AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Runoff Elections: Voters in Oklahoma head back to the polls Tuesday for runoff races, including the GOP governor contest between Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei, plus other ballot items like state questions and local races; early voting in Tulsa County hit an August record. Dem Senate Race Watch: Oklahoma Democrats N’kiyla Jasmine Thomas and Jim Priest face off Tuesday in a Democratic Senate runoff that’s being framed as a test of progressive politics in a deep-red state. State Oversight & Schools: Oklahoma officials say student records from a closed charter school have been left in a vacated building for weeks, raising privacy and cost concerns. Energy & Environment: The Kiowa Tribe is using $1 million in federal funds to identify and assess orphaned oil and gas wells on tribal land. Local Business Moves: Brookshire Grocery Company promoted Jerry LeClair to CEO after serving as interim chief. National Policy Pressure: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition of states warning Big 4 accounting firms about climate-related financial activism and possible consumer-protection issues. Precious Metals & Retail: APMEX marks 26 years with “any quantity” pricing, while Brakes Plus opened a new El Reno location and Avocado Green Mattress expanded into Mathis Home stores.

Oklahoma Runoff Elections: Oklahoma voters head to the polls Tuesday to settle a high-stakes Republican governor nomination between AG Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, plus GOP runoffs for state superintendent, labor commissioner, and insurance commissioner, while Democrats choose a U.S. Senate nominee. Election Integrity & Party Politics: The Oklahoma GOP State Committee’s late endorsements of Mazzei, James Taylor, and Kevin West sparked backlash from some party members who say it breaks neutrality norms. State Oversight: A new Oklahoma audit flags $25 million in questioned costs across agencies, with major concerns tied to the Department of Human Services, including childcare payments and weak overnight facility oversight. Legal Fight Over Ethics Tech: A former vendor countersued the Oklahoma Ethics Commission over the contract fight to replace the campaign finance system, seeking $6 million and blaming data and shifting requirements for delays. Local Governance: Broken Arrow is responding to a DOJ probe over a proposed mosque and a data center moratorium, while Tulsa-area housing starts surged in July. Water & Community: Enid officials and Sen. Roland Pederson marked completion of the $350 million Kaw Lake Water Treatment Facility. Food & Agriculture: Oklahoma cattlemen criticized Trump’s plan to reopen cattle imports and lower beef prices, arguing it could crater the market at the worst time for ranchers.

Oklahoma Politics Runoff: Oklahoma voters head to the polls Tuesday to settle a costly Republican governor nomination between AG Gentner Drummond and former Sen. Mike Mazzei, with two statewide questions also on the ballot. Courtroom Transparency: A new Oklahoma push argues courts should allow photos and video, pointing to how Oklahomans can’t easily watch sentencing and other proceedings. Tribal Relations: Republican governor candidates are campaigning on improving strained ties with tribal nations after years of conflict under Gov. Kevin Stitt. Prison Work and Politics: Oklahoma’s Department of Corrections has set up inmate call centers that can include telemarketing and political polling, raising questions about how the work is used. Agriculture Under Drought: Farmers and ranchers are dealing with worsening drought conditions, with disaster declarations expanding and crops like wheat, cotton, corn and soybeans feeling the strain. Water Infrastructure Vote: Minco residents face a debate over a proposed wastewater plan and a 1.25% sales tax to fund compliance upgrades. Business and Energy: Powers sold HVAC divisions in Oklahoma and other states to Albireo Energy, while Oklahoma’s economy also keeps moving with major projects and investment announcements.

Beef Tariff Fight: Oklahoma ranchers and lawmakers are pushing back hard against President Trump’s plan to allow 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef for 90 days, arguing it undercuts a tight U.S. supply even as consumers face high prices. Immigration Power Struggle: Trump’s pick to lead ICE, Oklahoma Highway Patrol veteran Lance Schroyer, is reportedly facing internal backlash and stalled confirmation as DHS officials say they’d rather keep acting director Dave Venturella. Data Center Backlash: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says AI data center developers “dug their own grave” by moving too fast without local buy-in, pausing approvals while new statewide standards roll out. Oklahoma Research Watch: OMRF researchers are set to study how microplastics may affect ovarian health and fertility, funded by a Presbyterian Health Foundation grant. Local Politics: Republican District 26 state Senate candidates are laying out priorities ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff, with rural healthcare, agriculture, and education front and center. Scam Reports: Stillwater is among Oklahoma cities tied for mid-pack scam activity in July, according to BBB Scam Tracker.

OU Football: Roger Denny says OU’s $450 million stadium renovation is still on track to start after the 2027 season, with reseating and talks with season ticket holders still planned. Oklahoma Politics: In the GOP labor commissioner runoff, Rep. John Pfeiffer and Rep. Kevin West faced fact-checking on claims ranging from hair-braiding licensing to how an OSHA program would work. Campaign Watch: Mike Mazzei argues Flock surveillance cameras should be used only with a judicial warrant, while the Drummond campaign faces scrutiny over cannabis banking ties. Health & Science: OMRF researchers are studying whether microplastics harm ovarian health and fertility, funded by a Presbyterian Health Foundation grant. Agriculture: A Kansas-Oklahoma wheat season recap highlights how freezes, hail, and late rain can crush yield potential fast. Beef Trade: Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association pushes back on Trump’s plan to allow large imported ground beef volumes for 90 days, calling it bad timing for ranchers. Community: Oasis Fresh Markets is preparing a downtown Tulsa expansion with EBT-friendly “Add Milk” and “Double Up” programs. Public Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for a 71-year-old man missing since Tuesday.

Oklahoma Politics: Republican governor runoff chatter is heating up as candidate Mike Mazzei argues Flock surveillance cameras should be used only with judicial warrants, while the race also features sharp attacks and endorsements. State Government & Courts: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is facing fresh scrutiny over his role as chairman of Blue Sky Bank, a cannabis-focused lender that has grown alongside medical marijuana. Public Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol issued a Silver Alert for 71-year-old Jerry Golden, last seen at a Pond Creek bank and possibly headed to Weleetka. Economy & Energy: Oklahoma’s economy kept growing in July, with the state treasurer citing gains in manufacturing, employment, and energy production. Agriculture: The Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association pushed back hard on President Trump’s plan to allow large amounts of imported ground beef without out-of-quota tariffs, calling it bad timing for ranchers. Local Business & Community: Tulsa’s Oasis Fresh Markets is preparing a downtown grand opening before Labor Day, expanding programs that match EBT dollars and support food access. Education & Oversight: A new Tulsa Public Schools audit alleges deeper financial waste and abuse than an earlier review.

Oklahoma Utility Fight: A statewide petition is gaining steam after Public Service Company of Oklahoma customers say higher electric rates aren’t clearly explained, pushing PSO to justify the math behind the hikes. Insurance & Consumer Courts: A Comanche County judge ordered State Farm to hand over most internal documents tied to Oklahoma hail-damage underpayment claims, rejecting broad “trade secret” labels. Homelessness to Housing: Oklahoma City’s Key to Home program moved 55 people from the Virginia Avenue encampment into apartments, with 20 more still working toward move-in. Energy Policy & Tribes: The U.S. Department of Energy is laying out a plan to support 450 tribe-led energy and infrastructure projects, aiming to speed permitting and boost early-stage help. Local Power Access: Yukon voters will decide whether to renew OG&E’s franchise agreement, which keeps the utility operating in city rights of way. Politics Ahead of Runoff: Early voting is underway for Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 primary runoffs, including governor, superintendent, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, and U.S. Senate. Business & Growth: Oklahoma City’s Gold Dome redevelopment is one step closer to becoming a music venue, pending a $3 million city loan approval.

Insurance Fight: A Comanche County judge ruled State Farm must turn over most internal documents tied to Oklahoma hail-damage underpayment claims, saying the insurer can’t broadly label claim-related material as confidential. Foreign Research Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of War ordered audits of 30 universities, including Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University, to review foreign academic, financial, and research ties. Politics & Voting Access: Oklahoma advocates launched REV UP the Vote to help people with disabilities register and vote, focusing on transportation, accessibility, and clear voting info. State Costs: Oklahoma state employee health insurance premiums are set to rise in 2027, with Health Choice High increasing 15.8%. Local Economy: Oklahoma City tourism hit a record $4.8 billion economic impact, supporting 36,000+ jobs. Business & Growth: Tulsa’s first IKEA is slated to open this fall, expected to add $30–40 million annually to the city. Community & Agriculture: OSU set a Sept. 17 Peanut & Cotton Field Day in Fort Cobb, and an Oct. 19-21 Sheep and Meat Goat Boot Camp in Ada.

Violent Crime Snapshot: The FBI says the national violent crime rate fell 9.3% from 2024 to 2025, with Alaska highest and Maine lowest; Oklahoma is among states above 400 violent crimes per 100,000. Oklahoma Opioid Relief: Oklahoma’s attorney general announced a new $12 million opioid settlement, with about 75% headed to cities and counties that joined lawsuits and the rest for statewide abuse and health initiatives. Tulsa School Audit: Oklahoma State Auditor Cindy Byrd released a second Tulsa Public Schools audit alleging deeper financial waste and abuse than the first, following earlier charges tied to bond money. Data Center Backlash: Across the country, residents are turning to recalls to block data centers fueling the AI boom; Oklahoma’s Yukon is among places where voters will weigh in on local leadership tied to data-center expansion. Inola Smelter Fight: With Trump’s backing, Mike Mazzei is pitching an Inola aluminum smelter, but residents remain skeptical about pollution and impacts on ranching. Healthcare Access in Tulsa: Oklahoma Heart Institute is bringing nationwide heart clinical trials to Tulsa, aiming to reduce the need for patients to travel for advanced care. OU Football Deal: Oklahoma extended coach Brent Venables with a new six-year contract, keeping him through 2032.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak was arrested in Edmond after police responded to a report of public intoxication, with newly released bodycam footage showing officers questioning him outside a McDonald’s. Runoff Watch: Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a federal judge to send his Inola aluminum smelter lawsuit back to state court ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff, arguing the dispute is purely Oklahoma law. Public Safety & Housing: Sen. Lisa Standridge praised repeated sweeps of Norman’s Reed Avenue encampment, saying 17 people were arrested after returning despite warnings. Education & Culture: The Cherokee Nation broke ground on a new Claremore outpatient/emergency health center, while the Cherokee immersion school in Tahlequah opened to middle schoolers with Cherokee-language instruction. Local Economy: Stillwater Regional Airport celebrated 10 years of commercial service with a new $27M terminal that quadruples capacity and sets up future growth. Business & Courts: An appellate court ruled most claims in a defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church can’t proceed, citing church governance protections. Crime: Owasso and Skiatook police say a “Mama” fraud suspect has hit multiple banks using fake ID and disguises.

Oklahoma Runoff Voting: In-person absentee voting for the Aug. 25 runoff starts Thursday (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu/Fri, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat). The big GOP governor fight is Gentner Drummond vs. Mike Mazzei, with other GOP runoffs for State Superintendent and insurance/labor commissioners, plus Democrats choosing a U.S. Senate nominee. Voters statewide will also weigh State Questions 844 and 846, and many cities/counties will see school bond and local tax questions. Education Watch: Oklahoma’s auditor says Tulsa Public Schools bond money was mismanaged and fraud allegations are tied to a long-running scheme, with a reported $3.73 million misspent in the latest findings. Local School Changes: Sand Springs students return to a new middle school and expanded AI use, along with plans for drug/contraband detection. Energy & Data Centers: ONEOK says it has a natural gas deal feeding a 1-gigawatt power plant for AI data centers, underscoring how quickly the grid and fuel supply are being pulled into the AI boom. Business/Finance: Albireo Energy completed its acquisition of Powers’ regional building controls divisions covering Oklahoma and parts of the Gulf South. Sports (OKC): The Thunder’s offseason churn continues after major roster moves tied to NBA “second apron” rules, setting up another push led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Campaign finance filings show Attorney General Gentner Drummond raised about $2.93 million from June 2 to Aug. 10, including $500,000 in loans, while Mike Mazzei reported about $945,919 raised and $151,735 cash on hand heading into the GOP runoff; early voting for the Aug. 25 primary runoff runs Aug. 20-22, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Public Safety & Civil Liberties: Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered state agencies to assess whether the Muslim Brotherhood or CAIR pose a terrorist or public-safety risk in Oklahoma and urged federal action to designate them as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Native Nations & Health: Cherokee Nation broke ground on a $400 million Claremore outpatient and emergency health center, aiming for a summer 2029 opening and major staffing growth. Local Government & Community Services: Stillwater opened a new airport terminal meant to support city and OSU growth, and Choctaw officials advanced plans for a YMCA and police station tied to a proposed sales tax. Education & Healthcare Policy: A federal judge blocked HHS from implementing major Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grant changes, leaving many canceled grants in place while the lawsuit proceeds. Tech & Research Security: Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University confirmed they received federal requests to audit foreign research and financial ties.

Oklahoma Education & Accountability: State Auditor Cindy Byrd says Tulsa Public Schools bond oversight included more than $3.7 million in misspent funds, tied to former bond director Chris Hudgins and alleged falsified invoices through his engineering firm. Oklahoma Politics & Schools: Epic Charter Schools’ new superintendent, Dr. Shaun Ross, says the virtual charter is rebuilding with a push for “transparency” after years of financial turmoil and criminal charges against co-founders. Local Government & Surveillance: Oklahoma City Council voted to keep Flock Safety cameras but added new restrictions, keeping the debate over government-sanctioned surveillance front and center. Energy Costs: Lawmakers and regulators say Oklahoma electric bills are rising for multiple reasons—transmission costs, grid upgrades, and summer demand—while data centers are only part of the story. Health & Safety: A new study finds mice may drive Lyme disease risk more than deer by affecting tick numbers and infection rates. National Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to halt Trump’s White House ballroom work, with preservationists calling it “illegal” without congressional approval.

Tulsa Public Schools Audit: State Auditor Cindy Byrd released more findings tied to former TPS bond chief Chris Hudgins, alleging improper spending and diversion of about $3.73 million, with earlier charges claiming $779,317 in bond fraud and kickbacks. OKC Surveillance Fight: Oklahoma City voted to keep Flock cameras even after reports of misuse by officers, including claims of private use of the system. Governor Race Money: New campaign finance records show how Mike Mazzei and Gentner Drummond are funding the Oklahoma GOP runoff, including large self-loans and major donor support. Education & Accountability: A separate Tulsa Public Schools audit installment details alleged vendor payments and contract irregularities tied to Hudgins’ role. Health Care Access: Oklahoma Voice reports an Iowa nursing-home operator with Oklahoma ties is facing a second lawsuit over unpaid bills. Rail Update: The Heartland Flyer train route between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth secured funding to keep running through next year. Immigration Detention: A University of Maryland professor remains in ICE custody after a bond denial, with the case involving detention in Oklahoma. Federal Research Scrutiny: The Pentagon ordered audits of 30 universities, including Oklahoma State University, over foreign research and financial ties. Local Business Closure: Stompin’ Grounds Market in OKC closed amid a rent-and-fees lawsuit claiming $105,856 owed.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Gov. Kevin Stitt is pushing a state investigation into CAIR, with experts calling it election-year “political theater” and a sign of broader Islamophobia. AI in Campaigns: Stitt and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore agree on regulating AI-generated political ads, arguing deepfakes can mislead voters—Oklahoma is not currently among the states with AI election rules. Education & Public Health: Oklahoma AG Drummond is inviting school districts to use the Botvin LifeSkills Training program through his READY initiative, aiming to curb substance use that’s higher than the national average. Local Consumer Protection: An Oklahoma City woman is fighting HOA fines over using a window AC after her HVAC failed, while a separate Tulsa case highlights a heating-and-air scam that left an elderly resident out more than $10,000. Energy & Infrastructure: A lightning strike sparked a major fire at Explorer Pipeline’s Glenpool tank farm near Tulsa, raising short-term fuel-supply concerns. STEM Opportunity: Society for Science selected 100 educators for its 2026–2027 Advocate Program, funding $326,000 to expand student research and science competitions.

Education Politics: Oklahoma’s GOP superintendent runoff is sharpening into a literacy fight, with Robert Franklin pushing earlier early-childhood investment and “science of reading” plus data-driven support, while James Taylor stresses restoring trust and classroom safety after Ryan Walters. School Finance: Gov. Kevin Stitt’s 30-page public school finance review flags rising district carryover funds—$4.5 billion in 2025—and recommends using some of that buffer for teacher pay and retention, a likely signal for the 2027 session. Energy & Jobs: A new nuclear policy guide says states can speed permitting, reduce financial risk, and build workforce pipelines to attract new nuclear power—aimed at growing electricity demand from data centers and electrification. Public Health & Food Costs: Egg prices are easing, but a separate Walmart soup-kit recall is in the spotlight after a potential listeria contamination risk. Local Economy: Oklahoma City-area affordability remains squeezed, with housing plus childcare taking about 40.8% of income for typical working families. State Watch: The Pentagon ordered 30 universities, including OSU and Northeastern State University, to audit foreign research ties or risk losing federal funding.