AGP Executive Report

Democratic Senate primary: Progressive Abdul El-Sayed is projected to win Michigan’s razor-thin U.S. Senate nomination over Rep. Haley Stevens, with vote counting still dragging into Wednesday and the margin hovering around a single percentage point—an expensive test of whether the party’s left can win in a more mixed, swing-leaning state. Antitrust & pharma: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a coalition of 43 states in a $400 million settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price-fixing and reduced competition, setting up further state action and a potential 2027 trial. Jobs & rates: ADP reported private hiring far below expectations in July, while the Fed held rates steady amid uncertainty—signals for Michigan employers watching labor demand and borrowing costs. Housing: National Association of Realtors data shows home prices rising faster in Q2 as buyers return despite higher mortgage rates. Workforce development: Northern Lakes Economic Alliance received a $10,000 grant to help employers in Charlevoix and Emmet counties attract and retain workers. Auto industry permitting: EGLE is taking public comments through Aug. 13 on revised air-permit terms for Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan project in Marshall. Local finance product: Parda Federal Credit Union added Unifimoney to bring more investing and trading options into its online and mobile banking.

Michigan Senate primary: Polls closed statewide in Michigan Tuesday in a high-spending Democratic U.S. Senate showdown between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and moderate Haley Stevens, a fight seen as a referendum on the party’s direction ahead of 2028. Consumer protection: The Michigan Supreme Court struck down a long-running loophole, ruling the Michigan Consumer Protection Act can apply even when a business holds certain licenses—an outcome tied to efforts to curb deceptive pricing. Media jobs: E.W. Scripps cut 268 jobs nationwide as it shifts local TV operations toward streaming, centralized digital production, and automation, including stations in Detroit and Grand Rapids. Food safety: Chipotle shares slid after the company pulled jalapeños from Minnesota stores amid a salmonella outbreak that has spread to more states; Michigan health officials are also monitoring. Cybersecurity: Federal investigators are probing cyberattacks on municipal water systems, including reports tied to Iran-linked activity, raising questions about how vulnerable utilities remain. Local business openings: Metro Detroit saw a wave of new restaurants and cafes in July, including new craft beer and global-inspired dining concepts. Sports-business tie-in: The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal trade to the Dodgers continues to ripple through Detroit’s baseball plans as the team weighs what it did—and didn’t—add at the deadline.

MLB Deadline Fallout: The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal trade to the Dodgers is still reverberating after the deadline, with Detroit brass defending the return—Zyhir Hope, River Ryan and Brady Smith—while other contenders (and stars like Bryce Harper) questioned why Detroit moved a Cy Young-caliber ace. Rural Health Watch: Sturgis Hospital’s switch to the federal Rural Emergency Hospital model didn’t stop decline—ER volume fell and the facility closed anyway—raising fresh alarms about whether the policy can truly keep rural care alive. Democratic Power Struggle: Michigan’s Aug. 4 Senate primary pits progressive Abdul El-Sayed against Rep. Haley Stevens, a test of the party’s direction on Israel, big-money influence, and electability ahead of a must-win general election. Consumer Protection: The Michigan Supreme Court ruling revives consumers’ ability to sue under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act in insulin-pricing investigations, reopening a key enforcement path for the AG. Energy & Industry: Advantage Renewables bought three early-stage Michigan battery storage projects from 5 Rivers Energy, signaling continued grid-reliability investment as AI-driven demand grows. Tech in Healthcare: Mentavi Health expanded coordinated virtual care by integrating with Quest Diagnostics inside DrChrono for faster lab ordering and result review. Business Expansion: Take 5 Oil Change opened its first Chesterfield location, adding quick-service maintenance bays to Metro Detroit.

Auto & Consumer Finance Earnings: Whirlpool reported Q2 results of $75 million net income ($1.15 per share) on $3.52B revenue, missing Wall Street expectations; Jackson Financial posted $655 million net income ($9.16 per share) on $168M revenue (adjusted $2.01B). Sports-Driven Local Economy: The MLB trade deadline’s biggest Michigan headline was Detroit’s Tarik Skubal deal—sent to the Dodgers—followed by a second Tigers move: Casey Mize and Gage Workman to the Padres for Kash Mayfield and Jackson Wolf. Trade Policy & Business Costs: A coalition of 25 states, including Michigan, sued the Trump administration over Section 301 tariffs, arguing the duties are unlawful and used as a forced-labor pretext. Food Access: The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is expanding into Gaylord with a new satellite warehouse to extend distribution across northern Michigan and into the Upper Peninsula. Politics & Markets: Polling and prediction-market data show Abdul El-Sayed leading Haley Stevens ahead of Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, while governor primaries set up Benson vs. Swanson and John James vs. Perry Johnson. Community Support: Metro Detroit nonprofits are teaming up to deliver back-to-school backpacks to families facing housing-related hardship.

MLB Trade Deadline: The Dodgers made the biggest splash of the day, acquiring Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal in a blockbuster that sends Zyhir Hope and pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith to Detroit, instantly reshaping World Series odds and the playoff picture. Rural Health Watch: A Michigan-linked rural hospital story is a warning sign for the nation: Sturgis Hospital closed its emergency department after converting to the federal Rural Emergency Hospital model, raising concerns about whether the funding math will hold. Michigan Politics & Data Centers: Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is turning into a referendum on corporate power and AI/data center growth, with candidates clashing over environmental and grid impacts and who should bear the costs. Workplace Safety: A veteran UAW member, James Brasher, was killed in a workplace accident at a Stellantis Mopar facility in Center Line, prompting union demands for answers. Energy Costs: Gas prices in Michigan jumped to the highest level since May, with AAA citing volatile market conditions and higher crude costs. Business & Finance: Oxford Bank in Oakland County is using Swaystack to boost customer onboarding inside Jack Henry’s Banno platform, reflecting how banks are competing for loyalty beyond just opening accounts. Corporate Deals: Reliance Global Group signed a non-binding LOI to sell its Michigan-based Altruis Benefit Consulting unit for $11 million in cash, aiming to retire term debt and improve liquidity.

MLB Trade Deadline Impact (Michigan): The Detroit Tigers traded two-time AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects—outfielder Zyhir Hope, and pitchers River Ryan and Brady Smith—setting off backlash over the return and the Dodgers’ continued spending power; Skubal is slated to debut Tuesday at Wrigley Field against the Cubs. Tigers Response: One day after the deal, Detroit kept its playoff hopes alive with an 11-0 win over the Athletics, completing the franchise’s first season-series sweep vs. an AL opponent. Local Business & Economy: Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club ends after Rocket Companies’ title sponsorship exit, with fans saying they’ll miss the event. Healthcare/Community Funding: Michigan’s MDHHS will hold a virtual public hearing Aug. 17 on the Community Service Block Grant state plan for 2026-28. Politics (Michigan): Livingston County voters head to the polls on millage renewals tied to veterans services, public safety, schools and libraries.

MLB Trade Deadline Shock: The Detroit Tigers traded two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers for three prospects—outfielder Zyhir Hope and right-handers River Ryan and Brady Smith—finalizing the deal late Saturday night as Skubal learned the news mid-game and later spoke emotionally about leaving Detroit. Dodgers Dynasty Math: Multiple reports say the move strengthens an already star-studded Dodgers rotation and boosts their World Series odds for a potential three-peat. Tigers Next Moves: With Skubal off the board, Detroit’s trade focus now shifts to other starters, including Casey Mize, as the Tigers weigh a possible sell-off before Monday’s deadline. Michigan Politics (Early Voting): Early in-person voting is underway across most of Michigan through Sunday, with more than one million voters already casting ballots ahead of Tuesday’s Aug. 4 primary. Crypto Money in Michigan: A crypto-aligned PAC, Protect Progress, has pushed spending above $2 million in Michigan’s 13th District primary, backing Shri Thanedar and opposing Donavan McKinney. Workforce & Data Centers: Michigan’s data center boom is pulling electricians into long, high-pay shifts, with training programs in Detroit and projects like OpenAI’s Saline Township site reshaping local labor demand.

MLB Trade Deadline: With Monday’s deadline looming, the Orioles are “open-minded” on Adley Rutschman and are reportedly listening to offers, though the asking price is steep and a deal isn’t guaranteed. Tigers Trade Watch: Detroit’s Casey Mize has drawn interest from multiple teams as the Tigers manage roster risk by scratching him and other starters ahead of the deadline. Detroit Sports Business: The Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club is in its final stretch, with Davis Riley holding a one-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round after schedule changes pushed tee times later. Michigan Policy & Courts: The Michigan Supreme Court ordered regulators to redo parts of the Line 5 tunnel permit review, adding uncertainty for Enbridge’s Great Lakes pipeline plan. Cybersecurity: Michigan joined Minnesota in reporting cyberattacks on water systems; officials say affected systems remain operating safely while the FBI investigates. Tax Administration: About 145,000 Michigan tax returns filed before April 15 remain unprocessed, with the state citing review needs and high contact-center demand. Auto Industry: Stellantis is investigating a workplace incident in Center Line that left an employee dead. Local Economy & Consumer Tech: New online casinos continue to expand in Michigan, with bet365 Casino and Hard Rock Bet Casino among the newest options.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Detroit’s Tarik Skubal is the headline name as the Aug. 3 deadline nears, with the Dodgers framed as a front-runner and the Brewers also in the mix; the Tigers’ future looks fluid as Casey Mize’s status and other pitching rumors swirl. Prospect Spotlight: Max Clark made a splash in his MLB debut for Detroit, going 3-for-? with two doubles and an RBI in a 13-1 rout of the Athletics—an encouraging sign for the organization even as trade talk intensifies. Michigan Courts & Consumer Protection: The Michigan Supreme Court sided with Attorney General Dana Nessel in a case involving Eli Lilly and insulin pricing, narrowing an exception that had limited the AG’s ability to pursue misconduct claims under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Energy & Environment: Michigan regulators approved air-quality permits for Marathon Petroleum’s Southwest Detroit refinery expansion, adding monitoring conditions after a recent flaring event raised health and emissions concerns. Workplace Rights: The U.S. Department of Labor secured a consent judgment against four Leo’s Coney Island franchise owners for more than $500,000 in owed overtime wages to 143 employees. Workforce & Maritime Growth: Northern Michigan’s maritime training push moved forward as a grant selected NLEA and the Industrial Arts Institute for the state’s Maritime Innovation program, targeting shipyard-ready welding and fabrication skills.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: The Detroit Tigers made a key roster move ahead of Monday’s deadline, calling up top prospect Max Clark and scratching starter Casey Mize as Tarik Skubal trade talk swirls. Consumer & Markets: University of Michigan sentiment jumped to a post–February high in July, while inflation expectations eased—an upbeat read for Michigan households watching prices. Energy & Environment: Michigan Supreme Court tossed key state approval for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel, sending the review back for a fuller environmental look. Health & Business Regulation: The Michigan Supreme Court sided with AG Dana Nessel, clearing the way for a price-gouging probe into Eli Lilly insulin. Local Business Ops: Priority Waste’s new CEO promised a “recovery plan” after pickup delays sparked frustration across metro Detroit communities. Tech & Data Centers: In Saline Township, Oracle and OpenAI sought an EGLE permit to discharge treated wastewater into the Saline River, drawing resident concerns. Venture Capital: Henry Ford Health and MSU backed two health-tech startups, though neither product is yet cleared for routine patient use. Sports & Community: Zimmy’s Tavern staff are rallying after a fire destroyed the Union, Mich., bar, with local businesses stepping in to help.

Homelessness Beyond Big Cities: A new look at Michigan shows homelessness is increasingly visible in smaller communities like Three Rivers and Jackson, with residents and businesses dealing with people seeking food, shelter, mental-health care and addiction treatment. Michigan Senate Race: Abdul El-Sayed insists he’s “simply not a socialist” despite close ties to prominent left-wing figures, as the primary tightens between him and Haley Stevens. MLB Trade Deadline: The Orioles acquired catcher Jake Rogers from the Tigers to address injuries behind the plate, while Tarik Skubal remains the central trade-market question for Detroit. Michigan Business & Infrastructure: Business 51 reconstruction advances with commission approval of temporary limited easements for a corridor slated for construction in 2027. Public Safety & Consumer Alerts: Michigan State Police warn of phone scams spoofing MSP and demanding payments. Prediction Markets Crackdown: New York AG Letitia James sues Kalshi, calling prediction markets illegal gambling and seeking to halt operations. Workforce Pipeline: Michigan’s EMS workforce gets a boost: a grant will fund tuition for 131 EMT and paramedic students at Oakland Community College. State Finance & Crypto: Michigan’s state retirement system more than doubles its Strategy (MSTR) stake, signaling growing pension interest in indirect Bitcoin exposure. Cross-Border Trade: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opens amid a U.S.-Canada tariff dispute, underscoring economic stakes for Michigan businesses.

Consumer Fraud: The Better Business Bureau warns Michigan shoppers about tap-to-pay scams where criminals set up higher charges or reroute payments—read the screen before confirming. Detroit Schools: The Detroit school board is reconsidering plans to demolish four recently closed schools after community pushback, including calls to sell or lease buildings sooner. Health Care Funding: Planned Parenthood of Michigan will permanently close three clinics in Livonia, Warren and Lansing, citing a $4.2M drop in reimbursement and $5.6M in uncompensated care. Rural Access: A town hall in Sturgis highlighted the fallout from Sturgis Hospital’s June closure, leaving 11,000+ residents without local emergency/surgical/outpatient services. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to climb past 10,000 cases. Business & Jobs: Stryker reported strong Q2 results, beating expectations. Real Estate: Agree Realty posted Q2 profitability ahead of forecasts. Detroit Infrastructure: A feasibility study clears the way for Detroit’s $300M I-75 cap project to move into environmental review and funding talks. Politics & Economy: Trump touted tariffs in Michigan despite rising costs, while lobbying around trade policy continues to intensify. Sports Business: The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal trade chatter and Tigers roster moves keep heating up ahead of the MLB deadline.

Auto & Defense: Ford CEO Jim Farley says the automaker is pursuing more U.S. military work and exploring “adjacent” businesses beyond vehicles, including battery energy storage tied to Michigan and Kentucky plants. Earnings Watch: Phinia (Auburn Hills) posted Q2 net income of $40M on $940M revenue; DT Midstream (Detroit) reported Q2 profit of $112M and missed Wall Street expectations. Detroit Real Estate: The Detroit Land Bank threatened to take back a Native center site, but the Thečhíȟila Collective avoided it after resolving paperwork issues and expanding its land purchase. Consumer & Mobility: Ford filed a recall covering nearly 388,000 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles over a rear-seat mechanism defect. State Policy & Costs: Michigan signed a bill capping spirits delivery fees, aiming to prevent delivery costs from driving price hikes. Affordability & Politics: A new report and local coverage highlight Michigan’s affordability squeeze as tariffs and prices weigh on voters ahead of the primary. MLB Business: The Tigers face a trade deadline decision on ace Tarik Skubal after a late-season collapse, with major-market teams signaling interest. Public Services: Thousands of Michiganders report prolonged delays in state tax refunds, citing security checks and manual verification.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Tarik Skubal’s Detroit farewell got a standing-ovation sendoff after his 1,000th career strikeout, but the Tigers blew a 7-0 lead and lost to the Orioles 10-9 in 12 innings—making a Skubal trade before the Aug. 3 deadline feel even more likely. Retail & Delivery: Uber Eats expanded its grocery lineup by adding regional chains Busch’s Fresh Food Market, Hays, Lowe’s Market and Piggly Wiggly, letting shoppers order through Uber Eats/Uber/Postmates with on-demand or scheduled delivery. State Policy & Energy: EGLE announced a bigger Renewables Ready Communities Awards phase, offering local governments up to $4,000 per megawatt (potentially $5,000) to help speed permitting for large wind, solar and battery projects. Health & Community: MDHHS launched the Recovery Housing Assistance Fund, providing up to $4,000 to help people in substance use treatment or recovery secure stable housing. Business & Markets: UFP Industries reported Q2 earnings that beat expectations, with revenue of $1.88 billion.

Data Centers & Power Demand: DTE Energy says its Michigan data-center pipeline has surged to more than 8GW, backed by executed deals with Oracle (1.4GW, under construction) and Google (1GW, awaiting PSC approval), with the load expected to drive billions in capital spending and renewables, storage and demand response. Manufacturing Expansion: STEMCO completed a 20,000-square-foot expansion at its Millington, Michigan facility to boost capacity for heavy-duty commercial vehicle components, including Kaiser king pins and bushings. Corporate Earnings: Masco reported Q2 net income of $318 million (adjusted $1.64/share) while revenue missed forecasts; Owens Corning named Jonathan Collins as CFO effective Aug. 10. Local Business Closures: Kroger will close its Carman Plaza store in Flint Township Sept. 30, offering transfers to other locations. Community & Nonprofits: Battle Creek’s Youth Day is set for Aug. 13 at Mill Race Park, and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan will benefit from an Aug. 21 Watermark Golf Classic. Sports Business: The Rocket Classic returns to Detroit Golf Club for its final year, with a restored course and a field featuring top PGA Tour names.

MLB Trade Deadline Watch: Tigers manager A.J. Hinch says Tarik Skubal is still scheduled to start Wednesday vs. the Orioles, even as Detroit’s 50-57 record and the Aug. 3 deadline fuel speculation about whether the Cy Young winner will be dealt. Auto & Jobs Politics: President Trump renewed attacks on electric vehicle policies during a GM visit, arguing consumers should choose freely and that EVs take fewer workers to build—an argument aimed squarely at Michigan’s auto workforce. Health & Food Supply: Michigan reported cyclosporiasis cases rising to 9,680, with officials still working to pin down sources after a multistate outbreak tied to lettuce. Clean Energy Incentives: EGLE expanded its Renewables Ready Communities Awards, offering larger per-megawatt payments to local governments that permit big wind, solar and battery projects. Retail Access for Families: Meijer became the first Michigan retailer to let WIC families use benefits for online and mobile orders, with pickup and delivery options. Local Business Growth: Farmington’s “Retail LAB” is giving entrepreneurs 90-day storefront leases to test concepts before committing to longer-term space. Civic/Politics: Michigan’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary between Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed remains the national money magnet as both campaign in Detroit.