AGP Executive Report

Bronx Culture: A new “Comedy Kings Live” reunion is set for May 23 at the Lehman Center, with Joe Torry (now in his “fourth quarter” of life) joined by Talent Harris, Capone and Joe Clair—an all-star throwback built around decades of comedy community. Caribbean Sports: St. Maarten’s boys turned heads at the PSG World Cup Tournament in Paris, finishing 5th out of 44 teams after representing the French West Indies against top youth academies. Tourism Policy: UN Tourism’s new secretary-general is pushing a broader agenda, but the big unresolved question is where small island states and territories fit in global tourism governance. Pop Culture: “Emily in Paris” is getting one more try on Netflix after huge early viewership but long-running French criticism. Arts & Society: Macron says France must address reparations for slavery’s legacy—breaking a taboo with the word, while offering no clear plan.

Youth Sports Spotlight: St. Maarten’s boys turned heads at the PSG World Cup Tournament in Paris, finishing 5th out of 44 teams and earning praise for discipline and resilience. Pop Culture Buzz: Netflix’s Emily in Paris is back for another run despite long-running French criticism and lukewarm reviews—58M households watched Season 1 in its first month, but critics never fully warmed to the “cliché Paris” vibe. Alumni Notes: Spring 2026 class updates highlight careers, retirements, and milestones across decades. Music & Inclusion: A choir milestone marks 60 years since the first girl choristers at St Davids Cathedral, sparked by a measles shortage of boy singers. Global Politics: France’s Macron used the word “reparations” for slavery for the first time at the Élysée, while stopping short of concrete plans, and pointed to a France–Ghana research effort. Arts: Ukrainian filmmaker Zhanna Ozirna won Cannes’ Build Your Dream Award for debut feature Honeymoon.

Revolution Debate: A new CADTM piece revisits how revolutions wrestled with the “transition to socialism,” from Lenin and Trotsky’s early Soviet arguments to Cuba’s 1963–65 Che Guevara–Mandel debate over markets, planning, incentives, and workers’ power. Finale Fallout: “The Boys” ended with a brutal win over Vought—Homelander dies, Butcher goes rogue, and Hughie kills him to stop a supe-killing virus, capping the series with multiple major character deaths and a last-minute scramble for control. Diplomatic Cringe: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says Trump “topped up” a perfume gift with both male and female variants months after the initial bottles—plus a note that’s now going viral. Sports/Combat: UFC 329 is locked in for July 11 in Las Vegas, with Conor McGregor returning against Max Holloway, while Jake Paul’s MVP event also brought Ronda Rousey back to MMA promotion. Culture & Arts: Cannes recognized Ukrainian debut “Honeymoon” with a €40,000 Build Your Dream Award, and the Met is set to absorb the Neue Galerie starting in 2028.

Culture & Politics: A debate on how revolutions should transition to socialism—spotlighting Cuba’s 1960s arguments among Che, Mandel and others—lands as a reminder that ideology has always been contested, not settled. Streaming Buzz: “The Boys” finale ends with a brutal win over Vought, but at a staggering human cost, including Butcher’s final turn and Hughie’s desperate stop. Global Headlines: Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa turns into a fresh awkward saga: the leader says the perfume gift was “topped up” months later. Sports & Entertainment Crossover: Jake Paul’s Netflix-backed MMA promotion sets the stage for Ronda Rousey’s return, while UFC 329 locks in Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway on July 11. Arts: Ukrainian debut “Honeymoon” wins Cannes’ Build Your Dream Award, and the Met is set to merge with the Neue Galerie’s Fifth Avenue home starting in 2028. Food & Lifestyle: Emeril’s New Orleans enters a Michelin-star push under E.J. Lagasse’s relentless, sometimes nightmare-level standards.

Diplomacy, but make it awkward: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa says Donald Trump “topped up” a perfume gift six months after their Oval Office meeting—restocking both male and female Victory 47 cologne variants, with a note that’s already going viral. MMA Spotlight: Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback is locked in for July 11 at UFC 329 in Las Vegas against Max Holloway, with Dana White also outlining a full stacked main card. Film Industry Mood: Cannes opened amid fresh anxiety over AI in filmmaking and Hollywood’s retreat, even as the festival signed a multi-year Meta sponsorship. Arts & Culture: Ukrainian debut feature “Honeymoon” won a Cannes Build Your Dream award, while the Met is set to merge with the Neue Galerie in 2028. Local Culture/Travel: Oceania Cruises unveiled its new Aurelia world-cruise plans for 2028–2029, and the week’s entertainment chatter also leaned into “slow” classics and summer movie lineups.

UFC Shockwave: Dana White just made Conor McGregor’s return official—he’ll headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway on July 11 in Las Vegas, with White also unveiling a full main card on Instagram Live. Sports & Entertainment Crossovers: The UFC’s announcement landed right as Jake Paul’s Netflix MMA promotion wrapped, underscoring how combat sports are turning into mainstream media events. Film Buzz at Cannes: Ukrainian debut director Zhanna Ozirna won Cannes’ Build Your Dream Award for “Honeymoon,” a romantic thriller set during the early days of Russian forces near Kyiv. Culture Watch: Cannes is also wrestling with AI’s impact on jobs, while a separate wave of film talk is pushing back on the idea that “slow” classics are boring. Local Arts & Travel: Oceania Cruises announced two 180-day around-the-world sailings for 2028 and 2029, and France is scaling up sterile tiger mosquito releases to cut invasive populations.

Entertainment & Media: Cannes is opening with a familiar fight over the future of film—AI backlash is front and center as Thierry Frémaux warns about job losses for dubbing and translation workers, even as the festival signs a multi-year Meta sponsorship. Sports: In UFC news, Dana White has officially locked in Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway 2 for UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, with a full main card announced on Instagram Live. Culture: Ukraine’s Zhanna Ozirna won Cannes’ Build Your Dream Award for debut feature Honeymoon, a romantic thriller set during the early days of Russian forces near Kyiv. Tech/Health (business): Valneva reported Q1 results and updated guidance, while Robocath says it has completed enrollment in a first-in-human robotic heart procedure study. Film Culture: A new roundup argues “boring” classics are actually patient masterpieces worth revisiting.

Cannes Spotlight: Ukrainian filmmaker Zhanna Ozirna just won Cannes’ Build Your Dream Award for Best Debut Feature for “Honeymoon,” a romantic thriller set in a Kyiv-area apartment as Russian forces arrive—plus a €40,000 grant for her next projects. Entertainment Buzz: UFC fans got a major July jolt as Dana White announced Conor McGregor’s return to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway, with the full main card revealed on Instagram Live. Culture & Tech Tension: Cannes is also wrestling with AI in filmmaking—festival leadership is pushing back on job-loss fears for writers, actors, and dubbing/translators, even as it signs a multi-year sponsorship deal involving Meta. Sports & Pop Culture: In the wider week’s mix, Caitlin Clark’s Fever notched a comeback win and a tense moment with officials during her return, while Netflix’s “is a Joke” festival kept comedy crowds rolling.

Cannes Breakthrough: Ukrainian filmmaker Zhanna Ozirna won the Build Your Dream Award for Best Debut Feature at Cannes for “Honeymoon,” with a €40,000 grant backing her next projects. MMA Spotlight: Dana White confirmed Conor McGregor’s return—he’ll headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway on July 11 in Las Vegas, with a stacked main card announced on Instagram Live. Sports & Culture: Chicago’s Fortieth and other local culture items hit the Monday roundup, while the Met’s planned merger with Lauder’s Neue Galerie (from 2028) keeps the art-world buzz going. Tech/Health Watch: Robocath says it has completed enrollment in its first-in-human robotic PCI study, and France is scaling up sterile tiger mosquito releases to cut populations. Entertainment Radar: Cannes is also wrestling with AI’s impact on filmmaking as the festival opens, and summer movie lists keep building around major 2026 releases.

Sports Spotlight: Dana White used Instagram Live to make UFC 329 official—Conor McGregor returns to headline July 11 in Las Vegas against Max Holloway, with a stacked main card also featuring Benoit Saint-Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett and Robert Whittaker’s light heavyweight debut. Food & Culture: E.J. Lagasse is steering Emeril’s into a new Michelin-star era, chasing perfection so hard he says he even dreams about split glazes and under-crisp duck skin. Film Industry: Cannes opened amid a loud AI debate and a noticeable Hollywood absence, with Thierry Frémaux warning about job losses for writers and voice talent while Cannes still signs a multi-year Meta sponsorship. Tech/Health: Robocath says it has completed enrollment in its first-in-human robotic PCI study, reporting no safety concerns so far. Local Life: France is rolling out sterile male tiger mosquitoes to cut populations, and the week’s entertainment mix runs from Netflix is a Joke highlights to summer movie previews.

UFC 329 Shockwave: Dana White confirmed Conor McGregor’s return with a July 11 main event vs. Max Holloway at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, and he teased a stacked five-fight main card on Instagram Live. Sports & Comebacks: Earlier in the week, Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever notched a win over the Sparks as she returned from injury issues, setting the tone for a season-long grind back to form. Film Industry Crosswinds: Cannes opened amid loud debate over AI in filmmaking and major Hollywood’s quiet absence, with festival leadership pushing a “stand with artists” message while still signing a multi-year Meta sponsorship. Biotech & Medical Tech: Valneva reported first-quarter results and updated 2026 guidance, while Robocath said it has completed enrollment in a first-in-human robotic heart procedure study. Public Health in France: France is releasing millions of sterile male tiger mosquitoes to curb populations without pesticides.

UFC 329 Shockwave: Dana White confirmed Conor McGregor’s return with a July 11 main event vs. Max Holloway at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, plus a fully loaded main card announced on Instagram Live. Sports & Comebacks: McGregor’s comeback ends a five-year UFC absence, setting up a high-stakes rematch narrative right before International Fight Week. Film Industry Crosscurrents: Cannes opened amid a loud AI debate and major Hollywood’s noticeable retreat, with Thierry Frémaux warning about job losses for writers, actors, and dubbing/translation workers. Biotech Moves: Robocath says it has finished patient enrollment in a first-in-human robotic PCI study, reporting no safety concerns so far. Health Tech Watch: Pixel Weather users keep calling out forecast accuracy, with the bigger issue being whether apps use better data sources. Local Culture Calendar: Summer plans are rolling out across communities, from festivals and markets to live music lineups.

Cannes vs. AI Backlash: Cannes opened this week with a loud warning from festival chief Thierry Frémaux—AI-driven job fears for writers, actors, and dubbing teams are front and center, even as the festival quietly signs a multi-year sponsorship with Meta. Hollywood’s Quiet Absence: Major studio premieres are notably missing, turning the Croisette conversation toward tech disruption and industry power plays instead of just films. Local Life, Not Just Screens: Elsewhere, the week’s biggest “tech-adjacent” story is more practical than flashy—Robocath says it has finished enrolling patients in a first-in-human robotic heart procedure study. Culture Calendar: Summer movie hype is already building with the 2026 blockbuster list led by “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu,” while community events and festivals keep rolling in across the week.

Cultural Reckoning: Exactly 161 years after his murder, Silas Soule’s grave in Denver is still quietly contested—few visitors, but small rituals and fresh offerings keep the Sand Creek Massacre truth alive. Sports Heartstrings: Caitlin Clark’s Fever notched a first win of the season over the Sparks, and she shared an emotional reunion with former teammate Kate Martin after the game. Community Money at Work: Manhattan’s Wine Auction hits its 32nd year, raising $25M for local schools and turning a fundraiser into a town-wide tradition. Film Industry Crossroads: Cannes opens amid nonstop debate over AI in filmmaking and Hollywood’s noticeable absence, even as the festival signs a multi-year Meta sponsorship. Health & Tech Watch: Robocath completes first-in-human enrollment for robotic heart procedures, reporting no safety concerns so far. Public Health Innovation: France expands sterile male tiger mosquito releases to cut populations without pesticides. Travel/Leisure: Oceania Cruises unveils two simultaneous 180-day around-the-world sailings for 2028 and 2029.

Sand Creek Memory: Exactly 161 years after Silas Soule was murdered for refusing to whitewash the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre, his grave in Denver draws quiet reflection—sometimes even a modern can of Coors added by an unknown visitor—while the annual run still brings crowds to honor the truth he carried to Congress. Coaching Comeback: Emma Raducanu has reunited with US Open-winning coach Andrew Richardson, restarting their partnership immediately as she returns to competition in Strasbourg after illness. WNBA Reunion Moment: Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin shared an emotional reunion after the Indiana Fever’s first win of the season, with Clark driving the comeback despite early shooting struggles. Community Fundraising: Manhattan’s 32nd annual Wine Auction is back as the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation’s signature event, having raised $25M for local schools over time. Film Industry Crosswinds: Cannes opens amid AI anxiety and major Hollywood’s absence, with festival leaders pushing back on tech disruption while still courting big sponsors. Health Tech Watch: Robocath says it has completed first-in-human enrollment for robotic PCI, reporting no safety concerns so far.

Community Spotlight: Manhattan’s Wine Auction just hit its 32nd year, pulling nearly 2,500 people together at the Manhattan Beach Country Club to fund local schools—$25M raised over time and $120M+ total contributions to the district, including a major endowment. Entertainment Buzz: Cannes is back, but the big talk isn’t just films—it’s AI in filmmaking, Hollywood’s quieter-than-usual presence, and the industry’s job fears. Tech & Health: Robocath says it has finished enrolling patients in its first-in-human robotic PCI study, reporting no safety concerns so far. Science & Public Policy: France is releasing millions of sterile male tiger mosquitoes to cut populations without pesticides, scaling up a technique already tested elsewhere. Sports/Pop Culture: Jon Bernthal’s week reads like a full slate—The Punisher return, The Bear prequel drop, Broadway debut, and more—while Evil Dead Burn’s release details and trailer are the latest horror headline.