AGP Executive Report

Local Leadership Loss: Oklahoma City mourns former Police Chief and Assistant City Manager M.T. Berry, the city’s first Black police chief, who died Friday after a brain cancer battle at 75. UFC Oklahoma City: The Paycom Center hosts UFC Fight Night 281 tonight with Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman as the main event, plus Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan and other bouts on Paramount+. Public Health Alert: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall across 27 states tied to a cyclospora outbreak; Walmart also pulled select salad products as a precaution, including Oklahoma. Food Safety: The FDA also flagged a General Mills/Pillsbury recall of more than 700,000 rolls in 19 states due to possible glass contamination, with Oklahoma listed. State Government Watch: Attorney General Gentner Drummond opened an investigation into how the Oklahoma Health Care Authority handled alleged Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse. Sports Spotlight: LeBron James posted support for Caitlin Clark after her historic 45-point performance, while UFC OKC adds undefeated prospects Damien Anderson vs. Ezra Elliott.

UFC Oklahoma City: Paycom Center is set for UFC Fight Night: Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman, with the main card starting 8 p.m. ET on Saturday and Paramount+ carrying the action; both headliners made weight, but two fighters missed—Chase Hooper (catchweight, 20% purse forfeiture) and Ezra Elliott (status still pending). Local Sports & Events: Olympic canoe star Noemie Fox is shifting focus to canoe slalom for the world championships at Oklahoma City’s McClendon Whitewater Centre, aiming for more Olympic starts in 2028. Local Governance: Oklahoma election officials pushed back on claims of a voter database breach, saying a declassified federal memo refers to publicly available voter data obtained from commercial websites—not a compromise of election systems. Energy & Public Lands: The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day comment period for a November 2026 oil and gas lease sale covering parcels in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Weather: Hot, humid conditions continue across the region with highs in the 90s and only limited rain chances. Community: Oklahoma City residents can submit ideas for a new city flag.

UFC Oklahoma City: The Paycom Center hosts UFC OKC Saturday (July 18) with former champions Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman headlining after both made weight; weigh-in results also show Chase Hooper and Ezra Elliott missed by 1.5 pounds and will be fined. Health & Safety: Experts are warning families about the “Benadryl Challenge,” saying overdoses can cause hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythms, and even death—after an Oklahoma teen death was reported. Local Government: Oklahoma City residents can submit ideas for a new city flag, and Murray’s proposed data center ordinance is still under review after a public hearing. State Policy: Oklahoma ends the “orphan tax,” stopping the diversion of Social Security survivor benefits for children in foster care. Emergency Response: Oklahoma deployed five additional swift-water rescue teams to help with Texas flooding recovery. Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma City’s Maya Brady is highlighted as a winning leader in Athletes Unlimited softball as the league’s schedule ramps up. Politics & Elections: New declassified documents fuel renewed claims about foreign election interference, while China and Russia dispute the allegations.

Oklahoma Politics: A GOP gubernatorial hopeful, Mike Mazzei, has been largely absent from the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement Board since his 2023 appointment, missing most monthly meetings despite his deep background in pension budgeting and reforms. Public Health: Oklahoma reported 57 cyclosporiasis cases as a nationwide outbreak continues, with officials pointing to contaminated produce and urging careful food handling and hydration. Mental Health Courts: Oklahoma’s plan to comply with a mental health consent decree was approved more than a year after the original deadline, after consultants said earlier drafts lacked detail and coordination. Election Security: Oklahoma was named in declassified White House documents tied to claims about foreign access to voter data, while the Oklahoma State Election Board says the state uses uniform voting procedures and set security protocols. OKC Sports: UFC returns to Oklahoma City at Paycom Center on July 18 with Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman—here’s how to watch and what to expect. Local Community: Oklahoma City’s new pro soccer identity (“OKC United”) and a city flag search are both in the spotlight as residents weigh in on branding and transit-era growth.

OKC Civic Pride: Oklahoma City is asking residents to help design a new city flag, with officials calling the current one “nondescript” and saying the effort is open to all ideas as the city looks ahead to the LA28 Olympics. Severe Weather Response: Oklahoma Task Force 1 and other rescue teams are deploying to South Texas as flooding worsens along the Guadalupe River Basin, with teams bringing swift-water gear and inflatable boats. Health Watch: Oklahoma reported 57 cyclosporiasis cases in a nationwide outbreak, with six hospitalizations and no deaths, as officials urge attention to food and water safety. Sports—Local Impact: Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was named an assistant coach for USA Basketball’s men’s national team, adding to Oklahoma’s growing sports footprint. UFC OKC Preview: UFC is in Oklahoma City this weekend with Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman, and local coverage is already lining up betting props and fight-night details. Food Safety: Pillsbury bread rolls were recalled over possible glass contamination, reminding shoppers to check UPCs and recall alerts.

OKC Growth & Transit: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt used his State of the City address to push for faster transportation upgrades as the metro races toward a 1-million population goal by 2050, including a commuter rail idea linking Norman, OKC and Edmond, and he highlighted sports investment plus the new OKC United pro soccer club tied to MAPS 4. Medicaid Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Oklahoma’s CFO to lead the Oklahoma Health Care Authority after the current director announced he’s heading back to the private sector, with an interim director stepping in. Broadband Access: The Oklahoma Broadband Office is rolling out about 175 internet “community access portals” in libraries statewide to expand telehealth, job services, and digital skills. Public Health Watch: Oklahoma reported a spike in cyclosporiasis, with 56 confirmed cases and six hospitalizations, as health officials warn symptoms can be severe without treatment. Local Politics: An Oklahoma Supreme Court hearing weighed whether signature rules for state ballot initiatives are being applied fairly, after supporters challenged the rejection of tens of thousands of signatures. Sports Spotlight (OKC): UFC Fight Night 281 hits Paycom Center this weekend with Kamaru Usman vs. Dricus du Plessis as the main event.

OKC Growth & Transit: Mayor David Holt used his State of the City address to lay out plans for continued population growth, the push for a metrowide “One Transit” system, and major sports investments—plus a new city flag initiative tied to the 2028 Olympics. OKC Soccer Reveal: Oklahoma City officially unveiled “OKC United,” a USL Championship team starting in 2028, with a logo built around an arrowhead shield and sun rays representing Oklahoma’s 39 tribes. Social Security “Orphan Tax” Ends: Gov. Kevin Stitt said Oklahoma will stop diverting Social Security survivor benefits for kids in foster care, keeping the money for the children instead. AG Data-Breach Settlement: Attorney General Liz Murrill announced a multi-state settlement tied to the 23andMe genetic data breach, with limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate. Drug Pricing Antitrust: States’ attorneys general announced a $29.6 million Glenmark settlement over alleged generic-drug price-fixing, with Oklahoma-area residents potentially eligible depending on purchases. Daylight Saving Push: The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, with Senate action still pending. ICE Enforcement Change: Reports say DHS ordered ICE to stop vehicle-related enforcement stops after deadly shootings. Local Sports: Thunder Summer League notes highlight former Iowa players Bennett Stirtz and others turning in strong performances.

UFC Oklahoma City: UFC Oklahoma City is set for July 18 with a blockbuster main event: Kamaru Usman vs. Dricus du Plessis, a fight that could reshape both men’s title paths. Local Safety: Oklahoma and Arkansas firefighters are urging summer heat preparedness—drink water early, watch for warning signs like headaches, and never leave pets in hot cars. Wildlife Watch: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing whether Oklahoma’s plains spotted skunk should get Endangered Species Act protections. Energy & Growth: A new permitting-reform push argues Oklahoma’s stalled approvals are slowing infrastructure and big investments, including data-center and power projects. Health Coverage: ACA enrollment fell nationally, with Oklahoma among states seeing steep drops. OKC Sports: The Thunder fell 106-103 to the Nuggets in Summer League as Trevon Brazile poured in 32 points. Community: Circle of Life held a ribbon cutting for its first Oklahoma hospice location in Colcord.

Oklahoma Politics & Courts: The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments over whether a state question signature purge unfairly tossed tens of thousands of signatures, with supporters saying the Secretary of State can’t explain why signatures were rejected. Public Safety: OKC police are investigating bodycam footage showing an officer allegedly escalating an encounter with a woman in a mental health crisis, while separate OKC authorities say a suspect was arrested after allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a man in a wheelchair near police headquarters. Death Penalty: The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-1 against clemency for death row inmate Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez, who told the board he didn’t want mercy. State Services & Health Access: The Oklahoma Broadband Office is launching a $14.5 million library initiative to place 175 community access portals statewide, aiming to expand healthcare, workforce help, and digital skills. Local Government & Infrastructure: Emergency managers in Grady County shared lessons from last year’s Weatherford anhydrous ammonia leak to help other Oklahoma agencies respond better. Sports (OKC): USA Basketball is expected to name Thunder coach Mark Daigneault as an assistant on Team USA’s staff under Erik Spoelstra.

Big 12 Football Buzz: The Big 12’s preseason coaches poll puts BYU at No. 1, followed by Texas Tech and Utah, with Houston and Arizona rounding out the top five; Oklahoma State lands at No. 9. Preseason Honors: BYU’s LJ Martin is named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes Jr. takes Defensive Player of the Year, and Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker earns Newcomer of the Year. Oklahoma Poultry Lawsuit: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says the state reached a new nearly $44 million settlement with the remaining poultry companies, including cleanup money and a seven-year reduction plan for poultry litter spread, pending court approval. Agriculture Watch: Oklahoma officials are also tracking the return of the New World screwworm, with cases reported in Texas and southern New Mexico but none yet in Oklahoma. Local Sports & Entertainment: LeBron James is reportedly weighing his next NBA stop after the Lakers, while Bryan Adams adds a 2027 Australia/New Zealand leg that includes a Thackerville, Oklahoma show.

Data Centers on Tribal Lands: A new report says big tech is mapping at least 37 proposed data centers near Native American tribal areas, with some estimates topping 150 projects tied to rural frontline communities—fueling fresh debate over water, power, and land impacts. Water Pollution Settlement: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond says he’ll ask a federal judge to approve a nearly $44 million, seven-year settlement with six poultry companies to clean up the Illinois River watershed, after a decades-long fight over phosphorus runoff. UFC Oklahoma City: UFC Fight Night 281 returns to Oklahoma City for the first time in nine years, headlined by Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman—here’s how to watch. Sports & Local College Football: Big 12 preseason polls put BYU No. 1 and Oklahoma State at No. 9, while OSU QB Drew Mestemaker was named Preseason Newcomer of the Year. Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma cattle groups say they’re prepared for the new world screwworm outbreak, with education emphasized for owners and animals.

Native Land Data Centers: A new report says big tech is mapping dozens of data-center projects near Native American tribal lands, with federal policy pushing development on federal and military property and dozens of state bills following. Big 12 Football Buzz: The Big 12 preseason coaches poll has BYU at No. 1, with Texas Tech and Utah next, and Oklahoma State landing at No. 9; the league also named preseason awards, including Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker as Newcomer of the Year. OKC Sports Spotlight: The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren was among the stars at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, where UFC CEO Dana White blasted a broadcast mix-up that put Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams’ name on screen for Shakur Stevenson. MLB Draft Fallout: The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped with Day 2/Day 1 results still driving headlines, including Luke Pettitte going to the Yankees and Oklahoma ties showing up across picks. Public Health Watch: Orkin’s bed-bug rankings highlight travel-season risk, with major U.S. cities flagged for infestations.

Big 12 Football Buzz: The Big 12 released its preseason rankings and awards, with BYU picked No. 1, Texas Tech and Utah close behind, and Oklahoma State at No. 9. BYU’s LJ Martin earned Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, Texas Tech’s A.J. Holmes Jr. is Defensive Player of the Year, and Oklahoma State QB Drew Mestemaker is Newcomer of the Year. MLB Draft Day 2 (Local Angle): The 2026 MLB Draft continues Sunday, and Detroit’s Day 2 picks include Louisiana Tech RHP Declan Dahl (5th round) and Oregon SS Maddox Molony (6th round). OKC Power & Safety: Thousands of OG&E customers in northwest Oklahoma City lost power after a substation issue, with restoration underway. UFC 329 Fallout: UFC President Dana White blasted the production team after a broadcast graphic mistakenly identified boxer Shakur Stevenson as Thunder guard Jalen Williams. Health & Community: The last U.S. polio patient using an iron lung, Martha Lillard, died at 78 in Oklahoma. Sports for Everyone: Oklahoma Lookouts beep ball players held the Sooner State Classic in Tulsa, highlighting an adaptive sport built for low-vision and blind athletes.

MLB Draft: The 2026 MLB Draft kicked off with the White Sox taking UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky No. 1, while Oklahoma ties kept showing up—OSU’s Justin Wrobleski earned a National League All-Star spot for the Dodgers, and OSU outfielder Alex Conover was selected by the Padres in the fourth round. Local Sports & Culture: Oklahoma’s Jason Witten, now an Oklahoma coach, brushed off Vols fans’ backlash after appearing onstage at a Luke Combs concert in Norman. Community Spotlight: An Oklahoma nonprofit is installing free flagpoles for veterans, with Choctaw Mayor Chad Allcox the latest recipient. Weather Watch: Storm chances continue in the Magnolia area through Monday, with a possible minor geomagnetic storm Sunday. Health & Research: OSU’s Hamm Institute named five new fellows to expand energy-focused research. Public Safety: Hundreds gathered in El Reno for a fundraiser for families of four young adults killed in a wrong-way crash.

Disaster Relief: FEMA approved more than $144 million for Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to strengthen resilience, repair infrastructure, and fund hazard mitigation projects. Severe Weather Watch: Oklahoma crews are tracking thunderstorms with a risk of damaging winds Saturday, with lightning and fast-moving cells possible across the OKC metro and surrounding counties. Public Health: Acyclosporiasis tied to “explosive diarrhea” has sickened hundreds—possibly thousands—nationwide, and experts say diners should be extra cautious with food handling and preparation. Local Community: Choctaw Mayor Chad Allcox, a Marine veteran, was honored with a flagpole installation at his home by a veterans-focused group. Courts & Environment: A settlement is proposed in the Illinois River pollution case involving Oklahoma AG claims tied to poultry litter phosphorus, with parties seeking approval from the 10th Circuit. Sports & Local Pride: Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone hosted a youth football camp in Del City, aiming to be a positive role model for local kids. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest regular and midgrade prices in parts of Oklahoma County and surrounding areas in the week ending July 4.

Oklahoma Weather: Hot Saturday in Magnolia with a high near 96, then a more unsettled stretch Sunday into Monday with showers and thunderstorms possible and highs around 89 to 93. Local Sports & OKC Ties: Milwaukee re-signed former Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng, who split time between Oklahoma City and Milwaukee last season and averaged career-best numbers with the Bucks. Big-Time NBA News: Spurs star Victor Wembanyama signed a five-year extension that could top $250 million, choosing a “discount” deal to keep flexibility for San Antonio’s young core. Health & Food Safety: Aldi recalled a frozen kimbap sold in Oklahoma and 19 other states because it may contain undeclared fish (tuna). Human Interest: Martha Lillard, the last U.S. polio patient to rely on an iron lung, died at 78 in Oklahoma. Policy Watch: Federal SNAP funding changes starting in fall 2027 could cost states billions and raise fears of more people losing benefits. UFC in OKC: UFC Fight Night at Paycom Center gets a card shakeup after Kevin Holland withdrew due to injury; the updated lineup is out.