AGP Executive Report

Oklahoma Sports: Oklahoma State’s Cowgirls opened with heat and fell 4-1 at Mississippi State, with MSU scoring three times in the first half and OSU’s lone goal coming early from Brenna Rowlett. Local Athletics Rules: OSSAA approved changes to the controversial “Linked Rule,” easing parts of the transfer penalty for students returning to their home district, with updates taking effect July 1, 2027. Thunder on TV: The Oklahoma City Thunder announced a bigger local viewing setup for 2026-27, expanding Thunder+ and adding more broadcast access across Oklahoma. Arts & Community: Tulsa artist Marina Staubus is reconnecting to Cherokee/Shawnee culture through her “tropical surrealism” work, while Mycelium Gallery’s Artist Closet keeps growing as a fully free donation-based art supply hub. Entertainment Spotlight: “Broadway Sings America 1776 – 2026” lands in Oklahoma with Broadway performers bringing patriotic tunes to the stage.

College Sports Buzz: The latest national high school rankings update puts Beckham Black at No. 1 in the SC Next 25, with major movement across the 2027–2029 classes. NBA Offseason Watch: Our NBA Summer Forecast highlights possible surprise improvers like the Pacers and Jazz, plus big “surprise/disappoint” questions heading into 2026-27. Oklahoma Football Spotlight: Oklahoma State unveils Aussie punter Lachie Pozzobon as a versatile weapon ahead of the season opener. Local Community & Arts: Dolly Parton’s legacy keeps rolling through Oklahoma libraries via the Imagination Library, with more community tie-ins showing up around the state. Meta Youth Safety: Michigan AG Dana Nessel announces a landmark multistate Meta settlement requiring new child-safety protections on Instagram and Facebook, with Oklahoma expected to receive at least $235 million as part of the broader deal. Health News: The FDA approves a new pill for advanced pancreatic cancer, described as “life-altering,” with Oklahoma City oncologist commentary included.

Cherokee Arts & Culture: “Nanyehi – The Story of Nancy Ward” is back at Hard Rock Live in Tulsa Oct. 9-10, with tickets on sale now and Cherokee Nation citizen discounts; the 14th production brings Cheyenne Gagner back as Nanyehi. Public Art Restoration: A missing Stilwell Post Office mural, “Cherokee Indian Farming and Animal Husbandry” (1942), has been reinstalled after roof-related water damage. Local Sports & Community: Oklahoma Youth Parasports hosts the state’s first cerebral palsy soccer clinic Saturday at Miracle Stadium in Bethany, led by U.S. national team player Shea Hammond. Oklahoma College Hoops: OSU adds 5th-year guard Callin Hake, bringing experience from Nebraska and a rotation boost for the Cowgirls. Dolly Parton in Oklahoma: Businesses across the OKC metro are pitching in to honor Parton’s Imagination Library legacy, while Oklahoma’s “Book Lady” impact continues through monthly book mailings. Big Tech & Youth Safety: Meta reached a $17.1B multistate settlement over alleged teen social media harms, with major changes promised for Facebook and Instagram.

College Football Buzz: ESPN’s preseason top 100 is live, and the big debate is quarterback-heavy rankings—plus whether Oregon’s Dante Moore got snubbed outside the top 10. Local Food & Culture: Cheba Hut is opening a “Toasted” Subs shop in Edmond on Aug. 31, with a grand opening bash, giveaways, and DJ Terpenoid. Sports Media: The Great American Conference launches the GAC Sports Network on Hudl with multiple subscription tiers for live and on-demand coverage. Oklahoma Tech & Business: PowerCompute says the GPU at its Oklahoma facility earned Verified status on Vast.ai and plans to add a second GPU in September. Nature Watch: Oklahoma forestry officials warn Atoka County residents to monitor for emerald ash borer after suspicious beetles were found near McGee Creek. Weather & Safety: Lincoln County remains under a burn ban as extreme heat and drought push grassfire calls higher. Music Legacy: Dolly Parton’s death at 80 is sparking tributes nationwide, including renewed attention to her Imagination Library.

Dolly Parton Legacy: Oklahoma lawmakers marked the death of country icon Dolly Parton, spotlighting her Imagination Library and the push to bring free books to every Oklahoma county. Local Sports & Community: Oklahoma City launched “Team OKC” to rally residents, businesses, and volunteers for LA28, aiming to shape the city’s Olympic identity for decades. OKC Health Initiative: Project 49 brought biometric screenings and wellness resources to Oklahoma City police after three officers died from cardiac events. Entertainment & Culture: A corn maze in Illinois is honoring Parton with a design tied to her Imagination Library. Politics & Voters: Polls closed in Oklahoma runoffs as Trump-backed candidates faced key statewide decisions. College Hoops: Porter Moser previewed Oklahoma’s 2026 roster direction, including new additions and SEC lessons. Pro Sports Watch: Signs point to Shohei Ohtani returning to pitching Sunday for the Dodgers, with a one-inning plan discussed.

Oklahoma Politics: N’kiyla Jasmine Thomas and centrist Jim Priest face off Tuesday in an Oklahoma Democratic Senate runoff, a high-stakes test of progressive politics in a deep-red state—though both are expected to be underdogs against GOP Rep. Kevin Hern. State Watch: Oklahoma State Auditor Cyndi Byrd flagged nearly $25 million in questionable federal spending across three agencies, including the Department of Human Services. Local Education Privacy: Weeks after a charter school closed, student records reportedly remain in a vacated Oklahoma City building, with officials and the school trading blame over access and security. Entertainment & Film: “Lioness” star Thad Luckinbill, an Oklahoma native, discussed Season 3 and North Texas filming. Movies on the Big Screen: Pixar’s “Cars” returns to theaters for its 20th anniversary, with Oklahoma tie-ins planned. Sports Spotlight: A new ranking puts Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at No. 1 among Western Conference point guards. Music & Tours: Trivium and In Flames announced a 2027 UK/Europe tour. Business/Community: Brakes Plus opened a new El Reno location, expanding auto repair and diagnostics services.

Oklahoma Arts & Culture: “American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” is set for nationwide release Aug. 25–27, spotlighting the rural Oklahoma priest’s path to martyrdom and the people who knew him best. Local History & Identity: A new marker on Decatur Square honors the Muscogee (Creek) people and their forced removal, including the “genocide cannon” reference tied to 19th-century violence. Sports & Entertainment Business: The Pacers are partnering with DAZN for regional broadcasts, with a $1-per-game-style pricing pitch that still has fans grumbling about needing yet another subscription. Pop Culture & Music: A roundup of the most popular cooking show hosts leans on viewer recognition and affection, with Julia Child ranking high. Oklahoma Community & Growth: Tulsa-area housing starts surged in July, led by Broken Arrow, as builders cite schools, infrastructure, and affordability. Oklahoma Entertainment Calendar: DJ Lenny Pearce’s “Toddler Rave World Tour” lands in Irving Nov. 7, bringing a kid-friendly techno dance party to the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory. Sports Spotlight: Oklahoma’s high school football scene keeps heating up, with coverage of top players and programs as the season kicks off.

College Football Buzz: USA TODAY’s preseason NCAA Re-Rank has Notre Dame at No. 1, with Ohio State, Texas, Oregon and Indiana rounding out the top five—Oklahoma lands at No. 7. OU Football Culture: OU coaches are sticking with the post–two-a-days approach, leaning on player health and smarter summer prep instead of double practices. Sports Entertainment (NIL): DoorDash’s new campaign brings together Jameis Winston, Reggie Bush and Lane Kiffin to spotlight how NIL has flipped the script for fans. Oklahoma Traffic & Community: A semi-crash on northbound I-35 near Guthrie shut down lanes and backed traffic for miles as crews cleared debris. Local Arts & Events: Timber Lake Playhouse’s summer closer, “The Mermaids,” wraps the venue’s new-works commission run. Native Culture: The Osage community is concerned about language and culture education after Dapsoka Ahnkodapi’s closure. Power & Cost Watch: PSO’s $11 interim charge is tied to the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s review process, with refunds possible if the final rate is lower.

Oklahoma Sports & Entertainment: Oklahoma Training Track buzzed with horse-racing excitement as Bill Mott’s barn watched Knightsbridge win the $1-million GI Pacific Classic at Del Mar, with a potential Sovereignty-Knightsbridge showdown looming. Local Music & Culture: Oklahoma red-dirt staple Stoney LaRue reflects on how growing up in Yanush shaped his songwriting and career, with Stillwater and Tulsa fueling the sound. Community Spotlight: Oklahoma City’s Azteca Mexican Grill unveiled custom OKC letters packed with Sooner State symbols, turning a simple storefront tribute into a city pride moment. Athletics on the Rise: Oklahoma State wrestlers Dreshaun Ross (silver) and Landon Robideau (bronze) brought home medals from the U20 World Championships in Slovakia, signaling big things ahead. Sports Beyond OK: Reba McEntire shared why she skips pricey jewelry, sticking to fake costume pieces and her own style rules. Sports Schedule Talk: College football fans are watching more teams dodge tough nonconference matchups, with Oregon and others leaning into “safer” scheduling.

Oklahoma Football Spotlight: The Oklahoman’s 2026 OU game-by-game predictions kick off with a Week 1 opener vs. UTEP, projecting OU to roll 45-3 as the Sooners try to rebuild an offense after a tough 2025 CFP run. Local Arts & Culture: OU’s art museum is reworking the visitor experience, aiming for a fresh look at how people move through and connect with exhibits. Music Buzz: Reba McEntire spotlights Brandy Clark’s songwriting on her new “Tourist” EP capsule, continuing McEntire’s monthly music series. Sports Health & Safety: Eagles RB Ja’Quinden Jackson was taken off in an ambulance after an opening-kickoff injury, with the team saying he had strength and movement before hospital evaluation. Entertainment & Lifestyle: A Sea Isle City chef’s annual Oklahoma-style crabbing tradition turns into a food story—catch, cook, and repeat. Politics & Labor (Oklahoma): A fact-check roundup targets GOP candidates for Oklahoma labor commissioner, including claims about hairbraiding licensing and an OSHA-embedding program.

Oklahoma Politics: The Republican governor runoff is set for next Tuesday, Aug. 25, with Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei trading barbs in a race that’s been fueled by tight polling and a contentious debate cycle. Oklahoma Arts: OU’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art has reimagined its visitor experience with bolder gallery rehangs, newly spotlighted works, and fresh juxtapositions. Film & Culture: A neo-western spotlight is making the case that the genre’s moral ambiguity and rewatch value are keeping it alive, with “Killers of the Flower Moon” singled out for its Oklahoma roots. Sports (Local Angle): NASCAR driver Christopher Bell—an Oklahoma native—heads into New Hampshire with a strong track record and a chance to turn runner-up finishes into a win. Community & Faith: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond says a Muskogee school wasn’t constitutionally required to cancel a community prayer walk, offering help to districts facing similar demands.

Oklahoma Sports & Film/TV: Oklahoma native Eric Heisserer (Norman) is set as co-showrunner for Peacock’s “Dungeon Crawler Carl,” bringing his screenwriting chops from “Arrival” and “Shadow and Bone” to the dark-comedy sci-fi adaptation. Local Arts: Live Oak Theatre in Brooksville is staging “The Diary of Anne Frank” Sept. 11-13, with tickets available online. Oklahoma Entertainment & Community: Oklahoma City’s Gold Dome redevelopment is moving forward as a potential music venue with a restaurant and bar, pending a city council-approved $3 million loan. Sports Spotlight: West Virginia WR Jaden Bray lands on the College Football Comeback Player of the Year watch list, while Oklahoma’s Brent Venables agrees to a two-year extension after leading the Sooners to the CFP. Sports Safety: OSSAA and districts are rolling out WBGT heat monitors for Oklahoma high school practices as triple-digit temperatures return.

Local Sports & Economy: Swanger Sports Complex in Texarkana says its 2026 tournaments have generated about $6.5 million in direct visitor spending, with 15 events, 420 teams, and roughly 43,000 visitors from across the region. Oklahoma Football: OU athletic director Roger Denny spoke after Oklahoma extended coach Brent Venables through 2031, and Venables confirmed starting center Jake Maikkula is injured but expects him back “sooner rather than later.” Music & Culture: Turnstile is releasing “Never Enough: Versions” Aug. 28 with a stacked guest list that includes Elton John and Hayley Williams, plus unexpected names like Dying Fetus. Native Arts & Heritage: Oklahoma’s Red Clay Roots Music Festival returns to honor WWI code talkers and Native heritage with music, storytelling, and a film. Fashion: A fall wardrobe transition guide for Oklahoma’s still-hot weather highlights lightweight layers and Walmart’s new Scenario line. Tickets & Events: The Jonas Brothers’ “Burning Up Tour All Over Again” is back on sale, and PawPaw Rod brings its Picture Day Tour to OKC Aug. 29.

Oklahoma Sports & Entertainment: Oklahoma City’s First Serve OKC is expanding its youth tennis mission, now serving nearly 2,000 students and using the sport to teach life skills like resilience and community service. Local College Football: Oklahoma extended Brent Venables with a new six-year deal through Jan. 31, 2032, after the Sooners’ College Football Playoff run and a No. 10 preseason AP ranking. Bedlam on the Pitch: Oklahoma State’s Cowgirls opened the season with a 2-0 home loss to Oklahoma, a match defined by physical play and limited OSU chances. Music & Film: Circle Cinema will host the Oklahoma premiere of “Route 66: The Main Street of America” Sept. 18 with director John Paget and Route 66 historian Michael Wallis. Community Spotlight: Addie Trout, a University of Oklahoma student and Special Olympics athlete, is featured for her “I can do hard things” message as she heads into her sophomore year. Everyday Oklahoma: PSO is explaining rising electric bills and its rate request, while Minco schools are curtailing outdoor activities due to extreme heat.

Local Sports & Entertainment: Stillwater Regional Airport marked 10 years of commercial service with a grand opening for a new $27M passenger terminal, quadrupling the airport’s size and adding room for future airline and TSA growth. Oklahoma Arts & Culture: Oklahoma City’s Freedom Fiesta commemorates the 68th anniversary of the 1958 Katz Drug Store sit-ins, with events including an art show, panel, and re-enactment honoring Clara Luper’s legacy. Community Spotlight: Edmond’s U.S. men’s and women’s sitting volleyball teams keep training at UCO ahead of the 2028 Paralympics, highlighting the sport’s speed and the state’s role as a national hub. Music & Film Buzz: Peter Melnick released the single “Still Here,” a roots-inspired track drawn from the 2018 Montecito disaster and its aftermath. Sports Business: The NFL fined the Cowboys and Saints $500,000 each after a brawl-filled joint practice, while the league also criticized Nielsen’s upcoming TV ratings methodology changes. Health & Daily Life: Oklahoma ended a federal school food program for extended-hour districts, and Edmond residents say apartment AC repairs are still dragging during the heat wave.

NBA Trade Buzz: ESPN reports a five-team deal sending Nuggets wing Peyton Watson to the Cavaliers, with Max Strus headed to the Clippers and Dennis Schröder landing with the Hornets—Denver receives an unprotected 2031 Cavs first-round pick plus a 2032 Kings second-rounder. Oklahoma Sports Oddity: ESPN drew backlash for a push notification about new Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris saying he shot and killed an armadillo at 2:30 a.m. after it tore up his lawn. Local Arts & Community: Pioneer Library System says construction is underway on upgrades to the Newcastle Public Library, including a Maker Lab, expanded children’s area, and new outdoor program space, with the library staying open during regular hours. Route 66 Culture: Caprock Chronicles spotlights Jericho, Texas, along Route 66—its cemetery ties to a deadly malaria outbreak and the town’s early prosperity as travelers rolled through. Health Book Release: Tulsa-based Functional Medical Institute co-founders Dr. Mark and Dr. Michele Sherwood debut “Authentic Longevity,” pitching a whole-person approach to staying vital longer. Music/Live Theater: Theater Alliance’s “Woody Guthrie’s American Song” returns at The Wharf with “Name Your Own Price” tickets, running through late August.