AGP Executive Report

Sports & Local Economy: The Denver Nuggets matched the Oklahoma City Thunder’s $12 million offer sheet for Spencer Jones, keeping the 23-year-old in Denver for a third season—an NBA finance move that also pushes the Nuggets deeper into luxury-tax constraints. State Politics & Oversight: Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert says Rep. Danny Williams has been indefinitely removed from his committee chairmanship after an investigation into “improper conduct toward a House employee,” with a House Rules Committee review underway. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce continues to expand nationally, with the FDA listing multiple ongoing outbreaks and public health officials urging consumers to avoid specific recalled products. Energy & Infrastructure: Mayes County residents in Oklahoma are organizing against proposed data center developments, citing lack of zoning and concerns about impacts on rural land and services. Business Climate: A new Oklahoma State Chamber survey finds most business leaders expect hiring to continue and flags workforce development and education as top growth issues, with “execution” still the sticking point. Higher Ed & Workforce: Metro Tech and OU Health are partnering in Oklahoma City to fill about 400 jobs at a pediatric behavioral health center. Environment & Accountability: Chickasha businessman Brannan Bordwine pleaded guilty in federal court tied to improper disposal of recalled hand sanitizer classified as hazardous waste, with sentencing scheduled July 31.

Disaster Relief Partnerships: United Way of Enid & Northwest Oklahoma and the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation are coordinating tornado recovery help for people with damaged or destroyed property from the April 23 EF4 storm, sharing what’s worked and what’s still needed. Local Economic Development: Bartlesville is pushing more than $10 million in infrastructure improvements and launching programs aimed at entrepreneurs and homeowners, including a Central Park Incubator Program offering free space and a Sidewalk Partnership that can cover up to half of repair costs. Workforce & Regulation Politics: Two Republicans, Reps. John Pfeiffer and Kevin West, are headed to Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff for the GOP nomination for labor commissioner, with both promising Department of Labor modernization and a closer look at AI’s impact on business. Data Centers & Sovereignty: The Muscogee Nation is forming a task force to study data centers and AI, weighing environmental, cultural and cybersecurity impacts as development plans move forward. Food Safety Watch: Oklahoma is among states affected by the expanding cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with health officials reporting rising case counts and renewed scrutiny of the response. Business Growth: Helio Risk expanded its Oklahoma City presence with three new hires, adding capacity for captive, reinsurance and risk consulting services.

Aerospace Expansion: Park Aerospace plans a $65 million advanced composites manufacturing facility at Tulsa International Airport, targeting construction soon and completion in 2028, with more than 100 jobs expected. Local Business & Policy: Oklahoma lawmakers are weighing screen-time limits for young students, but a proposal to cap time at 60 minutes per day for pre-K through fifth grade failed in the latest push. Food Safety Impact: A salmonella-linked recall involving nearly 1.6 million dozen cage-free eggs continues to ripple through grocery and foodservice supply chains, including stores in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Government Watch: Oklahoma Sen. Alan Armstrong faces scrutiny after late stock disclosures tied to the STOCK Act, with reported tardy filings involving trades worth millions. Tech & Utilities: The White House and utilities are promoting a ratepayer protection pledge aimed at shielding consumers from AI data-center-driven utility costs, as Oklahoma and other states grapple with how to track and manage data-center impacts. NBA & Oklahoma Ties: The Denver Nuggets matched the Oklahoma City Thunder’s two-year, $12 million offer sheet for Spencer Jones, a move that pushes Denver into the second luxury-tax apron.

NBA Free Agency: LeBron James has officially signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year deal worth nearly $8 million, with a player option and a 15% trade kicker, ending his Lakers run and immediately reshaping 2027 title odds. Food Safety & Retail: The FDA says Midwest Poultry Services recalled about 1.6 million dozen eggs tied to possible Salmonella contamination, with products sold under multiple brands including Kroger and Brookshire’s across several states that include Oklahoma. Public Health & Local Impact: A major cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce has expanded to nine states, including Oklahoma, with reported illness and consumer pullback hitting restaurant and grocery traffic. Oklahoma Agriculture & Policy: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond says a 21-year poultry lawsuit appears close to resolution, with the case moving through the 10th Circuit and a mediator recommending dismissal. Energy & Water: Tulsa opened cooling shelters amid extreme heat, while Oklahoma City-area tenants report prolonged water outages, highlighting ongoing utility and infrastructure stress.

NBA Odds & Oklahoma Impact: LeBron James’ move to the Philadelphia 76ers is reshaping title chatter, with oddsmakers putting Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio at the top of the West as the teams to beat. Sports Business: The Warriors’ push for LeBron is described as a high-stakes offseason gamble that left Stephen Curry with a tougher path after James chose Philly. Local Sports Transactions: The Thunder also landed Spencer Jones on a two-year, $12 million offer sheet, with Denver having until Sunday to match. Public Health & Food Supply: Federal health officials say a multistate salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across 17 states, prompting a recall of nearly 19 million eggs. Oklahoma Agriculture & Politics: Oklahoma’s gubernatorial candidates met at a Tulsa agriculture forum, with leaders discussing taxes and rural priorities ahead of the August runoff. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain volatile in Oklahoma, with weekly lowest-price reports from multiple counties highlighting uneven retail costs.

NBA Free Agency: Spencer Jones agreed to a two-year, $12 million offer sheet with the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Denver Nuggets having until Sunday night to match—an outcome that could reshape OKC’s wing depth and Denver’s luxury-tax math. Local Health & Safety: The mother of a boy seriously injured in an OKC racetrack wreck says he has third-degree burns over 50% of his body and remains intubated while he fights through the next days. Public Health: Federal officials say a salmonella outbreak tied to recalled eggs has sickened at least 98 people across 17 states, including Oklahoma, with 26 hospitalizations; consumers are urged to check and return affected cartons. Food Safety: The CDC expanded a cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded lettuce to nine states, now including Oklahoma, with nearly 2,000 reported cases. Business Community: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy’s Heroes Ball is set for July 25 in OKC, honoring child advocates and finalists chosen through public nominations. Energy Watch: GasBuddy data shows Oklahoma fuel prices remain volatile, with the national regular average jumping to $4.09.

NBA Free Agency: LeBron James is officially headed to the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million veterans-minimum deal, a move that instantly reshuffled championship odds and put Philly back in the title conversation. Food Safety & Retail Impact: The CDC expanded the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded iceberg lettuce to nine states, now including Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania, with nearly 2,000 reported illnesses and dozens hospitalized; meanwhile, federal scrutiny continues on Taylor Farms and retailers have pulled affected products. Oklahoma Tax Dispute: Hochatown is suing Airbnb over alleged misdirected lodging tax payments, saying some rentals within town limits were credited to Broken Bow instead. Energy Policy: Trump expanded a “Ratepayer Protection Pledge” aimed at preventing AI data-center growth from driving higher utility bills for households and businesses. Internet Provider: Dobson Fiber was named Oklahoma’s top residential internet provider for both fastest speeds and overall customer-rated performance. Public Safety: An Oklahoma City man died after a shooting that led to a drive along I-235; police arrested a suspect.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC expanded the largest known U.S. cyclospora outbreak to nine states, linking cases to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell; Oklahoma is now included alongside Illinois, Kansas and Pennsylvania, with 1,947 reported illnesses and 98 hospitalizations, and investigators tracing the supply chain to Taylor Farms de Mexico. Public Health + Consumer Risk: Federal officials also continue to warn consumers to avoid recalled lettuce while the outbreak tally is expected to rise as cases are confirmed. Oklahoma Politics: Oklahoma voters will decide Aug. 25 on State Question 844, which would let the Legislature stop reimbursing local governments and schools for property-tax revenue lost when new manufacturing projects use the state’s five-year exemption—school leaders warn it could reduce statewide funding. Local Government Accountability: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols ordered the immediate closure of the city’s municipal jail, citing questions raised after a Frontier investigation into a 2025 death. Business + Community: Dr Pepper is set to renovate Norman’s Lindsey Street water tower into a “Fansville” attraction, pending city council approval. Sports Business: LeBron James agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, a move that reshapes NBA title odds and drives major sports-market attention.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says Midwest Poultry Services is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Texas after routine testing flagged possible Salmonella Enteritidis; the eggs were sold at Kroger and Brookshire stores across Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma (plus other states), and no illnesses were reported. Public Health Update: Oklahoma’s cyclosporiasis count jumped to 172 confirmed and probable cases, with 12 hospitalizations, as investigators continue to trace the outbreak tied to produce. Local Business & Energy: A report highlights a loophole that leaves Oklahoma data center water use “largely untracked,” adding pressure as some counties consider moratoriums on new data centers and related projects. Agriculture & Consumer Impact: Salad and Go rolled out “Menu 2.Go” nationwide, while the broader cyclospora/lettuce investigation keeps consumers and retailers on edge. Education & Workforce: An AI-powered private school model with no teachers is opening in Oklahoma this August, promising two hours of virtual learning daily and entrepreneurship workshops. Tribal Governance: Muscogee Creek Freedmen filed suit seeking to force the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to follow a citizenship ruling.

Food Safety & Retail: Midwest Poultry Services is voluntarily recalling about 1.6 million dozen eggs produced in Texas after potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination was flagged, with affected cartons sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores across Texas, Oklahoma and several other states; consumers are urged to check carton codes and return product for refunds. Energy & Markets: Oil jumped above $100 a barrel after Iran-backed Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea raised fears of deeper supply disruptions, adding pressure to global fuel markets. AI & Local Economy: A new poll finds 63% of U.S. voters oppose AI data centers in or near their communities, reflecting growing concerns about electricity costs and water impacts. Oklahoma Policy & Education: Oklahoma’s emergency teaching certification numbers are still high but trending down, as the state leans on accelerated “grow your own” pathways to get more teachers into standard certification. Business & Growth: Oliva Gibbs promoted attorney Nathan Enos to partner, highlighting continued investment in the firm’s Oklahoma oil-and-gas title and transaction practice. Local Business Recognition: Waylan’s Kuku Burger, a Route 66 landmark in Miami, Oklahoma, was added to the National Register of Historic Places, opening the door to potential grants and tourism-driven economic benefits.

Food Safety: The FDA is recalling nearly 1.6 million dozen eggs from Midwest Poultry Services after potential Salmonella Enteritidis contamination, with Kroger and Brookshire Grocery locations affected in Oklahoma and other states; no illnesses were reported as of the announcement. Corporate Earnings: LSB Industries will release second-quarter results July 29 after market close, followed by a conference call July 30. Rare Earth Investment: USA Rare Earth says it has signed definitive agreements to buy minority stakes in French rare-earth processor Carester, aiming to strengthen its European rare-earth supply chain and oxide access. Public Health & Community Response: Oklahoma’s naloxone vending machine program has ended, leaving some communities scrambling to replace the free overdose-reversal access. Local Housing/Utilities: Oklahoma City tenants say prolonged water outages and deteriorating conditions at former Vesta Realty properties leave them with limited remedies under state law, according to Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. Tribal Gaming/Tech: Choctaw Casino & Resorts is rolling out a free-to-play sports prediction app using mock currency amid ongoing sports betting deadlock. Energy/Infrastructure: AXP Energy provided an update on its Oklahoma operations and broader development strategy during a shareholder call.

Medicaid Oversight: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond opened an investigation into OHCA’s handling of alleged Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse after claims leadership failed to report a large foreign-based enrollment scheme. Tenant Rights Fight: Tulsa-area renters at Eton Square are caught in a ownership dispute between Vesta Realty and YSA, with both sides swapping lock control and tenants told to pay different parties while an emergency hearing is set. Food Safety & Health: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall tied to a cyclospora outbreak across 27 states, including Oklahoma, after FDA said an earlier positive test was a false positive but the company remains linked to the outbreak. Energy Reliability: DOE authorized Southwest Power Pool to activate emergency backup generation to prevent rolling blackouts across 14 states as extreme heat strains demand, with Oklahoma among the highest-risk areas. Construction Safety: Oklahoma roofers are warning about dangerous working conditions as roof temperatures top 170 degrees, pushing crews to adjust schedules and safety protocols. Business Finance: Howard Midstream priced a $650 million senior notes offering, and Oklahoma’s State Chamber scorecard highlighted pro-growth legislative votes.

Major Deal in Tulsa’s Aerospace: Park Aerospace is investing $65 million in a new Tulsa facility to make composite materials, with expectations of at least 100 jobs, as Tulsa International highlights aerospace as the state’s fastest-growing sector. Construction Watch (OKC): Crews have begun pouring the first structural concrete for Oklahoma City’s Continental Coliseum, moving the arena from site prep into vertical construction with a 2028 completion target. Energy & Infrastructure: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority says the Chandler Interchange project will start in fall 2026, with SH 18 expansion and interchange changes; separately, Canute is getting nearly $1 million in Drinking Water State Revolving Fund support to replace aging water lines. Public Health: Oklahoma’s cyclosporiasis cases rose to 172 confirmed/probable; the FDA says a Taylor Farms lettuce test was a false positive, but the recall remains under investigation. Consumer/Regulatory: Oklahoma’s GOP Insurance Commissioner runoff features Bob Sullivan vs. Marty Quinn, with both pushing more carrier competition and accountability on claims. Local Business Dispute: A Tulsa-area apartment ownership fight has tenants getting conflicting instructions about rent payments as YSA Investments and Vesta Realty clash in court. Elections: Sample ballots are available for the Aug. 25 runoff primary.

Antitrust & Drug Pricing: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond praised a proposed FTC settlement with CVS Caremark aimed at boosting PBM transparency and fair competition to help lower prescription costs. Food Safety & Local Impact: Oklahoma health officials reported 170 Cyclospora cases as the multistate iceberg lettuce recall linked to Taylor Farms continues, with FDA clarifying a prior test was a false positive while the recall remains in effect. Healthcare Compliance & Data Security: Wheeler Bio, an Oklahoma City CDMO, named Rajesh Beri as Chief Development Officer to expand biologics development and CMC strategy. Energy Reliability: Buckeye Power Systems urged Oklahoma homes and businesses to prepare for possible rolling blackouts as grid warnings spread amid heat-driven demand. Education & Consumer Pressure: An AP analysis found student loan default rates are highest in many Republican-leaning states, including Oklahoma, raising knock-on effects for local spending and homebuying. Local Business & Growth: Oklahoma City is seeking community input for Thrive on Classen, a corridor plan focused on making Classen Boulevard more walkable and development-friendly. Public Policy & Industry: Oklahoma City Ballet unveiled its 2026-27 season, including a first-ever run of Don Quixote. Fraud & Enforcement: Former OKC Thunder and OSU star Desmond Mason was charged in Oklahoma County fraud allegations tied to artwork payments.

Education & Workforce: Alpha School, an AI-driven private school with “two hours of virtual learning” and no teachers, is set to open in Oklahoma this August, pitching personalized learning and entrepreneurship workshops. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Piedmont’s water crisis continues after crews locate a major leak in a six-inch line, leaving businesses and residents dealing with low pressure or no water for more than a day. Economic Development: Okmulgee residents pressed Fluidstack at a data center open house over property values, water use, health concerns and electricity demand; the developer says it won’t seek property tax incentives and plans to contribute to local education. Energy & Jobs: Century Aluminum welcomed a Trump executive order that cuts tariffs for approved companies expanding U.S. primary aluminum production; the company’s Inola, Okla. smelter plan is tied to major job creation. Manufacturing: USG will close a century-old gypsum plant in Southard this fall, eliminating 250+ Oklahoma jobs. Health & Consumer Watch: The FDA says a cyclospora-positive test tied to Taylor Farms lettuce was a “false positive,” while the recall remains in effect across multiple states. Sports Business: The OKC Thunder traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a cost-cutting move, reportedly saving more than $100 million. Finance & Households: Student loan defaults hit record levels, with about 1 in 5 federal borrowers now in default as repayment protections lapsed.

Oklahoma Energy & Infrastructure: Nowata County commissioners moved to oppose AEP’s Northeast Oklahoma Transmission Enhancement Project, signing a declaration and planning a vote next week on a motion to intervene. Local Construction: Oklahoma City crews began pouring concrete for the new Continental Coliseum NBA arena, starting pier caps and mat foundations as the project shifts toward vertical construction. Transit Funding: A Central Oklahoma regional transportation network is weighing a new penny sales tax to fund expanded commuter rail plus light rail and bus service, with voter approval targeted next year. Banking: BOK Financial reported second-quarter 2026 results and will host a conference call Tuesday. Economic Development: Tulsa’s YSA Investments says it has begun taking over 11 Vesta apartment complexes after a $930M judgment, aiming to restore living conditions. Business & Jobs: USG will close its Southard gypsum plant in November, cutting more than 250 jobs in rural Blaine County. Food Safety: FDA walked back an earlier cyclospora detection tied to Taylor Farms lettuce, calling it a false positive, but the company’s broad recall remains in place as testing and traceback continue. Sports Business: Oklahoma City’s Lu Dort was traded to Atlanta in a three-team NBA deal that also sent Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.