay” and its free Lunchtime Live! patio series. Community Events: Marquette County Habitat for Humanity launches its First Annual Pride Build June 19-20 to expand affordable, inclusive housing, and the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library scores a Michigan Arts and Culture Council grant for new chairs and a portable stage. Education & Culture: Federal math scores for 9- and 13-year-olds show stagnation since 2012, raising concerns that could ripple into future earnings. Justice & Campus Climate: The U.S. DOJ indicts eight pro-Palestinian activists tied to University of Michigan officials over an alleged intimidation campaign, adding fresh pressure to how activism and safety are handled on campus. Northern Michigan Pride & Housing: EUP Solidarity backs Kyle Blomquist ahead of the Aug. 4 primary, framing the race around working-family priorities across the U.P. Sports Fandom: A new take argues sports’ rising costs and luxury focus are pricing out the fans who built the culture.

Campus & Community Safety: Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against eight pro-Palestinian activists accused of a coordinated intimidation and vandalism campaign targeting University of Michigan officials, the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, and local businesses, with threats allegedly including plans involving poison and bombs. Education & Literacy: A Michigan House committee advanced bills to improve K-5 literacy, including specialized training for teachers, as reading proficiency gaps remain a major concern. Housing & Renters: Marquette’s city commission is responding to growing renter complaints by ordering an analysis of renter protections and possible health-and-safety options under state law. Public Safety & Hate Crime Investigation: Chicago police released a surveillance image tied to a burning cross in Grant Park, renewing attention on intimidation and hate-motivated violence. Local Culture & Heritage: A bronze sculpture, “Nature’s Keeper,” arrived in Watersmeet as a Native-led public art offering meant to bring peace and community history into view. Civic Life: Pentwater Police Department earned Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation after a multi-year process.

Immigrant Heritage Month: Michigan’s AHRC-USA is applauding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist for a June proclamation recognizing Immigrant Heritage Month, spotlighting immigrant contributions to the state’s culture, economy, and civic life. Courts & rights: Michigan’s Court of Appeals tossed a man’s convictions tied to the 2020 Whitmer kidnapping plot, a move AG Dana Nessel says she’ll fight. Higher ed & speech: Michigan State University trustees’ new “loyalty” pledge is drawing backlash from higher-ed groups over free-speech concerns. Legal wins for workers and families: AG Nessel secured a final ruling blocking a Trump H-1B $100,000 fee and won a preliminary injunction protecting USDA funding conditions. Community & culture: Oxford Township unveiled a new historical marker honoring Brace Beemer, the voice of the Lone Ranger, with more local dedications planned. Local life: MiCorps volunteers are being highlighted for stream cleanups and water monitoring that protect Michigan’s lakes and rivers. Sports & spectacle: NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway delivered a big crash scare for Christopher Bell and a Denny Hamlin win tied to Kyle Busch’s legacy. Hate-crime fears: Chicago police are investigating a 6-foot burning cross found in Grant Park.

Women’s Hockey: Detroit’s PWHL expansion signees, including Jesse Compher, say the real draw is building Manon Rheaume’s new franchise culture in Hockeytown. Sports Rehab Watch: Tigers ace Tarik Skubal says his elbow rehab start went well and he’s aiming to rejoin the rotation soon. Local Politics & Maps: The DLCC lays out where Democrats want to win state legislative control to shape future redistricting fights—Michigan is on the list. Higher Ed Leadership: CMU names Dr. Joshua Nosanchuk as dean of its College of Medicine, starting July 1. Community & Child Care: Kalamazoo-area parents and educators launch “Yes for Families” to push a child care millage for more stable, affordable care. Faith Under Fire: A Flint man faces federal arson charges tied to a church fire described as an attack on Christians. Health Care Labor: Detroit-area nurses continue a long Henry Ford Health strike, pushing back on union-busting tactics and demanding safer staffing. Tech Workforce: Aquinas College adds AI literacy, cybersecurity, and esports/gaming admin majors for Fall 2026.

Education & Equity: A new Kids Count report finds children’s overall well-being worsened from 2019 to 2024, with the biggest drop in education and clear racial gaps in reading proficiency. Healthcare & Culture: A medical-education debate is heating up over whether schools should keep requiring training that helps future doctors understand patients’ lived experiences. Community Care: Wexford County’s Council on Aging is rolling out free “Safe Drivers, Smart Options” sessions for older adults and caregivers, focused on staying mobile safely. Local Events & Traditions: Hannahville is gearing up for the 50th annual Great Lakes Area Traditional Powwow, a three-day celebration of Potawatomi culture with dancing, singing, and food. Civic Life: Michigan’s “I voted” sticker contest is underway, with a Gladstone artist among semifinalists and public voting through the end of June. Sports & Pride: Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle continues to lead the AL Rookie of the Year race in MLB.com’s expert poll.

Elder Care & Safety: MDHHS is asking for proposals to prevent elder and vulnerable adult abuse, with applications due July 1 and funding aimed at mediation, hoarding response, safe housing, and forensic accounting. Faith & Community: Detroit’s Huntington Place hosts the “Rising from the Ashes Revival” on July 22, featuring speakers, music, Eucharistic adoration, and a citywide procession. Immigration & Rights: A federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unlawful tax, a blow to efforts to restrict high-skilled immigration. Local Culture & Family Fun: The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum launches summer discovery programs for ages 6–10, plus Torch Lake Whitefish Fest returns June 13–14 in Alden. Sports & Identity: Oakland University’s Electric Racing Association brings home trophies after debuting its first electric kart at Purdue’s evGrandPrix. Public Health & Money: Michigan’s 24% wholesale cannabis tax is falling far short of revenue projections, raising concerns about road funding gaps. Immigrant Detention Accountability: Reporting highlights allegations of sexual assault and medical neglect at Michigan’s North Lake Processing Center, with investigations ongoing.

NASCAR & Community Grief: Denny Hamlin roared to a second straight FireKeepers Casino 400 win at Michigan International Speedway, tying Kyle Busch for 9th all-time with his 63rd Cup victory and dedicating the burnout and trophy moment to Busch after his May death. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Michigan towns are pausing data center growth as moratoriums spread—Meridian Township just joined a wave of limits driven by worries about power, water, and land impacts. Education & Second Chances: Michigan Works! Adult Education hit a record year, awarding 52 GEDs, including 9 earned through a new Berrien County Jail partnership. Accessibility in Real Life: A Flushing aging-in-place “living showroom” project is bringing home accessibility solutions into a residential setting to show what works beyond compliance checklists. Justice & Compliance Gaps: A Michigan-based nonprofit published live data on online community service, highlighting uneven access and barriers when courts order millions of hours. Sports & Health Watch: Detroit-area baseball updates include Tigers’ recent win and ongoing injury monitoring around J.P. Crawford’s sore hand.

Accessibility & Aging-in-Place: VGM Live at Home and COR Freedom opened a “living showroom” in Flushing, built to show real, everyday home accessibility—not just products in a retail display—aiming to close gaps between home access and healthcare. LGBTQ+ Health & Aging: A University of Michigan poll finds LGBTQ+ adults over 50 report higher rates of mental health strain, isolation, and discrimination in health care, compared with non-LGBTQ+ peers. Community Safety & Youth: Clintondale’s prom was canceled after a gun threat tip, and volunteers are now racing to revive the event at Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens. Veterans & Memory: A Croswell WWII soldier missing since 1942 in Papua New Guinea is set for burial after remains were identified in 2025. Detroit Culture & Juneteenth: United Voices of Detroit will host a free Juneteenth Freedom Day concert June 13, using music to push unity across the city. NASCAR at Michigan: Denny Hamlin won pole for the FireKeepers Casino 400 but will start from the rear after qualifying damage.

NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway: Denny Hamlin grabbed his 50th Cup pole with a 195.117 mph lap, edging Carson Hocevar by .018 seconds—then learned he’ll start from the rear after practice damage needs repairs. Local Sports Culture: Hocevar gets the home-track front-row start anyway, setting up a big “hometown hero” moment for Michigan fans at the FireKeepers Casino 400. Motorsports Tech & Safety: Goodyear rolled out a reinforced right-side tire for Michigan’s extreme loads and heat. Pop Culture & Community: Kristin Hannah is set to draw a massive crowd in Grand Rapids for a Kent District Library event, with tickets gone fast and the conversation shifting from her books to writing life and friendship. Faith & Prison Life: A Grand Rapids devotional, Our Daily Bread, is spotlighted in a story about Dusty Spencer, scheduled for a Florida execution June 25. Politics & Food Security: A federal judge temporarily blocked USDA funding conditions tied to Trump’s gender and immigration positions, keeping food assistance and related programs on track for now.

NASCAR at Michigan International Speedway: Richard Childress broke his silence after Kyle Busch’s death, saying the press conference was originally meant to announce Busch’s 2027 return—now it’s a public eulogy ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400. Local Oversight & Accountability: East Lansing City Council restored funding for the Independent Police Oversight Commission, letting it hire a consultant to analyze use-of-force reports after earlier budget cuts and delays. Detroit Civic & Heritage: The Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs’ historic clubhouse is on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Most Endangered” list, as the group works to reopen after major pipe damage and raises funds for repairs. Juneteenth in Detroit: Detroit journalist Bankole Thompson will deliver the opening keynote at the 15th Annual National Civil Rights Conference, linking media power to economic justice. Community Pride: Motor City Pride Festival returns to Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit with music, vendors, and LGBTQIA+ artists. Food & Culture: Vernors marks its 160th birthday with a June 14 Eastern Market street party celebrating Detroit’s ginger ale legacy. Sports Spotlight: Eastern Michigan University baseball players John Carmichael, Cole Egan, John Hale, Bruce Jellison and TJ Williams earned Academic All-District honors.

NASCAR & Community: Kyle Busch’s death at 41 is already reshaping the mood around Michigan International Speedway, with fans and insiders calling it a “huge hole” as the series returns to MIS and prepares tributes for the FireKeepers Casino 400. Public Safety: A Hancock man’s body was recovered from Lake Superior after an apparent accidental drowning near McLain State Park, with multiple agencies assisting the search. Infrastructure & Borders: The Gordie Howe Bridge looks close to done, but residents on both sides of the Detroit-Windsor crossing are stuck waiting on a firm opening date—and frustration is turning political. LGBTQ+ Culture: Motor City Pride returns to Hart Plaza this weekend with live music, performances, food vendors, and a Sunday parade through downtown Detroit. Labor & Politics: The UAW is backing Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, framing the endorsement as a push for a more aggressive working-class agenda. Housing & Local Impact: Habitat for Humanity Northeast Michigan released “Our Calling,” a new purpose statement aimed at tackling the region’s rural housing shortage through construction and critical repairs.

Youth & Arts: Ypsilanti District Library is reviving its Noise Permit youth songwriting program for ages 10–24, with twice-a-week workshops and a summer concert; funded by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, it’s adding new cameras and microphones plus take-home kits. Civic Education: A new civil rights curriculum backed by Andrew Young aims to teach students the movement’s history and nonviolence principles to build future citizen leaders. Public Health & Environment: A Texas Rio Grande Valley report links Parkinson’s disease risk to pesticide exposure, spotlighting farmworkers and nearby communities. Outdoor Access & Conservation: Elk Rapids opened Michigan’s first permanent non-motorized boat wash and a universally accessible launch on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail to help stop aquatic invasives. Labor Politics: The UAW endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan Senate and Jocelyn Benson for governor, framing both races as working-class fights. Pride in Detroit: Motor City Pride returns to Hart Plaza with tens of thousands expected, plus a parade and major vendor and entertainment lineup. Sports & Culture: Rutgers-bred turfgrass is set for many World Cup stadiums, including Michigan-linked Rutgers cultivars.

Federal Research Policy: Radiologists and other Michigan-linked researchers are alarmed by a new federal rule that could tighten oversight of scientific grantmaking and restrict how DEI factors are considered. Immigration & Health: Advocates say ICE detention is harming Wisconsin Palestinian activist Salah Sarsour’s health, with claims of weight loss, severe pain, and medical neglect. LGBTQ+ Rights in Michigan: Madison Heights cancels a drag story time at its Pride event, while Michigan lawmakers also clash over Pride recognition on the House floor. Public Safety & Daily Life: AAA launches an e-bike and scooter safety push in Dearborn, urging helmets and safer riding habits as injuries rise. Healthcare Disparities: New research finds racial and ethnic gaps persist in asthma inhaler use, even after accounting for access. Community & Education: Alpena Public Schools gets extra snow-day forgiveness after winter disruptions, and Berrien RESA honors local partners supporting students. Culture & Sports: PoWeR! Book Bags marks 10 years boosting literacy for under-resourced kids across Michigan.

Detroit & Faith in Action: A Franco-American priest in full cassock tackled a single-shoed car thief outside St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit, holding the suspect until police arrived. Health & Environment: A new report links Parkinson’s disease risk to pesticide exposure in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, raising alarms for farmworkers and nearby communities. Local Business & Community: Grand Rapids’ former Fat Boy Burgers space reopened as Kobold’s Kitchen, a board-game lounge and café built around an 800-title library. Public Health Watch: Two NIH scientists face federal charges tied to an alleged plan to smuggle inactivated mpox samples into the U.S., with prosecutors alleging they misled customs. Workforce & Growth: Moran Iron Works in Northern Michigan is expanding hiring across welding and skilled trades as it grows marine, power, industrial, and hydro projects. Education & Tech: A Metro Detroit teacher is using “old school” handwritten drafts to spot AI use and keep assignments authentic. Food Access: A Michigan guide breaks down food deserts and points readers to help. Sports & Culture: Charlevoix Marathon debuts a safer 20th-year course that’s still Boston-qualifying.