AGP Executive Report

Labor Day Gas Prices: Americans are paying record-high prices at the pump, with AAA putting regular at about $4.14 a gallon and warning the national average could top the old Labor Day record of $3.82. College Football (SEC/Big Ten): Week 1 power rankings are rolling out after a strong SEC showing and a Big Ten weekend marked by controversy, including Michigan’s last-second Hail Mary escape vs. Western Michigan. Oklahoma Sports (NIL/9-11): Oklahoma Sooners edge rusher Danny Okoye is tying his on-field production to donations for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation ahead of the 25th 9/11 anniversary. Local Nonprofit Grants: The Sam the I Can Man Foundation is accepting applications for “I Can Too” grants supporting Oklahomans with differing abilities through equipment, activities, and experiences. Public Safety/Weather: Severe storm chances are highlighted for Monday night in parts of the Plains, with wind and hail risks noted. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in 16 states are urged to check freezers as a Chilean berry recall expands due to possible E. coli contamination.

Oklahoma Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma’s own college scene stayed busy as No. 14 BYU played Oklahoma to a 1-1 draw in Provo, with Sophie Sivulich scoring the equalizer for the Cougars. Oklahoma State soccer also got a win at home, grinding out a 2-0 victory over Southeast Missouri State with goals built on teamwork in the offensive third. Oklahoma City Thunder: A new report says OKC is doing early 2027 NBA Draft scouting overseas, as the team looks to stay in championship mode. Local Business/Community: In Tulsa, Oasis Fresh Market is nearing its long-awaited opening downtown at 6th and Cincinnati, aiming to bring a full-service grocery option back after years of food-desert gaps. National Sports Notes: Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Shohei Ohtani’s return is “imminent”, while a high school football game in Hawaii ended early after a third-quarter brawl.

Oklahoma City & State Water: Oklahoma City plans to release water from Canton Lake later this month to raise Lake Hefner levels, a move tied to local water management. College Football (OU/OSU): Oklahoma opened its season with a 51-0 shutout over UTEP, with John Mateer throwing three TDs and Isaiah Sategna adding an 88-yard punt return score; meanwhile, Oklahoma State’s new era under Eric Morris started with a 24-10 loss to Tulsa. Big Ten Drama: Michigan survived Western Michigan 13-12 on a controversial second-chance Hail Mary after officials restored one second to the clock, keeping the Wolverines unbeaten at 1-0. National Policy Watch: TSA launched “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” a pilot letting approved non-ticketed visitors walk to the gate at select airports, including Will Rogers World Airport in OKC. Local Community Spotlight: Fort Sill, Oklahoma, became the third military base to roll out geothermal heat pumps for family homes. Sports Business/Tech: Opposition is growing to new AI data centers over power-grid strain, with residents in multiple states pushing back.

OSU-Tulsa Shock in Oklahoma Sports: Tulsa beat Oklahoma State 24-10 in Eric Morris’ debut, spoiling the Cowboys’ big offseason with a slow, mistake-filled offense and four Tulsa stops on fourth down. Drew Mestemaker finished 29-of-49 with a touchdown and two interceptions, while Baylor Hayes threw for 227 yards and a score and Damari Alston ran for two TDs. College Football Week 1 Watch: Oregon rallied to beat Boise State 34-27 after a slow start, while Week 1 featured standout first-start quarterback performances nationwide. Local Weather & Daily Life: Daylight saving time could end on Nov. 1, 2026 unless the Sunshine Protection Act clears the Senate and is signed; Florida and many other states have already moved to make it permanent. OKC Area Sports: Oklahoma City University opened its Sooner Athletic Conference road swing with a 3-1 win over College of the Ozarks, improving to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in the SAC. Travel Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are near record highs, with Oklahoma averages just above $3.70 a gallon.

Oklahoma College Sports: No. 10 Oklahoma opened the 2026 season with a 51-0 shutout of UTEP, with John Mateer throwing three TDs and Isaiah Sategna sparking the offense via an 88-yard punt return score; PFF highlighted strong grades across the unit. NCAA Eligibility Fight: Eight Oklahoma athletes, including OU defensive tackle Danny Saili and baseball’s Dayton Tockey, rushed to court hours before kickoff, winning a temporary restraining order that restores fifth-year eligibility while the NCAA dispute plays out. Local Public Safety: A Tecumseh man, 47-year-old Troy Tolton, has been missing since late July after his truck was found abandoned near Oklahoma City; family says his silence is out of character. OKC Community & Culture: Rocklahoma’s 20th anniversary traces back to Pryor’s early festival roots, and the OKC Thunder is also looking ahead to the season with youth basketball camps in October. Statewide Policy Watch: Opposition to AI data centers is driving recall efforts nationwide, including in Yukon, where residents are targeting officials over power and water impacts. Sports Calendar: Nielsen data ranks Oklahoma City among the top college football fan markets, with OU and OSU both represented.

OU Football Opener: No. 10 Oklahoma kicks off its 2026 season Friday night vs. UTEP in Norman, with kickoff set for 7 p.m. CT on SEC Network+ and ESPN+. Early live updates highlight a punt-return TD by Isaiah Sategna and a first-quarter rushing score by Lloyd Avant as OU leans into the run game. Inola Aluminum Smelter: Developers behind the proposed Inola smelter say they’ve revised the plan to cut fluoride emissions intensity by 37% after ODEQ and community concerns, aiming for a “safer” world-class facility while still capturing most fluoride. Oklahoma City Water Plan: Oklahoma City will release about 16,000 acre-feet from Canton Lake starting Sept. 17 to replenish Lake Hefner, with first water expected in 3–5 days and the full release taking about two weeks. Housing Grant: A $25 million federal grant will modernize Oklahoma City’s nearly 100-year-old Will Rogers Courts housing complex under the Choice Neighborhoods program. Public Safety: A Stillwater man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2025 7-Eleven parking-lot shooting. Food Recall: An E. coli blueberry recall has expanded to frozen berry mixes sold at Walmart in 16 states, including Oklahoma.

Local Weather & Safety: A hot weekend is forecast for Oklahoma, with temperatures near 100 degrees possible and only spotty storm chances—plan for heat-index readings over 100. Local Governance: Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers Courts and Westwood Exchange neighborhood are set to get a major boost with a $25 million grant aimed at transforming the area. State Politics & Courts: Oklahoma’s anti-ESG proxy advisory law is being challenged in court, with ISS suing to block it from taking effect. Drought Watch: The drought situation remains serious across Oklahoma, with the latest monitor showing exceptional drought persisting as August ends and a burn ban issued for 53 counties. Health & Consumer Alert: Walmart is recalling Great Value frozen triple berry blend in multiple states, including Oklahoma, due to potential E. coli risk. Sports (OKC-area interest): Oklahoma opens Week 1 at home vs. UTEP, with coverage highlighting key storylines for the Sooners’ season start.

OKC Housing Boost: Oklahoma City Housing Authority and the city won a $25 million Choice Neighborhoods grant to revamp Will Rogers Courts and the Westwood Exchange area, with phased replacement of buildings over eight years and new affordable housing plans. Medicaid Work Rules: More than 250,000 Oklahomans got letters about SoonerCare Medicaid work requirements starting Jan. 1, 2027, including 80 hours/month options and exemptions for certain groups. Drought Watch: Oklahoma continues to face worsening drought conditions, with officials tracking extreme dryness across the state. Norman Game-Day Traffic: Norman Police laid out road closures, one-way changes, and parking restrictions for six OU home games, urging fans to plan routes early. Fatal Crash in Logan County: A commercial driver, Ralph T. Wallace, was arrested after a crash killed two women; investigators say he was driving and was checked for impaired driving. Community Safety: A rezoning fight over Ralph’s Ranch in north OKC is heating up, with neighbors worried it could expand event and rental use. Thunder Camps: The OKC Thunder announced youth basketball camps in October for ages 6–14.

Oklahoma Courts & Insurance: An Oklahoma County judge ruled State Farm CEO Jon Farney must testify under oath in a Broken Arrow roof-claim dispute, and ordered key internal documents to be released, after homeowners alleged the insurer used a nationwide strategy to cut payouts on wind and hail damage. Education Watch: Oklahoma’s teacher pipeline is uneven: certification pass rates vary wildly by educator-prep program, from 100% at Oklahoma Christian University to about 15% at Langston University, with OSU and OU in the high-80s. Tech & Kids Online Safety: California lawmakers advanced “Adam’s Law,” which would require AI companion-chatbot operators to do child-safety risk assessments, independent audits, and age-assurance steps. Local Community & Fundraising: The Allen Family Foundation is launching a matching challenge to help Northern Oklahoma College Enid raise $750,000 for an athletic training education center. Sports (College Football): Week 1 kicks off with major matchups, including Clemson at LSU and Louisville vs. Ole Miss, as Oklahoma-area fans look ahead to the season.

NBA Fallout: The league handed the LA Clippers a $30 million fine, multiple suspensions, and five first-round pick forfeitures (2029-2033) after finding salary-cap circumvention violations tied to Kawhi Leonard. Local Sports & Community: Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander launched The SGA Foundation to support kids and families in Oklahoma and Ontario. Norman Watch: A key Tuesday court hearing could decide whether a lawsuit can pause Norman’s $1.1B Rock Creek Entertainment District bond financing, including an 8,000-seat arena and major development. Public Safety: OKC police say a six-week investigation led to two men accused of a $25,000 metro retail power-tool theft ring, with about $8,000 recovered. State Tech: Oklahomans can now add driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet, accepted at TSA checkpoints at major airports including OKC Will Rogers. Health Policy: A national review finds menopause is largely missing from public prison policy documents, with Oklahoma among the states that mention it.

Wildfire Watch (OKC): A grass fire that burned 25–30 acres near Sooner Road and Britton Road rekindled overnight, with crews monitoring hot spots this morning. No injuries were reported, and the Oklahoma City Fire Department said the flames damaged sheds, cars, and about 30 hay bales—while staying close to homes. Local Business & Jobs: MISTRAS Group is expanding its U.S. field services footprint with new locations including Tulsa, aiming to cut mobilization time and better serve energy, power, aerospace, defense, and data-center markets. Higher Ed: Oklahoma City Community College President Dr. Mautra Staley Jones was elected to the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees for a four-year term. Public Safety & Health: The FDA recalled 75,250 packages of Hodo Chili Crisp Lightly Fried Tofu due to possible ink contamination from packaging. Sports (OKC-area interest): Jalen Williams sparked debate after ranking himself and Cody Williams as the NBA’s best brother duo—prompting plenty of pushback online.

OKC Public Safety: Body-camera footage shows an Oklahoma City road-rage incident near I-35 turning into a knife fight, sending one man to the hospital and landing a motorcyclist in the Oklahoma County Detention Center. Marijuana Industry Fallout: A Tulsa-area marijuana extraction owner, Ryan Bassham, faces two counts of first-degree murder after an explosion killed two employees; prosecutors say the business lacked proper licensing and registration. Local Infrastructure: Echo Sports is pitching in $9 million to help cover rising costs for OKC’s MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium, with the project’s original price tag now at risk of growing. Schools & Safety: Tulsa Public Schools classrooms are struggling with heat as AC work orders pile up, and the teachers union is weighing possible closures. Education & Tech: University of Central Oklahoma is launching an AI-focused MBA program this fall, aiming to prepare students for AI skills beyond just IT roles. Sports (College): OU opens the season vs. UTEP with eyes on quarterback John Mateer and a rebuilt offense, while OSU’s opener vs. Tulsa spotlights the Turnpike Classic’s renewed importance. Weather & Health: Oklahoma drought conditions remain severe, with warm, dry conditions complicating early wheat planting.

NBA Contract Standoff: Jalen Duren’s holdout with the Detroit Pistons is dragging into September, with Detroit reportedly offering about $35M a year over five years while Duren’s camp wants more than $40M. College Football (Oklahoma ties): West Virginia is expected to start Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Jr. at QB in Week 1, and Oklahoma’s own football scene keeps buzzing with recruiting and season-preview coverage. Local Public Safety: In the Sand Springs explosion case, suspect Ryan Bassham is back in custody after posting a $2M bond, and OSBI says he faces additional charges tied to another illegal marijuana operation. Health & Community: Oklahomans are adapting to alpha-gal syndrome as ticks spread, with local businesses like an Edmond bakery building allergy-safe options for customers. Consumer & Courts: A federal court fight over SNAP junk-food restrictions is putting some states’ plans on hold, while Oklahoma remains among those with existing limits. Business/Tech: The FTC and 22 state AGs sue Amazon over alleged manipulation of ad auctions, claiming advertisers were hit with hidden surcharges.

Oklahoma State University Leadership: OSU is reshaping its top ranks: Provost Jeanette Mendez is taking a sabbatical, with Senior Vice Provost Chris Francisco stepping in as interim provost, and Spears College of Business interim dean Bryan Edwards replacing Jim Payne, who is moving to a faculty role. Marijuana Explosion in Sand Springs: A deadly blast at a Sand Springs cannabis extraction facility killed two employees and has led to murder charges against owner Ryan Bassham; court records say the business had licenses listed but they were invalid, and fire officials described outdated safety gear and an extraction booth that was supposed to be disconnected. Edmond Child Death Arrests: In Edmond, a mother and her boyfriend were arrested after a 2-year-old died following alleged abuse, with court documents citing serious injuries and conflicting accounts of how they happened. Federal Lawsuit Targets Amazon Ads: The FTC and 22 states, including Oklahoma, sued Amazon over claims it misled advertisers by inflating ad prices through “hidden surcharges,” with Amazon denying wrongdoing. Oklahoma Football Opener Notes: OU coach Brent Venables said the Sooners likely won’t play Friday night games in the future out of respect for high school football, after this year’s opener was moved up. Local Sports/College Football: Oklahoma State’s Eric Morris held his first weekly news conference as the Cowboys head into the season, while OU’s offense is being framed as more explosive heading into the UTEP opener.

Local Public Safety: Oklahoma schools are on high alert after anonymous social media threats targeted multiple districts, including Little Axe, McLoud, Dale, Bethel, Prague and others in Pottawatomie County, prompting increased law enforcement patrols around campuses. State Courts & Environment: The U.S. Justice Department filed a statement of interest in a dispute over a proposed primary aluminum smelter in Inola, saying Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond’s lawsuit could sidestep federal environmental permit review tied to the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. OKC Business & Growth: Host Digital Infrastructure secured a 15-year, take-or-pay lease for 43 MW of IT load capacity at its northeast Oklahoma data center, with delivery expected in the first half of 2027 and about $1.25 billion in contracted revenue over the base term. Arts & Community: Oklahoma City’s Stockyards City will host the first Collage Cabaret on Sept. 11 at Rodeo Cinema, featuring music, theater, dance, film, magic and a tribute moment for Sept. 11 victims. Sports: Oklahoma high school football spotlight: Seneca Driver (Boyle County) scored four touchdowns and made a big defensive impact in a 35-0 home opener win.

Wildfire tragedy in Oklahoma: A federal wildlife officer, David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon, is believed to have died while helping residents evacuate during the Railroad South Fire near Lawton, with officials saying his last contact came as he assisted a family leaving their home. Local public safety leadership: Beggs, Okla., is searching for a new police chief after its interim chief resigned, with the city administrator pointing to turnover and bringing in the Oklahoma Attorney General’s office for temporary 24-hour coverage. Energy deal with OK ties: Tulsa-based ONEOK agreed to buy Brazos Midstream’s Permian Midland Basin natural gas gathering and processing assets for $4.425 billion, funded partly by an Apollo minority equity investment and used to reduce debt. Politics and media fight: President Trump says he’ll report NBC’s Kristen Welker to the FCC after she described his endorsement record as having “mixed results,” escalating his ongoing clash with news outlets. Oklahoma sports roundup: Oklahoma State’s Cowgirls celebrated 30 years of soccer history with a 6-1 win over Grambling State, while OSU’s women’s tennis freshman Arina Malygina swept singles at the UTR Shootout Stillwater. Health and costs: Oklahoma Medicaid billing data shows Evaluation and Management claims in Muldrow rose to $2,685 in 2024, up 15.5% from 2023.