AGP Executive Report

Health Policy & Research: University of Michigan researchers say testosterone therapy is often prescribed without guideline-concordant testing, raising concerns about unnecessary treatment and long-term risks. Public Health Guidance: Michigan’s 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides expand chemical-based consumption recommendations for 696 waterbodies, with some limits relaxed and others tightened. Local Tech Governance: Allendale Township in Ottawa County adopted a yearlong moratorium on data centers (and also covers green energy projects), joining a growing list of Michigan communities wrestling with the impacts of large-scale computing. Energy & Infrastructure: Michigan’s Waterways Grant-in-Aid Program is pushing more than $4M toward boating access upgrades in Marquette and Mackinac counties, supported by local matching funds. STEM & Learning: A study comparing reading on paper vs. e-readers finds printed text may help the brain build story understanding more efficiently, using brain-scan data from manga readers. Environment & Ecology: Researchers confirmed a breeding population of an invasive “bloody red” shrimp in Lake Superior’s Duluth-Superior Harbor, signaling the Great Lakes are now fully infested.

Arson Appeals in Michigan: The Michigan Innocence Clinic says more arson convictions are being overturned after courts question “junk science,” including discredited methods that read accelerant “markers” without lab confirmation. U-M Threat Case: A federal judge released on bond four pro-Palestine University of Michigan students charged in a threats and vandalism conspiracy, while prosecutors say the campaign targeted U-M officials and a local Jewish group. Factory Farms Ruling: An Ingham County judge upheld winter spreading limits for large cattle farms but struck down other EGLE rules, citing farmers’ due process rights. Great Lakes Research: Michigan DNR and MSU researchers are heading to Superior Maximus to investigate “zombie” siscowet lake trout and whether a pathogen is driving severe emaciation. Surgery Tech in Sports: A “NanoNeedle” mini arthroscope is credited by top athletes and surgeons with faster recovery for joint injuries, with early research still limited. Michigan Tech Campus Work: Michigan Tech will demolish the Hamar House and expand Lot 14, adding 53 parking spaces and rerouting access during construction. Data Center Power Snag: Prologis withdrew a proposed Washington Township data center project, citing inability to secure needed power capacity in time.

H-1B Policy Shock: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee, saying the president lacked authority—raising new questions for universities that rely on foreign faculty and researchers. Michigan Education Workforce: Battle Creek is rolling out “First Home, First Teacher,” offering free housing to early childhood educators to stabilize staffing and boost pay. Child Care Data in Michigan: MSU’s updated Child Care Mapping Project adds clearer maps of supply, demand, and gaps to guide local and state planning. AI in Health Care: More Michiganders are using AI for medical advice, but doctors warn it can mislead and should not replace clinical care. Michigan Agriculture: MSU Extension is building a canola grower network to share agronomic know-how, including scouting timing for insects. Public Safety Tech: Detroit police are exploring expanding gunshot detection tech downtown and in nearby areas. National Security: Section 702 FISA surveillance is set to expire, with lawmakers warning of disruption to intelligence collection. Michigan Firearms Enforcement: Macomb County seized 3D-printed “ghost gun” components in Warren, highlighting the growing role of conversion devices. World Cup Turf Science: FIFA’s push for mostly natural grass is driving stadium conversions—and NFL players are asking why their fields still often aren’t.

EV Policy & Trade: Michigan Democrats are pushing to ban Chinese EVs in Canada from crossing the border, but trade watchers call it a “fake problem.” Public Safety Tech: Detroit is weighing whether to expand gunshot detection tech (ShotSpotter) into more precincts, even as a short extension is on the table. Automotive Batteries: GM may drop lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) for future EVs, shifting focus to lithium manganese-rich (LMR) for vehicles while keeping LFP for energy storage. Space & STEM: A U-M graduate is named for the Artemis III mission, and SpaceX is set to list after raising $75B in a record IPO. Health & Environment: Michigan’s 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides update long-term chemical exposure advice for hundreds of waterbodies. Local Infrastructure: Macomb County plans an odor control facility to cut sewer smell near Sterling Heights. Robotics Education: Lake Superior State University robotics leader Jim Devaprasad wins a national automation teaching honor. Science: U-M researchers report a protein-folding mechanism tied to diabetes progression.

U-M Security Crackdown: Federal authorities arrested eight people tied to University of Michigan leaders and the Jewish Federation, alleging a campaign of threats meant to pressure divestment from Israel—raising fresh questions about where protest ends and intimidation begins. Campus Tech Shift: Starship Technologies is exiting the college/university delivery robot segment to focus on grocery delivery, moving more than 1,200 campus robots to retailers while still supporting partners through the 2026-27 school year. Aviation Efficiency R&D: Electra’s “double-bubble” hybrid-electric airliner concept under NASA’s sustainability program claims efficiency gains beyond 2050 targets, using electric tail fans and fuselage lift ideas. Materials Breakthrough: U-M and Brown researchers report stabilizing a long-predicted hidden state of matter using engineered nanoparticles, with potential knock-on effects for quantum tech. Public Health & Sleep: Michigan lawmakers passed a Sleep Deprivation Awareness Day resolution, spotlighting teen sleep loss and the case for later school start times. Energy Policy: Michigan House Democrats unveiled new “Ratepayer Bill of Rights” bills aimed at utility affordability and grid reliability, including limits on return on equity and added oversight. Child Care Business Support: Michigan launched a statewide hub to help child care owners start, grow, and stay open, using existing small-business support infrastructure to tackle licensing, staffing, and local barriers. Detroit River Cleanup: A $10 million investment advances the next phase of Detroit River restoration, targeting contaminated sediment and habitat work. Data Center Backlash (National): A Nashville zoo fight over a nearby data center highlights how zoning and community input are colliding with the rapid spread of AI infrastructure.

GM EV Battery Strategy: GM’s battery chief says the company may drop lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) for future EVs, shifting focus to lithium manganese-rich (LMR) while keeping LFP for grid energy storage. Energy & Grid Demand: GM is also pushing vehicle-to-grid and grid-scale storage plans, reflecting how AI-driven electricity needs are reshaping Michigan’s tech-and-power landscape. University of Michigan Legal Fallout: The DOJ indicted eight pro-Palestinian activists tied to alleged threats and vandalism aimed at U-M officials and the Jewish Federation, escalating scrutiny of campus protest activity. Education Signals: New federal math results show U.S. scores for 9- and 13-year-olds remain below a decade ago, raising concerns for long-term economic outcomes. Public Health & Food Safety: Michigan released updated Eat Safe Fish Guides, adjusting recommendations for 696 waterbodies based on chemical testing. Local Tech & Infrastructure: Alpena officials say they haven’t been approached about new large data centers, even as the state faces broader debates over power, water, and costs. Science in the Spotlight: Michigan State and the University of Tennessee are tied to World Cup turf research, with FIFA relying on specialized grass mixes across venues.

U-M Security Case: Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments charging eight people tied to the University of Michigan with a coordinated campaign of threats and vandalism aimed at campus leaders, law enforcement, and Jewish community targets. Education Policy: A Michigan House committee advanced bills to boost K-5 literacy, including specialized training requirements for teachers, as reading proficiency lags on state and national tests. Autonomous Tech for Public Safety: Michigan DOT-backed training with Waymo and the Governors Highway Safety Association gives police, fire, and EMS guidance for interacting with driverless vehicles as Waymo expands into Detroit. Public Health & Consumer Tech: The FDA cleared bemotrizinol, a sunscreen ingredient long used abroad, and a new report finds nearly 20% of U.S. packaged foods still contain synthetic dyes despite a federal phase-out push. Energy Resilience: After an ice storm outage crisis, a Michigan utility plans to bury new power lines to reduce future weather-driven failures. Local STEM & Research: Michigan’s Asparagus Research Farm highlights variety trials and automated sorting tech used to support global research from Oceana County. Great Lakes Watch: Mayflies are swarming again across southeast Michigan, with conditions tied to warming lake waters.

Connected-Vehicle Security: Michigan Democrats Haley Stevens and Elissa Slotkin unveiled the “Protecting America from Chinese Cars Act,” aiming to block Chinese-connected vehicles from entering the U.S. via Canada and Mexico, citing risks from data collection and possible remote tampering. 3D Printing for Industry: Formlabs launched the Fuse X1, a large-format SLS system priced from $84,999, targeting faster, lower-cost production-quality parts for engineering teams. Automotive + AI at the Edge: Schaeffler and Sonatus announced a partnership to bring Edge AI into motion-control systems for software-defined vehicles. EVs Helping the Grid: GM rolled out vehicle-to-grid capability for existing customers and expanded grid-scale battery storage plans, including sodium-ion work. Health Breakthrough: Researchers reported an experimental hepatitis B drug (bepirovirsen) can produce a “functional cure” for about 1 in 5 patients, with FDA review expected in October. Legal/Policy: Michigan AG Dana Nessel celebrated a court ruling vacating the Trump administration’s unlawful $100,000 H-1B visa fee, and also secured a preliminary injunction blocking USDA funding conditions. Water + Climate: Cadillac officials revisited a Water Asset Management Plan after historic flooding raised questions about whether updates could have reduced damage. Local Planning: Alpena Township approved a site plan for the Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union headquarters, after traffic-study concerns from one commissioner. Great Lakes Stewardship: NOAA’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary advisory council will meet June 16 in Alpena, with public comment planned.

Energy Storage & Data Centers: General Motors says it’s developing lower-cost sodium-ion battery tech at its Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center in Warren, partnering with Peak Energy and targeting commercialization for large-scale storage by 2028—aimed at powering AI-heavy data centers with longer life and less need for active cooling. Women’s Hockey in Detroit: PWHL Detroit expansion signees, including Manon Rheaume’s foundational group, are pitching the franchise as a long-term build for Hockeytown rather than just star power. Medical Leadership in Michigan: Central Michigan University named Dr. Joshua Nosanchuk dean of its Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine, tasking him with advancing medical education, research, and access. Tech Workforce Push: Aquinas College is launching AI literacy, cybersecurity, and esports/gaming administration majors as Michigan schools race to train for high-demand tech roles. Cybersecurity Credential: Brighton’s BrightlineIT achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2, positioning it for defense and compliance-heavy clients. Public Health & Food Safety: Michigan updated its Eat Safe Fish Guides, adjusting recommendations for 696 waters based on lab testing for chemical levels in commonly eaten fish. Identity & Fraud Risk: A new warning highlights “corporate-record hijacking,” where stolen business identity credentials and public records can be used to make fraud look legitimate. Space: A University of Michigan graduate, Andre Douglas, is named a mission specialist for NASA’s Artemis III moon campaign. Skilled Trades Gap: Michigan leaders warn that AI, data centers, grid upgrades, and manufacturing expansion are colliding with a shortage of electricians, welders, HVAC techs, and line workers.

Connected-vehicle security: Michigan Democrats Haley Stevens and Elissa Slotkin backed a bill to block Chinese-connected cars from entering the U.S. via Canada or Mexico, citing risks from data collection and remote access. AI and markets: OpenAI confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO, joining the AI rush to Wall Street as investors chase trillion-dollar valuations. Space and solar storms: Researchers propose “airbags” made of chemicals fired from satellites to help shield Earth from damaging solar flares and protect GPS and power systems. Great Lakes health: Michigan updated its 2026 Eat Safe Fish Guides, keeping or tightening advice for specific species and lakes based on PFOS, PCBs, mercury and other contaminants. Public safety education: A Michigan House bill would require water safety instruction for K-8 students, aiming to reduce drowning in both Great Lakes and inland waters. H-1B court fight: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a win for tech and other employers relying on skilled foreign workers. Michigan research spotlight: MSU’s Hancock Turfgrass Research Center helped develop FIFA World Cup playing surfaces, showing Michigan engineering in global sports.

Connected-vehicle security: Michigan Democrats Haley Stevens and Elissa Slotkin unveiled a bill to block Chinese-connected cars from entering the U.S. via Canada and Mexico, citing risks from data collection and possible remote tampering. Immigration policy: A federal judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee as an unlawful tax, a win for tech employers that rely on skilled foreign workers. AI in medicine: Researchers say a flaw in how some reinforcement-learning studies handle sepsis data can misalign “past” and “future,” potentially pushing models toward wrong treatment recommendations. Data centers vs. communities: New analysis finds most planned U.S. data centers are in disaster-prone, drought-stressed areas, while Michigan residents keep pressuring local officials over new projects. Great Lakes science: Michigan DNR and MSU plan to investigate “zombie” siscowet lake trout in Lake Superior’s deepest waters. Local tech & education: Oakland University named a new dean for Arts and Sciences, and OU’s electric racing team brought home trophies after building and testing a new electric kart.

Michigan Water Infrastructure: Sen. Sam Singh introduced the Michigan Water Trust Fund Act, proposing a 25-cent-per-gallon royalty on bottled water to raise about $300M annually for dams, bridges, stormwater, and drinking-water needs. Great Lakes Ecology: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will survey Great Lakes tributaries in Alpena County to estimate sea lamprey abundance and guide control efforts. AI Power-Use Backlash: Michigan lawmakers are seeking ways to slow the next wave of AI data-center projects as communities push back over electricity and water impacts. Connected-Vehicle Security: Rep. Haley Stevens and Sen. Elissa Slotkin unveiled a bill to block Chinese-connected vehicles from entering the U.S. via Canada and Mexico, citing data-collection and surveillance risks. EV/Auto Jobs: Stellantis’ “Fastlane 2030” strategy is under scrutiny after plans that could cut hundreds of engineering jobs in Germany. Health Policy: A federal push to end DEI is driving universities to rename or dismantle programs, including major changes at the University of California system. Local Tech & Industry: PRN Group/John Scott Works opened a new mezzanine-floor manufacturing facility in Plainwell to shorten lead times for warehouse projects. Space Tech: Observable Space won a $94M Space Force contract for mobile, off-grid optical telescopes.

Medicare CBD policy: The FDA says it won’t interfere with a new CMS pilot that lets Medicare cover certain hemp-derived CBD products (with strict THC limits), while keeping enforcement authority for other CBD uses. AI politics: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders proposed public ownership in AI firms; Trump also floated a plan for Americans to benefit from AI success. EV batteries in Michigan: TechCrunch Mobility reports GM’s $900M EV battery push, including a new Battery Cell Development Center and LMR chemistry aimed at cutting EV costs. Public health nutrition: A Harvard study links ultra-processed foods to a 58% higher dementia risk, while minimally processed foods show the opposite trend. Hepatitis B breakthrough: A first-of-its-kind hepatitis B “functional cure” drug (bepirovirsen) helped about 1 in 5 patients reach virus levels controlled by the immune system; FDA review is fast-tracked. Great Lakes tech: Filmmakers and Michigan DNR researchers plan a deep Lake Superior dive using a remotely operated vehicle to explore Superior Maximus. Cybersecurity in healthcare: A report warns healthcare faces destructive, chaos-seeking attacks beyond ransomware, urging stronger preparedness. Local access tech: A Michigan aging-in-place “living showroom” in Flushing showcases real-home accessibility solutions to bridge gaps between home access and healthcare.

AI Policy & Industry: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders to back the idea of public equity in AI companies, even as they differ on how much—an unusual alliance as Washington debates who benefits from the AI boom. Michigan Water & Infrastructure: EGLE’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week kicks off June 6 with a stewardship push, while DNR reports a walleye harvest surge in Saginaw Bay tied to shifting Great Lakes food webs after invasive mussels. Local Tech Buildout: OpenAI broke ground on “The Barn,” a 250-acre AI data center in Saline Township, part of Stargate and tied to Oracle use—after a rezoning fight and lawsuit settlement. Public Health Tech: Researchers identified a dedicated mechanical itch pathway in mice, pointing to a potential new target for stubborn itch conditions like eczema. Climate-Resilient Power: After a damaging Michigan ice storm, Great Lakes Energy says it will bury new power lines to improve grid resilience as extreme weather intensifies. STEM in the Field: University of Illinois researchers used satellite imagery and machine learning to map Midwest tillage trends from 2000–2022, aiming to better track soil health impacts.

Ebola Response: A U.S. doctor treated for Ebola in Berlin has been discharged as the outbreak continues in Africa, with WHO reporting ongoing cases and deaths in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Olympic Planning: IOC leaders say Los Angeles’ LA28 preparations are ahead of schedule, offering a strong endorsement two years before the 2028 Games. Michigan Higher Ed & Energy: MSU trustees will vote June 12 on the operating budget and tuition rates, plus a $27.7M anaerobic digester expansion and renewable natural gas facility. Great Lakes Tech & Ecology: Sea lamprey control is planned for Michigan’s White River with lampricide applications June 16–25 to protect the Great Lakes fishery. STEM & Policy: Michigan lawmakers introduced a “Michigan Voting Rights Act” package aimed at strengthening ballot access, including research and language access for election materials. AI & Public Stakes: U.S. leaders and AI executives are debating whether Americans should directly benefit from AI profits, including proposals for public ownership. Sports Tech in Michigan: World Cup pitch engineers, including Michigan State researchers, are working on hybrid grass surfaces designed to stay consistent across stadiums. Detroit Labor Politics: The UAW endorsed Abdul El-Sayed for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat, signaling labor momentum in the Democratic primary.

Great Lakes Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is “essentially complete,” but final certifications and a long-running legal fight could push any opening fight into 2027–2028. Public Safety Tech: Stockton, California is rolling out AI-powered body cameras that translate real time across 50+ languages, a sign of where law enforcement tech is headed. AI Policy: Sam Altman met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after Sanders floated public ownership in AI firms, with Trump also signaling interest in an “American people” stake. Health & Aging Science: A new study links aging to active cellular remodeling via ER-phagy, while another report argues some common screenings may offer diminishing returns for older adults. Michigan Education & Workforce: Michigan’s early childhood investment push argues most brain development happens before age five, and local training continues to expand pathways into high-demand jobs. Local Notes: Flags in Michigan will fly at half-staff Saturday for former Rep. Joe Schwarz.