AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Politics & Local Budgeting: Norman City Council approved its 2026-27 budget with an 8-1 vote, but leaders pointed to stagnant sales tax revenue and the city’s heavy reliance on sales tax for core services. Public Safety & Courts: An Oklahoma man wanted in Louisiana for alleged online exploitation of a child was identified, with investigators saying he allegedly used social media to contact minors while misrepresenting his age. Law Enforcement & Animals: The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics said six horses seized during a major cocaine trafficking case have been awarded to a Harrah rescue after courts ruled them abandoned. Agriculture & Disease Threat: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as sterile flies are released to fight a screwworm outbreak, while political blame is traded over why the parasite returned. Sports (Oklahoma ties): The Dodgers placed catcher Will Smith on the injured list and recalled Chuckie Robinson from Oklahoma City; in college hoops, Big 12 scheduling matrices set 2026-27 matchups for Oklahoma State and others. Weather & Food Prices: USDA cut its U.S. winter wheat outlook after Plains drought impacts, even as harvest continues in key states including Oklahoma.

NBA Finals: The Knicks pulled off the biggest comeback in Finals history, erasing a 29-point deficit to beat the Spurs 107-106 and take a 3-1 series lead, with OG Anunoby’s late tip-in sealing it and San Antonio now facing elimination in Game 5. Oil & Middle East: Oil prices jumped after fresh U.S. strikes on Iran, as Iran warned of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and the fragile ceasefire faced new strain. Oklahoma sports & recruiting: Oklahoma State men’s basketball coach Steve Lutz says the Cowboys have filled 14 of 15 scholarships, with one spot held open in case Parsa Fallah returns, while Oklahoma softball continues to get major momentum heading into the season. Local weather: North Texas is in for hot conditions followed by showers and storms, with rain chances highest near the Oklahoma border late Thursday night into Friday.

Oklahoma Campus Free Speech: A new state law (SB 1725) requires first-year college students and university staff to get training on freedom of speech and bars viewpoint discrimination in how schools deal with student groups, including religious ones. Homelessness & Local Rules: Norman City Council dropped a plan that would have let people experiencing homelessness camp in residential front yards after backlash and criticism from state leaders. Fireworks Update: Oklahoma’s “Rockets Red Glare Act” expands consumer fireworks sales to year-round for licensed retailers and clarifies bottle rockets are legal statewide unless a city or town bans them. Primary Politics: Republican gubernatorial candidates have poured millions of their own money into the race, with one Trump-endorsed contender topping $22 million in self-funding. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma drivers still face high prices, with scattered low-price pockets across counties. Sports (Oklahoma): Oklahoma’s baseball team is set for the College World Series opener vs. Alabama in Omaha, while Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned a spot on TIME’s 100 most influential sports people list.

Budget Crunch in Rural Schools: Caney Valley Public Schools is scrambling after a nearly half-million-dollar shortfall tied to enrollment changes and missed budget adjustments, leaving staff pay obligations to sort out late in the year. School Safety & Traffic: Tri-County School Corporation is rolling out digital building maps tied to emergency planning, plus color-coded lanyards and Raptor badge use, while also redesigning routes for safer morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups. Norman Homelessness Debate: Norman City Council backed away from a proposal that would have let residents permit up to two people to camp on private lawns, amid criticism from state leaders and residents. Invasive Species Watch: Arborists warn the emerald ash borer is spreading across Oklahoma and can kill ash trees, with homeowners urged to look for telltale signs. Oklahoma Primary Turnout: A new report warns low turnout in the June 16 primary could be worsened by negative campaign ads and voter frustration. Sports—Oklahoma Baseball: Oklahoma’s season ended Kansas-style in the Lawrence Super Regional, beating the Jayhawks 13-2 to close out KU’s historic run.

College Sports: Oklahoma’s baseball season ended Kansas’s historic run with a 13-2 win in the Lawrence Super Regional, after a big second inning that put the Sooners up 7-1 and a third-inning homer from Dayton Tockey. Local Higher Ed: An Oklahoma free speech committee reviewed two Charlie Kirk-related complaints tied to OSU and OU; it issued remediation recommendations for OSU but none for OU. State Law & Families: Oklahoma’s child marriage ban is now reflected in a new national map showing where it remains legal after the state raised the marriage age to 18 with no exceptions. Public Safety & Community: Woodward County officials announced a National EMS memorial stop honoring paramedic Jeff Jones, plus other upcoming emergency-management events. Sports & Culture: deadCenter Film Festival photos highlight OKCThunder Films’ “Baseline” and other local productions, including a Tulsa firefighter history documentary. Weather Watch: forecasters warn severe storms could affect more than 90 million people across the Plains and Midwest this week.

Oklahoma Politics & Policy: Oklahoma’s child well-being ranking stays near the bottom, with advocates saying the state needs stronger systems—not just good local efforts—to improve education, health, and economic outcomes. State Government & Elections: Early voting is underway ahead of Oklahoma’s June 16 primary, with voters deciding key races including the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial fields. Tribal Leadership: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced he’ll retire after 39 years, setting up a leadership transition inside the tribe. Local Governance: In Inola, city leaders approved a new committee (ICARE) as residents press for a six-month moratorium on a proposed aluminum smelter. Child Welfare: Oklahoma lawmakers passed a measure letting eligible foster youth keep receiving support and Medicaid until age 21. Energy & Environment: Utility-scale solar continues to surge nationally, and Oklahoma is among the states adding capacity as the clean-power mix shifts. Sports (Oklahoma): Oklahoma baseball advanced in the NCAA super regional over Kansas, earning a College World Series berth.

College Baseball: Oklahoma punched its ticket to the Men’s College World Series by sweeping Kansas in the Lawrence Super Regional, winning 13-2 after weather delays; OU now faces Alabama in Omaha on Saturday. CWS Schedule: The NCAA set opening-round matchups and TV times, with Oklahoma vs. Alabama slated for 2 p.m. CT on ESPN. Child Wellbeing: A new Kids Count report shows Oklahoma made slight progress but still ranks near the bottom for child wellbeing, tied at 44th overall. Public Safety/Weather: Miami, Okla., is bracing for Neosho River flooding, with officials warning residents to avoid flooded areas as the river nears 22 feet. Tribal News: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced he’ll retire June 26, with Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby set to take over. Education Accountability: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond announced charges tied to a Tulsa Public Schools embezzlement and kickback scheme. Sports Spotlight: Tahlequah’s Zoie Griffin was named Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year. Agriculture/Health: Texas activated an escalated response to the New World screwworm after it was detected again.

NBA Finals Spotlight: Victor Wembanyama says the pressure doesn’t bother him as the Spurs head into Game 3 down 2-0 to the Knicks, leaning on a “shoot it again” mindset after a late miss in Game 2. Oklahoma Sports: Oklahoma State adds Gavin Roberts, a UConn strength-and-conditioning leader from the Huskies’ back-to-back title runs, to Steve Lutz’s staff. Health & Weather: Researchers warn that dangerously humid heat days are rising across the Midwest and South, with Oklahoma-area cities like Tulsa seeing more extreme humid days than decades ago—especially risky for farmworkers. Local Event: Harn Homestead in Oklahoma City hosts “Oklahoma on the Move: From Hooves to the Highway” June 13, featuring classic cars, horse-drawn vehicles, and Route 66 history. Nursing Home Watch (OKC/Tulsa/Garfield): CMS data shows Epworth Villa Health Services (OKC) and Ignite Medical Resort Tulsa earning higher overall ratings, while Village Health Care Center (Broken Arrow) reports a lower overall score and fines/penalties in Q1 2026. College Baseball: Kansas vs. Oklahoma Super Regional Game 2 resumes Monday at 12:02 p.m. after weather suspended Sunday’s matchup with OU leading 8-1.

Flood Response: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an emergency disaster declaration for Creek, Okfuskee and Tulsa counties after severe eastern Oklahoma flooding, urging residents to report damage at damage.ok.gov as assessments continue. Sports & Community: Oklahoma’s Sahara Williams helped Team USA win gold at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, while the Oklahoma City Spark set its season opener for Tuesday. Local Spotlight: The Sam Noble Museum is featuring a record-breaking Pentaceratops skull tied to a new traveling exhibit. Oklahoma Loss: Stacey King, a Lawton native and former OU star who won three Bulls titles and later became a longtime broadcaster, died at 59. Legal/Health: A Los Angeles jury found Johnson & Johnson not negligent in talc baby powder ovarian cancer claims. Energy Watch: GasBuddy reports show Kay County’s lowest premium gas at $4.34 for the week ending May 30.

State Policy: Oklahoma expanded the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, boosting support for unpaid family caregivers with higher eligibility and added mileage for medical appointments. Military Families & Schools: A new Oklahoma law treats active-duty military students as in-district residents during relocations, letting families start enrollment paperwork earlier. Public Safety: Oklahoma signed tougher rules on nitrous oxide misuse, plus a measure requiring overdose notification and fentanyl reporting by first responders to law enforcement. Crime & Courts: Oklahoma also enacted higher penalties for organized retail crime and identity theft, and lawmakers backed DUI accountability changes tied to electronic monitoring. Law & Order: A bill updating Oklahoma’s explosive-device statutes clarifies definitions and adds conspiracy provisions while protecting lawful explosive uses. Health Care Oversight: CMS data shows Tulsa-area nursing home performance varies—Green Country Care Center earned a 3-star rating, while Senior Suites Healthcare scored 2. Sports: The Sooners lost a 2027 wide receiver commit as Tra’von Hall flipped to Ole Miss.

Extended Foster Care: Oklahoma Human Services is rolling out a new extended foster care program after Gov. Stitt signed SB 1806, letting eligible young adults stay supported through age 21 starting July 1. Local Elections: With the June 16 ballot coming up, Oklahoma voters will weigh State Question 832 (minimum wage to $15 by 2029) plus GOP primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, corporation commissioner, and state superintendent; locally, District 20 DA race pits Melissa Handke against James Gilmartin. Public Safety & Courts: Tulsa Public Schools bond fraud charges were filed against a former bond director and outside contractors, accused of an “elaborate” scheme involving unperformed roofing work. Health & Care: Oklahoma long-term care providers earned national quality recognition, including a Sulphur skilled nursing facility. Energy Prices: Gas prices in Oklahoma continue to ease in recent reporting, with statewide regular averaging about $3.90 for the week ending May 30.

NBA Finals, Oklahoma ties: The Knicks took a 2-0 lead over the Spurs after a 105-104 Game 2 win, with Karl-Anthony Towns again outplaying Victor Wembanyama in the personal matchup that’s now driving the series. Local housing: Tulsa’s Point-in-Time Count found 1,443 people experiencing homelessness on a single night, with advocates pointing to rising rents and a high share of residents reporting disabling conditions—fueling push for permanent, community-based options like City Lights Village. Energy policy: President Trump announced $700M for coal power projects using the Defense Production Act, including funding tied to plants in Oklahoma and other states. State politics: Charles McCall says his House leadership experience makes him the best fit for governor. Health care oversight: CMS data highlights mixed nursing home performance across Oklahoma facilities, including low ratings and fines at some homes. Sports beyond the NBA: TCU suspended its Sigma Phi Epsilon chapter after a conduct appeal process.

Health & Community: The Bike MS Oklahoma ride is set to bring hundreds of cyclists through Oklahoma communities this fall to raise money for people living with multiple sclerosis and to push research toward a cure. Public Safety: Oklahoma County prosecutors filed first-degree murder charges against two men in the Lake Arcadia mass shooting that killed 18-year-old Avianna Smith-Gray and injured 24 others, with a third suspect charged as an accessory. State Government: Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Josh Anderson as interim leader of the embattled Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, replacing interim commissioner Gregory Slavonic. Politics & Tech: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission kicked off rulemaking on how AI should be disclosed and regulated in political campaigns, after an AI-generated ad controversy involving a gubernatorial candidate. Local Economy: Sofidel broke ground on a $775 million expansion at its Inola plant, aiming to add 185 jobs and begin operations in 2028. Sports (Oklahoma ties): Oklahoma and Kansas meet in NCAA baseball Super Regionals with a College World Series berth on the line.

WCWS Recap (Oklahoma City): Texas beat Texas Tech 4-1 in Game 2 to sweep the Women’s College World Series and win back-to-back national titles at Devon Park. Local Sports Spotlight: Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco pushed back on the idea that big spending can “buy” a championship, even as star pitcher NiJaree Canady’s run ended without a title. Softball Star Watch: Teagan Kavan earned Most Outstanding Player again, striking out five in the late innings to close out the repeat. Oklahoma Community/Events: The Oscar Hammerstein Museum’s sixth annual International Youth Solo Contest is now accepting applications for singers ages 6-18, with winners getting cash, coaching, and a performance at the museum gala. Public Health (Nebraska, national impact): A federal judge blocked Nebraska’s in-state tuition for undocumented students, a move tied to a broader DOJ push that also affects how other states may respond.

Public Health: A national report warns that many states and localities have weakened outbreak powers since COVID, leaving communities more exposed during the next emergency. Oklahoma Courts & Corruption: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond and Tulsa DA Steve Kunzweiler filed charges against a former Tulsa Public Schools bond director and two contractors, alleging a $779,317 scheme tied to bogus roof work and bond funds. Elections: Supporters of Oklahoma’s open primaries initiative are challenging the Secretary of State’s rejection, arguing enough signatures were valid. Agriculture & Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas; officials say Oklahoma has no confirmed case yet, but the threat is moving closer. Fireworks Law: Gov. Stitt signed the Rocket’s Red Glare Act, allowing year-round fireworks sales statewide (with licensing rules), while Oklahoma City still enforces its own ban. Economy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy price checks show diesel and regular gas hovering around recent levels across multiple counties as national fuel markets stay volatile. Sports: Texas beat Texas Tech 7-3 in Game 1 of the WCWS title series in Oklahoma City; the NBA Finals opened with the Knicks topping the Spurs 105-95.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued to block Emirates Global Aluminum and Century Aluminum from building a $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola, arguing the project’s UAE ties and potential harm to the state’s cattle industry make it a bad fit. Sports (Oklahoma ties): In the Women’s College World Series title series in Oklahoma City, Texas opened with a 7-3 win over Texas Tech as Teagan Kavan threw a complete-game three-hitter and Katie Stewart homered again. NBA (Oklahoma ties): The Knicks beat the Spurs 105-95 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, setting up a matchup that follows San Antonio’s seven-game win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Consumer Tech: Amazon Prime Day (June 23-26) is pushing grocery deals and expanding its 30-minute delivery service, including rollout in Oklahoma City. Local Sports: A roundup of former Oklahoma high school standouts is set for games Friday, June 5, across minor league baseball and softball.