AGP Executive Report

University of Michigan Grading Overhaul: UMich will replace first-semester letter grades for first-year LSA students with “pass/no credit” on transcripts starting fall 2027, while tracking internal grades for scholarships and awards—sparking fresh debate about mental health, fairness, and academic standards. Defense Tech in Michigan: The U.S. Army is opening Camp Grayling and other test ranges to private drone firms, removing the need for pre-existing government partnerships and promising access within 30 days. Michigan Auto Jobs & Trade: Unifor says Stellantis is considering selling its Brampton, Ontario plant, after earlier tariff-driven shifts moved production to Illinois; union contract talks are set as the current deal expires Sept. 20. Right-to-Repair Update: A proposed $99M FTC settlement would require John Deere to share diagnostic software and repair tools with owners and independent providers, including Michigan. Green Tech & Policy: Illinois became the first Great Lakes/Mississippi watershed state to classify spilled nurdles as pollution, tightening reporting and spill-prevention rules. Michigan Science: MSU and Czech researchers mapped early enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur toxin pathways, pointing to potential medicinal uses.

Michigan biotech & plant chemistry: Michigan State and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that build toxic diterpenoid alkaloids—work that could help explain how compounds with reported pain, cancer, and malaria uses are made. Higher ed policy in Michigan: The University of Michigan is moving some first-semester freshmen to pass/no-credit grades starting fall 2027, arguing it will protect mental health—sparking debate over whether it helps or harms learning. Michigan elections & turnout: Democrats are reporting record primary turnout in Michigan, with the state’s results seen as a key signal for November. Surveillance tech debate: A Princeton petition targets Flock Safety cameras and broader automated license plate reader concerns, adding to the growing pushback on police-linked surveillance networks. Food safety watch: A cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to produce continues to draw attention, with Michigan reporting thousands of cases. Auto/battery industry: GM is reshaping battery partnerships, selling its stake in an Indiana Samsung SDI venture while restarting production in Ohio after a shutdown.

Michigan Biotech & Plant Chemistry: Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that drive production of toxic diterpenoid alkaloids, with potential medicinal uses, in Molecular Plant (Aug. 3). Michigan Pest Control: Michigan released more than 4,400 parasitoid wasps to curb invasive scarlet lily beetles as the insect pushes westward, using wasps that lay eggs in beetle larvae. Food Safety in Michigan: Michigan health officials traced a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to Taco Bell to lettuce from a Taylor Farms plant in Mexico after repeated requests for supply-chain records, highlighting how delayed federal rules slowed response. Higher Ed & Research Infrastructure: Central Michigan University won $5.7M+ in federal funding to expand rural healthcare training and partnerships, including dual-enrollment anatomy/physiology with high schools. Tech, Policy & Surveillance: Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight for its license plate reader network, cutting recommended data retention to seven days and adding controls after backlash. Michigan Politics & STEM Workforce: Democratic primary turnout surged, including a midterm record in Michigan, setting up a high-stakes fall where tech policy and research funding remain central themes.

Medical Innovation: Trinity Health Ann Arbor became the first Michigan and Midwest site to implant a next-generation leadless pacemaker in an FDA trial, aiming to improve pacing while coordinating the heart’s upper and lower chambers. Public Health & Research: A University of Michigan team overturned a century-old lung-bacteria assumption, finding oxygen-tolerant behavior for Prevotella melaninogenica and raising new questions about asthma and COPD microbiomes. Michigan Science: U-M researchers also reported 689 fungal species deep underground in Michigan, including 13 new species, expanding what’s known about subterranean ecosystems. Local Housing Watch: Delta County’s public housing occupancy fell to 93% in 2025 (about 17 units vacant), alongside separate HUD voucher and project-based counts. Tech & Privacy: In northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, Flock Safety’s proposed shift to shorter camera data retention is sparking debate between sheriffs and advocates over whether it will slow investigations. Community & STEM Pipeline: Michigan State and Czech researchers mapped early steps in how wolfsbane and larkspur make toxic diterpenoid alkaloids with potential medicinal uses. Policy/Politics (Michigan): An AP report highlights record Democratic primary turnout in Michigan, with implications for November momentum.

Workforce & Training: North Central Michigan College opened the Martin Jahn Technology Center, a major $22M expansion aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing, engineering tech, and skilled trades training in Northern Michigan. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA and CDC began onsite inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant tied to the ongoing cyclospora outbreak, which has reached 9,481 cases across 17 states including Michigan. Detroit Education Access: Detroit and school leaders announced steps to get students to class on time, including making the Ride to Rise free DDOT program permanent with $1M in state funding. Auto Industry & Trade: Stellantis is considering selling or closing its Brampton, Ontario plant, with Unifor citing disruption from U.S. tariffs. Privacy & Surveillance Tech: Flock Safety is tightening safeguards for its license-plate reader network as cities and states question surveillance practices and cameras face vandalism. Consumer Mood: University of Michigan’s preliminary August consumer sentiment fell to 51, down from 55.2, as inflation worries and purchasing-power concerns persist. Cybersecurity Risk: Federal warnings highlight malicious cyber targeting of water and wastewater systems, underscoring growing threats to critical infrastructure.

Healthcare Cost Crunch: Clare County chose Blue Care Network after Priority Health premiums jumped 32%, opting out of Michigan’s PA 152 cap to protect employee costs. Cyber & Consumer Safety: Michigan AG Dana Nessel renewed warnings about bank/credit union imposter scams using caller ID spoofing and urgency tactics—hang up and call the institution directly. Michigan Politics & Disinformation: Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary, but false online claims followed; fact-checkers flagged allegations about voting irregularities and ideology. Workforce & Manufacturing Tech: Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center convened local leaders on using AI to preserve “tribal knowledge” as retirements loom. Health Tech & Policy: U-M researchers reported a sharp rise in leucovorin prescriptions for children after autism-related federal messaging, despite limited trial evidence. STEM Discovery: MSU and Czech researchers mapped key enzymes in wolfsbane/larkspur toxin pathways with potential medicinal uses. Industry Watch: Apple opened a Houston advanced manufacturing training center tied to Foxconn assembly and Mac mini production. Local Education Pathways: WMU expanded its Bronco Bound Guarantee to include Kellogg Community College for eligible associate-degree transfers.

Deep Subsurface Biology: University of Michigan researchers report a hidden fungal world 1,640 feet beneath Michigan, finding 689 fungal species in deep subsurface water, including 13 possibly new to science. Outdoor Air Health: A mold and air quality expert urges Michigan residents to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure when wildfire smoke or poor air quality spikes. Wildfire Smoke Costs: A Michigan-based analysis estimates Canada wildfire smoke caused over $6.6B in economic losses in Michigan, the highest among affected states. Invasive Species Watch: Reports highlight invasive crayfish spreading across U.S. lakes, with growing pressure for regulation and removal efforts. Education & Tech in Classrooms: East Lansing teachers say classroom technology is reshaping learning—making cheating easier and complicating how AI-created work is identified. K-12 Safety Tech: Southeast Michigan districts are increasingly using technology, including AI-linked systems, to bolster school safety. Vaccine Policy Shift: Michigan doctors weigh new childhood vaccine recommendations tied to a federal executive order as families prepare for the school year. Michigan Election Integrity: Michigan AG Dana Nessel charged five noncitizens for allegedly voting in the 2024 election, with additional cases still under investigation. AI Data Centers Backlash: A national report says AI data center projects worth $130B were blocked or delayed in early 2026, driven by local concerns over power, water, pollution, and noise.

Michigan Tech & Health: Michigan mold and air-quality expert Michael Rubino urges residents to check outdoor pollution daily and limit exposure indoors during spikes, citing wildfire-smoke summers that hit major cities hard. Drug Discovery: Michigan State and Czech researchers mapped six enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur chemistry, clarifying early steps in making toxic diterpenoid alkaloids with potential medicinal uses. Detroit Business Growth: TechTown Detroit announced the 2026 Detroit Elevate cohort, selecting 25 established entrepreneurs for pitch training, mentorship, and connections via the Gilbert Family Foundation. Energy Storage & Industry: GM and LG Energy Solution’s Ultium Cells battery plant in Ohio is set to restart EV cell production next week after a seven-month pause, with 1,400 workers returning. AI in Policy Work: A report says Congress is already using chatbots for official tasks with little oversight, even as lawmakers debate AI governance. Public Health & Policy: A Michigan-related debate over vaccine exemptions continues as a federal order threatens legal action against states without nonmedical exemptions. Research Events: EGLE opened registration for the free Great Lakes Microplastics Summit (Oct. 7–8), focused on detection, risks, and how microplastics move and interact.

U-M Data Center Backlash: Ypsilanti Township leaders say they learned about the University of Michigan’s planned Textile Road supercomputing and research facility from news reports, not from the university, and they’re skeptical about environmental and national-security impacts tied to Los Alamos work. U-M Grading Shift: U-M will move some first-semester students in LSA to a pass/no-credit system to protect mental health, with grades not permanently affecting transcripts or GPAs. Space Science in Michigan: U-M researchers report Mercury can form radiation belts about half the time farther from the sun, with implications for future missions like BepiColombo. Health Policy Watch: A Michigan Medicine-led study links a federal autism-related leucovorin press push to a 46% jump in off-label prescriptions for children, raising safety concerns. STEM & Skills Pipeline: Schoolcraft College is partnering with a bricklayers union to let apprentices earn college credit for on-the-job training. PFAS Practical Testing: Michigan State Extension is helping farmers use state-supported, confidential PFAS assessments and testing, plus mitigation planning if results come back positive. Astronomy for Everyone: Michigan’s Perseid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night/Thursday, with NASA calling it the year’s best and local dark-sky parks highlighted for viewing. Toxic Plant Pathway Mapped: MSU and Czech researchers mapped early enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur toxin production, pointing to potential medicinal uses.

University of Michigan Policy Shift: U-M will move some first-semester freshmen to pass/no credit starting fall 2027, aiming to ease mental-health pressure by removing letter grades from GPA calculations for affected students. Biomedical Innovation: TSRL CEO Dr. Elke Lipka will present microneedle hydrogel microprojection array research on improving trospium chloride delivery for overactive bladder at PharmaEd Forum 2026. Cancer Drug Delivery: A joint team from Sungkyunkwan University and U-M reports the world’s first oral microbiome-based nanodrug for cancer immunotherapy, using gut-microbe metabolites to boost immune-cell attack. Cybersecurity & Water: New reporting highlights how coordinated cyberattacks on water systems are spreading across multiple states, renewing calls for faster defenses and clearer accountability. AI in Schools: A look at how districts are struggling to vet AI tools for classrooms shows guidance is uneven as spending grows. Local Tech & Democracy: Michigan opinion coverage spotlights citizen activism that forces local issues—like data center fights—onto ballots. STEM Workforce Pipeline: A Michigan trades-focused piece argues apprenticeships are becoming a mainstream path for high-skill careers tied to infrastructure and advanced technology projects.

U-M & Los Alamos Computing: The University of Michigan says it picked a 144-acre Textile Road site in Ypsilanti Township for a $1.25B Los Alamos Research Computing Center, citing infrastructure and capacity—while local officials warn about environmental impacts. Food Safety: The acting U.S. FDA chief urged confidence in fresh produce as updated guidance rolls out for cyclosporiasis and salmonella outbreaks; the agency says the recalled iceberg lettuce is likely off shelves, even as Michigan remains heavily affected. Defense Tech in Michigan: The Army Reserve tested a robotic mine-clearing system at Camp Grayling, but it stopped mid-demonstration, prompting redesign work. Physics Breakthrough: U-M researchers reported an “electron lighthouse” effect that uses two colors of light to steer electron flow in a semiconductor, pointing to new sensing and communications possibilities. Local Tech Governance: Corunna approved an ordinance to regulate potential data centers with permit requirements and limits on cooling water use and noise. Public Health Systems: Michigan’s ALS registry still isn’t fully operational 15 months after the mandate, raising concerns about whether doctors can use reliable data.

Data Centers Backlash: A new on-the-ground look at why Americans hate AI data centers points to a fast-growing, bipartisan coalition—especially in Michigan and Wisconsin—pushing back on energy, water, and local strain. Local Tech Politics: That fight is now showing up in real-world decisions, from community opposition to a Michigan data center company weighing strategic options, including a possible sale. Privacy & Surveillance: Michigan’s license-plate reader debate keeps heating up as residents push back on camera surveillance and lawmakers consider rules. Wildlife Monitoring: Michigan DNR and MSU used remote cameras across the Upper Peninsula to estimate wolf numbers year-round, producing monthly abundance ranges from 525 to 1,198. EV Charging Expansion: EVgo opened a new flagship fast-charging site in metro Detroit with GM support, aiming for more high-stall locations by year-end. Health & Care: Michigan’s AmeriCorps funding package will support nearly 950 service members across education, health, public safety, and environmental stewardship. Public Safety Infrastructure: Houghton County is again seeking a millage for a new jail this November after repeated failures to meet state standards.

Michigan Energy Oversight: The Michigan Public Service Commission proposed major changes to how DTE and Consumers Energy recover costs, aiming to break the cycle of frequent rate cases as the state ranks near the top for Midwest electricity prices. Cybersecurity for Water: Reports say hackers have targeted municipal water and wastewater systems across multiple states, including attempts to seize control of pumps and valves—renewing calls for stronger protections. Data Centers vs. Communities: New reporting shows banks are tightening scrutiny as local opposition grows, while cities without modern zoning rules are scrambling to catch up to the data center boom. Public Health in Michigan: Measles cases are rising, with Michigan health officials warning that falling vaccination rates are pushing the state below herd immunity levels. Smart City Research: Michigan’s connected-vehicle work at U-M’s Mcity is shifting after regulatory changes, moving from short-range communications to cellular-based Vehicle-to-Everything. Aerospace & Drones: Dynamic Aerospace Systems shared second-quarter updates, highlighting drone demos and partnerships tied to government and public-safety use. AI Anxiety in Politics: Coverage highlights voter unease about AI and data centers, even as Trump downplays the risks.

Defense Tech in Michigan: The U.S. Army is opening five test ranges in Michigan and other states (plus Morocco) to private companies via an online request system, aiming to cut weapons testing delays from 12–18 months to about 30 days—part of a push to speed drones, counter-drone gear, and missiles from industry trials to battlefield use. Healthcare Costs: A KFF Health News report highlights how hospital monopolies can drive up prices for the same knee surgery, with one North Carolina comparison showing costs more than doubling between nearby systems. Public Health & Food Safety: Researchers say the cyclospora outbreak likely traces back to sewage contamination feeding crops and then returning to humans, turning sanitation gaps into a self-perpetuating cycle. Cancer Research: University of Michigan and Korean collaborators report an oral nanomedicine that uses a gut bacterial metabolite to boost immune cells against cancer in preclinical work. Cybersecurity & Elections: Coverage flags ongoing concerns about water system hacks and mail-ballot processing delays, with Michigan election officials urging in-person drop-offs for early voting. Education Contracting: Michigan’s new push for outcomes-based contracting aims to tie some school vendor payments to student results, using a state tutoring fund.

University of Michigan Policy: Incoming freshmen in the College of LSA will have first-semester grades hidden from transcripts starting fall 2027, with final marks shown only as “P” or “NC” (not GPA-counting), aiming to ease mental-health pressure. Robotics Cybersecurity: VicOne released a free NVIDIA Isaac Sim extension to let robotics teams test cyber-safety attack scenarios in simulation before deploying real robots. Agriculture & Bio-control: Michigan State University entomologist Marianna Szűcs began releasing parasitoid wasps statewide to curb the invasive scarlet lily beetle. Public Health & Sleep: A new study links reduced sleep in adolescents to lasting changes in how brain networks communicate. Food & Regulation: WK Kellogg says it will remove artificial colors and BHT from its cereal portfolio and packaging by end of 2026. Energy Policy: Michigan regulators are seeking input on a “carrot or stick” plan that could reward or penalize utilities based on efficiency benchmarks. Environment & Health: Researchers warn ticks are spreading across the Midwest, with Michigan State’s Edward Walker calling it a long-term expansion. Trade Impact: A new report says tariffs cost the average Indiana household $2,600 and hit Michigan households and manufacturing jobs hard too. STEM/Space Culture: Phoebe Bridgers announced “Lost Weekend” listening events at planetariums in 30+ cities starting Aug. 10.

University of Michigan Student Records: U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts plans to hide incoming freshmen’s first-semester letter grades from transcripts, using a “mental health crisis” rationale while still allowing access for specific academic needs. Defense Tech in Michigan: The U.S. Army is opening Camp Grayling and the National All-Domain Warfighting Center to private drone testing, aiming to cut test delays and accelerate development, with an electromagnetic warfare event slated for mid-September. Cybersecurity for Water: Federal officials warn of a wave of cyberattacks hitting water utilities across multiple states, with hackers remotely altering settings and weakening monitoring/control in some cases. Food Safety in Michigan: A cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce continues expanding, with Michigan among states previously linked to the illnesses and restaurants adjusting supply and operations. Data Centers and Local Impacts: Environmental experts weigh the community tradeoffs of data centers—especially power and water use—amid ongoing local debates. Health Costs and Market Power: A report highlights how hospital consolidation can drive major price gaps for the same procedures, underscoring affordability pressure for patients and insurers. AI Skills Gap: New polling and commentary argue the public is using AI daily but schools aren’t teaching people how to verify outputs and use safeguards.