AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Threat: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins toured Texas after New World screwworm was detected again, warning ranchers to stay vigilant as sterile-fly releases aim to stop the parasite from spreading through cattle wounds. Local Budget Watch: Norman City Council approved a 2026-27 budget totaling about $271.8M, but sales tax revenue remains flat, leaving the city more exposed to online shopping and slower growth. Oklahoma Politics & Money: Oklahoma governor candidates are leaning hard on self-funding, with one Trump-endorsed contender topping $22M total in the GOP primary race. Election Desk: Early voting is underway ahead of the June 16 primary, with Oklahoma’s closed primaries rules and polling hours spelled out for voters. Banking Deal: BancFirst agreed to acquire Tulsa’s SpiritBank, a move that would deepen its Tulsa-area footprint. Tech & Schools: Lawmakers are scrambling to set guardrails as AI use in classrooms grows faster than district policies. Health Policy Fight: Fourteen state attorneys general urged the EPA to monitor abortion pills’ potential contamination in water supplies. Culture: OKPOP, Oklahoma’s Museum of Popular Culture, is moving closer to opening with a growing collection of Oklahoma-connected artifacts.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Oklahoma’s primary is Tuesday, June 16, with party-registered voters choosing nominees while everyone can still vote on State Question 832; early voting runs Thursday through Saturday and photo ID rules apply. Education & AI: Oklahoma’s AI Education Symposium tripled in size as districts and colleges shift from experimenting with AI tools to building classroom policies, training, and safeguards for student data. Health & Child Well-Being: Oklahoma ranks 44th for children’s well-being, with major gaps in reading and math; libraries are stepping in with summer programs to keep kids engaged. Public Safety & Heat: Extreme heat is stressing Oklahoma County agencies, and advocates warn it can also raise tension and violence risk. Livestock & Agriculture: New World screwworm has been confirmed again in Texas and a dog case in New Mexico, prompting expanded sterile fly releases and renewed concern for cattle and beef supplies. Business & Jobs: Paycom was named to Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces in Tech 2026, highlighting workplace culture and employee growth. Local Government: Love County commissioners advanced steps for a new private cemetery near Long Hollow Road. Transparency & Records: A costly Oklahoma Corporation Commission records-fee fight was overturned after legal pressure, helping a reporter obtain wastewater-related documents.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Republican governor candidates have poured more than $22 million of their own money into the GOP primary, with Trump-endorsed Mike Mazzei leading at nearly $10.9 million in self-loans. Homelessness & Local Governance: Norman City Council dropped a proposal that would have let people camp in residential front yards after backlash and concerns about safety and shelter limits. Social Security Deadline: Congress is now facing a tighter clock to prevent an automatic 22% Social Security benefit cut, with the trust fund projected to run out by late 2032. Economy & Cost of Living: Oklahoma’s minimum-wage ballot measure is tied to labor churn, with economists pointing to high turnover and arguing higher pay could reduce replacements—while critics warn it could strain small employers. Agriculture & Food Prices: Beef prices hit fresh highs as drought and the New World screwworm keep the U.S. herd smaller, raising fears of more packing-plant shutdowns. Church & Community: Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley, now USCCB president, urged bishops to “put out into the deep,” emphasizing hope and unity as the U.S. bishops meet in Orlando. Business & Growth: The Journal Record and KFOR launched a business-news partnership, with KFOR airing Journal Record reporting during newscasts.

School Funding Crisis: Caney Valley Public Schools in rural northeast Oklahoma is scrambling after a nearly $500,000 budget shortfall tied to student departures and a missed funding adjustment, leaving administrators facing pay obligations they couldn’t cut in time. School Safety & Traffic: Tri-County School Corporation is rolling out digital building maps tied to emergency systems, new hallway ID signage, and color-coded lanyards, while also redesigning high school drop-off and pick-up traffic flow. Community & Culture: Cherokee cyclists retracing the Trail of Tears say the physical challenge is manageable, but the emotional weight at sites like Camp Ground Cemetery hits hard. STEM for Kids: Oklahoma State’s Launch Pad STEM Camp is teaching elementary students aviation and aerospace through hands-on projects. Data Center Backlash: In Luther, a packed City Hall drew protests over water and power impacts, and the meeting was postponed; Edmond also moved toward a data center moratorium. Local Government Feedback: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols highlighted north Tulsa Community Conversations and online input options as the city seeks more resident say. Economy & Cost of Living: A state chamber survey finds over 70% of Oklahomans are cutting back on dining out due to rising prices, ahead of SQ 832 debates. Tourism Boost: Oklahoma tourism hit nearly $12.8B in 2025 spending, supporting more than 100,000 jobs statewide. Public Health/Heat Relief: OG&E donated box fans to the Salvation Army to help residents cope with extreme summer heat. Politics & Courts: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond sued to stop a Trump-backed aluminum smelter in Inola, citing pollution and foreign ownership concerns.

AI in Politics: Oklahoma Ethics Commission is drafting new rules after voters and officeholders flagged AI-generated political ads and synthetic media that can be hard for the average voter to spot. Local Housing & Growth: Developers broke ground on Boulevard Place in downtown Oklahoma City, a planned $80M project with 262 apartments next to Scissortail Park and the Omni. Workforce & Training: Oklahoma City Community College won a national COE Award for scaling TRIO Student Support Services campus-wide, tying mentoring and advising to stronger student success and workforce outcomes. Blind Oklahomans’ Jobs: NewView Oklahoma’s warehouse-to-work model employs blind and low-vision workers through federal and state contracts, funding clinics and eye care alongside production of essential goods. Economy & Agriculture: Oklahoma tourism generated nearly $12.8B in visitor spending and 109,000+ jobs, while Oklahoma peanut growers face disappointing contract prices and possible acreage drops. Energy/Tech Infrastructure: A new Oklahoma City ethics-and-AI conversation is also echoing broader debates as data center expansion strains power and fuels calls for smarter grid flexibility.

Chickasaw Leadership Transition: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, who has led for nearly four decades, announced he’ll retire June 26, with his son stepping in temporarily—state and tribal leaders praised his economic and sovereignty-focused legacy. Local Industry Fight: Inola city council approved a new ICARE committee as residents push for a six-month moratorium on a proposed aluminum smelter, while a Stitt office representative said the project has support for “strategic development.” Child Well-Being Pressure: Oklahoma ranks near the bottom nationally for child well-being in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2026 Kids Count report, with advocates saying the issue is policy and systems—not kids “failing.” Summer Food Crunch: The Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma launched its biggest summer feeding push, aiming to reach more than 100 distribution sites as schools close and families face higher meal costs. AI + Jobs in the Data Center Buildout: Meta announced a $115 million America’s Workforce Academy to train data center technicians with cost-free credentials and guaranteed job offers via contractors. Oklahoma Politics Inside the GOP: A look at GOP infighting shows competing views over strategy and conservative priorities, shaping major fights beyond general elections.

Child Wellbeing Watch: Oklahoma tied Texas at 44th in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report, a slight bump from 46th, but advocates say the ranking still reflects underinvestment in housing stability, education, and family outcomes. Education Staffing Reality Check: A Frontier fact-check finds Oklahoma’s public schools may be short on bus drivers, custodians, and teachers, with districts cutting routes and using staff to cover gaps. Tulsa Public Schools Fraud Case: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced 27 counts against a former Tulsa Public Schools executive and two others tied to conspiracy, embezzlement, and kickbacks. Chickasaw Leadership Transition: Gov. Bill Anoatubby says he’ll retire June 26 after nearly 40 years, with Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby set to take over. Corrections Rights Fight: Advocates accuse the Oklahoma Department of Corrections of retaliating against inmate Charles Tiger after a near-fatal stabbing, seeking court relief. Screwworm Response: Texas activated an “escalated response” as the New World screwworm reemerges, warning of risks to cattle and food supply chains. Food Insecurity Push: AAA and Feeding America aim to deliver 4.5 million meals nationwide, with Oklahoma volunteers at local food banks. Local Community Recovery: Marietta residents are being asked for input on parks and trails to support recovery from the April 2024 tornado.

Severe Flooding in Eastern Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt declared a disaster emergency for Creek, Okfuskee, and Tulsa counties after eastern Oklahoma floods, activating the state emergency plan and urging residents to report damage at damage.ok.gov. Insurance Rate Oversight: Oklahoma lawmakers approved a new law that shifts the state from “use-and-file” to “file-and-wait,” giving the insurance commissioner review power over rate hikes starting July 1, 2027. Inola Aluminum Fight: Stitt defended a proposed Inola aluminum facility as vital to national security and domestic manufacturing, after AG Gentner Drummond moved to block it. Nursing Home Ownership Update (Enid/Garfield County): CMS data shows The Living Center in Garfield County is owned by Oklahoma Financial, LLC and Oklahoma Operating, LLC, with a strong overall rating and no reported penalties in Q1 2026. Climate and Water Pressure: A Climate Central analysis says dangerously humid heat days are rising in the Midwest and South, while another report warns the Ogallala Aquifer is being depleted faster than it can recharge—raising alarms for farmers. Tech & Crime: Oklahoma ethics officials are weighing how to handle AI use in political ads, focusing on disclosure. Health/Ag Threat: USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting renewed attention to livestock movement rules. NBA Finals (Local Interest): The Knicks took a 2-0 lead over the Spurs, heading to Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

Flood Response: Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an emergency disaster declaration for eastern Oklahoma counties hit by severe flooding, urging residents to report damage through damage.ok.gov as officials assess whether more areas will be added. State Policy & Public Safety: Oklahoma signed new laws expanding the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, cracking down on nitrous oxide misuse with tougher penalties, and increasing punishments for organized retail crime and identity theft. Elections & AI Rules: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is moving toward disclosure-focused guidance for AI in political ads after complaints, while weighing constitutional limits. Tribal & Housing Finance: Lakota Funds joined a USDA home loan program, bringing $764,000 to support Pine Ridge mortgages. Tribal Food Sovereignty: Native advocates are pushing the Senate to restore a tribal food purchasing pilot left out of a House farm bill. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma’s forestry equipment sales tax exemption is now permanent, and a new law lets some mobile food vendors use alternative fire suppression methods. Sports (National, but Oklahoma-linked): The NBA Finals shift to New York with the Knicks up 2-0 over the Spurs; Victor Wembanyama says he’s embracing setbacks as Game 3 looms.

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.