AGP Executive Report

Public Health: Taylor Farms has issued a 27-state recall of shredded iceberg lettuce after a Cyclospora outbreak tied to the product, urging Oklahomans to discard affected items immediately; the company says washing won’t fix it and thorough cooking is the safer route. Local Law Enforcement: Oklahoma City police honored former Police Chief M.T. Berry, the city’s first Black police chief, who died after a brain cancer battle. State Government & Health Care: Attorney General Gentner Drummond opened an investigation into the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s handling of alleged Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse. Elections: State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax defended the safety and security of Oklahoma elections amid ongoing concerns. Community & Culture: Yukon kicked off the Route 66 centennial with a daylong downtown celebration. Sports (OKC): UFC Fight Night 281 is in Oklahoma City tonight, headlined by Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman at the Paycom Center. Weather: Oklahoma City is bracing for triple-digit heat with rain chances fading.

UFC Oklahoma City: Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman both made weight for Saturday’s main event at Paycom Center, but two fighters missed—Chase Hooper (fight still goes on at catchweight) and Ezra Elliott (status not yet confirmed). Behavioral Health: Oklahoma is awarding one-year contracts to private providers to expand mental health and behavioral services into 22 additional counties, shifting some care away from state-run facilities. Elections & Courts: An Oklahoma Supreme Court referee heard arguments in a case that could affect how state initiative petitions qualify for the ballot, tied to signature requirements for a proposed change to primary elections. Oil & Gas Leasing: The Bureau of Land Management opened a 30-day comment period for a November 2026 federal oil and gas lease sale covering 30 parcels across New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Sports & Local Talent: Oklahoma City-area former high school standouts are set for Sunday games, including players in minor league baseball and the Oklahoma City Comets.

UFC Oklahoma City: Paycom Center hosts UFC Fight Night 281 Saturday with former champions Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman headlining after both made weight; weigh-in results also show Chase Hooper and Ezra Elliott missed their limits and were fined. Public Health: OSDH says at least 56 Oklahoma cyclosporiasis cases are linked to a shredded lettuce outbreak tied to Taylor Farms, urging anyone with watery diarrhea to seek care. State Government: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond is investigating the Health Care Authority’s handling of alleged Medicaid fraud after reports of an international crime ring enrolling thousands of Oklahomans. Elections & Courts: Briefs urge the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a First Amendment case involving religious leafleting and alleged actions by Bossier City officials. Child Welfare: Gov. Kevin Stitt says Oklahoma will end the “orphan tax,” stopping diversion of Social Security survivor benefits for foster children. Local Governance: Bixby held its first Q&A on an Aug. 25 bond plan, including a fire station, animal shelter, wastewater upgrades, and road work. Safety Trend: Experts warn the “Benadryl Challenge” can be deadly after reports of an Oklahoma teen death.

Oklahoma Politics: GOP gubernatorial hopeful Mike Mazzei is drawing fresh scrutiny for missing most meetings of the Oklahoma Police Pension and Retirement Board since his 2023 appointment, with reporting noting he’s attended only 10 of 40 monthly sessions. Route 66 & Local Culture: Yukon is unveiling refreshed downtown murals for Route 66 Mural Fest (July 17-19), part of the Route 66 centennial celebration. Public Health: Oklahoma is among states tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with health guidance urging careful produce handling and attention to symptoms. Mental Health Courts: Oklahoma’s plan to meet a court-ordered mental health consent decree—late by more than a year—has been approved by monitoring consultants, setting up the next push to actually implement treatment standards. Sports (UFC OKC): UFC Fight Night 281 hits Paycom Center July 18 with Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman, plus Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan, and the event will air on Paramount+. Energy & Oversight: The state auditor found serious internal control failures, misappropriations, and unauthorized spending in the town of Washington.

Transit & Growth: Oklahoma City, Edmond and Norman leaders are pushing a commuter rail plan to connect the metro, with possible funding tied to a voter-approved sales tax. Community & Education: OKC Public Schools is offering free developmental screenings for 3- and 4-year-olds and students before the school year to spot support needs early. Health Watch: Oklahoma reported 57 cyclosporiasis cases as the U.S. outbreak spreads, with six hospitalizations and no deaths reported. Public Safety Response: Quapaw Nation Swift Water Rescue Team and OK-TF1 are deploying to help with worsening Texas flooding along the Guadalupe River Basin. Local Government: Oklahoma City residents are being asked to help design a new city flag ahead of LA28. Courts: Brent Swadley’s sentencing was delayed and his bond request denied after a judge rejected his bid for an evidentiary hearing over jail call monitoring. Food Safety: General Mills recalled nearly 736,000 Pillsbury rolls in multiple states, including Oklahoma, due to possible glass contamination.

Local Government: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt used his State of the City address to push for faster transportation upgrades as growth heads toward 1 million residents by 2050, and he unveiled OKC United’s return of pro soccer tied to the MAPS 4 stadium. State Health & Safety: Oklahoma confirmed a spike in cyclosporiasis cases as a nationwide cyclospora outbreak grows, with health officials urging prevention and fresh-produce caution. Public Services & Access: The Oklahoma Broadband Office is rolling out about 175 library “community access portals” funded through ARPA to expand telehealth, workforce services, and digital skills. Medicaid Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed the state’s CFO to lead the Oklahoma Health Care Authority after the current director moved back to the private sector. Justice & Accountability: Oklahoma’s “orphan tax” is ending, stopping the diversion of Social Security survivor benefits from foster youth. Sports & Culture: Oklahoma City’s UFC event headlines Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman, while the city also keeps building its summer sports and entertainment calendar.

Oklahoma Politics & Courts: Gov. Kevin Stitt says Oklahoma will stop using the “orphan tax” to divert Social Security survivor benefits for kids in foster care, aiming to preserve the money for youth leaving the system. Public Health: Oklahoma is tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with state officials confirming dozens of cases and hospitalizations as experts urge careful produce handling. Consumer & Data Privacy: AG Liz Murrill announced a multistate settlement tied to the 2023 23andMe genetic data breach, with limited recovery from the bankruptcy estate for affected consumers and states. Local Government & Growth: OKC Mayor David Holt unveiled the name and branding for the new pro soccer team, OKC United, and highlighted major transit and growth pressures. Community Safety: A Wagoner County man died in a four-vehicle crash after failing to yield at an intersection. Sports: Oklahoma City’s Thunder Summer League run continues with former Iowa players posting strong numbers, including Bennett Stirtz. Business & Oversight: Oklahoma launched a new reporting pathway for Medicare Advantage complaints, giving state officials better visibility into recurring problems.

Public Health: Oklahoma State Department of Health confirmed 56 cyclosporiasis cases, with 6 hospitalizations, as the national outbreak linked to contaminated food or water continues to spread. Energy & Permitting: A new analysis argues the U.S. permitting system is too slow for major projects, warning that delays can stall investment and infrastructure—an issue Oklahoma is watching closely as demand grows. Local Health & Safety: Firefighters urged Oklahomans to prevent heat illness by drinking water before thirst, watching for warning signs like headaches, and checking on seniors during peak temperatures. Elections: State Question 846, the voter ID measure, is headed to the August runoff, with supporters calling it “in concrete” and opponents warning it could limit future legislative flexibility. Environment: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering Endangered Species Act protections for Oklahoma’s plains spotted skunk after a petition. Community Care: Circle of Life opened its first Oklahoma hospice location in Colcord, marking a major milestone for end-of-life services in the region. Sports: UFC Oklahoma City is set for July 18 with Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman as the headline.

Oklahoma Criminal Justice: The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board rejected clemency for death row inmate Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez, who says he doesn’t want mercy and attended the hearing to apologize to the daughters of the woman he killed in 2003, setting up an Aug. 13 execution. Mental Health & Policing: Oklahoma City police are investigating an officer’s handling of a woman in a mental health crisis after bodycam footage shows her being jailed following an escalated encounter; the public defender says the dropped assault charge was tied to her mental health. Public Safety: Ponca City tree trimmers Isaac and Andrew Reyes survived a 45-foot fall after a cable snapped, with the community rallying through fundraisers. Health Policy: A new Oklahoma tick testing law is prompting guidance on tick control and Integrated Pest Management for fleas and ticks. State Government: The Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments over whether signature purges under a 2024 law make it too hard to challenge state question petitions. Broadband Access: The Oklahoma Broadband Office is launching a $14.5 million library initiative to place 175 community access portals statewide. Sports (Oklahoma ties): USA Basketball is expected to add Thunder coach Mark Daigneault, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff, and Gonzaga coach Mark Few as Team USA assistant coaches.

Poultry Pollution Settlement: Gov. Kevin Stitt weighed in on a proposed nearly $44 million settlement aimed at ending Oklahoma’s decades-long poultry waste lawsuit, saying the AG’s delay tactics harmed growers and that the deal still needs court approval. Voter Access: Oklahomans have until July 31 to register or update details for the Aug. 25 partisan primary runoff, with party changes not allowed. Election Costs: A report highlights how candidates can use campaign funds for childcare, reflecting how election rules shape who can run. Energy & Cleanup: Well Done Foundation and Zefiro Methane announced a teaming agreement to expand orphan well plugging, starting with an Oklahoma project. Local Culture: The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma in Enid officially rebranded as the Enid Railroad Museum. Public Safety: Oklahoma officials warn about the New World screwworm’s potential spread, noting no cases reported in Oklahoma so far. Sports: Oklahoma’s Nate Smithburg was selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the MLB Draft.

Poultry Pollution Settlement: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond says a proposed nearly $44 million settlement is in place to resolve the long-running Illinois River poultry litter pollution case, with federal court approval still required. State Ballot Fight: The Oklahoma Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday over whether signatures for SQ 836 (open primaries) should be approved after a verification dispute left the measure short. Retail Warning: Oklahoma health and narcotics officials are warning stores about enforcement risk for selling dangerous, intoxicating kratom products above legal limits. Water & Health: Oklahoma crews and officials continue responding to heat impacts, while EMSA issued another medical alert as temperatures climb. Local History & Community: Remembering civic leader Betty Lee Anthony Zahn and a look at unusual Oklahoma Congressman Manuel Herrick. Sports: UFC returns to Oklahoma City for Fight Night 281, and the Royals selected 16 players on day 2 of the MLB draft.

Tribal Health Care Expansion: The Cherokee Nation opened its new $470 million W.W. Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, doubling capacity to 127 beds and adding services from ER and ICU to NICU and hospice, with plans to turn the old site into a nursing and allied health education center. Native Lands & Data Centers: A new report says big tech is mapping dozens of data center projects near Native and rural frontline communities, with federal policy pushing faster development and raising concerns about water, power, and costs for residents. Oklahoma Water & Health: A decade-long USGS study finds pesticide pollution in Midwest and Great Plains rivers is getting worse, with many streams showing multiple chemicals at levels that could harm aquatic life. Rural Hospital Fight in Nowata: Residents packed a meeting to oppose Ascension St. John’s plan to shift from a critical access hospital to a rural emergency hospital, which would cut inpatient services and limit stays to 24 hours. Sports & Oklahoma Ties: Oklahoma’s Chet Holmgren was among the NBA names at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, and the week also brought major national sports coverage plus Oklahoma-related draft and summer league updates. Public Health Alerts: Orkin’s bed bug rankings flagged Greenville and Myrtle Beach as top problem spots, underscoring the need for hotel and travel checks.

UFC in the spotlight: Dana White went on a profanity-laced rant after UFC 329’s broadcast mistakenly labeled boxer Shakur Stevenson as OKC Thunder guard Jalen Williams, even though commentators corrected it on air. Power and public safety: Thousands of OG&E customers in northwest Oklahoma City lost power after a substation issue, with restoration underway; separately, a man died after a police pursuit and shooting in Woodward. Local community wins: Muskogee is set to get a new downtown mural as part of America’s 250th celebration, and an Oklahoma nonprofit is honoring veterans with free flagpole installations. Health watch: A parasite tied to “explosive diarrhea” has prompted some restaurants to change menus, as experts urge extra caution when dining out. Sports with Oklahoma ties: The 2026 MLB Draft continues, including Oklahoma-related picks, while Oklahoma’s own Drew Mestemaker earned Preseason Newcomer of the Year honors in Big 12 awards. Weather: Storms moved through overnight with cooler conditions expected.

MLB Draft (Oklahoma ties): The 2026 MLB Draft is underway, with the Chicago White Sox taking UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1. Oklahoma sports: OSU’s Alex Conover was selected by the San Diego Padres in the fourth round (134th overall), and former OSU pitcher Justin Wrobleski earned a 2026 MLB All-Star spot with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Local public health: Moore lifted its boil-water advisory after E. coli was found in routine sampling; DEQ tests came back clear, though officials recommended flushing lines. Tribal leadership: The Osage Nation swore in newly elected Principal Chief Joe Tillman and Assistant Principal Chief John Shaw, outlining priorities including economic diversification and gaming expansion. Energy research: Oklahoma State announced five new Hamm Institute Fellows, expanding faculty research across energy systems and infrastructure. Crime: Lawton residents tied to a nationwide marijuana trafficking case pleaded guilty as part of Operation Blunt Force. Weather: Storm chances continue in parts of Oklahoma through the weekend, with heat and thunderstorm risks highlighted in local forecasts.

Disaster Aid: FEMA approved more than $144 million for disaster recovery and mitigation across Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, including public assistance for repairs after major storms. Severe Weather: Oklahoma is under a severe thunderstorm watch with damaging-wind and lightning risks Saturday, as storms develop and move east. Water Safety: Moore’s E. coli boil order was lifted for affected areas after DEQ testing found the water safe again. Health & Food Safety: An “explosive” diarrhea outbreak tied to a parasite is prompting new caution for diners, with restaurants and chains facing pressure to respond. Legal/Environment: A settlement is proposed in the Illinois River pollution case involving poultry litter, with Oklahoma lawmakers saying the 10th Circuit is being asked to accept it and vacate a prior judgment. Native Leadership: Joe Tillman was sworn in as Osage Nation chief in Tulsa, with remarks from state and local leaders. Community & Service: Calm Waters will hold its “Ripples of Hope” grief-support breakfast fundraiser Aug. 18. Sports: Oklahoma native Carson Wiggins was selected in the MLB Draft’s first round by the Mets, and Oklahoma City’s NBA Summer League action continues.

Oklahoma Politics & Courts: Tulsa County DA asks the 10th Circuit to reject the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s bid to block his criminal jurisdiction on the reservation, arguing he can prosecute nonmember Indians for nonmajor crimes. Public Safety: A fatal crash in Kiowa County sent a semi overturning after it hit a stopped Toyota at a U.S. 54 stop sign; the Toyota driver died at the scene. Law Enforcement Funding: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond awarded $18 million in grants to support every county sheriff’s office, including $300,000 for Rogers County. Health & Food: Aldi recalled frozen kimchi-and-tofu kimbap sold in multiple states including Oklahoma after an allergen labeling error that may omit fish (tuna); no illnesses reported. Sports (Oklahoma ties): Victor Wembanyama signed a record Spurs extension worth over $250 million with a player option; Oklahoma’s own NBA summer action also continues. Community & Faith: Volunteers helped build Kingdom Christian Academy in Fulton, with crews working early mornings and aiming to move classes in January.