AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Budget Watch: Oklahoma’s General Revenue Fund ended FY 2026 with $8.9 billion in collections—$612.1 million above estimate—freeing up more than $400 million from reserves, according to state budget figures. Public Health Alerts: The FDA upgraded a salmonella egg recall to the highest risk level, with the eggs distributed to retailers including in Oklahoma; officials say illnesses have spread across multiple states. Food Safety in the Aisles: A separate listeria-related recall hit tomato bisque soup kits sold at Walmart across nearly 30 states, including distribution that reached Oklahoma. Homelessness & State Costs: Oklahoma Highway Patrol cleared a Norman homeless encampment again, while the state threatens to bill Tulsa and Oklahoma City for Operation SAFE cleanup costs. Politics & Industry: A new poll shows the Inola aluminum smelter fight is sharpening the GOP runoff between AG Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, with both tied at 44%. Local Economy & Community: OK Roots Farm to Market in Owasso moved into a new location, keeping its focus on selling mostly Oklahoma-produced food.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma’s GOP governor is pushing to designate CAIR as a foreign terrorist group, urging state agencies to investigate and asking lawmakers to follow suit. Homelessness & Public Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol cleared a Norman homeless encampment again, while the state threatens to bill Tulsa and Oklahoma City for costs tied to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Operation SAFE cleanups. Energy & Industry: A new poll shows the Inola aluminum smelter fight is tightening the Republican runoff between AG Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, with smelter scrutiny cited as a key factor. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Texas shell-egg recall tied to salmonella to the highest risk level, and Oklahoma is among the states listed as receiving the affected eggs. Public Health: FDA and CDC began onsite inspections at Taylor Farms’ Mexican plant as a cyclospora outbreak spreads across 17 states, including Oklahoma. State Budget: Oklahoma’s General Revenue Fund ended FY 2026 strong, with collections above estimates and reserves freed up for the next legislative session. Education: Oklahoma superintendent candidates are debating whether religion belongs in classrooms, as the state’s school leadership race heats up.

Homelessness Crackdown: Gov. Kevin Stitt is threatening to invoice Tulsa and Oklahoma City Police for costs tied to clearing homeless encampments on state land under Operation SAFE, escalating a dispute over who pays when sweeps displace people and local leaders say the approach doesn’t solve homelessness. Gubernatorial Clash: Attorney General Gentner Drummond is drawing backlash after calling some “extreme” Republicans “fascists,” while Mike Mazzei and others push back ahead of the Aug. 25 election. Energy Bills: Tulsa-area residents are still asking why electric bills are rising; lawmakers say it’s not just data centers, pointing to transmission costs, summer demand, and grid upgrades. Inola Aluminum Smelter Fight: The Inola project remains a political flashpoint, with candidates and opponents trading claims about jobs, power costs, and potential pollution risks. Local Fire: A late-night fire damaged the roof of a northeast Oklahoma City auto body shop; investigators are working to determine the cause. Business & Growth: A Tulsa Regional Chamber forum put the top GOP and Democratic business priorities on display, including a proposed wealth fund and childcare/school investment.

Space Economy Watch: Oklahoma is pushing deeper into the space supply chain with a new statewide strategy, aiming to build aerospace momentum inland through projects tied to hypersonics, propulsion testing, and satellite components. Local Housing & Homelessness Costs: The state is demanding Tulsa reimburse more than $523,000 for Operation SAFE homeless encampment cleanups, arguing Tulsa police and city leadership failed to enforce local rules. Courts & Development: Oklahomans for Responsible Economic Development is seeking to pause construction and financing of Norman’s Rock Creek Entertainment District arena/parking garage while its lawsuit over the city’s tax increment financing plan moves through hearings. Education Funding Debate: A state-ordered report on Oklahoma school spending points to rising district carryover funds and urges shifting money toward teacher pay and classrooms, but a superintendent says the recommendations lack context. Rural Workforce: A new Rural Healthcare Leadership Training Academy is enrolling leaders across Oklahoma to strengthen management skills in rural hospitals and clinics. Business & Growth: Stardust Power says it has started site prep for a Muskogee lithium refinery and is advancing DOE-backed research. Arts & Community: Belladonna’s Garden, founded by Cherokee Nation citizen Shari Wilder, is giving northeastern Oklahoma writers and artists a new publishing home. Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma’s governor candidates squared off at the Tulsa Regional Chamber forum as the Aug. 25 GOP runoff nears.

Oklahoma Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered an investigation and possible terrorist designation for Oklahoma Muslim groups, citing federal findings tied to Muslim Brotherhood activity abroad. State Ballot Watch: Oklahoma voters are deciding State Question 844, which would let the Legislature change the state constitution over property-tax reimbursements tied to manufacturing subsidies—raising alarms about impacts to schools and local services. Environment & Industry: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond asked a judge to halt work on the proposed Inola aluminum smelter, renewing a fight with GOP rival Mike Mazzei, who backed the project. Local Education: OKCPS opened Capitol Hill High School on the city’s south side, a $116 million campus funded by a 2022 bond, aimed at easing overcrowding and boosting outcomes. Public Safety & Health: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole and prepared foods sold in Oklahoma and other states after potential Salmonella contamination. Community & Culture: Osage students earned top honors for artwork in a national congressional competition, with pieces headed to the U.S. Capitol. Business & Growth: Lelantos Holdings reported $243,079 in unaudited revenue for Airtopia’s first full month in McAlester.

Oklahoma Politics & Courts: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond asked a federal judge to halt construction of the Inola aluminum smelter, arguing Oklahomans deserve a full vetting of environmental impacts and ownership/governance ties as a city moratorium nears its Aug. 28 expiration. Local Governance & Community: Downtown Muskogee is getting more sidewalk upgrades on Main Street, with ADA-accessible improvements and safer crosswalks expected to wrap up in early November. Public Safety & Crime: A Denton County capital murder defendant told jurors he acted in self-defense when he stabbed the aunt who raised him, saying she threatened him first. State Government & Civil Liberties: Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order directing an investigation into CAIR, citing alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorism-related networks. Business & Jobs: Love’s Travel Stops’ retail media arm, Love’s Media Group, has topped 20 brand partnerships and is expanding its team to support growth. Health & Consumer Alerts: Whole Foods recalled jalapeño-containing refrigerated items after potential Salmonella contamination tied to earlier jalapeño recalls. Energy & Markets: U.S. crude inventories rose sharply last week, with Cushing, Oklahoma also up, according to EIA data. Tech & Delivery: Manna Air launched drone delivery in Tulsa’s Cherry Street area, partnering with local restaurants for a two-mile radius.

Aluminum Smelter Fight: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond asked a federal court to halt construction of the proposed Inola aluminum smelter, arguing the injunction is needed while the case plays out after the lawsuit was moved to federal court. Gubernatorial Runoff: In the Aug. 25 GOP runoff, Drummond and Mike Mazzei sparred over issues including the Inola smelter, taxes, and education, with Drummond making sharp comments about “extreme” Republicans. Osage Language Clash: The Osage Congress is pushing Principal Chief Joe Tillman to reconsider closing the Daposka Ahnkodapi language immersion school, calling it an attack on language sovereignty. Housing/Utilities: A new report highlights how Oklahoma tenants have little recourse when landlords fail to provide essential services, with Tulsa and Oklahoma City renters describing broken A/C and cut utilities. Turnpike Pressure in Norman: Norman city leaders grilled the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority over proposed South Extension Turnpike interchanges, focusing on impacts to homes and emergency response. AI in Schools: Owasso schools are already using AI tools under a new state requirement that every district adopt an AI policy. Oilfield Tech in Kazakhstan: An Oklahoma-based firm is testing technology to treat oilfield produced water in Kazakhstan, with an eye toward reuse and possible mineral recovery. Local Business/Jobs: Power Home Remodeling co-CEOs Asher Raphael and Corey Schiller were named among Glassdoor’s Best CEOs for 2026.

Inola Smelter Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a judge to block a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola after ranchers warned it could harm cattle and land, including claims of toxic grass samples near smelters elsewhere. Gubernatorial Runoff Economics: Ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff, Mike Mazzei and Drummond are pitching competing plans to cut costs for families—Mazzei pushing no income tax and property tax relief for seniors and veterans, plus pressure on insurance premiums. Health Costs Pressure: Oklahoma Voice reports experts expect health insurance premiums to jump again, with state employees facing possible double-digit increases and broader impacts for everyone. Workforce Focus: In the labor commissioner GOP runoff, candidates Kevin West and John Pfeiffer agree Oklahoma needs help filling jobs, but differ on how the Labor Department should expand workforce development. Tribal Health Investment: Cherokee Nation leaders say new wellness and medical facilities are already boosting memberships and patient admissions, aiming to reduce barriers to care. Local Business & Literacy: Oklahoma bookstores report sales slipping as affordability squeezes families, raising fresh worries about literacy and reading access. Cyberattack Update: Coweta says a ransomware incident is mostly resolved, with no financial loss reported for utility payments and emergency services operating normally.

Oklahoma Election Watch: Oklahomans will vote Aug. 25 on State Question 846, which would add voter ID requirements to the state Constitution and expand lawmakers’ power to set election rules, including how ID works for mail voting. Health Care & Costs: Experts warn Oklahomans should brace for health insurance premium spikes, with state employees facing possible double-digit increases and broader projections pointing to similar shocks for many residents. Local Government & Planning: Nowata’s school board approved key agreements, grants, and meal pricing for the coming year, while the Nowata Board of Education also moved ahead with updates tied to bond work and alternative education needs. Business & Jobs: Hapco broke ground on a new Oklahoma City manufacturing facility expected to create 80+ jobs, expanding production of aluminum lighting poles. Tribal Data Centers: The Cherokee Nation banned hyperscale data centers on tribal lands, citing citizen opposition and concerns over energy, water, air quality, and cultural impacts. Public Safety Reminder: On National 811 Day, Oklahoma officials urged anyone digging to call 811 first to avoid hitting underground utilities. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Poteau among Oklahoma cities with scam reports in June, underscoring ongoing fraud losses statewide.

DOJ Immigration Lawsuit: The Trump Justice Department sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law and unfairly treats U.S. citizens as “second-class.” Oklahoma Health Costs: Experts warn Oklahomans should expect health insurance premium spikes, with state employee plans potentially jumping into the high teens. OKC Downtown Overhaul: Oklahoma City leaders unveiled a downtown transformation plan that could double the number of residents living downtown, including an entertainment loop and a possible conversion of the county jail into a film studio. Climate and Heat: NOAA says July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S., with every state in the warmest third of its July history. Back-to-School Safety: The Grand River Dam Authority urged families to follow electric safety basics for the new semester, including not stapling or nailing extension cords and keeping kids away from high-voltage equipment. Education Workforce: Northeastern State University partnered with the state to help emergency-certified educators earn full classroom teacher certification.

Pretrial Justice Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers are pressing for changes after concerns that bail hearings in Oklahoma County give defendants only about 20 seconds and don’t consistently follow constitutional rules for individualized consideration. Criminal Law Reform: A new look at Oklahoma’s felony murder rule highlights how children can face first-degree murder charges for deaths tied to certain felonies, even without personally committing the killing. Public Safety Roundup: Owasso police are investigating a fatal stabbing at a Quality Inn, while Tulsa detectives search for a teen suspect accused in a residential shooting that left four teenagers wounded. Tribal Sovereignty & Data Centers: Cherokee Nation leaders say they won’t support hyperscale data centers on tribally owned or trust lands without proper consultation, and they’re also calling for meaningful input on a proposed aluminum smelter near the reservation. Economy & Taxes: Lawmakers are asking voters to change Oklahoma’s property tax breaks for manufacturers—arguing the state has been covering the local revenue hit, but wants to alter the rules as more businesses use the exemption. Health & Research: OU researchers report triple-negative breast tumors may recruit nerves via immune cells, pointing to a potential new target for treatment. Business: Tulsa-based AAON posted record Q2 results and raised its 2026 outlook, citing strong demand and improved execution.

Oklahoma Education Politics: Oklahoma’s GOP runoff for state superintendent is set for Aug. 25, with classroom educators Robert Franklin and James Taylor facing off after a crowded primary; both are pitching different ways to involve parents and shape priorities ahead of the November matchup. Tribal Gaming Oversight: A federal watchdog vacancy is stalling Harrah’s management plans for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s new Chandler casino, raising concerns that the National Indian Gaming Commission can’t fully enforce rules or approve deals without a chairperson. Health & Safety: Louisiana health officials are warning Gulf Coast beachgoers about a summertime surge of Vibrio vulnificus infections, a flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters. Public Policy Watch: Oklahoma’s child marriage ban since 2020 is highlighted as more states move to restrict the practice, even as it remains legal in most of the U.S. Local Community & Culture: The Medicine Wheel Ride’s seventh annual ride in South Dakota brought attention to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives, with riders using red ribbons and a route through Sturgis and Deadwood.

Sales Tax Map: In McAlester, a 10% sales tax is split across state and local services—4.5% to Oklahoma, with 1.5% earmarked for Pittsburg County needs like roads, the county jail, and rural fire protection. Food Safety & Local Impact: A new FDA report adds detail to the Taylor Farms lettuce recall, tying “potential Cyclospora contamination” to hundreds of thousands of cases and naming major retailers and restaurant chains, including Taco Bell, with Oklahoma among the affected states. Tribal Gaming Oversight: The National Indian Gaming Commission can’t fully enforce rules or approve deals because it’s operating without a chairperson, putting Oklahoma’s Harrah’s casino management plans on hold and raising concerns for the $46 billion tribal gambling industry. Oklahoma Education Politics: Two longtime educators—Robert Franklin and James Taylor—advance to the Aug. 25 runoff for Oklahoma superintendent, setting up a high-stakes contest ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Community & Culture: Oklahoma Comic Con returns to Tulsa with cosplay, celebrity guests, and a big weekend turnout, highlighting the state’s growing pop-culture scene. Local Business Support: Arvest’s Million Meals campaign tops $633,513, including $22,650 for Southwest Oklahoma food partners.

Oklahoma Superintendent Race: Oklahoma’s GOP superintendent nomination is down to educators Robert Franklin and James Taylor after a crowded primary; they’ll face Democrat Jennettie Marshall in November. Education & Politics: The campaign trail is also heating up around CD-5, where Jena Nelson is pushing four debates with incumbent Stephanie Bice on education, healthcare, affordability and AI data centers. Public Health: Tick season is stretching longer, with more states scrambling to track where ticks are spreading and what diseases they may carry. Energy & Costs: Oil prices are climbing again, boosting tax collections for energy-producing states, while the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve keeps falling to 304.81 million barrels amid supply-risk worries. Local Business & Community: Arvest’s Million Meals campaign hit $633,513 total, with $22,650 earmarked for Southwest Oklahoma food partners. Consumer Safety: Oklahoma cities continue to post scam reports on BBB Scam Tracker, with Oklahoma City and Tulsa leading statewide totals in June. Health Care Access: A childcare crisis is pushing Oklahoma families toward financial brink, as infant care costs rise.

Oklahoma Politics & Campaigns: CD-5 challenger Jena Nelson is pushing for four debates with Rep. Stephanie Bice, aiming to focus on education, healthcare, affordability and the rush of AI data centers. Local Governance: Yukon Mayor Brian Pillmore faces a growing recall effort after residents say data center plans are changing the community; the petition has enough valid signatures to move to a council review. Tribal Policy & Data Centers: The Cherokee Nation has banned hyperscale data centers on tribally owned and trust land, citing concerns over energy and water use, air quality, infrastructure and cultural impacts. Federal Appointments: The Senate confirmed Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA, as Democrats warn disaster relief could be politicized and the agency still reels from recent turmoil. Public Safety & Courts: A federal grand jury returned indictments in Oklahoma, including cases involving unlawful reentry and firearms charges. Health: Oklahoma is among states reporting rising cyclosporiasis cases tied to iceberg lettuce, with the CDC now listing 15 states. Housing & Affordability: HUD Secretary Scott Turner visited Oklahoma to discuss barriers to homeownership, including deregulation efforts and youth homelessness. Business & Manufacturing: The SBA launched a $20 million Critical Suppliers Prize Competition to boost domestic production in areas like advanced metals and energy components.

Transit & Downtown OKC: Oklahoma City’s streetcar is going fare-free indefinitely after a six-month pilot boosted ridership by about 71% year over year, with officials saying it should improve downtown access, ease congestion, and help businesses. Housing & Homelessness: HUD Secretary Scott Turner visited Oklahoma to highlight homeownership roadblocks for tribal nations and discuss efforts to protect homeless youth, pointing to deregulation work and a best-practices push. Native Data Centers: The Cherokee Nation released its Principal Chief’s Data Center Task Force report, warning about energy, water, air quality, infrastructure, and cultural impacts, and saying it won’t support hyperscale projects without proper consultation. Disaster Response Leadership: The Senate confirmed Cameron Hamilton as FEMA chief, signaling possible shifts after Trump’s earlier threats to eliminate the agency, while Democrats accuse politicizing disaster aid. Oklahoma Politics (Runoff): Attorney General Gentner Drummond says he’ll release financial and health records and plans to publish drug-test results ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP gubernatorial runoff. Public Health: Candida auris is rising again nationwide, with reports in 27 states this year, while Oklahoma is also listed among states tied to the broader lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak.