AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity & Federal Power: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore told reporters as he took over the National Governors Association chairmanship that he’s “very concerned” President Trump could use federal tools to disrupt fall midterms, citing efforts to restrict vote-by-mail, seek voter data, and potentially deploy federal personnel to polling places. Oklahoma Politics & Civility: Moore and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt used the NGA meeting to argue the country agrees on most policy goals, but said partisan primaries drive extremism—pushing a “dignity” message aimed at general-election voters. Immigration & Labor: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told governors in Oklahoma City that legal visa programs can help plug workforce gaps in some industries, while insisting deportations for people with criminal records should proceed “without exception.” State Government & Campaign Rules: Oklahoma State Superintendent candidate James Taylor says a dispute with Little Axe Public Schools over alleged misuse of district resources for campaign posts has been resolved, after the district warned it could violate campaign ethics rules. Local Governance & Growth: Oklahoma Chronicle highlighted Gov. Stitt’s superintendent roundtable and Edmond’s milestone of topping 100,000 residents.

Oklahoma Health Care: Norman Regional Health System has officially gone out of network with Aetna, leaving most services uncovered for Aetna policyholders after the July 31 deadline—NRHS says emergency care is still protected by law and is urging patients to pressure Aetna. Public Safety: Authorities say a suspect died after firing at OKC police and leading a chase that ended near Shawnee; police say no officers were hit and the suspect took his own life. State Politics & Federal Coordination: DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told governors at the National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City that visa-worker programs can “plug holes” in the labor market and suggested scaling back deportations for people with jobs. Local Governance & Community: Gov. Kevin Stitt stopped at Beaver County Stockyards for an “eggs and issues” breakfast, framing his outsider approach and touting Oklahoma’s direction as he heads into the end of his term. Education & Religion: A released-time Bible program called LifeWise Academy is expanding in Arkansas public schools, raising questions about how opt-in religious instruction fits within public education rules. Food Assistance: SNAP benefit schedules for August 2026 are out, with Oklahoma families set to follow the state’s monthly EBT timing.

Health Care & Insurance: Norman Regional Health System has officially gone out of network with Aetna, leaving most services uncovered for Aetna policyholders as of today, while emergency care remains protected by law. State Government & Security: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined governors at the National Governors Association meeting in Oklahoma City, focusing on disaster preparedness, cybersecurity coordination, and immigration. Memorial & Civic Leadership: Gov. Kevin Stitt hosted fellow governors for a tour of the Oklahoma National Memorial & Museum, underscoring a shared message against political violence. Courts & Consumer Rights: An Oklahoma judge ruled a couple can challenge the constitutionality of a state casket-sales law that limits who can sell caskets. Rural Health: Oklahoma’s rural hospital landscape is shifting as facilities convert to critical access or rural emergency hospital status, with closures and service changes continuing to reshape care access. Energy & Workforce: OG&E linemen competed in the 35th annual Linemen’s Expo, highlighting training, safety, and grid reliability. Native Land & Costs: A new land-tracker pilot shows tribes in Minnesota face major property-tax burdens on fee land they must buy back, with a parcel-level database built from county records.

Oklahoma Courts & Elections: An Oklahoma couple is suing to overturn the state’s casket-sales law, arguing it blocks them from selling custom caskets directly to customers and creates a monopoly for funeral directors. Criminal Justice & Public Safety: Oklahoma County’s sheriff and the jail trust are headed for a final hearing over who pays detainee transportation costs. State Politics: House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole says the House passed a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through early December, with SAVE Act negotiations and Senate action still uncertain. National Politics (with Oklahoma ties): Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he’s “very concerned” Trump could use federal power to interfere with fall elections as he takes over the National Governors Association chair role in Oklahoma City. Energy & Economy: Oklahoma senators’ permitting reform push aims to speed critical energy projects, while the DOE selected Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Idaho as early finalists for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. Education & Tech: An AI-backed “two-hour learning” private school with no teachers is opening in Oklahoma this August. Local Notes: Chickasaw Nation broke ground on a new health center in Newcastle to serve more than 100,000 First Americans.

Oklahoma Turnpike Finance: The Oklahoma Council on Bond Oversight gave the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority conditional approval to issue up to $1.9 billion in bonds for the Access Oklahoma extension, a key step for central Oklahoma infrastructure planning. State Politics & Elections: With an Aug. 25 runoff looming, Oklahoma voters are choosing the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate after N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas led the primary; the winner faces GOP Sen. Kevin Hern in November. NGA in OKC: Governors meeting in Oklahoma City focused on AI workforce needs, healthcare quality, and a push for more bipartisanship, with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt hosting sessions tied to “Reigniting the American Dream.” Public Health & Food Security: SNAP cuts are hitting Oklahoma families hard, with food banks reporting increased demand as benefits are removed for about 18% of recipients. Tribal Health Expansion: The Chickasaw Nation broke ground on a new medical campus in Newcastle aimed at serving more than 100,000 First Americans, including rural patients. Courts: Oklahoma’s appeals court tossed a stalking conviction tied to a man’s YouTube rant, narrowing how the state’s anti-stalking law applies to speech.

SNAP security upgrade: Pennsylvania is moving to EMV chip EBT cards to cut skimming theft, and the AP notes Oklahoma is among states already transitioning. Insurance fight in an election year: Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready told AG candidate Gentner Drummond to “mind your business” amid GOP infighting over rising home insurance prices and claims handling. CompSource legal showdown: Policyholders are challenging CompSource Mutual’s plan to reorganize into a stock structure, arguing it could shift surplus away from customers; text messages involving Mulready are now part of the dispute. NGA in OKC: Gov. Kevin Stitt hosted the National Governors Association summer meeting, pushing his “American Dream” documentary and talking AI/data center rules and ratepayer protections. Voter security claims questioned: Declassified reports and state responses cast doubt on Trump’s assertion that China hacked voter rolls, with officials saying they weren’t notified of breaches. Local governance shakeup: In Inola, a planning commission chair resigned after conflict-of-interest questions tied to his paid city planner role. Public safety tech: Oklahoma researchers showcased drone-based weather forecasting data collection. Oklahoma runoff logistics: Voters have until July 31 to update registration for the Aug. 25 primary runoff.

Oklahoma Elections: Voters have until July 31 to update registration for the Aug. 25 runoff election, and party switching is blocked from April 1 to Aug. 31 in even-numbered years. State Questions: Oklahoma voters will also weigh 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 mean less money statewide. Federal Voting Fight: A federal judge in New Jersey blocked DOJ access to unredacted voter rolls, adding to a growing court fight over Trump’s vote-by-mail restrictions. Immigration & Courts: The DOJ is using a decades-old Alien Terrorist Removal Court for the first time to pursue deportation of an Afghan lawful permanent resident tied to an ISIS-inspired Election Day plot. Public Safety/Tech: Oklahoma City announced its first Advanced Critical Incident Response Team K9, aimed at helping in high-stress incidents and supporting child interviews. Turnpike Finance: The Oklahoma Council of Bond Oversight approved up to $2.9 billion in turnpike bonds, even as litigation seeks to halt further issuance over an East-West Connector project.

Nuclear Energy Push: The U.S. Department of Energy named Oklahoma as one of five potential host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, with Gov. Kevin Stitt touting major investment and jobs as the state explores a full nuclear fuel-cycle hub. Local Government & Accountability: In Coweta, a data-center proposal sparked allegations of “political identity theft,” with supporters’ messages reportedly generated using real residents’ information without permission. Domestic Violence Spotlight: An Owasso murder-suicide involving influencer Sara Gilson and estranged husband Shawn Duffey is renewing attention on Oklahoma’s high rates of women killed by men and the limits of protective orders. Courts & Elections: Republican-led states asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revive parts of Trump’s election-integrity order after a judge blocked key provisions on voter lists and mail-ballot standards. Public Safety & Justice: Oklahoma County opened a homicide investigation after a woman’s body was found in the North Canadian River near Jones. Education Policy: New school-year rules include a statewide teacher pay raise and a daily recess requirement for K-5, with districts adjusting schedules to comply.

Federal Election Fight: Oklahoma and other GOP-led states asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let Trump’s vote-by-mail restrictions take effect, setting up a major showdown over federal power vs. state election control. Nuclear Energy Push: Oklahoma is a finalist for DOE’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, but safety critics warn the tech is still experimental and regulators may not be ready for the risks. Local Voting Access: North Tulsa leaders say early voting plans still don’t give densely populated areas enough clarity or access ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff. Statehouse Clash: Rep. Tom Gann says House leadership rejected his interim studies on issues including the Inola smelter and license plate readers, calling it censorship. Insurance & Consumer Costs: AG Gentner Drummond and Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready trade accusations over an overdue roof-claims report and storm-related insurer oversight. Public Safety & Courts: Tulsa County DA asked OSBI to review seven jail deaths after a Frontier investigation; meanwhile, nine people were charged in an alleged OkCity Crisis Nursery donation embezzlement scheme. Community Safety: After a murder in OKC’s Asian District, business owners and residents pressed police and lawmakers on homelessness and mental health response.

Oklahoma Election Finance: A new Supreme Court ruling is reshaping Oklahoma’s campaign finance fight by boosting political parties’ ability to coordinate spending in state and federal races, with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission issuing guidance that could mean more party-driven ads and get-out-the-vote efforts. State Question 844: Voters will decide this August whether to let lawmakers adjust reimbursement rates tied to a property tax exemption for new and expanding manufacturers—an approach supporters say could rein in costs, but critics warn could squeeze some school districts. Education & Homelessness: Norman City Council approved zoning for a permanent homeless shelter while postponing votes on public camping rules, and Oklahoma universities face a civil rights complaint over a Native American nursing scholarship program. Nuclear Policy: Oklahoma is among five states selected as finalists to explore DOE Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a plan that could include waste storage and fuel-cycle work. Community Under Pressure: Tulsa Food Not Bombs says it’s continuing to feed the unhoused despite legal pressure from the city.

Nuclear Energy Push: The U.S. Department of Energy picked Oklahoma as a finalist for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a plan that could pair nuclear fuel-cycle work with waste disposition and promises major investment and jobs. State Government & Tech: Oklahoma launched its BEACON AI platform to help agencies deploy AI with shared standards, governance, and security. Public Safety: Oklahoma’s new DUI law closes a “loophole” for prosecutors, while Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating a wrong-way crash in northwest OKC tied to an impaired driver. Education Governance: OKCPS Board Chair Paula Lewis resigned after moving outside district boundaries, setting up a leadership transition. Health & Food Safety: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak now involves nine states, including Oklahoma, with officials urging people to avoid recalled lettuce. Tribal Health: A program in Oklahoma has 41 college students presenting research aimed at tackling tribal public health challenges. Elections: Oklahoma voters will see two state questions on the Aug. 25 runoff ballot.

Federal Funding & Politics: A new report argues the Trump administration is allocating federal resources based on whether states voted for or against him, echoing the old “spoils system” but with modern federal muscle. Foreign Policy Leadership: With Lindsey Graham’s death, Republicans are wrestling with a foreign-policy leadership gap and what it means for the Trump orbit. Oklahoma Education & Courts: Oklahoma’s revised social studies standards are headed to classrooms after the state Supreme Court blocked the Ryan Walters-era version over Open Meetings Act violations. GOP Runoff Deadline: Oklahoma voters have until July 31 to register for the Aug. 25 GOP runoff between AG Gentner Drummond and former Sen. Mike Mazzei. State Government Tech: Oklahoma is launching the BEACON AI platform to modernize state government operations. Local Governance & Water: Cedar Lake residents say unpermitted upstream dams are draining their lake and wells, sparking a neighbor dispute. Environment & Accountability: Chickasha businessman Brannan Bordwine pleaded guilty in federal court over improper disposal of recalled hand sanitizer classified as hazardous waste. Public Health: A national blood crisis is hitting Northeast Oklahoma, with the Red Cross urging immediate donations. Immigration & College Costs: DOJ lawsuits continue targeting states’ in-state tuition benefits for undocumented students, including Oklahoma. School Safety: Oklahoma’s social host law is highlighted as communities warn about underage drinking ahead of summer.

Elections: Oklahoma’s Aug. 25 runoff is coming fast, with Friday the deadline to register to vote for the primary runoff. State Government & Tech: Oklahoma agencies are preparing to roll out “Beacon,” an AI system aimed at saving workers 6 to 8 hours a week by helping with data analysis and legal research. Public Safety: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority says wrong-way prevention has to start at the exit ramp, after an incident on the Kilpatrick Turnpike ended without a crash. Local Government: Bartlesville is pushing more than $10 million in infrastructure improvements and launching programs including a Central Park incubator and a sidewalk cost-share. Health & Consumer Watch: Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner fight heats up as AG Gentner Drummond demands release of documents tied to insurers’ roof-claim handling; separately, Norman Regional is going out of network for Aetna policyholders. Justice & Courts: Tulsa police are investigating possible victims after arrest of an RN accused of sexually assaulting a patient. Crime & Accountability: Questions continue around Flock camera use as privacy concerns grow alongside claims of public-safety benefits. Tribal Affairs: The Muscogee Nation is forming a task force to study data centers and AI impacts on air, land, water, culture, and cybersecurity. Nonprofits: OKC’s Sisu Youth Services received a $1.5 million gift to expand support for unhoused transition-age youth. National Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker discussed reducing political divide at a National Conference of State Legislatures event.

Oklahoma Politics & Government: A NOTUS review says newly sworn-in Sen. Alan Armstrong, R-Oklahoma, violated the STOCK Act by disclosing about 700 stock trades more than two months late, with the trades valued in the millions. State Policy Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers’ push to cap early-grade classroom screen time failed, even as other states moved ahead with limits and device rules. Tribal Legal Fight: Freedmen descendants filed a federal lawsuit seeking to force the Muscogee Nation to recognize their tribal citizenship after a 2025 ruling and a subsequent pause on citizenship cards. Public Safety & Courts: A federal lawsuit challenges South Carolina’s 1,000-foot tattoo ban near churches and schools—Oklahoma is cited as the only other state with similar rules. Economy & Jobs: Park Aerospace announced a $65 million Tulsa-area composites facility at Tulsa International Airport, targeting 100+ jobs by 2028. National Health: CDC reports U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high, with most cases tied to unvaccinated people.

Oklahoma Attorney General Race: With the general election 100 days away, both AG candidates laid out what they’d do in the first 100 days, including proposals aimed at public integrity and enforcement priorities. State Government & Tech: Oklahoma is rolling out BEACON, an AI platform meant to modernize state government, as other states push to regulate AI and data-center impacts on residents. Water & Housing Accountability: An OKC mother says her family’s apartment complex went nearly a month without running water, raising questions about property management and tenant protections. Public Safety & Health Policy: A new study links state abortion bans to increased suicidal thoughts among female teens, adding pressure to the policy debate. Military: The Oklahoma National Guard’s Brig. Gen. Andrew Ballenger retired after 34 years of service. Tribal Gaming Development: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes broke ground on a new Lucky Star Casino in Elk City, expanding gaming and related amenities.

Oklahoma Politics & Government: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Sen. Mike Mazzei, and the third remaining GOP gubernatorial candidate squared off at a Tulsa agriculture forum, with Drummond leaning on his rural background and Mazzei pushing a no-income-tax pitch. Elections & Courts: A federal appeals court setback keeps Trump’s 2026 election-integrity order blocked in 23 states and D.C., preventing DHS from distributing federal citizenship lists and limiting USPS mail-ballot changes. Immigration & Education: The DOJ’s push against in-state tuition for illegal immigrants continues, with courts backing the administration’s view that states can’t treat illegal residents more favorably than citizens. Public Safety: Claremore Police earned reaccreditation from the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Local Economy/Tribal Gaming: Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes broke ground on a new Lucky Star casino in Elk City, with plans for a hotel, convention center, and more phases. Crime & Courts: The Sara Gilson case in Owasso remains in focus after police said she was killed by her estranged husband, who then died by suicide.