AGP Executive Report

State Policy & Families: Oklahoma expanded the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, boosting help for unpaid family caregivers with higher eligibility and up to $3,000 in benefits, plus mileage for medical appointments. Public Safety: The state signed tougher rules on nitrous oxide misuse (the Maddix Bias Act), with penalties up to 90 days and $5,000 for intoxication-related possession or sales. Crime & Fraud: Oklahoma also enacted higher punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft, aiming to hit fraudsters who target seniors and minors. Small Business & Fire Safety: A new law lets some mobile food vendors use alternative fire suppression methods if they meet training and extinguisher requirements. Rural Economy: Oklahoma made the commercial forestry equipment sales tax exemption permanent, removing a sunset date to give logging and timber operators more cost certainty. Health Care Oversight: CMS data shows The Commons in Garfield County earned a 3-star rating in early 2026, above the state average. Livestock Watch: Officials are bracing for the New World screwworm fly, with new monitoring and a sterile-fly facility planned to protect cattle and keep meat prices from spiking. Politics: Oklahoma’s governor race continues to heat up after a candidate’s wife apologized for a 2020 Biden donation she says was a mistake.

Oklahoma Elections: North Tulsa leaders are pushing for an extra early voting site ahead of the June election, arguing residents there don’t have the same access as other parts of Tulsa County. Local Justice Race: In District 20, DA candidates Melissa Handke and James Gilmartin are squaring off for the June 16 ballot, with Handke running for her first elected term after an appointment. Native Housing Funding: Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka opened a $4 million Native housing grant program for tribes and tribally designated housing entities in four states, with applications due July 10. Tribal Livestock & Food Supply: The New World screwworm threat is moving closer to the U.S., raising alarms for livestock producers and adding pressure to already-high meat prices. Sports (OKC tie-in): The Knicks took a 2-0 lead over the Spurs in the NBA Finals after a 105-104 Game 2 win, with Victor Wembanyama taking blame for the late turnover. Business/Crime: Tulsa Public Schools bond funds are at the center of a major fraud case, with charges filed over alleged “elaborate” kickback schemes tied to unperformed roofing work.

Coal Power Push: President Trump says he’s using the Defense Production Act to pour $700M into coal plants, including $425M to extend 13 facilities and $200M in DOE grants for new builds—Oklahoma is among the states named. Nursing Home Watch: CMS data for early 2026 shows mixed results across Oklahoma facilities: Enid’s Greenbrier Nursing Home (overall 2) logged fines/penalties, Norman’s Medical Park West (overall 1) drew major penalties, while Tulsa’s Forest Hills Care and Rehabilitation (overall 3) reported no fines or penalties. Election Access Fight: Tulsa’s early voting plan for June 11-13 will not include a north Tulsa polling place after the Elections Board moved headquarters, sparking community pushback over access. State Politics: Former House Speaker T.W. Shannon is pitching his lieutenant governor run on “capitalism, the Constitution, and Christianity,” while Republican Chip Keating leans into an “outsider” message. Legal Fallout: Jailhouse calls from convicted fraudster Brent Swadley reportedly show him seeking help from politicians as his appeals continue. Sports (OKC ties): The Knicks take a 2-0 lead over the Spurs in the NBA Finals after Game 2, with Game 3 set to swing back to New York.

Health Fundraiser: Bike MS Oklahoma is set to roll through communities statewide this fall, bringing cyclists together to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and research toward a cure. Mental Health Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Josh Anderson as interim head of Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, replacing interim commissioner Gregory Slavonic. AI in Politics: Oklahoma’s ethics agency is starting rulemaking on how AI is used in political campaigns, including possible disclosure and disclaimer requirements after an AI-generated ad controversy. State Policy for Youth: Oklahoma will extend foster care services to eligible young adults until age 21, aiming to smooth the transition out of the system. Public Safety & Courts: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond filed to block a massive aluminum smelter in Inola, arguing it would create serious pollution and public nuisance risks. Food Security: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is restarting its summer feeding program, offering free meals and snacks through early August. Workplace Safety: A new analysis ranks the Oklahoma City metro 14th nationally for workplace safety staffing density. Community Support: Calm Waters and Diversion Hub are partnering to run grief and trauma-informed support groups for justice-involved Oklahomans starting this August.

Education & Student Debt: House appropriators are weighing Pell Grant funding fixes that would protect Pell shortfalls while ending subsidized federal student loans, a move higher-ed groups say could raise debt for future low-income borrowers. Higher Ed Rules: The NCAA is nearing a decision on expanding Division I eligibility from four years to five, effectively adding an age limit and reigniting the long-running debate over athlete pay and fairness. Oklahoma Politics: A new poll suggests President Trump’s endorsement is boosting former state senator Mike Mazzei in the GOP governor primary, with Mazzei and AG Gentner Drummond running close. Public Safety & Courts: DOJ charged an Oklahoma man with threatening Sen. John Thune and family members, tying the case to a Trump-era domestic terrorism and political violence initiative. Local Government: Oklahoma County Clerk hosted a mobile office to help veterans get DD-214 discharge paperwork, and a new law will expand who can request copies starting Nov. 1. State Policy: Oklahoma relaxed fireworks rules statewide via the “Rockets Red Glare Act,” but city limits still control where residents can shoot them. Business/Industry: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond sued to block a new aluminum smelter tied to UAE partners, arguing it threatens the state’s cattle industry. Sports: Oklahoma’s NiJaree Canady’s Texas Tech WCWS run ended with a 4-1 loss to Texas, while Oklahoma’s Plainsmen beat the Travelers 6-3 in Connie Mack action.

Public Health & Outbreak Readiness: A new report warns that post-COVID backlash has weakened state and local public health powers, making it harder to respond quickly to outbreaks. Animal Health: USDA confirmed a case of New World screwworm, a fly-larva threat that can devastate livestock and occasionally infect people—officials say Texas is on high alert. Broadband Funding: Oklahoma and other states are pushing to keep State Broadband Offices fully empowered as BEAD rolls out, with lawmakers urged to avoid “sunset” cutoffs that could stall long projects. Law Enforcement: OSBI arrested a Claremore man accused of threatening Gov. Kevin Stitt and AG Gentner Drummond. Education Fraud: Oklahoma AG and Tulsa DA charged three people in an alleged $779,000 Tulsa Public Schools bond-fund scheme tied to bogus roof work. Economy & Rates: Fed President Jeffrey Schmid told an Oklahoma forum the Fed may choose between staying patient or raising rates to cool inflation. State Policy & Fireworks: Stitt signed SB 1948, bringing back bottle rockets and allowing fireworks sales year-round, with local rules still in play. Sports (OKC-area interest): The Knicks beat the Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, with Jalen Brunson scoring 30 and Victor Wembanyama posting 26 points and 12 rebounds.

NBA Finals, Oklahoma ties: The Knicks opened the 2026 Finals with a 105-95 win over the Spurs in San Antonio, with Jalen Brunson shaking off early cold shooting and two injury scares to deliver a big fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns helped slow Victor Wembanyama, who still finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Oklahoma education: Two Democrats running for state superintendent faced off in a Norman debate, pitching major changes aimed at lifting Oklahoma schools. Minimum wage vote: Oklahoma voters will decide State Question 832 in the June 16 primary, which would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 by 2029. Healthcare facilities: CMS data highlighted nursing home rankings across several Oklahoma counties, including a 5-star top spot in Latimer County (Tidwell Living Center) and mixed ratings elsewhere, with some facilities reporting fines. State politics and courts: Oklahoma’s AG Drummond moved to block an Inola smelting project, setting up another legal fight. Local infrastructure: ODOT discussed plans affecting the Heartland Flyer rail service, with funding uncertainty tied to Texas support.

Turnpike Funding: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is asking for approval to issue $1.5 billion in bonds for ACCESS Oklahoma construction, and it also approved using eminent domain if land deals fail. Cotton Rates: Oklahoma cotton gin rates are rising for the first time since 1981, with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission increasing ginning, bagging and tying fees to help cushion drought-hit growers. Minimum Wage Vote: Oklahoma voters will decide June 16 on State Question 832, which would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029, with supporters and opponents arguing over costs and benefits. Public Health & Safety: A new report highlights the spread of alpha-gal syndrome from tick bites, and a separate study points to rear-end crashes as a major cause of deadly injuries nationwide. Healthcare Upgrade: Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa was named Oklahoma’s first National Blood Clot Alliance VTE Center of Excellence. Community Support: Free summer meal programs are back in Kay County and Blackwell, offering weekly food boxes for kids while school’s out. Sports (Oklahoma angle): The Knicks open the NBA Finals Wednesday against the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama the headline matchup.

NBA Finals, Oklahoma angle: The Knicks and Spurs open the best-of-7 Wednesday in San Antonio, with Jalen Brunson facing Spurs defensive stopper Stephon Castle and Victor Wembanyama. Local sports spotlight: Oklahoma State’s Marta Silchenko earned WGCA Second Team All-America honors after a standout season. Nursing home watch (Ellis County): CMS gave Shattuck Nursing Center in Ellis County an overall 1/5 rating for Q1 2026, below Oklahoma’s 2.7 average. Nursing home watch (Pushmataha & Mayes): Antlers Manor led Pushmataha County with 133 beds and a 4/5 CMS rating, while Meadowbrook Nursing Center in Mayes County received a 5-star CMS rating for Q1 2026. State politics & environment: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond filed to block the proposed Inola aluminum smelting project, warning of pollution and heavy resource use. Tech & elections: Oklahoma voters are increasingly using AI for political research, but experts warn it can amplify bias and shouldn’t be the final authority. Arts & community: The Oklahoma Hall of Fame and OVAC kick off the 2026 OVAC Members Show in Oklahoma City, featuring 50+ Oklahoma artists.

Federal courts vs. DHS: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin refused to promise he’ll follow court orders, arguing judges are politicized as lawmakers press for compliance on DHS funding and legality. Energy & industry: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is seeking approval to issue $1.5 billion in bonds for the ACCESS Oklahoma expansion, with eminent domain on the table if land deals fail. Rare earth push: USA Rare Earth plans a $1.2 billion magnet factory in Cherokee County, aiming to expand domestic rare-earth manufacturing and jobs. Local politics & voting rules: Cherokee Nation lawmakers advanced election code reforms, including a firm candidacy withdrawal deadline after last year’s unusual runoff situation. State Question 832 fight: Oklahoma’s minimum wage measure is drawing sharp opposition, with critics warning it will raise costs and reduce jobs. Education politics: Political newcomer Debra Herlihy is running for Oklahoma superintendent, pitching help for the education system. Sports (Oklahoma angle): The Spurs beat the Thunder in Game 7, setting up the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals rematch.

Emergency Preparedness: NPR’s Alyssa Provencio says you don’t need to spend hundreds to build a go bag—start with what you have, buy used gear, and add essentials a little at a time. Local History & Libraries: Eastern Oklahoma Library System in Muskogee won a $25,000 heritage grant to digitize the Muskogee Phoenix (1982-2004), preserving fragile microfilm records and expanding access online. Cybersecurity & Schools: Oklahoma’s University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute will launch a Google-funded cybersecurity clinic, while a Canvas learning-system hack earlier this spring raised privacy concerns for OU and Oklahoma State students and staff. Data Breach Watch: The Better Business Bureau urges hacked-account users to change passwords and review what personal data is stored; a separate breach notice targets IMA Diligence Services, LLC. AI in Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt warned lawmakers could face a special session to rein in AI used in political ads after lawmakers left without AI guidelines. Oklahoma Economy & Wages: Oklahoma’s minimum wage debate over SQ 832 pits two local restaurant owners’ fears of cost pressure against supporters pointing to higher neighboring-state wages. Community & Health: OMRF marked World MS Day with a patient art event, and Tulsa’s Race Massacre Observance Day highlighted ongoing work on education and restitution. Business & Growth: OKC leaders broke ground on the $121 million MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, aiming for up to 100 events a year and a stronger downtown entertainment district.

Oklahoma City Public Safety: Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics agents raided a seafood restaurant in OKC tied to alleged illegal marijuana grows, organized crime, and human trafficking, seizing drugs and a firearm and involving ICE in detaining 16 people. Data Privacy: Murphy Law Firm says it’s investigating potential claims after Industrial Acceptance Corporation (IAC) exposed sensitive personal information of 79,216 people in a breach discovered in 2025. Agriculture & Prices: Grain markets slid heading into summer, with corn and wheat futures hitting multi-week lows as traders weighed weaker export sales and crude oil pressure. State Politics & Rights: A new Out Leadership business climate ranking again puts Tennessee near the bottom for LGBTQ+ inclusion, citing legal, health care, and political climate concerns—an economic warning sign for employers. Local Leadership: Senator Chuck Hall received a legislative appreciation award from the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association for backing policies supporting Oklahoma’s beef industry and key ag investments. Sports (OKC): The Thunder’s season ended in a 9-7 loss to Alabama in the OSU regional final, while the NBA Finals are set for Knicks vs. Spurs after San Antonio’s Game 7 win over Oklahoma City.

NBA Offseason Watch: The Thunder’s season ended with a Game 7 loss to the Spurs, and now OKC’s payroll crunch is front and center—Chet Holmgren’s struggles, Isaiah Hartenstein’s future, and trade chatter (including possible draft-night moves) are already heating up as extensions loom. NBA Finals Set: San Antonio is headed to the 2026 Finals to face the Knicks, with Victor Wembanyama’s emotional run and the league unveiling new Finals court designs featuring the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Oklahoma Sports: Oklahoma State baseball is still alive after pushing through NCAA regional action, while Oklahoma’s fans also watched the Tulsa Race Massacre remembrance and El Reno storm-chaser memorials this week. Local Safety: Bartlesville police are investigating a Sunday shopping-center shooting that left one person injured; investigators say it appears isolated. Energy & Environment: EPA chief Lee Zeldin told Oklahoma farmers he wants to roll back DEF rules, arguing they threaten harvest operations. Housing/Insurance: A Verisk report warns hail volatility and aging roofs are driving up replacement and repair costs, even as overall claims fall.

NBA Finals Set in Oklahoma City: The San Antonio Spurs stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder 111-103 in Game 7, ending OKC’s title run and sending San Antonio to the Finals for the first time since 2014. Knicks Rematch: New York is next after a historic Eastern run, and the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama is the headline—Western Conference Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year—while Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks’ bid for their first title in 53 years. Oklahoma Politics: A new Oklahoma Chronicle look at a tight GOP gubernatorial primary says the top four are packed within a few points, with a runoff likely shaping strategy. Impaired Driving Push: Oklahoma Chronicle interviews families of victims killed by drunk or impaired drivers, focusing on what changes are needed in wrong-way crash cases. Marijuana Policy Watch: A Stateline report says DOJ’s medical marijuana rescheduling may unlock some federal tax and research benefits, but states still face a messy, uneven federal-state split. Livestock Threat: Stateline also flags screwworms spreading toward the U.S. border, with beef prices already under pressure.

NBA Playoffs (OKC vs. San Antonio): The Spurs forced a Game 7 after a 118-91 rout in San Antonio, with Victor Wembanyama posting 28 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes. Game 7 is Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock in Oklahoma City, and the winner heads to the Knicks in the NBA Finals. Injury Update: Oklahoma City will be without Jalen Williams for Game 7 due to a hamstring issue. College Football (Oklahoma): Brent Venables weighed in on College Football Playoff expansion, arguing the only real path is to win games—no matter how many spots get added. Local Community (Thackerville): Kingdom’s Bounty Food Pantry opens Saturday at 11726 Ullman Road, offering food help (and baby needs) with limited hours and private-donation start-up support. Rural Oklahoma (OSU Rural Scholars): McAlester City Council recognized OSU Rural Scholars students spending 10 weeks researching and volunteering in southeastern Oklahoma. State Health Policy: VA data shows Oklahoma had 1,383 VA-funded home purchases in Q1 FY2026 totaling $405 million. Immigration Detention Protests: Protests escalated at an ICE detention center in Newark, with hunger-strike claims and police involvement drawing national attention. Sports Safety (Youth Baseball): A coach in Oklahoma was suspended for life after an alleged incident involving a 12-year-old throwing a ball into an opponent’s dugout.

Oklahoma Politics: President Donald Trump threw his weight behind Mike Mazzei for Oklahoma governor, a move that left many GOP insiders stunned given how competitive the primary is. NBA Playoffs (OKC): The Thunder head into Game 7 without Jalen Williams after a hamstring setback, while San Antonio forced the winner-take-all with a 118-91 Game 6 rout led by Victor Wembanyama. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City is bracing for a packed weekend with the Women’s College World Series and Game 7 drawing thousands downtown, with police urging people to report anything suspicious. Education & Workforce: The state is rolling out an Oklahoma Educator Launch and Mentorship Initiative for first-year teachers, pairing new hires with year-long mentors and offering stipends. Agriculture: Oklahoma wheat harvest faces hail damage in parts of the east and drought pressure in central and western areas, threatening yield and quality. Business & Grants: A Red River Credit Union program opens June 1 for nonprofits across five states, including Oklahoma, focused on hunger, housing, and financial education. Courts & Policy: Oklahoma Supreme Court action reinforces the need to follow legal procedures in a Tulsa/Muscogee Nation agreement dispute.