AGP Executive Report

NBA Trade: The Oklahoma City Thunder agreed to send Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal, with Zaccharie Risacher going to Dallas and OKC receiving three heavily protected second-round picks—an effort to shed payroll and stay under the league’s second-apron threshold. Local Safety: Two people were killed and three others injured after an overnight shooting at a southwest Oklahoma City party; police say a fight escalated into gunfire and multiple people were taken into custody. Public Health: Iceberg lettuce tied to a Cyclospora outbreak has been recalled in 27 states, including Oklahoma, with Taylor Farms saying distribution from the implicated lot has been suspended. State/Local Crime & Community: An Oklahoma City tattoo shop is hosting a fundraiser for a 3-year-old diagnosed with high-risk stage 4 neuroblastoma, with proceeds supporting treatment costs. Energy Watch: Cushing crude oil inventories dipped, raising questions about storage capacity and how price swings could affect small businesses. Policy/Immigration: DHS under Markwayne Mullin is reportedly trying to rebuild ties with business groups after earlier ICE enforcement concerns spooked employers.

Data Centers vs. Landowners: A new wave of fights over eminent domain is hitting Oklahoma and beyond as power companies seize property for AI data centers, while most Americans say they don’t want them nearby. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded an iceberg lettuce recall to 27 states, including Oklahoma, after possible cyclospora contamination—consumers are told to discard the product. Cherokee Health: Cherokee Nation opened the new W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, a $470 million upgrade aimed at expanding emergency, surgical, diagnostics, and neonatal care. Illinois River Cleanup: Oklahoma and poultry companies are pushing back on a federal judge’s plan for a special master in the long-running Illinois River pollution case, calling it “inquisitorial.” Public Health Watch: Tick season is stretching longer, with higher tick-bite emergency visits reported nationwide. Sports (OKC): Dricus du Plessis beat Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision at UFC Oklahoma City. Local Events: Oklahoma City’s Horror Con drew big crowds with vendors, cosplay, and community groups.

U.S. Senate & Energy Costs: Oklahoma’s newly appointed Sen. Alan Armstrong says his top priority is cutting federal permitting delays, arguing slow approvals drive up utility bills and hurt U.S. competitiveness. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall tied to cyclospora, listing products distributed across 27 states including Oklahoma, with consumers urged to discard affected items. Local Economy & Housing/Utilities: A new analysis projects big electricity-rate hikes for Oklahoma households, warning families to brace for higher bills. Tech & Community Power: A community group in the Tulsa area is pushing back hard against a nearby Google data center, saying residents were kept in the dark and that water and local control are at stake. Election Security Debate: Declassified materials and renewed political claims keep spotlighting voter-data concerns, including allegations involving China and publicly available registration information. Sports (OKC): UFC Fight Night 281 hits Oklahoma City Saturday with Dricus Du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman at the Paycom Center. Community Events: Tulsa City-County Library hosts a free DNA genealogy workshop for Family History Month, with registration required.

Election Security in Oklahoma: Oklahoma election officials pushed back on White House claims tied to declassified memos, saying the state’s voter registration database wasn’t breached and that any data referenced came from publicly available sources. Public Safety After Violence: Oklahoma City’s Asian District Cultural Association is planning a community public safety meeting after a man was beaten to death outside a laundromat. Local Economy & Jobs: U.S. Gypsum is idling its Southard plant, putting hundreds of Northwest Oklahoma jobs at risk and prompting community leaders to rally. Education Funding: Google is donating $800,000 in Muskogee County to schools and nonprofits, including workforce and downtown support. Sports & Community Spotlight: Oklahoma City hosts the canoe slalom world championships, with international athletes and visitors bringing attention to the city. UFC OKC Update: UFC Oklahoma City’s weigh-ins included weight misses, including Chase Hooper’s first in his UFC career.

Election Security Claims: Trump’s latest address reignited the fight over foreign election meddling, but newly released declassified material disputes key parts of his “220 million voter files” claim and says the documents don’t show ballots or vote totals were changed. Oklahoma Politics & Voting: A new column argues State Question 846 is being sold as election integrity but would expand future Legislature control over what IDs count—raising concerns about politicians, not voters. Medicaid Probe: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond launched an investigation into the Health Care Authority’s handling of alleged Medicaid fraud tied to an international crime ring accused of enrolling thousands of people. Foster Care Policy: Oklahoma will end the “orphan tax,” stopping the diversion of Social Security survivor benefits from children in foster care. Local Governance/Data Centers: Murray City Council held a public hearing on a proposed data center ordinance after a larger Planning Commission turnout, with no action taken yet. Public Safety/Health: Oklahoma’s summer cooling assistance applications are open for low-income households facing higher electric bills. Business & Jobs: USG plans to idle its Southard, Oklahoma plant in fall 2026, citing rising complexity and costs.

Oklahoma Election Security: Trump’s primetime claims about China “downloading” voter files put Oklahoma back in the spotlight, and Oklahoma election officials say the state uses uniform procedures and secure voting equipment across all 77 counties. Local Voting Access: Sample ballots are available for the Aug. 25 election through the state’s OK Voter Portal and county election boards. Education Oversight: Epic Charter School’s finances are improving, but state reports still flag academic trouble after earlier forensic findings. Housing Supply Watch: A new renter report highlights apartment-permit momentum in cities including Oklahoma City, part of a broader push to add units as affordability strains continue. Cybercrime Response: Oklahoma’s OSBI is standing up a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit to target AI-driven scams and crypto fraud. Public Safety & Community: Oklahoma City’s canoe slalom world championships bring about 250 athletes to RiverSPORT, while a family in OKC is asking the community to remember a homicide victim as more than his circumstances. Health Policy: A Medicare AI prior-authorization pilot faces a Senate fight, with critics warning it could delay or deny care. Business & Finance: Simmons First National reports Q2 profit growth but missed expectations, while Oklahoma’s insurance and data-center debates keep heating up.

Native Land Data Centers: A new push to build data centers on or near tribal lands is accelerating, with at least 37 proposed projects mapped in those areas and advocates warning of major water and power strain plus higher local electricity costs. Housing Policy Watch: Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency is reviewing the new 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, aiming to see how the law’s 47 provisions can expand affordable housing access statewide. Child Safety & AI Abuse Case: A Greenwood man accused of possessing thousands of child sexual abuse images pleaded not guilty; police say he searched online about “fake naked pictures,” with some images reportedly computer-generated. Oklahoma Health Care Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt tapped the state CFO, Aaron Morris, to lead the Oklahoma Health Care Authority as interim director. Foster Care “Orphan Tax” Ends: Oklahoma will stop diverting Social Security survivor benefits from foster children, preserving the money for youth leaving care. Digital Equity: Oklahoma is rolling out a $14.5 million plan to fund up to 175 broadband-enabled library access portals. Food Recall: General Mills recalled more than 735,000 Pillsbury frozen bread rolls over possible glass contamination. Banking Expansion: Arvest Bank plans its first Texas location, opening a commercial loan office in Frisco.

Data Centers & Tribal Lands: A new report says big tech is mapping at least 37 data-center projects near Native American lands, with federal policy pushing more development and raising alarms about water, power, and consent. Medicaid Leadership Shuffle: Gov. Kevin Stitt named Oklahoma CFO Aaron Morris as interim head of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority after director Clay Bullard stepped down. Broadband Access in Libraries: Oklahoma’s Broadband Office will fund about 175 “community access portals” in libraries statewide to boost telehealth, jobs, and digital skills. “Orphan Tax” Ends: Oklahoma will stop diverting Social Security survivor benefits from foster youth, joining other states after federal pressure. 23andMe Fallout: Oklahoma is among states receiving money from multistate settlements tied to the 2023 genetic data breach. Local Government Watch: A forensic audit in Washington, Okla., alleges more than $1 million in misused town funds and board oversight failures. Elections Prep: Sample ballots are available for the Aug. 25 election.

Data Centers & Tribal Lands: A new report says big tech is mapping at least 37 data center projects near Native American tribal areas, with federal policy pushing the buildout and raising alarms about water, power, and sovereign permitting. Oklahoma Health Care Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt tapped Aaron Morris, the state CFO, as interim director of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority after the current director stepped down. Medicaid Provider Under Pressure: Mirabelle Care says OHCA has halted Medicaid payments during a fraud probe, putting the autism therapy provider’s survival at risk and setting up a legal fight. “Orphan Tax” Ends in Oklahoma: Stitt says Oklahoma will stop diverting Social Security survivor benefits from children in foster care, keeping the money for the kids instead of state reimbursement. AG Settlement Over 23andMe Breach: Oklahoma Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a multistate settlement tied to the 2023 23andMe genetic data breach, with limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate. Local Safety Story: Ponca City tree trimmers survived a 45-foot fall after a cable snapped, with both brothers seriously injured. Broadband for Libraries: Oklahoma’s Broadband Office says up to 175 libraries will get “community access portals” for telehealth, job help, and digital skills under a $14.5 million initiative. Energy & Business: ONEOK declared its quarterly dividend of $1.07 per share, payable Aug. 14.

Native Lands & Data Centers: A new report says big tech is mapping dozens of data-center projects on or near tribal lands, with federal policy pushing the buildout and raising alarms about water, power, and land impacts. Public Health: Oklahoma health officials confirmed 56 cyclosporiasis cases, including 6 hospitalizations, as the parasite-linked outbreak continues nationwide. Wildlife Watch: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing whether Oklahoma’s plains spotted skunk should get Endangered Species Act protections. Election Rules: State Question 846 would lock Oklahoma’s voter ID requirement into the constitution, setting up a high-stakes August ballot fight. Education Policy: Oklahoma districts are adjusting schedules to meet a new state recess requirement, affecting transportation and daily timing. Community Support: A free expungement clinic is helping women in recovery clear eligible records, aiming to remove barriers to jobs and housing. Local Government: Washington County commissioners signed a letter opposing AEP’s proposed Northeast Oklahoma transmission line project.

Data Privacy Accountability: Oklahoma and other states are pushing 23andMe to pay up after a 2023 genetic data breach. New York’s AG says a coalition secured $18 million from the bankruptcy trustee, with new data-protection requirements and payments to affected states. Tribal Land & Power for Tech: A new report says big tech is mapping data center projects near Native American tribal lands, with federal policy accelerating the push—raising concerns about water, electricity costs, and sovereign permitting. Oklahoma Politics: President Trump released a campaign video backing GOP runoff candidate Mike Mazzei, spotlighting the Inola aluminum plant fight and attacking AG Gentner Drummond ahead of Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 election. Local Business & Jobs: Manna, an international drone delivery company, announced plans to build in Tulsa, aiming to launch drone delivery hubs and manufacturing. Health Care Investment: The Cherokee Nation opened a $470 million replacement hospital in Tahlequah, expanding beds and services and adding jobs. Sports & Pride: OSU athletics will feature Osage patches on jerseys under a new sponsorship. Weather Safety: Heat and humidity are being linked to more dangerous storms and tornado risk in the region.

Native Land Data Centers: A new report says big tech is mapping at least 37 proposed data center projects on or near Native American tribal lands, with some estimates topping 150 nationwide, as federal policy pushes development and tribes weigh the tradeoffs of jobs, power, and water demand. Oklahoma Poultry Settlement: Gov. Kevin Stitt criticized Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond over a proposed settlement ending decades of poultry litter litigation, calling it unnecessary delay that harmed growers’ livelihoods, while noting court approval is still required. SNAP Cost-Sharing: The USDA’s SNAP payment error report sets up new state financial penalties starting Oct. 1, 2027, based on error rates now being measured through fiscal year 2026—meaning Oklahoma and other states have a narrow window to cut mistakes. Health & Safety: Doctors warn that drowning can happen in seconds and remains a top killer for young children, while extreme heat and humidity are being flagged as a major risk across the U.S. Community Work: Northeastern State’s RiverHawks Scholar Program is seeking local business partners for paid internships for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Poultry Pollution Settlement: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond confirmed a nearly $44 million settlement ending a 21-year Illinois River poultry litter lawsuit, with Tyson, Cargill, George’s, Peterson Farms, Cal-Maine and Simmons Foods agreeing to pay $41.671 million into an Environmental Relief Fund plus penalties and an independent compliance monitor, while also reducing litter application limits over seven years. Power Bills & Data Centers: A new federal push is expected to bring tech firms and utilities together on a voluntary pledge aimed at keeping data-center electricity demand from driving up costs for regular ratepayers, after states moved toward requiring large-load centers to cover infrastructure impacts. Native Youth Jobs: The Osage Nation’s Summer Youth Employment Program is placing more than 200 Osage and Native youth ages 16–21 into paid work this summer, with training and financial literacy at $15 an hour. Tribal Lands & Data Centers: A report says big tech is mapping dozens of proposed data-center projects near Native American tribal lands, raising concerns about water, power, and sovereign permitting pressures. Local Sports & Community: OSU’s “The Code Calls” fundraising campaign has surpassed $1 billion toward its $2 billion goal, and Riversport is hosting the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championship July 18–25.

Native Lands & Data Centers: A new report says big tech is mapping at least 37 data-center projects near Native American tribal lands, with some estimates topping 150 overall, as federal policy pushes development onto federal and military lands. Criminal Justice & Jails: Cities and counties are spending hundreds of millions to build new jails to replace outdated facilities, but critics warn it’s “prettier cages” instead of fixing the system’s churn. Water Quality: A decade-long USGS study finds pesticide pollution in Midwest and Great Plains rivers is worsening, with dozens of chemicals detected across monitored streams. Agriculture & Prices: USDA data shows U.S. peanut acreage is down sharply in 2026, with Oklahoma holding steady—raising questions about what that means for production and prices. Oklahoma Policy Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers approved dozens of interim studies for 2027, including AI in state government, housing affordability, education testing, water policy, and public safety. Health Care Pressure: Oklahoma doctors’ group warns Medicaid cuts could hit rural hospitals and access to care, with major impacts expected in 2027. Local Business: A new Pittsburg County bookstore grand opening was delayed after thieves stole its signature decor. Community & Education: Eastern Oklahoma State College is expanding with new degree options and a cybersecurity-focused shift for its technology program.

SNAP Deadline Watch: Oklahoma is racing to cut its SNAP error rate below 6% by next October, after 2024 was 10.89% and 2025 rose to 11.04%, with early 2026 numbers improving to 6.9%—but the stakes are big because higher error rates can cost the state tens of millions. Tribal Housing & Policy: The Pascua Yaqui Tribe used $1.5 million of its own money to leverage Low-Income Housing Tax Credits for a $27.3 million elder housing project, while OU is launching a Sept. 25 “Sovereign Policy Intensive” to help tribal leaders navigate federal systems. Education Changes: Oklahoma schools are adjusting to new state rules that require 40 minutes of recess for K-5, with districts allowed to count 20 minutes as instructional time this year. Local Food Security: The Love County Library and OSU Extension are running a summer meal program through July 27, with no special eligibility beyond registration. Energy & Research: OSU’s Hamm Institute named five new fellows to expand research tied to energy security and workforce needs. Sports & Community: Leadership Oklahoma elected Dr. Stephen E. Smith as board chair, and Oklahoma’s Justin Wrobleski earned an MLB All-Star nod for the Dodgers.

Tribal Leadership: Joe Tillman was sworn in as Osage Nation Principal Chief, laying out priorities including unity across branches, expanding gaming, and diversifying the economy. State Budget & Elections: Oklahoma Senate Budget Chair Chuck Hall says the state is entering the new fiscal year with revenues above projections and record savings, while sample ballots are out for the Aug. 25 runoff primary. Housing Policy: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law July 11 after Oklahoma lawmakers backed it, a major step aimed at affordability. Energy & Research: OSU’s Hamm Institute named five new Hamm Fellows, expanding research tied to energy security and infrastructure, and Oklahoma’s solar push continues with a major investment in the state’s solar fleet. Public Safety & Community: Hundreds gathered in El Reno for a fundraiser supporting families of four young adults killed in a wrong-way crash. Sports Spotlight: Former OSU pitcher Justin Wrobleski earned a spot on the 2026 MLB All-Star roster for the Dodgers. Local Economy: Oklahoma City Zoo reported a third straight year of record attendance.