AGP Executive Report

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.

Sports & Entertainment Calendar: The NHL season is back, and goalie mask designs are getting creative—think city nods and pop-culture tributes—while Michigan fans also get a big college football moment Saturday as Michigan heads to Minnesota for the Little Brown Jug. Local Arts & Culture: Detroit poet-musician Carolyn Striho brings “A Detroit Poetry Music Night” to Aretha’s Jazz Café on Oct. 8, pairing local writers and performers for a music-and-poems lineup. Music Spotlight: Grammy winner LATROIT (Detroit) drops “Finally,” featuring jazz legend Ron Carter, blending house and live bass for a crossover single. Business/Industry with Michigan Ties: U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Works in Ecorse is rolling out a $28.3M fiber-optic laser welder upgrade to boost advanced steel production. Community & Safety: Grosse Pointe Park is handing out free smoke alarms and gun locks, part of a broader push for home safety. Tech & Gaming Compliance: Shufti launches geolocation compliance for regulated iGaming, including Michigan-style ongoing location checks.

Detroit Skate Culture: Tony Hawk left an autographed skateboard near M-39, sparking a quick scavenger-hunt among Metro Detroit skaters—Hawk’s Detroit ties include support for the It Takes a Village Skatepark. Detroit Sports Law: Athletics’ Zack Gelof sued the Tigers, Ilitch Holdings and the stadium authority after his July 9 knee collision with an exposed Comerica Park fence, alleging dangerous, inadequately protected metal. U-M Grading Shakeup: The University of Michigan paused a planned pass/no-credit grading pilot after backlash, with leaders citing concerns about student impact and reputation. PWHL Detroit Coaching Boost: PWHL Detroit added former Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard and Hall of Famer Danielle Goyette to its coaching staff. Local Governance & Schools: Detroit voters head to the polls for key Detroit School Board seats, while Detroit Lakes rescinded its rainbow sticker ban amid an ACLU-backed lawsuit. NHL Update: Isaac Howard made Edmonton’s opening-night roster after a strong AHL season.

Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren’s contract standoff is still the headline as the team holds media day without him, insisting he’ll be on the roster either via a long-term deal or a one-year qualifying offer. Michigan Politics: Leaders are urging voters to reject Proposal 1, warning a constitutional convention would be costly and disruptive. Music & Culture: Koe Wetzel’s stripped-down “When I’m Gone” performance is going viral, and A Perfect Circle has dropped new music plus 2027 tour dates that include Detroit. Local Arts & Events: WE Fest revealed more of its 2027 lineup, and Detroit’s PWHL home opener is set for Dec. 12 at Little Caesars Arena. Community & Faith: The Archdiocese of Detroit announced four men ordained as permanent deacons on Oct. 3. Business/Entertainment: Bealls is opening in Charlotte, and a new CCS degree push targets creative careers with programs launching in fall 2027.

Detroit Pistons Contract Drama: Jalen Duren is still not on Detroit’s training camp roster as the Pistons and the All-Star center remain stuck in a contract standoff, with Trajan Langdon saying Duren has until Thursday to decide on a qualifying offer. Detroit Tigers x Florida Poly: The Tigers are partnering with Florida Polytechnic University to embed a data science professor with the team’s Performance Science group, aiming to improve player health and injury-risk prediction. NFL Lions Spotlight: Jahmyr Gibbs powered Detroit past the Jets 31-24 with three touchdowns, while the Lions leaned on big-play offense and a defense that limited key receivers. NBA Media Day Buzz: Nikola Jokic shut down extension rumors, saying he’ll sign “next year,” while Jalen Duren’s no-show kept Detroit’s offseason storyline front and center. Arts & Culture (Michigan): Cinema Society TC launched in Traverse City with curated screenings and discussions, and Gallery 104 opened its Women of Abstraction show in La Grange. Sports Betting Caution: A local report flags the risks of pervasive sports betting as Michigan fans chase every game.

PWHL Detroit: The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced its 2026-27 opener for the first weekend of December, with PWHL Detroit’s home opener set for Dec. 12 at Little Caesars Arena (vs. the New York Sirens), plus a double-header with the Red Wings later that night. Local Sports Media: CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada is returning this fall—this time featuring eight prime-time PWHL games on Saturdays, starting Dec. 5. Detroit Basketball: ESPN reports Pistons All-Star center Jalen Duren will skip Detroit media day amid a contract standoff, declining a five-year $200M fully guaranteed offer while weighing a one-year $9.6M qualifying offer. Detroit Running: Free Press Marathon organizers unveiled the Motor City Half, a new 13.1-mile race running April 25, 2027, starting/ending at Chandler Park Field House. Michigan Arts & Culture: Michigan native Madonna opened the 2026 MTV VMAs and won seven awards, including artist of the year. Community Spotlight: Portage’s Muffler Man marked 20 years in business, celebrating two decades of local auto repair. Women’s Sports: Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve earned WNBA Coach of the Year for a record fifth time. MSU Athletics: Michigan State volleyball beat No. 14 Penn State 3-1 for its first Top-15 win in three years.

Detroit Lions: Jahmyr Gibbs powered Detroit past the New York Jets 31-24 with three TDs and a late defensive stop, keeping the Lions rolling. Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren’s contract standoff is expected to keep him away from media day, with negotiations still stuck over terms including weight language. MLB Detroit: Eduardo Valencia delivered a walk-off homer as the Tigers topped the Pirates 4-3, adding another highlight to a memorable stretch. Michigan Arts & Culture: The Toronto Biennial of Art opens with a Detroit-curated, Great Lakes–linked theme on rupture, bringing more than 30 artists and new commissions into the spotlight. Northern Michigan Community Calendar: Ludington and nearby towns are packed with family-friendly events, live music, and craft nights through the weekend. Sports Beyond Detroit: Nebraska’s win over Michigan State gets a full breakdown, while Lake City’s Jeff Snover earns a spot on Team USA for wheelchair curling. Local Governance: Legislators advance bipartisan dam safety rules aimed at preventing future failures.

Detroit Sports: Justin Verlander’s final regular-season start ended with a Detroit Tigers win, as Eduardo Valencia hit a walk-off two-run homer to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3; Detroit looks to sweep Sunday. College Football (Michigan): Iowa handed Michigan a 20-19 last-play loss in Ann Arbor, turning “luck” into a lesson with penalties and a late drive that ended in a touchdown with two seconds left. NFL (Michigan): The Jets visit the Lions Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, with Detroit trying to bounce back after a tough Week 2 and New York aiming to prove the overtime loss was a blip. Local News: Police report three dead and one injured after a shooting in Detroit near Eaton Avenue and Prest Street. Motorsports/Local Culture: The rebranded Macomb St. Clair Mega Cruise drew more than 25,000 attendees, bringing classic cars and community energy to Gratiot Avenue. Sports Betting Buzz: Multiple promos and streaming guides are circulating for Week 3 NFL games, including Lions-Jets viewing options and bonus-bet offers.

Big Ten Shockwave (Michigan): Iowa stunned No. 18 Michigan 20-19 in Ann Arbor on Hank Brown’s last-play 16-yard TD to Reece Vander Zee, capping a 91-yard final drive and leaving Wolverines fans replaying the ending. Local College Football (Michigan State): Nebraska opened Big Ten play with a 31-13 win over Michigan State, fueled by Anthony Colandrea’s two first-half TD passes and a defense that racked up sacks and turnovers. NFL Betting Buzz (Detroit area): Week 3 headlines include Lions-related coverage and injury/availability watch items as teams head into Sunday matchups. Detroit Sports Spotlight (MLB): Justin Verlander’s final start in Detroit ended with an emotional, family-filled farewell as his daughter surprised him on the mound. Northern Michigan Arts & Books: Grayling author Jim Crandall, 83, released his supernatural thriller “Opal Eye” and is set for a free reading and signing at Hidden Nook Booksellers.

Trade & Retail Impact: A new Trump order banning a range of Canadian imports—including whiskey and other goods—kicks off Sept. 29, with experts warning Michigan shoppers could feel it through higher prices and fewer familiar brands. Local Sports Spotlight: Justin Verlander makes his final MLB start for the Detroit Tigers on Saturday vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates at Comerica Park, capping a Hall of Fame career. Big Ten Football Buzz: MSU hosts Nebraska on Saturday with a tailgating forecast in the 60s, while Michigan’s Week 4 home clash vs. Iowa is framed as a key ranked matchup. Arts & Community: ArtPrize 2026 opens in Grand Rapids with standout works like a 21-foot driftwood dragon and an opal butterfly, running through Oct. 3. Detroit Culture: The Detroit Black Film Festival returns this weekend with 89 films from around the world. Sports History, Iron Range Style: A look at how early movie houses and sports shaped life across Minnesota’s Iron Range.