AGP Executive Report

Detroit Film: Detroit-shot horror-comedy Hellmare brings Troma-style gore and laughs to the screen. Made on a $10,000 budget, it follows a Dearborn video-store worker whose horror VHS pulls partygoers into the movie. Michigan Literature: Nobel laureate Anne Carson has Ann Arbor ties: she met visual artist Robert Currie while teaching at the University of Michigan, and the pair have collaborated on works including Nox and Antigonick. Live Music: WMU’s concert bands perform Sunday at Miller Auditorium, including director Scott Boerma’s Australia-inspired “Sails” and Thai composer Viskamol Chaiwanichsiri’s “Khaen.” Museum Arts: The MSU Museum is hosting a major exhibition of Native American porcupine quill box art. Detroit Theatre: Detroit Public Theatre opens its 12th season with Eureka Day. Women’s Hockey: Detroit’s new PWHL team unveiled black jerseys with silver and red accents ahead of its debut season.

Live Music: Michigan State plans to bring concerts back to Spartan Stadium within the next year, including a show for students before a football game—its first major stadium concert since U2 played in 2011. Detroit Theater: Detroit Public Theatre opened its 12th season with Eureka Day, a comedy-drama about a school community divided over vaccines. Music Education: The Detroit Symphony Orchestra launched its Detroit Harmony instrument drive to broaden music education for local youth. Michigan Artists: Greta Van Fleet’s new album is prompting listening parties at local music shops. Film and Art: GRRL Haus Cinema’s short-film program brings representation to the big screen, while ArtPrize awarded its juried grand prize to Indiana artist Robert Horvath.

Detroit Music: Metalcore veterans Walls of Jericho dropped “True Til’ Death,” the third single from their first album in a decade, due Nov. 13. Greta Van Fleet guitarist Jake Kiszka also discussed the band’s latest work and why rock should ruffle feathers. Michigan on Screen: An MSU student earned three chair turns on season 30 of NBC’s The Voice, while GRRL Haus Cinema’s short-film showcase brings more representation to the big screen. Live Arts: Detroit and Chicago performers face off on the dance floor, and Ypsilanti’s Woodbridge Porch Concerts are back for a sixth year. Local Culture: A new book explores Detroit’s punk and new-wave legacy, inspired by the author’s musical ties.

Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Larkin returned to Little Caesars Arena for the first time since requesting a trade, scoring 13 minutes in and helping Detroit beat the Ottawa Senators 5-3 in a night full of boos and cheers. Michigan Politics & Debates: Jocelyn Benson and John James clashed in Michigan’s governor debate over tariffs and federal priorities, with Benson hitting James for not pushing back on Trump-era trade costs. Michigan Sports Betting & Media: The week’s NFL coverage ramps up with Lions vs. Panthers viewing and betting guides, plus more promos tied to postseason baseball. Local Arts & Community: InsideOut Literary Arts highlighted community partners with Radiant Detroit, while a Detroit design push spotlighted the city’s creative momentum. Education Spotlight: A St. Johns PE teacher, Joseph Matulis, earned a Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award for a student-driven outdoor ice rink STEM project. Sports Culture: The Mummp teen club’s Southfield legacy got another reunion, keeping Detroit-area music history alive.

Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren is back in Detroit after signing a five-year, $200 million extension, calling the city “home” and pushing back on exit-rumor narratives. Music (Michigan): Blind Pig Records signed Saginaw-raised blues guitarist Larry McCray, adding another Michigan-rooted act to the label’s roster. Music (Touring): L7 released the finished track “Loma Linda” ahead of its Last Hurrah tour, with a stop in Grand Rapids on Oct. 30. Policy/Environment: Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin won Senate passage for a bill extending the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative with $475 million a year through 2030. Entertainment/Stage: Lionsgate and partners announced Dirty Dancing: The Musical for a Broadway run starting Feb. 12, 2027. Auto/Industry: FANUC will showcase AI-powered robotics for packaging at PACK EXPO International 2026. Local Arts: Studio 23 launched a Discover Art youth education program, expanding hands-on arts learning.

Local Sports Business: Jalen Duren’s Detroit Pistons extension is official: a fully guaranteed five-year, $200M deal through 2030-31, ending the tense restricted-free-agency uncertainty. Pro Basketball on TV: NBA Opening Night 2026 is set for Oct. 20 with Celtics at Pistons (3 p.m. ET) on NBC/Peacock, plus 76ers-Knicks and Thunder-Spurs. Entertainment & Community: Metro Detroit’s Walk for Lupus drew about 200 people to make an invisible disease visible and raise support statewide. Music & Culture: Detroit’s DSO launched a Harmony Instrument Drive to expand music education for local youth. Tech & Parenting: Experts say AI talk needs to start early—before age 8—because kids encounter AI daily and need age-appropriate guidance. Sports Media: A Big Ten TV-deal backlash is growing as fans complain about streaming costs and access. Legal/School Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected an appeal over a Michigan school’s ban on “Let’s Go Brandon” sweatshirts. National Pop Culture: Televangelist Jim Bakker dies at 86.

Detroit Fashion & Lifestyle: Shinola is launching its first-ever automatic Duck watch with a playful Duck-and-Cheerios campaign, leaning into Gen Z “touch grass” energy. LGBTQ+ Arts: PRISM Chorus brings “Winter Wonderland” to Downtown Detroit for two Dec. 11-12 performances, its first full concert in the city core. Community Fundraising: Great Lakes Recovery Centers is hosting an Oct. 10 concert at Strega Nonna in Negaunee featuring Ashlyn Roskowski & The Breakers, with dinner and a silent auction benefiting the Compassionate Care Fund. Local Arts/Media Loss: Kalamazoo radio icon Lori Moore, longtime WKZO host and theater supporter, has died at 67. Sports on TV (Detroit): WWE’s Charlotte Flair brings “Queen City” pride to Panthers-Lions Sunday Night Football, while Lions coverage continues to dominate headlines after a rough defensive showing. Sports Betting Noise: Multiple promo posts push new offers for Lions and Falcons/Saints matchups.

Music & Books: Alice Cooper’s new memoir, Devil on My Shoulder, is reviewed as a familiar, thinly stretched “evilution,” while The Shadows: The Definitive Story is praised as the definitive, masterful account of the hitmaking band. Detroit Lions Lifestyle: Jared Goff’s wife Christen Harper shares a Michigan farm-and-fall look at their family life beyond the NFL spotlight. NBA Injury Update (Michigan tie-in): Tobias Harris’ calf strain leaves the Spurs uncertain for their opener, a notable ripple for Detroit fans watching his post-Pistons chapter. College Sports (Michigan): No. 2 Michigan State women’s soccer grinds past Illinois 1-0 with a late Najera strike. Detroit Sports Talk: Todd McLellan fires up the Red Wings message after a Jets loss, praising grit even in defeat. Local Arts Spotlight: Sutton Foster brings her musical-theater roots to Michigan at the Wharton Center, sharing stories and featuring Michigan student performers. Community & Fall Fun: Franklin’s 43rd annual Applefest packs parks with vendors, music, and classic cars. Sports Betting Noise (Lions-Panthers): Multiple promo-code pushes flood the market for Sunday Night Football, with Lions-Panthers odds and prop chatter driving clicks.

Detroit Sports & Entertainment: The Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren is reportedly set to earn about $40.16M in 2026-27 before a dip later in his five-year, $200M extension, a contract structure that could give Detroit some financial flexibility. College Sports: No. 8 Michigan State men’s soccer dropped its first conference match, losing 3-0 to UCLA after three second-half Bruin goals. Michigan Football Buzz: Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham era is under fresh heat after a 20-14 loss to Minnesota, with fans and coverage pointing to offensive struggles and turnovers. NFL (Michigan angle): Sunday Night Football has the Detroit Lions hosting the Carolina Panthers, with Lions vs. Panthers prop talk and betting previews dominating the day’s sports coverage. Arts & Culture: A Michigan collector bought a small seashell painting for $30 at an estate sale; it was later identified as a rare Gertrude Abercrombie work and sold at auction for $1.35M.

Detroit Sports Buzz: The Red Wings’ Simon Edvinsson contract standoff escalated again, with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting the unsigned defenseman now “prefers” a trade. Michigan Football Fallout: Michigan’s Bryce Underwood struggled in a 20-14 loss to Minnesota, and the defeat has fans calling for coach Kyle Whittingham to change course. NHL Night in Buffalo: Jiri Kulich scored late and the Sabres rallied to beat the Blackhawks 4-3 in their home opener. Pro Hockey Update (Michigan-linked): Tarik Skubal dominated as the Dodgers opened the NLDS with a 5-3 win over the Braves, after arriving from the Detroit Tigers. Local Entertainment/TV: Elizabeth Berkley paid tribute to her Saved by the Bell principal Dennis Haskins, who died at 75. Sports Market Watch: Sydney Sweeney’s Novig ad helped drive a surge in users and trading—while also sparking backlash from some athletes.

Detroit Red Wings: Fans boo Dylan Larkin and chant “sell the team” during Friday’s home opener after photos and signs tied to his trade request and captaincy strip fueled a hostile atmosphere in a 2-0 loss to the Rangers. Michigan Sports Betting & College Football: Week 5 is packed with Michigan-related viewing and betting guides, including how to watch Michigan vs. Minnesota (FOX/Big Noon Kickoff) and Ohio State vs. Iowa (CBS), plus a flood of sportsbook promos like DraftKings $150 bonus bets and BetMGM offers. Michigan vs. Minnesota: The Wolverines are listed as 6.5-point favorites with a 43.5 total as the teams meet for the Little Brown Jug. Michigan State & Wisconsin: MSU heads to Camp Randall as a 10-point underdog in a matchup previewed around turnovers and takeaways. Music: Kid Rock and Eminem reunite on “7 Sins,” with Kid Rock framing the collaboration as proof friendship can survive political differences. Public Safety/Justice: Michigan state police say Larry Nassar was never on the sex offender registry, pointing to a court ruling and his out-of-state federal prison status.

Michigan Arts & Culture: “The Notebook” is back on Broadway in Detroit’s Fisher Theatre through Oct. 7, bringing Nicholas Sparks’ romance to life with Ingrid Michaelson’s Grammy-nominated score and a refreshed cast. Public Art & Community: The Office of Arts & Culture announced the 2026 Public Art Bootcamp cohort, a new in-person training track for artists moving from gallery work into public art. Music & Tech: A Detroit-focused “On Hand” episode digs into how techno grew from the city’s earlier sounds, asking what Detroit musicians were listening to before the genre took off. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: MSU ended its 30-year “Michigan State Madness” tradition after the NCAA approved a third exhibition game, debuting the Izzone Campout alongside an 89-59 win over Incarnate Word. Local Sports Spotlight: Dylan Larkin sits out the Red Wings’ opener vs. the Rangers with an upper-body injury as fans booed him after a trade request. Health & Awareness: Michigan held its first PFAS Awareness Week (Sept. 21-25) with statewide tours, panels, and webinars drawing nearly 1,000 participants.

Detroit Sports & Entertainment: The Detroit Red Wings open their season with a Rangers matchup, with Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat in the spotlight as New York navigates injuries and a tough early schedule. NBA Business: Jalen Duren reportedly agreed to a five-year, $200 million contract extension with the Pistons, ending months of uncertainty right before a midnight deadline. College Football (Michigan): Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug, with FOX carrying the noon kickoff and Michigan favored to keep the trophy after a bounce-back week. Music & Culture: Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life” 50th anniversary tour lands in Detroit at the Fox Theatre, with tickets still available. Michigan Arts/Media: MSU journalism’s Neal Shine Ethics Lecture featured Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Jamila Robinson on how food shapes culture, media, and art. Tech & Storytelling: Bungie co-founder Jason Jones and Destiny 2 narrative director Margaret Stohl launched Stone Kite, a transmedia world-building studio debuting with a free online comic series. PWHL Growth: The PWHL adds conferences and expands its playoff format, with CBC/Radio-Canada rolling out a bigger broadcast schedule.

NBA Contract News: All-NBA center Jalen Duren has ended his Detroit Pistons standoff, agreeing to a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed deal—after skipping media day and sitting out early camp while negotiations dragged on. Legal & Public Safety: Michigan’s Supreme Court fallout continues as Larry Nassar is removed from the state sex offender registry after a ruling that retroactive registration changes can’t be applied to crimes committed before the law’s threshold. Arts & Culture: Marquette-based artist Sammie Jane Hardewig’s solo show “Protruding Pigments” is set to open Oct. 5 at the UCM Gallery of Art and Design, turning reclaimed house paint into 3D forms. Music & Health: Lionel Richie is pausing touring while recovering from a heart procedure, adding to broader concerns about aging music legends’ health and stamina. Entertainment & Sports Media: Conan O’Brien weighs in on late-night TV’s decline, comparing the shift to Detroit’s own evolution. Arts & Justice: A Michigan Court of Appeals decision conditionally reverses an LGBTQ+ sting conviction, sending the case back for an entrapment hearing.

Michigan Supreme Court Update: Larry Nassar is among more than 20,000 convicted sex offenders removed from the Michigan Sex Offender Registry after a ruling that blocks retroactive SORA extensions. Music & Pop Culture: Kid Rock launches a Christian-era single, “James 1:17 (Jesus is King),” ahead of a new album. Detroit Fundraiser: New Day Foundation’s Celebrity Lip Sync Battle returns Oct. 15 with Darren McCarty, Tati Amare, DJ Bushman and the Ladies of Mojo in the Morning. Streaming & TV: HBO/HBO Max debuts “War,” a divorce drama starring Dominic West and Sienna Miller, with a University of Michigan law grad character. Local Arts & Community: Detroit’s Riverwalk gets fresh public input, and a new community art exhibit spotlights local creators. Sports Spotlight: Carly Rae Jepsen announces a 26-city North American “Day and Night” tour. College Sports: U-M pauses a controversial freshman grade-covering plan after backlash.

Detroit Riverfront: Residents got a first look at the $2.2 billion Detroit Riverwalk transformation at a community input meeting, with big ideas flying—more dining, a movie theater, a ferris wheel, and expanded skating—while GM and project partners stressed community voice. Michigan Science & Health: MSU researchers won an NIH grant to study virus membrane fusion, aiming for longer-lasting vaccine approaches for flu and HIV. Michigan Arts & Culture: Grand Rapids’ Frederik Meijer Gardens kicks off “Mums at Meijer Gardens” Oct. 1–31, highlighting Michigan’s largest chrysanthemum display plus fall programming. Music Scene: Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo returns for its fifth year, spotlighting 40+ regional acts across multiple venues. College Sports (MSU): MSU basketball is shifting preseason traditions—replacing “Michigan State Madness” with an Oct. 10 autograph session—while the Spartans also landed four-star center Jaydn Jenkins for the 2027 class. Community Giving: Cleary University partnered with Michigan Blood Collection for a research-focused blood drive supporting studies in cancer and brain diseases.