AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: Michigan is at the center of a fast-growing cyclosporiasis outbreak (“explosive” diarrhea) with more than 1,500 cases reported since late June, as the parasite spreads across at least 31 states and investigators still can’t pinpoint a single source—officials say the real number is likely higher and travelers should be extra careful with fresh produce and water. Travel Safety: Orkin’s 2026 Bed Bug Cities list puts Detroit in the top five again, a reminder for visitors to check hotel rooms and luggage after trips. Cross-Border Travel: The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Detroit and Windsor is set to open July 27 after a U.S.-Canada deal, ending delays and improving Detroit-area access to Canada. Local News: DirecTV and E.W. Scripps ended their retransmission dispute, restoring WXYZ and other local stations to Detroit viewers. Sports & Travel Buzz: The 2026 MLB Draft kicked off with the White Sox taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky No. 1, adding fresh reasons for baseball fans to plan trips.

Gordie Howe Bridge Update: The Detroit-Windsor Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open July 27, with Canada and Michigan citing a deal that includes toll governance and a 15-year economic development fund tied to bridge profits. Public Health: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps climbing, with 1,562 cases and 44 hospitalizations reported as the CDC says hundreds more may be unconfirmed; experts urge travelers to skip risky produce and follow food-safety guidance. Local Transit & Accessibility: Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA) millage questions are headed to an Aug. 4 vote, with officials saying service would shift to contract-only rides if funding fails—an issue for seniors and riders with disabilities. UP Outdoors & Tourism: The Iron Ore Heritage Trail in Marquette County is getting a 4+ mile extension plus new interpretive panels, boosting year-round recreation. Family Travel Ideas: Need a budget-friendly getaway? A new guide spotlights National Park value trips and ways to cut costs while still getting hikes, ranger talks, and local festivals. Historic Preservation: An anonymous donor created endowment funds to preserve Calumet’s Copper Country Firefighters Memorial Museum building and the historic Calumet Theatre.

Gordie Howe Bridge Update: The Detroit-Windsor Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open in late July after a new U.S.-Canada deal, with commercial traffic potentially starting before Aug. 1—good news for cross-border travel. Health Alert for Travelers: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak is surging, with 1,562 cases and 44 hospitalizations reported since June 22; officials suspect produce-linked exposure and urge extra care with washing food. Outdoor Safety on the Au Sable: A tubing mishap on the Au Sable River ended well after a man stayed behind and was found safe miles downstream—another reminder to float in groups and get off before dark. Michigan Events & Sports: Michigan State names Jon Palumbo interim athletic director as leadership settles for the upcoming season. Family-Friendly Travel Picks: Frontier is reviving former Spirit routes, including Detroit to Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas, with limited-time fares starting at $39 for late-summer trips. Road & Weather Watch: Isle Royale campground closures continue due to wolf activity, and tick risks remain high as summer outdoor plans ramp up.

Northern Lights Watch: A G1-to-G2 geomagnetic storm could bring aurora chances along the U.S.-Canada border Friday night into Sunday, with the best viewing tied to short dark hours and clear skies. Isle Royale Camping Update: Isle Royale temporarily closed tent and group camping at Three Mile Campground through July 31 after a wolf grew bolder around tents and backpacks; shelters stay open. Bed Bug Alert (Travel Safety): Orkin’s 2026 bed bug rankings put Chicago first and list Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint among the worst U.S. cities—useful for travelers booking hotels. Michigan Flood Recovery: FEMA is urging residents in multiple Michigan counties to apply for flood aid, even if they already filed an insurance claim. Bear Sightings: Cadillac-area DNR says holiday activity and food attractants are behind a rise in bear reports and urges residents to remove attractants. Marquette Hoops Schedule: Marquette released its 2026-27 non-conference slate, including a home opener Nov. 2 vs. Mercyhurst and a trip to Chicago’s United Center.

Northern Michigan Festival Buzz: Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival crowned Ashlee Hilson the winner of “Cherries Got Talent,” with finalists ranging from singers to dancers—plus a reminder that the festival is a big draw for visitors who plan their whole week around it. Ann Arbor Theater Update: The Michigan Theater is preparing a marquee upgrade aimed at improving safety, sustainability and communication while keeping the historic look. Sports Travel Planning: Lake Superior State released its 2026-27 hockey and women’s volleyball schedules, including a long road-heavy start before the home opener at Taffy Abel Arena. Grand Haven Tourism Access: Grand Haven’s South Pierhead Entrance Light will be closed for safety work through July 13, though limited volunteer-led access is planned afterward. Public Health & Summer Travel: Michigan health officials are still tracking cyclosporiasis, and a local alert notes recreational water could be a possible risk if contaminated—especially in untreated or poorly maintained settings. Getting There Cheaper: Frontier says it’s adding eight former Spirit routes, including service to Detroit, with introductory fares starting at $39. Travel Safety Reminder: Orkin’s bed bug rankings put Detroit among the worst U.S. cities for infestations, a useful heads-up for anyone booking hotels or short-term rentals.

Great Lakes Travel & Safety: Michigan’s beaches and shoreline conditions are getting a closer look as Great Lakes water levels settle near average after spring rains, with experts urging smart prep for beachgoers and boaters. Boating & Local Tourism: A 54-foot yacht ran aground near the Port Austin Lighthouse after a navigational error; two occupants were safely removed and no injuries were reported. Health Alert for Travelers: A cyclospora outbreak tied to “explosive” diarrhea continues to spread, with Michigan officials racing to identify the source and urging caution with fresh produce and hygiene. Local Events (UP): Kingsford’s Kingdom of Wonders Medieval Circus returns this weekend at Lodal Park, and Iron County’s Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo brings rodeo action plus themed support days. Community & Infrastructure: Flint’s Bishop International Airport is set to receive $4.6M+ in federal funding for hangars and expanded taxi/rideshare lanes. Public Safety: Michigan police are stepping up speed enforcement in July ahead of peak summer travel.

Public Events & 250th Anniversary: Metro Detroit communities gathered to read the Declaration of Independence for its 250th anniversary, including Ann Arbor DAR members dedicating two benches for veterans’ families at Fisher House Michigan. Health & Travel Safety: Michigan health officials say the cyclosporiasis “explosive diarrhea” outbreak has surged to 572 cases across seven southeast counties, with CDC tracking 145 cases nationwide as investigators search for a source. Outdoor & Recreation: Consumers Energy says it beat its land restoration goal early, restoring/protecting 6,700 acres statewide and expanding public trail access near its corridors. Detroit Sports: Justin Verlander announced he’ll retire after the 2026 season, closing a legendary Tigers run. Family Fun: A child was rescued after a near-drowning at Goldfish Swim School in Farmington Hills; staff performed CPR and the child was taken to hospital conscious and alert. Local Business & Dining: Better Made rolled out new gluten-free Crispy White Round tortilla chips, plus Berkley’s Beverly added weekday lunch hours. Boating Watch: Coast Guard crews raised a sunken boat from Lake Michigan near Chicago’s 31st Street Beach after it sank during fog and rain.

National Archives in Michigan: The “Freedom Plane” brought nine rare National Archives documents to the Detroit area for a free exhibit at The Henry Ford in Dearborn (opens Thursday, runs through July 26). Shoreline & waterfront planning: Traverse City commissioners approved up to $357,280 over five years to hire coastal and ecological experts to assess erosion and improve public access along West Grand Traverse Bay. Health alert for travelers: Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has surged to 681 cases since June 22, with the biggest clusters in southeast Michigan—officials urge extra precautions with water/food handling. Local tourism & culture: Harbor Shores Resort in Benton Harbor unveiled its new “Wee Course,” where Colin Montgomerie made two holes-in-one during the opening celebration. Power & storms: DTE said it will “learn” from a major Fourth weekend outage that left about 400,000 customers without power, as crews work to restore service. Community events: The Marquette Maritime Museum is offering a free museum day for locals as part of America’s 250th anniversary.

Food Safety Alert: Michigan is seeing a major jump in cyclosporiasis cases—more than 700 reported since June 22—while Illinois reports 141 cases, and health officials say no single source has been identified yet. Beach Advisory: District Health Department #10 issued a no-body-contact warning at Lighthouse Beach in Silver Lake State Park after elevated E. coli levels; check EGLE’s BeachGuard for updates. Downtown Hotels Watch: Traverse City’s building boom continues with two new boutique hotels in motion and Park Place Hotel moving to local ownership. Road Trip Disruption (UP): MDOT closed M-77 at the Lake Ann Louise culvert in Schoolcraft County for emergency repairs, with detours in place through late July. Travel Planning: Air Canada is cutting or delaying eight U.S.-bound routes this winter, including seasonal changes affecting Florida service. Family Fun & Sports: Mackinaw City is joining the North Star League starting 2027-28, and a Traverse City pickleball coach is among the “Big Brother” Season 28 cast. Summer Caution: Orkin’s bed bug city list puts Detroit and Grand Rapids among the highest-ranked metro areas.

Belle Isle Boost: Detroit’s Belle Isle hit 5.7 million visitors in 2025, up 4% from 2024, as multi-million-dollar upgrades continue and fundraising may expand the beach and add a “commons area.” Up North Summer Fun: Blissfest returns July 10–12 near Harbor Springs with a 200-acre, 5,000-attendee lineup of folk, roots and world music—aiming for better weather than last year’s rain. Local Lodging Ownership: Traverse City’s Park Place Hotel is set to shift to local owners, with AHC Hospitality tapped to run operations after the sale closes this fall. Family Travel Safety: Alpena County dispatch reported 570 calls over the Fourth of July weekend, with no fireworks-related calls for Alpena Township Fire—community guidance credited. Outdoor Night Plans: Negwegon State Park hosts a free dark-sky astronomy event Aug. 15 (Michigan Recreation Passport required). Road Trip Spotlight: British travel duo Josh & Jase announce a summer road trip across Michigan, using fan-suggested stops. Health Alert for Travelers: Michigan cyclosporiasis cases climbed to 678, with officials urging extra care with produce and restaurant guidance.

Air Travel: Frontier Airlines is taking over three former Spirit routes at Detroit Metro (DTW), adding daily nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia (started Sunday) plus Las Vegas (started Monday), as the airline positions the move as more low-fare options for Michiganders. Beach & Summer Travel: Grand Haven’s south pierhead will see U.S. Army Corps of Engineers repairs with temporary pedestrian closures July 9–13, aimed at protecting the pier from erosion. Family Fun in Michigan: The Arnold Amusement Midway is back as a longtime staple at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, drawing hundreds of thousands and keeping families coming back for rides and games. Local Safety & Community: Families are speaking out after two teens were killed in a Fairlane Town Center shooting in Dearborn, asking the public to remember them beyond online rumors. Outdoors & Active Travel: Delta County Nonmotorized Trails unveiled plans for a new community bike park in Gladstone, including a 3-mile loop, pump track, and skills area, with grant funding applications underway. Health Alert: Michigan is seeing a surge in cyclosporiasis (“explosive diarrhea”) cases, with officials warning the outbreak may be larger than reported.

Road & Trail Updates: Sand Point Road at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will close to vehicles and pedestrians from Wed., July 8 through Fri., July 17 for a culvert replacement, with Sand Point Marsh Trail, Sand Point Beach and the headquarters inaccessible via that route; alternate parking is at Munising Falls Visitor Center. Local Events: Gladstone’s 10th Annual US Log Rolling Open crowned new champions on July 4, while Marquette Arts & Music Wellness Lions Club marked its first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting and fundraiser supporting arts/music programming and children’s cancer-transport flights. Water Safety for Travelers: Michigan is pushing the “clean, drain, dry” habit to stop zebra mussels and other aquatic hitchhikers, and the state’s AIS Landing Blitz will bring outreach to more than 31 boat launches. Summer Travel Caution: MSP is increasing speeding enforcement in the Keweenaw/U.P. in July as more travelers hit the roads. On-the-Ground Rescue: Nine boaters were rescued after a Lake Michigan thunderstorm left their vessel disabled near South Haven. Holiday Reality Check: Fourth of July celebrations across the U.S. saw gunfire incidents, including a reported shooting at a block party in Mount Clemens, Michigan.

Detroit-area travel boost: Frontier launched three new nonstop routes from Detroit Metro—Fort Lauderdale (daily starting July 5), Philadelphia (daily starting July 5), and Las Vegas (daily starting July 6)—with introductory fares from $49 to $79. Lake Michigan safety: Van Buren County Marine Patrol rescued nine people after a boat lost power and steering during severe thunderstorms near South Haven; everyone was evaluated and no serious injuries were reported. Outdoor rules for visitors: Michigan DNR shared guidance for safe e-bike adventures, including how to identify Class 1 vs. Class 2 bikes and where they’re allowed on select DNR trails. Road planning: MDOT begins I-94 bridge repairs and epoxy overlay in Jackson on Tuesday, July 7, with lane closures and expected delays through August. Storm recovery: DTE crews continued restoring power after Friday night’s strong storms in Southeast Michigan, cutting outages from 311,330 to about 121,870 by Sunday afternoon. Family fun & culture: The Great American State Fair’s America 250 celebration on the National Mall featured booths from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, highlighting everything from youth programs to bourbon history.

Gas Relief for Drivers: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says Michigan’s bipartisan gas relief extension keeps a temporary fuel waiver alive through the rest of summer, aiming to save drivers about 10–20 cents per gallon. Holiday Weather Watch: A storm chance is on the radar for Michigan’s July 4 weekend, with showers and possible strong thunderstorms that could disrupt outdoor plans. Detroit Summer Events: The Rocket Classic PGA Tour event in Detroit is framed as a key summer momentum builder for both players and fans. NASCAR in the Region: Denny Hamlin won the pole at Chicagoland Speedway, a reminder that major race weekends keep drawing visitors to the Chicago-area corridor. Travel Safety Reminder: Heat and severe weather are being linked to health impacts nationwide, with officials urging caution during outdoor holiday activities. Local Community & Service: A Justice in Motion civic tour will stop in Wooster July 8, bringing judges and legal leaders to the public.

Lake Michigan Boating Safety: Nine people were rescued after a boat lost power during a severe thunderstorm near North Beach in South Haven; deputies say the vessel drifted dangerously with loss of steering and motor controls, but all aboard were evaluated and no serious injuries were reported. Health Alert for Travelers & Families: Michigan health officials report a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to “explosive” watery diarrhea; more than 225 cases were confirmed in 21 counties from June 22 to July 1, with the source still unconfirmed and guidance to wash hands and raw produce. Holiday Travel Disruption: Severe storms and FAA ground stops contributed to widespread flight cancellations and diversions at United’s Chicago O’Hare hub as the July 4 weekend and America’s 250th kicked off. Local Road Safety: A fatal head-on crash in Solon Township is under investigation, with Kent County Sheriff investigators saying alcohol may have played a role. Independence Day Fun in Michigan: South Haven’s fireworks over the lake went on as scheduled after storms threatened events, with organizers coordinating beach security and checkpoints.

Food Safety Update: Michigan health officials report more than 225 cyclosporiasis cases across 21 counties since June 22, urging residents to wash hands and raw produce as the outbreak source remains unconfirmed. Holiday Travel Disruptions: Strong storms hit Metro Detroit Friday night, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands of DTE and Consumers Energy customers and prompting safety warnings about downed lines. Michigan Budget Watch: Lawmakers approved a compromise FY27 budget after a marathon 23-hour session, using cuts and funding moves to close a $1B tax gap while protecting Medicaid and food assistance. Up North & Island Travel: Mackinac Island keeps its Victorian charm and car-free streets, with the Grand Hotel and historic downtown drawing visitors. Local Events: RedBud Weekend returns in Buchanan with motocross racing and camping, timed with America’s 250th. Family Fun in Ann Arbor: The city’s July 4 lineup includes an Ann Arbor Firecracker 5K and a parade plus a firefighter spray park. America 250 History: Fort Laurens in Ohio is seeing renewed visitors as the nation marks 250 years, highlighting Revolutionary War-era staging near Fort Detroit.