AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Runoff Election: Voters head to the polls Tuesday for key Republican runoffs for governor, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and superintendent, plus a Democratic U.S. Senate runoff, along with two state questions. Public Safety & Courts: Oklahoma City-area coverage includes a privacy-vs-public-safety debate after OKC renews its Flock camera contract, and a judge ruling that State Farm must turn over documents tied to hail-damage claims. State Politics: Reporting also highlights clashes in the governor’s runoff campaign, including data center and Flock camera disputes, and fact-checking of GOP labor commissioner candidates. Energy & Growth: Albireo Energy has completed the purchase of Powers’ HVAC/control divisions across Oklahoma and other states, while Oklahoma’s power grid is monitored as heat drives demand. Environment & Community: The Oklahoma Monarch Society launched a five-year conservation plan to protect declining butterflies and other pollinators. Local Notes: A Route 66 monument was installed in Catoosa, and an Oklahoma man was arrested in Florida for allegedly harvesting queen conchs.

Oklahoma Politics: The Oklahoma GOP has endorsed James Taylor in the Aug. 25 Republican superintendent runoff, setting up a final matchup with Dr. Robert Franklin. Food Safety: A Midwest Poultry Services egg recall has passed its “best by” date, but federal investigators say the outbreak investigation is still ongoing, leaving households with fewer carton codes to check and more focus on symptoms. Health Research: Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation researchers will study whether microplastics can harm ovarian health and contribute to infertility, funded by a $123,000 Presbyterian Health Foundation grant. Weather & Safety: A heat wave is continuing across the region, with triple-digit temperatures and heat advisories. Local Fire: Oklahoma City firefighters responded to a house fire near SW 29th & Portland; crews said no one was injured and utility companies helped with repairs. Sports (OSU/OU): Oklahoma State and Oklahoma football season previews are rolling out, with game-by-game predictions for both teams as the new coaching era approaches. National/World: An Oklahoma native flight attendant, Jenny Lupton, was found dead in Hawaii; authorities have not released details.

Oklahoma Politics: The Republican governor runoff is set for Tuesday, Aug. 25, with Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei facing a tight, high-attention race. Public Safety & Health: A federal judge blocked HHS from rolling out major Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program grant changes while a lawsuit proceeds, leaving some Oklahoma funding canceled for now. Community Safety Tech: The Love County Library and the Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma are hosting a free event to help people scan for hidden Bluetooth trackers using the AirGuard app. Consumer/Local Issues: Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association pushed back on President Trump’s plan to temporarily allow more imported ground beef, warning it could hurt ranchers. OU & Local Sports: OU athletic director Roger Denny says the $450 million stadium renovation remains on track to start after the 2027 season, with reseating still planned. Arts: OU’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is reworking its visitor experience and bringing more of its collection into view.

Oklahoma Politics & Utilities: A statewide petition is pushing Public Service Company of Oklahoma to explain higher electric rates after Tulsa-area customers complained about sticker-shock bills and unclear rate calculations. Local Governance: Yukon voters will decide Aug. 25 whether to renew OG&E’s franchise agreement, a deal that keeps the utility operating in city rights of way and sends 3% of gross electric revenues back to Yukon. Health & Safety: Optimal Balance Pharmacy issued a voluntary recall of compounded glutathione injections after testing found elevated endotoxin levels in a specific lot, with FDA warning of possible serious reactions. Sports (Sooners): Brent Venables agreed to a two-year contract extension after leading Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff. Community & Faith: A recovering sex addict opened a “lust-free” men’s gym in Oklahoma City, framing it as a Christian alternative to mixed-gender gyms. Energy & Tribes: The DOE outlined a plan to support 450 tribe-led energy projects, including more technical help for permitting and early-stage development.

Insurance Fight: A Comanche County judge ordered State Farm to turn over most internal documents tied to Oklahoma hail-damage claims, rejecting most “trade secret” arguments and giving the insurer 30 days to re-label what it can withhold. Foreign Ties Scrutiny: The U.S. Department of War says it’s launching research security audits at 30 schools, and public reporting says Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University are among those targeted. Runoff Election: Oklahoma voters head to the Aug. 25 primary runoff (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) deciding governor and superintendent, plus State Questions 844 and 846. Local Public Safety: Oklahoma City police released drone video from an April dog attack where the spotlight helped stop the assault and officers later arrested two suspects. Child Welfare: Oklahoma County saw a 27% jump in child removals in 2025, even as statewide removals fell slightly, with DHS citing domestic violence, substance abuse, and abandonment. Native Culture: Moundville Archaeological Park announced a new free exhibit event in Mvskoke and English, running through August 2027.

Violent Crime Snapshot: The FBI says the U.S. violent crime rate fell 9.3% from 2024 to 2025, with murder down 18.1%, but state rates still vary widely—Oklahoma is listed among states above 400 violent crimes per 100,000 people. Immigration & College Costs: The DOJ is suing New York, Connecticut, and Vermont over in-state tuition rules for immigrants without permanent legal status, adding to a broader push that has already hit Oklahoma in court. Oklahoma Public Safety: A wrong-way crash in southwest Oklahoma City injured one person, while multiple crashes snarled eastbound I-44 near I-40. Tragedy in Tulsa: Police say the search for a missing 7-year-old autistic child ended with his body found near a creek. Opioid Settlement: Oklahoma is expected to receive about $12 million from a new opioid settlement, with most going to cities and counties that joined the lawsuits. Heat Impacts: Extreme heat is forcing some schools to move outdoor activities indoors, and Oklahoma City-area conditions remain dangerous.

Oklahoma Politics: Early voting is underway for Oklahoma’s primary runoff, with voters choosing a state superintendent race, the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination, and a Republican governor runoff between AG Gentner Drummond and former Sen. Mike Mazzei, plus two state questions on school funding formula changes and stricter voter ID proof requirements. Public Safety & Accountability: Oklahoma City police released details on Flock camera misuse, including a sergeant’s personal use of the database and another officer’s rights-related misconduct, after the council renewed the contract. State Government: Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak was arrested in Edmond on a public intoxication allegation, with newly released bodycam footage showing officers questioning him outside a McDonald’s. Weather & Utilities: OG&E reported nearly 2,500 customers without power across Oklahoma, while heat and grass fires kept crews busy, including a wildfire near Gracemont that burned hundreds of acres. Housing & Homelessness: Oklahoma City closed the Virginia Avenue homeless encampment, moving more than 70 residents toward permanent housing through the Key to Home partnership. Sports & Local Impact: OU extended coach Brent Venables through 2031, and Stillwater Regional Airport opened a new $27 million terminal as commercial service marks its 10-year milestone.

Oklahoma Runoff Election: In-person absentee voting for the Aug. 25 runoff starts Thursday, with polls open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu-Fri and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat; the big GOP governor fight is between Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, plus runoffs for state superintendent and insurance/labor commissioners, and voters will also weigh State Questions 844 and 846. Local Ballot Questions: Dozens of cities and counties will decide school bonds and renewals of city/county taxes, including school bond proposals in places like Noble and Bartlesville. Extreme Heat & Health: Oklahoma City schools are dealing with sporadic AC problems during triple-digit heat, while the CDC reports 15,716 lab-confirmed cyclosporiasis cases nationwide since May 1, with Oklahoma tied to the broader outbreak. Public Safety: An investigation is underway after a domestic dispute led to a woman being shot in the neck at an OKC apartment complex near NW 104th and Council Road. Infrastructure & Growth: Newcastle is moving ahead with utility relocations tied to the H.E. Bailey Turnpike and is also upgrading its library with new maker and community spaces. Sports & Oklahoma Connections: Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris made headlines with an armadillo story, and local ties continue in pro and college sports coverage.

Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma Secretary of State Benjamin Lepak was arrested for public intoxication, and the governor’s office wouldn’t say whether he’ll stay in the job. Campaign Finance: Attorney General Gentner Drummond reported raising $2.47 million since the June primary and loaned his campaign $500,000, bringing personal loans to $3 million. Elections: Early voting starts Thursday for the Aug. 25 runoff, with State Questions 844 (property tax exemption reimbursements) and 846 (voter ID rules) on the ballot. Civil Rights & Community: Oklahoma City is marking the 68th anniversary of the Katz Drug Store sit-in with a four-day Freedom Fiesta honoring Clara Luper. Public Safety: Police released bodycam from a Lake Hefner sexual assault arrest; a judge raised bond to $150,000. Health & Food Safety: Cyclospora cases may be trending down nationally, but the outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms lettuce has sickened thousands. Local Government: Shawnee approved a temporary moratorium on new data centers through end of 2027.

Elections: Early voting starts Thursday for Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff, with Cleveland County offering six sites and hours set through Saturday. Voting Questions: State Question 846 would place Oklahoma’s voter ID requirement into the state constitution, while leaving details to the Legislature. Local Governance & Privacy: Oklahoma City Council renewed its Flock license-plate reader contract, moving data retention to seven days and adding limits on sharing city data with federal agencies without approval. Public Safety: Crews responded to a crash on northbound I-44 near SW 74th St in Oklahoma City, with traffic impacts reported. Infrastructure: A water main break hit northwest OKC near N. Rockwell Ave and W. Hefner Rd; one home was damaged, and officials said pressure wasn’t impacted. Health & Weather: Extreme heat warnings and advisories remain in effect across eastern Oklahoma, with heat index values near or above 100 and fire danger rising. Trade & Jobs: A Glenpool HVAC/plumbing story highlights how some Oklahomans are choosing skilled trades as AI and automation reshape work.

Health Care Breakthrough: Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City performed the state’s first partial heart transplant on a 1-year-old girl, replacing failing valves with living donor tissue and aiming to reduce the need for multiple future surgeries. Cherokee Nation Expansion: The Cherokee Nation broke ground on a new, larger Claremore Outpatient and Emergency Health Center, expanding beyond the former Indian Health Service facility with an opening targeted for late 2028. Public Safety & Crime: A first grade teacher in Ottawa County was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, and prosecutors say homelessness complicated an Oklahoma City sexual assault case involving alleged attacks near Lake Hefner. Education Accountability: A state audit alleges Tulsa Public Schools bond-related misspending tied to a former bond director, with auditors pointing to millions in improper spending. Agriculture & Weather: Oklahoma’s heat is still stressing cattle and people, and the state reported 544 cyclosporiasis cases so far this year, with signs new illnesses may be declining. Local Life: A missing Oklahoma dog was reunited with its owner after being found more than 1,000 miles away in North Carolina.

Fuel Supply Disruption: Lightning struck the Explorer Pipeline Glenpool tank farm near Tulsa, igniting three tanks and forcing shutdowns at the hub and nearby Phillips 66 operations, raising concerns for regional gasoline and diesel flow. Extreme Heat & Fire Risk: Heat advisories and warnings remain in effect across Oklahoma, with triple-digit temperatures and ongoing burn bans as wildfire conditions stay elevated. Public Safety: OSBI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in LeFlore County after deputies conducted a field sobriety test; the suspect was hospitalized and the case is ongoing. Local Governance: An Oklahoma City woman is fighting her HOA over fines for using a window AC while her HVAC replacement drags on. Elections & AI: Gov. Kevin Stitt and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore say AI deepfakes in elections should be regulated, with Oklahoma not currently among the states doing so. Health & Community: Oklahoma AG Drummond is rolling out a school-based substance-use prevention program through his READY initiative. Sports & Culture: Jonas Brothers announced more tour dates, including a Seattle stop, with presales starting this week.

Education & Politics: Oklahoma Superintendent runoff debate spotlighted reading proficiency plans, with Robert Franklin pushing earlier early-childhood investment and “science of reading” training, while James Taylor emphasized getting results and restoring trust after Ryan Walters. Campaign Controversies: Franklin also faced a leaked voicemail from years ago involving a special-needs camper incident, while Taylor addressed past firing and school resource issues. Public Safety: A domestic stabbing in southwest Oklahoma City left a brother accused of stabbing his sister and himself; injuries were non-life-threatening. Wildfire & Fire Risk: Burnt Canyon Fire near Mooreland has burned about 3,335 acres and kept a burn ban in effect through Aug. 31. Health & Food Safety: FDA issued serious recalls tied to Listeria in a Walmart soup kit and Salmonella in a large egg recall that includes Oklahoma. Weather: Severe storms hit Tahlequah and Cherokee County, with early school closures and one fatality reported. Sports (Oklahoma): Oklahoma is No. 10 in the preseason AP Top 25 as the Sooners open camp and map out the depth chart.

Oklahoma Runoff Elections: Voters head to the Aug. 25 runoff with races and local ballot questions across the state, including school bond and tax measures, plus State Question 846 on proof of identity for voting. PSO Electric Bills: Tulsa-area customers are organizing after a Change.org petition hit nearly 8,000 signatures, pushing PSO for more transparency and a review of higher electric rates. Homeless Encampment Cleanup: Oklahoma Highway Patrol cleared another Norman homeless encampment near a shelter, while the state warns it may bill Tulsa and Oklahoma City for cleanup costs tied to Operation SAFE. Wildfire and Extreme Heat: Woodward County wildfire activity continues, with other fires damaging structures, as heat advisories and drought conditions keep pressure on residents and first responders. Cherokee Nation Data Centers: The Cherokee Nation banned hyperscale data centers on its reservation lands without early consultation, citing energy, water, air quality, noise, and cultural impacts. Local Growth: Rock & Brews Casino is moving ahead with a new entertainment center and RV park, with construction already underway.

Public Safety: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s office is temporarily patrolling Beggs after police resignations left vacancies, with state agents stepping in while the city works to restore staffing. Wildfire Watch: The Burnt Canyon Wildfire in Woodward County has scorched more than 1,800 acres, with mutual aid from across the state and air support as containment remains uncertain. Elections & Immigration: GOP gubernatorial candidates are being pressed on Operation Guardian and record deportation numbers, as Oklahoma expands cooperation with ICE. Education: Briggs School band teacher Lanice Belcher returned home to rebuild the program, focusing on belonging and teamwork for students. Health & Community: Wings, an OKC nonprofit for adults with developmental disabilities, is expanding community living, adding a bike barn, and building a commons space. Sports (Local Angle): Oklahoma product Gracen Halton is making an early NFL impression in San Francisco preseason, while USC’s Jayden Sellers and Jayden Gibson are out for the season with lower-body injuries. Business/Tech: AI super PAC money is pouring into midterm races, including in Oklahoma, as states battle over AI rules.

Back-to-School Support in Tulsa: The Spreading Hope Back to School Bash at Langston University Tulsa handed out up to 1,000 backpacks with supplies and hygiene items, plus fresh food and free classes like CPR and info on IEP/504 plans for families navigating sickle cell disease, rare diseases, and disabilities. State Child Welfare Tech Grant: Oklahoma Human Services won a $600,000, three-year federal pilot to responsibly use predictive analytics in child welfare, aiming to strengthen decision-making and support caseworkers. Public Safety: An injury crash closed westbound I-44 near Catoosa before reopening later; separately, Oklahoma City police said a person was hospitalized after being hit by a car downtown early Sunday. Education & Health: OKDHS secured a $600K federal grant to expand child welfare technology efforts. Community & Sports: OSU is refining wheat evaluation methods for real field conditions, while Oklahoma State’s Austin Kawecki transfer news is driving attention in college football circles.