AGP Executive Report

Water Safety Push: The EPA announced $76.6 million for Texas to find and replace lead service lines in drinking water, aiming to cut exposure that hits kids hardest. Playoff Noise, Oklahoma Style: The Thunder–Spurs Western Conference Finals are underway, with Game 1 going to San Antonio in double overtime behind Victor Wembanyama’s record 41 points and 24 rebounds—and the series is already drawing record TV attention. Oklahoma Weather Watch: State climatologist Gary McManus says May has been far too dry for Oklahoma agriculture so far, with rainfall well below normal as producers wait for a forecast shift. Local Community Care: OSU’s Rural Renewal Initiative is sending students into rural Oklahoma for paid research and service, including work on smart water metering and groundwater conservation. Energy Grid Tension: FERC’s May 21 agenda includes disputes over how power projects connect to the grid, while Kansas regulators have paused parts of a major transmission route over sensitive Flint Hills impacts.

OKC Data Center Pause, With Exceptions: OKC City Council voted 7-2 to let some data center projects move forward even though a moratorium is in place until December, arguing residents need more time to study impacts on consumption and pollution—while opponents say any carve-outs undercut the whole point. Energy & Environment: Evergy’s Kansas transmission line can proceed in parts of Sedgwick and Sumner counties, but the Kansas Corporation Commission blocked a route that would have crossed sensitive Flint Hills grasslands. Insurance Watch: Oklahoma is set to elect a new insurance commissioner, with five candidates on the June 16 primary ballot as Oklahomans face rising insurance costs. Local Demand Shift: As Scissortail Park and the River Trail draw more dogs and people, All Dogs Unleashed OKC reports a surge in leash reactivity training requests. Weather/Fire Context: Drought and wildfire pressure continues in the region, including the Sharpe Fire area near Campo, Colo. Sports (Oklahoma Spotlight): The Thunder host the Spurs in Game 2 of the West finals after San Antonio’s Wembanyama powered a double-OT Game 1 win.

NBA Playoffs: Victor Wembanyama went full myth mode in Game 1 of the West finals, scoring 41 points with 24 rebounds to help the Spurs beat the Thunder 122-115 in double overtime and grab a 1-0 series lead. Wildfire & Drought: The Sharpe Fire near Campo, Colorado—sparked by dry lightning amid drought—burned fast, threatened ranch land, and took hundreds of responders to keep it from getting worse. Energy Costs: Gas prices are climbing again, with Nevada averaging $5.25 a gallon—72 cents above the national average. Autonomous Trucks in Oklahoma: The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says driverless semi-trucks could start rolling in as early as June, and troopers are training for how to interact safely. Local Watch: Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt denied a viral claim that transfer Audi Crooks is being paid $1.4 million. Deepfakes: A new report warns organizations are racing to build defenses as deepfake fraud and impersonation threats grow.

Western Conference Finals: Victor Wembanyama put on a historic show—41 points, 24 rebounds, and a double-overtime 122-115 win—to give the Spurs a 1-0 edge over the Thunder. He even said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP moment before tip-off lit a fire. Oklahoma Minimum Wage: State Question 832 heads to voters June 16, proposing $12 an hour in 2027, then $1.50 yearly jumps to $15 by 2029, with cost-of-living increases after that. BLM Leadership: The Senate confirmed Steve Pearce as BLM director, a move public-land advocates are already criticizing. Water & Wildfire Watch: Oklahoma’s emergency system is active as wildfire risk and severe weather threaten; meanwhile, Apache says water system upgrades boosted its water quality score from 68% to 88%. Climate Liability Fight: New Zealand plans to amend its climate law to block climate-tort liability tied to greenhouse-gas emissions, echoing similar U.S. moves to limit lawsuits. Local Community Response: Peace City is supporting 23 families affected by the Arcadia Lake shooting, arguing gun violence prevention has to start with poverty, trauma, and opportunity.

Wildfire Response: Oklahoma’s emergency system is active as fast-moving fires burn near the Colorado border, with evacuation orders for Campo lifted after more than 200 firefighters and civilians pushed back flames; officials warn winds could worsen again. Public Safety Weather: Oklahoma’s tornado risk is elevated to its highest point so far this year, with hail and damaging wind the main threats overnight—watch alerts closely. Community Violence Prevention: In Edmond’s Arcadia Lake shooting aftermath, Peace City leaders say the fix starts “from the ground up,” pointing to poverty, education, and housing gaps rather than more jail. Energy & Infrastructure: The Army is expanding its overseas “campus-style dining” pilot, and the FAA is moving ahead with major air-traffic tower upgrades, including in Lawton and Pocatello. Local Environment Watch: Oklahoma’s black dust pollution fears are still in the spotlight, alongside ongoing disputes over regulators’ ability to act.

Severe Weather Watch: Oklahoma’s tornado risk hit its highest point of the year today, with hail and damaging winds the main threats as storms ramp up overnight—meteorologists are urging residents to stay alert and use NOAA weather radios. Air Quality Alarm: A black dust haze has again blanketed parts of Oklahoma, raising fresh pollution fears in Ponca City as residents ask what it is and whether health risks are being taken seriously. Regulators vs. Residents: An Oklahoma family says oily sludge and “black goo” flooded their home, but regulators told them they can’t help—an ongoing fight over what went wrong and who’s responsible. Home Costs Pressure: New reporting highlights how soaring home insurance and home values are squeezing affordability, with climate-driven insurance problems showing up in state-by-state comparisons. Local Safety: Police say they’re investigating separate downtown OKC shootings near Scissortail Park and Paycom Center, with teens in custody and events continuing.

Air Quality Alerts: Arizona, Oklahoma City, and Lawton joined other states in temporary ozone and particle restrictions, urging people to cut outdoor activity and open burning while heat and traffic keep pollution building. Community Health Concern: Ponca City residents say mysterious black dust is blanketing neighborhoods and worry it could be carbon black, with locals asking for help and answers. Local Safety: Oklahoma City police took a person of interest into custody after a shooting tied to what was likely a swatting call; separate Saturday shootings near Scissortail Park and Paycom Center also sent teens to custody and a teen to the hospital. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasts point to more storm risk and fire danger across western Oklahoma. Sports (OKC): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was honored as MVP, and the Thunder open the West Finals vs. the Spurs. College Sports: OSU softball advanced in regionals, setting up a super regional matchup with Nebraska.

Wind Power Under Fire: A new wave of attacks on wind energy is drawing backlash from Europe’s wind industry, with critics warning it could derail clean power growth and energy security. Oklahoma Weather & Fire Risk: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles with very low humidity and gusty winds—conditions that can make any fire spread fast. Local Public Safety: OSBI is investigating a suspicious death in Norman, while Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported a fatal Logan County crash. Energy Infrastructure Watch: New Jersey regulators approved a utility license for a controversial fracked gas pipeline tied to Tulsa-based Williams, despite public outcry. Community Health: Kansas and Oklahoma collaboration is getting donated breast milk to where it’s needed most. Local Governance: Gov. Stitt signed a bill updating how counties can create a newspaper of record when none exists, aiming to keep public notices accessible.

OSBI Investigation: Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation is looking into a suspicious death in Norman, with details still limited as authorities sort out what happened. Pipeline Pushback: In New Jersey, the Tidelands Council approved a utility license for the NESE natural gas pipeline despite public outcry—another reminder that big energy projects can move fast even when communities push back. Fire & Crashes: Oklahoma City firefighters battled a tricky two-story house fire in the northeast part of the metro with no injuries reported, while Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a 20-year-old man died in a Logan County wreck early Saturday after a vehicle left the road, hit a fence, and rolled into a field. Weather Watch: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles for breezy winds and very low humidity, raising fire risk. Local Culture & Sports: The inaugural Norman Arts Festival is underway at Andrews Park, and OSU softball is one win from the super regional after beating Stanford 7-2.

Tornado shelter gap: A new report highlights how Oklahoma’s tornado safety net still leaves many renters and residents in manufactured housing without real protection—nationally, 53% of at-home tornado deaths since 1996 happened in mobile homes (under 6% of housing), and in Oklahoma, 44% of at-home deaths were in manufactured homes (only 7.7% of the state). Fire weather: A RED FLAG WARNING is in effect for the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandles from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday with gusty winds and very low humidity, plus a FIRE WEATHER WATCH Sunday. Air quality: Oklahoma DEQ issued an ozone alert through 10 p.m., with ozone levels spiking again late day—watch for breathing and heart issues. Local policy: Gov. Stitt signed HB 2166 to modernize how counties create a “newspaper of record” when none exists, aiming to boost transparency and make public notices easier to publish. Health & community: Tulsa hosted the Educare Network summit, while Cleveland County’s senior meal-delivery program is asking for more volunteers as demand grows.

Ozone Alert in Oklahoma: DEQ issued a rare early-season ozone alert, with air quality spiking overnight and expected to ease later as winds and weekend rain move in—watch for extra strain if you have respiratory or heart issues. Lake Thunderbird Tragedy: Oklahoma Highway Patrol identified a 19-year-old who drowned after falling from a WaveRunner; a passenger survived but neither was wearing a life jacket. Public Safety & Community: A Yukon mobile home fire sent a woman to the hospital and killed a cat, while a separate bomb threat at Purcell schools turned out to be a hoax. Health & Equity: Oklahoma’s legislative session ended early with Medicaid reform still unresolved, and Tulsa tribal leaders used a summit to push on Medicaid and energy funding. Environment & Cleanup: Norman is hosting an e-waste drop-off to keep electronics out of creeks and landfills. Local History: Texarkana dedicated a Freeman-Custis marker highlighting the 1806 Red River Expedition.

Lake Thunderbird Search: A missing jet skier case turned grim—authorities say a body was pulled from the water after a person fell off a jet ski near Hog Creek Campground Thursday night, while crews continue searching for a second person. Road Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports an 82-year-old man died in Custer County after he got out of a tractor trailer without realizing it was still in drive and was run over. Child Safety Lawsuit: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit against Roblox, calling it a “hunting ground for child predators” and alleging weak safeguards that leave kids exposed to dangerous adults. Air Quality Alert: DEQ urged people in the OKC and Lawton areas to limit driving and outdoor strain Friday due to ozone pollution. Weather Watch: Forecasts point to a warmer-than-normal summer ahead, with higher demand for cooling. Overnight Chase: Two people were arrested and a third remains at large after an overnight pursuit across the OKC metro.

Data Center Debate in Piedmont: Residents packed an open house as Cloverleaf pitched a massive data center south of the Matthewson substation, with power requests that could grow from 500 megawatts up to 1.5 gigawatts and renewed fights over water, infrastructure, and growth. Local Impact Check: A separate Oklahoma fact-finder visit to a working data center in Pryor Creek highlights the same pressure points—utilities, water use, and how fast expansion changes small-town life. Cybersecurity & Chemical Safety: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond joined a coalition urging the EPA to tighten safeguards around a proposed public chemical facility database, warning it could hand malicious actors a roadmap. Drought Relief: USDA emergency loans are available for producers hit by severe drought, with Oklahoma counties listed and deadlines set for early 2027. Wildlife & Health: Oklahoma confirmed a new emerald ash borer find in Wagoner County, while health coverage also flags hantavirus risk from rodent droppings—rare, but serious.

Wildfire Watch: Millions in the central U.S. are under Red Flag Warnings, including parts of western Oklahoma, where hot, dry air and gusty winds make outdoor burning a fast-track to runaway fires. Energy & Costs: Oklahoma households are bracing for higher summer electricity bills—forecasted to jump about 11.5%—as demand rises and new data-center power needs add pressure to the grid. Local Water & Nature: Oklahoma’s Great Salt Plains are drawing attention again for hourglass selenite crystals—rare, found only there, and legally diggable in designated public areas. Workforce & Tech: Mid-America Technology Center honored CVR Energy as a 2026 “Partner in Progress,” spotlighting training and community ties in southcentral Oklahoma. AI & Power Grid: A new study tests an Oklahoma-trained AI model for predicting solar swings, aiming to help manage rapid changes that can stress the grid.

Endangered-Grasslands Power Fight: Kansas regulators told Evergy to rethink a proposed transmission route, approving construction through parts of the state but blocking the line’s planned crossing into the Flint Hills near U.S. Highway 77, citing risks to sensitive prairie ecosystems and oil-and-gas impacts. Montana Land-Access Confusion: Montana’s lieutenant governor said “corner crossing” on federal land is unlawful, but lawmakers and outdoor groups say the legal picture is still murky. Oklahoma River Legal Push: Oklahoma’s attorney general appealed a federal judge’s rejection of settlement terms in the long-running Illinois River pollution case. Energy & Industry Signals: Oklahoma’s aerospace sector got a boost as Quantum Space announced a Tulsa manufacturing facility for its Ranger spacecraft. Composting Policy Clash: Gov. Stitt vetoed an Oklahoma bill that would have allowed composting of human remains, setting up a potential override vote. Quick Hits: Amazon is rolling out 30-minute delivery in Houston; a new study ranks Washington among the best states for nurses.

Aid & Leadership: Feed the Children named Roger Nayar as CFO and David French as SVP of Marketing & Communications, aiming to speed up growth in the fight against childhood hunger. Fast Delivery Push: Amazon Now is rolling out 30-minute delivery in more U.S. cities, including Oklahoma City, using small “micro-hubs” and charging extra for speed. Broadband Expansion: Kinetic added fiber to 7,900 more Oklahoma homes across 20+ communities in Q1 2026, bringing access to 68,000+ locations statewide. Energy & Water Watch: Oklahoma’s data-center debate is heating up—Cloverleaf is holding an open house for a proposed $1B Piedmont project, with residents set to question energy and water use. EPA Oversight Shift: The EPA wants to move toxic coal ash monitoring to states, a move that could change how quickly problems get flagged. Health & Climate Context: Oklahoma’s summer tick-and-alpha-gal awareness push continues as heat and extreme weather remain a backdrop for public health and costs.