AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Watch (OKC): A grass fire that burned 25–30 acres near Sooner Road and Britton Road rekindled overnight, with crews monitoring hot spots this morning. No injuries were reported, and the Oklahoma City Fire Department said the flames damaged sheds, cars, and about 30 hay bales—while staying close to homes. Local Business & Jobs: MISTRAS Group is expanding its U.S. field services footprint with new locations including Tulsa, aiming to cut mobilization time and better serve energy, power, aerospace, defense, and data-center markets. Higher Ed: Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones was elected to the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees for a four-year term. Public Safety & Health: The FDA recalled 75,250 packages of Hodo Chili Crisp Lightly Fried Tofu due to possible ink contamination from packaging. Sports (OKC-area interest): Jalen Williams sparked debate after ranking himself and Cody Williams as the NBA’s best brother duo—prompting plenty of pushback online.

OKC Public Safety: Body-camera footage shows an Oklahoma City road-rage incident near I-35 turning into a knife fight, sending one man to the hospital and landing a motorcyclist in the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Marijuana Industry Fallout: A Tulsa-area marijuana extraction owner, Ryan Bassham, faces two counts of first-degree murder after an explosion killed two employees; prosecutors say the business lacked proper licensing and registration. Local Infrastructure: Echo Sports is pitching in $9 million to help cover rising costs for OKC’s MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, with the project’s original price tag now at risk of growing. Schools & Safety: Tulsa Public Schools classrooms are struggling with heat as AC work orders pile up, and the teachers union is weighing possible closures. Education & Tech: University of Central Oklahoma is launching an AI-focused MBA program this fall, aiming to prepare students for AI skills beyond just IT roles. Sports (College): OU opens the season vs. UTEP with eyes on quarterback John Mateer and a rebuilt offense, while OSU’s opener vs. Tulsa spotlights the Turnpike Classic’s renewed importance. Weather & Health: Oklahoma drought conditions remain severe, with warm, dry conditions complicating early wheat planting.

NBA Contract Standoff: Jalen Duren’s holdout with the Detroit Pistons is dragging into September, with Detroit reportedly offering about $35M a year over five years while Duren’s camp wants more than $40M. College Football (Oklahoma ties): West Virginia is expected to start Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr. at QB in Week 1, and Oklahoma’s own football scene keeps buzzing with recruiting and season-preview coverage. Local Public Safety: In the Sand Springs explosion case, suspect Ryan Bassham is back in custody after posting a $2M bond, and OSBI says he faces additional charges tied to another illegal marijuana operation. Health & Community: Oklahomans are adapting to alpha-gal syndrome as ticks spread, with local businesses like an Edmond bakery building allergy-safe options for customers. Consumer & Courts: A federal court fight over SNAP junk-food restrictions is putting some states’ plans on hold, while Oklahoma remains among those with existing limits. Business/Tech: The FTC and 22 state AGs sue Amazon over alleged manipulation of ad auctions, claiming advertisers were hit with hidden surcharges.

Oklahoma State University Leadership: OSU is reshaping its top ranks: Provost Jeanette Mendez is taking a sabbatical, with Senior Vice Provost Chris Francisco stepping in as interim provost, and Spears College of Business interim dean Bryan Edwards replacing Jim Payne, who is moving to a faculty role. Marijuana Explosion in Sand Springs: A deadly blast at a Sand Springs cannabis extraction facility killed two employees and has led to murder charges against owner Ryan Bassham; court records say the business had licenses listed but they were invalid, and fire officials described outdated safety gear and an extraction booth that was supposed to be disconnected. Edmond Child Death Arrests: In Edmond, a mother and her boyfriend were arrested after a 2-year-old died following alleged abuse, with court documents citing serious injuries and conflicting accounts of how they happened. Federal Lawsuit Targets Amazon Ads: The FTC and 22 states, including Oklahoma, sued Amazon over claims it misled advertisers by inflating ad prices through “hidden surcharges,” with Amazon denying wrongdoing. Oklahoma Football Opener Notes: OU coach Brent Venables said the Sooners likely won’t play Friday night games in the future out of respect for high school football, after this year’s opener was moved up. Local Sports/College Football: Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris held his first weekly news conference as the Cowboys head into the season, while OU’s offense is being framed as more explosive heading into the UTEP opener.

Local Public Safety: Oklahoma schools are on high alert after anonymous social media threats targeted multiple districts, including Little Axe, McLoud, Dale, Bethel, Prague and others in Pottawatomie County, prompting increased law enforcement patrols around campuses. State Courts & Environment: The U.S. Justice Department filed a statement of interest in a dispute over a proposed primary aluminum smelter in Inola, saying Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s lawsuit could sidestep federal environmental permit review tied to the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. OKC Business & Growth: Host Digital Infrastructure secured a 15-year, take-or-pay lease for 43 MW of IT load capacity at its northeast Oklahoma data center, with delivery expected in the first half of 2027 and about $1.25 billion in contracted revenue over the base term. Arts & Community: Oklahoma City’s Stockyards City will host the first Collage Cabaret on Sept. 11 at Rodeo Cinema, featuring music, theater, dance, film, magic and a tribute moment for Sept. 11 victims. Sports: Oklahoma high school football spotlight: Seneca Driver (Boyle County) scored four touchdowns and made a big defensive impact in a 35-0 home opener win.

Wildfire tragedy in Oklahoma: A federal wildlife officer, David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon, is believed to have died while helping residents evacuate during the Railroad South Fire near Lawton, with officials saying his last contact came as he assisted a family leaving their home. Local public safety leadership: Beggs, Okla., is searching for a new police chief after its interim chief resigned, with the city administrator pointing to turnover and bringing in the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office for temporary 24-hour coverage. Energy deal with OK ties: Tulsa-based ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream’s Permian Midland Basin natural gas gathering and processing assets for $4.425 billion, funded partly by an Apollo minority equity investment and used to reduce debt. Politics and media fight: President Trump says he’ll report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC after she described his endorsement record as having “mixed results,” escalating his ongoing clash with news outlets. Oklahoma sports roundup: Oklahoma State’s Cowgirls celebrated 30 years of soccer history with a 6-1 win over Grambling State, while OSU’s women’s tennis freshman Arina Malygina swept singles at the UTR Shootout Stillwater. Health and costs: Oklahoma Medicaid billing data shows Evaluation and Management claims in Muldrow rose to $2,685 in 2024, up 15.5% from 2023.

Public Safety: Three alleged tomb raiders from Indiana were arrested for breaking into cemetery niches and stealing from cremation memorials across the eastern U.S., with Florida alone tied to 20 cases—police are urging families to check local cemeteries. Health Watch: The CDC expanded its Cyclospora outbreak update, adding Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas and bringing confirmed illnesses to 11,458 across 20 states, including Oklahoma—officials say it’s now more about testing than finding a product on shelves. State Corrections: Oklahoma prison inmates have been running political and insurance call centers from behind bars under contracts that allow telemarketing and polling, raising fresh questions about how the work is structured and paid. Local Health Costs: Medicaid dental billing in Sulphur jumped to $84,123 in 2024, up 191% from 2023, while statewide Oklahoma dental services ranked ninth in total Medicaid payments. Oklahoma Sports: Oklahoma women’s basketball opened NCAA play by routing Idaho 89-59, and Oklahoma City-area fans also got a look at the week’s TV and radio sports schedule.

Sand Springs Explosion: A deadly blast at a THC extraction facility in Sand Springs killed two people and damaged at least 25 nearby businesses; investigators say it started during the extraction process, and an arrest warrant has been issued for murder suspect Ryan Bassham. OKC Thunder Offseason: With Isaiah Joe traded away, Oklahoma City is looking for a new deep-shooting spark, with Jared McCain and Cason Wallace among the key candidates to help fill the three-point gap. Lake Ontario Name Fight: President Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” has drawn protests from Indigenous leaders, who say it disrespects Indigenous languages and heritage. Public Health Alert: The Oklahoma State Department of Health upgraded a recall for a Whole Foods guacamole dip due to possible salmonella contamination tied to jalapenos. Local Safety Incident: In Cherokee County, a man was pulled from Tenkiller Lake after jumping from a roughly 30-foot bluff and losing consciousness; he was transported by helicopter to a hospital. Sports Notes: Oklahoma City University beat Ottawa University women’s volleyball 3-1, while MACU women’s soccer fell 2-1 to LSU Shreveport.

Local Sports Spotlight: Benton’s Panthers pulled off a wild “Salt Bowl” comeback vs. Bryant, down 42-14 in the third quarter, then won 43-42 on a trick “Philly Special” two-point play with QB Chase Cobb catching the final pass. College Baseball Honors: NEO baseball’s Eliott Marin was named the NJCAA Rawlings Gold Glove First Base recipient for the 2026 spring season. Oklahoma Arts & Community: The Norman Philharmonic kicks off its season Sunday with “Classical Legends: Mozart, Rodrigo, Tate,” including an Oklahoma premiere by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate. Heritage Center Recognition: The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center won two awards at the Red Carpet Country Conference, including Outstanding Attraction for a third straight year and Best Social Media. Immigration Enforcement Watch: ICE reported nearly 50,000 migrant arrests in July, with Texas and Florida leading the totals. Policy & Benefits: Congress is weighing multiple Social Security proposals as lawmakers confront the program’s long-term finances and future benefit levels.

Bird Migration: BirdCast estimates 8,407,200 birds crossed Oklahoma overnight during fall migration, with WildCare Oklahoma noting peak nights can top 20 million. Heat Watch: Oklahoma City is in a long triple-digit stretch—forecasters warn more 100+ days are likely, with highs around 101-103 Saturday and 102-105 Sunday. Politics & Tribes: Tribal leaders met at the University of Tulsa for a first look at the 2026 general election ballot, including candidates and how changes could affect Native voters. Health Alert: Whole Foods recalled Mild Guacamole Dip in 13 states after FDA classified it as a Class I risk tied to a Salmonella investigation linked to jalapeño supplier Coast Citrus Distributors. Foodborne Outbreak: The lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak has expanded again, with CDC data showing thousands of lab-confirmed cases nationwide. Sports: Week 0 college football kicks off Saturday, but ESPN’s “College GameDay” won’t travel for it; Hawaii plays Stanford and Oklahoma-area fans can still catch other coverage.

Oklahoma Politics: Dr. Jennettie Marshall won the Democratic nomination for Oklahoma state superintendent and will face Republican Dr. Robert Franklin in November, arguing the state needs stronger relationships and a safer emotional environment for educators. State Government/Policy: A legal fight is brewing over the state’s “Oklahoma values” approach to investing the $2 billion tobacco settlement trust, with critics saying the policy lacks clear definitions and could put the trust’s board in hot water. Local Safety/Tech: Oklahoma City-area readers may be watching the national debate on surveillance tech as Bernalillo County moves to end Flock contracts over privacy concerns. Weather & Health: Oklahoma’s heat is stressing wildlife, with WildCare Oklahoma urging people to give animals space and call for help when they’re in distress. Community & Arts: Tulsa Theater owner Peter Mayo is staging a three-day “final encore” event marking decades of his involvement. Adoptions: Woods Humane Society highlights Jack, an 8-year-old terrier mix ready for a forever home.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahomans ousted two incumbent state senators in Tuesday’s primary runoffs, with Sens. Dana Prieto and Jack Stewart losing their bids for reelection while Rep. David Smith narrowly advanced. Legal Watch: Critics say Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to put a constitutional convention question on a future ballot is illegal, arguing the governor lacks authority to place items on the ballot. Local Government & Community: El Reno officials say a major water leak has been plugged after about 3 million gallons were lost, but residents are still being asked to limit outside watering while pressure and levels recover. Public Health: A Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has grown to 11,485 reported cases across multiple states, with Oklahoma listed among those affected. Sports (OSU): Oklahoma State soccer fell 4-1 at Mississippi State in triple-digit heat, with OSU scoring once on a late penalty kick. Thunder Coverage: The Thunder announced a new TV/streaming option for 2026-27, aiming to make games more accessible locally through the Thunder Gameday Network. Higher Ed: University of Tulsa leaders say they plan to cut tuition in half for the next school year, with tuition expected to be $25,000 starting in 2027.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announced a landmark multistate deal with Meta requiring new Instagram and Facebook protections for teens, plus major payments to states. Local Education & Privacy: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond told Muskogee schools they weren’t constitutionally required to cancel a community prayer walk, and offered help for similar requests. Rural Access to Internet: Oklahoma is expanding library broadband “portals” to close the rural connectivity gap, aiming for up to 175 private access points statewide. Healthcare Oversight: A federal rural health program meant to improve care is facing criticism for weak transparency, raising concerns about oversight and fraud protection. Weather & Community: Magnolia’s late-August forecast calls for hot conditions, isolated storms, and a deep partial lunar eclipse Thursday night. Business & Growth: PowerCompute says its Oklahoma GPU deployment hit “Verified” status on Vast.ai, and ordered a second GPU for September. Sports: Oklahoma State unveiled Aussie punter Lachie Pozzobon ahead of the Cowboys’ season opener.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma’s GOP governor runoff is set for November after Mike Mazzei edged Gentner Drummond by about 2,000 votes, with analysts saying the narrow win could help Democrat Cyndi Munson; Mazzei says he’ll push to eliminate the state income tax, end property taxes for seniors and veterans, and improve reading outcomes. Meta Settlement: Oklahoma is among states receiving at least $235 million from Meta’s $17.1 billion child-safety settlement, which also requires major changes to how teens can use Facebook and Instagram. Local Sports & Community: Diversion Hub in Oklahoma City held “Styled for Success” to prep job seekers with free haircuts, showers, laundry help, and interview-ready attire. Oklahoma Events: Lawton’s Oktoberfest lineup runs through September and October, including events at the Comanche County Fairgrounds and Fort Sill. Sports Notes: Oklahoma’s high school football preseason rankings were released for Class B-I, and Northeastern State volleyball begins its first official matches this weekend in Joplin, Missouri.

Oklahoma Politics: Former state Sen. Mike Mazzei narrowly won the GOP runoff for Oklahoma governor, beating Attorney General Gentner Drummond, with heavy Trump backing credited for turning out and tightening the race. South Carolina Politics: Trump-backed Darline Graham also won her South Carolina Senate runoff, defeating Rep. Ralph Norman, setting up a November matchup. State Government & Education: Republican superintendent candidate Dr. Robert Franklin won his GOP runoff and will face Democrat Dr. Jennettie Marshall in November, focusing on literacy and strengthening the education workforce. Insurance & Homeowners: A Comanche County judge ordered the release of 31 State Farm internal documents in a hail/wind dispute, including claims-handling pressure tied to an internal “Fix Profit” effort. Local Business: Cheba Hut is opening a new Edmond location Aug. 31, with a grand opening event and giveaways. Sports (National, with OK ties): ESPN’s preseason top-100 college football player list is live, with debate over whether Oregon QB Dante Moore was ranked too low. Weather & Safety: Fire conditions remain tense under burn bans as severe drought and heat keep grassfire risk high.

Oklahoma Politics: Polls closed Tuesday in Oklahoma’s runoff elections, with early results showing a tight race in the GOP gubernatorial runoff between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, while Democrats chose N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas in the Senate primary runoff—setting up a November matchup against GOP Rep. Kevin Hern. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City’s police wellness push is underway with Project 49, bringing screenings and support to officers and families after three cardiac deaths in five years. Community & Olympics: Oklahoma City launched “Team OKC” to rally residents, businesses, and volunteers for LA28, aiming to build a local Olympic identity for years to come. Local Sports: OU men’s basketball coach Porter Moser discussed the Sooners’ 2026 roster direction, including new additions and what the team learned in the SEC. Nature & Outdoors: Hummingbirds are starting their southbound migration soon—here’s how Oklahomans can keep feeding them before they leave. Business: Collier & Associates announced a private-label partnership to use Compass International’s technology, aiming to give agents a competitive edge.