AGP Executive Report

Back-to-School Deals: Oklahoma City shoppers packed OKC Outlets during the state’s tax-free weekend, with clothing and footwear under $100 exempt (but many school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, and pencils still taxed). Family Fun in the Metro: Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein and his foundation hosted a back-to-school event with backpacks, haircuts, and activities for about 300 kids. Road Safety Watch: Oklahoma City police are investigating a fatal crash after a driver struck a bridge near Lake Hefner Parkway and Memorial Road; in Florida, an Oklahoma man died after his car plunged into a waterway near Cocoa Beach. Gas Prices Check: GasBuddy reports show spotty but low E15 and premium deals in parts of Oklahoma, plus diesel and midgrade price lows in several counties for the week ending Aug. 1. Health & Travel Caution: CDC updates highlight a widening cyclosporiasis outbreak, while health officials warn tick season is stretching longer and tick-bite ER visits remain elevated. Indigenous Awareness Ride: Medicine Wheel Ride’s seventh annual ride for resiliency drew more than 100 motorcycles to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Outdoor Travel Note: Lake Powell’s shrinking water levels are forcing marinas to relocate ramps and adapt for recreation.

Back-to-School Tax Break: Oklahoma’s tax-free weekend is underway, with families packing OKC Outlets for savings on qualifying clothing and footwear under $100 per item, while many school supplies (like backpacks, notebooks, and pencils) still carry sales tax. Local Tourism & Travel Safety: CDC updates show cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) linked to contaminated produce has expanded to more states, with Oklahoma travelers urged to watch for outbreak guidance and food-safety tips. Road Trip Costs Watch: Gas prices remain a hot topic for drivers, with Oklahoma’s weekly averages hovering around the low-$4 range for regular and midgrade and about the mid-$4s to $5+ for diesel depending on county. Family Fun Ideas: Oklahoma’s Green Country Tourism is running a travel photo contest, a simple way to spotlight local sights and plan your next weekend getaway. Health & Outdoor Planning: Tick season is stretching longer in many areas, so hikers and campers may want to double down on repellents and quick checks after time outdoors. Missing Person Alert: Cherokee Nation Marshal Service is seeking 19-year-old Gabriel Thomas Castro, last seen Aug. 6 in Cherokee County.

Tax-Free Weekend: Oklahoma’s annual sales tax holiday is underway, with families packing OKC Outlets for back-to-school deals—clothing and footwear under $100 are eligible, while items like backpacks, notebooks, and pencils aren’t. Travel Deals & Planning: Texas and Oklahoma both run tax-free weekend Friday through Sunday, and shoppers are also comparing broader national tech sales tax breaks. Green Country Tourism Contest: Green Country Tourism launched a travel photo contest inviting photographers and outdoor lovers to share northeast Oklahoma images for a chance to win a Claremore getaway. Fuel Watch (Road-Trip Costs): GasBuddy reports show Oklahoma regular prices averaging about $3.71 statewide for the week ending Aug. 1, with notable lows like $3.47 in Muskogee County and $3.51 in Choctaw County; diesel averages about $4.75 statewide, with some counties seeing single-station lows around $4.34–$4.59. Health & Safety Outdoors: Tick season is stretching longer, and states are scrambling as tick bite ER visits rise—important for hikers, campers, and anyone spending time outside. Public Lands Funding: Advocates are pushing Congress to renew the America the Beautiful Act to keep national parks, trails, and public land infrastructure safe and accessible—key for Oklahoma visitors and local economies. Local Heritage: The Canadian County Historical Museum is raising $20,000 to repair the historic El Reno Hotel porch roof, preserving a Route 66-era landmark.

Green Country Tourism Photo Contest: Northeast Oklahoma travelers and photographers can enter Green Country Tourism’s photo contest for a chance to win a Tunes & Spoons Weekend Getaway in Claremore. Back-to-School Savings: Oklahoma joins Texas for a tax-free weekend Aug. 7–9, with shoppers encouraged to focus on qualifying items like school supplies, clothing, footwear, and backpacks (with exclusions for many higher-cost goods). Local History Fundraiser: The Canadian County Historical Museum is raising $20,000 to repair the roof over the front porch of the historic El Reno Hotel, a Route 66-era landmark moved to the museum complex in 1984. Travel Safety & Health Watch: Health officials continue tracking a fast-moving cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with cases reported across many states including Oklahoma. Road Trip Reality Check: AAA reports the national gas average dipped to about $4.06 this week, and Oklahoma’s gas prices vary by county as summer travel winds down. Outdoor Getaway Idea: If Lake Murray crowds are too much, consider a quieter beach day at Sardis Lake near Clayton.

Back-to-School Savings: Oklahoma and Texas kick off a tax-free weekend Friday–Sunday (Aug. 7–9), with shoppers encouraged to focus on qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks (rules vary by item price and category). Local Travel & Family Fun: Lake Murray State Park is getting crowded, so one Oklahoma guide points travelers to quieter Sardis Lake near Clayton for beaches, fishing, and shoreline recreation. Route 66 & Historic Stops: Canadian County’s Historical Museum is raising $20,000 to restore the roof over the front porch of the 1892 Hotel El Reno, a Route 66-era landmark moved to the museum complex. Community Health & Food Access: INTEGRIS Health awarded a grant to El Reno Blessing Baskets to expand food distribution, including a new 6,500-square-foot facility planned for this fall. Road Trip Costs: AAA reports the national gas average slipped to about $4.06, while Oklahoma-area GasBuddy updates show weekly price swings across counties for regular, midgrade, diesel, and E85. Public Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis continues to spread nationwide, with Oklahoma listed among states reporting cases tied to the lettuce outbreak.

Back-to-school savings: Oklahoma and Texas both run sales tax holidays Friday through Sunday, with Oklahoma exempting qualifying clothing and footwear under $100 per item. Health care closer to home: OSU Medicine broke ground on an $11.5 million urgent care clinic in Collinsville, aiming to open next summer (with a temporary clinic planned earlier). Road-trip safety & traffic: Concert prep for the Aug. 22 Boys from Oklahoma show at Memorial Stadium will bring parking and roadway changes Aug. 13-25. Emergency response update: Two Ingalls volunteer firefighters were critically injured in a Payne County tanker crash after a tire failure; both were airlifted to Tulsa trauma care. Tourism hit: Pauls Valley’s Toy and Action Figure Museum will close Aug. 30 after 20 years, though its collection will remain. Community & culture: Green Country Tourism photo contest is underway, and Purcell CPA Roger Cudd is profiled as a local travel-and-work story. Public health watch: Cyclosporiasis linked to recalled iceberg lettuce continues spreading across more states, including Oklahoma.

Back-to-School Help: Oklahoma families can grab free supplies, haircuts, backpacks and food at the 23rd annual Faded and Educated Back to School Resource Fair in Spencer (Sun., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Local Tourism Loss: Pauls Valley’s Toy and Action Figure Museum will close Aug. 30 after 20 years, though the collection is expected to stay intact. Road Safety Watch: After a deadly I-44 crash near Kellyville, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and truckers are urging drivers to use shoulders only for true emergencies. Health & Food Alerts: A salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños served at Chipotle and Qdoba has sickened hundreds across multiple states; officials say the restaurants stopped serving the affected peppers. New Clinic for Growing Area: OSU Medicine broke ground on an $11.5 million Collinsville clinic slated to open in summer 2027, with a temporary site planned earlier. Community Events: Spencer’s Dunjee High School alumni are holding an all-class reunion with a gospel service, banquet and parade. Wildfire Reminder: Stillwater crews responded to grass fires sparked by a dragging chain—officials urge safer towing habits.

School & Safety: Oklahoma City metro districts kicked off the school year with reminders for drivers to slow down in school zones and watch for pedestrians and buses as traffic patterns shift. Local Water Watch: Tuttle is in Stage 2 water restrictions after water tower levels fell to about 70% and pressure dropped, urging residents to conserve. Back-to-School Community Events: OSU-Tulsa hosted its sixth annual Community Back to School Bash, handing out free supplies and resources to Green Country families. Tourism Stop: Totem Pole Park on Route 66 in Rogers County highlights Oklahoma folk art with its giant concrete totem and Route 66 road-trip draw. Health & Community Support: Tulsa’s Brain Injury Recovery Foundation is raising funds to expand its DEFY Neuro Rehab Center, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel out of state. Public Safety Alerts: Oklahoma City police shared pedestrian safety tips after two recent Northwest Expressway crashes, including a fatality. Travel Deals: Oklahoma is among states running a tax-free weekend for back-to-school shopping (Aug. 7–9).

Health & Tourism Access: OU Health secured a $750,000 grant toward the state’s first comprehensive pediatric behavioral health center in Oklahoma City, aiming to reduce the need for families to travel out of state for specialized care. Back-to-School Savings: Oklahoma shoppers get a tax-free weekend for clothing and footwear under $100, with NFIB urging people to spend locally at Main Street retailers. Local Attractions: Totem Pole Park in Rogers County highlights Route 66 folk art, including the world’s largest concrete totem pole. Community Events: Green Country Tourism’s photo contest is open through Aug. 10 for a Claremore “Tunes and Spoons” weekend getaway. Road & Travel Planning: Norman Public Schools canceled classes Sept. 4 due to OU’s Friday opener, citing expected traffic and road closures that could affect bus routes and families. Public Safety Tech: Midwest City is expanding its use of Flock automatic license plate readers and building a Real-Time Information Center, while residents raise privacy concerns. Food Safety Watch: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, including Oklahoma.

Digital IDs & privacy: Oklahoma City delayed a $270,000 contract for Flock license-plate cameras after residents raised surveillance and privacy concerns; the vote was pushed to Aug. 18, with the system having run without a valid contract since July 1. Tech for travelers: Apple’s latest iPhone software hints Oklahoma may soon support driver’s licenses in Apple Wallet, likely as a companion to your physical ID. Roadside art: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority approved $5 million for public art along turnpikes, starting with the Toby Keith Expressway, with renderings expected Sept. 1. Health watch for trips: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to an iceberg lettuce outbreak have surged nationwide, reaching 47 states with thousands more under investigation—worth keeping in mind for food safety while traveling. Family-friendly events: Oklahoma City Ballet’s free “Ballet Under the Stars” returns Sept. 11 at Scissortail Park, with picnic-friendly seating and pre-show activities. Local giving: KOCO 5’s Day of Giving with the Regional Food Bank aims to help feed Oklahoma children before the school year, with donations matched up to $285,000.

Public Art & Tourism: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority approved $5 million for public art along Access Oklahoma routes, starting with the Toby Keith Expressway, with renderings due Sept. 1—an easy win for visitors who drive in and want a sense of place. Local Government & Privacy: Oklahoma City delayed a $270,000 Flock camera contract after residents raised surveillance and privacy concerns; the council will revisit it Aug. 18. Outdoor & Community Events: Oklahoma City Ballet’s free Ballet Under the Stars returns Sept. 11 at Scissortail Park, with pre-show activities starting 5:30 p.m. Travel Safety Watch: A Norman man died days after a rollover in Pottawatomie County; investigators say neither man was wearing a seatbelt. Health Alert for Travelers: The CDC says cyclosporiasis cases tied to an iceberg lettuce outbreak have surged to 47 states, with 10,468 lab-confirmed cases since May 1 and two deaths reported. Culture & Heritage: A Cherokee Nation Q&A highlights tourism and economic development goals for 2026, including major progress from tribal control of the former Claremore Indian Hospital.

Workforce & visas: Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urged employment-visa reforms at the NGA meeting in Oklahoma City, saying current caps leave gaps in sectors like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and tourism. Road-trip safety: ODOT and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are rolling out digital message boards on maintenance trucks to push “slow down, move over, stay alert” reminders in work zones. Wildlife alert: Oklahoma officials are searching for a missing 3-foot caiman in Cleveland County and warn people not to approach it. State parks & travel friction: A viral clip shows an Oklahoma state park worker telling a visitor he’s “delusional” for trying to check in at noon, highlighting how cabin policies can spark conflict. Local tourism spotlight: El Reno’s Sid’s Diner keeps drawing national attention for its Depression-era onion burger technique, recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Family-friendly travel buzz: WalletHub ranked Tulsa among the most pet-friendly big cities in the U.S.

Work Zone Safety: ODOT and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority are rolling out digital message boards mounted on maintenance trucks to remind drivers to slow down, move over, and stay alert—while OHP ramps up enforcement for distracted driving. Wildlife Watch: Cleveland County officials are searching for a missing 3-foot caiman and warn residents not to approach it. Rural Internet Access: Oklahoma Broadband Office opened library “portal” rooms in Kingfisher and other locations so rural residents can do telehealth, job interviews, and training online. Local Food & Travel Culture: El Reno’s Sid’s Diner keeps the onion burger story alive—its Depression-era technique earned a James Beard “America’s Classic” honor in 2023. Family Fun in Lawton: Lawton kicks off its 125th anniversary with mini parties Aug. 5-7 and a big all-day celebration Aug. 8 at Elmer Thomas Park, the Museum of the Great Plains, and McMahon Memorial Auditorium. Health Alert for Travelers: Oklahoma is among states tied to the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak; health officials urge caution with produce and follow guidance to avoid infection.

Rural Connectivity: Oklahoma Broadband Office opened its first Community Access Portal Program rooms inside libraries, starting with the Kingfisher Memorial Library, giving rural residents a place to access high-speed internet for telehealth, job training, and remote services. Nuclear Policy Watch: DOE selected Idaho, along with Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Louisiana, as a potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus host—an agreement would require accepting out-of-state spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Travel Safety Reminder: Orkin’s annual bed bug “hot spots” list shows Oklahoma City jumping to No. 10, a timely warning for travelers who may bring pests home in luggage. Election Politics: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he’s “very concerned” President Trump could use federal power to disrupt midterm elections, including actions affecting voting by mail and polling access. Road Trip Timing: A look at permanent daylight saving suggests tourism-heavy states could benefit from later afternoons, while darker mornings may be a tradeoff. Local Roads: Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported two people from Pryor killed in a Mayes County collision on State Highway 20.

Election Integrity Watch: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he’s “very concerned” Trump could use federal power to disrupt this fall’s midterms, citing moves like restricting voting by mail and seeking voter information. Rural Health & Access: Oklahoma reports 90 rural hospitals (39 critical access); over five years, some facilities converted designations or closed, including Stillwell Memorial’s 2026 closure and Valley Community Hospital in Pauls Valley no longer offering services. Back-to-School Giving in the Region: A Wichita-area college football standout (Taje McCoy) teamed up with a church to hand out 50 backpacks and shirts, plus activities for kids. Oklahoma Blood Drive Push: Our Blood Institute’s “Dog Days of Summer” includes blood drives Aug. 6-7 in Durant, with donor perks like a theme-park ticket and therapy-dog themed items. Local Travel/Route 66 History: Edmond’s Territorial Schoolhouse (1889) is spotlighted as students get ready for the school year, with the one-room schoolhouse tied to Route 66. Road Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports two deaths from a Pryor-area collision in Mayes County.

Rural EMS & hospital access: Oklahoma hospitals are seeking funding to strengthen rural EMS and healthcare, as more facilities shift designations (including Rural Emergency Hospital conversions) and some services shrink or close. Back-to-school giving: Wichita-area college football standout Taje McCoy teamed with a north Wichita church to hand out 50 backpacks and shirts for kids heading back to school. Route 66 culture stop: The Carroll Shelby Automotive Institute joined the Mustang Club of America’s “Mustangs on the Mother Road” event in Tulsa, highlighting Route 66 tourism and classic-car travel. Family-friendly blood drive + theme-park perk: Our Blood Institute’s Dog Days of Summer campaign includes an Oklahoma blood drive in Durant and offers donors a limited-edition t-shirt plus a free ticket to a theme park of their choice. Local youth sports spotlight: Oklahoma 4-H members competed at the National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Nebraska, earning top-10 finishes and a strong overall showing. Education innovation in OK: Alpha School, an AI-driven private school model with two hours of virtual learning daily, is expanding into Oklahoma City and Tulsa this August. Safety planning for big gatherings: The Choctaw Nation’s Labor Day festival safety operation is built year-round, with incident action planning and coordinated responders to keep visitors safe.