AGP Executive Report

NBA Watch: The Raptors’ blockbuster trade to bring Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto is on hold while the NBA finishes its probe tied to the Clippers’ sponsorship deal with Aspiration. Energy & Business: Earnheart Oil is exiting its convenience and fuels business, with Fleet Fuels buying wholesale fuels/lubricants/transport assets and Perfect Food & Gas taking the retail convenience stores. Public Safety: Moore police released bodycam footage of the arrest of John Parker Sanders Jr., accused of attempted lewd acts with a child after online Snapchat communications. Health Policy: Oklahoma is moving more behavioral and mental health services to private providers via new contracts for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics covering 22 additional counties. Elections & Rules: Oklahoma political parties may need to change how they report “coordinated” expenditures after a U.S. Supreme Court decision removed caps on certain coordinated spending. Local Economy: ONEOK set its Q2 2026 earnings call for Aug. 4, and Bluepeak hit 500,000 fiber passings across its multi-state network. Sports & Community: The Oklahoma Wildcatters announced Auris as presenting sponsor for the 2026 PBR Teams season.

SNAP Funding Shake-Up: A new federal change will force states to start paying part of SNAP benefits beginning fall 2027, with analysts warning it could cost states billions and push more people off food assistance. Cash App Fraud Crackdown: Oklahoma Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Block over deceptive practices and weak fraud protections on Cash App. Rural Health Access in Adair County: Adair County EMS is planning a Community Paramedicine program to connect residents to care and reduce unnecessary ambulance trips after a local hospital closure. OKC Homeless Medical Boost: A federal grant will expand on-the-ground medical care for Oklahoma City’s homeless population through student rotations and street-medicine support. Bobcat Fever on the Rise: Oklahoma veterinarians say tick-borne bobcat fever is increasing in cats, and one local family is urging faster treatment after a fatal case. Local Public Safety Funding: Ottawa County is set to receive a $250,000 state grant for jail and equipment upgrades, including longer warranty coverage and a drone. Oklahoma Weather & Fire Response: OKC police and firefighters responded to a southwest Oklahoma City shooting and a house fire near Jones. Agriculture & Education: Oklahoma State’s diagnostic lab work and local scholarship updates highlight ongoing investment in animal health and rural training.

Oklahoma Insurance Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond keeps pressing Allstate in a new lawsuit accusing the insurer of bad-faith denials of storm claims, adding to his growing legal push ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff. Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma is also moving to expand behavioral health access by shifting more services to federally certified private providers across 22 counties, while OMRF announced an NIH grant to study how diet may protect vision for people with multiple sclerosis. Election Notes: Sample ballots are now available for the Aug. 25 runoff, with voters able to check and download precinct-specific ballots through the OK Voter Portal. State Law: A new Oklahoma law requires at least 40 minutes of daily recess for full-day K-5 students, doubling the prior minimum and banning recess as punishment. Local Economy & Growth: Tulsa is set to get a major boost from Manna, an Ireland-based autonomous drone delivery startup building a 1,000-person factory, and Bluepeak hit 500,000 fiber passings across its Oklahoma footprint.

Teacher Pay Pressure: Oklahoma’s minimum teacher salary rises $2,000 under SB 201, but districts warn the $100 million set aside may not cover the full cost once payroll taxes and retirement contributions kick in. Storm Recovery & Local Resilience: After July 4 severe weather and near-90 mph winds knocked out power across Norman, some businesses leaned on backup cooling plans and shared resources to keep food safe. Data Center Scrutiny in Okmulgee: New details are emerging on a proposed county-land data center west of Okmulgee, including a citizen advisory committee and community pushback over water and electricity concerns. Cherokee Nation Economic Impact: A new Cherokee Nation-commissioned study puts the tribe’s healthcare system impact at $2 billion in Oklahoma for 2025. Maternity Care Access: Oklahoma City is part of a broader push to bring AI-assisted ultrasound closer to home for expectant parents facing maternity care deserts. Community & Culture: The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival returns July 9-11 in Okemah, celebrating Oklahoma’s music legacy with panels, venues, and an open mic. Safety Reminder: A national water-safety push highlights how quickly drownings can happen to young children.

NBA Contracts: Donovan Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers, keeping “unfinished business” in play after last season’s Eastern Conference finals exit. Storm Recovery & Local Business: Norman restaurants are working to bounce back after July 4 storms knocked out power for hours, with some businesses using backup cooling to save inventory. Energy & Industry: LRE marked major milestones across Oklahoma’s 725 MW solar portfolio, touting new capacity that supports Google operations and growing regional demand. Tourism Boom: Oklahoma City is preparing for the 2028 Summer Olympics, with organizers expecting up to 500,000 visitors and a sales-tax ripple across hotels, food, gas, and shopping. Historic Places: Oklahoma Historical Society and SHPO announced two new National Register of Historic Places listings: 21 Crossing and Ranch and the Ranger Theater in Alva. Public Safety/Health: Orkin released its bed bug “hot list,” ranking Oklahoma City among the top problem cities. Healthcare Expansion: OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center received a gift from the William S. Smith Charitable Trust to expand Tulsa cancer care and reduce travel barriers. State Infrastructure: Oklahoma approved a $950 million county road and bridge plan for 2027-2031, covering work in all 77 counties. School Policy: A new Oklahoma law requiring 40 minutes of daily elementary recess is forcing districts to adjust schedules and transportation. Banking Deal: Bank7 agreed to buy a controlling 71% stake in New Mexico’s Century Bank in a court-supervised process, extending its Southwest footprint.

Local Storm Recovery: Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for Washington County (also covering Cleveland County) after severe storms brought high winds, flooding, and widespread outages, with crews still checking damage and cooling centers activated. County Damage Work: Nowata County commissioners met to assess storm damage and set the bar for additional federal/state relief, approving related damage statements and county service steps. Business Hit by Outages: In Norman, more than 6,000 customers were still without power, leaving restaurants and shops unable to operate and racking up thousands in losses. Data Center Transparency: An investigation found some Oklahoma communities signed confidentiality agreements with data center developers before projects became public, raising questions about public meeting requirements. Tribal Policy Watch: A Farm Bill Q&A says proposed changes could leave tribal forestry support short of Indian Country priorities, especially around long-term authority and self-determination. Health & Safety: A national pediatric warning highlights rising child drowning risk and why seconds matter in rescue. Economy/Markets: Tulsa-linked market commentary points to a chip-and-AI rally lifting stocks, while warning the gains may be fragile. Sports (OKC ties): Rui Hachimura is headed to the Clippers on a reported $28M deal, while Nikola Jokic says he’ll likely sign next summer and stay in Denver.

Storm Recovery in Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for Washington County after severe storms brought high winds, flooding, and widespread outages; the order also covers Cleveland County for 30 days, with residents urged to report damage and use activated cooling centers. County Damage Work: Nowata County commissioners met to assess storm damage for federal and state relief, including a $45,294 threshold and approval of a district-one damage statement tied to ODOT. Local Law Enforcement Leadership: Darrell Weaver was sworn in as Cleveland County sheriff, taking over after Chris Amason’s resignation; Weaver brings decades in the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and recent legislative experience. Oklahoma Banking Deal: Bank7 is moving to acquire a 71% stake in New Mexico’s Century Bank owner via a court-ordered sale, expanding Bank7’s assets and footprint. Healthcare Costs and Access: New federal data shows Oklahoma’s Affordable Care Act enrollment dropped nearly one-third after enhanced subsidies expired, while Oklahoma’s SNAP error rate ticked up to 11.04%, raising potential repayment pressure. Business & Jobs: Arvest Bank announced plans to open a commercial loan office in Frisco, Texas, expanding its North Texas commercial lending push. Public Safety Upgrades: Wichita Falls approved funding toward replacing failing tornado warning sirens, with a phased rollout planned.

Data Center Fight in Oklahoma: A national watchdog says opponents are getting more tactical, slowing or blocking data center projects worth $130 billion and pushing 141 moratorium proposals; Oklahoma is among states considering pauses, while local bans are spreading, including in Tulsa. Severe Weather Response: Gov. Kevin Stitt declared disaster emergencies for Cleveland and Washington counties after storms with winds over 80 mph and widespread outages; residents are urged to report damage at damage.ok.gov and can request help from Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief. Imagination Library Nears Full Coverage: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is now in 74 Oklahoma counties, leaving only Logan, Pawnee and Noble counties without access. Medicaid Cuts Fallout: Oklahoma MAGA voters are facing a healthcare crisis tied to Medicaid cuts connected to Trump’s spending law, raising fears for SoonerCare coverage. Local Housing Update: Oklahoma’s Housing Stability Program has invested $170.4 million to expand affordable home access statewide. Cherokee Language Education: The Cherokee Nation approved legislation to bring full tribal oversight of the Cherokee Immersion School, shifting it from a public charter model to an independent tribal institution. Oklahoma Sports Note: Chris Gotterup, an Oklahoma alum, won the John Deere Classic after a five-shot comeback.

Cherokee Language Education: The Cherokee Nation approved legislation to bring its Cherokee Immersion School under full tribal oversight, shifting it from an Oklahoma public charter to an independent Cherokee Nation institution starting this summer. Local Politics: In Oklahoma’s GOP gubernatorial runoff, Attorney General Gentner Drummond framed the race as a choice between “results and rhetoric,” while Yukon’s mayor faced a recall push tied to residents’ anger over a major data center project. Oklahoma Economy & Business: Oklahoma City-based APMEX kept attention on precious-metals buying and gold IRA setup, while Oklahoma’s treasurer reported the state’s investment portfolio totaled about $17.6B in May. Public Health & Safety: A new U.S. screwworm finding is being treated as a livestock risk rather than a food-quality threat, and Oklahoma’s drought outlook shows nearly half the state in at least moderate drought. Community & Arts: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols announced $150,000 in grants supporting local arts organizations and events.

Election Security Concerns: A new report warns that “goons” and militia-style groups are increasingly offering security to leaders, raising fears they could turn violent as Oklahoma’s next election cycle heats up. State Finance Watch: Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ says the state has about $17.6 billion sitting in an investment portfolio, earning 3.71% in May—mostly in conservative U.S. treasuries and money-market funds. Local Government & Growth: Norman City Council voted to temporarily pause new data center permits to give staff time to assess zoning, utilities, and community impacts. Energy & Jobs: Galvanic Energy named Brett Rabe senior vice president of major projects, tasking him with overseeing lithium extraction and refining facility design and construction. Health Care Access: Adair County EMS is developing a Community Paramedicine program to reduce ambulance strain and improve care after a hospital closure. Community & Animals: Oklahoma City shelter capacity hit full after a meth bust involving 500+ domestic and exotic animals, prompting a pause on new intakes. Immigration & Rights: A national piece argues the U.S. is moving away from its “nation of immigrants” identity through aggressive asylum and expulsion policies. Sports Business: LeBron James’ next-destination uncertainty is reportedly slowing Lakers offseason plans, with ripple effects across the NBA market.

Local Governance: Norman City Council voted to temporarily freeze new data center permits inside city limits, giving staff time to assess zoning, infrastructure, and resident impacts as the industry’s demands on power, water, and land accelerate. Public Safety: Oklahoma City’s animal shelter is at full capacity after a meth bust seized 30 pounds of meth and 500+ birds and other animals, with intake paused while rescues and fosters scramble for space. Education & Culture: UCLA launched “Foundations and Futures,” a free, multimedia AAPI textbook with lesson plans and archives meant to bring AAPI histories into classrooms nationwide. Health Watch: Doctors are warning about rising child drownings, stressing that quick rescue and resuscitation can be the difference between life and lifelong disability. Community & Service: Ardmore’s Trinity Baptist hosted its annual 4th of July veterans’ breakfast for America’s 250th, with a speaker reflecting on the value of the U.S. as “one bird’s nest” worth protecting.

Oklahoma 250 Celebrations: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joined a nationwide America 250 march to Independence Hall, framing the day as a civic “moral foundation” for the American experiment. Local Fireworks Law: Oklahoma’s new fireworks rules bring bottle rockets back to store shelves for the first time since 1981, with retailers saying demand is rising as shoppers learn the products and safety basics. Holiday Boating Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol is warning lake visitors that high water is dragging logs and debris into boat lanes, and troopers are stepping up enforcement as part of “Operation Dry Water.” Immigration Policy Impact in Tulsa: The Trump administration is moving to end Temporary Protected Status, with Tulsa-area residents and students worried about what comes next. Inola Smelter Pause: Inola leaders are pushing pause on a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter after community concerns about impacts and development plans. Cherokee Nation Economy: Cherokee Nation held a health care economic impact summit highlighting the system’s $2B-plus role in Oklahoma’s economy.

Fireworks & Public Safety: Oklahoma’s newly legal bottle rockets are back on shelves after a decades-long ban, with retailers saying demand is surging as families stock up for the Fourth of July. Courts & Civil Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Oklahoma’s transgender athlete law for girls’ and women’s sports, while also affirming birthright citizenship—moves that could shape how Oklahoma lawmakers draft future bills. State Economy & Trade: Oklahoma opened a Taiwan Regional Trade Office to boost investment and business ties, pointing to energy, defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Tribal Impact & Health: A new report says Cherokee Nation Health Services generated more than $2 billion in Oklahoma economic output in fiscal year 2025, supporting thousands of jobs. Housing Pressure: A national study finds closing the affordable housing gap could take centuries at current construction rates, underscoring the scale of the problem. Local Business & Community: Coryell Roofing opened a hands-on Experience Center in Franklin to help commercial customers make better long-term roofing decisions.

Fourth of July Safety: GRDA is urging river floaters on the Illinois River to stay “safe, smart and sober,” with life jackets, weather checks, hydration, and no diving from bridges or floating alone. Insurance & Housing Codes: A Sapulpa homeowner says State Farm paid for shingles but refused nearly $6,000 for roof sheathing needed to meet current code after a 2023 hailstorm. Oklahoma Business & Construction Disruption: Mooney’s Pub & Grill in Norman says Oklahoma Turnpike Authority drilling could start Monday, warning this weekend may be its last at the current location. Trade & Economic Ties: Oklahoma launched a Taiwan Regional Trade Office to boost investment and trade, with a focus on energy, defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Tribal Housing Grants: Five Oklahoma tribes won $1.6 million for affordable housing and community development, including tiny homes, RV park conversions, and accessibility upgrades. Banking Move: Southern Bancorp is rebranding as Uplift Bank after its acquisition activity, with customers continuing services during the transition. Local Law Update: Oklahoma’s Marissa Murrow Act takes effect for private-event bartenders, requiring in-person alcohol service training before serving. Name Change in Banking: Bank7 Corp agreed to buy a controlling stake in Century Financial Services in New Mexico, with a planned close in Q3.

Medicaid Work Rules: Oklahoma tribes and states are bracing for a new Trump-era Medicaid “medically frail” standard that could strip coverage from some sick and disabled adults by tightening who qualifies for exemptions. Tribal Housing Grants: Five Oklahoma tribes won $1.6 million for affordable housing and community upgrades, including tiny homes, rental help, and renovations tied to veterans and elders. Public Safety & Health: New CDC research suggests far more people may be at risk for alpha-gal syndrome from lone star ticks than previously thought. Local Crime: A Woodbury County woman charged in Iowa after allegedly using stolen IDs to steal about $12,900 from a bank. Oklahoma Weather: Dangerous July 4 heat is expected across eastern Oklahoma, with high humidity pushing heat indexes above 100. Education/Facilities: Newcastle voters will decide on a $15 million school bond for classrooms, storm shelter work, athletics upgrades, and an aviation program expansion. OSU Agriculture: OSU opened the Lionel K. Bentley Turfgrass Center to expand turf research, pest management, and Extension programming.

Oklahoma Energy & Utilities: The Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s PSO rate case is still moving, but Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says a negotiated settlement would cut the impact to about $2.45 more per month for typical residential customers, after PSO’s interim $11 increase began July 1; the deal doesn’t cover a separate “large load” tariff aimed at data centers and other high-demand users. Local Business & Growth: Enid Brewing owner Brady Sidwell has bought Stillwater’s Iron Monk Brewing, expanding the beer operation’s reach across Oklahoma. Public Safety & Community: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols issued an executive order creating a Tulsa Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force to coordinate with service providers, law enforcement, and community groups. Tribal Economy: The Choctaw Nation plans a $140 million expansion and renovation of its Pocola casino, hotel and dining complex, including a new seven-story, 130-room hotel. Aviation: A new 12,000-square-foot hangar opened at Guymon Municipal Airport, boosting capacity for business aviation and regional economic development. Health & Science: A new study involving the University of Oklahoma Health Campus links obesity to a distinct molecular pathway that may help premalignant breast lesions progress to invasive breast cancer.