AGP Executive Report

Health Care Expansion: Chickasaw Nation broke ground on a new medical campus in Newcastle aimed at serving more than 100,000 Native patients, including a first 700,000-square-foot phase with 50 inpatient beds, an emergency department, labor and delivery, pediatrics and behavioral health. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order covering Oklahoma and 16 other states to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat, letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch generation and use backup resources as a last resort. Food Security: SNAP cuts are hitting Oklahoma families hard, with about 18% of recipients removed over 18 months, pushing more demand onto local food banks and shelters. Public Safety & Community Impact: Oklahoma City’s Dos Cinco reopened after a deadly shooting, supported by neighbors and local back-to-school efforts. Housing/Real Estate: Landmark Towers in northwest OKC is being redeveloped into “The Landmark,” a gated apartment community with 300-plus units. Business & Finance: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority received conditional approval for bond financing tied to the Access Oklahoma extension. Data Privacy: A law firm is investigating potential claims tied to the SM Energy data breach involving exposure of sensitive personal information.

Oklahoma Health & Workforce: A new HOPE campaign funded by a TSET Legacy Grant is rolling out free lung cancer screenings and tobacco-cessation support for eligible Oklahomans, aiming to close gaps in access as the state’s smoking and lung cancer rates remain high. State Politics & Regulation: Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready and AG candidate Gentner Drummond are trading barbs over how the state is handling rising home insurance prices, with Mulready accusing Drummond of bullying his office. Local Business & Housing: Tulsa hosted a public session for renters dealing with Vesta property-management problems, including maintenance delays and disputes over lease termination fees. Energy & Infrastructure: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority updates point to major expansion progress, including new bonds for additional capacity and continued work on the South Turnpike Extension. Tech & Economic Development: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt used the National Governors Association meeting to push AI and data center policy, highlighting protections for ratepayers and strict permitting. Sports Business: The UFL says it’s leaving Houston and Birmingham while planning expansion that includes Oklahoma City, reshaping the league’s spring-football footprint. Public Safety & Courts: A new look at Oklahoma bail schedules shows big county-by-county differences that can affect how quickly people can secure pretrial release.

Lettuce Fallout Hits Fast-Food Sales: Yum Brands said Taco Bell US same-store sales are down 2% in the July-September period amid the cyclospora outbreak tied to shredded lettuce; the chain removed Taylor Farms lettuce July 17 and Yum says sales are now steadily recovering, with day-to-day trends about halfway back to year-ago levels. Turnpike Financing Moves Forward: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority won approval for up to $1.5 billion in revenue bonds for its Access Oklahoma expansion, with bond issuance tied to conditions as a federal lawsuit over the East-West Connector project continues. More Bond Authority Approved: A separate Oklahoma Council of Bond Oversight decision cleared up to $2.9 billion in turnpike bonds, even as litigation seeks to halt further issuance. School Funding Fight Looms: Oklahoma State Question 844 would let the Legislature opt out of reimbursing local governments and schools for property tax revenue lost to the state’s manufacturing tax exemption; districts warn it could reduce statewide school funding. Nursing Pipeline for Working Oklahomans: SSM Health is expanding an online pathway program helping working adults earn nursing degrees, highlighted by RN Taylor Garcia’s completion after balancing shifts and classes. QuikTrip Expands in Utah: The Tulsa-based retailer opened its first Utah travel center in Marriott-Slaterville, with more locations planned for 2026. Nuclear Campus Interest Includes Oklahoma: Idaho was named a potential host for federal nuclear life cycle innovation campuses, with Oklahoma also among the states in the running. EEOC Signals More Pregnancy Scrutiny: The agency is emphasizing enforcement around pregnancy discrimination and accommodation, including lawsuits involving Oklahoma employers.

Nuclear Energy Push: Oklahoma is now a DOE finalist for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, joining Louisiana, Utah, Tennessee and Idaho as states explore an end-to-end nuclear fuel cycle that could bring major investment and jobs. Nuclear Waste Deals: Separate reporting says five Republican-led states—including Oklahoma—have agreed to accept nuclear waste in exchange for federal help developing nuclear energy, with non-binding plans tied to future campus hubs. Oklahoma Courts & Health: The FTC sued Hims & Hers over alleged health data sharing with Meta and Snap, while Oklahoma’s own legal headlines include a chiropractor convicted in a $30M Medicare fraud scheme. Energy Markets: U.S. crude inventories fell sharply, with Cushing, Oklahoma dropping below 20 million barrels, as refineries run near record levels. Local Business: Jesus House in Oklahoma City plans to end its daily meal program and shift toward a larger recovery center, while Hobbs Sporting Goods in Dublin is closing after nearly 60 years. Food & Consumer Impact: A cyclospora-linked lettuce outbreak continues to hit restaurant sales, with Oklahoma named among affected states.

Oklahoma Nuclear Watch: Oklahoma is one of five finalists for the federal “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” a bid that could bring up to $50 billion in investment and tens of thousands of jobs—though outside experts are warning the tech is still experimental and raising questions about safety and oversight. Energy & Industry: Tulsa-based Occlusion Solutions is pitching the campus concept, saying it could center on small modular reactors plus uranium enrichment, recycling, engineering and radioisotope production. Local Business Growth: MyHeartCreative, an OKC web design agency that started at a kitchen table, says it’s grown into a global shop with clients worldwide and plans to expand further. Insurance & Storm Risk: Oklahoma’s insurance regulators and political leaders are trading barbs over an overdue report on insurers’ handling of roof claims, with the dispute tied to storm-damage costs and premium pressure. Community & Public Safety: After a murder in OKC’s Asian District, business owners and leaders met with police to discuss homelessness, mental health response and how to keep the area safe for commerce. Infrastructure & Services: Tulsa County DA asked OSBI to review multiple deaths at the Tulsa Municipal Jail over three years, following recent reporting and mayoral action. Tech & Connectivity: NTIA extended deadlines for Tribal broadband programs by 60 days, with the agency visiting the Chickasaw Nation near Ada.

Nuclear economy push: The U.S. Department of Energy has named Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho as potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a bid to modernize the full nuclear fuel cycle and spur major investment and jobs; Oklahoma is a finalist, not a final pick. Local politics & schools: Oklahoma’s State Question 844 would change how the state reimburses local governments for a property tax exemption for new or expanding manufacturers, but critics warn it could shift costs onto some school districts. Data center backlash: Yukon residents are circulating a petition to ban data centers, citing noise, loss of local control and worries about rate increases, as the city argues the projects bring tax revenue. AI in corrections: LEO Technologies launched Verus Vision AI, aiming to turn existing correctional camera systems into “operational intelligence” for earlier risk detection and automated tasks. Healthcare tech caution: A Vermont pharmacy chain’s AI refill assistant is drawing complaints about delays, wrong information and privacy concerns. Business & markets: Grain futures slipped overnight while oil jumped on renewed U.S.-Iran tensions; separately, Core Scientific doubled leased AI capacity to about 1.1 GW via a major AMD infrastructure deal.

Nuclear Energy Push: The U.S. Department of Energy has named Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho as initial contenders for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a voluntary federal-state effort that could co-locate fuel-cycle activities and waste disposition, with Oklahoma positioning the project as a jobs-and-investment engine. Robocall Crackdown: Oklahoma Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a 49-state coalition urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to stop illegal robocalls and the fraud they fuel. Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled lettuce has expanded to nine states, while a separate salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs continues to spread across 17 states—raising fresh pressure on grocers and pantries. Local Governance: Cleveland County’s new sheriff, Darrell Weaver, is taking over amid homelessness and inmate-care concerns as he sets goals for a turnaround. Tech in the Field: Oklahoma’s Rendel Farms is beta-testing autonomous farm equipment, showing how automation is moving from demos into real operations. AI Data Centers: Core Scientific and AMD announced a major AI infrastructure partnership that includes leased capacity in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

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.