AGP Executive Report

Gordie Howe Bridge Prep: DHS says it’s “ready to go” for trade and travel at the Detroit-Windsor crossing, but final contractor sign-off is still pending, keeping the opening date uncertain. Ebola Update: A U.S. doctor treated for Ebola in Berlin has been discharged as WHO tracks cases and deaths in Uganda and the DRC. Boating Costs: Michigan boaters are feeling higher fuel prices, with ethanol-free gas premiums and AAA data pushing many to fuel smarter for summer outings. Michigan Summer Stops: Battle Creek is pitching itself for road-trippers with Cereal Festival plans and Underground Railroad history, plus zoo and park time. Traverse City Wander: A guide highlights 14 downtown Traverse City side-street stops beyond Front Street. Ann Arbor Bike Safety: Catherine Street cycletrack expansion adds two-way bike lanes from Division to Glen, with construction starting June 8. Public Safety: A fatal Fruitport Township crash is under investigation, and a long multi-department response battled a major Lapeer County business fire for about 10 hours.

Bridge Watch: The Gordie Howe International Bridge looks close to done, but residents on both sides of the border are still waiting on a firm opening date, with frustration spilling into politics. Roads & Travel Culture: State Sen. Ed McBroom is pushing to rename a stretch of U.S. 8 in the Upper Peninsula as the “Medio J. Bacco Memorial Highway,” honoring a road-building pioneer tied to the first paved UP roadway. Summer Budget Pressure: Americans’ spending is still propping up the economy, but higher prices—especially gas—are starting to squeeze savings and could reshape summer vacation plans. Boating Costs: Michigan boaters are feeling fuel-price pain, with ethanol-free gas often costing significantly more and prompting “fill what you need” decisions. Great Lakes Outdoors: A new Great Lakes offshore sportfishing series looks at how the DNR helped create today’s offshore angling by turning ecological disruption into a recreational fishery. Community & Tourism Support: A local Chamber describes its role as a go-to “search engine” for visitors—answering questions on lodging, events, directions, and road construction. Wildlife Update: A young bald eagle named Snow is recovering after wing injuries near Traverse City, with rehab progress reported by a Mid-Michigan sanctuary.

Lake Huron Safety: Michigan DNR officers rescued two Ohio vacationers after their kayaks capsized about a mile offshore near Sanilac/St. Clair counties; both were in 43-degree water without life jackets, and the wife had a foot cut needing special care after recent surgery. Camping & Planning: A guide highlights Au Train Lake Campground as a quieter alternative for Pictured Rocks visitors, noting the park’s main sites often book months ahead. Summer Travel Alerts: The U.S. embassy in Jerusalem issued a security alert urging Americans to use extra caution across much of the Middle East, with several countries at Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” and Iran/Iraq/Lebanon/Syria/Gaza/Yemen at Level 4 “Do Not Travel.” Road Updates: East Lansing warns of orange-cone delays this summer, including a major Grand River Avenue closure starting June 15 for about six weeks. Tourism Culture: Traverse City Philharmonic leans into family-friendly summer programming, aiming to keep the community connection front and center. Lottery Win: A Washtenaw County woman won $100,000 on Michigan Lottery Poker Lotto and says she’ll use it for bills and a trip to Florida.

Michigan Lottery: A Washtenaw County woman is celebrating a $100,000 win from the Michigan Lottery’s Poker Lotto, saying she’ll use the prize for a Florida beach trip. Micromobility Safety: AAA launched its “E-Ride Ready” campaign in Dearborn to push safer e-bike and scooter habits, including helmet use and obeying traffic laws. Road & Travel Disruptions: An I-69 crash in Branch County shut down both directions between Fenn Road (Exit 10) and Jonesville Road (Exit 16), with drivers urged to detour. Tourism-Friendly City Work: Traverse City is speeding up downtown street marking so crews finish by June 30 ahead of peak summer visitors. Outdoor Safety: Michigan DNR warns of high fire risk after nearly two weeks with little rain, with a no-burn notice in effect. Transit Spotlight: A “round-the-mitten” public transit tour made a stop in Flint to highlight local transit challenges and innovations. Great Lakes Stewardship: Michigan’s Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week runs June 6-14, including the June 13-14 “Free Fishing” weekend at state parks and boating access sites. Boating Rescue: DNR officers safely returned a family of five after their sailboat got stuck on rocks in Keweenaw Bay. Local History & Travel: Lost Lake Woods Club in Lincoln is marking its 100th anniversary, with a Centennial Summer Weekend set for July 25-26.

Tourism & Culture: Grand Haven’s historic Entrance Light just landed a $60,000 renovation grant to restore interior doors, floors and walls, adding momentum to Michigan’s lighthouse preservation scene. Beach Travel: Manistee’s First Street Beach was named the nation’s Best Lake Beach by USA TODAY 10Best readers, spotlighting Lake Michigan access plus amenities and easy recreation. Local Travel Planning: MDOT says it will finish the US-31 and Three Mile Road intersection project in East Bay Township ahead of schedule, improving access to Traverse City State Park’s beach day-use area. Safety First (Beaches): Michigan DNR reminds visitors to follow buoyed swim areas and the flag warning system; meanwhile, EGLE reporting shows no Michigan beaches are currently closed or under advisories for bacteria as of June 4. Mackinac Island Ferry Update: Whitmer signed a bill expanding Mackinac Island voters’ authority to regulate ferry service fees and related charges—aimed at keeping travel affordable. Consumer Alert: Michigan AG Dana Nessel warns travelers about summer vacation scams, fake listings and hidden fees. Travel Costs Watch: Oil-inventory concerns could push gas and diesel back toward $5+ levels, affecting trip budgets statewide.

Mackinac Island Ferry Control: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill letting Mackinac Island voters amend the city charter so the island can regulate ferry prices and add-on fees like baggage, parking, and early boarding—aimed at keeping trips “accessible and affordable” for residents and the roughly 1.2 million annual visitors. Great Lakes Getaway Deals: The U.S. Forest Service announced an extra 2026 recreation fee-free day on Saturday, June 6, for national forests and grasslands—perfect timing for hikers and campers planning a Michigan weekend. Tourism & Local Dining: New Buffalo’s PostBoy is drawing big crowds since opening, with a chef-driven menu and coastal vibes pulling visitors from both Metro Detroit and Chicago. Family-Friendly Fun: “Lessons on the Rink” is quickly becoming a hit with children and schools in Michigan’s hockey community, blending family themes with the sport. Travel Safety Watch: DNR reminds beachgoers to follow Great Lakes safety guidelines as summer ramps up.

Mackinac Island Ferry Fees Vote: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed SB 304, letting Mackinac Island voters decide whether the city can regulate “all aspects” of ferry service—covering add-on charges like early/priority boarding, baggage, and vehicle parking—after residents said total passage costs jumped from $34 to $51. Detroit Metro Airport Case: Two NIH researchers face federal charges tied to alleged mpox smuggling through Detroit Metro Airport, with prosecutors saying they carried undeclared vials and lied to investigators. Rural Health Funding: Michigan is set to receive $173M+ from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program to expand access, strengthen the workforce, and modernize care for rural communities. Travel & Outdoors: South Haven’s South Beach was named Michigan’s best beach in USA TODAY’s 10Best readers’ awards, with lifeguards back after 25 years. Road Trip Disruption: I-94 construction in Minnesota brings reduced speeds and one-lane head-to-head traffic between Evansville and the Otter Tail/Grant line through October. Local Service for Drivers: Michigan Auto Law announced a free mini tort claims service to help drivers recover up to $3,000 for vehicle damage after crashes.

Mackinac Island Ferry Policy: Michigan Senate approved SB 304 with immediate effect, clearing the way for the City of Mackinac Island to regulate ferry service in a potential monopoly situation—good news for tourism operators and travelers who rely on reliable crossings. Northeast Michigan Tourism Research: A new study by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and West Virginia University will survey residents and visitors across Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary communities (parks, marinas, museums, beaches) to track recreation spending and help shape future programming. Beach Conditions in Allegan County: Allegan County Health Department kicked off its summer beach monitoring season, testing E. coli at select beaches through late August with results posted online. South Haven Harbor Update: U.S. Army Corps dredging is underway in South Haven’s harbor entrance through July 12, with boaters asked to use caution near marked equipment. Bridgefest Parade Navigation: Portage Lake Lift Bridge in Houghton won’t lift for marine traffic June 12, 6:45–9 p.m., so boaters should plan ahead for Bridgefest. Great Lakes Stewardship Leadership: Great Lakes Great Responsibility named Meag Schwartz as its next CEO after her work coordinating the Northeast Michigan Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative. Public Safety/Health: Two scientists were charged in Detroit over allegedly smuggling deactivated mpox vials into the U.S. and lying to investigators.

Cherry Festival: Traverse City named four finalists for the 2026 National Cherry Queen title, with weekend judging, farm tours, and $1,500 scholarships for each finalist. Sports Travel: Michigan locked in a national title rematch with UConn on Friday, Nov. 6 at TD Garden in Boston—an early-season marquee for fans planning a trip. Northern Michigan Getaway Buzz: Kewadin Casinos outlined major upgrades across its properties, including a new waterpark and RV park expansion plans starting in 2026–2027. Airport Safety & Travel Disruption: Detroit Metro installed temporary barriers at Evans Terminal after a driver crashed into the entrance; a permanent fix is planned. Outdoor & Wildlife: Mt. Pleasant officials responded to a black bear sighting near downtown and urged residents to keep distance. Road-Trip Planning: West Michigan drivers should expect detours for an M-89 “mill and fill” project starting June 8. Cost of Travel: New data highlights EV insurance costs running higher than gas—an affordability factor for drivers considering a switch.

Marquette Housing Tension: A new doctor’s residency move turned into a flooding dispute with her landlord, highlighting how renters and property owners can clash over repairs and safety in a city where about half of households are renters. AAA Gas Watch: Michigan gas prices fell 27 cents from last week to about $4.38 a gallon, offering some relief heading into summer travel, though AAA warns prices stay volatile. Lake Michigan Access Fight: Hikers say new signs, rope, and a trail camera are blocking a longtime Lake Michigan beach route near Lion’s Den Gorge, raising questions about public access versus private beachfront rules. Detroit Travel Disruption: A power outage at Ford Field postponed the Michigan girls high school flag football state championship, a reminder that even major venues can hit snags during busy weekends. Northern Michigan Tourism Landmark: Legs Inn in Cross Village is undergoing major roof restoration, temporarily removing its iconic cast-iron stove legs to preserve the nearly century-old site. Local Business & Jobs: Niowave is expanding at Capital Region International Airport with a $65M project aimed at medical-tech and advanced manufacturing jobs.

Summer Forecast: Michigan kicks off June with a sunny, dry start under an “omega block” pattern, and the National Weather Service says summer should stay near normal for temps and precipitation, with equal chances of above- or below-normal conditions. Day Trips & Road Trips: Ann Arbor travelers get fresh ideas for quick escapes, including a Toledo Zoo outing and a Point Pelee National Park adventure in Ontario. Thunder Bay Study: A new research partnership will measure how Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary boosts northeast Michigan’s recreation and tourism spending, surveying visitors and residents from Rogers City to Harrisville. Farmers Market Launch: Ferndale debuts the Ferndale Farmstand, a weekly Saturday market outside Tall Trees Cafe (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) featuring local Detroit-area growers. Local Events: Center Line and Chesterfield libraries roll out summer storytimes, makerspace hours, and reading kickoffs. Travel Safety: AAA reports Michigan gas prices keep dropping, averaging $4.38/gal for regular, while Michigan Auto Law urges teen drivers to buckle up and put phones down during the 100 Deadliest Days. Food Tourism: USA Today’s “Best Burgers Worth a Road Trip” list spotlights Little Ghost in Ferndale for its Ghost Burger.

Outdoor & Nature: The U.S. Forest Service added a 2026 fee-free day for National Trails Day on June 6, letting visitors use standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands at no cost. Family Travel & Safety: Michigan’s Great Lakes beach updates are ramping up, with the DNR asking the public to help refresh beach list information ahead of summer so warnings and monitoring stay current. Local Events: The Michigan Barrel Horse Association kicked off its U.P. district season in Manistique, drawing about 60 riders for barrel racing and highlighting how local shows keep the sport accessible for Yoopers. Travel Disruption (Detroit-area impact): A retransmission dispute has led to 54 Scripps stations going dark on DIRECTV starting Sunday evening, affecting local TV access for major markets and live sports coverage. Michigan News (public safety): Michigan State Police report an attempted child abduction in Brighton Township; a suspect was later arrested.

Great Lakes Beach Safety: Michigan-area travelers get a timely reminder as DNR asks the public to help update the Great Lakes beach list ahead of summer, keeping advisories and monitoring current. Air Quality Watch: Elevated ozone alerts are expected to pop up more often in spring and summer, with officials pointing to weather patterns and wildfire smoke as key drivers—plan outdoor time accordingly. Camping Update: Sleepy Hollow State Park near Laingsburg will reopen its modern campground with renovations starting June 1, with limited days at first before going fully open in July. Travel Planning for International Trips: MyFlyYatra is expanding U.S. route coverage with new destination pages for flights from Washington DC, Detroit and Los Angeles to India, aiming to make booking easier by departure city. Summer Travel Mood: A new report says more families are choosing quieter, less crowded beach getaways—good news for Michigan travelers looking to escape the busiest spots. Outdoor Reading Pick: A climate-fiction novel set around a flooded future highlights how people adapt and flee by canoe—an easy summer beach read for the road.

Detroit Metro Airport crash: A driver crashed into the Evans Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport, and investigators say they’re still sorting out what the motorist told them after the collision. Northern Michigan summer plans: Ludington State Park’s free Friends of Ludington State Park Summer Series runs Tuesdays and Saturdays through August with music, nature talks, and family-friendly events at the amphitheater. West Michigan waterfront dining: BoDocks Marina Bar & Grill in Muskegon reopened last week after a year-long construction project, aiming to draw boaters, locals, and tourists back to the Lake Michigan shoreline. Travel safety & weather: Weekend beachgoers are warned about high waves and dangerous currents along parts of Lake Michigan, with conditions varying by shoreline. Local tourism community grants: Two Jackson County villages—Brooklyn and Springport—are finalists for Consumers Energy Foundation “Put Your Town on the Map,” competing for up to $25,000 starting June 1 at Crystal Mountain. Family-friendly outdoors: Ludington State Park hosted a sunset Ultimate Frisbee game with Miracle Camp staff, a reminder of the simple summer pleasures across Michigan.

Great Lakes Outdoors: A new story explains how salmon introductions helped bring back fish-eating birds across the Great Lakes, tying wildlife recovery to citizen action. Airport & Travel Safety: A 67-year-old man crashed an SUV into Detroit Metro Airport’s Evans Terminal, claiming he was there to meet Tom Cruise and “save his dad”; no serious injuries reported and officials are reviewing barrier security. Tourism & Local Economy: Coldwater’s downtown historic district ranked 10th in Michigan for visitor traffic, drawing 1.4 million visitors in 2025 and boosting summer plans. Arts & Travel Experience: Ford Airport in Iron Mountain launched a rotating art exhibit program featuring Upper Peninsula artists, turning terminal time into a local gallery stop. Community Grants: Durand and Atlas Township are finalists for Consumers Energy Foundation funding, with pitches ranging from an Iron Horse Park train car to a spur trail network. Memorial Day / Family Fun: South Haven’s lifeguards are back for the first time in years, with beach safety and community events kicking off the season. Food & Family: A New Buffalo estate near the Galien River hit the market for $3.85M, highlighting lake-and-river lifestyle appeal.

Gordie Howe Bridge GPS routing: Some navigation apps are already sending Detroit–Windsor travelers toward the still-unopened Gordie Howe International Bridge, with bridge officials urging people to use alternate crossings until opening day. Lyme season push: Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to unveil new efforts to combat Lyme disease as Michigan joins other states seeing tick-borne cases spread. Lake Michigan summer safety: A weekend pollen outlook warns allergy sufferers across Michigan (highest around Detroit and Ann Arbor) to expect medium-high counts. Northern lodging update: Legs Inn in Harbor Springs’ Tunnel of Trees is temporarily “less drippy” after restoration work removed its iconic roof “legs,” but the landmark isn’t going anywhere. UP travel hit: A popular Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park cabin, the Whitetail Cabin, was destroyed by fire; officials say other rentals and campgrounds remain available. Local culture for visitors: Hermansville’s IXL Historical Museum will hold a Fourth of July rededication after an exterior restoration. Detroit Metro access: A car crash into Detroit Metro Airport’s Evans Terminal led to a shutdown and police detention as investigators work to determine what happened.