AGP Executive Report

Native Health & Agriculture: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas ranch land as officials prepare a major response to the New World screwworm return, warning the parasite could devastate cattle and urging ranchers to watch wounds and treat fast. Beauty, Service & Youth Programs: Jaselyn Rossman was crowned Miss Oklahoma 2026, with a new multi-year partnership announced between the Miss Oklahoma Organization and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to train titleholders to deliver drug and alcohol avoidance education in schools and communities. Culture & Community: Fingerprint Fest Vol. 5 celebrated hip-hop culture and youth identity in Paducah, pairing performances and dance battles with a community impact mission. Reproductive Rights: Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes criticized an Oklahoma-included letter to the EPA claiming medication abortion threatens water, calling it misinformation and a push to restrict access. Immigration & Family Life: A retired Army veteran is publicly appealing for ICE to release his wife after her detention in Texas, spotlighting how enforcement can tear families apart. Local Civic Life: Oklahoma voters get reminders ahead of the primary, including how closed primaries work and what’s on the ballot. Sports & Oklahoma Pride: Ralford Mullings won back-to-back NCAA discus titles for Oklahoma, while Arkansas took the men’s team crown.

Oklahoma Election Prep: Early voting for the Oklahoma primary and State Question 832 (raising the minimum wage to $15 by 2029) ends Saturday, with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday; election officials stress checking your polling place and sample ballot so you don’t miss races. Education & Daily Life: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a permanent “bell to bell, no cell” statewide school cellphone ban after a year-long limit improved student outcomes, keeping the restriction from becoming optional. Immigration & Families: A retired Army veteran in Texas is urging ICE to release his wife, Arelys Barahona-Martinez, detained after a check-in tied to an old deportation order she says she never knew about. Culture & Community: Oklahoma’s pop-culture museum OKPOP is making progress toward opening, collecting and preparing exhibits from its growing artifact stash. Sports & Local Pride: Oklahoma’s Ralford Mullings won back-to-back NCAA discus titles, while the College World Series in Omaha faces weather uncertainty as storms threaten Saturday games. Public Health Watch: The “Benadryl Challenge” has Oklahoma families alarmed after a local teen’s hospitalization and ICU stay.

Oklahoma Culture & Community: The Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture (OKPOP) is making real progress toward opening, with more than 40,000 pop-culture artifacts already gathered for exhibits in Tulsa. Civil Rights History: A new exhibit at the Clara Luper Freedom Center in Oklahoma City spotlights the people and protests behind the city’s civil-rights movement, adding fresh context to a space long tied to organizing. Education & Policy: A Department of Education report says Biden-era officials worked around a Title IX court order on gender-identity guidance, while Oklahoma lawmakers and districts are scrambling to set guardrails as AI use in schools grows. Public Safety & Health: An Oklahoma father is speaking out about the “Benadryl Challenge” after his daughter was hospitalized, and Oklahoma County’s assessor warns property-tax cuts could ripple through funding for schools and local services. Sports & Local Pride: OU’s Ralford Mullings won a second straight discus title at the NCAA outdoors, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is collecting stories for America’s 250th anniversary. Immigration & Family Impact: A U.S. military veteran is urging ICE to release his wife facing deportation. Agriculture Watch: Texas screwworms are driving a broader national response, with Oklahoma officials focused on surveillance and rancher education.

Oklahoma National Guard Museum Opens: Oklahoma City unveiled a new, state-of-the-art Oklahoma National Guard Museum, expanding how the Guard tells its Army and Air heritage. Community Care & Family Support: A virtual forum set for June 17 will spotlight resources for Oklahoma family caregivers, tied to the state’s caregiver tax credit. STEM for Teachers: Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation hosted an Oklahoma City STEM Summit for educators, focused on hands-on tools and classroom-ready strategies. Local Learning & Safety: Ada Public Library will host Safe Kids Oklahoma summer safety sessions. Student Success Spotlight: Oklahoma City Community College earned a national award for institutional effectiveness in TRIO student support. Pop Culture & Youth Fun: Soonercon returns next weekend with celebrity guests, cosplay, and family-friendly activities. Culture Through Education: A new Girl Scout patch teaches Oklahoma City bombing history through memorial-linked, age-appropriate programming. Agriculture Watch: USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases are rising, with movement rules tightening for livestock.

Immigration & Families: Oklahoma is seeing 2,349 pending family green card cases as USCIS shifts processing, with families facing added uncertainty. Elections & Civic Life: Early voting is underway for Tuesday’s Oklahoma primary, and officials are stressing rules like selfie legality (only after leaving the enclosure) and strict limits on campaign materials near ballot boxes. Public Safety & Community: Oklahoma’s criminal justice reforms are moving ahead with automatic expungement, easier medical parole, and better good-time credits—aimed at helping people rebuild after convictions. Culture & Arts: OKPOP, the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, is making progress toward opening with a growing collection of pop artifacts and exhibit design work. STEM & Youth: Launch Pad STEM Camp and an Oklahoma City STEM summit are putting hands-on learning in front of students and teachers, with aviation and classroom tools at the center. Faith & Community Traditions: U.S. Catholic bishops consecrated the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Orlando, with Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley leading. Food Security: SNAP participation in Oklahoma dropped 14% year over year, raising alarms about hunger as more people lose access to benefits.

Oklahoma Culture & Community: OKPOP (Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture) in Tulsa is moving closer to opening, with staff collecting more than 40,000 pop-culture artifacts—from Marvel and Harry Potter items to Oklahoma-made music history—plus exhibit and design firms lined up. Local Pride & Family Fun: Yukon’s Touch A Truck event drew families to climb into a moving truck and explore fire and construction vehicles as part of the city’s Friday Fun Day series. Dance Scene: Elevation on Tour is bringing more than 1,000 dancers and 50+ studios to Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock for the 2026 Texas Finals (June 28–July 1), including Oklahoma competitors. Education & Everyday Life: KOCO 5 surprised a Tinker Elementary teacher, Rebecca Kenefick, as May Teacher of the Month, highlighting her student-support program. Sports & Culture: Oklahoma State mourns former Cowboys head coach Bob Simmons, the first African American coach in Big Eight history. Health & Policy Impact: Federal changes could cut Medicaid and food assistance for thousands of Oklahoma immigrants, raising concerns for families already relying on support.

Oklahoma Politics & Civic Life: Early voting is underway for Oklahoma’s primary, with 465,016 registered voters—up from 2022—plus a reminder to bring proper ID and double-check your polling place. Childcare & Family Costs: Tulsa-area lawmakers passed HB 4298, aiming to ease childcare costs by adjusting teacher-to-child ratios while keeping safety standards. Education & AI: Oklahoma’s AI Education Symposium tripled in size as districts and colleges shift from experimenting to building responsible classroom rules. Free Speech on Campus: Oklahoma’s Free Speech Committee reviewed complaints tied to Charlie Kirk/TPUSA, with OSU expanding training and OU citing FERPA limits. Local Culture & Arts: OKPOP (Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture) is making progress toward opening, collecting tens of thousands of pop-culture artifacts tied to Oklahoma creators. Community Care: “Stuff the Bus” drew Tulsa donations for food-insecure children, while the Red Cross warns blood and platelet donations are dropping ahead of summer. Faith & Community: A new Vatican nuncio urged U.S. bishops to focus on communion, peace, and welcoming migrants. Sports & Spotlight: UNM’s Habtom Samuel won a second NCAA 10K title, and Oklahoma fans get a Route 66 endurance story as a cyclist targets a world record through the state.

Higher-Education Free Speech: Oklahoma’s new law (SB 1725) requires first-year college students to take freedom of speech training and bars public colleges from viewpoint discrimination, including toward religious student groups. Faith & Community Leadership: A new apostolic nuncio urged U.S. bishops to anchor unity in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, while USCCB president Archbishop Paul Coakley (Oklahoma City) called for the Church to “put out into the deep” with hope and mission. Local Culture & Care: Norman’s Autism Foundation of Oklahoma and Norman Police will host free Norman Safety Day with safety training and a supportive “Safe Stop” traffic-stop practice. Rural Women in Focus: Aprons & Lace Oklahoma hosted a workshop spotlighting the challenges and contributions of rural women in agriculture. Oklahoma Politics Watch: Republican governor candidates are leaning hard on self-funding, with one Trump-endorsed contender pouring millions of personal money into the race. Tribal News: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby announced his retirement after nearly 40 years leading the tribe.

Rural Schools Budget Crunch: Caney Valley Public Schools in northeast Oklahoma is scrambling after a nearly half-million-dollar shortfall tied to enrollment drops and missed budget adjustments, leaving leaders unable to cut staff in time. STEM for Kids: Oklahoma State University’s Launch Pad STEM Camp is giving third- through seventh-graders hands-on aviation and aerospace challenges. Trees & Homeowners: The invasive emerald ash borer is spreading across Oklahoma, with larvae killing ash trees and leaving telltale “D-shaped” exit holes. Education Policy: The Oklahoma State Board of Education rejected an eastern Oklahoma district’s plan to expand to high school grades. Cherokee Nation Governance: The Cherokee Nation Tribal Council confirmed a new registrar and advanced language-immersion charter changes tied to a land-based education model. Tourism Numbers: Oklahoma’s 2025 travel impact report says visitors spent nearly $12.8B statewide, supporting 100,000+ jobs. Higher Ed Free Speech: An Oklahoma free speech committee reviewed Charlie Kirk-related complaints at OU and OSU, issuing remediation for OSU but none for OU. Health & Tech Trust: A study finds transparency boosts trust in AI-assisted care, but higher AI diagnostic accuracy can reduce or stall trust. Sports & Community: Oklahoma State women’s basketball added Glenn Cain as strength and conditioning coach; elsewhere, an inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 Omaha highlighted local cheering and participation.

Oklahoma Education & Free Speech: An Oklahoma State Regents free-speech committee reviewed complaints tied to Charlie Kirk at OSU and OU; OSU got recommendations, while OU did not, with the committee limited to advice rather than rulings. AI & Trust in Care: A new study argues that being transparent about AI in healthcare boosts patient trust in both the doctor and the tool, but higher AI accuracy can stall or reduce trust as people fear doctors may defer judgment. Local Workforce & Film: Buffalo Roam finished renovating a former church in Bartlesville into a film-production hub with flex spaces and office space, shifting focus to workforce development and community events. Student Success in Oklahoma: OCCC won a national COE award for scaling TRIO Student Support Services practices campus-wide, tied to retention, completion, and workforce outcomes. Jail Visitation Reality Check: Oklahoma Watch reports most county jails have cut in-person visits, pushing families toward costly phone/video contact. Primary Season (Education): Oklahoma’s state superintendent races feature multiple candidates pitching different approaches to accountability, teacher retention, and classroom priorities. Sports & Culture: Loyola Chicago added Oklahoma Wesleyan coach Heidi Messer to its women’s staff, while the U.S. Open’s field is drawing attention for fewer qualifiers than in past years.

Pride Month backlash: GOP governors are trying to rebrand June with “family” and faith-focused proclamations, including Oklahoma’s “Life Month,” signaling a cultural fight over what counts as “good” celebration. Tribal leadership: Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby will retire June 26 after nearly 40 years, with Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby stepping in—an era credited with major growth in tribal services and businesses. Education policy: The Oklahoma State Board of Education rejected a rural Adair County plan to add a fifth high school, raising fears about enrollment and funding impacts on nearby districts. Kids and accountability: A new Kids Count report says Oklahoma still ranks near the bottom for child well-being, with advocates stressing it’s not that kids are failing—it’s that policy and resources lag. Cherokee language access: Free Cherokee classes are set for North Tulsa and South Coffeyville this summer, expanding community-based learning. Local school staffing: OKCPS is pushing to hire 150 teachers this summer, including science and early childhood roles, with a hiring event at the Clara Luper Center. Culture on stage: Broadway’s Tony Awards crowned “Schmigadoon!” and “Liberation,” with “Oklahoma!”-style revival energy and gender-forward storytelling in the spotlight.

Education & Accountability: Oklahoma Voice won six Oklahoma Press Association awards, including top honors for coverage of parents opting out of controversial social studies content and strong reporting on education costs and Capitol issues. Child Wellbeing: A Kids Count report shows slight improvement for Oklahoma’s child wellbeing, but the state still ranks near the bottom overall, with housing and eviction pressures limiting gains. Public Schools Under Scrutiny: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond announced charges tied to a Tulsa Public Schools embezzlement and kickback scheme, adding to a widening investigation. Tribal Culture & Language: The North Tulsa Cherokee Community Organization and partners will offer weekly Cherokee language classes this summer, expanding access across the Tulsa area and beyond. Community Health & Care: CMS ratings highlight ongoing concerns at an Oklahoma nursing home, with low overall scores and fines/penalties reported for early 2026. Arts & Spotlight: “Oklahoma!” is set for a local stage run, bringing the classic musical to Whole Backstage Community Theatre audiences. Sports & Court News: A Texas judge granted Brendan Sorsby an injunction to play for Texas Tech, a reminder of how quickly college sports eligibility can shift.

Immigration & Schools: A new look at Plyler v. Doe finds Americans broadly support public education for undocumented students, even as some states—including Oklahoma—have pushed enrollment rules tied to immigration status. Broadway & Oklahoma Pride: At the Tony Awards, John Lithgow (80) made history as the oldest competitive acting winner for “Giant,” while “Schmigadoon!” won best new musical and “Liberation” took best new play—another reminder of how Oklahoma’s stage legacy keeps echoing nationwide. Local Health & Care: CMS ratings show Ignite Medical Resort Tulsa earned a 4-star overall score in early 2026, with details on staffing, inspections, and fines. Oklahoma Politics: With the June 16 primary close, Republican gubernatorial candidates trade tax plans and voters also weigh races for lieutenant governor, attorney general, treasurer, superintendent, and State Question 832. Culture on the Move: Oklahoma’s Route 66 centennial keeps rolling with community events, while Tulsa’s Jeff Martin expands his literary “king” network beyond state lines. Sports & Community Loss: Former Bulls star and broadcaster Stacey King died at 59 after a fall, prompting major NBA tributes.

Oklahoma Politics & Elections: Oklahoma’s governor’s race is heating up after President Trump endorsed Mike Mazzei, reshuffling the Republican field as Democrats eye an upset in the primary. Public Safety & Health Policy: A new Oklahoma law requires first responders to notify law enforcement after suspected overdoses, with fentanyl presumed in fatal cases, aiming to improve coordination and data. Education & Military Families: Oklahoma signed a bill to speed school transfers for active-duty military kids by treating them as in-district residents during official relocations. Native Culture & Community: Lenape descendants in Oklahoma reflect on reclaiming Indigenous history ahead of America’s 250th; tribes also push Congress to restore a tribal food sovereignty pilot left out of a House bill. Sports & Local Culture: The Thunder face offseason decisions on Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Kenrich Williams, while Oklahoma-bred Gf Shes Sinful won the Ruidoso Derby—another win to watch for in the quarter-horse Triple Crown trail. Caregiving & Aging Services: CMS ratings spotlight mixed results across Tulsa-area nursing homes, including Green Country Care Center’s 3-star quarter and other facilities’ lower scores.

Nursing Home Watch: Green Country Care Center in Tulsa County earned a 3-star CMS rating in Q1 2026, with no reported fines or penalties and an average of 76.5 residents served daily. Local Health & Care: The Commons in Enid-area Garfield County also posted a 3-star CMS rating in early 2026, though it did face one fine and one penalty. Military Families & Schools: Oklahoma signed HB 4274 to let active-duty military families start school transfer enrollment earlier, treating them like in-district residents during relocations. Public Safety & Opioids: A new Oklahoma law (HB 2941) requires first responders to notify law enforcement after suspected overdoses, with fentanyl presumed in fatal cases involving the drug. Politics & Voting: Oklahoma’s lieutenant governor race is heating up, with voters also facing the June 16 primary lineup and State Question 832 on the minimum wage. Culture & Community: The 30th Annual Kituwah Celebration marked the 1996 return of Kituwah to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, featuring stickball and tribal leadership remarks. Arts & Youth: A Wildwood horse-riding academy fundraiser is set to support five youth riders headed to Arabian Youth Nationals in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma Elections: Early voting runs June 11-13 ahead of the June 16 ballot, including State Question 832 (minimum wage up to $15 by 2029) and crowded GOP primaries for U.S. Senate, governor, corporation commissioner, and state superintendent. Locally, Love County voters will also see a District 1 county commissioner race and District 20 DA primary between Melissa Handke and James Gilmartin. Public Health & Community: The Oklahoma Aquarium canceled its 21st annual Aquarium Run due to unsafe weather, with registration fees treated as tax-deductible donations. Culture & Identity: Ada Multiculturalism Committee member Elizabeth Hernandez attended the 10th Annual Hispanic Cultural Day at the State Capitol, featuring performances, food, and community exhibits under the theme “Our Shared History.” Civic Life: World No Tobacco Day coverage highlights Oklahoma resources from Tobacco Stops With Me to counter Big Tobacco marketing and flavored product targeting. Sports & Local Flavor: Tulsa Tough festivities kick off with Cry Baby Climb, and Oklahoma’s Primary and DA race coverage continues to draw attention as voters turn to the ballot.