AGP Executive Report

Energy & Agriculture Policy: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says year-round E15 ethanol sales likely won’t pass without compromises for small oil refiners, after the House approved a bill and Senate farm language is still uncertain. Water & Infrastructure: Lake Mead hit a new low, underscoring the Colorado River crisis and the pressure on states, tribes, and Mexico that rely on the reservoir. Oklahoma Elections & Voting Access: Sample ballots are available for Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 election, and early voting starts Aug. 20 in Love County. Immigration & Federal Courts: The DOJ sued New York, Connecticut, and Vermont over in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, arguing federal law bars such benefits. State Government & Public Safety: Oklahoma’s OKC Will Rogers airport reported restroom and restaurant closures after a water main break affected water pressure. Local Oklahoma Resilience: Minco schools say drought and watering limits left a football field too hard to play on—so community members hauled water until an emergency order halted city irrigation. Education & Community: A new Oklahoma law creates a formal pathway for cold-case families to reopen investigations.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Department of Justice sued New York, Connecticut, and Vermont over laws granting illegal immigrants in-state tuition, arguing federal law bars those benefits and that the policies unlawfully discriminate. State Politics: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered a state review of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood for possible terrorism or public-safety threats, directing intelligence-based assessment and pushing for federal Foreign Terrorist Organization designations. Elections: Early voting starts Aug. 20 for Love County voters, with reminders that ballot “selfies” are allowed only after leaving the polling place; sample ballots are also available for the Aug. 25 election. Public Safety & Government Services: OKC Will Rogers International Airport reported restroom and restaurant closures after a water main break affected water pressure. Health: The FDA upgraded a massive salmonella egg recall to its highest-risk category, affecting about 19 million eggs. Energy & Cost of Living: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Okmulgee County at $3.48 for the week ending Aug. 8, while Oklahoma’s average regular price fell to $3.60.

Death Penalty in Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s death row continues to draw national attention after the Aug. 13 execution of Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez, with family members saying he changed and was “remorseful” in his final years. Public Safety & Civil Liberties: Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered state agencies to assess whether CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood pose terrorism or public-safety threats, and Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt blasted the move as fear-mongering without proof. Elections: State Question 846 would require proof of identity to vote and locks voter ID into the state constitution, with supporters citing election security and opponents warning it could enable overly strict rules and reduce ballot access. Homelessness Enforcement: Oklahoma is warning Tulsa and Oklahoma City it may seek reimbursement for Operation SAFE encampment cleanups, while state troopers cleared another Norman encampment next to Food and Shelter. Education Policy: GOP superintendent candidates are debating how to implement new reading reforms and a recess law that doubles elementary recess to 40 minutes. State Finances: FY 2026 General Revenue Fund collections totaled $8.9 billion, exceeding estimates and freeing up reserve-held funds as Oklahoma heads into the next legislative session.

Oklahoma Homelessness Response: State troopers cleared a Norman encampment again under Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Operation SAFE, with residents saying they were given about 20 minutes to leave; the state is also warning Tulsa and Oklahoma City they may have to repay nearly $900,000 in cleanup costs. Public Safety & Local Policing: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s agents are set to support the Beggs Police Department after multiple resignations left it short-staffed. Education Politics: Oklahoma superintendent runoff candidates are debating new reading reforms and a new law doubling elementary recess to 40 minutes, while also weighing whether religion should play a role in classrooms. State Government & Courts: Oklahoma’s AG Jackley joined other states urging DOJ not to appeal a federal ruling affecting firearm registration rules. Crime & Justice: A convicted violent offender in Oklahoma faces an additional felony charge tied to failure to comply with a violent crime registration requirement. Cold Case Law: Gov. Stitt signed SB 1636 creating a formal pathway for families to reopen cold cases with independent reviews. Health & Food Safety: FDA and CDC began inspections tied to a cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms’ Mexican lettuce, with Oklahoma among affected states.

Death Penalty in Oklahoma: Oklahoma executed Carlos Cuesta-Rodríguez for the 2003 murder of his common-law wife, Olimpia Fisher, as part of a rare same-day triple execution across the U.S. Homelessness Enforcement: Gov. Kevin Stitt is threatening to invoice Tulsa and Oklahoma City police for costs tied to Operation SAFE encampment sweeps on state land. Election Countdown: Early voting for the Aug. 25 runoff begins Aug. 20-22 in parts of the state, with voters reminded to use the OK Voter Portal and bring acceptable photo ID (or vote provisionally). Local Public Safety Tech: Oklahoma City leaders are set to consider renewing/adjusting the Flock Safety automated license plate reader contract amid privacy concerns. State Politics & Rhetoric: GOP gubernatorial runoff rivals Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei traded sharp words after Drummond called some “extreme” Republicans “fascists.” Energy Bills: A Tulsa-area lawmaker held a town hall on rising electric rates, pointing to multiple drivers beyond data centers. Local Incidents: OKC fire officials say a west-side wildfire Thursday is suspicious; Minco approved temporary outdoor water restrictions due to a pipeline bottleneck.

Capital Punishment: Oklahoma executed Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez, 70, for the 2003 murder of his common-law wife in McAlester—part of a rare same-day triple execution that also included Tennessee and Alabama, with witnesses reporting he mouthed “I love you” before death. Elections & Governance: Tulsa Regional Chamber hosted a “State of the State” forum with Gov. runoff candidates Gentner Drummond, Mike Mazzei, and Cyndi Munson, where they sparred on education, literacy, teacher pay, and public funding for private schools ahead of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff. Homelessness & State-City Fight: Oklahoma says it spent about $375,000 cleaning up homeless encampments in Oklahoma City and is warning it may seek reimbursement, escalating pressure on local enforcement under Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Operation SAFE. Education Funding: A state-ordered report on Oklahoma school spending urges changes, pointing to rising district carryover funds and uneven school-day counts, while a superintendent says the recommendations lack context. Reproductive Policy: A new Oklahoma law making abortion-pill trafficking a felony took effect, targeting illegal distribution of mifepristone and misoprostol. Public Safety Tech: Flock Safety says it’s recommending shorter retention for license-plate reader data amid scrutiny of Oklahoma agencies’ compliance with state law. Energy & Economy: Oklahoma’s gas prices stayed volatile in recent reporting, with GasBuddy listing the lowest midgrade and E85 prices in select counties. Culture & Community: Belladonna’s Garden, founded by Cherokee Nation citizen Shari Wilder, is giving northeastern Oklahoma writers and artists a new publishing home.

Oklahoma Death Penalty: Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez is scheduled for execution Thursday for the 2003 murder of his girlfriend, Olimpia Fisher, after the Pardon and Parole Board denied clemency. Capital Punishment Watch: Oklahoma is one of three states carrying out lethal injection Thursday—alongside Tennessee and Alabama—in the first such triple-execution day in nearly 16 years. Education Turnover: Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics is seeing heavy staff resignations, raising fresh questions about culture and retention at the state’s elite boarding school. Education & Elections: Republicans are competing for Oklahoma superintendent of education, with voters also facing Aug. 25 runoff decisions tied to state questions on property taxes and voter ID. Public Safety & Privacy: Coweta is removing license plate-reading cameras after residents raised privacy concerns, spotlighting a growing Fourth Amendment debate across Oklahoma. Religion & Government: Gov. Stitt ordered an investigation and possible terrorist designation targeting Oklahoma Muslim groups, citing federal findings about foreign organizations. Local Schools: OKCPS opened Capitol Hill High School on the city’s south side, funded by a nearly $1 billion bond approved in 2022.

State Superintendent Race: Cameron University will host a GOP runoff debate between Robert Franklin and James Taylor for Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction, with Lindel Fields saying he may offer “some support” after watching the matchup. County Jail Funding: Oklahoma County commissioners voted 2-1 to send a 0.4% sales tax to voters on Nov. 3 to fund a new jail, projected to raise about $70 million a year. AG vs. Inola Smelter: Attorney General Gentner Drummond asked a federal court for a preliminary injunction to halt construction of the Inola aluminum smelter amid environmental and governance concerns. Public Safety Law: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB 1675 tightening emergency planning requirements for youth camps and recreational campgrounds. Courts & Crime: The 10th Circuit upheld an Oklahoma man’s child pornography convictions, rejecting claims about the traffic stop and cellphone search. Local Government: Moore City Manager Brooks Mitchell was selected to join the Oklahoma Municipal League board. Consumer/Health: A major jalapeño recall expanded to hundreds of illnesses, and Sequoyah County issued a burn ban through Aug. 26.

Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: Oklahoma Republicans are in the Aug. 25 runoff to replace Gov. Kevin Stitt, with Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei trading sharp contrasts on issues like the Inola aluminum smelter, taxes, education, and surveillance tech such as Flock cameras. Election Logistics: Early voting begins Aug. 20 for Lincoln County voters, with dates and hours set at the county courthouse. State Question 846: Oklahomans will vote later this month on adding voter ID requirements to the state constitution and expanding legislative authority over election law. Tribal Governance: The Osage Nation is pressing Principal Chief Joe Tillman to consider reopening a closed Osage language immersion school, calling the shutdown a blow to language sovereignty. Public Safety & Courts: A judge cleared the way for Boerne to advance to the Little League World Series after Tulsa National’s disqualification fight played out in Texas court. Housing & Utilities: Tenants say landlords under Vesta Realty failed to provide essential services like air conditioning, water, and electricity, raising questions about limited remedies under Oklahoma law. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma AG actions continue in the fight over the proposed Inola aluminum smelter, as the state seeks to halt construction while litigation moves through federal court. Immigration Enforcement: ICE plans to spend up to $20 million on electrical shock gloves for agents, a move critics say could escalate dangerous encounters.

Gubernatorial Runoff: A new poll finds Oklahoma GOP governor candidates Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei nearly tied at 44% each, with “Trump Republicans” leaning Mazzei and “traditional Republicans” leaning Drummond. Cost-of-Living Messaging: Both candidates are pitching plans to cut costs for families ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff, including Mazzei’s push to eliminate income tax and property taxes for seniors/veterans and Drummond’s affordability-focused agenda. Inola Smelter Fight: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is seeking a court injunction to block a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola, as ranchers warn about pollution impacts on cattle and livelihoods. Little League Court Drama: A Texas judge dissolved a temporary restraining order, leaving Tulsa National Little League disqualified and advancing Boerne to the Little League World Series. Public Safety/Schools: Oklahoma’s “Watch for Me OK” campaign urges drivers to slow down and watch for changing school traffic patterns and bus zones as classes resume. Criminal Justice: The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended parole for Verna Stafford tied to the 1978 Sirloin Stockade massacre, drawing renewed pushback from victims’ families. State Courts/Bail: Oklahoma lawmakers are scrutinizing concerns about how bail hearings work in practice when judges set bail quickly at first court appearances.

Election & Voting Policy: Oklahomans will vote Aug. 25 on State Question 846, which would add voter ID requirements to the state constitution and expand lawmakers’ authority to set election rules. Public Safety & Courts: Oklahoma lawmakers are scrutinizing bail practices after reports that some defendants get only about 20 seconds in early court appearances before bail is set. Education Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt named state superintendent Lindel Fields as his education-policy adviser after Education Secretary Dan Hamlin’s departure. Local Government Finance: Lawmakers are pushing SQ 844, a move critics say could hurt county and local governments by changing how a long-running property tax break is funded. Justice System Fallout: An Oklahoma teen accused of raping two girls walked free after youthful-offender status ended the case; the victim’s attorney says the family is moving to civil litigation and wants federal action. Tribal Sovereignty & Tech: The Cherokee Nation banned hyperscale data centers on tribally owned/trust lands, citing citizen opposition and concerns over energy, water, air quality, and cultural impacts. Rural Mail Delivery: Oklahoma leaders urged federal lawmakers to protect rural USPS delivery as the agency faces financial strain. Crime & Enforcement: A weeklong multi-agency operation led to the arrest of a Sapulpa man wanted in three Oklahoma counties. Infrastructure & Emergency Response: OKC crews contained a grass fire near Will Rogers International Airport, with brief highway impacts.

Little League Fallout in Tulsa: Little League International removed Tulsa National from the Southwest Region baseball tournament after a protest over an ineligible player, turning Tulsa’s Sunday win over Louisiana into a forfeit and canceling the Tuesday title game; a Waco judge later granted Tulsa a temporary restraining order so the championship could proceed. Tribal Jurisdiction Fight: The Osage Nation filed in federal appeals court to revive its bid to have its reservation status treated as never disestablished, arguing it should be treated like other Oklahoma tribes after McGirt. Mental Health Funding in OKC: Oklahoma City broke ground on a $12 million MAPS 4 mental health crisis center with 32 beds aimed at easing pressure on ERs, jails, and first responders. School Recess Rule: Yukon Public Schools is preparing for a new state law adding 20 minutes of recess for pre-K through fifth grade, with indoor recess when heat index hits 95+. Federal Immigration Tuition Lawsuits: The DOJ sued New York, Connecticut, and Vermont over in-state tuition and aid for undocumented students, arguing it violates federal law and discriminates against U.S. citizens. Anti-Abortion Mail Challenge: Anti-abortion groups urged AG Todd Blanche to halt mailing abortion pills, citing the Comstock Act. Public Safety: A Skiatook man was sentenced to 21 months for threatening ICE officers on social media.

Pretrial Reform Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers are moving to scrutinize how bail is set in Oklahoma County, after concerns that some defendants get only seconds in court and judges don’t consistently hold individualized hearings tied to constitutional requirements. Immigration Shake-Up: President Trump’s surprise nomination of Richard “Lance” Schroyer to lead ICE has left top aides “blindsided,” with questions about his background and ties to Oklahoma law enforcement. School Funding Fight: Oklahoma GOP gubernatorial candidates are split on whether taxpayer dollars should support religious schools, as a new legal round over religious charter schools heads through federal court. Child Safety & Criminal Law: A federal jury convicted the “Missionary Handymen” couple in Indian Country of sexually abusing a minor, and another story spotlights Oklahoma’s felony-murder rule concerns for children facing life-altering charges. Public Safety Briefs: Owasso police investigated a fatal stabbing at a Quality Inn, while Tulsa police search for a teen suspect in a shooting that wounded four teenagers. Tribal Sovereignty & Data Centers: The Cherokee Nation says it won’t support hyperscale data centers on tribal lands without consultation, and it’s also pressing regulators over a proposed aluminum smelter near the reservation. Disaster Response Leadership: The Senate confirmed Cameron Hamilton as FEMA chief, signaling a shift in how disasters are handled after recent turmoil at DHS/FEMA. Local Governance & Property Taxes: Lawmakers are pushing changes to Oklahoma’s property tax breaks for manufacturers, setting up a potential Aug. 25 ballot fight over who pays when exemptions expand.

Tribal Gaming Oversight: A vacancy at the National Indian Gaming Commission is leaving the $46 billion tribal gambling industry without full enforcement power, stalling management deals like Harrah’s plans for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s Chandler casino. State Education Politics: Oklahoma’s GOP state superintendent race is headed to an Aug. 25 runoff between Robert Franklin and James Taylor, with both framing the contest around parental involvement ahead of a November matchup with Democrat Janetta Marshall. Public Safety & Health: Oklahoma’s Bureau of Narcotics is warning about kratom products that may contain synthetic 7-OH, which can act like opioids and is not legal in Oklahoma above certain levels. Local Governance & Transparency: An editorial argues immigration enforcement body cameras are a transparency win, but only if the public can actually access the footage. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma’s E15 and diesel prices easing in the week ending Aug. 1, with the lowest E15 and diesel deals appearing in select counties.

State Budget & Tax Flow: A new “Piggy Bank Chart” breaks down where McAlester’s 10% sales tax goes—showing the City doesn’t keep it all, with 4.5% to Oklahoma and 1.5% to Pittsburg County services like roads, the jail, and rural fire protection. Tribal Gaming Oversight: An AP report says the National Indian Gaming Commission can’t enforce rules or approve deals because it’s operating without a chairperson, stalling Harrah’s management plans for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and raising concerns for the $46 billion tribal gambling industry. Education & Federal Rights: Oklahoma Watch reports the state’s elite boarding school OSSM is refusing to adopt Title IX protections, with a departing administrator calling it a “crisis waiting to happen.” Public Safety & DUI: Oklahoma prosecutors and law enforcement are training ahead of a new DUI law taking effect this fall, with a statewide conference running into the national Drive Sober push. Health & Food Safety: A lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak continues to spread, with federal health officials tying cases to shredded lettuce and warning consumers to stay cautious. Local Government Accountability: A state auditor report alleges a former Oklahoma town clerk used public funds for personal purchases and dog-related expenses, calling it the worst oversight example in years.

Impaired Driving Crackdown: Oklahoma prosecutors and law enforcement partners are training together ahead of a new DUI law taking effect this fall, with the Impaired Driving and Prosecution Conference running Aug. 19 through Sept. 7. State Superintendent Race: The GOP nomination for Oklahoma superintendent is headed to a runoff Aug. 25 between educators Robert Franklin and James Taylor, setting up a matchup with Democrat Jennettie Marshall. Federal Immigration Pressure: A Tontitown Grape Festival boycott call is drawing pushback after the town police’s participation in ICE’s 287(g) program sparked safety concerns among immigrant advocates. Public Safety Support: A nonprofit donated ballistic vests and first-aid gear for K9s to agencies including the Columbia Police Department and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Energy Watch: The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve dropped to 304.81 million barrels, the lowest since 1983, after Trump ordered releases tied to Strait of Hormuz disruption risks. Local Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties posting lowest-in-week regular, E15, E85, midgrade, and diesel deals.