AGP Executive Report

Red River Rivalry: Oklahoma left tackle Michael Fasusi is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game against No. 1 Texas after a shoulder injury sidelined him for three games. Privacy and Courts: A federal judge ruled that a deputy’s warrantless searches of Flock license-plate camera data violated the Fourth Amendment, a decision that could constrain how Oklahoma law enforcement uses the system. County Finances: State auditors found a $10 million discrepancy in Oklahoma County’s books, apparently caused by a spreadsheet error; officials say there’s no indication money is missing, and the review continues. Energy and Data Centers: OG&E is seeking a $395 million rate increase, its first filing since 2023, as lawmakers consider rules for data centers amid concerns about electricity bills and water use. Jobs and Investment: Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry generates $52.5 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 250,000 jobs, according to new state figures; Tulsa’s sector contributes over $11 billion regionally. Housing Debate: Oklahoma’s gubernatorial candidates are offering competing approaches to rising housing costs, with Republican Mike Mazzei emphasizing economic growth and Democrat Cyndi Munson proposing a different path.

Election Watch: Fifty-five of Oklahoma’s 101 House seats will be contested Nov. 3, up from 32 in 2024; 43 incumbents face challengers. Health Care: Oklahoma City-based Integrity Care Group acquired 15 NextCare clinics in Oklahoma, Missouri and Nebraska, expanding its network to 100 locations across five states. About 200 employees joined, with facility and equipment upgrades planned. Property Taxes: The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a proposed property-tax ballot measure, dealing a setback to efforts to put it before voters. Privacy Rights: A federal judge ruled that a deputy’s extended searches of Flock license-plate camera data violated the Fourth Amendment. State Economy: A new study puts Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry at $52.5 billion in annual economic activity, while state senators are exploring solutions to rural water infrastructure problems.

ICE Training Cuts: Emails reviewed by The Washington Post say DHS sped up ICE training for deputized officers by trimming in-person instruction from four weeks to 40 hours of virtual learning, including removing parts on real-world field scenarios. State Leadership: Oklahoma Emergency Management Director Annie Mack Vest will leave Oct. 30 for the private sector; John Dean steps in as interim director. STEM in OKC: Science Museum Oklahoma’s Innovation Week drew 1,300 seventh graders for hands-on robotics, electricity and virtual reality activities. Aerospace Boom: A new Oklahoma study says aerospace and defense generates $52.5B in annual economic activity and supports 250,000+ jobs statewide. Housing Policy: Senate Democrats discussed land banks as a way to redevelop 200,000+ vacant homes and expand affordable housing. Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in multiple states, including Oklahoma, due to undeclared milk. Sports (Local Angle): Oklahoma’s Red River Rivalry vs. Texas headlines the weekend slate, with QB John Mateer facing scrutiny after recent turnover issues.

Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense: State leaders will unveil updated data Tuesday on the industry’s economic impact, including growth tied to Oklahoma’s airports, military installations, and off-airport aerospace and defense companies. Oklahoma Courts & Public Safety: A judge ruled a police search using Flock camera tech violated the Fourth Amendment, adding to the legal fight over surveillance. Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma’s governor’s race heads toward the Nov. 3 election, with Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson facing key issues as registration deadlines near. Oklahoma Death Penalty: A key witness in the Richard Glossip case returned to court, with the proceedings drawing renewed attention to Oklahoma’s execution system. Health & Community: Oklahoma’s opioid abatement funding round opens for schools, while chronic wasting disease was confirmed again in the Panhandle. Business & Travel: Southwest Airlines plans a new once-a-week seasonal nonstop from San Diego to Oklahoma City for summer 2027, boosting summer options for travelers. National Watch: Trump escalated attacks on the press over rally crowd reports, while the U.S. military approved a rare firing-squad execution for Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan.

Politics & Campaigns: President Donald Trump stumped in Grand Island, Nebraska, for GOP Sen. Pete Ricketts, while also escalating his feud with media over crowd-size claims from rallies in Ohio. Healthcare: The Trump administration began sending nearly 1 million ACA $500 refund checks, with a letter touting healthcare changes ahead of November midterms. Local Oklahoma Policy: Oklahoma County voters will weigh a sales tax to finish and operate a new jail and behavioral health center. Courts & Privacy: A federal judge ruled Oklahoma’s use of automated license plate-reading cameras for long-term tracking violates the Fourth Amendment. Food Safety: Flowers Foods recalled Nature’s Own Hawaiian Bread in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas due to undeclared milk. Business/Economy: Sen. Mary Boren highlighted Hitachi Vantara’s “Lighthouse” recognition in Norman as a boost for workers and local training pipelines. Sports (OKC-area): Oklahoma State hosts UCF after a bye week, while UCO named Cody Swanson interim after Adam Dorrel resigned. Public Safety: OKC police arrested two men in a gang-related August shooting that killed a 21-year-old.

Red River Rivalry: Texas opens as the No. 1 team and is favored over Oklahoma in the Oct. 10 Cotton Bowl, with the Longhorns listed at about a field-goal edge (Texas -8.5) despite OU’s 2-2 start. Local Education & AI: Oklahoma districts are rolling out AI classroom rules, with state guidance pushing boundaries to reduce cheating and reliance on unreliable AI-detection tools. 4th Amendment Ruling: A federal judge ruled a warrantless Flock automated license-plate search was unconstitutional “mass surveillance,” throwing out drug evidence in a Tulsa County case. Oklahoma Business/Industry: A new automated fuel-additive dosing system is being showcased in Oklahoma City, aiming to make diesel treatment safer and more consistent. Public Health Recall: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states due to undeclared yellow dyes. OKC/Regional Sports: Spurs coach Mitch Johnson says Tobias Harris remains “totally questionable” for the Oct. 20 opener vs. the Thunder after a calf strain. Oklahoma Energy Watch: An Oklahoma oil company plugged a disposal well tied to groundwater concerns near Enid, after reporting raised questions about permit compliance.

OKC Thunder injury update: Spurs say free-agent wing Tobias Harris strained his left calf and is questionable for San Antonio’s Oct. 20 opener vs the Thunder, after he sat out a preseason scrimmage and will be rechecked. Local privacy fight: A federal judge ruled a Tulsa County deputy violated the Fourth Amendment by using Flock license-plate location history without a warrant, calling it “dragnet-style surveillance” concerns. College football stakes for Oklahoma fans: Texas is No. 1 in the AP Top 25 heading into the Red River Rivalry vs Oklahoma, while Missouri jumped to No. 14 after routing Florida. Midterms politics: House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats are positioned to flip Trump-won House districts, aiming to repeat the 2018 sweep. Sports streaming: Milwaukee launched Bucks+ so Wisconsin fans can watch local games via a team-run app, a move that mirrors the Thunder’s in-house local streaming approach. International watch: Brazil’s election heads to a runoff after Bolsonaro and Lula failed to win outright.

Oklahoma Politics & Campaign Buzz: President Donald Trump drew fresh online backlash after kissing communications adviser Margo Martin at a Durant rally and then praising her appearance while referencing the “racehorse theory,” as he stumped for GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Midterms & Taxes: With voters heading to the polls, analysts say some of the biggest 2026 tax fights will be decided state-by-state, including “tax the rich” measures like California’s proposed one-time 5% levy on billionaires’ net worth. Local Oklahoma Watch: Oklahoma’s drought and storm risk remain in focus as the state braces for heavy rain and flooding threats. Public Safety/Legal: A federal judge ruled Oklahoma’s “Flock” license-plate search practices violated Fourth Amendment rights, adding to the legal pressure on mass surveillance systems. Food Safety: Frozen berry recalls expanded after possible E. coli contamination, including products sold in Oklahoma. Sports (OKC-area interest): Georgia linebacker Chris Cole was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after a standout game, while college football rankings shifted after Week 5 results.

Midterms Watch: With less than a month to go, Trump is trying to sell voters on his agenda as Republicans face a “triage mode” scramble and Democrats gain ground in tight Senate races. Oklahoma Politics & Courts: An Oklahoma County jury convicted Travonte Rentie of second-degree murder in a fatal I-40 roadside shooting that began with a traffic dispute. Civil Liberties: A federal judge ruled Tulsa deputy use of Flock license-plate tracking was unconstitutional, calling it “indiscriminate mass surveillance.” Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma’s meteor crater dating was revised after zircon crystal analysis suggested the impact happened nearly 100 million years later than thought. Local Community: OKC’s City Lights Foundation is nearing completion of a $26.1M supportive housing project, with volunteers donating household essentials for incoming residents. Sports (OKC-area relevance): Oklahoma’s Red River Rivalry preview is heating up as Texas and OU gear up for the 122nd matchup.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: President Trump is crisscrossing deep-red states ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, including a Durant rally where he urged Oklahoma voters to “pretend” he’s on the ballot and pushed GOP candidates like Sen. Kevin Hern and Texas’ Ken Paxton. House GOP Strategy: A CNN report says more House Republicans privately fear they won’t hold the majority, with some discussing pulling money from races they see as too hard to win. Supreme Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court opens a new term with major fights ahead on religion, gun bans, climate, immigration, and election law. Local Policy & Community: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy set its Fall Forum in Oklahoma City to shape a 2027 children’s legislative agenda. Health & Safety: Oklahoma lawmakers and agencies continue grappling with the fallout from the marijuana boom, including abandoned grow sites and environmental risks. Sports (OKC-area interest): Oklahoma State’s women’s soccer and other regional matchups kept fans busy, while national college football betting coverage highlights Week 5 lines.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Republican Oklahoma lieutenant governor candidate T.W. Shannon hit Bartlesville on KWON, pitching his “three C’s” (capitalism, the Constitution, Christianity) and stressing roads, schools, and less government interference, while backing local control on big projects like the proposed Port of Enola aluminum smelter. OKC Community: Restore OKC marked 10 years in northeast Oklahoma City with a free Saturday festival featuring live music, food, mural work, and family activities aimed at tackling generational poverty. Public Safety & Courts: A woman, Sara Polston, faces two felony charges for allegedly voting illegally in Oklahoma while serving a DUI sentence; GPS data reportedly placed her at polling locations. State Wildlife: Oklahoma deer season is underway with new rules for out-of-state hunters, including a requirement to buy licenses at least two days before hunting as chronic wasting disease monitoring continues. National Guard: An Oklahoma National Guard member deployed to Washington, D.C., was arrested after a traffic stop for carrying an unauthorized firearm. Local Education: A new downtown OKC charter school—John Rex Polytechnic High School—was announced for fall 2027, with a lottery opening Nov. 11 and six concentration areas. Data Privacy: Murphy Law Firm is investigating potential class-action claims tied to data breaches involving World Acceptance Corporation and Poppins Payroll.

Oklahoma Politics & Midterms: President Trump returned to Oklahoma for a rain-soaked Durant rally, urging GOP voters to “pretend I’m running” and warning that a loss could lead to impeachment efforts, while also backing candidates including gubernatorial contender Mike Mazzei. White House Press Access: The White House again removed CNN from the TV pool for Trump’s Texas-Oklahoma trip, with Real America’s Voice assigned instead, continuing an access fight that’s already gone to court. Energy Prices in Focus: States including Oklahoma are moving to blunt high gas and diesel costs ahead of the midterms, as analysts tie fuel pressure to the Iran conflict and voters’ affordability concerns. Local Culture: Broken Arrow launched its inaugural film festival, bringing filmmakers from 30 states to the Regal Warren and spotlighting an “Okie Made” category for Oklahoma creators. Sports (National, With OKC Angle): The Browns host the Steelers on Thursday Night Football, while Cincinnati heads to Arizona for its first true road game of the season.

Midterm Politics in Oklahoma: President Trump kicked off a red-state campaign blitz with stops in Texas and Oklahoma, including a Durant rally, and used the trip to press voters on GOP races. He also endorsed Texas AG Ken Paxton while calling him a “pain in the ass,” even as leaked audio added to tensions. Local Public Safety & Courts: Oklahoma County leaders are asking voters to back a two-fifths-of-a-penny sales tax in November to help fund a new jail, with the Greater OKC Chamber still weighing a position. Mental Health Access: Oklahoma became the latest state to join the Counseling Compact, letting licensed counselors practice across state lines. Opioid Prevention Funding: Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced opioid abatement grants for Oklahoma schools and colleges, with applications due Nov. 30. State Policy Watch: Sen. Carri Hicks’ interim study found gaps in supervised visitation safety and points to new “Lizzy’s Law” reforms for 2027. OKC Area Community: Purcell’s Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival returns this weekend with free admission and Little Texas headlining.

Oklahoma Politics & Campaign Trail: President Trump is set to hit Oklahoma again for a Durant midterm rally, as GOP strategists try to energize voters amid sagging approval and tough races. Local Governance & Public Safety: Oklahoma City is bracing for soaking storms and flood risk, with officials warning about dangerous driving conditions as heavy rain moves in. State Watch: The Oklahoma Department of Securities sued Vesta Realty, alleging the firm failed to hand over subpoenaed documents tied to investor and business conduct. Education & Families: Federal rules would open a new scholarship tax credit to most children in at least 30 states, expanding options for private school and homeschooling. Health & Consumer News: Michigan AG Dana Nessel urged consumers to file claims tied to a multistate settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing. National Legal & Human Rights: Tennessee halted Christa Pike’s execution after she survived a lethal injection attempt, ordering an outside investigation. Business & Tech: USA Rare Earth named a new CEO as it reorganizes operations, while Ten-Nine Technologies expanded in China through a distribution partnership.

Severe Weather & Flooding: Oklahoma City braced for more storms overnight after heavy rain flooded roads, including Broadway Extension, with officials urging drivers to avoid water-covered lanes and never drive around barricades. Local Construction: Crews kept building on Oklahoma City’s new Thunder arena and a nearby multipurpose stadium, with major milestones like steel work and future exterior glass expected soon. Drought Relief for Farms: Oklahoma approved $2 million in emergency drought funding, with applications opening Oct. 5 and potential help up to $7,500 for eligible family producers. Voter Registration: Oklahoma’s midterm voter registration deadline is approaching (Oct. 9), with options to register online, in person, or by mail. Education Funding: OU announced “OU Onward,” a scholarship for in-state students with adjusted gross income between $60,000 and $75,000 who don’t qualify for Oklahoma’s Promise. Energy & Jobs: Oklahoma shared more details on a proposed nuclear facility bid, saying it could create up to 25,000 jobs, while key questions about location and impacts remain. Sports & Culture: FX released the Season 2 trailer for Tulsa-set series “The Lowdown,” and Oklahoma City honored retiring Fire Chief Richard Kelley after 35 years.

Severe Weather Watch: Oklahoma is bracing for severe storms Wednesday with an expanded tornado and flooding risk, including a higher threat in southwest areas near Altus, Hobart and Lawton, plus damaging winds and hail. Courts & Accountability: The Oklahoma Supreme Court publicly reprimanded Tulsa County District Judge Sharon Holmes, citing “indefensible” conduct that undermined public confidence. Local Crime: An Oklahoma escapee, Logan Palmer, was captured in Rhode Island and is expected to be returned to Oklahoma; in Norman, police arrested Gavin Vanderven in alleged apartment break-ins near OU. OKC Public Safety Tech: Oklahoma City firefighters tested an AI helmet designed to help them see through smoke. Business & Growth: OKC leaders approved $25M in infrastructure funding tied to Buc-ee’s plans, with the city in “active conversations” about bringing the first Oklahoma location. Sports (OKC-area): The Thunder’s offseason chatter continues as NBA teams weigh White House visits, while college football headlines keep rolling—Georgia routed Oklahoma 41-13 in the SEC opener.