AGP Executive Report

Isle Royale Rescue: A 70-year-old Royal Oak hiker, Craig Berg, was found “alive and alert” by backpackers after going missing since Sept. 5 on remote Isle Royale National Park—an operation that pulled in the National Park Service, Michigan State Police, the Coast Guard, and partners from multiple states. Game-Day Travel Disruption: CTA warned Red Line riders about signal problems near 95th/Dan Ryan, with trains standing and shuttle buses running between 95th and Roosevelt. Michigan Sports Spotlight: Michigan State rolled past Eastern Michigan 35-7 as Cam Edwards rushed for 152 yards and two TDs, while Alessio Milivojevic added two touchdown passes—setting up a big next test vs. Notre Dame. Big House Buzz: Michigan stunned No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10 in Ann Arbor, with punter Cameron Brown and the defense playing key roles in the upset. Outdoor & Active Travel: The Marquette Greenway is about 65% complete, with the remaining sections described as the toughest—aiming for a longer trail stretch into Michigan’s outdoor season. Rural Michigan Funding: LEO and MDARD announced 19 Rural Development Fund grant awards totaling $1.6M+ for projects like utility upgrades, childcare expansion, and agriculture processing across rural communities.

College Football Travel Watch: Michigan fans heading to Ann Arbor for Oklahoma at Michigan (Sept. 12, FOX) will be watching a game that follows a controversial Week 1 finish vs. Western Michigan, with Big Ten officials not on the call this time. Game-Day Planning: The Week 2 slate is packed, including Ohio State at Texas in Austin (ABC) and other noon-to-primetime matchups across major networks—good news for road-trip planners and weekend visitors. Local Outdoors & Wildlife: Holland State Park in Ottawa County welcomed Michigan’s first confirmed wandering tattler sighting, drawing birders from across the state. Great Lakes Health: Researchers near Lake Erie are studying how airborne algae particles may affect people’s health during blue-green algae bloom season. Family Fun Calendar: Macomb County libraries are running storytimes and kid-friendly events this week, plus more community programming. Sports Tourism Note: Detroit-area sports fans also have Saints-Lions opener Sunday on deck, with Detroit hosting kickoff expectations.

Detroit 9/11 Remembrance: Federal agents and Detroit leaders marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies along the Detroit River and at Campus Martius, including a display of an exit sign recovered from the North Tower. Ottawa County Health Alert: Ottawa County reported its first human West Nile Virus case of 2026; officials urged residents to use repellent, cover up at dawn/dusk, and remove standing water. CDC Update: The CDC said the large cyclosporiasis outbreak is officially over, with reported cases declining and linked products no longer available. Northern Michigan Tourism: Traverse City hosts an international fireworks competition this weekend, expected to draw about 11,000 attendees. Outdoor Safety: Search continues for a missing solo hiker on Isle Royale, with NPS and state partners using patrols, aviation, and drones. Community & Privacy: A forum in Summit County addressed controversy over Flock Safety cameras, focusing on how they were approved and where they’re placed. Sports Travel Buzz: Oklahoma fans are making the trip to Ann Arbor for the Sooners’ first-ever game at Michigan’s “Big House.” Weekend Weather: Metro Detroit is forecast to be mild Friday and warmer Saturday, with only a small chance of a spotty shower.

Mental Health & Community Support: Belleville nonprofit SOOAR is rolling out “YOU MATTER” banners and a Saturday event to reduce stigma and connect Metro Detroit residents to mental health resources. 9/11 Remembered in Michigan: Multiple stories mark the 25th anniversary, including Michigan families still seeking justice and local remembrances tied to the state. Lake Superior Safety: Experts are urging faster action on harmful algal blooms on Lake Superior, calling for more research and real-time monitoring. Detroit Family Services: The Children’s Center in Detroit is using digital signage to share key info and create a calmer, child-friendly lobby experience. Travel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports Michigan midgrade and E15 price snapshots for the week ending Sept. 5, useful for road-trippers planning around fuel swings. Grand Rapids Venue Noise: Residents near the new Acrisure Amphitheater are pushing back over sound and bass carrying into neighborhoods.

TSA Gateside Program: TSA is rolling out a new “Gateside” perk letting approved non-ticketed people with TSA PreCheck pass security at 13 airports to accompany friends and family to the gate, dine and shop in the terminal—an easing of a 25-year rule. Public Health: Federal officials are poised to declare the end of the U.S.’s largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce, with Michigan among the hardest hit states (11,000+ illnesses). Detroit Media & Community: Former WDIV anchor Mort Crim, 91, launches a new YouTube series, “Two Minutes to a Better Life,” aimed at short, positive messages. Sports & Travel: The NHL’s inaugural prospect tournament lands at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit Sept. 12-15, featuring teams including the Detroit Red Wings. Local Tourism & Culture: Grand Rapids’ Literacy Center of West Michigan wins a $100,000 national Library of Congress literacy prize. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports Kent County’s lowest regular price at $3.64/gal and Tuscola County’s lowest diesel at $5.29/gal for the week ending Sept. 5.

Airport & Road Updates for Travelers: Gerald R. Ford International Airport is rolling out a new AeroParker parking reservation system, adding online economy parking, easier same-day booking, and fee-free cancellations. Local Travel Disruption: MDOT says westbound I-69 ramps to U.S. 127 (northbound and southbound) will close Sept. 14–Oct. 16 for concrete patching, with lane closures continuing in the area. Michigan IDs & Trust: Michigan reported misprinted enhanced driver’s licenses/IDs for about 8,200 residents, with the wrong photo and incorrect name fields tied to a vendor printing batch. Great Lakes Outdoors: A Lake Huron meteor find story highlights how Canadian hunters tracked and collected a space rock after a Great Lakes fireball was seen across the Midwest. Culture & Community Tourism: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre launches its 100th anniversary centennial season with eight shows, including Come From Away and Finding Nemo Jr. Family Fun on the Water: A Michigan teen sailed more than 20 miles on Lake Michigan, sharing what it’s like to sail a Hobie cat. Detroit Events: Cars at the Station returns to Detroit’s Roosevelt Park and Michigan Central for a car-and-community celebration.

TSA Airport Access: TSA PreCheck’s “Gateside” pilot is letting approved non-flyers pass security to wait at the gate at select airports, including Detroit Metro—aimed at easier reunions and goodbyes. Isle Royale Search: Authorities are expanding the search for a missing 70-year-old Royal Oak hiker, Craig Berg, last heard from Sept. 2, with teams now pushing deeper into the island. Michigan Travel & Education: U-M’s College of Pharmacy opened a new $141M building on East Huron, a major campus draw for visitors and future students. Road Trip Costs: A new study says tariffs have cost the average Michigan household more than $5,600 since January, adding pressure to travel budgets. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular price in Newaygo County hit $3.79 for the week ending Aug. 29, while diesel remains higher statewide. NFL Travel Buzz: The Rams and 49ers are set for Australia’s first NFL game in Melbourne, a big draw for Michigan fans planning trips. Local Outdoors: UP communities received Rural Development Fund grants totaling $1.6M+ to boost infrastructure and tourism, including outdoor recreation trail work.

Airport Access Update: TSA has launched Gateside by TSA PreCheck, letting some non-flying trusted travelers pass security and reach airport gates at participating airports, including Detroit Metro—a throwback to pre-9/11 airport farewells. Michigan IDs: The state says about 8,200 enhanced driver’s licenses and IDs were mailed with printing errors (including wrong info/date of birth); corrected cards are being sent automatically, and temporary IDs are available if you need one. Road Funding Pilot: Michigan is moving ahead with a pay-per-mile road tax pilot starting in January for 1,000 volunteers. Travel & Tourism: For outdoor lovers, Hamilton, Ontario is being billed as the “waterfall capital of the world” with 150+ falls and easy access to Lake Ontario—plus a growing arts scene. Weather Watch: Great Lakes beaches may see dangerous waves as high winds roll through the region this week.

TSA “Gateside” Pilot: TSA PreCheck members can apply for a free pass to enter airport terminals and reach gate areas without a plane ticket at 13 airports, bringing back more normal “see you off / welcome home” moments for families and friends. Cross-Border Travel Hit by Tariffs: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on about $20B of U.S. goods took effect, and Visit Detroit reports a 30% drop in Canadian tourism amid the trade fight—bad news for Detroit-area hospitality. Michigan Road Funding Watch: Michigan is testing a pay-per-mile road usage charge pilot, a potential shift from gas-tax funding that could affect how drivers plan trips. Michigan Fuel Snapshot: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Ingham County at $4.47 (week ending Aug. 29), with other county-by-county lows also appearing across the state. Great Lakes Getaway Caution: Lake Cadillac tourism is taking a hit from environmental advisories, with one resort reporting Labor Day cancellations tied to a harmful algae bloom. Isle Royale Search: A Royal Oak man is missing after a solo hike on Isle Royale, highlighting the risks of remote park travel.

TSA Travel Ease: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible PreCheck members enter airport terminals beyond security without a flight—so they can meet friends, grab food, or shop at participating airports (including Detroit Metro) after applying 1–3 days ahead. Michigan Road Watch: AAA says Michigan regular gas averages $4.03, down 12 cents in a week, with diesel still climbing nationwide. Cross-Border Costs: Canada rolled out retaliatory tariffs on about $20B in U.S. goods, a move that could ripple into Michigan travel and tourism via higher prices and weaker cross-border trips. Grand Rapids Culture: ArtPrize 2026 tapped “Breaking Bad” star Bryan Cranston to present awards and mentor youth, with Dos Hombres as an event sponsor. Local Safety: Two 13-year-old boys were critically hurt after an e-bike crash with a pickup on Telegraph in Bloomfield Township. Northern Michigan Events: Traverse City Horse Shows returns with details on what visitors should know. Weather: Beach hazards and showers/storm chances are in the forecast for West Michigan, with rain moving in after midnight.

Airport Access Update: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible PreCheck holders (with a KTN) enter secure airport areas at 13 airports—including Detroit Metro—so non-flyers can meet friends/family at the gate or during a layover. Road Safety Watch: Two 13-year-old boys were critically injured in Bloomfield Township when an electric motorized vehicle was struck by a pickup at Telegraph and Hickory Grove; police say the driver stayed and is cooperating. Public Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating an early-morning I-94 shooting near Livernois in Detroit; the victim wasn’t hit, but a bullet struck the vehicle. Northern Michigan Travel Moment: Thousands took part in the 68th annual Mackinac Bridge walk, with about 34,000 crossing on foot for the Labor Day tradition. Detroit Weekend Prep: Belle Isle cleanup is progressing after severe weather damage, ahead of holiday visitors. Fuel Reality Check: Diesel and midgrade prices remain volatile across Michigan, with multiple counties reporting week-ending Aug. 29 lows.

Labor Day travel & weather: Upper Michigan wrapped up the holiday with sunshine, but a stormy, windy shift is moving in with rain and marginal flash-flood risk, plus rough Great Lakes beach conditions later this week. Mackinac Bridge Walk: The bridge is closed to vehicles until noon, with walkers turning back if they haven’t reached the midpoint by 10 a.m. Marquette Marathon: The Marquette Marathon hit record numbers with 1,690 total registrations across events, including 810 in the full marathon. Local events: Crestline’s Sorelle is set to headline the Crestline Harvest Festival opening Sept. 17, kicking off a weekend of food, rides and live music. Road-trip fuel watch: Lenawee County logged the week’s lowest diesel price at $4.99 per gallon (week ending Aug. 29), with Michigan’s diesel average at $5.61. Family-friendly travel tip: Michigan’s Secretary of State mailed corrected enhanced IDs to about 8,200 residents after a vendor misprint—no action needed if yours was affected, but temporary IDs are available.

College Football (Michigan): No. 16 Michigan escaped Western Michigan 13-12 in a wild finish Saturday night after a replay review restored one second, leading to Bryce Underwood and JJ Buchanan’s 47-yard Hail Mary TD with no time left. Local Safety: Michigan State Police are investigating a fatal crash on Grand River Ave. near N. Meech Rd. in Leroy Township where a 12-year-old Williamston boy was killed and his 13-year-old sister was critically injured after a Ford Explorer struck two bicyclists; both wore helmets. Wildlife Rescue: A fawn wedged in a subdivision gate in Grand Blanc Township was freed safely after police and firefighters opened the fence. Travel Tech: TSA launched “Gateside” by TSA PreCheck at select airports, letting eligible non-ticketed visitors access gates and airport shops/restaurants. Fuel Watch (Labor Day): Diesel prices remain elevated, with Michigan diesel around $5.88/gallon and record highs tied to global energy disruptions. Detroit Area: I-94 shooting in Detroit left a vehicle door hit by a bullet; no injuries reported.

Fall Travel Ideas: Northern Michigan’s fall getaway pitch is getting sharper, with Traverse City-area stops like Leland (Fishtown), Suttons Bay (vineyards and harvest tastings), and Elk Rapids drawing visitors for color, lake drives, and small-town wandering. Mackinac Bridge Day-Trip Planning: The annual Mackinac Bridge walk returns Sept. 7 with the bridge closed to cars from 6:30 a.m. to noon; walkers can go round-trip or the full one-way 5-mile trek if they start early. Airport Access Upgrade: TSA is testing “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” at DTW and 12 other airports, letting approved, non-ticketed PreCheck members pass security to meet loved ones sooner. Labor Day Disruption Watch: Amtrak is warning of cancellations and delays at major stations during the holiday weekend, including Chicago and St. Louis. Local Tourism Spotlight: South Haven is hosting “Best Beach Day” Sept. 11 at South Beach with free food, games, and a digital auction for beach safety. Weather & Safety: NWS confirmed EF-2 and EF-0 tornadoes in the Detroit area and Lincoln Park, with cleanup continuing across parts of Michigan. Road Safety Reminder: State police report a fatal SUV crash involving bicyclists in Leroy Township, underscoring the need for drivers to give cyclists space.

Severe Weather & Safety: The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-2 tornado in Detroit and an EF-0 tornado in Lincoln Park, with the Detroit twister hitting up to 115 mph and ripping through a multi-mile path as storms rolled across Michigan. Labor Day Travel Mood: Michiganders packed Sleepy Hollow State Park for the holiday weekend, making it a last-summer stop for families heading out before school and fall schedules kick in. Local Sports Spotlight: The Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs is drawing fresh attention off the field after a rare card reportedly sold for $35,000—another sign of his growing star power. Road-Trip Reality Check: Gas prices remain a big part of the Labor Day equation, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest regular and premium rates in Michigan counties around the Aug. 29 week. Outdoor Fun: Travelers are also planning around Michigan’s attractions and events as summer winds down, including beach-and-park stops that fit holiday schedules.

Youth Sports & Outdoors: Northern Michigan youth soccer is evolving through recreational leagues and competitive club teams, while a new cycling/hiking resilience program, the 906 Adventure Team, is expanding into Petoskey and Gaylord to build confidence without head-to-head pressure. Community Preparedness: Grand Rapids held its first Spanish-language CERT Level 1 emergency response training to cut language barriers and help residents respond in the first minutes of a crisis. Mackinac Bridge Travel: Planning to walk the Mackinac Bridge for Labor Day? The 68th annual Mackinac Bridge Walk returns Sept. 7 with two start points (St. Ignace and Mackinaw City) to reduce bus needs. Road-Trip Reality Check: With Labor Day travel underway, gas prices and severe weather are disrupting plans, and AAA is urging drivers to check key trip items before hitting the road. Michigan Football (Game Day): Michigan opens its season Saturday night vs. Western Michigan at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock, with a new coaching era under Kyle Whittingham. Weather & Safety: Storms and tornado warnings have hit Metro Detroit, with large power outages reported—another reminder to plan ahead for weekend travel.