AGP Executive Report

Labor Day Travel Watch: AAA says Labor Day getaways are still strong, but travelers are paying more for fuel, airfare, and hotels and should expect heavier traffic. Road-Work Relief: MDOT is easing the holiday crush by removing lane restrictions on 91 of 156 projects statewide starting Friday at 3 p.m. through Tuesday at 6 a.m., though some work zones remain. Detroit Weather: Detroit is set for a muggy, stormy Labor Day lead-in with afternoon thunderstorms that could bring damaging wind and quick downpours. Local Openings & Culture: Ray’s, a popular hometown bar brand, opened its fourth location in downtown Detroit, and O.A.R. is bringing its 30th anniversary tour to the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights with a new album on the way. Family Fun & Food: El Cerrito Mexican Bar and Grill opened a new Quincy location, adding Sunday liquor service for customers. Travel Safety/Health: EGLE responded to an oil leak at Millennium Park and urged visitors to avoid the affected lake.

Labor Day road prep: MDOT says it’s lifting lane restrictions on 91 of 156 active projects statewide starting 3 p.m. Friday (Sept. 4) through 6 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 8), aiming to ease holiday congestion and improve safety; drivers should still expect some equipment or temporary configurations. Fuel watch: GasBuddy reports Michigan gas near record highs for Labor Day, with the statewide average around $4.11/gallon and Lansing about $4.12. Great Lakes getaway: For one last summer adventure, the SS Badger—Lake Michigan’s last steam-powered ferry—runs its final overnight trip of the season over Labor Day, landing in Ludington. Family fun in South Haven: South Haven’s “Best Beach Day” celebrates South Beach’s Best Beach in Michigan win with free hot dogs, beach games, and a digital auction supporting beach safety. New winter tourism draw: College hockey is set to return to Lambeau Field Feb. 20, 2027, with Wisconsin vs. Michigan (men) and Ohio State vs. Wisconsin (women), a big Midwest travel magnet. Conservation stop: Free sturgeon hatchery tours and a sturgeon release are planned Sept. 5 near Onaway.

Labor Day road planning: MDOT says it will lift lane restrictions on nearly 60% of ongoing projects statewide from 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, but drivers should still expect some work-zone equipment and shoulder closures. Bridge note for travelers: The Mackinac Bridge will be closed to public traffic on Labor Day, Sept. 7, from 6:30 a.m. to noon for the annual Bridge Walk, with I-75 and U.S. 2 traffic stopped at specific exits. UP overnight detour: Portage Lake Lift Bridge maintenance is set for early Sept. 10, with temporary bridge closures for cable greasing between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. Cycling event: The 55th annual DALMAC Bicycle Tour kicks off Sept. 2 from East Lansing with nearly 900 riders, including routes passing through Missaukee County. Local travel vibe: A last-summer Great Lakes ferry ride on the SS Badger is highlighted as the overnight option ends after Labor Day. Safety reminder: Back-to-school traffic is renewing calls to stop for school buses and never pass when lights are flashing.

Great Lakes Water Safety: Emmet County added five life rings at Sturgeon Bay Beach after a 14-year-old drowned last August, part of a broader push to help families respond faster in emergencies. Lake Health Watch: New University of Michigan research warns toxic cyanobacteria in Michigan lakes may pose risks beyond skin contact, with possible danger from breathing airborne toxins. Family Travel & School Prep: Project Backpack in Sault Ste. Marie handed out free backpacks with supplies to K-5 students ahead of the school year, aiming to ease strain for local families. Detroit Airport Biosecurity: U.S. CBP agriculture specialists intercepted a potentially destructive non-native straw crest moth at Detroit Metro, the first recorded encounter at a U.S. port of entry. Gas & Road-Trip Costs: Diesel prices stayed volatile across Michigan, with GasBuddy reporting a low of $4.79 in Saginaw County and $5.14 in Berrien County for the week ending Aug. 22. Transit & Tourism Disruption: United Airlines removed 10 routes from its Chicago O’Hare schedule in 2026, including services tied to regional markets that affect travel options for Michigan flyers. Local Community Events: Grayling’s “Junque in the Trunk” returns for a Labor Day weekend garage-sale-style shopping event.

Air Travel & Routes: Allegiant is adding a new nonstop between Fort Myers (RSW) and Flint (FNT), launching Feb. 11, 2027, with introductory one-way fares starting at $69. Labor Day Travel Watch: Michigan drivers face higher costs and heavier traffic this holiday as gas prices stay elevated, with AAA pointing to a jump from last year’s average. Mackinac Bridge Prep: The annual Mackinac Bridge Walk closes the span for pedestrians only on Sept. 7, with vehicle traffic shut from 6:30 a.m. to noon—plan extra time heading north. Outdoor & Nature: Michigan’s fall bird migration is ramping up, with peak movement expected mid- to late September; experts recommend dimming outdoor lights to help birds navigate. Local Safety: A 7-year-old boy was rescued from the water at Silver Beach County Park in St. Joseph and taken to a local hospital. Transit & Planning: MSU is rolling out parking closures and construction-related travel changes for the Sept. 4 football opener at Spartan Stadium.

Road Safety & Travel Disruptions: Michigan State Police are asking for help identifying the driver of a vehicle that lost a liquid tar construction trailer on US-131 near the Cadillac rest area, triggering a two-crash chain reaction and closing the highway for hours. Local Streets & Walkability: A Grand Rapids resident is pushing the city to redesign Fuller Avenue between Michigan and Fulton to slow speeding traffic, widen sidewalks, and add bike lanes after repeated dangerous near-misses. Trail Planning for Communities: The DNR and Michigan State University are inviting five Michigan communities to apply for student-led trail planning support through a fifth-year partnership. Labor Day Road Trip Costs: AAA says holiday gas prices are likely higher than last year, with Michigan averaging about $4.15 a gallon and urging drivers to prep before hitting the road. Gas Price Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Shiawassee County at $3.03/gal and the lowest diesel in Roscommon County at $4.99/gal (week ending Aug. 22). Sports on the Michigan Radar: WMU opens a big national matchup at Michigan, while Detroit-area fans also get a pro sports tie-in as the Dodgers head into a series after beating the Tigers.

Labor Day Travel Prep (Michigan): AAA is urging drivers to do a quick vehicle check before the Sept. 7 holiday rush, citing last year’s most common roadside issues—dead batteries, flat tires, and towing needs—plus a reminder to inspect battery health, tire tread/inflation, brakes, fluids, and lights/wipers. Mackinac Bridge Walk Logistics: The 2026 Mackinac Bridge Walk is a week away; the bridge will close to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon on Labor Day, with emergency vehicles allowed, and organizers say travelers should cross before 6:30 or after noon to avoid backups. Gas Prices Watch: Michigan regular gas averages about $4.17 per gallon, up a penny week-over-week, while AAA notes Labor Day road trips still cost more than last year. Detroit Area Events & Culture: The Detroit Zoo is hosting a walk supporting St. Jude, and the Michigan Theater is set to feature the Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour. Outdoor/Travel Safety: With fall weather shifting fast, Michigan is also seeing storm and smoke impacts in the broader region, including reports of heavy wildfire smoke affecting air quality.

Healthcare & Community: Munson Healthcare is adding two specialists to its Cadillac network, including a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and a new occupational health and medicine clinician. STEM & Tourism Tie-In: Former astronaut Donald McMonagle is joining Custer County High School’s STEM faculty as the Ground Flight School gets underway, a boost for local education and visitor interest. Outdoor & Lake Michigan: Michigan endurance swimmer Jim “The Shark” Dreyer will swim 22 miles across Lake Michigan towing 250 cannonballs to honor America’s combat veterans. Sports & Detroit: Tyler Glasnow struck out six as the Dodgers beat the Tigers 6-1 in Detroit, with Freddie Freeman driving in runs. Travel Planning: Detroit-area flyers are comparing airports after Spirit’s shutdown, saying Delta fares from DTW have spiked. Local Weather Watch: Storms and beach hazards are expected again for Michigan Sunday, with gusty winds possible. Family Travel Insight: A new study finds Michigan ranks No. 2 for “childfree” adults, with about 1 in 5 saying they don’t want kids—an angle for how people plan trips.

Detroit & Metro Events: The Detroit Zoo is hosting a walk to benefit St. Jude hospital, a family-friendly outing that fits right into late-summer plans. Outdoor & Travel Safety: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 price in Jackson County at $2.85/gal (week ending Aug. 22), while Antrim County’s lowest regular gas hit $4.27/gal—useful for road-trip budgeting. Michigan Community Remembrance: The Moving Wall Vietnam veterans memorial is set to stop in Chesaning for the extended Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4–7) at Showboat Park. Sports With Michigan Ties: LSU volleyball heads to Ann Arbor next week to play Michigan and Michigan State after starting 2-0 at home. Local Learning & Tourism: Northwestern Michigan College’s Extended Education & Training program continues to draw lifelong learners in Traverse City, including classes that range from international travel to outdoor skills.

Detroit Zoo Fundraiser: Hundreds walked in the St. Jude Walk Detroit at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, raising money for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Disc Golf in Michigan: The PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships are underway in Milford at Kensington Metropark, with nearly 300 athletes from 26 countries and about 10,000 expected spectators. Health & Wellness: Michigan Medicine experts break down psyllium husk—how it can help digestion and may support cholesterol and blood sugar goals. Local Transit Upgrade: St. Joseph commissioners heard Amtrak’s plan to redesign the station platform to meet ADA requirements by 2029, with an option that would shift the platform to the west side. Travel Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 price in Berrien County at $2.83/gal (week ending Aug. 22), while Lenawee County’s low was $2.89/gal. Community Safety: A 15-year-old has been charged in connection with a Detroit liquor store shooting that killed a woman and injured another. Family Travel Tip: MSU Extension urges fair-goers to follow biosecurity steps when animals return home, including keeping off-farm animals separate for at least 14 days.

Lake Michigan Fishing Rush: Ludington anglers are lining up before dawn as Chinook move closer for the annual spawning run, with the DNR confirming early catches in harbor and nearby waters. Boating Safety & Water Quality: Michigan communities are also dealing with lake-related concerns, including an oil leak at Millennium Park Lake and a harmful algae bloom warning tied to Lake Cadillac. Up North Community Events: The Lakes Area is gearing up for Boats & Bars (12+ hours of live music across multiple Detroit Lakes venues) plus Richville’s America250 celebration with parade, kids’ activities, live music and fireworks. Detroit Travel & Transit: Meijer and EVgo opened a flagship electric vehicle charging station in Detroit, a boost for drivers planning longer trips. Outdoor & Nature Planning: Michigan DNR and MSU are inviting communities into a trail-planning partnership, supporting more hiking-ready routes for fall. Sports Tourism (Michigan ties): Eastern Michigan hosts Sacramento State in Ypsilanti on Aug. 29, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Fraser Hit-and-Run: A Royal Oak attorney was charged in a fatal weekend crash involving a motorcycle, with prosecutors alleging he failed to stop and misled police; bond was set at $100,000 and a GPS tether was ordered. Grand Rapids Area Park Cleanup: Oil leaked from a historic well into a small lake at Millennium Park in Walker; EGLE placed a containment boom and officials asked people to avoid the area while they assess next steps. Lake Ontario Name Backlash: Reactions continue to Trump’s “Lake America” order, with Canadians and Alberta leaders criticizing the move amid the wider U.S.-Canada trade fight. Detroit Travel & Transit: A Delta flight diverted to Detroit after a pilot fell ill, adding another reminder that Metro Detroit can be a key backup hub for travelers. Local Community Stops: Warren police and Fitzgerald Public Schools ran a “Stuff-A-Bus” drive to stock backpacks for students ahead of the school year. Outdoor Safety Watch: Lake Michigan reports included a body recovered near Evanston’s Lee Street Beach, underscoring ongoing water-safety concerns for Great Lakes visitors.

College Town Getaways (Illinois): Fall is prime time for campus-hopping, with a new guide highlighting Illinois spots like Champaign-Urbana (UIUC game-day energy and downtown dining) and Evanston (Northwestern + Lake Michigan views) for weekend trips. Detroit Travel Disruption (Air Travel): A Delta flight from Los Angeles to Boston diverted to Detroit after the captain reported he needed hospitalization, then the flight resumed after a crew change. Great Lakes & Lake Tourism (Renaming Backlash): Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” sparked sharp criticism in Canada and the U.S., with officials framing it as a distraction amid trade tensions. Outdoor Safety (Boating Rules): After a fatal Fox River crash, residents are pushing for new boating rules and speed/horsepower limits around the Chain O’ Lakes area. Michigan Rail & Mobility: Michigan received $145M in federal funding aimed at strengthening passenger rail connections. Local Culture (Live Shows): Detroit Lakes’ Historic Holmes Theatre is gearing up for its 24th season with multiple acts and early ticket sales already moving fast.

EV Charging Expansion: EVgo and Meijer opened a new flagship fast-charging station in Warren, adding 350 kW pull-through access for shoppers and boosting Michigan’s growing EV infrastructure. Great Lakes & Fishing: Great Lakes groups are urging the immediate restart of the Brandon Road Interbasin carp barrier project after juvenile invasive carp were found just 80 miles from Lake Michigan. Upper Peninsula Travel Alert: The Mackinac Bridge will close to vehicle traffic for the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk on Sept. 7, with free, no-registration walking options from both sides. Local Tourism & Events: Up On A Hill music festival returns with three shows at Apple Blossom Resort in New Buffalo (Sept. 2, 16, 30). Resort Access Fight: An Up North “glamping” development near the Boyne River is sparking debate over restricting public access to the river impoundment. Detroit Entertainment: Ed Sheeran plays Ford Field Saturday—doors at 4:30 p.m., with Myles Smith, Lukas Graham and BIIRD opening. Retail for Travelers: Burlington plans to open a new store in Utica, Michigan on Sept. 11 as part of a 20-store September rollout. Road-Trip Costs: AAA says Labor Day travel may bring heavier traffic and higher airfare/hotel prices, plus more enforcement for impaired driving.

Airport Upgrade: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in West Michigan is rolling out a $135M terminal enhancement, including a new self-service checked-bag system that boosts baggage screening capacity to nearly 1,000 bags per hour. Freshwater Watch: Sleepy Hollow State Park’s Lake Ovid beach is closed again due to an algae bloom, with DNR saying treatment steps are being considered. Lake Safety & Travel Impact: A separate report highlights how dangerous conditions and algae can disrupt summer lake plans across the region. Local Education & Growth: Northwood University unveiled plans for a new academic facility next to its N.A.D.A. Hotel and Conference Center, aiming to expand automotive, mobility, and professional education. Outdoor Events: The Michigan Theater and State/MultiPlex are set for the 2026 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour, plus “The Dog Stars” and “It Ends” opening this weekend. Boating Tragedy: A fatal crash in Oxbow Lake, White Lake Township, involved a boat going airborne and sinking; investigators say neither man was wearing a life jacket. School Commute Safety: AAA Michigan urges drivers to slow down in school zones as back-to-school traffic grows more complex with e-bikes and e-scooters.

Upper Peninsula Mining & Tourism: A state panel’s $50M grant for the Copperwood Mine is drawing a fight between boosters and opponents. A survey cited by InvestUP says 71% of voters support the project, but dozens of public comments raised environmental worries near Lake Superior and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Dog-Friendly Stops: National Dog Day 2026 is Aug. 26, with Michigan travelers looking for pup cups and freebies at chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’. Health Alert for Travelers: Cyclospora cases have topped 17,000 nationwide, with Michigan reporting 14,277 total cases as officials track outbreaks. Metro Detroit Home & Garden: Boxwood owners are warned about worsening threats, including the box tree moth, plus blight and common pests. Campground Change: The Coloma/St. Joseph KOA Holiday is being sold, with new owners expected to keep it running as a KOA. Air Travel Disruption: A Delta flight from Los Angeles to Boston diverted to Detroit after the captain became ill midflight. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Alger County hit $3.89 (week ending Aug. 15).