AGP Executive Report

Patent & Standards: Huawei and HP ink a multiyear global patent cross-licensing deal, underscoring how Chinese tech firms increasingly monetize “standard-essential” Wi‑Fi patents. Michigan Health & Research: Van Andel Institute researchers map how Legionella’s RomA protein “reads” a host cell’s epigenetic settings—new clues for future therapies. Public Health: CDC reports confirmed cyclospora cases top 17,000 across 48 states plus DC, with Michigan still at the center of the outbreak. AI Policy: A debate heats up over “open-weight” Chinese AI models like DeepSeek—whether the US should restrict them even when they’re freely downloadable. Cybersecurity & Risk: Carhartt’s breach shows how trusting cybercriminals’ claims can mislead—Hunt’s analysis found anomalies that complicate the headline numbers. Local Tech in Motion: Jack Demmer Ford in Wayne demos drone delivery of auto parts across the street in minutes. Great Lakes Science: Michigan Tech and MSU researchers estimate lake sturgeon can live hundreds of years, reshaping conservation timelines. Education Tech: Central Michigan University gets a grant to build a mobile medical simulator for rural provider training. Infrastructure: Michigan’s High-Speed Internet Office signs BEAD subgrants for 17 organizations to expand fiber and satellite service statewide.

Data Centers & Local Control: Detroit unveiled a plan to raise rental-property compliance to 25% by September 2027, aiming to inspect and certify thousands of one- and two-family rentals as safe—an example of how enforcement capacity shapes tech-and-infrastructure debates. Pipeline & Energy Risk: Enbridge’s Line 5 reportedly leaked natural gas liquids after a semi-truck struck an excavation site in far northeastern Wisconsin near Michigan’s UP border, prompting evacuations and emergency response. Public Safety Tech: Fraser police say they used Flock license-plate cameras to identify and arrest a driver in a fatal hit-and-run, reigniting Michigan privacy and surveillance concerns. Michigan Tech & Business: VergeIO announced VergeOS is now officially supported in Veeam Backup & Replication, removing extra setup for admins. STEM & Health: A yeast-based flu vaccine manufacturing approach could speed production and target a more stable viral protein, potentially enabling longer protection. Science Policy Watch: The DEA released thousands of pages from marijuana rescheduling hearings—an outcome that could affect Michigan’s cannabis taxes, research, and investment.

Surveillance & Privacy: Ottawa County’s sheriff defended Flock license plate reader cameras as “public roadway” imaging tied to stolen vehicles, missing persons, and Amber/Silver alerts—while Grand Rapids police also briefed residents on what the system does and doesn’t do. Local Tech Governance: Garfield Township enacted a data center moratorium to study environmental and resource impacts (water, power) and avoid court-battled rules; Detroit meanwhile rolled out a plan to lift rental property compliance from 14% to 25% by 2027. AI & Infrastructure Politics: Trump backed AI data centers as “jobs and lots of money,” as opposition grows over electricity and water demands. Education Tech Policy: Michigan’s statewide cellphone ban is pushing districts toward different enforcement models, with University of Michigan research tracking “bell-to-bell” vs schedule-based approaches. Environment & Energy: Enbridge’s Line 5 reportedly leaked natural gas in far northeastern Wisconsin, renewing Great Lakes pipeline scrutiny. STEM in Michigan Schools: Michigan launched literacy training (LETRS) for elementary teachers via 17 districts.

Michigan Battery Boom: LG Energy Solution has started production at its new Lansing EV battery plant after a $2B+ investment, targeting 35+ GWh annually at full capacity and supplying cells for Toyota’s upcoming Highlander EV plus grid storage batteries. Medical Device Trial in Detroit: Henry Ford Hospital has enrolled the first two U.S. patients in Pulnovo Medical’s PULSE-LHD study using radiofrequency energy on nerves around the pulmonary artery to treat dangerous lung blood pressure in left-heart failure. Defense Manufacturing: Kratos is ramping production of Spartan TDI-J85 engines in Auburn Hills to support Boeing’s JDAM Long Range program, tying Michigan propulsion capacity to high-volume munitions output. Regenerative Dental Tech: GreenMark Biomedical secured a follow-on grant (up to ~$298K) to advance mineral-loaded starch nanoparticle approaches for noninvasive early tooth decay remineralization. AI in Schools: A new poll finds broad, bipartisan voter concern about AI’s impact on K-12 learning, with most respondents backing stronger federal safeguards. Trade War Watch: Ontario is preparing dollar-for-dollar retaliation after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Canadian exports, with Michigan and other industrial states flagged as exposed to reduced Canadian demand. Data Centers vs. Communities: Michigan lawmakers are weighing proposals as local officials keep pushing back against data center growth, arguing they lack meaningful control over siting decisions.

Food Safety Watch: U.S. officials are fielding a fresh wave of recalls and outbreak reports, including a multistate Salmonella Javiana investigation tied to imported jalapeños, with 431 illnesses reported across 32 states (including Michigan) and recalls tied to restaurant sales. Courts & Tech Access: Michigan’s Judicial Council is taking public input on a long-term courts strategy that puts technology front and center, with calls to livestream and digitally record hearings to improve access and transparency. PFAS Cleanup in Michigan: Sen. Gary Peters highlighted Bay City’s PFAS-contaminated fire station cleanup, citing nearly $1 million in grant funding and pushing for stronger phaseout policies to prevent more contamination. Campus & Community Tech: Michigan Tech kicked off orientation week for incoming students, while Northern Michigan University’s Fall Fest drew 125+ student groups and dozens of businesses and nonprofits. AI/Data Centers Backlash: Data centers are becoming a major political flashpoint, with Michigan Rep. Tom Barrett pushing for local control over projects amid rising scrutiny over power use and secrecy. Health Tech & Research: MSU received a $100,000 gift aimed at advancing 3D-printed live tissue heart valves, using high-resolution printing to better mimic blood flow and reduce rejection risk. Automotive Safety: NHTSA opened a new engineering analysis into nearly 1 million GM trucks and SUVs over engine failure complaints tied to the 6.2-liter L87 V8, including cases after GM’s prior recall remedy.

Michigan Tech & Health: University of Michigan Engineering researchers report a yeast-based, nanoparticle flu vaccine that protected mice against multiple influenza strains, aiming to reduce the need for yearly shots by targeting a more slowly changing viral protein. Medical Breakthrough: A JAMA Dermatology phase 3 trial suggests a JAK inhibitor used for rheumatoid arthritis could regrow up to 80% of scalp hair in alopecia areata within 24 weeks. Energy & Mobility: LG Energy Solution says solid-state EV batteries still face a mass-production hurdle for large cells, with early commercialization likely in smaller devices. AI & Industry Backlash: Republicans are increasingly embracing voter pushback on AI data centers, including calls for moratoriums and new local cost/tax rules. Michigan Business/Manufacturing: Atwell names Courtney Schmidt its first Chief Transformation Officer to drive enterprise transformation and growth. Public Safety Tech: The Flock license-plate camera debate keeps heating up, with privacy concerns colliding with law-enforcement claims of public safety value.

AI Data Centers in the Spotlight: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the industry hasn’t explained AI’s benefits well enough as backlash grows, while Texas Gov. Greg Abbott paused new data-center approvals and set stricter rules on water, power, and community impacts. Political Pressure on Tech Infrastructure: A senior U.S. senator accused China of fueling U.S. opposition to AI data centers, as the issue becomes a midterm flashpoint. Michigan Scam Reality Check: BBB Scam Tracker ranked Detroit worst for scams in July, with Michigan cities like Comstock Park and Grand Haven also reporting AI-fueled deepfake fraud tied to fake “diabetes cure” products. Agriculture & Soil Science: Michigan pear growers are getting paid to adopt soil-health practices to handle dry spells, part of a broader regenerative push. STEM in the Classroom: Michigan’s Congressional App Challenge gets a spotlight from Rep. Hillary Scholten, encouraging middle and high school students to build tech projects. Local Tech/Industry Notes: A Michigan hospital is using AI to reshape cancer radiation treatment, and Michigan’s AI company directory is inviting firms to join for a September launch.

Public Safety Leadership: Michigan State Police promoted Jason Welch to inspector and assistant district commander for the Eighth District, with oversight across the Upper Peninsula and prior lab leadership at the Marquette Forensic Laboratory. Great Lakes Tech & Policy: Northern Michigan College will host Lakebed 2030 (Sept. 15-17) to push high-resolution mapping of the Great Lakes and pick winners in a Blue Tech Challenge aimed at water-quality and blue-economy needs. AI Surveillance Backlash: Lansing and other Michigan communities are weighing “de-Flock” moves as automated license-plate camera systems face scrutiny over privacy, data retention, and oversight. School Infrastructure Gap: Michigan awarded $224M for school infrastructure, but it covers only a fraction of the roughly $23B need—leaving districts to consider bonds. Health & Metabolism Research: A new obesity/diabetes approach uses a compound (TOFA) to boost how the body burns fat, aiming to avoid muscle loss seen with some weight-loss drugs. Trade Shock: Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods took effect, with Canada promising dollar-for-dollar retaliation and analysts warning of higher costs for Michigan-linked supply chains.

AI Data Centers Backlash: A grassroots movement against AI data center expansion has surged into a nationwide political issue, with coordinated protests in 42 states over electricity, water use, and local job promises. Local Governance & Privacy: License-plate reader firm Flock Safety is tightening retention and sharing rules after mounting city and state pushback over surveillance misuse. Education & Family Health: New research argues family structure predicts school problems and depression more strongly than race or income, challenging how education outcomes are tracked. Michigan Schools: Michigan Department of Education data show very small counts of American Indian and Hawaiian students at specific districts’ schools, underscoring how uneven representation can be. Detroit Water Risk: A filing warns a Detroit Reservoir drawdown could endanger Salem’s drinking water filtration systems, raising stakes for water management decisions. Trade Tech Ripple Effects: The U.S. and Canada trade fight escalated with 50% tariffs, threatening higher costs for businesses and households on both sides of the border.

AI & Elections: A new look at prediction markets shows how a tiny slice of wallets drives most congressional betting volume, raising the risk that displayed odds can feel like broad public consensus without broad participation. College Sports Business: NCAA Division I revenue keeps climbing while many programs still struggle financially, pushing schools toward more corporate branding and entertainment-style revenue models. Michigan Senate Race: In Michigan’s high-stakes contest, polling and messaging focus on data centers and Medicare-for-All, with both campaigns trying to define what voters should fear or expect. Public Health (Food Safety): A major iceberg lettuce Cyclospora outbreak has reached 10,930 illnesses and 454 hospitalizations, with regulators still facing an unfunded path to faster control tools. Healthcare Operations: A JAMA study finds big hospital-to-hospital variation in how long admitted patients wait in emergency departments, with many waiting 4+ hours for inpatient-quality care. Cybersecurity (Water): The FBI warns cybercriminals are targeting water systems nationwide; Michigan utilities are urged to harden internet-facing controllers and passwords. Local Tech Policy: Gaines Township approved an independent noise study for a proposed Microsoft data center, aiming to protect residents before construction.

Driverless Mobility in Southern California: Waymo won regulatory approval to expand its driverless taxi service to San Diego and across much of Southern California, with riders getting a first-hand look at how the experience works. Environmental Law in Michigan: A Michigan Supreme Court ruling backed environmentalists in a long-stalled pipeline fight, leaning on the public trust doctrine—an ancient legal idea now showing up more often in climate cases. Data Centers and Local Control: President Trump said it’s “OK” if Republicans disagree with him on data center regulation, while Michigan’s Mike Rogers backed a one-year moratorium, arguing communities need answers before new sites expand. Public Health Risk: A study reported in Nature links living near dry cleaners to higher Parkinson’s disease risk, pointing to chemicals used in cleaning. Michigan Tech & Infrastructure: Amazon expanded Prime Air drone delivery to five more U.S. metro areas, including Detroit, as it targets a much larger footprint by end of 2026. STEM in the Spotlight: Ferris State unveiled Stadium Hall, Michigan’s first residence hall connected to a football stadium. Cybersecurity Threats: Reporting highlights Iranian-linked cyberattacks targeting water facilities, underscoring weaknesses in critical infrastructure defenses.

AI Data Centers Backlash: Voters across the U.S. are turning to recalls, petitions, and lawsuits to block AI data center expansion, arguing the facilities bring heavy power and water use plus higher bills and local disruption; Michigan is in the mix as the debate spills into elections and policy. Michigan Jobs: Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 4.9% in July, with employment and unemployment both falling. LGBTQ Health Policy: CMS says federal Medicaid/CHIP funds can’t cover gender-affirming care for minors, tightening what states can reimburse. Batteries in Michigan: LG Energy Solution began production at its Lansing battery plant, aiming to grow jobs and support grid energy storage. Great Lakes Science: Lake St. Clair sturgeon surveys found unusually large lake sturgeon, and new research suggests some lake sturgeon may live for centuries. Higher Ed & AI: The University of Michigan plans pass/no-credit marks for some first-year students in fall 2027 as universities grapple with AI-assisted work. Right to Repair: A Michigan researcher argues right-to-repair rules are still needed despite existing warranty protections. Auto Safety: NHTSA opened an investigation into nearly 1 million GM pickups and SUVs over possible engine failures.

Auto Safety Overhaul: Ford named NHTSA veteran David Hines as chief auto safety officer, aiming to tighten global product safety compliance as the automaker remains under a federal monitor after recall and rearview-camera problems. Public Health & Tech: Monell researchers used machine learning to map complex scent mixtures, a step toward “digital olfaction” and better ways to compare odors. Healthcare Innovation: Henry Ford Health is using adaptive radiation for lung cancer, updating treatment plans as patients’ bodies change during therapy. Cancer Care Tech: A Michigan hospital story highlights how AI is reshaping cancer radiation treatment decisions. Privacy Fight: Saginaw Township put Flock license-plate cameras into service, while Michigan State Police expanded confidential mental-health support for troopers after traumatic calls. Internet Access Pressure: The FCC is reviewing E-Rate subsidies that help schools and libraries afford broadband, with possible price hikes looming. Michigan Vaccines: Michigan health officials reaffirm childhood vaccine recommendations despite federal cuts. Data Centers & Politics: Michigan’s data-center debate keeps heating up, with new scrutiny on incentives, permitting, and who benefits. EV Manufacturing: LG Energy Solution is ramping battery production in Lansing, signaling continued momentum for Michigan’s EV supply chain.

Surveillance & Privacy: Madison Heights is set to vote on an agreement cementing the removal of a Flock camera outside the JARS dispensary, after a viral backlash over privacy and claims about whether store staff ever had access to the device. AI Infrastructure: US Signal says it’s expanding its OpenCloud platform with ARM-based compute aimed at AI inference and small language models, reflecting the shift toward workload-matched hardware. Tech Policy & Security: Michigan’s automotive cybersecurity community is gearing up for Secure Our Streets 2026 (Sept. 17, free and online), focused on practical vehicle security work. Michigan Science: Michigan State and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped early steps in how wolfsbane and larkspur make toxic diterpenoid alkaloids with potential medicinal uses. Health & Vaccines: Michigan says it will stick with its child vaccine schedule despite a federal push to change “gold standard” guidance and separate combined shots. Education & Workforce: MiLEAP reports nearly 53,000 applications for Michigan’s free pre-K for all, as enrollment climbs. Business & Manufacturing: AB Dynamics is buying Michigan-based eMpulse for $11m to expand lab testing equipment capabilities.

Michigan Research & Health: Michigan State and Czech researchers mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that drive toxic diterpenoid alkaloids, with potential medicinal uses. Food Safety: Cyclospora cases in the U.S. appear to be trending down, but Michigan remains the epicenter tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with hospitalizations and two deaths reported. Local Tech & Power: Ypsilanti Township approved a six-month moratorium on large electric utility structures near a planned U-M supercomputing facility, aiming to align land-use rules with power needs. Data Center Governance: Forsyth Township held a town hall on data center concerns in the Sawyer area while keeping a year-long moratorium in place to update zoning protections. Defense Manufacturing: General Dynamics Land Systems opened a $35M Sterling Heights expansion tied to higher-classification U.S. Army work. Drones in Michigan: Amazon says Prime Air will expand to nearly 500 U.S. cities, including more Michigan availability. STEM Education & Enrollment: New state data show Asian student enrollment shares in Kent and Macomb counties for 2024-25, alongside Detroit-area school enrollment snapshots. Biotech/Business: Ascentage Pharma reported interim 2026 results and ongoing Phase III trials.

U-M Grade Policy: The University of Michigan is piloting pass/fail grading for incoming freshmen in LSA to ease mental-health stress, while critics warn it could dilute rigor. Data Centers & Local Power: Ypsilanti Township approved a six-month land-use moratorium on major electric utility infrastructure, directly targeting the U-M and Los Alamos computing/data center plans and their planned DTE substation. EV Batteries in Michigan: LG Energy Solution began production at its new Lansing battery plant, scaling LFP for grid storage and NMC for EVs, with headcount expected to rise to 1,700. Wildlife Monitoring: MSU and the Michigan DNR used remote cameras across the Upper Peninsula to estimate Michigan’s wolf population for the first time, tracking seasonal changes. Water Infrastructure & Cooling: Google announced a $1.1M grant for City Utilities’ water treatment upgrades, tying the move to data-center water use and energy efficiency. Healthcare Benefits: HMA partnered with Carrot to expand fertility and family care benefits for employer groups across Michigan and the Pacific Northwest. Biotech Research: MSU and Czech researchers mapped early enzyme steps in wolfsbane and larkspur toxin pathways, pointing to potential medicinal uses. Public Health Reminder: Michigan says childhood vaccine recommendations and school requirements remain unchanged despite recent federal shifts. Great Lakes Longevity: A new study suggests lake sturgeon may live far longer than previously estimated—up to centuries.