AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma City Fire Safety: A family escaped a southwest OKC house fire early Tuesday after smoke detectors alerted them; no injuries were reported and investigators are still looking into what sparked the blaze. Power Plant Incident: OG&E crews responded to a reported turbine fire at the Horseshoe Lake Power Plant in Harrah; officials haven’t said what caused it or whether it affected generation. Local Violence Update: OKC police say one person was injured in a northwest OKC shooting Tuesday morning and is expected to survive; no suspect info was released. Health Policy Watch: New data shows ACA marketplace enrollment fell in nearly every state, with Oklahoma down about 32%—and the national “kept coverage” rate dropping below 90% for the first time since 2019. Immigration & Work Visas: At the National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged states and cities to cooperate with federal immigration arrests, focusing on people he described as “worst of the worst.” Deadline for Artists: Oklahoma’s waterfowl stamp design contest is nearing its Aug. 28 delivery deadline, with the winning art set for the 2027-28 stamp.

OpenAI Probe: A coalition of 15 red-state attorneys general, including Oklahoma’s, warned Sam Altman to preserve records and stop certain high-risk tests after an alleged “escaped” AI agent hacked outside systems. GOP Runoff—Power Costs: In the Drummond vs. Mazzei debate, electricity affordability took center stage, with federal data showing Oklahoma’s high residential disconnection rate and the Inola aluminum smelter’s massive power demand. Child Welfare: Oklahoma Human Services is expanding training for its SAFE Model, aiming to keep more children safely with families by standardizing safety assessments with community partners. ICE Detention Video: New body-camera footage shows an OKC officer stepping in after ICE detained a U.S. citizen on Interstate 44. Local Safety Alert: Wildlife officials are asking Oklahomans not to approach a missing 3-foot caiman in Cleveland County. Health Watch: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has spread to nine states, with thousands of cases nationwide. Weather: Wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest is reaching Oklahoma, with more haze possible. Housing/Utilities: Lawmakers launched an interim study into why homeowners’ insurance costs keep climbing in Oklahoma.

White Sox–Mets Trade: Chicago is acquiring reliever Huascar Brazobán from New York, sending minor leaguers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin to the Mets, a move that reshapes the White Sox bullpen with a proven arm. CFP Watch: ESPN Research says 28 teams have at least a 10% shot at the College Football Playoff in the 12-team era, with conference champions guaranteed spots. Oklahoma Football Recruiting: A 4-star linebacker recruit is planning a Michigan visit that includes a stop for the Wolverines’ Week 2 game vs Oklahoma. Heat Safety for Linemen: Athletic trainers and high school sports officials are urging coaches to change preseason practices to prevent heatstroke, especially for linemen. Water & Accountability: Oklahoma’s Water Resources Board is facing fresh criticism over how water disputes are handled, with Cedar Lake cited as a cautionary tale. Broadband Access: Oklahoma launched a library-based portal program to bring high-speed internet and remote services to rural communities. Nuclear Plans: DOE named Oklahoma as a potential host for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a deal that could involve accepting spent fuel and waste. OHP Update: The Oklahoma Highway Patrol rolled out a new black-and-white motorcycle look for its urban “Flying Squadron” patrols.

Heat Safety: National athletic trainers groups are urging coaches to change preseason football practices to prevent heatstroke, warning linemen face the highest risk and that punishment drills can contribute to deaths. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City residents are reacting to a violent weekend at a northwest apartment complex, with a stabbing Friday and a shooting Sunday that left two injured and one suspect in custody. Aviation Tragedy: A small plane crash near the Guymon Municipal Airport has been confirmed fatal and sparked a wildfire; the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, FAA and NTSB are investigating. City Tech & Policing: Oklahoma City will vote Tuesday on whether to renew its 90 Flock license-plate cameras, costing $270,000 a year. Wildfire Response: OKC firefighters are also battling a separate southeast Oklahoma City wildfire near Lake Stanley Draper. Elections Watch: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he’s “very concerned” Trump could use federal power to disrupt midterm elections, as he takes over the National Governors Association. Sports in OKC: The USWNT plays the U.S. Elite Sunday night at Devon Park in International Cup softball.

Local Water Disruption: A 16-inch water main break in southwest Oklahoma City opened a sinkhole and left about 30 customers without water, with at least one nearby business reporting muddy water and spoiled food while crews repaired the line. State Government Oversight: The Oklahoma House approved 92 of 120 interim studies for 2026, with 28 rejected and some combined, as leaders say the reviews will let lawmakers hear experts and compare policy results from other states. Oklahoma Politics & Labor: Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin told Gov. Kevin Stitt at the National Governors Association meeting that visa-worker programs can help in industries where Americans aren’t filling jobs, and suggested the federal government could scale back deportations for working migrants. Sports (OKC): Chet Holmgren said Thunder departures of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe “felt like losing a family member,” while acknowledging the business side of roster moves. MLB (Oklahoma ties): The Tigers traded Tarik Skubal to the Dodgers for prospects including Zyhir Hope, River Ryan, and Brady Smith—Hope has been starring for Tulsa.

Thunder Moves: Chet Holmgren said the OKC Thunder’s offseason trades of Luguentz Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe “felt like losing a family member,” while Sam Presti’s cap cuts helped keep Isaiah Hartenstein in place. NBA Buzz: Kevin Durant weighed in on LeBron James and the new-look 76ers, calling them a likely 2027 contender. OKC Crime: An OCPD-led pursuit ended east of Shawnee with a man dead after taking his own life; police say the suspect fired at officers. Health Care: Norman Regional Health System is officially out of network with Aetna, affecting many services for Aetna policyholders. Native Arts: Red Earth Festival is underway in Oklahoma City with 130+ Native artists and cultural events. Community & Safety: Monks at St. Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee are fundraising after their AC system failed; repair costs are about $112,000. Drugs: Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics seized 13 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of meth and 43 pounds of mushrooms in an OKC metro bust. Local Sports: Wyatt Flores returned to Oklahoma for album release events, including a stop at Guestroom Records in OKC.

Local Tragedy: Owasso police say TikToker Sara Gilson and her estranged husband, Jeremiah “Shawn” Duffey, died from apparent gunshot wounds after a domestic violence call; Gilson had an emergency protective order granted in June. Election Watch: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he’s “very concerned” President Trump could use federal power to interfere with fall elections as he takes over the National Governors Association. Oklahoma Policy & Courts: A judge allowed an Oklahoma couple to challenge the state’s casket-sales law that limits who can sell directly to customers. Energy & Permitting: Oklahoma lawmakers push faster federal permitting to cut energy costs, arguing delays and litigation block new projects. Social Security: The Senior Citizens League projects a 3.8% 2027 COLA, and the SSA released the August payment schedule by birth date. Community & Culture: The Oklahoma Indian Nation Powwow returns in Concho July 31–Aug. 2, celebrating Route 66 with dance, contests and fellowship.

Oklahoma & National Policy: A federal audit says more than 9,000 foster children were temporarily placed in hotels and offices when states couldn’t find safer options, with older kids and those with complex needs hit hardest. Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma’s heat pressure is still showing up—an emergency order from the U.S. Department of Energy covers Oklahoma and 16 other states to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat. Local Oklahoma City: The YWCA Oklahoma City domestic violence shelter had to relocate 55 survivors and their children after a cooling system failure during triple-digit temperatures. Housing & Community: Plans are underway to revitalize northeast Oklahoma City’s historic Creston Park neighborhood, aiming to restore vacant homes and expand affordable housing with community input. Crime & Courts: A Norman wrongful death case tied to the death of OU student Jozsef Laszlo Matthews Pal can move forward after a judge denied key dismissal requests. Sports & Youth: Chisholm’s Manu Smolinski committed to UCO, and Oklahoma City hosted the AQHA Youth World Championship Show with thousands of entries.

Heat & Storm Watch: Extreme heat warnings and advisories are up across Oklahoma, with heat index values pushing 110–115°F Friday and only limited, isolated storm chances for a small slice of the region. Roads: A crash shut down northbound I-35 near US-412 in Noble County, with drivers diverted to US-412 and other routes. Turnpike Update: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority officials discussed the South Extension plan, a $1.9 billion project tying into I-35 near Purcell. Public Safety: Oklahoma City Fire Chief Richard Kelley announced his retirement after 35 years, including major upgrades to EMS and firefighter health. Health: A new HOPE campaign is launching free lung cancer screenings and quit-smoking support for eligible Oklahomans ahead of World Lung Cancer Day. Local Crime: A shooting in Nicoma Park left one dead and two people in custody. Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt talked about toning down political fights while hosting governors for the National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City. Insurance: Oklahoma’s insurance commissioner and attorney general traded barbs over rising home insurance prices and regulatory pace.

Cyclospora & lettuce fallout: Taco Bell sales dipped 2% in the July–September period as customers worried about a cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce; the chain removed Taylor Farms lettuce July 17 and the supplier recalled the product the next day, with sales now climbing back toward year-ago levels. Oklahoma schools: Enid schools are preparing for the 2026 Strong Readers Act, including early reading interventions and a third-grade standardized test holdback requirement. Public safety in OKC: Oklahoma City Police says Major Scott Pope and K9 Will are the first Advanced Critical Incident Response Team in the country. Local health access: A new Variety Care health center in Norman will offer medical, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services using state and federal funding. Turnpike funding: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority won approval for $1.5B in bonds for Access Oklahoma expansion, with conditions tied to a federal lawsuit over the East-West Connector. Crime & courts: An Owasso man was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for child pornography offenses. Community concerns: Jesus House is seeking to convert a downtown OKC hotel into a sober living facility, drawing mixed reactions from neighbors.

Nuclear Energy Push: Oklahoma is among five finalists for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus program, which would pair nuclear research and fuel-cycle work with long-term waste handling—Gov. Kevin Stitt says it could bring major investment and jobs. Local Impact: The state’s selection comes as Oklahoma also faces scrutiny over how nuclear waste plans could play out, with lawmakers and officials watching whether Congress will move beyond voluntary state participation. Domestic Violence: Owasso’s deadly case involving Sara Gilson and her estranged husband spotlights Oklahoma’s high rates of domestic violence-related murders and the limits of protective orders without broader safety planning. Courts & Immigration: The Trump administration activated the “alien terrorist” removal court for the first time, seeking deportation of an Afghan woman accused of supporting an ISIS-linked plot. Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma’s cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to climb, while a national push highlights how AI could help prevent sexual assault in prisons. Economy & Energy: New data shows U.S. crude inventories fell sharply, with Cushing, Oklahoma also dropping—an oil-market signal as energy demand and production dynamics shift.

Nuclear Energy Push: Oklahoma is one of five finalists for a federal “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” with officials touting major jobs and investment while critics warn the tech is experimental and safety/regulation questions remain. Grid & Heat: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to help keep the power grid reliable during extreme heat across 17 states, including Oklahoma, as demand strains systems. Local Housing: Norman City Council approved zoning for a permanent homeless shelter, moving a 3.2-acre plan forward for overnight and emergency services. Severe Weather: Tornadoes hit the Tulsa/Owasso area, injuring at least seven and knocking out power for thousands. Public Safety & Crime: OSBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Pushmataha County; in Kansas, an Oklahoma man charged in a priest’s death is set for a competency hearing in September. Community Spotlight: Champions of Health is opening nominations for a statewide award recognizing Oklahoma high school performing arts students for character and service.

Oklahoma Politics: A new legal landscape is emerging after the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for political parties to spend more freely, and Oklahoma’s Ethics Commission says coordinated party spending can now expand in state races too—raising the stakes for the August runoff and November general. Public Schools: State Question 844 would change how Oklahoma reimburses local governments for a property tax break for manufacturers, but it could also shift costs onto school districts. Mutual Aid Under Pressure: Tulsa Food Not Bombs says it’s still feeding the unhoused despite legal pressure from the city and police. Nuclear Energy Watch: Oklahoma is among states in the running for DOE nuclear “lifecycle innovation” campuses, with officials pitching the economic upside while critics worry about long-term risks. Health & Safety: Oklahoma’s reported cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing, and extreme heat continues to strain utilities and emergency response. Local Crime: An Oklahoma man is held for court on child rape and related charges involving two alleged victims. Weather: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake in the Texas Panhandle was felt across western and parts of northwestern Oklahoma.

Nuclear Energy Push: The U.S. Department of Energy picked Oklahoma as a potential host for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, joining Utah, Tennessee, Louisiana and Idaho as initial contenders, with three states expected to be chosen by the end of 2026. Consumer Protection: Oklahoma AG Dan Rayfield and 49 other attorneys general urged the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and the scams they fuel. Local Infrastructure: Tulsa released updates on its biggest-ever street rehab push, including major work on Gilcrease Museum Road and Harvard Avenue, with timelines stretching into 2027. Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated a wrong-way crash in northwest OKC tied to DUI; separately, Love County Health Department is urging back-to-school immunization planning and clinics in early August. Sports & Community: OSU’s Kanye Clary returns to cement his legacy, while Oklahoma State beat Puerto Rico Fuerza 94-88 in an exhibition opener.

Oklahoma Politics: Rep. Danny Williams is under scrutiny after House Speaker Kyle Hilbert said an investigation found “improper conduct” toward a House employee; Williams has been removed from his committee chair role and the matter is now headed to the House Rules Committee. Food Safety: The national cyclosporiasis situation keeps shifting, with FDA and CDC updates tied to recalled shredded lettuce and multiple ongoing outbreaks, including Salmonella, raising new questions about what’s safe to eat. Public Health: The American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis, with Oklahoma-area donors urged to give now as summer shortages worsen, especially for type O blood. Local Water Fight: Cedar Lake residents are battling a powerful upstream neighbor over unpermitted dams after wells and lake access have deteriorated. Sports (OKC/NBA): The Denver Nuggets matched the Thunder’s offer sheet for Spencer Jones, keeping him in Denver for a third season. State & Community: OU’s Institute for Quality Communities partnered with OU students to develop design recommendations for veterans’ homes in Ardmore, Claremore and Sulphur.

Voting Deadline: Friday is the last day to register for Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff primary, with the Garfield County Election Board reminding residents they must be 18 to vote. Local Relief: United Way and the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation are sharing what they’ve learned while helping Enid-area families recover from the EF4 tornado that hit April 23. State Government Tech: Oklahoma agencies are preparing to launch “Beacon,” an AI system meant to streamline state operations. Public Safety: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and OKC police are looking at ways to stop wrong-way drivers earlier—starting at exit ramps—after a wrong-way incident on the Kilpatrick Turnpike. Infrastructure: OKC crews are responding to a 6-inch water main break in northwest OKC expected to disrupt residents for 4 to 6 hours. Health & Food Safety: A salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened people across 17 states, and Oklahoma is among those affected. Community & Sports: Payne County 4-H collected 259.8 pounds of pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oklahoma, while the River Bowl Classic brings OKC schools together on the water for a cause.