AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: A 55-year-old Perkins woman died in a collision on State Highway 33 in Payne County; the other driver was injured. College Football: Oklahoma State fell 35-32 at Houston, while Kentucky rallied past Oklahoma, 21-13. Election 2026: A new poll puts Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson in a statistical tie for governor. Attorney general candidates Nick Coffey and Jon Echols also differ on abortion-related litigation and artificial intelligence. Voters will decide State Question 847, which would cap property-tax growth. Cost of Living: Oklahoma families endured the hottest summer on record amid an electricity crisis, while customers continue paying costs tied to the 2021 winter storm. Education and Workforce: The state CareerTech system is seeking a $73.37 million budget increase for schools and workforce training.

Norman Lawsuit: The city is suing contractors over leaks and unfinished work at the nearly $50 million Young Family Athletic Center, named for NBA star Trae Young. Norman is withholding $1.5 million in payments while the dispute continues. Education and Elections: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73.37 million budget increase for schools and workforce training. A new poll finds the governor’s race between Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson remains a statistical tie, while lawmakers are seeking greater scrutiny of campaign loans. Football: Oklahoma fell 21-13 to Kentucky after four interceptions, while Oklahoma State’s comeback came up short in a 35-32 loss at Houston. Both teams surrendered ground in key conference games. Courts: The Oklahoma Supreme Court approved a three-year pilot of AI-assisted court recording.**

Oklahoma State: The Cowboys added three-star defensive lineman Keilan Neal to their 2027 recruiting class ahead of their Big 12 matchup with Houston. Public Safety: Police are investigating a fatal shooting in northwest Oklahoma City; a separate Saturday shooting left one person hospitalized. Southern Nazarene football player Tyler Ulrich, 21, has died after suffering a traumatic injury in a game. Politics: A new poll again puts Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson in a statistical tie in the governor’s race. Education: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a $73.37 million budget increase for schools and workforce training. Attorney General Gentner Drummond has dropped his lawsuit over the rejected Jewish charter school proposal. Elections: A voter-registration portal failure on the deadline day left some Oklahomans unable to register, while officials investigated suspicious letters sent to election offices and a suspicious substance found at the State Capitol. Conservation: A Johnston County landowner has turned 130 acres of his family’s former cattle farm into habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Public Safety: Oklahoma City police are investigating a fatal shooting in northwest OKC. In Pottawatomie County, two people were arrested after human remains were found during a search for a missing Tecumseh man. Elections: Sen. James Lankford says a suspicious substance was mailed to one of his offices; federal investigators are involved. Separately, a voter-registration portal failure left the number of Oklahomans affected by the missed deadline unclear. Weather: Recent heavy rain eased drought conditions but caused flash flooding, including damage to Route 66 near Hydro. A cold front now brings frost and freeze warnings across parts of the state. Education: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond dropped his lawsuit over the state charter board’s rejection of a Jewish school proposal. College Sports: No. 18 Oklahoma State visits No. 20 Houston in a key Big 12 matchup, while Oklahoma hosts Kentucky after its upset of Texas. Community: Southern Nazarene University football player Tyler Ulrich died days after suffering an injury during a game.

Public Safety: Oklahoma City police are investigating a fatal shooting reported Friday night in northwest OKC; no suspect search is underway, and the victim has not been identified. Southern Nazarene University is mourning football player Tyler Ulrich, 21, who died five days after a traumatic injury during a game. Cold Case: Garvin County investigators are asking state authorities to review the 1976 disappearance of Jimmy Don Robinson, whose family has waited decades for answers. Elections: Sen. James Lankford says law enforcement intercepted a suspicious envelope sent to one of his offices; Oklahoma’s State Election Board also received a white-powder letter. Separately, a voter-registration portal failure near the deadline left the number of affected Oklahomans unclear. Weather: Heavy rain caused flash flooding across parts of the state, including washed-out sections of Route 66 near Hydro, before a cold front brought frost and freeze warnings to the northwest. Community: A stretch of Highway 95 in the Panhandle was dedicated to Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, murdered in 2024.

Airport Expansion: Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers Airport is planning about $114 million in near-term upgrades and up to $1.1 billion in longer-term projects, with capacity targeted to grow from 4.6 million passengers a year to 20 million. Public Safety: Oklahoma County’s district attorney warned that without bail reform, the county could face more costly jail lawsuits. Medical Marijuana: New rules taking effect Nov. 1 require clearer THC serving labels and packaging that does not appeal to children; a lawmaker is urging a pause amid concerns over frequent rule changes. Elections: A voter-registration portal failure on the October deadline left the number of affected Oklahomans unknown, even as election officials said the impact was expected to be limited. The governor’s race between Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson remains close, according to a recent poll. Education and Environment: Oklahoma’s charter board again rejected a Jewish school proposal, while concerns about data centers’ water use and air pollution are emerging as a midterm issue.

Campus Tragedy: Southern Nazarene University football player Tyler Ulrich, 21, died Thursday, five days after suffering a head injury during a game in Arkansas. Flooding and Weather: Heavy rain flooded Oklahoma City roads, stranded vehicles and washed out parts of Route 66 in Hydro; more rain and a sharp temperature drop are expected. Education: Oklahoma’s charter board again rejected the proposed Jewish charter school, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond dropped his lawsuit over the decision. Campaign Finance: State Rep. Jared Deck asked regulators to examine a bank loan to gubernatorial candidate Mike Mazzei and how his campaign reported roughly $11 million in personal loans. Elections: Oklahoma officials say a voter-registration portal failure on the deadline day is expected to have minimal impact; the absentee ballot request deadline is Oct. 19. State Budget: September revenue collections came in $170 million above estimate.

Flooding: Heavy rain has closed roads in Kingfisher and flooded parts of Oklahoma County, with more rain expected. Storms also left more than 2,900 Owasso-area customers without power. Officials urge drivers to avoid high water. State Finances: Oklahoma collected $924.2 million in September revenue, beating its estimate by $170.3 million; officials say timing factors contributed to the jump. Politics and Privacy: A new poll puts Republican Mike Mazzei and Democrat Cyndi Munson in a statistical tie for governor. A lawmaker is also seeking public input on Flock surveillance cameras amid privacy concerns. Death Penalty: Oklahoma’s parole board denied clemency for James Pavatt, clearing the way for his scheduled execution next month. On the Field: Oklahoma hosts No. 15 Kentucky on Saturday after upsetting No. 1 Texas, while No. 18 Oklahoma State visits No. 20 Houston in a pivotal Big 12 matchup.

Severe Weather: Heavy rain flooded roads across Oklahoma, with more storms and flash-flooding concerns; a fire weather watch also warns of fast-spreading fires in southeast Oklahoma Friday. Election Security: Oklahoma’s secretary of state received a suspicious powder-filled envelope as election offices face threats. Separately, a registration-portal failure on the deadline left the number of affected voters unclear, though officials expect limited impact. Courts and Justice: A judge ordered Oklahoma’s State Board of Education to reconsider former Norman teacher Summer Boismier’s license revocation, citing former Superintendent Ryan Walters’ potential conflict of interest. The parole board denied clemency for James Pavatt, who is scheduled for execution in November. State Policy: Lawmakers are studying a childcare cost-sharing plan as families face rising expenses. Voters will also decide whether to cap property-tax growth through State Question 847. Sports: Thunder guard Otega Oweh will miss the season after surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon. Oklahoma State announced a home-and-home football series with Mississippi State in 2030 and 2031.

Severe Weather: Heavy rain brought flash flooding across Oklahoma, with more than 7 inches reported in parts of western Oklahoma and over 3 inches in Oklahoma City, setting a daily rainfall record. Floodwaters stranded drivers and inundated a Norman neighborhood as a flood watch covered much of the state. Election Access: Oklahoma’s voter-registration portal failed on the final day to register for November’s election. Officials expect limited impact, but the number of people unable to register remains unknown. Data Center Dispute: Attorney General Gentner Drummond is seeking to join a lawsuit over Sand Springs’ annexation of land for a proposed Google data center. Nearby residents say the city used a narrow strip of land to reach the site in violation of state law. Education: The state charter board again rejected a Jewish school’s application, despite a court ruling in its favor. At the Capitol: Lawmakers are weighing new kratom rules, while State Question 847 would cap property-tax growth. On the Field: Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas 27-24 on a last-second field goal; Oklahoma State beat UCF 42-28 to stay unbeaten in Big 12 play.

Missing Persons: Norman police are searching for 4-year-old Andres Furley and his father, Caleb, last seen together Sunday evening; authorities say they are concerned for their welfare. Severe Weather: Storms could bring damaging winds, hail and a tornado threat across Oklahoma, with heavy rain raising flash-flood concerns through Thursday. Voting Access: A glitch in Oklahoma’s voter-registration portal affected some people trying to register on the Oct. 9 deadline. Officials say the issue lasted a few hours and had minimal impact, but the deadline cannot be extended. Education: Oklahoma’s charter board again rejected a Jewish school application, this time by one vote. The proposal had drawn scrutiny over whether projected enrollment would support the school. Public Safety: Four pedestrians were struck by vehicles in Oklahoma City in a deadly 24-hour stretch, including a man in a wheelchair who died after being hit in southeast OKC. Schools: Oklahoma City Public Schools reported gains in 12 of 16 tested areas, with district officials crediting consistent classroom instruction.

Election Access: Oklahoma’s voter-registration portal failed on the Oct. 9 deadline, leaving the number of would-be voters affected unknown. Nearly 2,000 people registered online before the cutoff. Tribal Gaming: A small Oklahoma tribe’s Kalshi partnership has sparked a sovereignty dispute, with more than 140 tribes opposing prediction markets they say undermine tribal gaming compacts. Schools: The state charter board again rejected a Jewish charter school, this time by one vote. Health Care: Oklahoma has proposed a reinsurance program aimed at lowering health insurance premiums. Public Safety: Two children were hospitalized after falling through a school skylight in Oklahoma City; one was reported in critical condition. A fatal mobile-home fire in Midwest City is under investigation. Surveillance and Development: State officials are weighing data-center rules amid concerns about utility costs, while a senator seeks public input on Flock camera use. College Football: Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas, 27-24, on a last-second field goal; Oklahoma State beat UCF 42-28 to stay unbeaten in Big 12 play.

Data Center Debate: Corporation Commission candidates Brad Boles and Rhonda Eastman differ on new data centers: Boles would enforce rules set by lawmakers, while Eastman favors pausing new projects for further study. Boles says facilities should cover their own construction and energy costs. Election Watch: Oklahoma’s voter-registration portal failed on the final day to register, though officials said the disruption should have minimal impact after a record number of applications were processed. Voters will also weigh State Question 847, which would cap annual increases in assessed property values. Courts: The Oklahoma Supreme Court is launching a three-year pilot of AI-assisted hearing recordings in counties without certified court reporters; the system’s draft transcripts won’t be official court records. Sooners: Oklahoma stunned top-ranked Texas 27-24 in the Red River Rivalry, winning on Tate Sandell’s 47-yard field goal as time expired. Indigenous Peoples’ Day: OU students marked the day with tribal traditions and cultural activities, while Oklahoma City made the holiday’s second Monday in October a permanent city designation.

Election Access: Oklahoma’s voter-registration portal failed on the final day to register, leaving some residents unable to sign up for the November election. Education: A federal judge blocked Oklahoma from excluding religious charter schools, and the statewide board is weighing next steps for the proposed Ben Gamla Jewish virtual school. Child Care: Providers warn a Feb. 1 cut in subsidy income eligibility—from 70% to 55% of state median income—could strain families and child-care centers; current recipients keep their terms until renewal. Environment: Attorney General Gentner Drummond says proposed air-quality rules could ease the path for a controversial northeast Oklahoma smelter, despite DEQ assurances the changes would not apply. Indigenous Recognition: Oklahoma City has permanently designated the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Sports: Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas 27-24 on a last-second field goal in the Red River Rivalry, while Oklahoma State beat UCF 42-28. Public Safety: Two Porum residents were killed when an SUV struck their golf cart on Highway 2 in Muskogee County, OHP said.

Fatal Crash: A 65-year-old Billings man died after his car left State Highway 74 and crossed two fields in Garfield County. Troopers suspect a medical episode; the investigation continues. Sooners’ Statement Win: Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas, 27-24, on Tate Sandell’s last-second 47-yard field goal. Texas fell to No. 7 in the AP poll, while Georgia took over the top spot. Cowboys Climb: Oklahoma State beat UCF 42-28, extending its winning streak to four games and holding at No. 18 in the AP poll; the Cowboys also entered the coaches’ poll at No. 20. Tulsa Concert Canceled: Ella Langley called off her BOK Center show after a reported bomb threat, saying safety came first. Tulsa police said they found no credible threat and did not advise the cancellation. State Watch: Oklahoma’s voter portal reportedly failed on the Nov. 3 registration deadline, leaving some residents unable to register. Lawmakers also heard calls for more childcare support as providers struggle to stay open.

College Football: Oklahoma stunned No. 1 Texas 27-24 on Tate Sandell’s final-play field goal, while Oklahoma State beat UCF 42-28. State Government: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is investigating Rep. Danny Williams over alleged misuse of his office. Voting Access: Oklahoma’s voter-registration portal failed on deadline day, leaving some residents unable to register for the November election. Surveillance: A federal judge ruled that a deputy’s unwarranted searches using Flock license-plate cameras violated the Fourth Amendment, amid broader debate over the technology. Food Assistance: Oklahoma SNAP enrollment has fallen 20%, with local food banks reporting the strain.