AGP Executive Report

Gordie Howe Bridge Update: Windsor officials say the long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge opening is delayed again, leaving travelers and cross-border businesses in limbo. Truck Toll Question: Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says he doesn’t want tolls on Huron Church Road for trucks, citing cost, hassle, and potential impacts on local businesses. Detroit Summer Programs: Mayor Mary Sheffield kicked off “Occupy the Summer,” with youth-focused activities across Detroit neighborhoods every Friday, plus extended recreation center hours. Northern Michigan Outdoors & Safety: Conservation officers rescued two Ohio vacationers after their Lake Huron kayaks capsized offshore near Sanilac County; both were not wearing life jackets. Tourism & Community Events: Rogers City’s LEADAIS Live brings a documentary viewing and speaker event to the Rogers City Theater, aiming to spotlight human leadership. Local Culture: East Lansing’s Black History 101 Mobile Museum is bringing thousands of original artifacts to the community via the library. Sports Tourism: NFL preseason kicks off with the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, featuring Arizona vs. Carolina on Aug. 6.

Outdoor Deals: Michigan DNR is waiving fees for a free fishing, ORV and state park Recreation Passport weekend on June 13-14, letting anglers fish without a license and riders hit thousands of ORV miles. Great Lakes Getaway: A travel spotlight highlights Lake Huron shoreline fun, including a Saugeen Shores beach-and-outdoors hub just over 2.5 hours from Toronto and under 4 from Detroit. Northern Michigan Escape: A guide recommends Hartwick Pines State Park near Grayling for old-growth pines, trails, river paddling and the logging museum. Beach Safety: The Watershed Center begins weekly E. coli beach monitoring June 17 across 21 beaches in Benzie, Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. Local Events: Green Social Detroit and Rhizome Roots host a Plant Swap in Ypsilanti on June 14 with a meal, plant and seeds. Weather Watch: Metro Detroit gets a break Friday, then storms return Saturday with cooler, drier air moving in Sunday. Sports & Tourism Tie-In: Midland’s Dow Championship has Nelly Korda and Olivia Cowan contending in the LPGA team event at Midland Country Club.

Border Travel Update: The long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge opening between Detroit and Windsor was delayed again over unresolved “outstanding issues,” pushing back Friday’s ribbon-cutting and adding uncertainty for cross-border travelers. Outdoor Freebies: Michigan’s MDNR is running a “Three Free” Weekend (June 13-14) with free fishing, free ORV riding, and free state park entry for residents and visitors. UP Nature Work: In the L’Anse/Baraga area, crews began removing invasive spotted knapweed as part of Great Lakes Tribal Conservation Corps field season efforts. Local Culture & Dining: Cadillac Chef Hermann Suhs shared stories from his international culinary career during the 2026 Cadillac History Speakers Series. Weekend Plans: A roundup of Friday-Sunday events across Michigan includes live music, brewery shows, and casino performances—good for quick getaways. Travel Safety Note: Delta Flight 337 to Detroit Metro was diverted to Charlotte after a reported odor in the cockpit; passengers were overnighted and the flight is set to continue Friday.

Bridge Update for Travelers: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening between Detroit and Windsor has been delayed as the U.S. and Canada work through “outstanding issues,” pushing back a planned ribbon-cutting and adding uncertainty for cross-border trips. Roadwork & Detours: MDOT starts I-94 bridge repairs at US-127 in Jackson County this weekend, with intermittent single-lane closures June 13–16 and again June 27–28. Outdoor Fun for Families: Michigan DNR’s Kids Fishing Day returns June 13 at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds Pocket Park in Escanaba, with free activities for youth 16 and under. Bird-Friendly Travel & Nature: Michigan Audubon’s Bird City Michigan program is expanding fast, adding University of Michigan–Dearborn as its first campus partner. Beach Safety: High waves and rip currents are forecast along Lake Michigan, with a swim hazard warning for multiple shoreline counties. Tourism Policy Watch: Michigan lawmakers are debating how to tax short-term rentals, with proposals aiming to treat them more like hotels and B&Bs.

Bridge Update: The Gordie Howe International Bridge ribbon-cutting between Detroit and Windsor may be delayed, with Canadian PM Mark Carney saying it’s “no big drama” even if it doesn’t open by the end of the week. Severe Weather & Safety: Thunderstorms and high winds hit Mid-Michigan, knocking out power and damaging areas, with another round expected; on Detroit’s Belle Isle, responders rescued nine people from capsized sailboats and later reported 20 rescued from seven capsized boats. Family Fun in Northern Michigan: Mio is gearing up for the Nor-East’r Music & Art Festival (June 12-14) and the Red, White and Blue Collar Festival (June 12-13), bringing music, camping, vendors, and kids activities. Local Travel Picks: USA Today highlighted Michigan’s most treasured views, including the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Detroit’s Ford Piquette Plant, and the Guardian Building. Outdoors Health: With tick season surging in the U.P., CDC guidance urges permethrin-treated gear, EPA repellents, and thorough tick checks after time outside. Culture & Music: Viridian Strings returns to Northern Michigan for a summer chamber music run, including a piano quintet program featuring Schumann, Vaughan Williams, and Schubert.

Gordie Howe Bridge Update: Canadian PM Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe International Bridge ribbon-cutting is set for Friday, but the crossing may not open to traffic immediately—good news for travelers, with a possible slight delay. Hotel Growth: Hilton is launching “Undergraduate by Hilton,” a new college-town brand aiming for 400–500 properties starting in 2027, targeting campus visits, games, and alumni weekends. Summer Travel Costs: A new NFIB survey says Michigan small businesses are bracing for higher inflation-driven costs (fuel, electricity, labor), which could mean pricier dining, repairs, and travel. Detroit Airfare Watch: Spirit Airlines is gone from DTW after carrying 1.7M passengers in 2025, raising questions about whether low-cost competition will shrink and fares could rise. Great Lakes & Outdoors: Great Lakes Love is asking visitors to Pictured Rocks to report polystyrene found along Lake Superior shores, helping track how far the pollutant spreads. Family Fun: Negaunee Public Library kicks off a free summer reading program with prizes for kids, teens, and adults. Community Safety: Red Cross reports an urgent need for blood and platelets donations heading into summer.

Road-Trip Picks for Summer: A USA TODAY roundup highlights “8 Great Lakes destinations” and other “most treasured views,” including the Soo Locks—an easy Michigan-to-Canada style itinerary idea for travelers chasing scenery and history. Bridge & Border Travel: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open soon between Detroit and Windsor, with officials saying it’s “ready to go” even as politics and trade talks keep adding uncertainty for drivers and vacationers. Local Mobility in Detroit: Detroit City Council approved a resolution urging MDOT to complete a “road diet” on Fort Street (Schaefer to Outer Drive), aiming to improve safety and access for pedestrians and bikes. Southwest Michigan Transit: Visit Southwest Michigan is bringing back its free Shop and Shore trolley, running June 11–Sept. 7 with stops around St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, including Silver Beach and the Benton Harbor Arts District. Tourism Spotlight (Mackinac): A new book explains how Mackinac Island became a top Michigan destination, tying today’s visitor boom to early travel writers and steamship-era tourism. Community Events: Kristin Hannah drew a packed crowd in Grand Rapids for Kent District Library’s “On the Same Page,” showing how major authors are turning Michigan libraries into destination stops.

Northern Michigan Tours: Bellaire’s Paddles and Pedals rebranded as Outdoor Adventures, adding new guided tour bus services for kayak, mountain biking, winery/brewery stops, and group sightseeing across Antrim County and beyond. EV Delivery in the Region: Voltu began producing and delivering its first heavy-duty all-electric pickup trucks to Riverside, where the city utility ordered 10 with plans for more over the next few years. Cross-Border Travel Boost: Canada’s PM Mark Carney says the Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open “at the end of the week,” aiming to improve Detroit–Windsor travel and freight flow. Family Fun Pop-Up: The Royal Duck, billed as the world’s largest bounce house, lands at Oakland Mall in Troy (through June 21) before moving to Twelve Mile Crossing in Novi (June 26–July 19). Great Lakes Conservation Jobs: Superior Watershed Partnership launched its Great Lakes Climate Corps and Great Lakes Tribal Conservation Corps field season across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including tree planting, trail work, and invasive removal. Michigan Lottery Travel Moment: A Washtenaw County winner claimed $100,000 and says she’ll use it for a Florida trip.

Gordie Howe Bridge Opening: The $4.7B international span is set to open June 15, with a ribbon-cutting planned for Friday after final testing and coordination between Michigan and the White House. Great Lakes Cleanup: Michigan and the EPA announced a $10M partnership to speed up Detroit River sediment cleanup, including work along Belle Isle/Harbortown areas. Water Safety for Travelers: St. Joseph lifeguards trained for summer season safety, with Michigan lawmakers considering a bill to add water safety education in K-8. Invasive Species Prevention: Michigan’s DNR is promoting PlayCleanGo Awareness Week (June 6–13) to help hikers, boaters, and campers stop the spread of invasives. Local Summer Fun: Hannahville will host the 50th annual Great Lakes Area Traditional Powwow June 19–21, featuring dancing, singing, food and cultural activities. Boating Caution: A new Coast Guard-focused reminder highlights that most boating deaths involve drowning and often occur when operators lack safety instruction. Road/Travel Disruption: A fatal three-vehicle crash in Covington Township shut down parts of M-28, with detours advised.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a geomagnetic storm could bring aurora sightings as far south as the Great Lakes region Monday night, with a forecast Kp index of 5 and possible G3 storm levels. Bridge & Border Travel: The Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing a major milestone, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony reportedly planned for Friday as the Windsor-Detroit crossing moves toward final approvals. Health & Outdoors: Michigan health officials report rising Lyme disease risk as tick season peaks, urging people to check for ticks after time in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas. Lake Superior Research: Michigan DNR and MSU researchers are heading to the deepest part of Lake Superior to investigate “zombie” siscowet lake trout and whether a pathogen is involved. Family Travel Budget: Kent County Parks and Blandford Nature Center are bringing back low-cost “Nature Neighbors” programs at multiple parks through Sept. 3. Local Travel Safety: Summer beach season is already triggering extra law enforcement attention, with “beach takeovers” prompting patrols and crowd monitoring.

Great Lakes & Water Safety: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will survey Great Lakes tributaries in Alpena County (June 16–25) to estimate sea lamprey numbers and decide whether control measures are needed, a key step to protect the fishery. Boating Costs: Michigan boaters are feeling summer fuel pressure, with AAA reporting regular gas averaging 34% higher than a year ago and diesel up 53%, pushing many to buy only what they need. Border Readiness: Sen. Gary Peters pressed DHS on Michigan projects; DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Customs and Border Protection is staffed and ready for the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening. Tourism & Getting Around: St. Joseph’s free Shop & Shore Trolley returns June 11–Sept. 7 for easy hop-on/hop-off trips to beaches, shops and attractions. Local Events: Cadillac hosted the Back to the Bricks Gas, Gears & Good Times Promo Tour classic car stop, with more stops ahead. Travel Tips: TSA reminds pet owners that animals must be removed from carriers at airport security. Outdoor Adventure: Isle Royale National Park is offering Ranger III Keweenaw Waterway cruises from Houghton on June 25 and July 16, with advance reservations recommended.

Upper Peninsula Hunting/Fishing Overhaul: Michigan lawmakers are pushing bills to create a new U.P.-only Natural Resources Commission, arguing the current statewide panel doesn’t fit Upper Peninsula needs for hunting and fishing policy. Detroit-Area Travel Safety & Disruptions: A Sparta Township minibike crash sent a 16-year-old to the hospital with serious injuries, while separate reports highlight ongoing summer road-safety concerns across the state. Great Lakes Tourism Watch: Michigan Great Lakes & Fresh Water Week is underway, with reminders aimed at protecting Michigan waters and keeping beachgoers safe as summer ramps up. Family Camping Spotlight: Michigan families are flocking to Sleepy Hollow for the camping season opener, a sign of strong early demand for local outdoor getaways. Local Church Restructuring: The Archdiocese of Detroit’s parish renewal plan is reshaping weekend Mass schedules in southeast Michigan, with one Macomb County parish facing possible consolidation—an issue that affects community life for visitors and residents alike.

Great Lakes & Fresh Water Week: Michigan’s EGLE is kicking off Michigan Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week (June 6-14) with a “Protecting the Great Lakes Sustains Us” theme, spotlighting stewardship, education, and the blue economy, with DNR partners tying in Free Fishing Weekend (June 13-14). DNR Beach Safety: As summer ramps up, the DNR warns swimmers at state parks to use buoyed swim areas and follow the Great Lakes flag system, noting some buoy installations may be delayed. Outdoor Deals: The DNR’s Three Free Weekend returns June 13-14, offering free fishing, free ORV riding on designated routes, and free entry to state parks (rules still apply). Author Event: New York Times bestseller Kristin Hannah is set to draw about 10,000 to Grand Rapids Tuesday at Van Andel Arena for a Kent District Library event after ticket demand surged. Summer Travel Moment: A Michigan crowd is among the visitors at Pokémon GO Fest in Chicago, with thousands gathering outdoors for the weekend event. Family Camping: Michigan families are flocking to Sleepy Hollow for the camping season opener. Local Sports Travel: Ludington won the inaugural WMC-Lakes All-Sports Trophy, a sign of big momentum for West Michigan athletics.

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.