AGP Executive Report

Advanced Air Mobility in OKC: The FAA and DOT broke ground at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center on the $8.3M V-PAR research range, a dedicated proving ground for powered-lift aircraft, including electric and hybrid-electric eVTOLs, with plans for vertiport operations, charging, and safety-focused training and testing through summer 2027. Higher Ed Costs: Oklahoma State Regents approved tuition and fee increases at 16 public universities, averaging about a 2.2% in-state hike ($4.92 per credit hour) and a 4.8% out-of-state increase, with OSU seeing the biggest jump. Data Center Fire Risk: New research flags rising fire concerns as data centers grow, since backup power and stored electricity can make failures escalate fast—raising water-demand worries for firefighting in water-stressed regions. Oklahoma Guard Update: Gov. Stitt’s office says Oklahoma has no National Guard troops currently serving in Washington, D.C., after a prior 90-day voluntary deployment. Local Tech & Energy: OG&E filed a large-load tariff proposal aimed at data centers, seeking a structure that assigns costs to large users while protecting residential customers.

Aerospace Test Range: The FAA and DOT broke ground on Oklahoma City’s $8.3M V-PAR research range at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to help integrate eVTOL air taxis into the national airspace, including charging and procedure development. Public Health & Tech: Oklahoma is among states testing Medicare AI-driven prior approvals, with patients reporting delays and extra trips as the program expands. Higher Ed Costs: Oklahoma’s State Regents approved tuition and fee hikes at 16 universities, including OU and OSU, raising average in-state undergraduate costs about 2.2%. Local Tech Policy: Norman approved a one-year data center moratorium to develop zoning rules for hyperscale projects and allow public input. Healthcare Expansion: McKesson broke ground on a $179M, 330,000-square-foot distribution hub in Moore using automation and cold-chain needs, targeting 600+ jobs by 2029. Wildlife Conservation: The Trump administration moved to weaken federal protections for whooping crane habitat, leaving about 500 birds in the wild. Weather & Risk: NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center meteorologist says Illinois’ 2026 tornado surge is a major anomaly, while Oklahoma’s climatology experts point to shifting tornado patterns.

Aviation & Research: Oklahoma City is breaking ground on an FAA facility at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to support advanced air mobility testing, data analysis, and procedure development, with construction targeted to finish next summer. Higher Ed Funding: The Oklahoma State Regents approved tuition and fee increases at 16 public universities, including OSU and OU, raising in-state costs by about 2.2% on average. Public Health Policy: A U.S. vaccine policy update says there’s still no ACIP quorum, leaving fall respiratory recommendations in limbo as the government keeps trying to fix the process. Energy & Climate Tech: Baker Hughes and Mantle Reach Power signed an agreement aimed at scaling large-scale geothermal, targeting up to 500 MW in North America. Tribal Governance: The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma moved to ban AI data centers on the reservation, using a moratorium after citizen pushback. STEM & Community: Children’s Health Foundation received a $5,000 grant to expand early autism intervention in Cleveland County. Insurance & Consumer Tech: AG Gentner Drummond filed a new lawsuit against State Farm over alleged hail and wind claim underpayments.

Severe Weather Tech: StormNet, a free severe-weather app powered by OpenSnow, topped NOAA’s Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Forecasting Experiment, beating models from Google DeepMind, NCAR, and even the University of Oklahoma across tornado, hail, and flash-flood warning lead times. Energy & Equity: Oklahoma’s high rate of electricity shut-offs is tied to utility practices and limited protections; federal EIA data shows Public Service Company of Oklahoma disconnected power hundreds of thousands of times in 2024, with advocates pointing to income pressure and program design. Biotech Policy: At BIO 2026, leaders warned that outdated rules and rising costs could slow U.S. biotech progress, calling for faster clinical research and smarter use of AI to stay globally competitive. Higher Ed Costs: Sixteen Oklahoma universities are seeking tuition and fee increases averaging 2.96%, with the Oklahoma State Regents deciding soon. Oklahoma Science Discovery: OU paleontologists reported rare 450-million-year-old fossil soft tissue from a crinoid relative, offering new clues to early complex life. Privacy Rules: New state privacy laws are pushing businesses to update data protection programs, including Oklahoma’s Consumer Data Privacy Act set to take effect in 2027.

Paleontology Breakthrough: OU paleontologists report a rare 450-million-year-old fossil preserving soft tissue in a crinoid, offering a rare look at early complex life. School Safety Tech & Training: Oklahoma DPS and the State Department of Education are launching a statewide school safety partnership, with the Oklahoma School Security Institute leading risk and vulnerability assessments plus expanded training and emergency tools for districts. State Privacy Overhaul: Oklahoma’s new Consumer Data Privacy Act joins other 2026 state privacy laws, pushing businesses toward stronger impact assessments, limits on data sales, and clearer rules for automated decision-making and AI disclosures. Higher Ed Costs: Sixteen Oklahoma universities are seeking tuition and fee increases averaging 2.96%, with the State Regents deciding soon. Biotech Policy Push: At BIO 2026, BIO CEO John Crowley argues outdated rules and rising costs threaten U.S. biotech competitiveness, calling for faster clinical research and smarter use of AI. Health Innovation: A study describes a vibrating ingestible capsule that can flag gut-sensation relapse risk in weight-restored anorexia patients. Local STEM Support: The City of Muskogee Foundation announced 2026 grants including STEAM Live Outreach funding from Science Museum of Oklahoma. Cybersecurity Funding Gap: A White House critical-infrastructure cybersecurity pilot has stalled, with many states saying they haven’t heard how to participate. AI in Education Guardrails: North Carolina’s AI-in-schools bill advances with plans for teacher training and required standards for safer classroom AI use.

Space & Defense Industry: Quantum Space, led by former Oklahoma Rep. Jim Bridenstine, is set to go public via a merger and build a satellite manufacturing plant in Tulsa, with plans tied to its “Ranger” spacecraft for long-duration mobility and deep-space refueling. Public Health & Safety: Oklahoma is stepping up defenses against the New World screwworm after cases were found in neighboring states, with travel restrictions for livestock from infested areas. Healthcare Tech & Oversight: OU named Dr. Javier Villanueva-Meyer as its new radiology chair, bringing neuroradiology and quality/technology leadership from UCSF. Environmental Risk: An underground methane issue forced evacuation of Owasso’s Cornerstone Shopping Center and stranded at least a dozen businesses while investigators confirm it’s not a natural gas leak. Science & Health Research: OU researchers report polyethylene microplastics worsen liver damage in mice on a high-fat diet, with single-cell “hot spots” mapped in the study. STEM Workforce & Education: Edmond’s DASD STEM Camp nearly hit 200 students, while OSU plant genetics research earned an AAAS Fellow honor for work on leaf development and biomass genomics. AI & Security: A new study argues AI coding tools boost productivity but can introduce security and compliance risks, calling for stronger SDLC guardrails.

Regulatory Oversight: Oklahoma regulators licensed 16 optometry students (2018–2022) who didn’t pass all parts of a national exam, prompting a warning from the National Board of Examiners in Optometry about potential patient risk. Space & Defense Industry: Quantum Space, led by former Rep. Jim Bridenstine, is moving toward going public and plans a Tulsa satellite manufacturing plant, tied to ongoing U.S. defense work on its “Ranger” spacecraft. Ancient Science Breakthrough: OU paleontologists report the oldest known crinoid soft-tissue fossil—preserved tube feet from over 450 million years ago—offering rare insight into early ocean life. AI in Health Care: A U.S. House panel is pushing to halt funding for an AI prior-authorization Medicare pilot (WISeR) now being tested in Oklahoma and other states, after early approval-rate concerns. Public Health Policy: A federal judge blocked a SNAP soda-and-sugary-drinks restriction effort that could have affected millions, ruling USDA lacked authority to remove eligible foods. Local Tech & Infrastructure: City leaders toured Pryor’s MidAmerica data center campus as Emporia weighs its own Flint Hills Digital Campus proposal, highlighting jobs and growth alongside planning questions. STEM Education & Training: OSU Extension is running summer 4-H youth workshops focused on science, technology, engineering and math plus fair-ready project skills. Weather & Safety: Severe storms and flash-flood warnings hit parts of Oklahoma and nearby states, with officials urging people not to drive through flooded roads.

Medicare AI Prior-Approval: Oklahoma is among the first states testing a new Medicare program that uses AI to require preapproval for certain care, leaving patients like rural cattle rancher Bill Curry facing extra trips and delays for epidurals. Energy & Pollution Scrutiny: DOE grants to keep aging coal plants running are drawing backlash, including Oklahoma’s Grand River Energy Center, after repeated air and water violations. Severe Storms & Insurance Pressure: A new insurance analysis says severe convective storms are now the costliest insured hazard in the U.S., driving premium growth across states including Oklahoma. Skilled Trades Push: Meta is funding America’s Workforce Academy with paid training and job offers in trades like welding and fiber optics; Oklahoma towns are flagged as high-risk for construction labor shortages. Space Education Launch: NASA Wallops is set to launch student-built experiments on a sounding rocket for RockSatX and RockOn programs. Oklahoma AI Policy: Oklahoma is holding back on AI regulations while following a Trump order urging states not to stifle the new technology. Geopolitics & Tech: China announced sanctions targeting U.S. military-related firms and restrictions tied to dual-use exports, adding pressure to rare earth and defense supply chains.

Space & Defense Funding: Dawn Aerospace closed a $25M Series B to scale its reusable space transportation, building on supersonic suborbital flights and chemical propulsion now flying on dozens of satellite missions. STEM Education Launch: NASA Wallops will launch a sounding rocket carrying student experiments from RockSatX and RockOn, combining both programs into one rocket for nearly 250 participants. Oklahoma AI Policy: Oklahoma lawmakers are holding back on AI regulations despite a federal push for states not to stifle the new technology, leaving the state in a wait-and-see posture. Workforce & Trades: Meta is funding America’s Workforce Academy with $115M for paid, all-expenses training and job offers in construction trades like welding and fiber optics—an approach aimed at filling skilled labor gaps that hit rural Oklahoma towns hard. Public Health & Safety: A U.S. lawmaker is calling for a ban on retail nitrous oxide sales as deaths rise, while a new study links abortion bans to delayed pregnancy care and higher mortality risk. Geopolitics & Rare Earths: China retaliated against U.S. defense-tech and rare-earth firms with export controls and procurement limits, underscoring how magnet and rare-earth supply chains are now a tech-security battleground. Local STEM/Community: USAO hosted its first annual youth basketball camp, spotlighting hands-on youth programming tied to Oklahoma higher ed.

Defense & Aerospace: The U.S. Air Force is extending the combat life of its B-1B Lancer fleet with new sustainment contracts for key wing components, aiming to keep long-range conventional strike capacity ready as the B-21 Raider ramps up. Biosecurity & Agriculture: A New World screwworm outbreak is spreading beyond the southern border, with experts warning of major economic impacts if surveillance and containment can’t keep up. Tech & Geopolitics: China announced sanctions on 10 U.S. military-related companies and export limits on “dual-use” items, escalating tit-for-tat moves after the Pentagon blacklisted some Chinese tech firms. Health Policy in Oklahoma: CMS’s WISeR Medicare pilot uses prior authorization with AI to target certain services in states including Oklahoma, but critics warn it could mean delays and denials for needed care. STEM Research: A new study suggests T. rex may have kept growing for about 40 years before reaching full size, reshaping how scientists model dinosaur development. Weather Science: Research on June 10 Woodbine storm damage points to damaging inflow winds during tornado development, not the tornado itself, as the main driver of destruction. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Ohio’s push to restrict large data centers won’t reach the 2026 ballot, with organizers shifting to 2027.

Medicare AI Prior Auth in Oklahoma: CMS’s WISeR pilot is bringing AI-assisted prior authorization to traditional Medicare in Oklahoma (and five other states), and critics say it risks more denials and delays for needed care. OSU Budget & Tuition: The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved OSU’s FY 2027 budget, including a first tuition and mandatory fee increase in four years. Data Centers vs. Water & Power: A new wave of state pushback continues as data centers expand; California’s governor vetoed stricter water-use reporting, while other states consider limits or bans. Oklahoma Health Policy Debate: A separate report highlights how WISeR could face repeal efforts led by Congressional Democrats. Oklahoma Agriculture & Training: Cummins is expanding its partnership with TSTC’s Diesel Equipment program, and OSU Agriculture is working on making food healthier. Local Research & Health: OSU Wheat Improvement Team researchers published work tied to boosting public health through wheat-based foods.

Data Center Water Fight: California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required proposed data centers to estimate water use, warning against rigid reporting without knowing impacts—while national backlash over AI-driven power and water demand keeps growing. OSU Budget & Tuition: Oklahoma State University’s Board of Regents approved the FY 2027 budget for the OSU system at $1.89B, including a tuition and mandatory fee increase after several years of flat rates. Oklahoma STEM in Schools: Northwest Heights Elementary STEM teacher Kasey Bennett was named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, highlighting hands-on learning and less screen time. Wheat & Public Health Research: OSU wheat researchers co-authored work tied to boosting public health through wheat-based foods, focusing on consumer acceptance and long-term health goals like Type II diabetes. Workforce Training Boost: Cummins is expanding its partnership with Texas State Technical College’s Diesel Equipment program, adding Cummins learning tools for students and instructors. Local Health Spending Snapshot: A Bartlesville Medicaid spending breakdown shows radiology procedures billed $49,767 in 2024, up 3.6% year over year.

Higher Ed Funding: OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved Oklahoma State University’s FY 2027 budget, including a tuition and mandatory fee increase after four years of flat tuition. STEM & Agriculture Research: OSU wheat researchers are co-authoring work tied to improving wheat-based foods for public health, aiming for subtle changes in nutrition that could help with Type II diabetes risk. Workforce Training: Cummins is expanding its partnership with TSTC’s Diesel Equipment program, adding Cummins virtual learning resources for students and instructors across Texas campuses. Tech Policy & Privacy: Oklahoma is holding back on AI regulations as a Trump order urges states not to stifle new technology. Public Health & Data: A Bartlesville Medicaid spending snapshot shows $49,767 in radiology procedure claims in 2024, up 3.6% year over year. Local Education Tech: Woodward schools are tightening cellphone rules further, warning students are finding workarounds like file-sharing apps. STEM in the Classroom: Northwest Heights Elementary STEM teacher Kasey Bennett was named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, emphasizing hands-on learning and less screen time. Economic Development: IEDA awarded tax credits to Tulsa-based AU Solutions for a $17M Iowa plant expected to create 22 jobs. Health & Nutrition: Rheumatologists stress there’s no “magic” anti-inflammatory food cure for autoimmune disease, but diet can still affect symptoms and long-term health. Science Discovery: Researchers report 452-million-year-old fossils that preserved soft tube feet in crinoids, protected by pyrite.

Oklahoma Agriculture & Food Tech: OSU Agriculture helped publish wheat-focused research aimed at boosting public health without asking people to give up favorite foods, tying future wheat acceptance to subtle shifts in nutrition that could affect Type II diabetes. STEM Education Spotlight: Northwest Heights Elementary STEM teacher Kasey Bennett was named Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, emphasizing hands-on learning and less screen time. Local STEM & Community Learning: Stillwater-area Wheat Improvement Team work also highlights how Oklahoma research partnerships can translate farm goals into consumer health outcomes. Economic Development for Ag Chemistry: IEDA awarded tax credits to Tulsa-based AU Solutions for a $17M Newton, Iowa plant, supporting agricultural chemical innovation and 22 new jobs. Tech Policy & Schools: Woodward schools tightened cellphone rules but students are still finding ways around bans, including using file-sharing apps that connect nearby devices. Rare Earth & Space Tech: USA Rare Earth is set to present at the J.P. Morgan Natural Resources Conference, underscoring Oklahoma’s role in rare earth and magnet supply chains. Health & Safety Watch: A national report flags kratom sold at gas stations as an addictive, largely unregulated supplement linked to serious harms.

Drone Safety in Oklahoma: Vigilant Aerospace Systems says its FlightHorizon PILOT detect-and-avoid system passed new flight tests, showing onboard radar/transponder tracking and avoidance commands aimed at safer beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations. Rare Earth Supply Chain: USA Rare Earth’s CFO is set to present at the J.P. Morgan Natural Resources Conference, highlighting its rare-earth and permanent-magnet buildout with magnet manufacturing in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Cellphone Rules Under Pressure: Woodward schools report students are still finding ways around Oklahoma’s cellphone-free law, with concerns about file-sharing apps that can connect nearby devices. Microplastics Health Risk: New research links microplastics in high-fat diets to worse liver damage, adding to growing concerns about everyday exposure. Cattle Shortage Watch: The U.S. cattle herd hit a multi-decade low, raising fears that more beef packing plants could shut down as drought strains supplies. Science Discovery: University of Oklahoma researchers report 452-million-year-old fossils that preserved soft crinoid tube feet, protected by pyrite. Policy & Ethics: A New York Times investigation ties Oklahoma’s Markwayne Mullin to federal handling of kratom warnings, reigniting debate over unregulated supplements.

Space & Defense: Dawn Aerospace closed a $25M Series B to scale reusable space transportation, including its Aurora spaceplane and in-orbit refueling plans. Public Health & Agriculture: USDA is deploying sterile-fly releases to fight New World screwworm after fresh cases threaten cattle and ranching; officials warn warming conditions could widen the problem. Medical Tech: OU Health unveiled an AI-powered radiation therapy system, while Oklahoma’s OMRF received a $1.2M VA grant for osteoarthritis research. STEM Workforce & Connectivity: Tri County Tech will run free Certified Fiber Optic Technician training for tribal members, and Oklahoma Guardsman harnessed AI to save thousands of work hours. Local Science Education: Science Museum Oklahoma launched a new “Barbie” exhibit aimed at future careers, and Trout in the Classroom brings hands-on conservation lessons to students. AI & Safety: Oklahoma’s securities regulator warns of deepfakes and AI voice-cloning scams targeting investors. Community Tech Policy: Ohio’s data-center ban effort misses this year’s ballot, while Oklahoma cities and counties continue wrestling with data center moratoriums and public comment.