AGP Executive Report

Michigan Outdoors Funding: The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund announced nearly $64M in local and matching support for 75 projects statewide, including a $400,000 ADA bathroom and shower building with boardwalk access at Oscoda Beach Park. Local Parks & Travel: The state’s County Road Association of Michigan released a fall-color road list, with best drives focused on the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula (Pure Michigan timing included). Family Travel & Events: The 100th America’s Thanksgiving Parade in downtown Detroit will be led by Dan Gilbert, with the free Woodward Avenue route set for Nov. 26. School Travel Disruption: Michigan’s new cellphone ban is now in effect, with districts like Grand Blanc using “locker/backpack” rules to cut classroom distractions. Tourism Policy Push: State Rep. Will Snyder introduced a bill to make Travel Michigan an independent agency to protect tourism funding in future budgets. Roadside Update: A semi-truck overturned on the Wixom Road on-ramp to I-96, closing the ramp while crews cleared the scene. Outdoor Recreation Spotlight: Kensington Metropark in Oakland County will host the 2026 Professional Disc Golf World Championships, drawing international competitors and spectators.

Historic Preservation: Coldwater City Council approved sponsoring a Michigan Historical Marker application for the Coldwater Community Center at the Beach House, with the city covering an estimated $2,747 cost and the marker becoming State of Michigan property—next stop is the Michigan Historical Commission in September. Food Tourism: Michigan is leaning harder into “foodie” travel, with local culinary scenes increasingly driving leisure destination choices and helping sell regional culture to visitors. Travel Infrastructure (Amtrak): Amtrak is planning redesign and ADA improvements at its St. Joseph station platform, aiming to make rail access easier for travelers. Outdoor Season Planning: Leaf-peeping season is almost here, with timing shaped by elevation and location—good news for Michigan road-trippers planning fall color getaways. Local Community Support: The Straits Area Community Foundation awarded $19,218 in grants across Cheboygan County and Mackinaw City, including help for housing, workforce support, literacy, and emergency communications. Weather Watch: Tuesday’s rain and thunderstorm chances are expected to move through Michigan’s western U.P., with potential heavy downpours and gusty conditions.

Traverse City Food & Wine Festival: The 2nd Traverse City Food & Wine Festival drew 1,000+ people to Open Space Park, with big-name chef Aarti Sequeira and a grand tasting featuring local bites like oysters, gazpacho, and cheese lessons. Detroit-area travel & family logistics: Allegiant announced nine new nonstop Florida routes for 2027, including a seasonal Punta Gorda (PGD) link from Boston—built for spring break demand. Michigan sports tourism: Michigan basketball’s overseas exhibitions continued with a close loss to Lithuania’s B team (82-77) in Utena, adding more road-court experience for the Wolverines. Outdoor & community travel: Cleanup efforts on Floyd Lake continue after an EF-2 tornado, with volunteers using pontoons and scuba gear to remove debris and urging swimmers to be cautious. Local mobility help: Big Bear Sportsman’s Club in Kaleva is donating and repairing bicycles for students and residents who can’t afford driver’s ed or transportation, helping people get to school and jobs. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest midgrade price in Menominee County at $4.22/gal for the week ending Aug. 15.

Michigan Outdoor & Parks: Metro Detroit cities are spending millions on new parks and accessible recreation spaces, turning older sites into green space and refurbishing existing parks to meet demand for walking and pickleball. Labor Day Travel: AAA says Seattle, Orlando, Boston, Denver and New York lead domestic Labor Day destinations, with Rome, Vancouver, London, Dublin and Paris topping international picks—plus more travelers booking Alaska cruises and National Parks. Northern Michigan Getaway: Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel (UP) is adding a dedicated RV park with 50 spots and shuttle service, aiming at “adult-oriented” road trippers. Local Giving Back: Ferris State Hockey players packed and distributed food at the Morley Community Center to support Feeding America West Michigan. Music on the Road: Billy Strings headlines the sold-out Ionia Freak Fair Aug. 28-29 at the Ionia County Fairgrounds. Campus Travel Tip: Michigan Tech move-in Aug. 24-25 will close the Hubbell St./Townsend Dr. intersection and reroute traffic around campus.

Great Lakes Watch: Crews sampling the Illinois River pulled several hundred young invasive silver carp from the Marseilles Pool—about 80 miles from Lake Michigan—raising fresh worries about the long-running effort to keep the fish out of the Great Lakes. Local Community & Safety: Warren Police held its first annual Operation Back 2 School at Fitzgerald High School, with hundreds of kids from Warren and Detroit getting free backpacks, supplies, haircuts, snacks, and more. Detroit Sports on the Road: Michigan basketball opened its 10-day Europe trip with a 96-84 exhibition loss to Lithuania; Moustapha Thiam left early with an injury and the Wolverines faced foul trouble late. Travel & Tourism Angle: A new report breaks down the best and worst months to book hotels in U.S. cities, showing big seasonal swings—like New York’s steepest price jump—useful for planning fall getaways. Michigan Weather/Outdoors: Beach hazard conditions and Lake Michigan warnings were in effect over the weekend, with dangerous swimming conditions expected to continue.

Detroit & Travel Costs: Summer travel is getting pricier, with plane ticket prices up 25% year over year, keeping families hunting for value beach trips. Michigan Fairs & Health: The Michigan State Fair is tightening livestock biosecurity after swine flu was found at the Kent County Fair, including added disinfection steps and a veterinarian on site. Great Lakes Environment: Scientists are pushing governments to act as microplastics spread through the Great Lakes, with new research tracking how plastics move and affect fish. Local Governance & Privacy: Lansing City Council is set to consider ending contracts with Flock Safety’s automated license plate reader cameras, as East Lansing prepares for the return of MSU students and renewed attention on surveillance and privacy. Detroit Community: A Detroit childcare provider is closing after 30 years, highlighting how childcare funding gaps can force long-running businesses to shut down. Motown Legacy: Motown songwriter Janie Bradford-Hobbs has died, with tributes focused on her Detroit roots and community impact. Travel Media: “American Pickers” is seeking Michigan leads for October filming, looking for private collections and stories tied to unique artifacts.

Detroit Back-to-School Help: A Metro Detroit group held its third annual backpack giveaway at the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, topping its goals with 500 backpacks plus books and vendor resources to ease end-of-summer stress for families. Motown Legacy: Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs, who co-wrote classics like “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby,” died at 87, with tributes from Berry Gordy and the Motown community. Lake Michigan Safety: A beach hazards statement warns of dangerous currents and 3-to-6-foot waves through Sunday evening, urging people to stay out of the water and avoid piers and breakwalls. Outdoor Events in Michigan: Kensington Metropark in Milford will host the 2026 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships Aug. 26-30, bringing top players and $300,000 in prize money. Local Travel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Michigan regular gas averaging $4.19 for the week ending Aug. 15, with notable low prices in several counties.

Historic Home Renovation: A Michigan couple, Samantha and Sean Kilgore, bought a neglected 160-year-old farmhouse for $26,000 and spent about $320,000 over two years restoring it themselves—now their After Hours Farm mission is to prove old homes are “stories worth continuing.” Midwest Travel & Events: Late-August festival season is heating up, with a big lakes-area lineup running Aug. 22-30 plus more community calendars and live-music picks for weekend plans. Outdoor Recreation & Weather: West Michigan gets a breezy, stormy start with a Beach Hazard Statement as waves build, then cooler, drier air for early fall-like conditions—good timing for beach and park visits. Family-Friendly Access: Penrickton Center for Blind Children in Taylor says its programs for kids who are blind and have additional disabilities are free, supported by donors. Parks Funding Vote: Montague learned Muskegon County’s Parks and Trails Millage proposal (0.5 mills for 10 years) would fund county parks and trails and local recreation if approved Nov. 3.

Driverless travel: Waymo got the green light to bring its driverless taxi service to San Diego and parts of Southern California, and a recent ride-along shows what passengers can expect. Thumb tourism: Caseville’s 28th annual Cheeseburger Festival is drawing big crowds with a parade, live music, vendor tents and a best-burger contest as it heads into its last weekend. Local dining loss: Dad’s Place in Three Rivers permanently closed after 36 years, citing rising costs, lack of help and exhaustion—another hit for West Michigan’s small-town restaurant scene. Outdoor & culture: A Latvian history traveling exhibit (“We Are Latvian”) is stopping near Three Rivers this weekend at the Latvian Center Garezers. Family travel & weather: East Lansing is moving forward with a Wet Weather Resiliency Plan after extreme rainstorms exposed flooding trouble spots. U.P. community giving: A Michigan woman’s school-supplies tradition is expanding to the U.P., with donations supporting a Forest Park Elementary first-grade teacher.

Michigan Parks & Outdoor Funding: Millions in funding were secured for Michigan parks and outdoor recreation, plus DNR moves to protect access and expand conservation in the U.P., including permanent conservation access to 73,000 acres. Beach Season Update: South Haven’s lifeguard coverage is scaling down as college students head back to school, with shorter hours through Labor Day weekend. Trail & Active Tourism: Flint’s Happy Hollow is becoming a mountain bike destination with new trail-building work tied to the larger Flint State Park effort. Local Grants & Public Safety: Branch County received a federal grant to hire a federal assistant prosecutor focused on crimes by non-U.S. citizens, while Michigan also saw grants announced for restrooms at Lincoln Township Beach and Buchanan’s Riverfront Park. Travel Tech in Michigan: Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids will roll out self-service bag drop for selected airlines starting Sept. 9 as part of baggage modernization. Food & Fun in Michigan: Brava Nights brings Spanish dining to downtown Ann Arbor every Thursday through Sept. 24, and Michigan’s fall forecast is looking strong for football and bonfires.

Upper Peninsula Conservation: The Michigan DNR secured permanent conservation access to 73,000 acres in the U.P. highlands, protecting forests, lakes, trout streams and wetlands while also locking in 140 miles of public trails for snowmobiling, ORVs, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Northern Lights Viewing: NOAA says auroras could peak around Kp 4 on Aug. 20, with the best chances from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in northern states under clear, dark skies. Traverse City Food & Wine: Traverse City Food and Wine kicks off with 80 events across the region, spotlighting local wines, breweries and farm-to-table flavors. Breast Cancer Access: A mobile mammography unit is bringing screenings to women in Delta and Menominee counties via the Hannahville Indian Community, cutting travel barriers to distant facilities. Lake Michigan Travel Disruption: Two S.S. Badger crossings (Ludington evening and Manitowoc overnight) were canceled due to a mechanical issue, with refunds available. Community Back-to-School Help: A Lansing radio station and MSU Federal Credit Union teamed up for a backpack giveaway to help families get ready for the new school year. Health Alert: Michigan confirmed its first human eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) case since 2021, with mosquito trapping and testing underway in Roscommon County.

Dearborn Community Response: After an anti-Muslim rally drew hundreds and led to 22 arrests, Dearborn businesses say the next day brought “business as usual” plus extra support from locals. Road Safety: Michigan State Police stopped a driver for 105 mph on U.S. 131 in Wexford County and found a 4-year-old sleeping unrestrained in the back seat; the driver faces speeding and child restraint-related charges. Public Health Watch: CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 15,716 lab-confirmed illnesses across 47 states, with 828 hospitalizations and two deaths; investigators are tracking clusters tied to contaminated produce. Local Travel & Tourism: The Rosemont Inn in Douglas is celebrating 125 years as a Lake Michigan vacation staple, highlighting its long-running B&B history and Victorian-era charm. Family Fun in Northern Michigan: The Cardboard Boat Race returns Saturday, Aug. 22 at Sullivan Beach on Houghton Lake, with kids building boats from cardboard and duct tape before racing at noon. Accessibility in Travel: New York’s “Traveling with Dignity Act” would require height-adjustable adult changing tables in many public venues, joining similar efforts already in Michigan and other states.

Michigan tourism & travel picks: A new “Michigan Old U.S. 27 Motor Tour” kicks off from Coldwater for its 20th anniversary, with classic-car drivers heading north through 13 communities to Cheboygan. Family travel & local culture: Rochester’s Royal Park Hotel is spotlighted as a cozy, pet-friendly base for exploring Detroit—especially with its big holiday build-out. Seasonal planning for visitors: Some Michigan businesses say an earlier school start is shrinking the teen workforce and could affect late-summer tourism traffic. Outdoor Michigan: Campbells Pond remains a go-to local fishing and picnic spot for families looking for simple day trips. Nature & conservation: The rare dwarf lake iris is highlighted at The Ridges Sanctuary, with new research pointing to what the threatened plant needs to thrive. Local events: A Michigan author talk in Pentwater (Aug. 24) shares stories from “Small Town Michigan.” Community travel safety: The Ypsilanti District Library’s Michigan Avenue branch temporarily closes after bedbugs are found, with heat treatment and inspections planned.

Wildlife & Outdoors: Researchers using remote cameras for the first time ever estimated Michigan’s wolf population across the Upper Peninsula, with 1,311 DNR cameras tracking seasonal changes. Conservation & Family Fun: The Black River lake sturgeon hatchery near Onaway will host a free Sept. 5 tour so visitors can see young sturgeon and learn about rehabilitation efforts. Local Events & Travel Stops: The “Wall That Heals” Vietnam Memorial replica returns to Battle Creek, open 24/7 with free admission Thursday–Sunday at Harper Creek High School. Safety on the Road: Two drivers were hospitalized after a head-on crash on M-46 in Reynolds Township. Health & Travel Prep: A Michigan orthopedic surgeon warns that overloaded backpacks can cause posture and pain problems for kids—aim for about 10–15% of body weight. Detroit Area Community: Detroit Documenters are recruiting volunteers to document local government meetings, plus nature hikes and other summer events. Tourism Spotlight: Mike Tirico is set as Honorary Chair for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open in Ann Arbor at Barton Hills.

Flood Resilience Planning: Cadillac City Council approved a $22,000 contribution toward a study with Wexford County on potential Clam River dam upgrades after April flooding, plus a $66,000 backup generator for a failed lift station. Road Safety & Travel Risk: An AAA Foundation study finds many drivers think speeding is normal—nearly half say “keeping up with traffic” is safer than obeying limits—helping explain Michigan State Police’s stepped-up enforcement. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Michigan fuel is easing in spots, including lowest midgrade in Lenawee County at $4.29 (week ending Aug. 8) and E85 deals in Saginaw County from $3.32. Great Lakes Shipping: Federal lawmakers pressed the Coast Guard over icebreaker capacity after delays that cost 82 days of shipping time, with the Mackinaw’s limits raising concerns for the Soo Locks. Tourism & Transit Spotlight: Sky Bird marked 50 years with a Golden Jubilee Gala in Southfield, while Dearborn braced for a high-profile anti-Muslim march amid calls for calm. University of Michigan: U-M regents selected Vanderbilt provost C. Cybele Raver as the next president, with a formal vote expected Sept. 1.

Air Travel & Tourism: Avelo’s second-year growth at Lakeland Linder International Airport is climbing fast, with passenger enplanements nearly quadrupling from 2024 to 2025 and more than 393,000 travelers since the airline launched there—local leaders say the next push is more frequency to Atlanta. Food Safety: A multistate Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico has triggered a widening recall of salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, taco dips and other prepared foods sold nationwide, including major Michigan-area retailers. Outdoor Safety & Environment: A University of Michigan study finds more than half of U.S. public parks sit within two miles of industrial toxic-chemical facilities, raising concerns about how pollution risks can hide near hiking and recreation spots. Local Travel Rules: The U.S. Coast Guard is activating extra navigation limits in Ludington’s harbor and Pere Marquette Lake due to increased vessel traffic from salmon movement. Road Safety: Michigan State Police charged a driver after clocking 105 mph in a 75-mph zone with an unrestrained 4-year-old in the back seat. Michigan History & Tourism: Boekelodge—Miles Boekeloo’s Lake Michigan retreat—marks a rare 1980 National Park Service deal that preserved a small family cabin area for decades, now part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.