AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Politics: The Oklahoma GOP has endorsed James Taylor for state superintendent in the Aug. 25 Republican runoff, setting up a contrast with opponent Dr. Robert Franklin. Food Safety: A Midwest poultry egg recall has effectively expired for shoppers, but federal investigators say the outbreak investigation is still ongoing—so symptoms still matter even after cartons can’t be checked. Agriculture: Kansas and Oklahoma wheat producers are digesting a tough 2026 season, with lessons on how rain timing, heat, freezes, hail, and harvest conditions can swing yields fast. Local Sports/OSU Football: Oklahoma State is entering the Eric Morris era, with game-by-game expectations starting right away as the Cowboys open at Tulsa. Weather: Extreme late-summer heat continues in the region, with highs near or above 100 and only a small chance of storms.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma’s Republican governor runoff is down to the wire, with voters set to choose next Tuesday, Aug. 25, between Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei as campaigns trade sharp arguments online and at forums. Local Governance & Courts: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says Muskogee Public Schools didn’t have to cancel a community prayer walk after a Freedom From Religion Foundation demand, arguing attendance was voluntary and offering help to districts facing similar requests. Health & Community: Integrity Urgent Care opened a new clinic in Murphy, Texas, expanding walk-in and virtual urgent care options for nearby communities. Sports (OKC-area interest): Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani took a major step toward a pitching return, throwing 30 pitches in live batting practice, while Tyler Glasnow is expected back early next week after a back injury. Sports (Oklahoma ties): OU’s Roger Denny says the $450 million stadium renovation is still on track to start after the 2027 season. Beef & Economy: Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association criticized President Trump’s plan to allow large amounts of imported ground beef without out-of-quota tariffs for 90 days.

Nuggets Move: Denver agreed to a one-year, $3.9M veteran-minimum deal with DeMar DeRozan, adding a seasoned backcourt piece after trading Peyton Watson to Cleveland. Sooners Football: Oklahoma’s defense is getting national hype heading into 2026, with analysts pointing to top-tier production and a chance to stay elite despite NFL departures. OKC Faith & Community: Archbishop Paul Coakley discussed the impact of Oklahoma-born martyr Blessed Stanley Rother as a new film hits theaters. Local Sports Watch: Oklahoma City-area high school football scrimmages kicked off, including a Carl Albert preseason event featuring top local talent. Energy & Bills: AEP Ohio and data center companies announced $18M+ in extra bill assistance funding, including support for low-income customers. Health & Action: A study says many cancer stories don’t include practical “what to do next” details—an issue Oklahoma readers may want to watch as coverage ramps up.

Insurance & Courts: A Comanche County judge ordered State Farm to turn over internal documents tied to Oklahoma hail-damage claims, saying most requested materials can’t be withheld as trade secrets and giving the insurer 30 days to re-label what it claims is confidential. Federal Research Security: The U.S. Department of War is requiring audits of foreign ties at 30 academic institutions, including Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University, to review research, finances, and collaborations. Oklahoma Politics & Voting Access: Advocates are pushing a statewide “REV UP the Vote” effort to help Oklahomans with disabilities register and vote, focusing on transportation, accessibility, and assuming competence. Public Safety: Oklahoma City police used a drone to stop a dog attack by distracting the animals and tracking them back to the home; police later charged the owners for improper confinement. Local Community Support: Feed the Children says Oklahoma has the highest child food insecurity rate in the U.S. and is partnering with schools to get food and essentials to families as school starts. OU Football Updates: Brent Venables confirmed Jake Maikkula’s injury status and outlined who’s in the mix at center as fall camp continues.

Local Traffic: Multiple crashes snarled eastbound I-44 in Oklahoma City near I-40 Friday morning, with Sky 5 reporting damage to a pickup and a garbage truck and first responders assisting at least one person. Public Safety Tragedy: Tulsa police say the search for a missing 7-year-old autistic child ended tragically Thursday night, with his body found near a creek after he was last seen walking southwest from home. State Policy: The DOJ is suing New York, Connecticut and Vermont over laws that let immigrants without permanent legal status pay in-state tuition, joining a broader push that has already seen courts strike down similar rules in places including Oklahoma. Health & Consumer Alerts: Oklahoma is expected to receive about $12 million from an opioid settlement, while separate national updates include a continuing cyclosporiasis outbreak in Ohio and a multistate egg recall tied to Salmonella. Power Bills: PSO says rising electric bills reflect higher costs for equipment and grid upgrades and is seeking Oklahoma Corporation Commission approval for a rate increase. Local Civic Spotlight: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt was named a founding mayor for a national entrepreneurship initiative, with 116 mayors joining from across the country.

Local Housing & Homelessness: Oklahoma City closed the Virginia Avenue homeless encampment, moving about 75 residents toward permanent housing through the Key to Home Partnership. Public Safety: State Sen. Lisa Standridge praised repeated sweeps of Norman’s Reed Avenue encampment, saying 17 people were arrested after returning to state property. State Politics & Courts: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond asked a federal judge to send his aluminum smelter lawsuit in Inola back to state court. Education & Food Security: Nearly 50 Oklahoma lawmakers urged the state to reverse a decision cutting a federal student meal program for extended school days. Health & Community: Edmond residents at Oxford Oaks say broken AC units have left apartments unbearably hot for weeks. Sports (OKC): Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow struck out nine in a rehab start with the Oklahoma City Comets, a step toward a return to Los Angeles. Arts & Culture: Edmond-based sitting volleyball teams are training for the 2028 Paralympics at UCO.

Oklahoma Runoff Voting: In-person absentee voting for Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff starts Thursday, with polls open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu/Fri and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat; the big races include GOP governor, plus state superintendent and insurance/labor commissioner runoffs, and voters statewide will weigh State Questions 844 and 846. Local Election Watch: Multiple cities and counties also face ballot questions on school bonds and renewing city/county taxes, including Noble Public Schools’ $89.9M bond plan. Education Accountability: Oklahoma Watch reports Tulsa Public Schools bond funds were misspent, citing $3.73 million as a cautionary tale for other districts. OKC Area Business: Mortgage industry veteran Ted Newton is joining Planet as an Area Sales Manager in Oklahoma, based in Norman. Sports—Thunder & Beyond: The Thunder look ahead after a Spurs Game 7 exit, with roster changes shaping the 2026-27 outlook. Health—Foodborne Update: CDC says cyclosporiasis cases top 15,000 this year, with major clusters tied to lettuce, including Taylor Farms. Route 66 Travel Perk: Wyndham Rewards launches a limited Route 66 candy box collection with 30,000 points and hotel-stay options.

Oklahoma Politics: Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s campaign finance haul shows he raised $2.47 million since the June 16 primary and loaned his bid $500,000 more, bringing personal loans to $3 million as the GOP runoff race tightens. Local Law Enforcement: Oklahoma County commissioners rejected the sheriff’s proposal to train deputies using ICE resources after public pushback and concerns about profiling. Public Safety & Privacy: OKC police released new body-camera video tied to a Lake Hefner sexual assault arrest; a judge raised bond to $150,000 and the suspect is barred from community programs. Health Watch: CDC data suggests cyclosporiasis cases are trending down, but officials still warn about the ongoing lettuce-linked outbreak and food safety. Transit: The Heartland Flyer OKC–Fort Worth route survives for now after Texas failed to fund Amtrak service, with Oklahoma lawmakers following suit while talks continue. Sports (OKC/State): Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris says he shot and killed an armadillo damaging his yard; and OSU’s Parsa Fallah received a temporary restraining order in a California eligibility fight. Community & Tech Access: Oklahoma’s Broadband Office is rolling out library “access portals” to help residents use digital services privately.

Oklahoma City Governance: OKC City Council renewed its Flock Safety license plate reader contract despite resident pushback, with Police Chief Ron Bacy citing help recovering vehicles, locating missing people, and supporting major cases. Education & Media: OETA expanded free streaming by adding FNX (First Nations Experience), bringing live channels to six on OETA.tv/live and the PBS app. Local Politics: Stroud City Council hired Meeker administrator Jeff Wilbourn as city manager after an executive session and votes split along council lines. State Issues: Oklahoma lawmakers and regulators say electric bills are rising for multiple reasons beyond data centers, including grid and transmission costs, with a Tulsa-area town hall spotlighting PSO rate changes. Health & Safety: Oklahoma Children’s OU Health performed the state’s first partial heart transplant on a 1-year-old girl. Sports (Big Picture): The preseason AP Top 25 set the stage for a huge 2026 season, with Oklahoma ranked No. 10 and early marquee matchups like OU at Michigan. Tech & Jobs: Autonomous truck deployment is drawing lawsuits and state-by-state rulemaking as Teamsters challenge California’s DMV regulations.

Oklahoma Health: OU Health Oklahoma Children’s Hospital performed the state’s first partial heart transplant on 1-year-old Angelica Moreno-Roman, replacing failing heart valves with living donor valves after earlier surgery plans were disrupted by illness. OKC Public Safety & Privacy: Oklahoma City Council voted to keep Flock cameras despite reports of misuse by officers, including claims of private use tied to license-plate and camera access. Local Crime: Prosecutors raised bond to $150,000 for Jeff Asare in connection with alleged attacks on women along the Lake Hefner trail. Education Oversight: A state audit says a former Tulsa Public Schools bond director improperly diverted about $3.73 million in taxpayer money, with allegations tied to contracts and services auditors say were not delivered. State Health Watch: Oklahoma reported 544 cyclosporiasis cases this year, with officials saying the pace of new illnesses may be starting to decline. Transportation: Funding secured means the Heartland Flyer train route between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth will keep running for at least another year. Agriculture: Oklahoma State veterinarian experts urged cattle producers to take heat stress seriously, pointing to early warning signs like panting, open-mouth breathing, and reduced feed intake.

Oklahoma Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered state agencies to investigate CAIR, and experts call it “political theater” that could stoke Islamophobia ahead of elections. Public Safety & Weather: Extreme heat warnings are in effect across central Oklahoma and Tulsa, with triple-digit heat expected and burn bans spreading as wildfire risk stays high. Energy & Infrastructure: Lightning sparked a fire at Explorer Pipeline’s Glenpool tank farm near Tulsa, shutting down operations at the hub and raising fuel-supply concerns. Health & Schools: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond is pushing a school-based anti-drug program, using opioid-abatement funds to help districts implement LifeSkills Training. Local Community: Oklahoma City leaders are weighing changes to a Flock Safety contract after privacy concerns from residents. STEM Education: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, awarding $326,000 to expand student access to science research and competitions.

Oklahoma Politics: In the GOP race for Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction, candidates Robert Franklin and James Taylor faced off in Tulsa, trading sharp contrasts on how to rebuild trust after Ryan Walters and what “safe classrooms” should mean. Local Justice: An Oklahoma City man accused in a Lake Hefner walking-trail assault was released after earlier arrests because prosecutors said they couldn’t track victims and lacked enough support to keep him jailed—he remains in custody for the Aug. 12 case. College Football: The AP preseason Top 25 puts Ohio State and Oregon at Nos. 1-2, with Oklahoma slotted No. 10; the SEC leads with nine ranked teams. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded an egg recall to its highest risk level, affecting about 1.59 million cartons distributed including Oklahoma, and Walmart recalled Marketside Tomato Bisque soup kits in 29 states over possible listeria contamination. Energy & Housing: Fort Sill’s military housing is getting geothermal upgrades expected to cut energy use by about 57% as part of a $63 million modernization effort. Sports: Russell Westbrook has retired after 18 NBA seasons, ending a career defined by triple-doubles and a long rivalry with the Nuggets.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff election is set, with voters weighing bond questions, tax changes, and GOP governor runoff dynamics across the state. Homelessness & Public Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers cleared another Norman homeless encampment near a shelter, while the state threatens to bill Tulsa and Oklahoma City for costs tied to earlier Operation SAFE cleanups. Utilities & Cost of Living: PSO customers are pushing back on electric bills, with a Change.org petition nearing 8,000 signatures after complaints of steep rate hikes. Tribal Policy & Data Centers: The Cherokee Nation banned hyperscale data centers on its lands without early consultation, citing concerns over energy, water, air quality, noise, and cultural resources. Wildfires: New fire updates include a Woodward County wildfire burning about 3,300 acres and a Caddo County blaze destroying four structures near Anadarko. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a large egg recall to Class I after links to salmonella illnesses, including distribution reaching Oklahoma stores. Sports & Local College: Oklahoma State women’s soccer opened with a 3-0 win over Stephen F. Austin, with Keaton Mitchell scoring twice.

Local Nonprofit Expansion: Wings, an OKC day program for adults with developmental disabilities, is celebrating major growth—adding community living capacity (up to 12 per home), a new bike barn with adaptive bikes, and a “community commons” for social activities and rentals. State Politics & Immigration: Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial candidates are being pressed on Operation Guardian as deportations hit record levels, with questions focused on how far state law enforcement should go in partnering with ICE. Public Safety: An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper who took over a fleeing chase and caused a truck to roll with passengers in its bed received a 5-day suspension, the first formal discipline in a decade for pursuit-driving conduct. Weather Watch: Extreme heat continues across Oklahoma with heat advisories and an extreme heat warning in eastern areas, plus isolated storm chances—especially in the Panhandle. Sports (OKC ties): Oklahoma State transfer Jacobi “Dino” Oliphant Jr. is highlighted as a key K-State linebacker and special teams contributor. Entertainment: The Oklahoma-set “The Rivals of Amziah King” is getting attention for its honey-themed, action-packed story and standout performances.

Oklahoma Child Welfare Tech Grant: OKDHS won a $600,000 federal Predictive Analytics in Child Welfare pilot, one of just 10 states selected, aiming to modernize casework decisions and strengthen outcomes for children and families. Oklahoma Heat & Drought Impacts: Extreme heat and drought continue to strain communities, including schools and farmers, with local officials and residents scrambling to protect people and facilities. OKC Area Homeless Encampment Cleanup: Oklahoma Highway Patrol cleared a Norman homeless encampment again, as the state warns cities they may have to repay costs tied to clearing sites. Public Health & Back-to-School Prep: Tulsa Public Schools held a back-to-school health fair with free immunizations, screenings, and resources to help families start the year ready. Sports—Local Connections: Oklahoma-linked athletes and teams are in the spotlight, from a 49ers rookie defensive tackle making waves in camp to Oklahoma State football naming captains and other preseason updates. Entertainment & Community Events: This week’s local events calendar highlights concerts and family-friendly activities.

Oklahoma Food Safety: The FDA classified a recall of nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs distributed in Oklahoma after a salmonella link, with sell-by/best-by dates running July 20 to Aug. 17—if you bought them, officials say to throw them away. Local Business & Culture: Skydance Brewing Co., Oklahoma City’s Native American-owned brewery, is expanding and adding a bigger “full experience” menu—food, cocktails, and more—after seeing how craft beer demand has shifted. Elections Reminder: Early voting starts Aug. 20 in Love County, open to all voters at the county election board office (not polling places), with Election Day Aug. 25. OKC Community Help: Inmates at an Oklahoma correctional center helped Lincoln Elementary after structural damage, moving nine classrooms and supplies in one day so students could return. Sports (OKC ties): NBA star Russell Westbrook’s retirement continues to ripple through the league, including comments about possible future stops.