AGP Executive Report

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.

Higher Ed & Workforce Pipeline: Oklahoma City Public Schools is rolling out new college and career centers, including healthcare training at John Marshall Enterprise High School where students can earn a certified nursing assistant credential as early as junior year. Arts & Education: VENU’s Regent Bank Amphitheater in Broken Arrow is launching a long-term partnership with Northeastern State University to expand arts and education programming. Teacher Certification Scrutiny: Oklahoma Watch found wide gaps in educator prep program certification pass rates, from 100% at Oklahoma Christian University to 15.2% at Langston University, with OSU and OU both below the top tier. Insurance & Consumer Legal Fight: A judge ordered State Farm’s CEO to appear for deposition in a Broken Arrow roof-claim dispute, and also required production of internal documents tied to payout strategies. Public Policy & Data Centers: Piedmont residents are pushing a ballot measure to limit a proposed data center, using citizen petitions to force voter approval after impact studies. Energy & Defense Contracting: Wall Colmonoy, based in Oklahoma City, won a five-year, multi-million-dollar U.S. Air Force contract to make F-16 heat exchangers for Tinker AFB. Business & Community Events: Oklahoma’s September kickoff includes local Norman activities and a statewide sheep and meat goat boot camp in Ada (Oct. 19-21).

NBA Penalties: The NBA handed the Los Angeles Clippers a $30 million fine, a one-year owner suspension for Steve Ballmer, suspensions for top executives, and five first-round pick forfeitures (2029-2033) after an 11-month probe into salary-cap circumvention tied to Kawhi Leonard. Oklahoma Tech & Identity: Oklahoma rolled out a digital driver’s license for Apple Wallet, with officials urging people to still keep a physical ID for now. Public Safety & Infrastructure: AT&T is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to arrests in Oklahoma copper theft cases, citing more than 300 incidents since the start of 2026. Local Economy & Growth: Light Source Communications is building a 500-mile dark fiber route between Tulsa and St. Louis, targeting hyperscale AI connectivity with construction expected to finish in 2027. Energy Prices: Diesel hit a low of $4.69 in Grady County (week ending Aug. 22), while E15 in Creek County bottomed at $3.45. Water & Conservation: Guymon partnered with Tomorrow’s Water to restore playas in Texas County, aiming to recharge aquifers and support wildlife. Courts & Development: A Norman judge is set to hear arguments on whether to halt bond issuance for the $1.1 billion Rock Creek Entertainment District amid a lawsuit. Health & Community: Our Blood Institute is asking for blood donors after expecting a holiday-related loss of more than 700 donations for Labor Day.

Industrial Services Expansion: MISTRAS Group is opening new field services locations in Tulsa and other U.S. markets to cut mobilization time and better support demand tied to energy, power, aerospace/defense, advanced manufacturing and data centers. AI for Retail Ops: Oklahoma-based Taco Bell franchisee O&M Restaurant Group selected Oscar AI to turn scattered store data into real-time, role-specific actions aimed at improving sales, margins and labor efficiency. Food Safety: Hodo recalled 75,250 packages of Chili Crisp Lightly Fried Tofu after ink from packaging “may have migrated into the product,” with distribution including Oklahoma. Higher Ed Leadership: Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones was elected to the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees for a four-year term. Energy/Tech Policy Watch: A new push to end faculty tenure in Oklahoma is already hurting hiring at regional universities, while Oklahoma’s data center boom continues to draw scrutiny over power and water impacts. Consumer/Market Finance: Oklahoma’s Paycom investment story highlights long-term stock gains for the Oklahoma City HR software giant.

Marijuana crackdown after deadly blast: Tulsa County DA Steve Kunzweiler charged Solo Extracts owner Ryan Bassham with murder after an Aug. 27 Sand Springs explosion killed two workers, and is pushing tougher state safeguards and more resources for Oklahoma’s medical marijuana oversight. State economic development & finance: Oklahoma is moving to outsource management of its $200 million sovereign wealth fund, with only one of 10 firms under consideration based in Oklahoma, as the Invest in Oklahoma Board looks for an outsourced chief investment officer. AI workforce push: University of Central Oklahoma launched an AI-focused MBA this fall, aiming to prepare business leaders for non-IT roles where AI skills are increasingly required. OKC redevelopment twist: The Gold Dome on Route 66 sold at a sheriff’s auction to a different bidder hours after OKC approved a separate $3 million incentive deal for another developer. Banking expansion: Truity Credit Union bought land in Collinsville for a full-service branch expected to open in 2027. Energy & travel: Oklahoma expanded PikePass interoperability to more states, adding additional tolling entities for smoother out-of-state travel. Food & consumer safety: A nationwide tofu recall was issued after ink from packaging was found to potentially migrate into product. Regional growth outlook: Greater OKC Chamber leaders highlighted defense and transit upgrades as key to supporting continued metro job and population growth.

Local Economic Development: OKC City Council will consider an economic development deal that could provide up to $3 million to redevelop the Gold Dome into a hospitality and entertainment venue, with an escrow structure tied to developer milestones and a Dec. 31, 2027 completion target. Higher Ed & Workforce: A new Oklahoma teacher-certification pass-rate story highlights uneven outcomes across programs, with some candidates passing on the first try while others face repeated retakes and barriers to employment. Public Safety & Courts: Court documents add detail to the Sand Springs explosion case, alleging the cannabis processing facility was not properly licensed and tying the owner to felony charges connected to two deaths. Big Tech & Advertising: The FTC and a coalition of 22 states, including Oklahoma, sued Amazon over claims it secretly inflated sponsored-ad prices via “hidden surcharges,” alleging tens of billions in overcharges to advertisers. Business Growth & Deals: Renewal by Andersen’s affiliate Esler Companies announced long-term athletics partnerships that include the University of Oklahoma, aiming for year-round fan engagement and community activations. Health & Consumer Impact: Oklahoma restaurant owners are adapting to alpha-gal syndrome as more customers report the tick-borne allergy, reshaping menus and cross-contamination practices.

Oklahoma State University Leadership: OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez requested a sabbatical, with Senior Vice Provost Chris Francisco stepping in as interim provost. Business Education: Spears College of Business interim dean role shifts as Jim Payne steps down to a faculty position and Bryan Edwards is named interim dean. Big Tech/Advertising: The FTC and 22 states, including Oklahoma, sued Amazon alleging it secretly inflated ad prices via its auction system, potentially costing advertisers more than $20 billion; Amazon denies wrongdoing. AI/Data Centers & Water: Google announced a $30 million Oklahoma water conservation push tied to data center concerns, while El Reno condemned a Bitcoin mining facility after a 3 million-gallon leak and cited safety violations. Manufacturing/Industry: Century Aluminum said it made further progress on its Inola smelter plans, including engineering work, energy contract talks, and financing. Public Safety/Marijuana Industry: An Oklahoma man was charged with murder after an explosion at a marijuana extraction facility killed two employees; court records also point to licensing and compliance issues. Energy/Markets: Oil prices rose and stocks fell after U.S. strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent back above $90.

Data Center Deal: Healthy Choice Wellness’ Host Digital secured a 15-year, take-or-pay lease worth about $1.25 billion (about $3.2 billion with options) for 43 MW of IT load at its northeast Oklahoma facility, with delivery expected in the first half of 2027. Aerospace & Local Growth: Okmulgee Regional Airport broke ground on a new terminal with a $2.5 million package—$602,775 federal grant, $950,000 state funds, and $950,000 city match—plus parking, ADA upgrades, utilities, and security improvements. AI for Multi-Unit Retail: Oscar AI says Oklahoma-based O&M Restaurant Group (23 Taco Bell units) will use its real-time analytics to improve sales, margins, labor efficiency, and store performance. Health & Research: OMRF will lead a one-year NIH-funded $400,000 study to test a potential medication approach for meth and cocaine addiction, partnering with UT San Antonio and Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals. Energy & Legal Fight: DOJ filed a statement of interest backing the Inola primary aluminum smelter, arguing Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s lawsuit seeks to block construction before environmental permits are fully reviewed. Public Safety: Oklahoma City’s Meadows Apartments fire displaced about 50 residents; in Sand Springs, OSBI says business owner Ryan Bassham turned himself in and faces two first-degree murder charges tied to an explosion that killed two and damaged at least 25 businesses. Crime Risk Snapshot: A new analysis of FBI 2024 reported crimes highlights wide state-by-state disparities in overall crime risk despite national declines.

Energy Deal: ONEOK will buy Brazos Midstream’s Permian Midland Basin natural gas gathering and processing assets for $4.425 billion, funded by a $9 billion Apollo minority equity investment and $5 billion of debt reduction, a move aimed at boosting cash flow and capital flexibility. Public Safety: A man charged with two first-degree murders after a deadly Sand Springs business complex explosion turned himself in; investigators say the blast was chemical-related during THC extraction and killed two people while damaging at least 25 businesses. Local Governance: Beggs is searching for a new police chief after its interim chief resigned, with the city leaning on the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office for temporary coverage amid turnover and fire department tension. Healthcare Spending: New Medicaid billing data show sharp local spikes in categories like durable medical equipment, anesthesia, and drugs administered other than oral method across multiple Oklahoma communities, highlighting shifting taxpayer-funded healthcare demand. Media/Politics: President Trump escalated his fight with NBC’s Kristen Welker, calling for FCC action after she described his endorsement results as “mixed results.”