AGP Executive Report

Local Arts & Culture: Carson City unveiled a new public Mark Twain statue in McFadden Plaza, adding a fresh, touch-friendly sculpture to the city’s literary landmarks. Music & Pop Culture: Tyla announced her first-ever global A*POP World Tour, with the North American run ending in Las Vegas (Dec. 19) and Europe kicking off in October. Live Entertainment: Lionel Richie is bringing “King of Hearts” back to Wynn Las Vegas with six fall shows starting Oct. 14. Sports Entertainment: Conor McGregor is calling for a 2027 “Last Dance” rematch with Max Holloway at UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Community & Campus: TMCC is pushing major facilities upgrades, including a new theater building, as part of a broader campus and community expansion plan. Gaming & Nightlife: The Stateline casinos closed the fiscal year with a $259.5M win, up nearly 9% from the prior year.

UFC in Vegas: Conor McGregor is calling for a “redo” of his UFC 329 loss, pitching International Fight Week 2027 at T-Mobile Arena and naming Max Holloway as the opponent. NFL (Nevada ties): Jamal Adams agreed to terms with the Minnesota Vikings on the eve of camp after a linebacker stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Patriots’ Mack Hollins says he’s ready to step in at tight end. UNLV hoops: Coach Josh Pastner walked back earlier “owner” comments, insisting the Runnin’ Rebels “are not for sale” and clarifying he meant the level of support needed for NIL-era competition. Las Vegas entertainment: Will Ferrell and Keith David’s Netflix comedy “The Hawk” gets a spotlight as the duo gears up for more laughs. Local arts: A Carson City couple’s interactive “Coming Home” sculpture is headed to Burning Man after earning Burning Man Art Honoraria. Sports betting policy: A federal judge blocked Minnesota’s prediction-market ban, keeping the Kalshi/Polymarket fight alive nationwide.

Las Vegas Music & Pop Culture: Tyla announced “THE A*POP WORLD TOUR,” a 34-date run that ends at Fontainebleau Las Vegas in December, with tickets going on sale July 31. WNBA Spotlight: Mattel unveiled an Angel Reese Barbie doll, tying the Atlanta Dream star’s on-court impact to her equity-focused foundation. Rock & Entertainment: Sammy Hagar reached out to David Lee Roth after Roth’s solo tour cancellations, inviting him to join Hagar in Las Vegas this September. Tech & Media: JetStream Security launched an “AI Kill Switch” to shut down compromised AI agents on demand, aiming to reduce runaway-AI risk. Gaming & Regulation: Kalshi agreed to exit Nevada prediction markets by Aug. 12 or face $120K daily fines, as regulators argue some contracts look like unlicensed sports betting. Sports Tech/Officiating: The WNBA will add an NBA-style replay center next season to improve consistency and transparency in officiating. F1 Update: The Bahrain Grand Prix is rescheduled to Malaysia (Sepang) in early October 2026.

Streaming & Pop Culture: New on the way: Hulu/Disney+’s “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Peacock’s “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” plus Ariana Grande’s latest music and other picks for the week. WNBA in the Spotlight: The league adds an NBA-style replay center next season, while Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington sparks fresh drama by accusing former partner NaLyssa Smith of cheating with multiple players. Local Sports Heat Check: Southern Nevada high school football fall camps kick off with triple-digit temperatures and heat-acclimation rules. Las Vegas Entertainment: Top Gun Vegas is relocating on the Strip—developers say the immersive attraction has secured a new Las Vegas Boulevard site near the airport. Carson City Community Arts: NDOT and Visit Carson City launch a road-safety art contest for students, with winning artwork planned for a Carson City mural. Music & Fashion: Charli xcx’s “Music, Fashion, Film (B-Sides Edition)” hits iTunes with new digital tracks. Sports Business: LeBron James signs with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending his Lakers run.

WNBA Spotlight: Jonquel Jones powered Team Spoon to a 129-122 All-Star win and took home MVP honors with 22 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in Chicago—while the weekend also sparked fresh debate over player safety and harassment. Music & Pop Culture: Apple TV dropped a teaser for “Neuromancer,” starring Callum Turner as a super-hacker in a digital-espionage heist with Briana Middleton; the series is set for January 22, 2027. Sports on the Move: Formula 1 confirmed the Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit Oct. 2-4, with the event rebranded as the “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia.” Local Entertainment Watch: Primm’s “Mini Las Vegas” casino outpost is set to reopen after a quick turnaround following a shutdown, as Terrible’s/Herbst family ownership tries to revive the border-town draw. Community Calendar: Mesquite Library’s July 27-28 lineup includes storytimes, adult coloring, gaming, and a book swap.

WNBA All-Star Game: Jonquel Jones poured in 22 points with 13 rebounds and eight assists to earn MVP as Team Spoon beat Team Coop 129-122 in Chicago, with Caitlin Clark adding 17 and a record crowd of 19,783 at the United Center. League Upgrades: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced a centralized replay center will roll out for the 2027 season, aiming to tighten officiating consistency. Las Vegas Sports Spotlight: A’ja Wilson’s eighth All-Star appearance stayed in the spotlight, including a courtside moment with boyfriend Bam Adebayo. Local Community/Books: Hundreds of Las Vegas teachers lined up for a teachers-only book sale at the East Las Vegas Library, with prices as low as 10 and 25 cents to help stretch back-to-school budgets. Sports Business in Nevada: The Athletics’ Aviators are rallying around injured prospect Ryan Lasko, with the whole organization wearing “22 Strong” shirts during his recovery from a serious spinal injury. Entertainment & Pop Culture: Kelly Clarkson says she’s enjoying single life during her Caesars Palace residency, joking that “that s–t” isn’t happening at home.

WNBA All-Star Weekend (Chicago): The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game is set for Saturday, July 25 at the United Center, with Caitlin Clark (Team Spoon) and Paige Bueckers (Team Coop) captaining squads for the league’s 30th anniversary; ABC will carry the game and Disney+ will stream it, while the weekend also spotlights fashion-forward style and big-name stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Aces’ Becky Hammon. Local Arts & Culture (Washoe): The Washoe Indigenous Culture and Arts Festival returns for its 34th year at Meeks Bay Resort with handgames, basketweaving, dance, fashion shows, and vendors across two days. Music & Community (Nevada County): Real Oro FC is launching an MLS GO-powered youth soccer league in Nevada County, bringing a year-round, structured program to families with a new grass pitch at Seven Hills Intermediate School. Film Night (West Wind El Rancho Drive-In): A Chicano Movie Night runs Saturday with “Born in East L.A.” and “Mi Familia,” plus Chicano music, lowriders, and classic cars—10% of proceeds benefit Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevada. Design/Interiors (Las Vegas Market): Sunpan is debuting a new décor category in Las Vegas, adding sculpture, vases, barware, and decorative objects to its showroom lineup. Sports Culture (Nevada ties): Jewell Loyd continues her off-court business push via partnerships like AT&T’s She’s Connected campaign, alongside investments and ventures beyond basketball.

WNBA & Social Media: The WNBA All-Stars head into Chicago’s weekend with fresh focus on player safety after a surge in racist and abusive messages, while league and the WNBPA also weighed whether America’s 250th birthday patches should appear on jerseys—players say no. Entertainment Business: Nevada is among the states backing a months-long halt to the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery merger, with the deal delayed until court action is resolved or June 1, 2027. Local Utilities & Cost Relief: NV Energy refund checks may be available for some customers after regulators found long-running overcharges tied to misclassified property types. Sports Spotlight: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, and the news is already sparking major merch demand—an entertainment-style sports ripple that fans everywhere will feel. Arts & Animation: “Backyard Sports: The Animated Series” is officially unveiled with a big voice cast led by Tiffany Haddish and Donald Faison. Gaming/Media Legal Fight: Kalshi is pushing back against Netflix over a documentary trailer, claiming misleading depictions tied to Nevada prediction-market rules.

WNBA Buzz: AT&T is leaning hard into All-Star Weekend with new fan-first activations and tech-forward experiences in Chicago. Sports & Culture: Brianna Turner says the Indiana Fever fired a male employee for sexual harassment and that players were urged to “keep quiet,” while the Fever responded with a general workplace-safety statement. Las Vegas Entertainment: Mike Tyson says his legacy is tied to his amateur boxing showcase at SAHARA Las Vegas, aiming to rebuild the pipeline for young fighters. Music & Pop: Slightly Stoopid recruited Wiz Khalifa and G. Love for “Backseat Drivin’,” a summer-cars-and-house-parties kind of track. F1/Local Events: Liberty Media (Las Vegas Grand Prix) settled a 2023 ticket lawsuit for about $3M; claims are due by Aug. 27. Food & Night Out: National Tequila Day is bringing deals and DJ nights across the Strip, including Venetian’s Chica and Aria’s Proper Bar. Local Sports Business: UNLV coach Josh Pastner floated a $10M–$12M “owner” NIL benefactor idea to reshape the Runnin’ Rebels.

WNBA & Local Sports Buzz: Brianna Turner, now with the Las Vegas Aces, says her former Indiana Fever team fired a male employee for sexual harassment and that players were “encouraged to keep quiet,” while the Fever responded with a general workplace-safety statement. Las Vegas Entertainment/Tech: Caesars’ “Iron Mike Legacy: The Mike Tyson Immersive Experience” is coming to the Flamingo this fall as a phygital, multi-sensory attraction built with AR/VR, holograms, and projection mapping. MLB to Vegas: Mark Cuban’s Harbinger Sports Partners bought a minority stake in the Athletics as the club prepares for its 2028 Las Vegas move and a new $2B ballpark. Arts & Books: Carson City author J.T. Hume debuts Defying Salvation, a sci-fi follow-up exploring survival, faith, AI, and what it means to stay human. Music/Community: A Henderson rescue story is making the rounds: a puppy found in a dumpster with serious injuries is now recovering and headed toward adoption.

WNBA Spotlight: The league and WNBPA held talks on “racist, hateful, and abusive messages” aimed at players, with the WNBA promising more security resources and ongoing collaboration. All-Star Weekend (Vegas-area sports fans): Full 2026 WNBA All-Star rosters are set for Team Cynthia Cooper and Team Teresa Weatherspoon, plus the WNBA 3-point contest headliners in Chicago (Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey, Janelle Salaün). Local Arts & Culture: The Washoe Tribe’s 34th Annual Waší∙šiw ɁitdéɁ Festival runs July 25-26 at Meeks Bay Resort with handgames, basketweaving, fashion shows, dance, and vendors. Weekend Entertainment Deals: Reno-Tahoe’s Artown season keeps rolling with 28 events under $20, including Young Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and more. Music on the Strip: Treasure Island’s Mana: A Polynesian Revue & Luau brings island food, dancers, and interactive drum-circle fun on July 24. Film Buzz: Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” is pushing IMAX 70mm showings, with local viewers pointed to Florida screenings.

WNBA Safety & Online Abuse: The WNBA and WNBPA held a virtual meeting with commissioner Cathy Engelbert after players reported racist, hateful, and abusive messages; the league says it’s boosting security resources and will keep working with the union on protections. Las Vegas Arts/Design: Clark County approved permits for a heart-shaped resort hotel on the Strip, reworking two old “matchstick” pillars from a failed Ferris wheel into a sky-tower restaurant plus a pedestrian entertainment plaza. Local Business Grants: Chinatown and Koreatown corridors in Las Vegas are getting $1.5M in corridor improvement grants, with many projects focused on security upgrades like cameras and lighting. Sports Spotlight (Las Vegas): The Washington Mystics edged the Las Vegas Aces 100-99 in a late comeback led by Shakira Austin. Sophie Cunningham Debate: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her stance about protecting girls’ sports amid the trans athlete controversy. Carson City Culture: Carson City will welcome a Mark Twain bronze sculpture at McFadden Plaza.

Carson City Live Music: The Sam Chase returns to the Brewery Arts Center for a free Levitt AMP show Saturday at 7 p.m., expanding from trio to a bigger band for a louder, dance-ready “Americana rock and roll” set. Primm Valley Casino Comeback: Terrible’s has reopened Primm Valley Resort and Casino just 17 days after taking over, bringing hundreds of staff back to work and restarting a major border-town draw. Las Vegas Pickleball Boom: Summerlin’s new indoor club, The Courts, is already packed—8 climate-controlled courts, 24/7 access, and membership growth since its May opening. WNBA/Local Sports Buzz: Nevada fans are also watching the Valkyries’ post-streak stretch and the Aces’ midseason momentum as the league heads into its next slate. Tech & Entertainment in Vegas: Yotta 2026 unveiled its full agenda for a Sept. 28-30 Caesars Forum event in Las Vegas, centered on AI, energy, and digital infrastructure.

Entertainment & Arts in Nevada: Nevada State Museum Las Vegas is spotlighting more than Vegas history, with a big fossil draw (a Columbian mammoth and a 50-foot ichthyosaur replica) plus a temporary “New Deal in the New West” photo exhibit running through Oct. 13. Sports & Pop Culture: The WNBA’s All-Star buzz keeps rolling as the Mystics host the defending champion Aces, with A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young leading the charge. Local Aviation Fun: Harry Reid International Airport’s 2026 National Aviation Day Photo Contest is underway, with entries due Friday, July 24. Food + Community: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is bringing back National SPAM® Musubi Day on Saturday, Aug. 8, with free musubi for guests at participating locations. Big Legal Fight for Hollywood: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford backed a court fight to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, arguing it threatens competition and consumer choice. Women’s Sports Debate: WNBA star Sophie Cunningham weighed in on protecting women’s sports after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Entertainment in Vegas: Paramount is teaming up with Advent Allen Entertainment to bring a “Top Gun” themed destination to the Strip, with plans for a 2.48-acre site near the airport and the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, plus Hard Deck and other movie-world dining and retail. Immersive attractions: AREA15’s Universal Horror Unleashed is now running “Resident Evil” interactive zones, puzzles, character meetups, and undead battles through Aug. 30. Local arts & community: Carson City’s Brewery Arts Center is hosting its weekly Songwriter Supper Club, and the city’s Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum is offering free admission this week. Sports culture: Nevada’s Ku Stevens is inviting runners back for the Remembrance Run Aug. 14-16, a 50-mile desert route honoring his great-grandfather’s escape from Stewart Indian School. Big entertainment business: A federal judge paused the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger for at least two weeks after a multistate antitrust fight that includes Nevada.

Nevada Sports & Arts: Nevada Athletics announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, including the 2008 softball team plus standouts from swimming, basketball, football, and skiing, with induction tied to UNR’s Homecoming Weekend (Oct. 23-25). Fulbright & Education: UNR grad Gabe Covington won a Fulbright U.S. Student Program teaching award and heads to Spain this fall for a nine-month English teaching placement. Music Buzz: Phil Collins hinted he has “things that are finished” and a studio ready, while promoting an expanded edition of Face Value dropping Sept. 18. Fashion Pop-Culture: Her Universe’s 12th Annual Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con (July 23) spotlights 20 designers blending fandom and fashion, with runway looks inspired by DC heroes and villains. Local Consumer Protection: Nevada AG Aaron Ford announced a $45M multistate settlement with Block over Cash App deceptive practices and fraud protections, with Nevada set to receive about $466K. WNBA Tonight: The Aces host the Toronto Tempo, with Angel Reese’s situation still reverberating after coach Sandy Brondello’s suspension.