AGP Executive Report

Coal Revival Push: The Trump administration announced $850 million for coal plant modernization and two new facilities, using the Defense Production Act to bolster “energy dominance,” drawing criticism that it’s an unnecessary subsidy. Workforce & Training: Oklahoma City Community College earned a national COE award for scaling TRIO Student Support Services campus-wide, while Prophaven Property Management named Oklahoma City CEO Bryce Pappas to support metro expansion. Local Development: Developers broke ground on Boulevard Place, a planned $80 million downtown Oklahoma City apartment project with 262 units near Scissortail Park. Energy Costs Watch: GasBuddy reported scattered Oklahoma price lows for the week ending May 30, including $4.43 midgrade in Woods County and $3.95 premium in Muskogee County, as national fuel prices stay volatile amid global supply risks. AI & Public Services: A new discussion on AI’s role as a public resource highlights growing pressure to treat AI like shared infrastructure, not just a profit tool. Health & Labor: A lawsuit alleges a hospital violated workers’ rights by denying religious and medical exemptions from a COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

NBA & Local Sports: Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti defended Chet Holmgren after a tough Western Conference Finals exit, calling him “one of our guys” and stressing Holmgren’s long-term impact. Tribal Leadership: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, who led the tribe for nearly four decades, announced he will retire June 26, with his son stepping in temporarily. Energy & Industry: Utility-scale solar surpassed wind in U.S. clean-power capacity, while Meta pledged $115 million for a job-guaranteed skilled trades training program tied to AI data center construction. Local Governance: Inola residents pushed for a potential smelter moratorium; the city approved a new ICARE committee to address community concerns. Economy & Workforce: Oklahoma child advocates say kids aren’t failing—state policy is—citing low rankings in child well-being. Public Safety & Costs: Oklahoma County jail trust tightened budget oversight ahead of an audit, and GasBuddy reported the cheapest E15 and premium gas deals in the state’s counties.

Child Wellbeing: Oklahoma’s overall child wellbeing in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count report edged up to a tie with Texas at 44th, but the state still trails on education and other outcomes, with advocates pointing to investment and policy choices. Public Safety & Agriculture: Texas activated an “escalated response” for the New World screwworm after it was detected inside the state, a move that could ripple into Oklahoma’s cattle supply chain if the pest spreads. Education Accountability: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond charged a former Tulsa Public Schools executive and two others in a case tied to alleged conspiracy, embezzlement and kickbacks, continuing a broader TPS audit. Tribal Leadership: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced he’ll retire June 26, with Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby set to take over. Energy Jobs: The Energy Workforce & Technology Council reported continued growth in energy services employment, including a rise in Oklahoma jobs. Local Economy Watch: Gas prices stayed volatile in late May, with multiple Oklahoma counties posting notable lows for regular, midgrade and diesel.

Climate & Labor Risk: A new Climate Central analysis says dangerously humid heat days are rising fastest in the Midwest and South, with Oklahoma-area cities like Tulsa seeing about five more extreme humid days per year than in 1979—raising health risks for workers, including farm laborers. Energy Markets: Despite a major oil supply shock tied to the Iran situation, crude prices have cooled into a calmer range, underscoring how much the market is driven by uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and shipping risk. Oklahoma Health Care: CMS data for Q1 2026 highlights wide nursing-home performance gaps: Epworth Villa Health Services (Oklahoma City) posted a 4-star overall rating with no fines; Ignite Medical Resort Tulsa also earned a 4; while Village Health Care Center (Broken Arrow) landed at 1 star and faced a $30,470 fine. State Policy & Insurance: Oklahoma’s insurance rate process is shifting—new law requires rate filings to be reviewed before taking effect, moving the state toward a file-and-wait system starting July 1, 2027. Flood Aftermath: Severe storms June 6-7 left parts of Oklahoma dealing with flooding and cleanup, including businesses in Sand Springs and Sapulpa as water levels receded. Politics: Oklahoma Republican gubernatorial candidates are laying out tax reform plans ahead of the June primary, focusing on property and income taxes.

Flood Response: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an emergency disaster declaration for Creek, Okfuskee and Tulsa counties after severe eastern Oklahoma flooding, urging residents and businesses to report damage at damage.ok.gov as assessments continue. Talc Litigation: A Los Angeles jury ruled Johnson & Johnson was not negligent in selling talc-based baby powder in an ovarian cancer case, a bellwether outcome as more than 67,000 similar lawsuits remain pending. Energy & Fuel Prices: GasBuddy data shows premium gas lows in Kay County ($4.34) and Tillman County ($4.09) for the week ending May 30, alongside county-by-county diesel and E85 price snapshots that underscore continued volatility tied to global oil and refinery conditions. State Tax Revenue: Oklahoma collected $435.5 million in insurance premiums sales taxes in 2024, up from $359.6 million the year before, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Business Growth/Industry: LSB Industries agreed to move toward full ownership of its El Dorado carbon capture project, aiming for more control and flexibility as it advances toward operations. Tribal Economy/Finance: Lakota Funds joined a USDA home loan program, securing $764,000 to expand mortgage lending on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Nursing Home Watch: Green Country Care Center in Tulsa County earned a 3-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, above Oklahoma’s 2.7 statewide average, with no fines or penalties reported. Healthcare Ownership: Senior Suites Healthcare in Broken Arrow (Tulsa County) posted a 2-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, also with no fines or penalties. Nonprofit Care: The Commons in Enid (Garfield County) received a 3-star CMS rating in early 2026, but did face one fine ($3,174) and one penalty. Caregiving Tax Relief: Oklahoma expanded the Caring for Caregivers Tax Credit, removing an age minimum, raising the income cap, and adding mileage for medical appointments—up to $3,000 for filers. Public Safety & Crime: New state laws target nitrous oxide misuse (up to 90 days in jail and $5,000 fines), and increase penalties for organized retail crime and identity theft. Rural Business: Oklahoma made the commercial forestry equipment sales tax exemption permanent and signed a law allowing mobile food vendors to use alternative fire suppression methods. Energy Policy: Kansas lawmakers pushed back on federal energy regulators over ending competitive bids for transmission projects, arguing it hands work to Evergy without competition.

Election Watch: Oklahoma voters head to the polls June 16 with early voting June 11-13 for Love County, deciding State Question 832 (minimum wage up to $15 by 2029) plus GOP primaries for U.S. Senate, governor, corporation commissioner and state superintendent, along with local races including District 1 county commissioner and District 20 district attorney (Melissa Handke vs. James Gilmartin). Public Safety & Courts: Tulsa County prosecutors and the Oklahoma AG filed 27 criminal charges tied to an alleged “elaborate” scheme that diverted Tulsa Public Schools bond money to a contractor for roofing work that wasn’t performed, with accusations of conspiracy, embezzlement and kickbacks. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma regular prices averaging about $3.90 for the week ending May 30, with standout lows like $3.49 in McClain County and $3.54 in Pawnee County; E15 and diesel also varied by county. Tribal Housing Funding: Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka opened a $4 million Native housing grant competition for tribes and tribally designated housing entities in Oklahoma and three other states, with applications due July 10. Livestock Health Risk: Federal and state officials are bracing for the New World screwworm’s spread after cases near the U.S.-Mexico border, with new monitoring, quarantine steps and sterile-fly production efforts underway.

Energy Policy: President Trump says he’s using the Defense Production Act to push $700M for coal power—extending and modernizing plants in multiple states, including Oklahoma—framing it as “energy dominance” while critics argue it’s reinvestment in aging systems. Household Costs: A new analysis using EIA data shows residential electricity prices rising fast in many states; Oklahoma’s increase is about 9.6% year over year, with grid investment and demand pressures cited. Oklahoma Politics: Former House Speaker T.W. Shannon is campaigning for lieutenant governor, pitching his experience and a “three C’s” agenda: capitalism, the Constitution and Christianity. Local Law & Retail: Oklahoma’s new Rockets’ Red Glare Act legalizes bottle rockets and allows some year-round fireworks sales, but cities like Oklahoma City say local bans still apply. Healthcare & Care Quality: CMS data highlights mixed nursing-home performance across Oklahoma—several facilities posted 1-star ratings and fines/penalties, while a few higher-rated homes reported no fines in Q1 2026. Business & Growth: Oklahoma City’s population grew by more than 6,100 people from 2024 to 2025, with leaders pointing to jobs, affordability and quality of life.

Mental Health Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Josh Anderson as interim head of Oklahoma’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, replacing interim commissioner Gregory Slavonic and adding another leadership change in 2½ years. Port Expansion: Sofidel broke ground on a $775 million expansion at its Port of Inola factory, adding 1 million square feet and 185 jobs, with operations targeted for 2028. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reported the week ending May 30 saw some of the lowest local prices in the state—like Cimarron County midgrade at $4.44 and Choctaw County E15 at $3.82—while national prices stayed volatile amid refinery outages and Middle East shipping risk. Oklahoma Tax Snapshot: Oklahoma collected $1.2 billion in individual income taxes in Q3 2025, down 21% from the prior quarter, according to Census Bureau data. Policy & Regulation Watch: A Tennessee remittance tax tied to international money transfers takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and critics warn it could hit families beyond immigration enforcement.

Energy & Industry: President Trump announced a $700 million federal package to expand U.S. coal, including $485 million to extend the life of 14 coal plants and support 42 mines, plus Defense Production Act authority to keep 13 plants running—Oklahoma is listed among the states targeted. Higher Ed Funding: House appropriators are weighing Pell Grant fixes for a reported $17 billion shortfall, but the plan would end subsidized federal student loans, a move higher-ed groups say could raise debt for low-income students. Politics & Labor: Oklahoma voters will decide State Question 832, a gradual path from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2029, with business owners warning of major small-business hurdles. Health Care (Nursing Homes): CMS Q1 2026 ratings show a mixed picture across Tulsa and surrounding counties, including a 1-star result for Emerald Care Center Tulsa versus 5-star scores for Mitchell Care & Rehab Center and Southbrook Healthcare. Local Business & Community: Oklahoma County Clerk’s mobile office helped veterans file DD-214 discharge paperwork, and a new law expands who can request copies starting Nov. 1, 2026. Retail/Consumer: Yesway reported strong inside sales growth in Q1 2026 despite higher fuel prices, citing resilient customer demand. Sports Business: Texas Tech coach Gerry Glasco pushed back on “buying a championship” claims after the Red Raiders fell 4-1 to Texas in the WCWS title series.

Oklahoma Energy & Gas Prices: Diesel and gasoline remain volatile across the state, with GasBuddy reporting the week ending May 30 lows including $4.49 diesel in Okfuskee County, $4.66 diesel in McCurtain County, and $3.95 regular gas in Pushmataha County, while Oklahoma’s statewide averages for regular and diesel both edged down. Fed Watch: Kansas City Fed President Jeffrey Schmid said the central bank is weighing patience versus rate hikes as inflation drifts around the 3.5% range. Education & Public Finance: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond and Tulsa DA Steve Kunzweiler charged three in an alleged $779,317 Tulsa Public Schools bond-fund fraud tied to bogus roofing work and kickbacks. Broadband Policy: A new push on BEAD implementation urges states to keep broadband offices funded and empowered through the federal rollout timeline. Public Safety & Courts: OSBI arrested a Claremore man accused of threatening Gov. Kevin Stitt and AG Gentner Drummond. Housing Development: A city council approved zoning changes that would allow modular homes in all classifications, including single-family areas. Business & Labor Politics: Oklahomans are weighing State Question 832, which would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2029, with small-business owners warning of major hurdles. Healthcare Deal: Ascension finalized its purchase of AMSURG after FTC required divestitures. Energy Industry & Environment: A documentary with ProPublica highlights Oklahoma oil wastewater contamination concerns, saying toxic fluid is spreading through old wells.

Property Tax Push: Republican-led states are moving to cut or eliminate property taxes on primary homes as surging values and homeowner frustration drive new ballot measures, with Florida approving a plan to abolish most property taxes for primary homeowners. Energy & Trade: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond sued to block a $4 billion aluminum smelter in Inola, arguing the project’s ties to the UAE could harm the state’s cattle industry; the companies say they’re in permitting and committed to responsible operations. Labor & Cost of Living: Oklahoma voters will decide June 16 on State Question 832, which would raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 in 2027, $13.50 in 2028 and $15 in 2029. Healthcare Real Estate: CMS data spotlighted multiple Oklahoma nursing homes, including The Commons in Garfield County (138 beds, 3-star rating) and River Valley Skilled Nursing and Therapy plus Senior Village Healthcare under Bridges Esop, Inc. Broadband Expansion: Dobson Fiber is adding mobile service via Reach, launching tiered plans that bundle mobile data with its existing broadband.

Turnpike Financing: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is seeking approval to issue $1.5 billion in revenue bonds to fund construction tied to the $8.2 billion ACCESS Oklahoma expansion, and it also approved using eminent domain if land talks fail. Energy Policy: Gov. Stitt pocket-vetoed a bill that would have excluded solar and battery storage from a property tax break for manufacturing facilities, keeping the tax treatment in flux for energy projects. Agriculture & Utilities: Oklahoma cotton gins are getting a rate increase for the first time since 1981, with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission raising ginning, bagging and tying rates to $10 per bale. Workforce & Education: South Louisiana Community College Chancellor Vincent June received a national Difference Maker Award for expanding workforce training tied to regional industry needs. Real Estate Tech: Ideal Homes & Neighborhoods launched an Oklahoma homebuyer app that tracks construction milestones, selections, documents and warranty claims from contract to closing. Business Growth: United Energy Corp. acquired Alkane Modus Vis and related assets in a deal valued around $31 million, expanding its LNG and distributed energy footprint that already includes Oklahoma.

Rare Earth Manufacturing Push: USA Rare Earth says it will invest $1.2 billion to build a magnet and rare-earth metals facility in South Carolina, aiming to cut U.S. reliance on China and expand domestic capacity alongside its Oklahoma operations. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ownership and quality data for multiple Oklahoma nursing homes show a wide spread in performance, from 5-star facilities like Elk Crossing and Meadowbrook to 1-star homes such as Checotah Nursing Center and Clinton Therapy & Living Center, with fines and penalties reported across several sites. State Tax Fight: Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments over a proposed state question that would phase out homestead property taxes, with opponents warning of major funding impacts for local schools and public safety. Turnpike Financing: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is seeking a third bond issuance for ACCESS Oklahoma projects, including new money and refinancing to reduce interest costs. Route 66 Business Impact: Tulsa-area Route 66 shops are hoping for steady visitors after Capital Cruise hiccups reportedly denied some cars entry, raising concerns for small businesses.

Turnpike Financing: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is seeking approval to issue $1.5 billion in bonds for the ACCESS Oklahoma expansion, with a separate resolution enabling eminent domain if land talks fail. Energy & Industry: DOE awarded $134 million to projects aimed at strengthening rare earth element supply chains by proving rare-earth recovery and refining from waste feedstocks. Rare Earth Manufacturing: USA Rare Earth says it will invest $1.2 billion in a new magnet manufacturing operation in Cherokee County, South Carolina, creating 490 jobs. Workplace Policy: A growing number of states raised minimum wages in 2026, underscoring the widening gap with the unchanged federal $7.25 floor. Tribal Governance: Cherokee Nation lawmakers advanced election code reforms, including a proposed firm withdrawal deadline after last year’s runoff dispute. Sports Business: The NBA Finals are set as the Knicks host the Spurs after San Antonio knocked out Oklahoma City in the West; ticket pricing and major media coverage are expected to drive big local and national attention. Community & Pride: Oklahoma City’s Pride Month calendar kicks off with multiple events across June, including Pride on 39th and PRIDE on the Plaza.

Cybersecurity & Education: OUPI in Tulsa is launching a cybersecurity clinic after landing a $1 million Google grant, aiming to help small manufacturers, nonprofits and tribal businesses with risk assessments while giving students hands-on experience. Data Privacy: The Better Business Bureau is urging Oklahomans to protect themselves after a Canvas learning platform hack, recommending password changes and checking what personal data is stored. Local Infrastructure: Tulsa’s South Mingo Avenue is getting new street lighting, with lane closures and tree trimming as crews add poles to improve visibility and safety. Autonomous Trucks Oversight: Oklahoma Highway Patrol is addressing public safety questions as self-driving semis operate on state roads, including how enforcement and emergency handling would work. Economic Development: OKC broke ground on the $121 million MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, pitching it as a downtown business booster with hopes for up to 100 events a year. Workforce & Health Care: Agape Care Group was named a 2026 Top Workplace for Nursing by Nurse.com, highlighting employee feedback on support and career growth. Minimum Wage Debate: Oklahoma voters are weighing SQ 832, with restaurants split on whether a path to $15 an hour would raise costs or help workers. Business Growth: Farmers Bank & Trust opened a satellite corporate office in Little Rock to support its expanding footprint across Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.