AGP Executive Report

Utility Rates & Consumer Pushback: PSO customers in Tulsa are rallying against what they call unjust electric rate hikes, with a Change.org petition nearing 8,000 signatures after a viral customer post. Tribal Data Center Moratorium: The Cherokee Nation has banned hyperscale data centers on its reservation lands unless projects get early consultation, citing energy and water use, air quality, noise and cultural impacts. Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff ballot includes school bond and tax-related questions, plus GOP governor runoff scrutiny tied to Operation Guardian and record deportation numbers. Business & Real Estate Development: Rock & Brews Casino is moving ahead with a $25,000-sq.-ft. entertainment center (R&B Live) and a 21-space RV park, with the RV park targeted for October 2026 and the venue for August 2027. Legal/Insurance: Attorneys in an Oklahoma roof-claim dispute are unveiling what they describe as an insurance scheme tied to claim-denial practices. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports continued week-to-week shifts in Oklahoma fuel prices, including low diesel and premium gas offers in multiple counties.

AI & Politics: AI super PACs are pouring money into state races, including Oklahoma, as lawmakers and tech firms fight over whether AI rules should be federal or left to states. Immigration Enforcement: Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial candidates are being pressed on Operation Guardian and record deportation numbers, with debate focused on targeting undocumented criminals. Oklahoma Business & Regulation: Hoshizaki America is expanding its South-Central U.S. representation, naming Forbes Hever & Wallace to cover Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas for ice and refrigeration products. Food & Agriculture Compliance: FDA records show two veterinary-sector companies in Rogers County received inspections in July, both with “No Action Indicated.” Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Oklahoma’s premium and diesel prices easing in the week ending Aug. 8, with some of the lowest premium and diesel spots in multiple counties. Local Economy: Oklahoma’s economy drew strong momentum from tourism, with a report citing 25 million visitors in Oklahoma City in 2025.

Ethanol Policy: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said year-round E15 likely won’t pass without compromises for small oil refiners, even as the House already approved the measure. Water & Energy: Lake Mead hit a new historic low, underscoring how Colorado River drought is pressuring farmers, industry, hydropower and millions of residents across the basin. Utility Regulation: Washington’s attorney general is challenging Avista’s proposed rate increase, arguing the regulated monopoly should earn less than the company seeks. Food Safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states over possible listeria contamination, with Oklahoma included. Public Health: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall tied to salmonella to its highest risk level, with sell-by dates nearing for some cartons. Oklahoma Business: Skydance Brewing Co. in Oklahoma City is expanding its concept beyond a taproom with new food and cocktails, aiming to compete as craft beer demand shifts. Local Impact: Minco schools say drought and watering limits left a football field too hard to safely play on, prompting community water deliveries.

Food Safety: Walmart is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits in 29 states, including Oklahoma, after routine testing showed a presumptive positive for Listeria; the FDA says the kits have a use-by date of Aug. 22, 2026, and the company reports no confirmed illnesses. Public Policy: The U.S. Department of Justice sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over in-state tuition rules for illegal immigrants, arguing federal law bars colleges from offering benefits to noncitizens that aren’t available to U.S. citizens. Oklahoma Business & Economy: Oklahoma’s motor vehicle license taxes totaled $866.6 million in 2024, about 6.7% of the state’s $13 billion in tax collections, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Local Economy/Consumer Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas price in Okmulgee County at $3.48 per gallon for the week ending Aug. 8, with Oklahoma’s average regular price at $3.60. Sports Business: Tulsa National Little League was disqualified from the Little League World Series after eligibility scandals involving ineligible players and alleged “nearly intact” travel-team operations.

Food Safety: The FDA upgraded Midwest Poultry Services’ massive egg recall to Class I, its highest risk level, tied to Salmonella Enteritidis; the recall covers more than 19 million eggs sold in Texas, Oklahoma and other states. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers also face a separate recall: Kettle Cuisine’s Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits (sold in 29 states including Oklahoma) were pulled over potential Listeria contamination. Local Business: OK Roots Farm to Market in Owasso moved into a new location, keeping its focus on selling products from nearby Oklahoma farmers and small producers. Legal/Insurance: An Oklahoma judge ruled State Farm’s CEO can be questioned under oath in a hail-damage dispute, with arguments still pending over whether “hot” internal documents must be released. Energy/Infrastructure: ODOT is collecting public input for its Oklahoma Mobility Plan, seeking ideas to improve transit gaps statewide. Healthcare M&A: Springdale-based Circle of Life plans to acquire Washington Regional Hospice, expanding inpatient hospice capacity in Arkansas.

Food Safety: Walmart’s Marketside tomato bisque soup kits (14 oz) were recalled in 29 states, including Oklahoma, after routine testing found a presumptive listeria result; no illnesses reported. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a Texas egg recall to its highest risk level (Class 1), covering about 1.6 million dozen eggs sold in Texas, Oklahoma and other states, tied to Salmonella Enteritidis. Public Transit: ODOT is collecting public input for its Oklahoma Mobility Plan, asking Oklahomans how to improve bus and other transit options across urban, rural and tribal communities. Homelessness & Enforcement: Oklahoma Highway Patrol cleared a Norman homeless encampment again, while the state threatens to bill Tulsa and Oklahoma City for prior Operation SAFE cleanup costs. Energy Policy: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled its National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors designations after landowner concerns. Politics: A new poll shows Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial runoff candidates Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei tied at 44% each, with the Inola aluminum smelter controversy cited as a key issue. Business & Finance: FullNet Communications’ board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0046 per share, payable Sept. 15.

NBA TV & Oklahoma Spotlight: The NBA released its 2026-27 schedule, with LeBron James’ first season in Philadelphia set for 34 nationally televised games, including an Oct. 20 opener at Madison Square Garden. The Oklahoma City Thunder also land in the early spotlight with a Western Conference finals rematch vs. the Spurs on opening day. Public Safety Tech: Oklahoma City leaders are set to revisit the city’s Flock Safety automated license plate reader contract next week, after privacy concerns and a chief-led cancellation of an earlier version. Homelessness Enforcement Costs: Gov. Kevin Stitt is threatening to invoice Tulsa and Oklahoma City police departments for Operation SAFE encampment cleanup costs tied to state land sweeps. Utilities & Rates: Oklahomans are seeing higher electric bills this summer, and lawmakers/regulators say it’s driven by more than data centers—rate adjustments, transmission costs, air-conditioning demand and grid upgrades are all in the mix. Local Fire & Water: A fire damaged an OKC auto body shop roof; in Minco, officials approved temporary outdoor water restrictions due to a pipeline bottleneck during peak demand. Food Safety: The FDA upgraded a massive egg recall to its highest risk level, affecting more than 38 million eggs across multiple states including Oklahoma.

Oklahoma School Funding: A state-ordered report on district spending says carryover funds have surged and urges shifting money toward teacher pay and classroom needs, but one superintendent argues the recommendations miss key context and downstream effects. Gubernatorial Race: At the Tulsa Regional Chamber forum, AG Gentner Drummond, former Sen. Mike Mazzei and House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson laid out competing education plans ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff. Local Government Costs: Oklahoma is demanding Tulsa reimburse more than $523,000 for state-led homeless encampment cleanups under Operation SAFE, blaming Tulsa police and leadership for not enforcing local rules. Space & Aerospace: Oklahoma continues building its space-industry push, positioning the state to capture more of the supply chain as aerospace projects expand across the metro and workforce development becomes the focus. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety is recommending shorter retention for Oklahoma automated license plate reader data, amid ongoing questions about compliance with state law. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show scattered low prices across counties, with midgrade and E85 averages easing statewide in the week ending Aug. 8. Community & Talent: Bartlesville named Rachel Showler as its new HR director, and the Cherokee Area Council highlighted a jump in local recycling volumes.

Food Safety & Retail: Whole Foods expanded its recall of jalapeño-containing salsas, guacamole and prepared foods after a salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños sourced from Coast Citrus Distributors; the products were sold in 12 states including Oklahoma, with “best before” dates running Aug. 7-16 and no illnesses reported yet for the Whole Foods items. Public Health: The broader outbreak linked to jalapeños has sickened more than 300 people across 27 states, while federal officials say the timing of the recalled eggs and other factors mean the recall may not explain every illness. State Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order directing an investigation and possible terrorist designation for Oklahoma Muslim groups, citing federal findings tied to Muslim Brotherhood-related activity abroad. Education & Workforce: Oklahoma City Public Schools opened a new $116 million Capitol Hill High School on the south side, funded by a nearly $1 billion bond approved in 2022, aiming to relieve overcrowding and improve outcomes. Local Business: Lelantos Holdings reported $243,079 in unaudited revenue for Airtopia Adventure Parks’ first full month in McAlester, with 8,360 guest check-ins and 218 new memberships. Energy & Innovation: Tulsa’s Rose Rock Bridge selected four energy-focused startups for $400,000 in nondilutive funding to pilot tech locally, including AI and oilfield recovery tools.

Lakers Deal: Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have agreed to buy the Los Angeles Lakers in a record $12.5 billion deal, according to an AP source, underscoring how big-money sports ownership keeps reshaping markets. Food Safety: Whole Foods expanded a jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, pulling select guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo and prepared foods sold in multiple states including Oklahoma, with best-by dates in mid-August. Energy & Markets: U.S. crude inventories rose by 17.4 million barrels last week, with Cushing’s delivery hub also up—an Oklahoma-relevant signal for traders watching supply shifts. Oklahoma Business & Growth: Tulsa aerospace supplier Infinite Composites won a $2.9 million subcontract tied to lunar lander propellant tanks, pushing its Commercial Lunar Payload Services total past $5.5 million. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Downtown Muskogee is getting new Main Street sidewalk upgrades for accessibility and safer crosswalks, with work expected to wrap around early November. Public Safety/Policy: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order directing an investigation into CAIR, citing alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and terrorism-related networks.

Aluminum Smelter Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is pushing for a federal preliminary injunction to halt construction of the proposed Inola aluminum smelter, arguing the project could harm nearby residents while a city moratorium nears its end. Gubernatorial Runoff: In the GOP governor runoff, Drummond and Mike Mazzei sparred over issues including the Inola smelter, tax policy, and education, with fact-checkers flagging competing claims about land deals and related figures. Utility Rates: Summit Utilities is seeking a performance-based rate adjustment tied to 2025 spending on distribution mains, not a new data-center-driven rate structure—though the timing is sure to fuel public concern. Housing Habitability: A new report highlights tenants’ limited remedies when landlords fail to provide essential services, citing Oklahoma cases where air conditioning, water, and electricity issues leave residents stuck. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma-based IBL Elements is testing oilfield water recycling in Kazakhstan, aiming to treat produced water for reuse and study mineral recovery potential. Workforce/Training: Indian Capital Technology Center earned its 15th Gold Star School Award, underscoring continued career-tech investment tied to business and industry needs. Sports Business: The NBA released the 2026-27 schedule, with LeBron James’ 76ers debut at the Knicks’ season opener drawing record secondary-market ticket prices.

Oklahoma Health & Food Safety: Oklahoma’s cyclosporiasis caseload has climbed to 506 (496 confirmed, 10 probable), with 32 hospitalizations, as the CDC continues tracking a multistate outbreak tied to recalled lettuce. Local Business & Community Impact: HeyDay in Norman will close Aug. 28 after an Oklahoma Turnpike Authority deal; the operator says a new Seminole location is set to open Oct. 12. Energy & Environment: Inola ranchers are pushing back on a proposed aluminum smelter, and Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is seeking a judge’s injunction to block the project. Higher Ed Affordability: The University of Tulsa says it will cut its published tuition and required fees to $25,000 starting fall 2027, aiming to make costs more predictable for families. Workforce & Politics: Republicans in the labor commissioner GOP runoff are emphasizing workforce development as the race heads toward an Aug. 25 decision. Data Centers & Ratepayer Concerns: A State Affairs Insider panel says more transparency on power and water use, plus protections for ratepayers, could help ease opposition to data center growth.

Oklahoma Energy & Utilities: The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved Oklahoma Gas & Electric’s $394 million battery energy storage system in Kay County, with OG&E saying it’s needed as demand outpaces supply through 2030; the plan is projected to add about $2.21 to average customer bills starting next year, though one commissioner dissented over consumer cost recovery. Healthcare & Clinical Research: Oklahoma Heart Institute, part of Hillcrest HealthCare System and Ardent Health, is now the only regional site in multiple national cardiovascular trials and became the first U.S. location to use the Supira percutaneous left ventricular assist device in the SUPPORT II clinical trial. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods expanded a multistate jalapeño-linked Salmonella recall, pulling prepared foods and dips sold at major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods across dozens of states, with FDA “best if used by” dates through Aug. 16. Business & Manufacturing: Hapco broke ground on a new 270,000-square-foot Oklahoma City manufacturing facility for aluminum lighting poles, targeting 80+ new jobs. Corporate Moves: Black Pearl Equities extended its tender offer for all outstanding Selectis Health shares to Aug. 17 at $5.75 per share. Local Government: Oklahoma City’s streetcar service became permanently free after a pilot, while Trenton City Council weighed demolition, zoning and nuisance proposals.

Downtown Development Push: Oklahoma City leaders unveiled a Downtown Strategic Development Plan that aims to double the number of people living downtown over the next 10-15 years, including an entertainment loop linking Bricktown to the soccer district and the Paycom Center area, plus possible plans to convert the Oklahoma County jail into a film studio. Food Safety & Retail Impact: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled 20 jalapeño-containing products tied to a multistate Salmonella outbreak that has sickened hundreds across 27 states, with items sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Kroger and Trader Joe’s. Health Insurance Costs: Oklahoma state employees face proposed double-digit HealthChoice premium increases, with experts warning private and Obamacare enrollees could see similar spikes as medical costs and utilization rise. Legal Fight Over Tuition Benefits: The U.S. Department of Justice sued New York, Connecticut and Vermont over in-state tuition and financial aid for undocumented students, arguing the policies violate federal law and discriminate against U.S. citizens. Turnpike-Driven Closures: HeyDay Entertainment announced it will close its Norman location by Aug. 28 after selling the property to the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority for planned highway construction. Energy & Clean-Tech: Canadian clean-tech firm Kathairos Solutions said its Oklahoma City base in Automobile Alley supports liquid-nitrogen technology that cuts oil and gas emissions, though it’s adapting after major customer decision-making shifted to Houston. Business Expansion: IKEA is moving forward with its first Oklahoma store in Tulsa, targeting a fall 2026 opening at Tulsa Hills.

Pretrial Reform Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers are scrutinizing how bail is set in Oklahoma County after concerns that defendants get only about 20 seconds in early court appearances and judges don’t consistently ask about finances or other factors tied to constitutional bail hearings. Food Safety & Retail Impact: Taylor Farms is recalling jalapeño-based prepared foods after a Salmonella outbreak tied to fresh jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors; products were sold nationwide at retailers including Walmart and Target, with “best if used by” dates running into mid-August. Cancer Research: University of Oklahoma researchers report triple-negative breast tumors may recruit nerves by turning immune cells into messengers, pointing to a potential new target for weakening aggressive cancers. Local Business Spotlight: Nam & Pops in Alva is expanding party-rental offerings like inflatables and obstacle courses for rural towns. Energy & Industry: AAON posted record Q2 2026 results, citing strong demand, faster throughput, and improved execution. Public Safety: Owasso police are investigating a fatal stabbing at a Quality Inn, while Tulsa police search for a teen suspect in a separate shooting that wounded four teenagers.

Tribal Gaming Oversight: A leadership vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is stalling Harrah’s management plans for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s Chandler casino, raising concerns about delayed deals and weaker enforcement for the $46 billion tribal gambling sector. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy data shows Oklahoma’s E15 and diesel prices hovering around recent levels, with the lowest E15 deals in several counties and diesel averaging about $4.75 statewide for the week ending Aug. 1, as global oil and refinery disruptions keep prices jumpy. Food Safety: A new FDA report details Taylor Farms’ Cyclospora-linked lettuce recall, listing 236,192 cases tied to major retailers including Walmart’s Marketside and Subway. Local Business & Growth: Oklahoma’s economy continues to be pulled into the national spotlight as data-center and water-policy debates intensify, with state leaders signing bills aimed at protecting ratepayers and water amid new development pressure. Markets Watch: Strawberry Fields REIT reported solid Q2 results, including 100% contractual rent collection and a $0.17 quarterly dividend, while outlining an improving acquisition pipeline.