AGP Executive Report

Arts Leadership: Chandler Center for the Arts in Chandler, Arizona is shutting down for four months for major renovations while longtime GM Michelle Mac Lennan retires Sept. 4, with no replacement named yet. Local Arts & Culture (West Michigan): Kent County residents can help shape Greater Grand Rapids arts coverage via the Focus West Michigan GGR Arts & Culture Community Survey. Music & Touring: Mountain Grass Unit is gearing up for its Appalachian Smoke debut album (Aug. 28) with a coast-to-coast run and major stops including the Grand Ole Opry. Hockey (PWHL): PWHL Las Vegas has named Kim Weiss as head coach for its inaugural season. Sports (Detroit): The Detroit Tigers open a 3-game series at the Houston Astros, with pitching matchups and betting angles driving the preview. Community Pride: Dearborn Heights police say they stopped a “teen takeover” at the Spirit Festival after teens caused chaos near Greenland Plaza. Media: WXYZ won four Emmys, including Breaking News and Special Event Coverage. Pop Culture: Yungblud marks the end of his North American tour with an emotional message to fans. Food & Drink: Cold Truth brings creamy vegan soft serve to Ann Arbor.

Health Policy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA challenges, and now requires providers to give parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine statewide. Sports & Community: GhostLight Theatre in Benton Harbor is staging Next to Normal through June 28, with post-show talks and local mental-health resources via Corewell Health. Local Music: The Negaunee City Band keeps its free Wednesday summer concerts rolling with a varied program at the Outdoor Performing Arts Center. Tech/Policy Watch: A proposed NOAA budget cut could slash Great Lakes research tied to weather, water quality, and harmful algal bloom monitoring. Athletics Spotlight: Nikki Hiltz, an Aptos native, won the women’s 800 at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix in a photo finish. Pro Sports (Detroit): The Tigers’ weekend series vs. the Guardians was postponed by rain, with a makeup set for Sept. 4. Hockey (Michigan ties): PWHL Draft coverage highlights Detroit’s expansion momentum, including new coaching and player moves.

Sports & Detroit Pro Baseball: The Tigers’ weekend finale vs. the Guardians was postponed by rain, with the teams now set for a split doubleheader Sept. 4 at Cleveland. MLB Updates: Cleveland also placed Jose Ramirez on the 10-day IL with a left hamate fracture, a blow to the AL Central race. Local Sports Spotlight: PWHL Detroit added Brighton native Shiann Darkangelo on a two-year deal, the first signing of phase 4 for the expansion team. World Cup (Michigan ties): Michigan State and UT researchers spent years testing World Cup turf to keep play consistent across climates, from training sites to stadiums. Community Running: WeRun313’s new book, “We Run 313: The Pulse of Detroit’s Run Club,” spotlights how the city’s fastest-growing running community built connection through miles. Food & Dining: Medusa, a Sicilian spot in Midtown Detroit, is drawing attention for its sfincione—part street-food comfort, part Detroit-style nod. Health Policy: Michigan health officials ended Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements, requiring vaccine sites to use the MCIR opt-out form instead.

Sports & Community Pride: Michiana PrideFest marked its 5th year in Niles with a sports-themed setup at Tyler’s Sports Complex, featuring softball games plus live entertainment and local vendors. Detroit Public Safety: A Detroit police commissioner is suing the DPD, unions, and officers, alleging a “campaign of defamation and harassment” after complaints were dismissed. Pro Sports (Michigan ties): The Tigers and Guardians meet in a key Sunday series opener, with Cleveland aiming for a sweep; Detroit’s Jack Flaherty is on the IL while Tarik Skubal returns from elbow surgery. College Athletics: MSU athletic director J Batt is reportedly a Kentucky finalist, with contract buyout details shaping the timing. Health Policy: Michigan DHHS is ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements and requiring providers to use the MCIR opt-out form statewide. NBA Culture: The Knicks’ long-awaited championship run continues to dominate headlines, with Jalen Brunson named Finals MVP. NASCAR (regional): Pocono’s Great American Getaway 400 is set for Sunday, with Denny Hamlin starting on the pole.

Vaccine Consent Fight: Michigan health officials are ending the state’s Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after advocacy and FOIA pressure, and now require providers to hand parents the official MCIR opt-out form before any vaccine statewide. High School Prom Story: Clintondale students got a community-backed prom after a gun threat forced the original event to be canceled, with the Anton Art Center hosting a new “Grad Bash/Prom 2026” night. Local Sports Spotlight: Orchard Lake St. Mary’s rallied from a four-run deficit to beat Kenowa Hills 6-4 and win the MHSAA Division 2 baseball title. Women’s Sports Moment: Walled Lake Northern’s Shaela Byrnes launched the winning home run as the program claimed its first MHSAA team state title, edging Grand Haven 2-1. Pro Hockey in Michigan: PWHL Detroit added Olympian Molly Engstrom to its coaching staff as an assistant. Detroit Baseball Update: Tarik Skubal returns to the Tigers’ rotation as Detroit hosts Cleveland in a key series.

Detroit Youth Programs: Mayor Mary Sheffield kicked off “Occupy the Summer” at the Adams Butzel Complex, pairing music, face painting, and bike giveaways with extended recreation-center hours to help curb youth disruption across the city. Lake St. Clair Boating Culture: Jobbie Nooner returns June 26 (and Sept. 2 for “Two”) after federal warnings last year about Canadian boaters needing to report arrivals to U.S. authorities. High School Prom, Security Response: Clintondale High students got a rescheduled prom after an earlier June 2 cancellation tied to an OK2Say tip about a possible firearm. Patriotism & Small Business: Metro Detroit flag shops are seeing a demand spike ahead of the U.S. 250th anniversary, with commemorative designs and “250” emblems flying off shelves. Sports (Local): Tanner Bibee struck out eight as the Guardians beat the Tigers 3-2, while Detroit’s Jack Flaherty left early with left-leg discomfort. Arts & Community Events: Alpena’s Art in the Loft is hosting “A Night in Poland!” with a multi-course meal and live music at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary building.

Health Policy: Michigan DHHS is ending its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after it couldn’t document federal approval, and now requires vaccine sites statewide to provide parents the MCIR opt-out form before shots. Music & Pop Culture: Country star Zach Bryan is packing Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium, bringing “With Heaven on Tour” energy to the UK after a record-setting Michigan Stadium run last September. Food & Community: Rock N’ Roll Sushi is opening its first Michigan location in Taylor (June 22), with a halal-friendly menu and a no-alcohol policy. Sports (Motorsports): Denny Hamlin heads to Pocono’s “Tricky Triangle” on a hot streak after wins at Nashville and Michigan, with the points race tightening as the Cup Series shifts north. Baseball (Youth/Legacy): Stillman College coach Rashad Webster will lead a team at the 2026 Negro League Prep Classic at Hamtramck Stadium on Juneteenth. Detroit Arts/Institutions: MOCAD’s co-directors discuss what a museum owes a changing city, as the local conversation around culture and community keeps evolving.

Public Safety & Nonprofits: Crime Stoppers of Michigan is facing a major funding crunch. FOX 2 reports the tipline nonprofit must raise about $250,000 by July 1 or it will cut roughly 90% of services, leaving only the anonymous 1-800-SPEAK-UP line. Health Policy: Michigan DHHS is discontinuing its Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements after documentation questions and advocacy/FOIA pressure; vaccination sites must instead provide the MCIR opt-out form before shots. Corrections Watch: Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility is under renewed scrutiny after the third inmate death in under a month, prompting lawmakers and advocates to call for action. Music & Touring: The Strokes pushed their album “Reality Awaits” from June 26 to July 24 and announced a major NYC return show for Oct. 2. Local Arts & Community: Flag Day ceremonies are set across Escanaba and Gladstone, with Scouts helping prep cemeteries and retire unserviceable flags. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers crushed the Twins 11-0, powering a series win with six homers and a big June surge. Cross-Border Infrastructure: The Gordie Howe International Bridge opening was delayed again over “outstanding issues,” affecting a planned ribbon cutting.

Vaccine Policy Shift: Michigan health officials are ending Michigan-specific Vaccine Information Statements tied to the MCIR system, after admitting they couldn’t document federal approval for the long-used forms; parents will instead get the official MCIR opt-out form at every vaccination site statewide. Local Entertainment & Film: Paramount is selling U.S. movie theaters to Kinepolis in a $30 million deal, a sign of how fast Michigan’s cinema landscape is changing. Music Spotlight: Israeli-born jazz keyboardist Sasi Shalom releases the new album Nedyaj, continuing his TV/film scoring streak alongside his own jazz work. TV & Comedy: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune returns as a 10-episode summer event on Disney+/Hulu and ABC, with a star-studded lineup. Sports (Detroit): The Tigers thumped the Twins 11-0, while Tarik Skubal is set to return Saturday after elbow surgery. Community Storytelling: Detroit’s “The Stories of Us” project launches public “Talking Drums” installations to capture local voices ahead of America’s 250th.

Federal Charges in Michigan: The DOJ unsealed indictments charging eight pro-Palestinian protesters tied to the University of Michigan with alleged threats, intimidation, vandalism, and witness-tampering aimed at UM leaders, law enforcement, and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Arts & Music (UP): Bay College announced its 2026 Strings on the Bay chamber series, with Emily Olson stepping in as music director, plus Bay’s free Lunchtime Live! patio concerts returning this summer. Live Entertainment (UP): Tribute artist Anthony Shore brings Sinatra & Elvis to The Braumart in Iron Mountain, and Bret Michaels will play two Island Resort & Casino dates. Local Arts (Northeast MI): Alpena County’s George N. Fletcher Public Library won a Michigan Arts and Culture Council grant for new chairs and a portable stage. Community & Culture (SW MI): Three Oaks’ Flag Day parade gets a documentary spotlight, with “Flag Day” screening at the Vickers Theatre. Sports (Detroit): Byron Buxton’s three-run homer helped the Twins beat the Tigers 6-4, tying the series 1-1.

PWHL Detroit Buzz: Five-time Olympian Hilary Knight is headed to PWHL expansion Detroit in a sign-and-trade from Las Vegas, with the deal tied to the league’s June 16 trade-freeze lift and the Detroit draft at the Fox Theatre. Higher-Ed Tension: Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging eight pro-Palestinian activists with a criminal intimidation campaign targeting University of Michigan officials, with allegations also involving vandalism tied to Michigan businesses and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. Travel + Campus Culture: Hilton launched “Undergraduate by Hilton,” a new college-town hotel brand aiming to open 400–500 properties starting in 2027, built for game weekends, tours, alumni trips, and conferences. Music + Local Events: Northern Michigan University’s Reynolds Recital Hall will host free Summer Concerts at Reynolds in July and August, featuring faculty and community performers. Screening Night in Detroit: Cary Elwes will bring “The Princess Bride” to Detroit’s Fisher Theatre on Aug. 29 for a screening plus conversation. Sports Watch: The Stanley Cup Final heads into Game 5 with Vegas and Carolina tied 2-2, after a series packed with big momentum swings.

PWHL Detroit: GM Manon Rheaume stayed diplomatic on a reported Hilary Knight trade, saying Knight is under contract elsewhere while Detroit’s expansion group met media ahead of the league’s next steps. Detroit Tigers: Dillon Dingler went off again, homering twice as Detroit beat Minnesota 10-4, and the Tigers host the Twins again Wednesday at 6:40 p.m. NASCAR Michigan: Christopher Bell is cleared to race at Pocono after a fractured left wrist from a violent Michigan crash; the wreck also involved Chase Elliott, who took ownership of the incident. Arts & Community: Grand Rapids’ Kent District Library sold out its “On the Same Page” event with Kristin Hannah and Megan Chance at Van Andel Arena. Tech/Industry: Formlabs unveiled the Fuse X1, a large-format SLS system priced from $84,999 and shipping in Q4 2026. Local Sports: Mendon softball is headed back to Michigan State for the Division 4 Final Four after a quarterfinal win. Historic/Local Flavor: Bridgefest adds classic cars and motorcycles, plus pickleball and more family events in Hancock.

PWHL Detroit: Team USA captain Hilary Knight is reportedly headed to Detroit via a sign-and-trade with Las Vegas, a major splash for the league’s new Hockeytown franchise. PGA Tour in Detroit: The Rocket Classic is set to be the eighth and final edition in 2026 (July 30–Aug. 2 at Detroit Golf Club), after Rocket declined its 2027 option—meaning the city’s long-running PGA stop is ending. Hockey Prospect Watch: A Denver goalie prospect, Johnny Hicks (5-foot-10, 165), is drawing NHL buzz after a championship run, with an Oilers development camp invite. Local Sports Buzz: The Pistons’ draft chatter is heating up, with CBS Sports mock-draft speculation pointing to a shooting-first fit at No. 21. Weather & Safety: Two tornadoes touched down in Michigan Tuesday, and Metro Detroit is also dealing with heat advisory conditions and storm risk. Film & Detroit Horror: Naomi Ackie is in final talks for They Follow, the sequel to It Follows, set a decade later in the Detroit area. Community Events: Independence Day fireworks in Grand Rapids will launch from the Fulton Street Bridge this year due to park restoration work.

PWHL Detroit: Jesse Compher’s sister signs a three-year deal with the expansion team, adding another high-end U.S. talent to the roster as Detroit continues building for its inaugural season. NHL Prospects: Michigan-linked junior hockey news keeps coming—Soo Greyhounds add American-born skaters, including a Detroit Honeybaked product, while OHL moves highlight how local pipelines feed the next wave. Music Spotlight: Osees surprise-release the five-track album “OFF COURSE,” leaning into long jam energy and live-to-tape vibes. Local Arts & Community: Michigan’s “I voted” sticker contest advances with a Gladstone artist in the general Michiganders category, keeping the state’s nonpartisan art tradition in the spotlight. Everyday Life (Michigan): New unemployment insurance rules arrive in July, including a higher weekly work-search requirement and more options for appeals and repayment waivers. Sports (Detroit area): The Tigers’ momentum and MLB schedule chatter continue as Detroit’s season storylines heat up.

Sports Charity: The Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Celebrity Invitational in Rochester Hills is back, bringing celebrities and athletes together to raise millions for pediatric care through Corewell Health and Children’s Miracle Network—nearly $8 million total since it launched six years ago. Detroit Hockey: Hilary Knight is headed to PWHL expansion Detroit in a sign-and-trade from Las Vegas, with the deal tied to the league’s June 16 trade-freeze lift. NHL Coaching Buzz: Mike Babcock is reportedly in the mix for the Edmonton Oilers’ vacancy, with the team checking with the NHLPA amid past allegations. Local Sports Media: Drew Campanelli, Tim Hardaway Sr. and Lindsey Hunter are launching Legacy Sports Network in Detroit, aiming to spotlight athlete-led sports and entertainment content. Film/TV (Detroit): AMC’s The Vampire Lestat episode 1 (“Detroit”) lands with major reveals, including a shocking return tied to Lestat’s lowest point. Community Faith Event: Detroit’s Rising from the Ashes Revival is set for July 22 at Huntington Place, featuring speakers, music, and a citywide Eucharistic procession. Road Trip Fun: Torch Lake Whitefish Fest returns June 13-14 in Alden with handmade vendors, food, and family activities.

NASCAR Spotlight: Denny Hamlin keeps rolling after winning the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan, his second straight Cup victory and a career-best margin, now second in points and hinting his retirement timeline could be “end of next year.” Baseball Buzz (West Michigan): Tarik Skubal drew a sold-out crowd for his rehab start with the Whitecaps, firing five shutout innings and 6 strikeouts in an 8-0 win. Detroit Tigers Momentum: Kevin McGonigle’s two-out walk-off single lifted Detroit past the Mariners 5-4, ending a tough stretch and giving the clubhouse a jolt as they chase the playoff picture. Local Arts & Community: University Prep fifth graders published “Detroit Navigator,” a kid-made guide to the city’s food, fun, and favorites—free in print and online. Summer Fun (UP): Camp of Champs returns to Kingsford with hoops sessions for grades 3-8 and 9-12, plus attitude awards and camp T-shirts.