AGP Executive Report

Privacy & Policing: A federal judge in Oklahoma ruled a Tulsa County deputy violated the Fourth Amendment by pulling a month of vehicle location history from Flock and another license-plate reader system without a warrant, raising broader concerns about dragnet-style surveillance. Local Tech & Business: The decision lands as Oklahoma businesses and public agencies weigh how to use connected security tools—while regulators and courts push for tighter limits. Energy & Costs: With El Niño and record U.S. gas supply expected to lower winter natural gas prices, analysts say consumers could see relief on heating and electricity costs. Food & Consumer Watch: Trader Joe’s and Walmart expanded a frozen-berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination, prompting shoppers in multiple states (including Oklahoma) to check lot codes. Community & Economy: Oklahoma City’s Asian District returned with its Night Market Festival, drawing crowds and spotlighting local culture and economic activity. Politics & Campaigns: President Trump again attacked Fox News over rally coverage as he pushes GOP turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, including stops tied to Oklahoma politics and the broader data-center fight.

Midterm Tax Fallout: With Nov. 3 elections looming, a new look at statewide ballot measures shows Americans could see major tax changes driven by states—not just Washington—ranging from “tax the wealthy” proposals to property-tax cuts and constitutional limits on low-income tax rates. Oklahoma Data-Center Debate: Oklahoma lawmakers and utilities are weighing the grid, water, permitting and local economic impacts of data centers, as federal tax incentives for rural projects spark mixed reactions and keep moratorium talk alive. Legal/Privacy Ruling: A federal judge in Oklahoma ruled a deputy’s use of Flock license-plate reader searches violated the Fourth Amendment, ordering prosecutors to exclude records gathered after the warrantless query. Energy & Housing Costs: Oklahoma’s gas-price and storm-related rate issues remain in focus, while broader cost-of-living pressure is shaping voter sentiment heading into the final stretch. Local Business Pulse: Oklahoma City’s retail and housing market signals are mixed, with ongoing attention on home sales, inventory shifts, and consumer spending.

Midterm Strategy & Oklahoma Stops: With less than a month to Nov. 3, President Donald Trump is pushing a 32-day campaign blitz, including rallies in Oklahoma and other red states, as polls and betting markets increasingly point to Democrats making gains in the House and Senate. Economy Messaging Clash: At an Oklahoma rally, Trump supporters told Fox they’re “upset” about prices and gas costs, while a new poll shows very low approval for how Trump is handling the economy—setting up a tough affordability narrative for Republicans. Surveillance Ruling (Oklahoma): A federal judge in Tulsa threw out evidence in a meth case after ruling a deputy’s warrantless search of a Flock license-plate database violated the Fourth Amendment, calling it “indiscriminate mass surveillance.” Data Center Policy Watch (Oklahoma): Oklahoma lawmakers are taking a closer look at data centers after an interim study aimed at separating “myths” from current realities, including power and water concerns. AWS Transparency Move: Amazon Web Services says it will stop using NDAs with government agencies and will publish more annual reporting on energy and water use—an effort to address scrutiny over data center impacts.

Oklahoma Energy & Agriculture: Diesel prices remain a major pressure point for farmers and ranchers as supply disruptions and tight fuel markets push costs higher, with multiple states weighing ways to let farm/red-dye diesel be used temporarily on public roads. Oklahoma Politics & Cost of Living: In Durant, President Donald Trump urged GOP voters to “pretend I’m on the ballot,” tying turnout to his America First agenda as gas prices and broader economic worries weigh on approval. Oklahoma Marijuana Cleanup: Oklahoma’s marijuana enforcement crackdown has left behind thousands of abandoned grow sites, raising concerns about derelict land, theft of equipment and potential chemical risks to soil and groundwater. Oklahoma Business/Regulatory: Oklahoma Gas and Electric is seeking a large rate increase from the Corporation Commission, a move that would raise monthly customer costs. Rural Oklahoma Data Centers: The Oklahoma Rural Association is backing Lambda’s planned Mayes County data center, citing construction jobs and projected local tax revenue. Health Care Policy: Trump announced one-time nearly $90 checks for more than 20 million seniors to offset Medicare Part B premiums.

Oklahoma Energy & Courts: Oklahoma utility rate fights are heading to the U.S. Supreme Court as Gann, West and West’s challenge to utility bill increases and related Oklahoma Supreme Court appeals continues. OG&E Rate Pressure: Oklahoma Gas and Electric filed for a base rate hike with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, seeking an average residential increase of $23.88 a month (17.5%). Deer Hunting Rules: Oklahoma’s deer season is underway with new out-of-state licensing requirements tied to chronic wasting disease monitoring. Local Business & Community: Restore OKC marks 10 years in northeast Oklahoma City with a free community festival. OKC Education: A new John Rex Polytechnic High School charter is set to open in fall 2027 near the Oklahoma City National Memorial, with engineering and entrepreneurship among its focus areas. Cybersecurity: Oklahoma is among states rolling out Cybersecurity Awareness Month toolkits and checklists for residents and businesses. National Policy Watch: The FTC settled with Southern Glazer’s over claims it discriminated against smaller alcohol sellers, and Iowa moved toward court approval of a major Sandoz generic-drug price manipulation settlement.

Oklahoma Politics & Energy Costs: President Trump returned to Oklahoma for a Durant rally, leaning on gas-price promises and urging GOP turnout for Nov. 3 midterms, while the event also spotlighted the state’s energy economy and affordability pressure. State Policy & Fuel Relief: Across the U.S., states including Oklahoma are moving to curb soaring diesel and gasoline costs ahead of the election, with lawmakers weighing tax and regulatory tweaks tied to the Iran-driven fuel shock. Utility Lawsuit Update: Oklahoma’s winter storm natural gas price fight is moving again after regulators and courts weighed in, with a judge ruling in favor of AG Gentner Drummond over alleged market manipulation during the 2021 crisis. Healthcare & Consumer Watch: AG Fitch urged consumers to check eligibility for compensation tied to the multistate generic drug settlement, a reminder that Oklahoma’s legal and consumer-protection work is increasingly tied to national payouts. Business & Investment: EMD Electronics opened a new R&D facility in Wisconsin to accelerate advanced semiconductor materials—another sign of continued tech supply-chain investment that can ripple into Oklahoma’s manufacturing ecosystem. Local Business Spotlight: Critter Stop won a national best vehicle wrap award, highlighting how Oklahoma-area service firms are leaning into branding to stand out.

Midterm campaign push: President Trump kicked off a 32-day blitz with stops in Texas and Oklahoma, including a Peterbilt visit tied to manufacturing and jobs and a Durant rally aimed at boosting GOP turnout in the Nov. 3 election. Energy and prices: At the rallies, Trump blamed inflation on the prior administration and the Iran war, while voters remain focused on gas and grocery costs. Oklahoma jail funding: Oklahoma County commissioners are seeking support for a two-fifths-of-a-penny sales tax on the November ballot to help build a new jail, with the Greater OKC Chamber still weighing a position. SNAP changes: New SNAP rules bring a modest benefit increase for Oklahoma households but also raise state administrative costs and could expand work requirements. Data centers in the spotlight: Opposition to data centers is becoming a national election issue, with markets pointing to possible legislative scrutiny in Oklahoma and other states. Drug pricing enforcement: Oklahoma’s neighbors in the AG coalition announced a major $400M Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing. Local business & community: A new Oklahoma City franchise owner is launching a moving and junk-removal business, while OKC’s Asian night market returns with 100+ vendors and entertainment.

EEOC Legal Action: The EEOC sued a Lawton nursing home and its manager, alleging disability discrimination against a nurse who requested medical leave, including harassment and termination after surgery. Death Penalty Fallout: Tennessee halted the rest of Christa Pike’s execution schedule after she survived a lethal-injection attempt, prompting an outside investigation and renewed scrutiny of execution protocols. Politics & Media: The White House again blocked CNN from a rotating press pool for Trump’s Texas-Oklahoma trip, even as a judge’s temporary restraining order remains in effect. Education Policy: The Trump administration proposed a federal scholarship tax credit that would let nearly all students in at least 30 states apply for aid usable for private school and homeschooling. Oklahoma Campaign Trail: Sen. James Lankford is traveling with Trump to a Durant rally with GOP candidates, as the president ramps up midterm campaigning. Energy & Jobs: Oklahoma officials briefed on a potential DOE nuclear lifecycle innovation campus, describing three planned “nodes” and touting major long-term economic impact. Business & Trade: Ten-Nine Technologies expanded in China via a distribution partnership to commercialize its battery additive. Healthcare Payments: The administration began issuing $500 ACA “refund” checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states. Securities Enforcement: Oklahoma’s Department of Securities sued Vesta Realty for failing to turn over subpoenaed documents.

Oklahoma Nuclear Push: Oklahoma disclosed more details on its bid to host a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, with officials saying it could create up to 25,000 jobs but leaving major questions about location and long-term impacts. Drought Relief for Farms: The state approved $2 million for drought-affected producers, with applications opening Oct. 5 via the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and potential reimbursements up to $7,500. Healthcare Refunds: The Trump administration began mailing $500 Obamacare rebate checks to nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, a move timed ahead of the Nov. midterms. Education Funding: OU launched OU Onward, a scholarship covering tuition and average fees for in-state students with family incomes between $60,000 and $75,000 who don’t qualify for Oklahoma’s Promise. Energy & Industry Watch: OG&E revamped its long-running neighbor-assistance program, while Oklahoma’s fuel market continued to show volatility in recent GasBuddy price reports. Retail/Local Business: Dulce Vida closed its Oklahoma City Memorial Road location, while Buc-ee’s is moving closer to an Oklahoma debut with OKC talks and approvals.

AI Policy & Consumer Protection: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond joined a coalition urging Congress to regulate AI at an “intentional pace,” with safety and transparency, while Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) backs an AI Systems Transparency Act that would require covered companies to disclose data use, safeguards, and risks. Energy & Courts: A judge ruled Oklahoma marketer NextEra Energy Marketing liable for illegally inflated natural gas prices during Winter Storm Uri, setting up a trial on damages. Local Business & Infrastructure: Oklahoma City approved a $25 million infrastructure deal tied to bringing the state’s first Buc-ee’s to the metro, with “active conversations” also reported for additional OKC improvements. Tech & Data Centers: Oklahoma lawmakers held a study on how to regulate data centers amid concerns about utility bills and water use, with some cities considering moratoriums. Tribal & Community: Cherokee Nation leaders pushed for federal action to protect Tulsa’s Greenwood District as a national monument. Corporate Finance: PowerCompute said it fully repaid and terminated its Arch Lending Bitcoin-backed credit facility, cutting secured debt about 94% and releasing all pledged Bitcoin collateral.

Buc-ee’s Expansion: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt says the city is in “very active conversations” with Buc-ee’s for a first Oklahoma location at I-40 and Cimarron Road, with OKDOT infrastructure support approved by City Council. Local Business Impact: Construction near Pine and Mingo in north Tulsa is cutting lunch traffic for long-running small businesses, with owners reporting sales down about 70% and warning damage may already be lasting. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the cheapest diesel in Major County at $5.39/gal (week ending Sept. 19), while midgrade and E15 prices also show pockets of lower-cost competition across multiple counties. Education & Workforce: Marietta Main Street Committee is offering two $500 scholarships for education degrees and CareerTech/trade training, with applications open through Oct. 15. Healthcare Philanthropy: Harold Hamm donates $150 million to the University of Oklahoma, including a renamed Harold Hamm Health Campus and major diabetes research and training funding. Veterans Mental Health: VA awards nearly $3 million in Oklahoma grants to seven organizations for veteran suicide prevention and mental health access. School Enrollment: Tulsa Public Schools signals possible closure of 17 schools amid Oklahoma’s steep enrollment decline.

NBA Business & Local Sports: Nikola Jokic said he plans to sign a Nuggets extension next summer—“if they want me”—while Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander framed the Thunder’s new, salary-shed roster as a tight-knit group still built for contention. OKC Real Estate & Logistics: CoStar’s updated bulk logistics ranking puts Oklahoma City at No. 1 for big-box performance, citing strong leasing demand and limited future supply. Housing Development: Tulsa Housing Authority opened the second phase of the $210M 36N mixed-income project, adding 70 units and 3,200 sq. ft. of commercial space. Workplace & Legal: The EEOC sued Continental Inn, alleging pregnancy discrimination at a Blackwell, Okla. hotel. AI Policy: Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) joined a bipartisan push for the AI Systems Transparency Act, which would require AI companies to disclose user data practices and safeguards. Energy & Cost Pressure: A record hot summer coincided with a surge in U.S. household electricity shutoffs, highlighting affordability strain. Consumer/Finance: Oklahoma AG Alan Wilson urged consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices. Local Business Spotlight: Everything Outdoors of Tulsa was named Tulsa’s Best Landscaping Service for 2026.

Insurance Court Fight: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s case against State Farm is set to proceed after a Cleveland County judge denied State Farm’s motion to dismiss; the insurer also wants to disqualify Drummond’s lawyers, arguing they could “inappropriately leverage” the suit. Data Privacy: A multistate settlement over a 2019 Labcorp data breach requires stronger vendor-security controls and includes nearly $2.3 million in payments to states, with Illinois receiving $98,126. Energy & Consumer Costs: GasBuddy reports show volatile but mostly easing prices in Oklahoma, including premium at $4.19 in Muskogee County and diesel at $5.49 in Okmulgee County for the week ending Sept. 19. Local Business & Community: OKC Pride is asking for community donations to cover a $17,000 debt after a vendor dispute left it unable to pay a security firm. Economic Development/Real Estate: Zillow data shows Dewey County’s typical home value rose 3.9% to $135,502 in August 2026. Small Business: MoQana Coffee opened in Norman, drawing long lines and a mayoral visit.

Banking Expansion: Oklahoma-based Regent Bank is adding commercial lending offices in Kansas City and St. Louis, aiming to expand its regional footprint to 10 markets across Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri. Healthcare Policy: The Medical Group Management Association says CMS plans for 2027 would tighten Medicaid work requirements and limit who can provide remote monitoring, raising compliance and access concerns for practices. Local Business & Growth: Crafton Tull promoted Daniel Ellis to chief operating officer as the firm leans into internal operations across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Regulatory/Workforce Impact: Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas cattle groups say ICE enforcement is disrupting agriculture and could push up beef prices, warning of workforce “chilling” effects. Energy & Infrastructure: Oklahoma’s Corporation Commission agreed to pay more than $310,000 in severance to three former employees, according to severance agreements. Real Estate Oversight: States are moving to add limits and oversight on cash-for-homes wholesaling as regulators and consumer advocates push back on how deals are structured. Consumer/Home Maintenance: Angi ranked Washington, D.C. as the most fall-ready metro and Oklahoma City among the least prepared, signaling a potential uptick in home repair demand.

Retail & Wealth: A new look at Sam Walton’s playbook highlights how Walmart hit $1B in annual sales in 1980—then grew into a retail giant whose heirs now sit on a roughly $453B combined fortune. Energy Costs: GasBuddy price reports show Oklahoma drivers paying around $3.95 for regular statewide in the week ending Sept. 19, with E15 as low as $3.49 in Oklahoma County and diesel averaging about $5.93 statewide. Local Business Development: Buc-ee’s is seeking Oklahoma City approval for a first-in-state location at I-40 and Cimarron Road, with a reported $25M road-infrastructure update tied to the project. Civic & Community Funding: Oklahoma City Pride is asking for community support to cover a $17,000 shortfall after sponsor pledges fell short. State Budget Watch: Oklahoma collected $2.9B in total tax revenues in Q1 2026, with sales/gross receipts and income taxes leading collections. Public Finance Oversight: The state auditor says Oklahoma spent $6.2M planning a behavioral health campus that was never built, with the costs not carrying over to the replacement project. Housing Data Point: Zillow reports Harper County’s typical home value fell 3.3% year over year to $75,609 in August 2026. Sports Business Angle: Oklahoma City’s sports economy stays in the spotlight as the NBA’s expansion talks and local fan activity continue to draw attention.

Energy Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy is pushing $1.9B in grid investments, with Oklahoma set to receive $250M for a planned high-voltage transmission line from near Guymon to Pueblo, Colorado. Fuel Costs: Oklahoma diesel is edging toward $6 a gallon, adding pressure to household budgets and freight costs even as state tax collections hit a record $18B. Healthcare Data: A multistate coalition reached a $2.3M settlement with Labcorp over a 2019 data breach tied to its debt-collection vendor, AMCA, affecting millions nationwide including 451,558 Marylanders. Immigration & Agriculture: Cattle and meatpacking groups say heightened ICE activity in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma is disrupting shipments and causing lost revenue—raising fears of higher beef prices. Veterans Care: Sen. Brenda Stanley led an interim study on improving care for Oklahoma’s 275,000+ veterans, focusing on the state’s veterans homes and long-range planning. Local Business: Tulsa’s Everything Outdoors expanded landscaping and outdoor living services across the Tulsa metro and Broken Arrow.