AGP Executive Report

Cherokee Language Education: The Cherokee Nation approved legislation to bring its Cherokee Immersion School under full tribal oversight, shifting it from an Oklahoma public charter to an independent Cherokee Nation institution starting this summer. Local Politics: In Oklahoma’s GOP gubernatorial runoff, Attorney General Gentner Drummond framed the race as a choice between “results and rhetoric,” while Yukon’s mayor faced a recall push tied to residents’ anger over a major data center project. Oklahoma Economy & Business: Oklahoma City-based APMEX kept attention on precious-metals buying and gold IRA setup, while Oklahoma’s treasurer reported the state’s investment portfolio totaled about $17.6B in May. Public Health & Safety: A new U.S. screwworm finding is being treated as a livestock risk rather than a food-quality threat, and Oklahoma’s drought outlook shows nearly half the state in at least moderate drought. Community & Arts: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols announced $150,000 in grants supporting local arts organizations and events.

Election Security Concerns: A new report warns that “goons” and militia-style groups are increasingly offering security to leaders, raising fears they could turn violent as Oklahoma’s next election cycle heats up. State Finance Watch: Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ says the state has about $17.6 billion sitting in an investment portfolio, earning 3.71% in May—mostly in conservative U.S. treasuries and money-market funds. Local Government & Growth: Norman City Council voted to temporarily pause new data center permits to give staff time to assess zoning, utilities, and community impacts. Energy & Jobs: Galvanic Energy named Brett Rabe senior vice president of major projects, tasking him with overseeing lithium extraction and refining facility design and construction. Health Care Access: Adair County EMS is developing a Community Paramedicine program to reduce ambulance strain and improve care after a hospital closure. Community & Animals: Oklahoma City shelter capacity hit full after a meth bust involving 500+ domestic and exotic animals, prompting a pause on new intakes. Immigration & Rights: A national piece argues the U.S. is moving away from its “nation of immigrants” identity through aggressive asylum and expulsion policies. Sports Business: LeBron James’ next-destination uncertainty is reportedly slowing Lakers offseason plans, with ripple effects across the NBA market.

Local Governance: Norman City Council voted to temporarily freeze new data center permits inside city limits, giving staff time to assess zoning, infrastructure, and resident impacts as the industry’s demands on power, water, and land accelerate. Public Safety: Oklahoma City’s animal shelter is at full capacity after a meth bust seized 30 pounds of meth and 500+ birds and other animals, with intake paused while rescues and fosters scramble for space. Education & Culture: UCLA launched “Foundations and Futures,” a free, multimedia AAPI textbook with lesson plans and archives meant to bring AAPI histories into classrooms nationwide. Health Watch: Doctors are warning about rising child drownings, stressing that quick rescue and resuscitation can be the difference between life and lifelong disability. Community & Service: Ardmore’s Trinity Baptist hosted its annual 4th of July veterans’ breakfast for America’s 250th, with a speaker reflecting on the value of the U.S. as “one bird’s nest” worth protecting.

Oklahoma 250 Celebrations: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt joined a nationwide America 250 march to Independence Hall, framing the day as a civic “moral foundation” for the American experiment. Local Fireworks Law: Oklahoma’s new fireworks rules bring bottle rockets back to store shelves for the first time since 1981, with retailers saying demand is rising as shoppers learn the products and safety basics. Holiday Boating Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol is warning lake visitors that high water is dragging logs and debris into boat lanes, and troopers are stepping up enforcement as part of “Operation Dry Water.” Immigration Policy Impact in Tulsa: The Trump administration is moving to end Temporary Protected Status, with Tulsa-area residents and students worried about what comes next. Inola Smelter Pause: Inola leaders are pushing pause on a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter after community concerns about impacts and development plans. Cherokee Nation Economy: Cherokee Nation held a health care economic impact summit highlighting the system’s $2B-plus role in Oklahoma’s economy.

Fireworks & Public Safety: Oklahoma’s newly legal bottle rockets are back on shelves after a decades-long ban, with retailers saying demand is surging as families stock up for the Fourth of July. Courts & Civil Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Oklahoma’s transgender athlete law for girls’ and women’s sports, while also affirming birthright citizenship—moves that could shape how Oklahoma lawmakers draft future bills. State Economy & Trade: Oklahoma opened a Taiwan Regional Trade Office to boost investment and business ties, pointing to energy, defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Tribal Impact & Health: A new report says Cherokee Nation Health Services generated more than $2 billion in Oklahoma economic output in fiscal year 2025, supporting thousands of jobs. Housing Pressure: A national study finds closing the affordable housing gap could take centuries at current construction rates, underscoring the scale of the problem. Local Business & Community: Coryell Roofing opened a hands-on Experience Center in Franklin to help commercial customers make better long-term roofing decisions.

Fourth of July Safety: GRDA is urging river floaters on the Illinois River to stay “safe, smart and sober,” with life jackets, weather checks, hydration, and no diving from bridges or floating alone. Insurance & Housing Codes: A Sapulpa homeowner says State Farm paid for shingles but refused nearly $6,000 for roof sheathing needed to meet current code after a 2023 hailstorm. Oklahoma Business & Construction Disruption: Mooney’s Pub & Grill in Norman says Oklahoma Turnpike Authority drilling could start Monday, warning this weekend may be its last at the current location. Trade & Economic Ties: Oklahoma launched a Taiwan Regional Trade Office to boost investment and trade, with a focus on energy, defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. Tribal Housing Grants: Five Oklahoma tribes won $1.6 million for affordable housing and community development, including tiny homes, RV park conversions, and accessibility upgrades. Banking Move: Southern Bancorp is rebranding as Uplift Bank after its acquisition activity, with customers continuing services during the transition. Local Law Update: Oklahoma’s Marissa Murrow Act takes effect for private-event bartenders, requiring in-person alcohol service training before serving. Name Change in Banking: Bank7 Corp agreed to buy a controlling stake in Century Financial Services in New Mexico, with a planned close in Q3.

Medicaid Work Rules: Oklahoma tribes and states are bracing for a new Trump-era Medicaid “medically frail” standard that could strip coverage from some sick and disabled adults by tightening who qualifies for exemptions. Tribal Housing Grants: Five Oklahoma tribes won $1.6 million for affordable housing and community upgrades, including tiny homes, rental help, and renovations tied to veterans and elders. Public Safety & Health: New CDC research suggests far more people may be at risk for alpha-gal syndrome from lone star ticks than previously thought. Local Crime: A Woodbury County woman charged in Iowa after allegedly using stolen IDs to steal about $12,900 from a bank. Oklahoma Weather: Dangerous July 4 heat is expected across eastern Oklahoma, with high humidity pushing heat indexes above 100. Education/Facilities: Newcastle voters will decide on a $15 million school bond for classrooms, storm shelter work, athletics upgrades, and an aviation program expansion. OSU Agriculture: OSU opened the Lionel K. Bentley Turfgrass Center to expand turf research, pest management, and Extension programming.

Oklahoma Energy & Utilities: The Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s PSO rate case is still moving, but Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says a negotiated settlement would cut the impact to about $2.45 more per month for typical residential customers, after PSO’s interim $11 increase began July 1; the deal doesn’t cover a separate “large load” tariff aimed at data centers and other high-demand users. Local Business & Growth: Enid Brewing owner Brady Sidwell has bought Stillwater’s Iron Monk Brewing, expanding the beer operation’s reach across Oklahoma. Public Safety & Community: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols issued an executive order creating a Tulsa Domestic Violence Prevention Task Force to coordinate with service providers, law enforcement, and community groups. Tribal Economy: The Choctaw Nation plans a $140 million expansion and renovation of its Pocola casino, hotel and dining complex, including a new seven-story, 130-room hotel. Aviation: A new 12,000-square-foot hangar opened at Guymon Municipal Airport, boosting capacity for business aviation and regional economic development. Health & Science: A new study involving the University of Oklahoma Health Campus links obesity to a distinct molecular pathway that may help premalignant breast lesions progress to invasive breast cancer.

Housing & Cost of Living: Oklahoma’s Housing Stability Program is already funding new construction statewide, with 1,058 homes in the pipeline and incentives like 0% builder loans plus down-payment help for buyers. Health Policy: A new Oklahoma insulin affordability law takes effect Wednesday, creating a state program to encourage U.S. manufacturers to produce lower-cost biosimilar insulin. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City Animal Welfare is still dealing with fallout from a major meth bust, with 500+ animals rescued and veterinary concerns prompting possible cruelty charges. Banking & Community: Arvest Bank hired former Bartlesville schools superintendent Chuck McCauley as a commercial banker covering Bartlesville and nearby communities. Local Events: Nowata’s Fourth of July celebration is set for Saturday at Jack Gordon Park, with KRIG 104.9 FM broadcasting live and the fire department running dinners and a benefit auction. Business/Infrastructure: Sparklight says it has invested $11M over three years to expand fiber connectivity in parts of southeast Oklahoma.

NBA Shakeup: LeBron James is leaving the Lakers, and the Clippers have agreed to trade Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors, a major flip as both teams reshape for the next era. Oklahoma Minimum Wage: Oklahoma voters rejected State Question 832, with unofficial results showing 55.38% against; supporters warned the rapid jump would strain small-town budgets, while backers argued it would finally force action after years of $7.25. PSO Rates & Power Planning: Public comments pushed back on PSO’s rate hike proposal as regulators weigh affordability; PSO also continues expanding generation and storage plans tied to wind and battery projects. Inola Aluminum Smelter Pause: Inola leaders approved a 60-day moratorium on the proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter amid emissions and livestock concerns. Education & Leadership: Oklahoma Secretary of Education Dan Hamlin is set to become University of Texas’ education dean, while Tulsa Public Schools is hosting textbook and FAFSA help events. Food Security: Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign raised $40,000 for the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, funding 160,000 meals. Local Business & Community: Daylight Donuts marked 20 years in New Hartford, and a former 9 South CharGrill owner was sentenced to probation for not turning over payroll taxes.

Utility Rates: PSO says Tulsans will see an estimated $11 jump on monthly electricity bills starting July 1 as an interim rate increase kicks in while the Oklahoma Corporation Commission reviews a larger request. Education Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt’s education secretary, Dan Hamlin, is set to leave for a dean role at the University of Texas at Austin. Tribal Housing Grants: Five Oklahoma tribes won $1.6 million for affordable housing and community upgrades, including tiny homes, RV park conversions, and help for veterans and elders. Energy & Economy: Oklahoma’s sovereign wealth fund plan is moving forward, with projections putting it above $670 million in five years as oil and gas production tax revenue feeds the fund. Agriculture: USDA is rolling out a crop acreage reporting modernization pilot to cut paperwork for farmers, with July 15 a key deadline in many counties. Sports Business: A major NBA shakeup is brewing as the Clippers near a deal to send Kawhi Leonard back to Toronto. Housing Affordability: Realtor.com’s 2026 report card shows Ohio at a C+ for affordability and homebuilding—another reminder that supply and costs are still tangled up.

Oklahoma Policy & Health: The Oklahoma Health Care Authority board approved a balanced budget for the coming year even after lawmakers delivered only about half the agency’s requested funding, leaving “razor-thin margins” as Medicaid expansion costs are re-estimated. Immigration Enforcement: President Trump broke ground on a new FAA aviation testing site in Oklahoma City for flying-car and air-taxi research, while also nominating former Oklahoma trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE—an appointment Oklahoma’s senators will weigh quickly. Legal Fight Over Tuition: The DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island to block in-state tuition and aid for certain undocumented students, arguing the benefits unlawfully discriminate against U.S. citizens. Local Politics: A south Oklahoma City House seat is filled after Sam Wargin Grimaldo won the June primary and took the oath for HD 92. Economy & Business: In Inola, the fight over a proposed $4 billion aluminum smelter is now in the spotlight again as the city council considers a six-month moratorium amid pressure from Trump and Gov. Stitt. Consumer & Crime: Two OKC boutique owners face felony charges tied to an alleged $3M+ counterfeit luxury goods operation. Sports (National): Ja Morant was traded from Memphis to Portland for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray, a major shakeup with a surprisingly light return.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. DOJ sued Massachusetts and Rhode Island over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing the policies violate federal law and treat citizens as “second-class.” ICE Leadership: Trump nominated former Oklahoma state trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE, signaling a push for faster, tougher deportations. Oklahoma Infrastructure Lawsuit: An anti-turnpike group sued the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and federal agencies to halt parts of the East-West Connector, alleging environmental review and permit steps weren’t properly followed. State Policy Watch: Oklahoma’s SNAP error rate ticked up to 11.04%, raising potential repayment costs even as DHS says newer data should improve. Energy & Business: LM Funding plans to repurpose Oklahoma bitcoin power capacity for AI/HPC, after ordering GPU hardware for its Calumet site. Ag Update: OSU released 2026 wheat variety trial results online, highlighting performance under drought and warm winter conditions. Local Weather/Recovery: Washington County crews are assessing flood damage after heavy rain, with some roads expected to reopen after several days. Sports & Culture: OSU wheat trials and a Tycoon-style NBA offseason buzz dominated headlines, while Tulsa mourned Scud Mountain Boys guitarist Bruce Tull, who died at 71.

Youth Services: Oklahoma’s child welfare director Michael Williams launched the state’s first youth advisory board, giving current and former foster youth a formal say in policy—highlighting changes like letting teens meet potential foster placements before moving. State Economy Watch: WalletHub ranked Oklahoma 43rd in its 2026 state economy report, behind neighbors like Colorado (9th) and Kansas (23rd), citing weaker innovation potential. Immigration Enforcement: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised President Trump’s nomination of former Oklahoma trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE, urging quick Senate confirmation. Local Industry & Environment: Inola leaders will revisit concerns over a proposed aluminum smelter, including EPA/DEQ permitting steps and a possible moratorium tied to air, water, and public health impacts. Energy Bills & Heat: A new report warns Oklahoma and the broader West South Central region could see the highest summer cooling costs, with average U.S. bills projected near $792. Housing & Costs: Tulsa-area foundation repair demand is rising as Oklahoma’s drought-to-rain clay cycles worsen foundation damage.

ICE Leadership Shake-Up: President Trump nominated former Oklahoma trooper and U.S. Marine Lance Schroyer to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, urging the Senate to confirm him quickly and framing the role as part of a tougher deportation push. Immigration Court Fight in Kansas: The DOJ sued Kansas over its in-state tuition policy for undocumented students, with Gov. Laura Kelly saying the state will fight back. Oklahoma Education & Culture: UCO launched the Dr. S. Narasinga Rao Endowed India Scholar Program, bringing visiting scholars and artists to expand research and cultural ties. Cherokee Language Control: The Cherokee Nation approved legislation to bring full tribal oversight of the Cherokee Immersion School, shifting it from a public charter to an independent tribal institution. Public Health & Food Safety: Oklahoma expanded raw milk sales dramatically even as illness clusters were active in multiple states, raising renewed concerns about unpasteurized dairy risks. Water & Climate Risks: A study warns climate change will likely make hail bigger and more damaging, while another report highlights growing water scarcity pressures tied to groundwater depletion. Local Giving: Arvest Bank’s Million Meals campaign raised a record $633,513 to support food banks across its region, including Oklahoma.

ICE Leadership Shakeup: President Trump has nominated Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper and U.S. Marine, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement, urging quick Senate action and framing him as an “operational” leader tied to local-federal enforcement partnerships. SNAP Food Rules in Oklahoma: Oklahoma is among states already using waivers to restrict SNAP purchases of certain “unhealthy” items like soda and candy, with Arkansas set to start similar limits July 1. Data Privacy Concern: A breach at AssuranceAmerica may have exposed sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, for at least 1.1 million people across multiple states, including Oklahoma. Education & Tribal Language: The Cherokee Nation approved a shift for Cherokee Immersion School oversight, moving it from a public charter model to a fully independent tribal institution. Oklahoma Sports Business: The Thunder’s offseason continues with roster and contract moves, including Isaiah Hartenstein’s extension, while NBA contract talk also swirls around Nikola Jokić.