AGP Executive Report

Obamacare Refunds: President Trump says the federal government will return hundreds of millions in Obamacare “user fee” overcharges with $500 refunds to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Oklahoma, for people who paid full premiums. Energy Reliability: OG&E says Horseshoe Lake Unit 11 is ready for service six months early after passing performance tests, adding flexible generation to support reliability and winter power needs. Tribal Pay Raise: The Muscogee Creek Nation is raising its minimum wage to $20 an hour for tribal employees in phases starting next month, funded through its permanent fund. Legal/AI Misconduct: A Stephens County judge acknowledged ChatGPT-generated fictitious case citations in a court order, after prosecutors flagged fabricated legal authority. Storm Impacts: Fast-moving storms knocked out power to 3,000+ Oklahoma City metro customers, with restoration estimated between early afternoon and mid-afternoon. Data Center Debate: Enid unveiled Project Thunderbird, proposing up to 3.3 GW of on-site power and plans to use raw water from Kaw Lake—reigniting questions about water, power grid strain, and local benefits. Insurance Litigation: An Oklahoma jury awarded $40 million against Progressive over alleged bad-faith handling of an underinsured motorist claim. Business/Finance: Rightfiber, formed from Ritter and Great Plains, plans growth using a $1.6 billion credit facility, targeting fiber-to-the-home deals and nearby acquisitions.

Health Care Policy: Trump says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including Oklahoma, will get $500 Obamacare refunds tied to alleged federal “user fee” overcharges from the Biden era. Public Safety & Courts: A former NFL running back, LeShon Johnson, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for running a large dogfighting and trafficking operation out of Oklahoma, with DOJ saying it led to death and serious injury for hundreds of pit bulls. Energy & Utilities: OG&E says a new power unit at its Horseshoe Lake Power Plant (Unit 11) passed tests and should enter commercial service in October, ahead of schedule, as it adds flexible generation for reliability. Local Government Finance: Oklahoma County is dealing with another bookkeeping error after a reserve fund previously thought to be $14 million is now about $10 million short, raising questions for budget planning. Business & Economy: Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit report says 42,012 students are using the program, and it estimates the shift frees up more than $100 million in public-school budget flexibility. Community & Culture: Tulsa’s Charles and Bertha Blevins House will unveil a Civil Rights Trail historical marker Sept. 19, highlighting its role as a polling place for Black residents.

Education Funding & Cash Balances: Oklahoma public schools reportedly received $3 billion more, with much of the money sitting in bank accounts—raising questions about how quickly it’s being deployed. University Tech & Community Tension: Oakland University trustees advanced a proposed data center, despite student sit-in protests over impacts from the planned AI-adjacent campus computing facility. Energy Deal With Oklahoma Ties: Enbridge agreed to buy Tallgrass Energy’s crude oil business for $2.55 billion, including a majority stake in the Pony Express Pipeline that feeds into Cushing, Oklahoma. Water & Wastewater Infrastructure: Jacobs won a five-and-a-half-year contract to run operations and maintenance for Oklahoma City’s wastewater facilities and solids management. Local Water Stress: Residents around Cedar Lake say wells are running dry, while officials offer different explanations for the groundwater problems. Gaming Security Expansion: Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises renewed and expanded ZeroEyes deployment across its properties. Drought Outlook: A new national drought update says abnormal dryness is expanding across parts of the central U.S., with warmer, drier conditions driving worsening conditions.

Energy & Industry: GRDA opened a new natural gas unit at its Grand River Energy Center in Choteau, adding nearly 500 megawatts as Oklahoma’s power demand rises with data centers and major users; the agency also secured a $28.5 million federal grant to extend a coal unit’s life. Education & Workforce Access: Oklahoma is turning public libraries into broadband hubs for rural residents, with up to 175 access portals funded by $14.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Fund. Higher Ed Governance: USAO faculty are fighting proposed changes they say could reshape the 118-year-old public liberal arts college—more online classes, more adjunct reliance, program consolidation, and curriculum authority shifting away from faculty. Public Safety & Courts: A judge set Sept. 30 deadlines for parties in the 21-year Illinois River pollution settlement talks, while a Cleveland County cemetery theft investigation follows nearly 100 stolen grave vases. Cyber & Legal Claims: Elixir Medical Corporation’s data breach is now drawing legal action as a firm investigates potential class claims tied to exposed personal and financial information. Politics & Economy: The GOP kicked off its first-ever midterm convention in Dallas to energize voters ahead of November, with Oklahoma’s T.W. Shannon among featured speakers. Agriculture: Oklahoma Farm Bureau endorsed AG candidate Jon Echols, pitching him as a defender of rural producers.

Fintech & Banking: Chime agreed to buy Stride Bank for $590 million in cash, with Stride becoming Chime Bank, N.A., a move that could reshape how the Enid-based charter supports Chime’s growth. Energy & Economic Development: West Virginia signed on as the sixth state in the DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus effort, joining a list that earlier included Oklahoma—an opening for nuclear investment and advanced manufacturing. Oklahoma Higher Ed & Agriculture: OSU outlined the sites for a new $330 million veterinary teaching hospital and its Agronomy Discovery Center, including a 275,000-square-foot hospital near Stillwater’s agronomy research station. Housing & Disaster/Infrastructure: BOXABL highlighted its modular housing portfolio, pointing to deployments ranging from disaster relief to hospitality and residential communities. EV Market Signals: HERE-SBD’s EV Index found Americans are more open to EVs than a year ago, even as overall adoption slows. Local Business Growth: LV Petroleum opened Bojangles locations in Arizona, underscoring continued expansion of its travel-center and QSR footprint. Policy & Costs: A new Medicare prior-authorization pilot now affects Original Medicare enrollees in Oklahoma, adding a new layer of approval for certain Part B services. Legal/Local Governance: A judge cleared the way for Norman’s Rock Creek Entertainment District construction and bond preparations after dismissing key lawsuit motions. Student Debt: Oklahoma borrowers describe strain under the new federal student loan system, with payments rising after plan changes.

Banking Deal: Chime will acquire Enid, Okla.-based Stride Bank for $590 million in cash, aiming to bring banking operations in-house and generate more than $100 million in net synergies; the deal is expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending federal approvals. Local Development: Enid developers behind “Project Thunderbird” say a four-campus, nearly 1,700-acre data center plan could boost the local economy and provide backup power for Vance Air Force Base, but some residents remain skeptical about impacts and control. Housing & Public Finance: Cleveland County commissioners approved a $20 million settlement tied to the 2022 jail death of Norman resident Shannon Hanchett, with an estimated property-tax impact on homeowners over the next three years. Education & Workforce: State Regents approved reduced-credit bachelor’s degrees at OU, OSU and Rogers State, including new applied science and workforce-focused options intended to cut time and cost to graduation. Community & Planning: Owasso is gathering resident input for an updated Transportation Master Plan, with a draft expected in June 2027. Business Growth: LV Petroleum opened its first Bojangles in Arizona, expanding its multi-brand travel center and QSR footprint after acquiring a Seminole, Okla. travel center.

Insurance & Hiring: Skyward Specialty is beefing up its inland marine operation with three strategic hires, including Jon Kattman to lead the unit and Jared Lester and Casie Derrick in senior roles, signaling more investment in a specialty P&C niche. Travel & Airports: TSA launched “Gateside,” letting TSA PreCheck and other trusted-traveler members apply for free access to airport gates without a plane ticket at 13 airports, with rollout expected to expand. Retail Expansion: Barnes & Noble opened a larger store in Stillwater, Oklahoma (Bradford Plaza) and continues a broader 2026 push, including additional openings planned in Kentucky. Oklahoma Cannabis Regulation: An Oklahoma attorney says legal marijuana operators are getting bogged down by slow approvals and strict enforcement tied to seed-to-sale documentation, after a Sand Springs facility explosion renewed scrutiny of the industry. Broadband Funding: Oklahoma’s BEAD plan cleared a key federal step, with about $574 million targeted to connect more than 40,000 locations across all 77 counties over the next few years. Data Centers & Water: A new look at the data-center boom highlights rising local water-infrastructure concerns after incidents in Oklahoma and elsewhere, focusing on leaks, wastewater disputes, and aging systems.

Energy & Fuel Prices: Oklahoma County drivers saw the cheapest E85 at $2.49/gallon in the week ending Aug. 29, while diesel stayed higher statewide (Oklahoma average $5.10/gallon). Local Market Snapshots: Rogers County logged the lowest midgrade at $3.69/gallon; Wagoner County’s lowest diesel hit $4.99/gallon; and Pawnee County’s cheapest premium gas was $4.04/gallon. Federal Policy & Business: Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OKC) introduced the “No Preference Act,” aiming to stop the federal government from favoring contractors based on whether workers are in collective bargaining agreements. Retirement & Taxes: As Social Security faces a looming shortfall, some Republicans—including Oklahoma Rep. Tom Cole—are signaling openness to raising the payroll tax cap rather than cutting benefits. Jobs & Manufacturing: A new August jobs report highlights stronger-than-expected hiring, with manufacturing adding 16,000 jobs and private-sector job growth continuing. Education & Procurement: A state audit alleges Tulsa Public Schools paid $2.6 million for architectural work that wasn’t performed, raising questions about contracting and rebate fees.

Labor Day Gas Prices: AAA says nearly 40 million Americans will drive this holiday weekend as the national regular-gas average hits about $4.14 per gallon—an all-time Labor Day high that could top the prior record of $3.82. Local Energy Costs: Oklahoma shoppers are still seeing uneven pricing by county, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest diesel and premium regular prices in select areas during the week ending Aug. 29. Banking Deal: BMO has completed the sale of 138 branches to First-Citizens Bank, transferring about $5.7B in deposits and roughly $1.1B in loans across multiple states including Oklahoma. Manufacturing Expansion: Greenheck Group plans a major Owasso, Okla. expansion, including acquiring and renovating a former Macy’s distribution facility, targeting 700+ jobs in Tulsa County. Rural Broadband Funding: Federal delays are holding up about $21B in BEAD rural internet money as states wait for guidance on how to spend it. Oklahoma Tech/Identity: Oklahoma driver licenses and state IDs are now available in Apple Wallet for eligible users, including TSA checkpoint use at participating airports. Agriculture Policy: Taxpayer-funded farm subsidies are rising, with renewed debate over who benefits most. Food Safety Recall: Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend recall has expanded to 16 states, including Oklahoma, due to possible E. coli contamination.

Digital Identity: Oklahoma’s eligible driver licenses and state IDs are now available in Apple Wallet, letting residents present proof of identity or age at participating TSA checkpoints and supported apps (acceptance varies by airport). Retail & Jobs: Downtown Tulsa’s Oasis Fresh Market is nearing its long-delayed opening at 6th and Cincinnati, aiming to bring a full-service grocery option back to an area that’s been without one for decades. Rural Health Policy: U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda introduced “REH 2.0” to fix the Rural Emergency Hospital program, arguing too few rural hospitals have converted due to financial trade-offs. Energy Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma regular gas averaging $3.75 per gallon in the week ending Aug. 29, with notable low-price finds across counties (including $3.50 in Kay County and $3.52 in Ottawa County). Fraud & Consumer Risk: BBB Scam Tracker lists Harrah among Oklahoma cities tied for 45th in July scam reports, highlighting ongoing retail scam losses. Water & Tech Pressure: A Bitcoin mining site in El Reno was condemned after a leak reportedly wasted more than 3 million gallons of water, underscoring growing water concerns around data-heavy projects.

Oklahoma Energy & Utilities: Catoosa is drafting a Community Energy Strategic Plan with help from a U.S. Department of Energy grant, aiming to boost energy capacity and efficiency with input from residents and local energy businesses. Oklahoma Business & Policy: Oklahoma Watch reports ISS is challenging the state’s anti-ESG proxy advisory law in federal court, setting up another fight over how investors and companies are influenced. Oklahoma Tech & Water: A bitcoin mining site in Oklahoma is condemned after leaking 3 million gallons of water during drought conditions, raising fresh questions about environmental controls for data-heavy operations. Oklahoma Economic Development: Greenheck is moving ahead with a $300 million investment and a 700-job expansion in Owasso. Oklahoma Government Services: The Cherokee Nation has launched a redesigned Cherokee.gov to make services easier to find and use, organizing information around major life needs like health care, housing and careers. National Business Context with Local Relevance: Trump signed two orders aimed at beef labeling and inspection changes after backlash over beef imports, a move Oklahoma ranchers are watching closely.

Bitcoin & Water Compliance: El Reno officials condemned an Athlon Blockchain Technology LLC Bitcoin mining site after it leaked about 3 to 3.8 million gallons of water during a severe drought, tied to an unauthorized fire hydrant and alleged building and safety code violations; the city plans to bill the operator for the metered water and response costs. Energy Costs & Fuel Prices: AAA says Labor Day gas is on track to set a record, with the national regular average around $4.03-$4.15; locally, GasBuddy reports show the lowest E15 and midgrade deals in several Oklahoma counties, while midgrade and diesel pricing remain volatile. EV Grid Planning Costs: A DOE-backed NREL-led study finds EV charging could drive distribution grid upgrade costs up to $2.3 billion across five states including Oklahoma, with managed charging potentially cutting that by more than half. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Enid tied for seventh in Oklahoma for scam reports in July, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses. Local Business Expansion: Greenheck plans to buy a former Macy’s distribution facility in north Tulsa County and invest about $300 million to create 700+ jobs over five years. Corporate Governance: A shareholder advisory firm is suing to block Oklahoma’s anti-ESG proxy advisory law, arguing the measure forces firms to justify vote recommendations.

Marijuana Enforcement: Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics served two search warrants tied to a black-market marijuana investigation, seizing 12,307 plants and more than 111 pounds of processed product in Rogers County and over 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana in Tulsa County, along with illegal pesticides; arrests are pending. Local Courts & Housing: Tulsa City Council is set to vote on a resolution to seed a legal-representation program for low-income tenants and landlords facing eviction, aiming to reduce the share of cases where tenants appear without counsel. Energy Infrastructure Fight: Opposition is building to AEP’s proposed Branson 345 transmission line as rural landowners and a school farm raise concerns about impacts on animals, students, and operations. AI Data Center Backlash: A national wave of recall efforts targets officials who backed data center projects, with residents citing power-grid strain and higher utility costs. Oklahoma Higher Ed Governance: OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. unveiled an advisory council focused on “accountable shared governance” and tenure review, warning lawmakers may step in if the university doesn’t self-police. Business Corridor Upgrade: Tulsa activated new traffic signals on North Peoria Avenue and East Mohawk Boulevard as part of the Peoria Connection initiative to improve access for businesses. Public Records: Oklahoma Voice obtained a released severance agreement for former wildlife agency executive director J.D. Strong, detailing a $169,341 payout after a court order.

Oklahoma Open Records: The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission released a severance agreement for former executive director J.D. Strong after a two-year legal fight, detailing a $169,341 payout and ending date of Dec. 6, 2023, following a judge’s order that the deal wasn’t exempt from the state Open Records Act. Aluminum Industry & Environment: Inola smelter developers behind the proposed $4 billion Oklahoma Primary Aluminum project say they cut fluoride emissions intensity by 37% after ODEQ and neighbors raised air and soil concerns, aiming for “world-class” limits and arguing most fluoride would be captured. Higher Ed Workforce Pipeline: Oklahoma State Regents approved shorter bachelor’s degree pathways at OU, OSU and Rogers State, with credit-hour targets ranging from 90 to about 104, pending Higher Learning Commission accreditation. Banking Deal: BMO completed the sale of 138 U.S. branches to First Citizens Bank, including locations in Oklahoma, as it reshapes its U.S. footprint. State Retirement Investing: A report to the Oklahoma State Pension Commission says only 0.23% of pension assets are invested in Oklahoma companies, highlighting limited local exposure.

Proxy Fight: Institutional Shareholder Services sued to block Oklahoma’s new anti-ESG proxy advisory transparency law, arguing it violates free-speech rights and adds compliance costs for investors like the Oklahoma State Pension Commission. Energy & Industry: MISTRAS Group, based in Princeton Junction, opened five new field service locations including Tulsa, aiming to cut mobilization time for customers in energy, aerospace, defense and data centers. Tech & Manufacturing: Astral Materials selected Dawn Aerospace’s Aurora spaceplane to run high-cadence microgravity testing for its furnace tech, with up to 100 flights over two years from Oklahoma. Finance & Policy: Citizens Bank of Edmond CEO Jill Castilla was invited to the G20 Finance Ministers meeting, highlighting “Parallel Prosperity” and Main Street lending. Local Business & Growth: Oklahoma State Regents approved reduced-credit-hour bachelor’s degrees at three public universities, continuing a push to speed time-to-degree. Public Safety: Yukon completed repairs to a broken water main and restored pressure, with DEQ recommending residents boil water for 72 hours.

Defense & Manufacturing: Wall Colmonoy in Oklahoma City won a $5M–$6M, five-year U.S. Air Force contract to remanufacture F-16 heat exchangers, a precision job expected to expand local operations and add manufacturing jobs. Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization: Oklahoma City Housing Authority and the city secured a $25M HUD Choice Neighborhoods grant to redevelop Will Rogers Courts and improve the Westwood Exchange area, with phased replacement over eight years. Public Safety & Infrastructure: FEMA approved more than $162.8M in disaster funding across Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas for public assistance and hazard mitigation projects. Retail Real Estate: OKC Outlets sold for $80M to Lightstone, reflecting a sharp valuation drop since its 2017 purchase but with strong occupancy and major national tenants. Food Safety: Walmart-linked Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend was added to a 16-state E. coli recall, including Oklahoma. Consumer & Policy: Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing regulation of prediction markets as sports betting stays illegal, raising concerns about gambling disorders and consumer protections. Education & Workforce: A new report finds teachers earned about 25% less than comparable college grads, with Oklahoma among the biggest gaps. Energy Costs: Fuel prices remain volatile in Oklahoma, with multiple counties reporting lowest-in-state gas prices for diesel and E85 in late August.