AGP Executive Report

West End Drama: Boy George has pulled out of Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium just days before his King Herod stint, after backlash to his pro-Israel single “We Will Dance Again,” which critics say denies genocide in Gaza while he insists it’s a call for peace. Football Business Clash: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a World Cup commercial spin-off has triggered a UEFA-led boycott threat, with 55 European nations lining up against the proposal and questions swirling over who controls football’s biggest prize. Local Sports Spotlight: Larne push for Europa League progress with FC Iberia 1999 in the first leg, chasing “League Phase” qualification and carrying San Marino’s Tre Fiori win into the next round. Arts & Culture: The Huntington in San Marino is hosting “Damaged Goods,” featuring Benjamin Franklin’s ink-stained autobiography draft and other works shaped by stains, errors, and censorship. Community & Learning: The Huntington also runs hummingbird talks and Filipino American “Sunday Supper” events, pairing hands-on culture with food and storytelling. Arts Legacy: Betye Saar has died at 99, with her Southern California-rooted work spanning race, spirituality, and reimagined stereotypes.

Art & Culture in San Marino, Calif.: The Huntington’s “Damaged Goods” exhibition runs through Nov. 30, spotlighting Benjamin Franklin’s ink-stained autobiography draft and other works where stains, cracks, and alterations reveal how history was made and edited. Gardening & Nature: A new Huntington Library guide highlights orchids that look like animals, insects—and even a “naked man,” turning botany into a surreal spectacle. Sports (Local European ties): Larne host FC Iberia 1999 at Inver Park in the Europa League third qualifying round, with defender Aaron Donnelly urging a “keep it tight” approach as the club chases League Phase football. Music & Theatre Controversy: Boy George’s pro-Israel single “We Will Dance Again” sparked backlash, and he has pulled out of the West End revival of Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium. Community & Food Culture: The Huntington’s “Sunday Supper” podcast event celebrates Filipino American life through storytelling and food, anchored in centuries of Philippine tradition.

West End Fallout: Boy George’s pro-Israel single “We Will Dance Again” has sparked a backlash that’s now cost him his role as King Herod in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at the London Palladium, with the singer saying he’s “devastated” for innocent lives on both sides and calling for peace. Global Football Power Struggle: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a new World Cup commercial entity has triggered a major backlash, with UEFA confirming a boycott of future tournaments if the scheme goes ahead and multiple federations lining up against Infantino’s private-investment push. San Marino Arts Spotlight: The Huntington in San Marino is spotlighting the late Betye Saar, whose assemblage work tackled racism and Black identity, with her commissioned installation set to run through 2027. Local Culture & Community: The Huntington also hosted a Filipino American “Sunday Supper” event tied to its podcast series, using food and archives to tell family stories. Sports & Entertainment Mix: F1 confirmed the Bahrain Grand Prix will be staged at Sepang in Malaysia in October, adding another odd twist to the 2026 calendar.

West End Drama: Boy George has pulled out of Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium days before his August run as King Herod, after backlash to his pro-Israel single “We Will Dance Again.” Music & Culture: The song, posted in Hebrew and English, cites the Oct. 7 Nova attacks and sparked fierce debate online, with George insisting he’s calling for peace. Football Business: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a new World Cup commercial subsidiary is triggering a major backlash, with UEFA and other confederations threatening boycotts and a possible split over who “owns” the tournament. San Marino Connection: Larne’s European campaign continues after beating Tre Fiori (San Marino) earlier this month, with the club now facing Red Star Belgrade. Arts Spotlight: The Huntington is highlighting Filipino American food and storytelling through its “Sunday Supper” podcast event, tying culture to community archives. Local Lifestyle: A Huntington hummingbird specialist is set to host drop-in talks on feeders, native plants, and keeping territorial birds in check.

West End Drama: Boy George has pulled out of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium just days before his August run, after backlash to his pro-Israel track “We Will Dance Again.” Pop Culture Fallout: In a new statement, he insists his song is “pro peace,” says critics ignore Israelis’ suffering, and calls claims of “genocide denial” untrue. Art Loss: Betye Saar, the Pasadena-rooted pioneer of assemblage art who tackled racism and Black identity, has died at 99; her work is set to be seen at The Huntington in San Marino. Local Arts & Community: The Huntington’s “Sunday Supper” event explored Filipino American food and storytelling through archives and dishes. Sports Business Shock: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights is triggering a UEFA-backed boycott threat, with major federations lining up against Infantino’s proposal. F1 Calendar Twist: Bahrain’s Grand Prix is set to be staged in Malaysia in October, with naming-rights confusion and contingency planning continuing.

Art & Culture: Assemblage pioneer Betye Saar has died at 99, with L.A. audiences able to see her Huntington-linked work “Drifting Toward Twilight” in San Marino through Nov. 30, 2027. Music & Theatre: Boy George released the pro-Israel track “We Will Dance Again,” then pulled out of West End’s Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium amid backlash, insisting he’s calling for peace. Sports Business: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup is sparking a major backlash, with UEFA and 55 European nations threatening a boycott if the scheme goes ahead. Local Arts & Community: The Huntington’s “Sunday Supper” series brought Filipino American food and storytelling to visitors, while a Japanese American community center hosted a yukata summer dance recital rooted in classical tradition. Entertainment & Public Life: ICE arrested a former Latvian “Dancing With the Stars” contestant in California, drawing attention to how reality fame intersects with legal trouble.

Boy George Backlash: British pop star Boy George doubled down on his pro-Israel track “We Will Dance Again,” saying critics ignore Israelis’ suffering and calling the song a “call for peace” after he visited London’s Nova exhibition. West End Fallout: The controversy spilled into theatre as his management confirmed he has pulled out of the London Palladium revival of Jesus Christ Superstar days before he was due to play King Herod. FIFA World Cup Fight: Football’s power struggle heated up with FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a World Cup commercial spin-off, triggering a UEFA-backed boycott threat from European federations. San Marino Arts & Culture: At The Huntington in San Marino, a “Sunday Supper” event tied Filipino American food and storytelling to centuries of Philippine culture through historical archives. Local Community Spotlight: San Marino-linked parenting support group Partnership for Awareness highlighted its long-running approach to youth wellbeing, stressing listening and staying connected as families face today’s mental-health pressures.

West End Drama: Boy George has pulled out of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium, days before he was due to play King Herod, after backlash to his pro-Israel track We Will Dance Again (“Od Nirkod”). Global Football Row: FIFA’s push to sell stakes in the World Cup and expand the tournament to 64 teams is triggering a widening revolt, with UEFA confirming a boycott of future FIFA events if the plan goes ahead. FIFA Funding Fight: FIFA says the scheme could boost distributions for member federations, but critics point to the “one country, one vote” setup and the risk of turning football’s biggest prize into an investment product. Art World Loss: Assemblage pioneer Betye Saar has died at 99; her Pasadena-rooted work includes a major installation at The Huntington in San Marino.

Boy George Backlash: The Culture Club frontman has quit Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium days before his August run as King Herod, after a storm over his pro-Israel single “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew: עוד נרקוד), which critics say denies genocide in Gaza and targets pro-Palestine musicians. World Cup Power Struggle: UEFA says it will boycott the next World Cup if FIFA’s plan to spin off and sell stakes in the tournament’s commercial future goes ahead, with FIFA pushing private investment and a September 19 deadline for federations. FIFA vs. Finance: Reports highlight JPMorgan’s role advising FIFA on the scheme, while questions grow over how much control investors could gain. F1 Calendar Twist: The Bahrain Grand Prix has been moved to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit in October, with F1 already preparing contingency plans if Middle East instability disrupts Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Art Loss: Assemblage pioneer Betye Saar, rooted in Pasadena and known for confronting racism, has died at 99; her Huntington installation “Drifting Toward Twilight” remains on view.

Music & Controversy: Boy George has pulled out of his West End stint as King Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar at London Palladium, just days before rehearsals, after backlash over his pro-Israel track “We Will Dance Again” (“Od Nirkod”), which rejects “genocide” claims and cites the Oct. 7 Nova music festival. Football Governance: UEFA says it will boycott the next World Cup if FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in a new commercial subsidiary goes ahead, escalating a fight over whether the tournament should be treated like an investment product. Global Sports Business: FIFA’s proposal—backed by JPMorgan and aimed at raising billions for federations—now faces a vote test ahead of a March 2027 Congress. Art & Culture: Renowned assemblage artist Betye Saar has died at 99; her Pasadena-rooted work includes a major Huntington installation in San Marino running through Nov. 30, 2027. Motorsport: F1’s rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang in Malaysia in October, with branding adjusted to reflect the move.

Music & Culture: Boy George has released “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew title: עוד נרקוד) on X and Instagram, a reggae-pop single that backs Israel’s Gaza campaign, rejects “genocide” claims as “war,” and directly references the Oct. 7 Nova music festival—sparking immediate backlash from pro-Palestine voices and supporters alike. Arts & Legacy: Betye Saar, the pioneering assemblage artist who tackled Black identity and racism, has died at 99; her Huntington Library installation “Drifting Toward Twilight” (built from found materials gathered on the San Marino institution’s grounds) remains on view through Nov. 30, 2027. Sports & Entertainment Business: FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors is triggering a major showdown, with UEFA threatening a boycott over fears the tournament is being “sold.” Motorsport: F1’s rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix is set for Malaysia’s Sepang circuit in October, keeping the Bahrain branding while shifting the race location.

World Cup Power Struggle: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is pushing a £15bn private-equity-style plan to create a company that would oversee World Cup rights, with UEFA and other confederations warning the sport’s “soul” is being turned into something to “trade” and threatening major pushback. Pop Culture Clash: Boy George has released the pro-Israel reggae-pop single “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew: עוד נרקוד), posting it directly on social media; the lyrics reject “genocide” claims in Gaza, reference the Oct. 7 Nova attack, and sparked immediate backlash from pro-Palestine voices. Art Loss: Assemblage pioneer Betye Saar, rooted in Pasadena and known for confronting racism through found-object works, has died at 99; her Huntington commission “Drifting Toward Twilight” remains on view in San Marino through 2027. F1 Calendar Drama: Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix is rescheduled to Malaysia’s Sepang in October, keeping the “Bahrain” branding while fans wait on whether Qatar and Abu Dhabi will still happen. Local Sports Spotlight: California Champ Camp returns Aug. 1-2 with local female wrestlers stepping in as counselors to help grow girls wrestling.

Pop Culture & Politics: Boy George ignited a fresh storm after releasing “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew: עוד נרקוד), a reggae-pop track backing Israel’s Gaza war and rejecting claims of genocide, while also criticizing pro-Palestine musicians; the release landed directly on social media with the #Shalom hashtag and sparked immediate backlash. Art & Legacy: Renowned assemblage artist Betye Saar has died at 99, with her Pasadena roots and anti-racism vision highlighted by major works including “Drifting Toward Twilight,” currently on view at The Huntington in San Marino through Nov. 30, 2027. Sports (F1): Formula 1’s Bahrain Grand Prix is being rescheduled to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit in October, keeping the Bahrain branding despite the huge geographic swap. Sports (Football): Larne’s European run continues after beating San Marino’s Tre Fiori, setting up a key second leg against Red Star Belgrade.

Pop Culture & Politics: Boy George has released “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew: עוד נרקוד), a pop-reggae track posted on X and Instagram with the hashtag #Shalom, defending Israel’s Gaza campaign as “war” rather than genocide and referencing the Oct. 7 Nova music festival; the move has sparked immediate backlash from pro-Palestine activists and musicians. Arts & Legacy: Betye Saar, the Pasadena-raised assemblage artist who tackled racism through found-object works, has died at 99; her Huntington in San Marino commission “Drifting Toward Twilight” remains on view through Nov. 30, 2027. Sports (F1): F1’s rescheduled 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit on Oct. 2–4, branded as the “Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia,” after the original Bahrain race was canceled amid regional instability. Travel Practicalities: New summer passport guidance highlights airline-specific document checks for easyJet, Jet2, Ryanair and TUI, with travelers urged to confirm entry rules before flying.

Pop Culture & Politics: Boy George has released “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew: עוד נרקוד) in support of Israel, posting it on X and Instagram with #Shalom. The reggae-pop track rejects claims of genocide in Gaza, frames Israel’s campaign as “war,” and directly references the Oct. 7 Nova music festival—sparking immediate backlash from pro-Palestine activists and wider online debate. Arts & Legacy: Betye Saar, the pioneering assemblage artist who tackled racism and anti-Black stereotypes, has died at 99. Her work remains tied to San Marino via “Drifting Toward Twilight,” on view at The Huntington through Nov. 30, 2027. Sport & Entertainment: F1’s rescheduled 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia on Oct. 2–4, keeping the “Bahrain” branding despite the huge geographic switch.

Music & Culture: Boy George has released a new pro-Israel reggae-pop track, “We Will Dance Again” (Hebrew: “Od Nirkod”), posted on X and Instagram with #Shalom, arguing Israel’s Gaza campaign is “war” not “genocide” and citing the Oct. 7 Nova festival attack as the trigger for retaliation; the release has sparked sharp backlash online, with the singer also criticizing fellow musicians who’ve supported Palestine. Local Arts: Baker City’s Orpheum Theater renovation gets a boost with “Baker Night at the Opera” on Aug. 22, featuring live performances by Reed Wagstaff, Marco Valerio, and Paige Witham, plus a live art auction by Lauren Chaney and ticket options for show-only or show+dinner. Sports (Global): Formula 1 confirms the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix will be held at Malaysia’s Sepang circuit in October, keeping Bahrain branding while Malaysia steps in to host. Travel Practicalities: Summer holidaymakers get reminders on current passport rules for airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2.