AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Sports Shockers: Oklahoma State snapped a 21-game skid against FBS opponents by stunning No. 6 Oregon 39-31 in Stillwater, with Drew Mestemaker throwing for 317 yards and two TDs and adding 109 rushing yards plus a score; the win sparked a full-on field storm and goalpost chaos. Big-Game Bounce-Back: Michigan answered its Week 1 controversy with a 17-10 home win over No. 11 Oklahoma, leaning on defense and a late interception return that set up the go-ahead TD; Bryce Underwood ran for 87 yards and scored. Election Court Fight (Oklahoma Voice): A coalition of current and former lawmakers told the U.S. Supreme Court that Trump can’t restrict mail-in voting, arguing the Postal Service rule oversteps Congress and state election authority. Household Pressure: Rising gas prices are expected to worsen inflation strain on American families, with higher fuel costs rippling into everyday costs. Local College Sports: Fort Hays State swept Ouachita Baptist and topped Southeastern Oklahoma State in volleyball, setting up a conference opener vs. Nebraska-Kearney.

Oklahoma Crime: Tulsa police say 50-year-old Marshall Dixon kidnapped a 1-year-old from a mother’s Walmart shopping cart on Sept. 8, then was confronted and removed by staff before officers arrested him after he allegedly admitted the act. Big Game Day (OU): No. 11 Oklahoma heads to Michigan Stadium for a noon kickoff against the Wolverines, with the Sooners coming off a 51-0 win over UTEP and Michigan coming off a controversial 13-12 escape vs. Western Michigan. Local Economy: Oklahoma ranchers and residents are pushing back on a proposed 350-acre aluminum smelter near Inola, arguing it could threaten long-running cattle and hay livelihoods. Weather Watch: A hot weekend is expected across Oklahoma with isolated thunderstorms possible, and a separate severe-storm risk is flagged for parts of the region. Policy & Tech: Oklahoma lawmakers and advocates are weighing the CLARITY Act’s impact on community banks, while federal immigration-related lawsuits continue to challenge state benefits for people living in the U.S. without permission.

Public Schools Courts: A federal appeals court upheld and narrowed Oklahoma’s HB 1775, ruling schools can’t present certain race- and gender-related “discriminatory concepts” as facts. Local Public Safety: A Poteau woman pleaded not guilty in the shooting death of her husband after he sought an emergency protection order; she remains jailed without bail. Water Safety: Copan and two rural water districts were hit with a mandatory boil order due to high turbidity and low disinfectant levels. Retail Update: Homeland Stores reversed course and will keep its Bartlesville Madison Blvd location open after an earlier closure announcement. OU & State Policy: The OU Board of Regents will review plans for an $80 million Engineering Research Building and consider athletics personnel and contract changes. Oklahoma City & Community: OKC plans new highway gateway signs and pedestrian bridge upgrades; Millwood is grieving the death of an 11-year-old who collapsed during football practice. 9/11 Remembrance: Oklahoma museums and residents marked the 25th anniversary with stories and artifacts, including a Hobart museum display featuring a World Trade Center steel beam. Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma and Michigan meet Saturday in a major Week 2 matchup, with OU injury updates including center Jake Maikkula returning while LT Michael Fasusi is out.

Oklahoma Courts & Accountability: A Stephens County judge admitted an order included fictitious case citations generated with ChatGPT, after prosecutors flagged the fabricated legal authority. Public Safety: Police investigated reported gunfire in northeast Oklahoma City after midnight, with more than a dozen officers responding; officials said they weren’t sure a victim was found. Energy & Utilities: OG&E’s Horseshoe Lake Unit 11 gas turbine passed performance tests and is set to enter service next month, six months ahead of schedule, with Unit 12 also expected early. Economy & Cost of Living: A national gas-price update from AAA put the U.S. average at $4.27, up 13 cents in a week. Tribal Governance: The Muscogee Creek Nation is raising its minimum wage to $20 an hour for tribal employees in phases starting next month. Sports (Oklahoma focus): NFL scouts are expected to watch Drew Mestemaker and Oregon’s Dante Moore in the Oregon–Oklahoma State matchup, a key QB evaluation game for the 2027 draft. Education & Policy: The Justice Department filed final lawsuits challenging state in-state tuition and aid for illegal immigrants in Hawaii, D.C., Arkansas, and Utah.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Oklahoma, will get $500 refunds tied to federal Obamacare “overcharges” from Biden-era exchange user fees. Dogfighting Sentences: A former NFL running back, LeShon Johnson, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for running a large-scale dogfighting and trafficking operation in Oklahoma that prosecutors said led to death and serious injury for hundreds of pit bulls. Local Crime: Oklahoma County reported 19 sexual-category bookings for the week ending Sept. 6, alongside dozens of other property and “other” category bookings. Edmond Tragedy: Police arrested an 11-year-old girl after her 15-year-old brother was found shot to death inside their Edmond home; the investigation is ongoing. Firefighting Relief: Rain brought a break for northeast Oklahoma firefighters after a grueling grassfire season in Rogers and Nowata counties. Sports (Sooners): Oklahoma opens a big Week 2 matchup at Michigan in Ann Arbor, with plenty of attention on QB Bryce Underwood’s job security and Oklahoma’s defense. 9/11 Remembrance: Oklahoma’s 9/11 observances continued with memorial events and personal stories from first responders and survivors.

Oklahoma Politics: Kentucky AG Russell Coleman joined a coalition of 25 attorneys general asking the U.S. Supreme Court to protect states’ power to require proof of citizenship to vote and to remove noncitizens from voter rolls within 90 days. Oklahoma Education: Oklahoma schools received $3 billion more, but much of it is reportedly sitting in the bank—raising questions about how quickly districts can put new money to work. Child Welfare Overhaul: An Oklahoma lawmaker is pushing a major child welfare overhaul, including moving child welfare out of DHS into a new agency focused on child safety and wellbeing. Local Health & Public Safety: SSM Health Medical Group added a new Purcell family medicine doctor; OSBI training was completed by a McClain County detective sergeant. Sports (Oklahoma): Oklahoma State hosts No. 6 Oregon in a home opener that’s a rare matchup for the Cowboys; Oklahoma heads to Michigan in Week 2 with the offensive line still a key question. Weather & Travel: Oklahoma’s heat and drought conditions continue, with storm chances shifting through the week.

Constitutional Convention Fight: Former GOP lawmaker Mark McBride sued to block Gov. Kevin Stitt’s constitutional convention vote, arguing only the Legislature can send a referendum to voters. Courts & Appointments: Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Bree Black Horse to a newly created Yakima County Superior Court seat, making her the first Native American on that bench. AI Ethics in Oklahoma: Cameron University’s “Being Human in the Age of AI” festival brings former U.S. Rep. Brad Carson to Lawton and Duncan for public talks on ethical AI use. Oklahoma City Crime: Police arrested a suspect after a shooting during a northeast OKC argument left a man injured in the knee. Public Safety & Community: Oklahoma City plans to release water from Canton Lake starting Sept. 17 to replenish Lake Hefner, drawing controversy from nearby residents. Local Culture & Health: An Oklahoma City musician is hosting a Sept. 24 benefit concert to help fund his kidney transplant and recovery. Weather: Scattered thunderstorms and cooler temps are forecast, with gusty winds possible.

Nuclear Energy Push: West Virginia says it signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Energy to join the Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus effort, listing Idaho, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma and Louisiana as other states in the mix. Local Public Safety: OSBI ICAC says it arrested a Newcastle man, 63-year-old Michael Carrick, after an online investigation into child sexual abuse material, including alleged viewing, storage and distribution. Traffic & Weather: A multi-vehicle crash involving an EMBARK bus is backing up eastbound I-44 in southwest Oklahoma City; separate coverage warns of dangerous heat across the Tulsa area with storms possible later. Health & Community: AMR is taking over ambulance service in Pauls Valley after Mercy EMS’s eight-year run, with service starting Sept. 1. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall expanded to include Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in multiple states, including Oklahoma, due to an E. coli outbreak. Tech & Privacy: Tulsa residents raised concerns about police Flock cameras at a public meeting, with officials saying policies are online and subject to review.

Oklahoma Sports: No. 11 Oklahoma heads to Michigan for Week 2 after Michigan’s controversial Week 1 win dropped it out of the AP Top 25, and the Sooners are now favored again in early odds as Michigan’s offense faces a tough test. Big 12 Football: The Big 12 is rolling into Week 2 with a strong Week 1 showing, and Oklahoma State is dealing with fallout from its Tulsa loss as it prepares for Oregon. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City police are restarting a Youth Engagement Council after a birthday party shooting left an 18-year-old shot in the foot and raised fresh concerns about youth violence. State Schools: Oklahoma’s new recess law is now in effect, but districts are handling the extra minutes differently—some extending the school day, others reshuffling instruction time. Health & Community: CASA of Northeast Oklahoma is recruiting volunteers to advocate for children in foster care, aiming to add at least 26 new advocates by the end of 2026. Business & Travel: TSA PreCheck is piloting “Gateside” passes at 13 airports, letting eligible non-flyers enter secured areas to meet loved ones. Economy: USDA data shows farmland values hitting another record high in 2026, even as growth slows.

Oklahoma Sports: Oklahoma linebacker Cole Sullivan returns to Michigan with mixed emotions ahead of the Sooners’ trip to Ann Arbor, insisting the rivalry won’t change his preparation. OSU Football: Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris took responsibility for poor fourth-down play in a 24-10 loss to Tulsa, where the Cowboys converted just 2 of 6 on fourth downs. Local Public Safety: A 76-year-old Sand Springs man died after a motorcycle crash in Osage County near Skiatook Lake; investigators say he failed to negotiate a curve. Marijuana Regulation: Oklahoma attorney Dana Kurtz says legal marijuana businesses are being slowed by strict approval and documentation rules, arguing that paperwork delays can push compliant operators out of business. Tech & Access: Oklahoma’s broadband office is expanding “Community Access Portals” in libraries, aiming to help residents not just connect, but use digital services. Health: Federal officials closed a multistate egg-linked Salmonella outbreak, reporting 134 illnesses across 18 states.

Oklahoma Politics & Policy: Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OKC) and Rep. Steve Womack rolled out the “No Preference Act,” aiming to stop the federal government from favoring contractors based on whether their workers are in collective bargaining agreements. Labor & Community: Henryetta is leaning into its blue-collar roots for Labor Day, celebrating the American worker and local union history. Sports Betting & Prediction Markets: Polymarket is boosting its Labor Day promo code “SILIVE” with a $50 bonus for new users who deposit $10, covering NFL, MLB and college football events. Travel & Daily Life: Labor Day travel is hitting Oklahoma airports hard, with TSA expecting millions nationwide and OKC and Tulsa urging travelers to arrive early for possible delays. Health & Safety: A North Carolina reunion story shows why pet microchips matter—an Oklahoma dog traveled about 1,000 miles and was brought back thanks to his chip. Local Sports: The Sooners opened with a 51-0 shutout over UTEP, and ESPN’s matchup predictor now gives Oklahoma a 64.4% win probability for the Week 2 trip to Michigan.

Heat & Safety: Labor Day heat is still brutal in Oklahoma, with Heat Advisories in parts of the metro and highs around 100–103 degrees, plus a risk of storms and dangerous heat indexes. Local Fire Response: Oklahoma City firefighters battled an overnight house fire near NE 50th and Kelley; crews switched to defensive operations after conditions worsened, and no injuries were reported. Water & Infrastructure: Oklahoma City is set to release water from Canton Lake to raise Lake Hefner levels. Energy Costs: Americans are facing record-high Labor Day gas prices, with Oklahoma averages reported just above $3.70. Agriculture & Water Watch: A new look at the Ogallala Aquifer shows withdrawals far outpacing recharge over recent decades, raising long-term concerns for farming and ranching. Business Growth: Greenheck Group plans a major expansion in Owasso, Oklahoma, creating 700+ jobs. Sports (Oklahoma): Oklahoma’s NIL star Danny Okoye is pledging donations tied to on-field performance for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

Oklahoma IDs in Apple Wallet: Oklahomans can now add their eligible driver license or state ID to Apple Wallet for faster, secure identity checks at participating TSA checkpoints (including Tulsa, OKC, Stillwater and Lawton-Fort Sill) and select businesses/apps. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City police are investigating after a person was shot at a Northeast OKC house party; neighbors described a chaotic scene. Sports—Sooners on the field: No. 10 Oklahoma opened the season with a 51-0 shutout over UTEP, with John Mateer throwing three TDs and Isaiah Sategna returning a punt 88 yards for a score. Sports—Cowboys stumble: Oklahoma State fell 24-10 to Tulsa in Eric Morris’ debut, with Tulsa’s defense and key plays turning the game. Weather/Water Safety: Multiple agencies searched Keystone Lake after a possible drowning report, with officials saying it’s too early to confirm what happened. Community/Business: Downtown Tulsa’s Oasis Fresh Market says its new full-service grocery location is nearly ready to open after delays.

Oklahoma sports & local schools: Oklahoma’s football season opener news is rolling in, with coverage highlighting the Sooners’ 51-0 shutout over UTEP and the bigger Week 1 storyline of Oklahoma State’s new era under Eric Morris after a 24-10 loss to Tulsa. College football chaos: Michigan survived Western Michigan on a controversial clock ruling, then Clemson took “rock bottom” in a 51-10 loss to LSU—both fueling nonstop debate about officiating and program direction. State policy & courts: Oklahoma Watch reports Oklahoma is giving released prisoners $50 and a bus ticket, but the housing problem immediately hits—raising questions about what happens after release. Health & safety: TSA is launching Gateside by TSA PreCheck at select airports, letting approved non-ticketed visitors pass security to meet loved ones sooner. National politics & rights: A Supreme Court fight in Missouri over a GOP congressional map is headed to an emergency appeal, with a referendum vote still in play. Opinion: A minimum-wage argument says the federal floor hasn’t moved since 2009 while costs keep climbing.

OSU-Tulsa Shock in Tulsa: Tulsa beat Oklahoma State 24-10 in the Eric Morris era opener, spoiling OSU’s momentum with turnovers, missed fourth downs, and a slow start that left the Cowboys scoring just once until late. Heat and injuries: The game was played with an on-field temperature reported at 161 degrees, and OSU also suffered a gruesome leg injury early. Oklahoma public safety: A house fire in Alva destroyed a handyman-supply-filled home; no injuries were reported. Fatal crash: A car smashed into a train on I-35 Service Road in Moore; Oklahoma Highway Patrol says it was fatal and more details are developing. Local alerts: A silver alert was issued for Debra Elkins, 66, last seen in Canadian County and possibly headed to California.

College Sports, Oklahoma: No. 10 Oklahoma opened the 2026 season with a 51-0 shutout of UTEP, with John Mateer throwing three TDs and Isaiah Sategna adding an 88-yard punt return score; Pro Football Focus graded OU’s offense highly, including a strong debut from center Noah Best. NCAA Eligibility Fight: Eight OU athletes, including Danny Saili and Dayton Tockey, rushed to court hours before kickoff, winning a temporary restraining order that restored fifth-year eligibility for now. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City police are investigating an overnight auto-pedestrian crash in southwest OKC that left one person dead. Law Enforcement, Drugs: The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics served two search warrants tied to a marijuana investigation, seizing thousands of plants and more than 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana, with arrests pending and one person taken into custody for immigration violations. Housing & Courts, Tulsa: Tulsa City Council is set to vote on a resolution aimed at seeding a legal-representation program for low-income tenants facing eviction, with supporters citing thousands of eviction filings each year and most tenants lacking lawyers. Missing Person: A Tecumseh man has been missing since late July after his truck was found abandoned; family says his silence is out of character.