AGP Executive Report

Minnesota Sports Spotlight: The Gophers rolled to a 5-0 shutout over Colorado College, with Davy Mokelke scoring twice and Tenley Senden adding a goal and two assists, while Sarah Martin made two saves. Local Pride: Duluth-Superior Pride closed out its weekend with its annual parade in Superior, honoring Main Club founder Bob Jansen as grand marshal. WNBA Buzz: Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) threw her hat in the ring to replace retiring WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, posting she’s “a free agent in January.” Pro Wrestling: Cody Rhodes addressed Randy Orton’s latest jab, explaining why he didn’t take the bait during their feud. NFL Front Office: Roger Goodell’s extension is set through 2030, keeping the commissioner in place as the league heads toward its next big labor stretch. Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Smith is back for a 15th season with a one-year deal. Entertainment & Film: The Jimmy Buffett documentary “Occupational Hazard: The First Coral Reefers” debuted in Key West, while “Buddy” led the weekend box office.

Minnesota Vikings: Harrison Smith is back for a 15th season, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $12.25 million with incentives that can push it to $16.25 million—ending months of uncertainty for the franchise and setting up an emotional Week 1 reunion with Green Bay. MLB (Twins): Minnesota evened its series with Chicago, beating the White Sox 6-4 behind Ryan Jeffers’ three-run homer and strong bullpen work, with the rubber match Sunday in Chicago. Local sports (amateur baseball): Elrosa Saints advanced to the state Class C final after beating Hanska 6-2, and will face Fairmont Martins on Sunday. Music (metal): Slayer kicked off its 2026 run with a 40th-anniversary “Reign In Blood” celebration at Mystic Lake Amphitheatre in Shakopee, performing a 23-song set plus the full album in the second half. Arts & culture (film): Miu Miu’s Venice Film Festival dinner brought together major filmmakers and stars, with Laura Poitras among the guests. Community arts: A union residency highlighted how workers get rare creative time to make art—showing up as a feel-good Minnesota-adjacent arts story.

Springsteen Film Drop: Bruce Springsteen’s “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour finale from Philly is now headed to YouTube—streaming Sept. 9—with the trailer tying the show to “Streets of Minneapolis” and the anti-ICE message. Local Sports Spotlight: The Gophers host Colorado College for Senior Day at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on Sunday (1 p.m. CT, B1G+), with Minnesota coming off a 2-1 win over St. Thomas. Golf on Home Turf: UMN tees up at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate at The Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo Sept. 7-9 (54 holes), facing a strong field including Virginia, Wake Forest, UCLA, and USC. Minnesota Band News: St. Cloud State’s Husky Sports Band is back in action despite the school ending its Music Department, with rehearsals underway and performances planned across athletics. Tennis Recognition: Alaska Club tennis director Jimmy Kayongo earned the USTA President’s Impact Award for long-running community impact. TV News: “60 Minutes” returns Sept. 13 under Bari Weiss, kicking off with a look at the L.A. Rams.

WNBA Spotlight: Cathy Engelbert will retire as WNBA commissioner effective Dec. 31, with the league starting the search for her replacement later this month. Local Community & Outdoors: Lake Kohlmier in Owatonna is temporarily closed after higher-than-normal bacteria test results; swimming stays shut for the season, with testing continuing until levels are safe. Arts & Culture: Landmark Live returns for its 15th season at St. Paul’s Landmark Center, bringing Twin Cities acts across Americana, indie rock, jazz and folk. Sports (Minnesota): The Twins open a key series at the White Sox on Sept. 5, while Cleveland’s Brayan Rocchio powered a doubleheader comeback vs. Detroit. Minnesota Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Hibbing launches its first Girls on the Run Minnesota team, starting Sept. 8 with a pay-what-you-can model and a season-ending 5K. Minnesota News Note: A Minneapolis shooting left three dead and several injured, including three police officers.

WNBA Spotlight: Cathy Engelbert will retire as WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2026 season, ending a seven-year run marked by rapid league growth and heavy controversy, including sharp player criticism from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier. Minnesota Sports Buzz: Justin Verlander says he’s getting closer to a bullpen return as he battles hip/hamstring issues, hoping to make at least one more mound appearance before Detroit’s season ends. Local Soccer: Minnesota United heads into its Portland trip with a transfer-window grade of F, while the club tries to integrate new pieces before the season winds down. Road Safety: Minnesota’s “100 Deadliest Days” is trending worse, with preliminary figures showing 132 deaths on state roads since Memorial Day—up 11 from last year. Music & Film: Bruce Springsteen is set to release a new concert film streaming Sept. 9, captured during his recent E Street Band tour that included Minneapolis. Comedy Homecoming: Tommy Brennan kicked off sold-out Acme Comedy Club shows after landing on SNL, bringing Minnesota-focused material and big local energy.

WNBA & International Basketball: The WNBA pauses, but the FIBA World Cup tips off Friday in Berlin, with Team USA chasing a fifth straight title—A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum are out for health reasons. Packers Legacy at Lambeau: Lambeau Field’s facade spotlights Packers legends, with Bob Harlan’s name set to be added Oct. 29. Outdoor Retailer Minneapolis: The trade show returns with a new creator-focused “Wild Reach” program, bringing influencers and creators onto the floor for 2026. Local Coaching Milestone: St. Paul Central’s Scott Howell steps down after a celebrated run in both football and basketball. Minnesota Football Start: The Gophers open with a 59-7 win over Eastern Illinois, highlighted by punt-return touchdowns and a big defensive effort. Minnesota Sports Streaming: The Twins’ Friday series opener vs. the White Sox includes TV/streaming options, while the Wild moves local games to Prime Video. Music & Tours: Bonobo announces UK/Europe dates for his “Distance In Static” tour, and local singer-songwriter Hardy White gets a spotlight chat. Science in Minnesota: Dr. Vikas Yadav launches a new UMN lab studying how heat drives fungal pathogens.

Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts: Moorhead artists are celebrating their first-ever selections for the 2026 Minnesota State Fair fine arts competition, including Concordia College professor Chris Mortensen (green ribbon for a photo), Concordia junior Lydia Holmgren (drawing “Choose to See”), and MSU Moorhead junior Lexi Hills (photo “Remembrance”). Local Sports & Community: Edina is recruiting teens for its Police Explorers program, offering hands-on law enforcement experience for ages 14–20. Pro Sports (Minnesota): The Vikings named season-long captains, with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Aaron Jones Sr., Brian O’Neill, Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, Josh Metellus, and long snapper Andrew DePaola. Arts & Culture: Gloria Steinem, the iconic feminist voice and co-founder of Ms. Magazine, has died at 92. National/World (watch): A federal case charges an ICE officer with lying about a Minneapolis shooting during an immigration crackdown.

Minneapolis Shooting: A downtown Minneapolis apartment building shooting left three dead, including the suspect, and at least six injured—among them three police officers—after officers responded around 4:36 p.m. and encountered continued gunfire and a haze limiting visibility. Venice Film Festival: George Clooney opened the 83rd Venice Film Festival with a lifetime achievement honor, while Danny Boyle premiered “Ink,” focused on Rupert Murdoch’s 1969 takeover of The Sun, as this year’s lineup leans into geopolitics. Romanian Film Days: Romanian actor Florin Piersic will be honored with a free retrospective in Chisinau, selecting three key films for the Sept. 17–20 festival. College Football Week 1 (Minnesota TV): Thursday’s slate includes Eastern Illinois at Minnesota at 8 p.m. on Peacock, kicking off a Labor Day weekend packed with FBS matchups. Local Culture & Community: A Southern Minnesota Oktoberfest in Dundas highlights family-friendly German-themed fun and local craft beer, while a Little Compton church benefit concert supports regional food banks. Sports Talk (Vikings): Skip Bayless sparked backlash after predicting the Vikings will win the NFC North.

WNBA & Streaming Shake-Up: Victory+ is dissolving, leaving Minnesota Lynx fans scrambling as two key late-season games lose their local streaming home; the Sept. 24 matchup vs. Indiana is set for USA Network nationally. NFL Vikings Update: GM Nolan Teasley says J.J. McCarthy’s “story isn’t written” yet, insisting the QB is staying to develop after an ankle injury. NBA Penalties: The league hit the Clippers hard over a Kawhi Leonard off-court payment scheme—five first-round picks gone and a $30M fine for owner Steve Ballmer. Minnesota Arts & Community: Burnsville artist Alison Price was selected for the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition with “SeaMist Superior.” Libraries: Minnesota Libraries Read Together returns statewide Sept. 18–19 with free events, including upcycled journal workshops at Blooming Prairie. Health & Culture: HELLO KITTY is partnering with the American Red Cross to boost blood donations. Local Outdoors: Boundary Waters wildfires are nearing containment, with more areas reopening Sept. 8. Music: Lionel Richie has been released from ICU after a St. Louis health scare.

Local Arts & Community: Northfield’s Defeat of Jesse James Days and Hispanic Heritage Celebration are on the September calendar, with the town leaning into “All Are Welcome Here” for a busy fall lineup. Music & Culture: Northfield’s The Biscuits are regrouping after the death of bandmate Russell Franek, with fellow members reflecting on how the loss is reshaping their sound and bond. Health & Entertainment: Lionel Richie, 77, remains in ICU in St. Louis after a concert setback, with reports pointing to “possible cardiac-related issues” and newly surfaced footage showing him struggling mid-performance. Sports (Minnesota): The Vikings added veteran edge Kyle Van Noy, starting on the practice squad to ramp up. Film & Media: The Venice Film Festival opens with George Clooney and Danny Boyle, with programming spotlighting geopolitics and even a short tied to U.S. immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. Local Events: Mille Lacs RURAL Music Fest 2026 drew thousands over Labor Day weekend, mixing national Christian artists with a big family-friendly setup.

Local Arts Calendar: Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival returns Sept. 17-19 in St. Anthony Park/Midway with free family events, live street painting, tours, and six new murals unveiled. Community Arts & Books: SubText Bookstore and Red Balloon Bookshop are lining up September author talks and signings across the Twin Cities. Zoo News: Como Zoo welcomed two new western lowland gorillas, Nora and Kamba, from Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Road & Travel for Families: MnDOT resumes Highway 61 tunnel lighting work north of Two Harbors starting Sept. 8, with single-lane traffic through the tunnels on weekdays. Sports Spotlight: Angel Reese keeps stacking WNBA milestones, posting a record-setting week that included her 29th double-double of the season. Minnesota State Fair Fallout: The fair removed an anti-Trump crop-art piece (“8647”) after the artist was threatened and doxxed. Outdoor/Local Fun: Park Rapids’ top parks list highlights fall-ready spots for hiking, fishing, and play.

Music Health Update: Lionel Richie, 77, checked himself into a St. Louis hospital after his Aug. 29 Muny show, reportedly asking for a chair while finishing “All Night Long.” Multiple outlets say doctors ran tests for possible dehydration; he’s described as stable and expected to be discharged soon. Regional Infrastructure: The John A. Blatnik Bridge replacement officially broke ground near Duluth/Superior, moving forward after more than $1B in USDOT funding and months of delays tied to federal guidance. Sports (Local Spotlight): The Minnesota Twins kept rolling at Target Field, beating the Detroit Tigers 11-1 as Detroit’s late-season slump deepened. Community & Events: Be The Change MN announced its Sept. 12 golf tournament and VIP networking BBQ to fund grants for underrepresented youth, plus a youth tournament and marketplace. Entertainment & Culture: The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion returns to Rollag for Labor Day weekend with vintage machinery demos, parades, live music, and spark-show nights.

Lionel Richie Health Update: The 77-year-old pop legend was rushed to a St. Louis hospital after a Saturday show at The Muny, reportedly asking for a chair during his final “All Night Long” performance as he struggled; TMZ says doctors are checking him for possible dehydration and he’s been placed under observation in the ICU, with hopes to be discharged soon. Minnesota State Fair Security: After prior incidents, Minnesota State Fair officials are stepping up police presence and outreach to help head off gang violence, including court-approved limits tied to alleged gang activity. Local Arts Calendar: Southern Minnesota Scene highlights fresh fall programming, including the Arts Off 84 Art Crawl (Labor Day weekend) and Balsam Moon Harvest Fest (Sept. 12), plus more community events and arts listings. Music in Minneapolis: André Cymone is set to return to the Capri Theater Oct. 3 to kick off the Capri 100 centennial season with music from his new album. Sports & Community: A Princeton motorcyclist was injured in a Highway 95 crash, while local soccer and other prep-sports coverage continues across the state.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese set a new WNBA single-season double-double record (29) as the Atlanta Dream beat the Minnesota Lynx 89-81, with Olivia Miles leading Minnesota (21 points) in the loss. Local Sports (MLB): The Twins open a three-game home set vs. the Tigers on Monday night at Target Field, with Byron Buxton placed on the 10-day IL (hip) ahead of the series. Music (Minnesota-friendly): Little Big Town unveiled its long-awaited new album, It’s A Dying Art, and Alabama Shakes released their first album in over a decade, I Must Be Dreaming. Arts & Culture: A fall guide highlights 84 museum exhibitions and biennials worth planning around. Media & Politics: President Trump threatened to report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC over her “mixed results” comment on his endorsement record. Fashion (SoMinn Style): A local style column says she’s ready for fall—but Minnesota weather isn’t cooperating.

WNBA Spotlight: Angel Reese set a single-season double-double record (29) but the Minnesota Lynx fell 89-81 to the Atlanta Dream as Olivia Miles led with 21 points. NFL Roster & Discipline: Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list after domestic violence charges; he can’t play or practice while Denver trims to 53. NFL Roster Moves: Titans are set to waive QB Will Levis as they cut down; Packers also face legal-related uncertainty with Josh Jacobs landing on the exempt list. Minnesota Sports Update: Twins put Byron Buxton (hip) back on the injured list and recalled Gabriel Gonzalez. College Sports Court Fight: Former Purdue forward Trey Kaufman-Renn asked a court to force the NCAA to allow a sixth year of eligibility. Local Arts & Community: Region 2 Arts Council opened Season/Series Arts Support Grants with applications due Sept. 15. State Fair Day 4: Sunday plans include Indigenous Peoples Day programming, disc dog demos, and more at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Media & Politics: Trump vowed to report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC over “mixed results” comments on his endorsements.

CFP Shakeup: Big Ten and SEC couldn’t agree on the 2026-27 College Football Playoff format, leaving the postseason stuck at 12 teams and pushing bowl contracts to a one-year extension—plus new bid rules are set to reshape how conference champs and at-large teams qualify. Fantasy Football Buzz: DraftKings is rolling out its 2026 best ball rankings ahead of a record $20M contest, where draft-day choices lock in your season. Minnesota Sports Spotlight: The White Sox and Twins meet Sunday at Target Field as Chicago tries to keep a win streak rolling; meanwhile, the Lynx head to Atlanta for a matchup vs. the Dream. Timberwolves Roster Move: Minnesota waived veteran John Konchar after a salary-cap shuffle that clears space for Jonathan Kuminga. Local Arts & Community: Marie’s Kitchen opened in Wells, and Duluth’s Armory Arts and Music Center got a boost during UMD’s United Way Day of Service. State Fair Travel Headache: Shuttle lines and pickup delays frustrated riders even as attendance hit new records. Court Update: Minnesota Supreme Court rejected Mike Lindell’s recount bid, keeping Lisa Demuth on track for the general election.