AGP Executive Report

Education Policy: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law making “science of reading” training mandatory for Michigan K-5 teachers, aiming to lift early literacy outcomes. Agriculture & Soil Health: Michigan launched a NextGen crop insurance pilot that could reward regenerative practices like cover crops and reduced tillage with pricing tied to lower risk. Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms continues to expand, with Indiana and other states reporting rising cases and the FDA retracting a definitive test call after a false-positive concern. Auto Tech Security: A Senate Commerce Committee advanced a bill to restrict Chinese connected-vehicle tech and vehicles, with Michigan’s Sen. Elissa Slotkin involved in related efforts. Water Innovation: Traverse City is set to host a new “blue tech” accelerator for water startups, pairing local support with a national program. Public Health & Rare Disease: Two survivors of adrenocortical carcinoma in Michigan are backing a national push to fund research and speed treatments. Infrastructure & Trade: The Gordie Howe bridge opening is still on track, but U.S.-Canada tariff tensions have disrupted planned ceremonies.

Food Safety Watch: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak is now at a record 4,173 domestic cases across 41 states since May 1, with Michigan reporting 6,571 cases as investigators keep circling iceberg lettuce and shredded products tied to Taylor Farms and Taco Bell, even as the FDA has withdrawn a positive sample finding—so the “what’s safe” question is still unsettled. Energy & Infrastructure: Great Lakes Water Authority plans an $81M upgrade along 14 Mile Road in Oakland County, replacing aging pipes and adding fiberoptic leak detection to prevent repeat breaks. Michigan Tech & Policy: Michigan’s debate over AI data centers and subsidies continues, with scrutiny of whether incentive deals actually deliver jobs and affordability benefits. Local Governance & Tech: Michigan City, Indiana is weighing a $300,000 expansion of its Flock camera system, while Alcona County voters face a proposed 1.5-mill, six-year sheriff’s levy to fund more deputies and tech-heavy policing. Workforce & Hiring: Michigan teen unemployment is reported at 18% this summer as online hiring and automation make first jobs harder to land. Cybersecurity: Three Russian nationals were indicted in Ohio for international cybercrimes tied to $62M+ in losses to victims.

Michigan Education: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed her final FY2027 education budget, boosting per-pupil funding to $10,300 and keeping free school meals for all 1.4 million students, alongside major literacy and teacher-training moves. Public Health: The cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce remains under scrutiny as FDA and Mexico health officials trade findings, with “false positive” test results adding confusion while cases keep climbing. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The FDA says Taylor Farms lettuce is still tied to the investigation even after a disputed test, and the recall spans multiple states including Michigan. Climate Regulation: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a broader legal push challenging an EPA rollback of hydrofluorocarbon rules, arguing the change weakens protections Congress intended. AI & Governance: A push for a U.S. AI self-regulatory body modeled on FINRA is gaining momentum, with major tech leaders weighing in on how to set safety and accountability norms. Auto Industry Tech: GM says demand for its current full-size pickups remains steady even as it rolls out the next generation, while the industry accelerates efforts to purge Chinese connected-car hardware. Local Tech Policy: East Lansing school board filings are set with only three candidates for four seats, and one seat may be filled via write-in or appointment. Crime Cold Case: Michigan State Police arrested a Battle Creek man tied to a 1993 Alaska homicide after tips led investigators to remains found in 2025.

Connected-Car Supply-Chain Shift: A new electronics maker near Cleveland is scaling up to replace Chinese connected-car hardware as U.S. rules phase it out—software by 2027 and hardware by 2030—showing how quickly automakers are planning years ahead. Public Health & Food Safety: The U.S. cyclospora outbreak tied to leafy greens keeps evolving, with authorities still investigating sources and advising people on safer produce handling as cases spread across multiple states. Michigan Air Quality Watch: After a record wildfire-smoke advisory, Michigan officials say conditions may improve but haze could return, with monitoring and forecasts limited to about two days. Deer Herd Management: Michigan DNR is assessing the Upper Peninsula’s deer herd after three severe winters, with a hunting outlook expected in mid-to-late August. Data Centers vs. Local Control: In Michigan, the state is pushing data-center pledges while some townships argue for stronger local authority, keeping the fight over infrastructure and community impacts front and center.

Food Safety: The FDA says its earlier “positive” Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms shredded iceberg lettuce was a false positive, but the agency still points to Taylor Farms de Mexico as the outbreak source; Michigan case counts keep climbing, underscoring how hard it is to trace Cyclospora through produce supply chains. Public Health Guidance: A University of Maine food safety expert explains practical steps to reduce risk during the outbreak, noting that standard hygiene and cross-contamination prevention also help against parasites. Michigan Hemp Regulation: Michigan’s Cannabis Regulatory Agency will hold a July 23 public hearing on proposed Marihuana Rules changes that could shape how industrial hemp is processed, tested, transported, labeled, and monitored—potentially affecting whether Michigan captures more of the growing hemp economy. Wildfire Smoke Politics: Trump renews pressure on Canada over wildfire smoke and forest management, while experts say the underlying fire-management approach is similar across borders. Campus Tech & Policy: A State News survey of Michigan State University students finds strong support for DEI and social-impact investing, plus mixed views on how those priorities should be carried out.

Health Policy: Michigan-linked health care reform debate heats up as Gary Jacobs argues to “remove fee for service,” while new federal data show ACO REACH generated about $2.5B in gross savings in 2024—amid insurer requests for big ACA marketplace premium hikes. Food & Public Health: EGLE’s Food Waste Road Map pushes Michigan communities toward cutting food loss and waste, with new Food Rescue and Michigan Organics Infrastructure grant RFPs; meanwhile, the national cyclospora outbreak roils grocery shelves as the FDA says a Taylor Farms lettuce test was a false positive, even as recalls and investigations continue. Nuclear & Energy Tech: Holtec files for an IPO to scale mass-produced small modular nuclear plants and liquid solar storage batteries. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: Two Michigan House bills backed by civil liberties groups aim to limit license plate reader data use and tighten transparency and warrant rules. AI & Payments: Strivve expands “Top of Wallet” card-on-file tech for agentic commerce, letting AI assistants use an issuer’s card by default at checkout. Environment & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke keeps Michigan under air alerts, while lawmakers weigh data-center energy and water impacts as smoke lingers. Michigan Economy: Michigan’s unemployment rate dipped to 5% in June, adding context to ongoing workforce concerns.

Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Canadian wildfire smoke is again pushing Michigan and the Midwest into unhealthy air, with EGLE issuing statewide alerts for Sunday and Monday and Detroit’s PM2.5 climbing back after a brief improvement. Public Health & Food Safety: Michigan is still at the center of the expanding cyclospora outbreak, with officials pointing to contaminated lettuce/salad greens as a leading suspect while warning that other sources can’t be ruled out. Michigan Science/Health Research: Michigan Medicine researchers report an experimental drug (DT-109) that repaired the gut barrier and reversed severe fatty liver disease in animal models, offering a potential path for MASH treatments. Elections & Tech Governance: Documents reviewed by Reuters say the Trump administration scrutinized the Election Assistance Commission before firing commissioners, raising stakes for how voting systems are tested and certified. Immigration Enforcement Tech: ICE will require body-worn cameras during vehicle stops after recent fatal shootings, as scrutiny of enforcement tactics intensifies. Local STEM/Community: A Mount Clemens PEO chapter was honored for 50 years of education support for women, highlighting Michigan’s ongoing community-driven STEM pathways.

Wildfire Smoke Meets Politics: President Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke choking the U.S. and threatened to add pollution costs to Canada’s tariffs, as Ontario and Minnesota fires pushed hazardous air into cities including Detroit and Washington. Food Safety & Public Health: A fast-growing cyclospora outbreak has Michigan officials zeroing in on lettuce and other high-risk produce, while Walmart removed four Taylor Farms iceberg salad products tied to the broader recall. Michigan Environment Watch: Researchers say Michigan’s bald eagle breeding is showing unusual reproductive trouble this year, with empty nests and malnourished eaglets linked to severe weather and limited food. Michigan Tech & Learning: NMC is rebranding its entrepreneurship and innovation “OOPs” program into “OOPs 2.0” to pull more student participation into campus innovation. Cybersecurity Roundup: A week of major WordPress security fixes and new sign-in bypass tactics highlights how attackers keep adapting. AI + Health Tech (Local): EMU researchers are using virtual reality exposure therapy to help treat fear of flying, aiming to make treatment more realistic and practical.

Wildfire smoke & tariffs: President Trump blamed Canada for wildfire smoke choking U.S. cities and threatened to add the “cost” to Canada’s tariffs, while Ontario Premier Doug Ford urged politicians to send help instead of complaining; Air quality watch: the National Weather Service kept alerts active across the Midwest and Northeast as smoke lingered, with rain/storms expected to help clear parts of the East; Food safety in Michigan: Taylor Farms expanded a 27-state recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a cyclospora outbreak, with Michigan among the hardest hit, and warned customers to discard products (washing won’t fix it, cooking is key); Local tech/health: EMU researchers are using virtual reality exposure therapy to help treat fear of flying; Policy & security tech: a bipartisan bill would restrict “connected cars” made or designed in China, citing surveillance risks; Detroit-area environment: Detroit denied a land-use request for a Canadian-owned oil recycling facility after years of air/odor complaints and state investigations.

Wildfire Smoke & Tariffs: President Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canada to cover the “incalculable cost” of wildfire smoke harming U.S. cities, as Canada defended its forest spending and said it’s in constant coordination with the U.S.; Public Health: Michigan is still tracking a fast-growing Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce linked to Taco Bell supply chains, with Taylor Farms removing Mexico-sourced lettuce and health officials urging careful produce handling; Great Lakes Chemistry: New research highlights how PFAS “forever chemicals” vary across the Great Lakes, with higher contamination patterns in the west (Lake Superior/Lake Michigan) and more concern for certain fish higher on the food web; Local Tech Policy: A Macomb County debate is heating up over AI data centers, with critics warning about electricity, water use, noise, and calls for stronger public safeguards before approvals; Space Science: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope observations, including work from Michigan State University, are sharpening how supermassive black holes feed, revealing gas strands connecting galaxy atmospheres to central disks.

Wildfire Smoke Health Crisis: Canadian wildfire smoke pushed air quality to record-danger levels across the eastern U.S., with Detroit again among the worst spots and the EPA’s scale struggling to describe conditions as particles get deep into lungs and trigger heart, breathing, and mental health impacts. Food Safety in Michigan: Federal health officials linked a cyclospora outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Michigan and four other states, with Taylor Farms tied to the supply chain and companies removing the implicated lettuce. Election Security Claims Questioned: Voting and cybersecurity experts challenged Trump’s assertions that China accessed massive voter registration data, saying the public nature of voter rolls makes such claims unsurprising and that the speech offered no solid proof of election manipulation. Michigan Energy & Grid Politics: Gov. Whitmer’s pledge asks data center developers not to shift grid upgrade costs onto existing Michigan ratepayers, while consumer advocates warn voluntary promises may not be enough. Line 5 Tunnel Fight: Tribal nations and environmental groups vowed to keep opposing Michigan’s Line 5 tunnel permits, arguing the project threatens ecosystems and sacred burial grounds. Tech & Water Sector Growth: United Flow Technologies expanded its Midwest footprint by acquiring Michigan-based Peterson and Matz, boosting municipal and industrial water/wastewater solutions coverage.

Election Integrity Push: President Trump renewed claims of 2020 Michigan voter fraud and called for an FBI-led investigation, while Michigan Democrats and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer say the allegations have been debunked. Food Safety & Public Health: A fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak is tied to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases as CDC and FDA trace the supply chain. Air Quality Crisis: Canadian wildfire smoke blanketed the Midwest and Northeast, with Detroit among the worst-hit cities and Michigan air alerts urging residents to limit time outdoors. Mobility Tech Oversight: NHTSA is pressing robotaxi developers to reduce incidents where automated vehicles interfere with emergency responders. Solar Industry Deal: Unirac is acquiring Terrasmart’s solar racking business to expand distributed generation offerings. Local Workforce: Monroe County Community College and partners are hosting an apprenticeship information session July 29 in Monroe.

Great Lakes Infrastructure: Michigan EGLE and the DNR reissued permits for Enbridge’s Line 5 tunnel project after a 16-month review, setting conditions aimed at protecting rare plants, bats, and tribal concerns. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps growing, with CDC updates still not pinning down the source; meanwhile, investigators are focusing on shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms tied to Taco Bell-linked cases. Air Quality Crisis: Canadian wildfire smoke is driving hazardous PM2.5 across Michigan, with officials urging Michiganders to stay indoors, limit exertion, and use N95 masks and air filtration. Food Safety & Industry Scrutiny: Taco Bell voluntarily pulled some ingredients as the investigation intensifies, while experts warn the broader food-safety system has vulnerabilities when outbreaks spread fast. Policy & Oversight: A White House proposal would subject federal grants to political review, drawing pushback from researchers and public-service groups worried about restrictions on science and public-interest work. Tech & Local Economy: A $16B “Stargate” AI data center in Saline Township faces mounting local resistance over water and power impacts, even as developers tout jobs and tax revenue. Courts & AI Misuse: A Michigan judge criticized a fake AI-generated legal citation used in an ICE detainee case, underscoring growing courtroom scrutiny of generative tools.

Fed Watch: New Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh faced Democratic pushback over perceived closeness to President Trump and plans for an AI task force, but he kept steering testimony back to inflation and independence. Wildfire Tech & Health: Canadian wildfire smoke drove Detroit to the world’s worst air quality ranking, with Michigan issuing air alerts as fine particulates spread across the Midwest and Northeast. Michigan Data Centers: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a Michigan Affordable and Responsible Growth Action Plan, urging data center firms to sign a pledge and pushing for codified guardrails to protect ratepayers and resources. Local Governance: Saline Township residents are fighting Oracle/OpenAI-led “Stargate” data center plans, while Pere Marquette Township advanced a data center moratorium draft amid misinformation concerns. STEM & Industry: Riemann Computing previewed “LonScript,” a new programming language aimed at faster scientific computation, and a Chippewa County drone project demonstrated FAA-coordinated digital airspace for commercial and public safety operations. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclospora surge kept climbing, with officials and health partners warning about food safety as cases spread nationally. Education & Workforce: Lake Michigan College’s Wine & Viticulture program is running public tastings tied to student-made wine, blending research-to-classroom training with hands-on hospitality.

Great Lakes Infrastructure: EGLE reissued the Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel Project permit for Enbridge after a 16-month review, adding new wetland mitigation and cultural resource conditions following tens of thousands of public comments. Public Health & Food Safety: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis surge kept climbing, with CDC updates showing thousands of cases nationwide and Michigan reporting thousands as officials continue to scrutinize salad greens like lettuce. Healthcare Access: Michigan ACA marketplace enrollment dropped about 130,000 after enhanced premium tax credits expired, as costs jumped and more people risked losing coverage. Data Privacy & Tech Governance: Michigan’s Whitmer asked data center developers to sign a “responsible growth” pledge on energy and water costs, while New York moved toward a data center pause—raising pressure for similar rules elsewhere. Biotech & Consumer Protection: Attorney General Murrill joined a multistate settlement with 23andMe over its 2023 genetic data breach, with limited bankruptcy recovery for affected consumers. Education Policy: The Trump administration launched a crackdown on how districts handle teacher sexual misconduct, warning states about federal funding if cases aren’t properly investigated. Mental Health Access: U-M is pushing awareness of the 988 hotline for older adults, citing low familiarity and the need for after-hours support. Wildfire Smoke: Canadian wildfire smoke drove hazardous air quality alerts across northern and central Michigan, with health officials urging residents—especially sensitive groups—to stay indoors.

Public Health: The FDA is investigating a fast-growing cyclospora outbreak tied to produce, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases and officials pointing to lettuce or salad greens as a likely source while no recalls have been issued. Climate & Air Quality: A second extreme-heat warning hit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota is expected to push particulate pollution into “unhealthy” ranges. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Nefab’s PolyFlex opened a Wixom campus for returnable plastic packaging and engineered protective shipping materials, aiming to cut lead times for automotive and advanced manufacturing customers. Tech in Education: Anthropic launched Claude for Teachers, offering verified K-12 educators free access to premium AI tools tied to state standards and classroom workflows. Local Governance & Privacy: Warren renewed its contract for Flock license-plate readers after a close council vote, while Dickinson County residents protested similar automated surveillance cameras. Environment & Research: A Notre Dame-led meta-analysis tracked PFAS movement through Great Lakes food webs, finding PFOS declines in some lower lakes but little change in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Defense & Training: The Navy’s Silent Swarm 26 exercise is underway near Alpena, testing spectrum resilience with unmanned systems.