AGP Executive Report

Las Vegas Entertainment: Oprah Winfrey’s immersive “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA” is headed to the Sphere in 2027, with artist presales starting Sept. 22 and tickets also available via verified resale sites. Music & Health: Lionel Richie is pausing touring after an atrial fibrillation heart procedure, with his rep saying he’s doing well but needs time off before returning to the stage. Local Arts & Education: Academies of Math and Science (AMS) is expanding in Nevada with two new tuition-free K–8 charter schools in North Las Vegas, adding about 1,300 student seats for Fall 2027. Comedy & Legal/Health: Carrot Top’s attorneys say he attempted suicide days after a sexual misconduct accusation filing, and he remains under close medical care in the Las Vegas area. Sports Betting & Ethics: A report claims DraftKings used AI to target customers most likely to lose, reigniting debate over responsible gambling. Community & Culture: Nevada’s Visitor Authority highlights local artists on display, spotlighting homegrown talent.

Sports & Entertainment in Nevada: The Las Vegas Raiders are riding momentum after a 26-14 Week 2 upset over the Chargers, with coach Klint Kubiak calling the 2-0 start a confidence builder as the team turns the page toward a tough Saints matchup. Local Arts & Nightlife: Strip performers and hospitality workers say the tourism slowdown is hitting hard—canceled shows, restaurant closures, and fewer international visitors—despite official figures suggesting otherwise. Big-Time Events: The Biletnikoff Foundation’s 26th annual Big Charity Crab Fest is moving to Allegiant Stadium on Oct. 16, benefiting Tracey’s Place of Hope and the foundation’s anti–domestic violence and trafficking work. Media & Film Industry: Paramount’s settlement with 12 states (including Nevada) clears a major hurdle for the $81B Warner Bros. Discovery buyout, with commitments tied to domestic movie production and worker protections. Community Spotlight: CSN students are again raising concerns about U.S. Customs and Border Protection showing up at a career fair, saying voices are being dismissed despite prior discussions.

Las Vegas Music & Nightlife: Marc Anthony adds 10 more dates to his Fontainebleau Las Vegas “VEGAS…MY WAY!” residency, with new shows in February and November 2026. Big Concert News: Metallica’s M72 World Tour returns in 2027 with 12 North American stadium stops after its Sphere run, with presales starting Sept. 21 and general tickets Sept. 25. Local Arts: CSN Fine Arts Gallery in North Las Vegas hosts Amanda Langer: “Material Mutualism,” opening Oct. 9 and running through Nov. 19 (free events). Northern Nevada Art: Western Nevada College presents “Layers of Re-iteration: The Long Conversation,” a tribute to Reno artists Galen Brown and Jim McCormick, Sept. 24–Dec. 16. Entertainment Spotlight: Carrot Top is reported awake and breathing after an alleged suicide attempt, with his Las Vegas shows canceled while he receives close medical care. Sports Culture: Le Sserafim made history at the iHeartRadio Music Festival as the first K-pop girl group to perform there.

Las Vegas Entertainment: Lisa Vanderpump’s new Vanderpump Hotel opened on the Strip, turning her signature glamour into a full guest experience with photos and design details throughout. Music & Pop Culture: BTS returned to the iHeartRadio Music Festival stage in Las Vegas for a four-song set, marking their first appearance in six years. Sports (WNBA): The Las Vegas Aces kept rolling, beating the Storm 98-77 for their fifth straight win, while A’ja Wilson powered the night with 30 points. Sports (NFL): The Raiders improved to 2-0 with a 26-14 win over the Chargers in a matchup that’s already fueling plenty of local talk. Combat Sports: UFC 331’s spotlight hit Las Vegas ties again as Paulo Costa publicly laid out contract options for his next fight. Nevada Business/Policy: Nevada is among states in a widening fight over a Paramount-Warner Bros. antitrust settlement, with talks still unresolved.

UFC 331 buzz: Joshua Van defended his flyweight title in a main-card night packed with shocks, including Sean Sharaf’s rapid upset and Arman Tsarukyan’s return, keeping the spotlight on Nevada’s combat-sports scene. Las Vegas sports entertainment: The Raiders host the Chargers in an AFC West Week 2 showdown at SoFi Sunday (CBS), with Ladd McConkey pushing to play despite a rib injury. WNBA in the spotlight: The Las Vegas Aces chase a fifth straight win at home against the Seattle Storm, powered by A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young’s record-setting form. Music + Vegas culture: iHeartRadio Music Festival Day 2 wrapped at T-Mobile Arena with sets from Muse, LE SSERAFIM, The Smashing Pumpkins, Ciara, Snoop Dogg and Major Lazer, plus surprise guest moments. Carson City arts: Leon Patillo, a former Santana member, performs a free concert Sept. 27 at First Christian Church. Local arts calendar: MacRostie Art Center’s Fall Studio Tour runs Oct. 3–4, with a self-guided look inside working studios.

Fundraising & Fashion: Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada’s “Raise the Roof” returned with a thrift-store fashion show, tours of a new client choice pantry, and a Hawaiian-themed lunch—plus a roof-raising stunt from radio personality JJ Christy. Music in Vegas: Lainey Wilson honored late Dolly Parton during her iHeartRadio Music Festival set at T-Mobile Arena, calling her “one of my dearest friends” and performing “9 to 5” and “WWDD.” K-pop Power: BTS closed Day 1 at the festival for the first time in six years, running through “Swim,” “2.0,” “Mic Drop,” and “FYA,” with Le Sserafim following on Day 2 as a first-time iHeart headliner. Rock Spectacle: Muse lit up the second night with LED jackets, lasers, and hits like “Starlight” and “Uprising.” Community Spotlight: North Las Vegas kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a citywide celebration at Craig Ranch Regional Park featuring mariachi and cultural performances. Local Sports Note: Nevada fell to Middle Tennessee 27-20 as turnovers swung the game.

Las Vegas Entertainment: Carrot Top (Scott Thompson) is recovering in a local hospital after an alleged suicide attempt, and his Luxor weekend shows were canceled; his rep says he’s getting “care and support he needs” and asks for privacy. Music & Pop Culture: BTS lit up Day 1 of the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena with “Swim,” “Mic Drop,” and more, while Cardi B’s set drew mixed reactions online. Arts & Craft Spotlight: Olertis named Estela Soler’s “Firebird Phoenix” design the winner of its U.S. high jewelry competition, awarding $5,000 and moving toward a custom one-of-a-kind piece. Sports Media in Nevada: Urban Edge Network and Ryz Sports Network expanded national distribution of select HBCU and NAIA games, adding free ad-supported streaming and connected-TV access. Local Travel/Infrastructure: Harry Reid International Airport opened a new CBP customs facility for international general aviation arrivals, aiming to streamline private-jet processing. Nevada Arts/Film: John Wilson’s “The History of Concrete” blends documentary filmmaking with the struggle to sell the idea—now in theaters.

iHeartRadio Music Festival: BTS is set to perform tonight at T-Mobile Arena as the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival kicks off for two nights, with a live Disney+/Hulu stream and an iHeartRadio broadcast starting 7:30 p.m. PT; the lineup also includes Cardi B, Ciara, Kenny Chesney, Lainey Wilson, LE SSERAFIM, Muse, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Zara Larsson and more. WNBA Records: Kelsey Mitchell set a WNBA single-season scoring record with 33 points as the Indiana Fever beat Toronto 103-85, while Caitlin Clark added 28 points and 14 assists after the FIBA break. Local Arts & Community: HELP of Southern Nevada’s 27th annual Tea, Trends & Tranquility fundraiser returns Sept. 25 at Durango with a Regency garden-party theme, Macy’s runway, tarot readings, and proceeds supporting HIV/AIDS services. Public Art: Skye Canyon’s 10th annual Chalk & Cheers juried chalk competition is Oct. 24 at Skye Canyon Park, with free registration and prizes including a $100 People’s Choice award. Sports Watch (Raiders): Raiders TE Brock Bowers returned to practice but is doubtful for Sunday vs. the Chargers, with the team planning to decide based on how he feels pregame.

Las Vegas Sphere Spotlight: Oprah Winfrey says the idea for her immersive “AHA” show came after watching U2 at the Sphere, and her three-night run is set for April 2–4, 2027. Music & Community: Metallica and the American Red Cross team up for a Las Vegas blood drive at Fashion Show Las Vegas (Sept. 28–March 19), with a Metallica-themed donation experience and a chance to win Lars Ulrich’s Tama drum kit. Local Arts & Events: PressWise will showcase new print MIS and workflow automation features at PRINTING United Expo 2026 (Sept. 23–25) at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Entertainment Buzz: Orville Peck teases a “juicy” NFL confession in his new song, saying he once made out with a Raiders player (identity kept private). Sports Culture: The Yachtley Crew’s “Seas The Night 2026” tour brings the yacht rock act to the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln on Friday.

WNBA Playoffs Prep: Jackie Young poured in 35 points and tied a WNBA record with 22 in a quarter as the Las Vegas Aces routed the Seattle Storm 114-77, setting the tone after the FIBA break. Local Sports & Community: The A’s unveiled Circa as a first founding partner for the future Las Vegas ballpark, including “Dugout Box” seats and “Time of Your Life” packages tied to Circa promotions. Arts & Entertainment in Nevada: Clark County is weighing a $10 million redevelopment plan for the historic Commercial Center, aiming to revive the plaza with an Insomniac partnership and a new music/events venue. Safety & Public Life: Swatting calls triggered lockdowns at Carson City schools, with officials stressing every threat is treated as real until safety is confirmed. Music & Pop Culture: Dolly Parton posthumously accepted the Americana Lifetime Achievement award, while Lady Gaga’s baby news continues to dominate headlines. Road & Travel Disruption: I-80 west near Reno stayed closed as crews battled the Floriston Fire, with no reopening estimate yet.

Sphere Spotlight: Oprah Winfrey’s immersive “AHA” is coming to the Las Vegas Sphere for April 2–4, 2027, with live guests including Jacob Collier and Ocean Vuong; tickets start at $145. Music & Tickets: Oasis confirmed its 2027 “Live ’27” stadium run (including Las Vegas) but says registration is closed—selected fans get codes for staggered onsales. Live Entertainment: The Brothers Comatose return to the Crown Room (Sept. 18) and Gina’s Good Life Music & Lounge turns up the volume with three nights of live sets in Carson City (Craig Fletcher Duo Fri, Rebekah Chase Band Sat). Halloween in Tahoe: Nevada State Parks’ 5th Annual Spooky Harbor at Sand Harbor runs Sept. 25–Nov. 1 with free, starry movie nights plus family events like a Kids Fall Festival and Día de los Muertos. Local Arts: Carson City’s Desert Skies and Vistas show is on exhibit at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery, and Gatekeeper’s Museum hosts a basket weaving class (pine needle basketry). Sports Betting Culture: A new debate piece asks whether sports betting has taken over fans’ love of the game.

Las Vegas Entertainment & Pop Culture: ARIA Patisserie unveiled “Autumn Atelier,” an edible fall forest made from thousands of pounds of chocolate and sugar, running through Nov. 8. Music & Touring: Metallica announced 12 new 2027 North American stadium dates for its M72 World Tour, with Limp Bizkit and Avatar on the bill. Local Arts & Community: The University of Nevada, Reno is marking Hispanic Heritage Month with campus and community events featuring food, music, athletics, and cultural programming. Gaming & Policy: Rep. Dina Titus’ bill to restore the full federal tax deduction for gambling losses advanced out of committee and now heads for a House vote. Sports (WNBA): The Las Vegas Aces return from the World Cup break with four regular-season games left, starting Thursday in Seattle. Fashion & Celebrity: Costume designer Bob Mackie, a longtime Palm Beach favorite, died at 87. Arts (Film/Books): Desert Air spotlights Nevada-set horror novel “Observer,” about a child searching rural Nevada for her missing mother.

Live Music (Las Vegas): Carín León’s Sphere residency is in the spotlight after his Sept. 10 show was canceled for “plane issues,” shortening the run and sparking online backlash. Big Concert News (Nevada-adjacent): Metallica has extended its “M72 World Tour” into 2027, with the new Highmark Stadium stop announced for June 8, 2027 (Limp Bizkit and Avatar on the bill). Music Festival (Las Vegas): iHeartRadio Music Festival returns Sept. 18–19 at T-Mobile Arena with a star-studded presenter/attendee list and major performers including BTS, Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, Kenny Chesney, and more. Arts & Culture (Carson City): The Silver State Art Festival wraps up at Fuji Park in Carson City, with local public-art and mural programming continuing to draw attention. Sports & Entertainment: A DJ Shadow milestone—his debut album “Endtroducing”—turns 30, with a look at why the sampled sound still matters for hi-fi fans. Community & Memory: Nevada leaders and residents mark 25 years since 9/11 with local ceremonies and tributes.

Magic & Touring: Penn Jillette is heading to the UK for his first solo tour in decades, with a stop at York’s Opera House on Sept. 19—plus Piff the Magic Dragon joining for a new “Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe” show. Public Art: Las Vegas unveiled “Tres Flores,” a new east-side sculpture by Justin Favela that’s already sparking debate about beautification and whether residents were properly looped in. Hispanic Heritage Month: Las Vegas kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with “El Grito” at the Civic Center, featuring mariachis, ballets, and the emotional ceremony. WNBA Buzz: A’ja Wilson addressed why she skipped the FIBA World Cup, saying it was about feeling 100%—not chasing postseason readiness—fueling fresh fan arguments. AI & Safety: UNR professor Paromita Pain says AI needs guardrails to prevent misinformation and harmful guidance, urging more human connection and critical thinking. Boxing (Vegas): Nikita Tszyu says he’s ready for the US after a controversial draw, insisting he won key rounds. Sports Business: NBA expansion talk is heating up around Las Vegas, with Adam Silver pointing to venue uncertainty as the main reason Seattle got less attention.

Las Vegas Sphere Arts: Oprah Winfrey is bringing a new immersive music-and-arts show, “Aha,” to the Sphere in April 2027, with four performances (April 2–4) featuring Jacob Collier, Ocean Vuong, Ajeet and Wintley Phipps; tickets start at $145 and go on sale Sept. 25. Music & Tickets (Vegas): Carín León announced a three-night 2027 Sphere run tied to Mexico’s Independence Day (Sept. 16–18), with presales starting Sept. 15. Live Music (Vegas): Styx returns to The Venetian Theatre for a five-show “The Hits” engagement in late January/early February 2027. Arts in Northern Nevada: The Carson Chamber Singers kick off their 42nd season with “Land and Sea” on Oct. 2 in Carson City (free admission, $10 suggested donation). Local Arts & Community: Nevada Arts Council and local artists highlight creative learning during National Arts in Education Week. Sports Entertainment (Nevada): The Seahawks plan free fan rallies in Las Vegas (Nov. 14) and Denver during away-game weekends, with legends and dancers plus required registration. Community Spotlight: A Carson High School student shared a poem about the lockdown hoax experience.

Las Vegas Entertainment: Waymo is now running limited robotaxi rides in Clark County, starting with a 24-mile area centered on the Strip—another option joining Zoox and Uber. Sphere Spotlight: Oprah Winfrey is bringing a new immersive live show, “Oprah Winfrey’s AHA,” to the Las Vegas Sphere in April, built around music, film, and sensory effects. Big-Name Music: Oasis just announced its massive 2027 stadium tour, including multiple stops in the U.S. with Las Vegas on the list, plus a major Knebworth return. Local Arts & Community: “Sample the Sierra” returns Sept. 19 in South Lake Tahoe, pairing food, craft drinks, and local makers with live music. Fashion Loss: Celebrity designer Bob Mackie, the “Sultan of Sequins” behind iconic looks for Cher and others, has died at 87. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: “Love Actually in Concert” lands at Wynn’s Encore Theater for one night Dec. 17, with the film projected and a live orchestra performing the soundtrack. Nevada Public Life: A Nevada Highway Patrol crash on Craig Road at I-11 left a motorcyclist dead.