AGP Executive Report

Border Crackdown: An Oklahoma man was charged after Border Patrol found 42 people locked inside a tractor-trailer at the Sarita checkpoint, with meth allegedly found during the stop. Public Health Law: Gov. Stitt signed the Blake Burgess Blood Clot Prevention Act, pushing Oklahoma to act on preventable clot deaths. Tribal Healing & Culture: The Cherokee Nation is weaving culture into a new behavioral health treatment center funded by opioid settlement money. Nursing Home Watch: CMS ratings show a mixed picture across Oklahoma—Henryetta’s skilled facility hit 4 stars, while Oakridge Nursing Center landed at 2 and Hugo’s Homestead of Hugo at 1. Local Business Growth: Springline Advisory expanded into Oklahoma City by acquiring GBC Advisory. Sports & Oklahoma Roots: A new spotlight on George Kittle traces his path from Norman High to the NFL, underscoring how Oklahoma talent keeps showing up on big stages.

NBA Playoffs Shock: Victor Wembanyama lit up the night with 41 points and 24 rebounds, then watched Shai Gilgeous-Alexander take the MVP trophy right before tip-off—only to answer with a double-OT Game 1 win that has the Spurs up 1-0 over the Thunder. Local Sports Culture: The Spurs’ run is spilling into San Antonio life beyond the court, with fans packing watch parties and even a new cumbia track, “Ballin’ Like Wemby,” turning playoff hype into a street-level anthem. State Policy Watch: Oklahoma lawmakers killed two child-safety reform bills tied to the “Cindy Clemishire Act” and “Trey’s Law,” leaving the fight over abuse-related deadlines and nondisclosure deals unresolved. Community Safety: The Red Cross is pushing water-safety basics for families during Water Safety Month, stressing supervision and swim lessons. Energy Update (Neighboring Kansas): Kansas regulators approved Evergy’s power line plan but ordered a new route for the Flint Hills portion.

NBA MVP Buzz: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the overwhelming favorite again, with the NBA revealing his MVP on Sunday night—right before OKC hosts the Spurs in Game 1 of the West finals. West Finals Kickoff: Monday’s Spurs at Thunder series starts at Paycom Center, with San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama facing a Thunder team coming off sweeps and a back-to-back MVP season. Oklahoma Education Spotlight: Claremore Public Schools Superintendent Bryan Frazier was named District 6 Superintendent of the Year by OASA. Route 66 Glow-Up: Tulsa’s Route 66 Commission is pushing a neon-sign grant, adding dozens of restored signs as the highway heads toward its 100-year milestone. Federal Child Neglect Debate: A bipartisan federal bill aims to clarify “childhood independence” so normal activities aren’t treated like neglect. Community & Service: Legion Post 509 named Pauline Dobish, 102, grand marshal for Memorial Day.

NBA MVP Moment: Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just locked in a second straight MVP, edging Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama as the Thunder rolled to the West’s top record—then immediately pointed to the real goal: “We’ve got a lot more work to do.” All-NBA Twist: The MVP race is also feeding debate over awards eligibility, with Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham reportedly cleared to stay in the mix even after missing the usual games threshold. Faith & Politics: A Trump-backed “Rededicate 250” prayer event drew criticism for blending church and state themes, with administration figures appearing via video. Oklahoma Education: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB 2153 to boost OSSAA transparency and end the automatic “sit out” penalty for transferring student athletes. Local Community Care: Oklahoma OHCE groups are sewing bereavement blankets for police and sheriff’s offices—small comfort, big impact.

NBA Spotlight: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been named the 2025-26 MVP for a second straight season, and Oklahoma City’s Thunder now have a shot at something only a few legends have done—back-to-back MVPs and back-to-back titles. Local Sports: In Pennsylvania, Oklahoma native Hank Davis won the Lernerville Speedway Sprint main, while Garrett Krummert took the Modifieds victory. Education & Community: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed HB 2153, boosting OSSAA transparency and ending the automatic “sit out” penalty for transfer student athletes. Health Watch: May is National Stroke Awareness Month—experts urge people to know “BE FAST” and call 911 immediately. Culture & Arts: Thousands turned out for OKC’s Calderón Dance Festival at Myriad Gardens, celebrating dance access and community. Road Trip Perk: Oklahoma drivers can now get a new Route 66 commemorative license plate, with proceeds supporting preservation and tourism.

Amazon Speed Push: Amazon is rolling out 30-minute deliveries for an extra fee, using tiny “mini-hubs” stocked with thousands of everyday items—raising the stakes for anyone who thought fast shipping was already the new normal. Route 66 Pride: Oklahoma drivers could soon get a new Route 66 license plate, with proceeds supporting the Oklahoma Route 66 Association’s preservation and tourism work. Public Safety: OSBI is investigating a suspicious death near Reed Avenue and Main Street in Cleveland County. Tribal Justice: The Cherokee Nation is hosting a free Expungement Expo in Tahlequah to help eligible citizens clear criminal records and access support services. Faith Community: The Western Gulf Coast Anglican synod deadlocked on a new bishop and kicked the decision to the ACNA College of Bishops. Arts & Community: Thousands packed OKC’s Calderón Dance Festival at the Myriad Gardens, celebrating dance access for all ages and abilities.

Oklahoma Law & Schools: Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill making OSSAA eligibility and transfer rules more transparent—public hearings, open meetings, and the end of the automatic one-year “sit out” for transfer students. Local Governance: Oklahoma also got a new law for counties that lack a “newspaper of record,” aiming to make public notices easier to publish while keeping them accessible online. Sports Spotlight: The Spurs are rolling into the Western Conference Finals after a dominant Game 6 over Minnesota, with Victor Wembanyama’s MVP buzz only growing. Culture & Community: Fort Hays State’s Tiger Media Network brought home national TV production honors, showing how Oklahoma-region talent is getting recognized beyond state lines. Ongoing Justice Story: Richard Glossip remains in the spotlight after the Supreme Court vacated his conviction—his case is still moving, with new legal steps ahead.

Glossip Case Update: Richard Glossip—on Oklahoma’s death row for nearly 30 years—walked out of custody after a judge set $500,000 bail following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that prosecutors let false testimony taint his trial; Kim Kardashian reportedly posted the bail, and Glossip now faces a new trial with strict conditions like electronic monitoring and no contact with witnesses. Courts With Wider Reach: The same Supreme Court decision on sexist, inflammatory prosecution arguments is already being cited in other cases claiming unfair tactics. Oklahoma Politics: Lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 session and left some veto fights unresolved, including a failed attempt to override a veto affecting OETA. Minimum Wage Ballot: State Question 832 is headed to the June 16 primary, gradually raising Oklahoma’s minimum wage to $15. Community & Weather: Special Olympics Oklahoma delivered a big win for a junior gold medalist, and the weekend forecast stays warm with rain chances building early next week.

Oklahoma Politics: Tribes just scored a big win as the Legislature overrode Gov. Kevin Stitt to ban online sweepstakes casinos starting Nov. 1, turning certain “representative of value” online games into a Class C2 felony. Public Safety & Justice: A death-row inmate, Richard Glossip, was released after 30 years and is awaiting retrial after the U.S. Supreme Court tossed his conviction over a witness issue. State Government: Oklahoma’s attempt to save OETA with a veto override failed in the Senate, putting the public broadcaster on track to close. Health Policy: The U.S. Supreme Court protected access to mail-order and telehealth abortion pills while lower courts keep fighting over the rules. Education & Community: A new Oklahoma cold-case bill became law, creating a formal review pathway for families and requiring updated case handling with modern tools. Sports: BYU’s Creed Thompson won the Big 12 10K title, and Holliday’s Kenli Atwood swept three UIL state track golds.

Border Patrol Shake-Up: U.S. Border Patrol chief Michael Banks announced he’s resigning effective immediately, saying it’s “just time” after helping “get the ship back on course” during Trump-era enforcement. OETA Fight: Oklahoma’s attempt to override Gov. Stitt’s veto of OETA failed in the Senate, putting the public broadcaster on track to close. Privacy vs. Tech: ACLU and OKC partners are hosting a town hall on May 27 to challenge automatic license plate readers and what they mean for local privacy. Education Overhaul: Oklahoma’s session ends with major school changes—teacher pay, reading/math pushes, and a longer school year—while some debates remain unresolved. Public Safety: Oklahoma launches “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement as usage lags behind the national average. Community & Culture: Broken Arrow’s Rooster Days returns for its 95th year, and the Cherokee Nation graduates new immersion students in Tahlequah.

Border Watch: U.S. Border Patrol chief Michael Banks resigned effective immediately, calling it time to “pass the reigns” as DHS leadership keeps churning. Oklahoma Politics: Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that would have expanded Oklahoma’s Promise to kids of school counselors, librarians, and nurses—setting up lawmakers to push back. Education Culture Clash: Oklahoma Schools Chief Ryan Walters filed for divorce after ordering schools to teach and mandate Christian marital loyalty, keeping the state’s education fights in the spotlight. Community Wins: Oklahoma Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round Up has topped $7 million in local grants since 1993. Local Spotlight: Fort Hays State’s student media team swept national TV production awards, including a live sports broadcast win. Arts & Events: ThriftCon drew thousands for its New Orleans debut, turning secondhand shopping into a full-on culture hunt.

Medicaid Crackdown: Oklahoma has cut off SoonerCare benefits for about 10 people after the Trump administration asked states to re-check immigration status for thousands of enrollees. Education & Money: Oklahoma lawmakers are pushing ahead with a big fight over school funding and teacher pay, even as Gov. Kevin Stitt signs an expansion of the private school parental choice tax credit and vetoes others. Health Care: Medicare is pausing new hospice and home health provider enrollment for six months while regulators target fraud. Culture & Community: The Fred Jones Family Foundation is opening 2026 grant applications for arts, culture, and landscaping projects across central Oklahoma. Sports Spotlight: LeBron James’ Lakers are eliminated by the Thunder, reigniting the GOAT debate as Oklahoma’s own basketball buzz keeps rolling.

Education Honors: Bartlesville Superintendent Chuck McCauley received the Oklahoma Association of School Administrators’ Lifetime Achievement Award, citing 34 years in education and more than $100 million in bond projects. Housing Policy: Cities are rolling out preapproved building plans to speed permits and cut costs—an approach aimed at reducing the delays that make new homes pricier. Healthcare Crackdown: Medicare is pausing new enrollment for hospice and home health providers for six months as CMS targets what it calls systemic fraud. Tech & Consumer Life: Amazon Now is pushing 30-minute delivery in more U.S. cities, betting speed will drive more shopping. Local Culture & Learning: OU’s Sam Noble Museum curator Sam Noble Museum curator highlights how students’ dinosaur curiosity can open the door to deeper science learning. Sports Buzz: The Thunder’s sweep of the Lakers is fueling a “LeBron sweep = title” storyline as Oklahoma eyes the next round.

Amazon’s 30-minute grocery push: Amazon Now is rolling out in select U.S. cities with ultra-fast delivery priced at $3.99 for Prime and $13.99 for non-members, powered by gig drivers using small “dark store” hubs—plus Oklahoma City is on the expansion list. Local Governance: Norman City Council debated homeless encampments and tax tools, while an OKC charter school is one step closer to closure after a termination hearing. Culture & Arts: Oklahoma City’s Symphony Show House opens in the historic Wilshire Gardens estate, and the 2026 Stubbendieck Great Plains Book Prize went to Caleb Gayle’s “Black Moses.” Education: Lawmakers highlighted record education investment, including teacher pay and special education stipend boosts in Deer Creek. Community & Health: Cherokee Nation announced a May 19-20 Expungement Expo, and Oklahoma designated May as Alpha-gal Awareness Month to fight tick-borne illness.

Route 66 Centennial: The Route 66 Main Street of America Centennial Caravan just published its daily schedule for its June 6–25 eastbound run from Santa Monica to Chicago—built to spotlight every community along the “Mother Road.” OU Future-Focused Research: The University of Oklahoma launched Project 200, a generational research push aiming to recruit 200 top scientists and drive major federal funding and jobs. Local Business & Summer Fun: OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark opens its full summer lineup with OKANA Beach on May 16, with every restaurant and attraction running. Politics & Accountability: A new lawsuit claims former Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters targeted a teacher and violated due process while defaming him. Health Access: Med Harmony expanded online psychiatry for Oklahoma City-area residents, adding telehealth evaluations and ongoing medication management. Sports & Culture: The week also brought big national sports moments—plus Oklahoma’s college wrestling spotlight with the $1M National Duals Invitational field set for Tulsa in December.

Violence in the headlines: A 19-year-old University of Washington student was found fatally stabbed at an off-campus housing complex in Seattle, and police are still investigating what led up to the killing. Oklahoma politics at the finish line: As lawmakers plan to end session early, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a White House-backed executive order to verify eligibility for Medicaid and other benefits after immigration bills stalled. Open-records fight: Oklahoma media sued the Department of Corrections over withheld contract records tied to the Watonga ICE detention center. Stitt favoritism probe: A grand jury report says Stitt helped a friend get out of prison after 73 days, though no criminal charges followed. Tobacco trust standoff: The tobacco settlement board dispute remains unresolved as the session nears its deadline. Local culture & memory: Oklahoma City will hold a Juneteenth panel and a public memorial for civil rights activist Richard Brown at Sit-In Plaza.