AGP Executive Report

Space & Tech in Oklahoma: Oklahoma State University wheat researchers helped co-author a national paper pushing plant breeding to boost wheat’s fiber and nutrition for public health. Health & Research Funding: UAMS won a $2.6 million NIH grant to expand its M.D./Ph.D. dual-degree program, adding more clinician-scientists training slots. Local STEM Leadership: ParaNano, based in Oklahoma City, named Rod Whitson board chairman and Lora Spencer to lead executive compensation as it advances wound-care commercialization. Agriculture Biosecurity: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted the sterile-fly program to contain New World screwworm, warning warming weather could widen the threat. STEM Workforce & Infrastructure: A national broadband workforce analysis flags labor shortages and data limits as states race to meet BEAD deadlines. Oklahoma Science & Community: Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation named 2026 Wall of Fame honorees, including a NASA veteran, with induction set for Oct. 26. Discovery in the Field: A museum in Elk City found a mammoth tooth in a rock pile, tying western Oklahoma to deeper archaeology. Broadband & Fiber Expansion: Ritter Communications and Great Plains Communications are combining into Rightfiber, building a regional fiber network across 20 states.

Oklahoma Health Tech: Oklahoma City’s Acarix says its palm-sized CADScor system can predict coronary artery blockages without CT scans, using heart “listening” and claiming 96% accuracy after use on 60,000+ patients. Defense & Manufacturing: GALT Aerospace acquired North Star Scientific to expand C3ISR capabilities, adding radio-frequency and electronically scanned array production in Oklahoma City. Local Tech Policy: Broken Arrow is weighing a six-month moratorium on new data center proposals to study impacts on power use, water demand, rates, noise, traffic, taxes, and infrastructure. Water, Health, and Politics: Republican attorneys general, including Oklahoma’s, urged the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite health experts saying there’s no proof it harms water systems. Agriculture Biosecurity: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas after New World screwworm detection, backing sterile-fly releases and warning the warming climate could widen the threat. Medical Research: OMRF’s Arthritis Research Center won a $1.2M VA grant to study osteoarthritis progression using data from 25,000 veterans. STEM Jobs & Industry: Genesis Systems opened an Oklahoma facility to manufacture WaterCube atmospheric water generators, targeting defense and advanced manufacturing growth. Community Science: Tulsa County 4-Hers helped install native pollinator beds along Route 66, linking conservation with local agriculture education.

Medical Tech in Oklahoma: Oklahoma City–based Acarix says its palm-sized, radiation-free CADScor system can predict coronary artery blockages in minutes by “listening” to the heart, with 96% accuracy and FDA clearance used on 60,000+ patients—aimed at faster, lower-cost care in places that can’t easily get CT scans. Health Research: OMRF arthritis researcher Matlock Jeffries won a $1.2M, four-year VA grant to study why osteoarthritis progresses differently across people, using data and blood samples from about 25,000 veterans. Public Health & Access: A report highlights Indian Health Service payment delays that are limiting dental care for Native patients as outside clinics stop accepting the program. Agriculture Science: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas after New World screwworm detections; USDA is releasing sterile flies to contain the parasite as warming conditions could expand its spread. Environment Policy Fight: Republican AGs, including Oklahoma’s, urged EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, while health and environmental experts say there’s no proof of harm from wastewater traces. Local STEM/Community: Tulsa County 4-H’ers installed native pollinator flower beds along Route 66 with a Keep Oklahoma Beautiful grant, linking conservation to agriculture. Energy/Carbon Storage: Blue Energy and Oklahoma’s Calcuta Resources plan a CO₂ sequestration joint venture in the Anadarko Basin, targeting millions of metric tonnes stored in an Oklahoma oilfield.

Agriculture & Biosecurity: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as the New World screwworm response ramps up, warning the parasite could devastate cattle and urging ranchers to watch herds and treat wounds fast; the USDA is preparing a broader billion-dollar plan while debate continues over what caused the pest’s return. AI in Health Care: New research finds that when patients are told how AI is used, trust in both the clinician and the AI rises—but higher AI diagnostic accuracy can reduce trust, likely because people fear doctors will defer judgment. Psychedelics & Regulation: FDA clearance for a safer ibogaine metabolite (noribogaine) moves early testing forward, as Oklahoma and other states push psychedelic therapy laws and federal efforts accelerate reviews. Public Health Safety: The FDA issued a high-risk recall for Alfredo sauce tied to salmonella contamination, affecting 913 cases across 41 states including Oklahoma. Energy & Data Centers: Crusoe says it has contracted 4.9 GW of AI infrastructure capacity across data centers and its AI cloud, highlighting Oklahoma’s role in long-lead power-and-compute buildouts. Policy & Water: Republican AGs, including Oklahoma’s, urged the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, despite experts saying there’s no clear harm from wastewater. Local STEM/Research: Oklahoma’s Center of ImmunoEngineering received a major NIH grant, strengthening immunology and engineering research capacity.

Space & Markets: SpaceX’s Nasdaq debut sent Wall Street higher, with shares jumping 19.2% and the company now the biggest public listing in history—an Oklahoma investor angle is included. Health & Safety: The FDA issued a high-risk recall for 913 cases of Alfredo sauce tied to a bacterial contamination powder ingredient, distributed across 41 states including Oklahoma. Public Health Watch: The Pan American Health Organization urged caution over reports of a new Russian COVID-19 vaccine being negotiated for regional manufacture before standard safety and efficacy trials are completed. Agriculture & Biosecurity: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as the New World screwworm threat returns, highlighting sterile-fly releases and rancher vigilance as climate change may expand where the pest can spread. STEM Education in Oklahoma: Waynoka student Makeia Brune earned a spot in the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship, a stats-and-math STEM competition. AI in Care: A study finds that transparency about AI use can boost trust in both clinicians and AI tools, while higher AI diagnostic accuracy may not always increase patient trust.

Adaptive Cancer Care in Oklahoma: OU Health Stevenson Cancer Center is rolling out Oklahoma’s first AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy system, using a new $3 million scanner plus camera monitoring to adjust targets and normal tissue during treatment as tumors change. Big NIH Boost for ImmunoEngineering: The University of Oklahoma won an $11.5 million NIH award to create the Oklahoma Center of ImmunoEngineering, building statewide research cores for immunomodulation and omics data science. Screwworm Response in the Southwest: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins visited Texas as the USDA ramps up a sterile-fly program to contain the New World screwworm, warning ranchers to watch wounds and treat quickly as warming weather expands risk. Oklahoma STEM in Space: Oklahoma State students tested a prototype through NASA’s Micro-g NExT program at NASA in Houston, aiming at real space-mission hardware. Local STEM Pipeline: A Waynoka student is headed to the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York after earning one of only 28 spots worldwide. Tech & Health Trust: New research finds that clearly disclosing when AI is used in healthcare can raise patient trust, though higher AI diagnostic accuracy doesn’t always increase trust.

Adaptive Cancer Care in OKC: OU Health Stevenson Cancer Center is rolling out Oklahoma’s first AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy system, using real-time imaging to adjust targets and normal tissues so treatment can better match what the tumor looks like that day. NIH Boost for ImmunoEngineering: The University of Oklahoma won an $11.5M NIH award to create the Oklahoma Center of ImmunoEngineering, building statewide research cores for immunology and data science. Oklahoma STEM for Real-World Space: Oklahoma State students tested a prototype at NASA through the Micro-g NExT program, tackling a passive capture tool design for microgravity mission concepts. Local Cybersecurity Watch: OSBI is investigating a cybersecurity breach in Mountain Park after town officials found hacked emails circulating, then switched internet providers and reset codes and passwords. Beef Science on the Ground: OSU Extension hosted a beef fabrication workshop using a real carcass to teach primal cuts, yield, and processing steps. Health Costs Snapshot: A new Urban Institute report found 46% of U.S. adults struggled to afford health care last year, underscoring ongoing cost pressure. STEM in Schools: Waynoka student Makeia Brune is headed to the NBA Math Hoops Global Championship in New York after earning one of only 28 spots worldwide.

Adaptive Cancer Care in Oklahoma: OU Health Stevenson Cancer Center is rolling out Oklahoma’s first AI-powered adaptive radiation therapy system, using a new $3 million machine to adjust targets and normal tissue during treatment as tumors shift. NIH ImmunoEngineering Boost: The University of Oklahoma received an $11.5M NIH award to create the Oklahoma Center of ImmunoEngineering, building statewide immune-focused research cores for lab work and large-scale data science. Severe Weather Tech from OU: Oklahoma researchers helped the National Weather Service issue a tornado warning using phased-array radar data, enabling faster detection of rotation than traditional systems. Space & Markets: SpaceX’s Nasdaq debut sent U.S. stocks higher, with shares jumping 19.2%—a reminder of how space tech can move mainstream finance. Local Housing Pressure: Oklahoma City renters face evictions at more than twice the rate of New York City, with advocates pointing to fast, low-cost filing processes. State Policy & STEM Funding: OU Board of Regents will consider tuition increases and $420M in bonds tied to stadium and athletics plans, while Oklahoma County’s assessor warns property-tax cuts could ripple through school and local services.

Severe Weather Tech: OU researchers and the National Weather Service used a new Phased Array radar in Norman to spot tornado rotation sooner, helping forecasters issue faster warnings for an EF2 twister near Caney. Workforce & AI Skills: The Kimmell Foundation’s BOOST Career Skills Masterclass returns July 23 to teach practical workplace AI use, with hands-on guidance for everyday professionals. AI in Schools: A new look at K-12 AI policy shows states and districts are scrambling—some have rules, others don’t—while lawmakers push for AI coordinators and teacher training. Health Tech & Trust: A study finds that transparency about AI in healthcare boosts trust, but higher AI accuracy can stall or reduce trust as patients fear doctors may outsource judgment. Caregiving Support: A virtual Oklahoma forum June 17 spotlights resources for family caregivers, tied to the state’s expanded caregiver tax credit. Public Health Research: Minnesota’s rural lung-cancer screening pilot targets primary-care clinics to raise screening recommendations—an approach Oklahoma could watch as connectivity and care access expand. Local STEM Education: Devon Energy and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation hosted a regional STEM Summit for educators, emphasizing hands-on training and classroom-ready tools. Agriculture Biosecurity: The U.S. is ramping up its screwworm response with sterile fly releases, as the parasite threatens cattle and ranchers are urged to stay vigilant.

AI in Healthcare Policy: A House appropriations move would halt the WISeR prior-authorization pilot that uses AI to flag radiology service misuse in six states, including Oklahoma, after lawmakers warned it could burden patients and providers. AI in K-12 Education: As AI tools spread in classrooms, states and districts are scrambling to set guardrails; one new approach centers on AI coordinators, teacher training, and student AI literacy. Oklahoma STEM in Action: Oklahoma City hosted a STEM summit where educators shared hands-on tools and coding ideas, with support from partners including Devon Energy. Aviation & Aerospace Outreach: OSU’s Launch Pad STEM Camp brought aviation challenges to elementary students, aiming to spark interest in aerospace. Public Health Watch: Alpha-gal syndrome is drawing more attention as tick-borne cases rise in regions including Oklahoma, with experts urging caution after tick bites. Agriculture Biosecurity: U.S. officials are ramping up the sterile-fly response to the New World screwworm threat, warning it could become a major hit to cattle if ranchers don’t act fast. Energy Supply Ripple: Weather and outages in Canada are tightening crude exports and could affect Cushing storage and Midwest refineries.

AI in Schools: Maryland lawmakers say K-12 AI rules are inconsistent, with teachers left to figure it out alone; a new law pushes AI coordinators, statewide training, and AI literacy for students. Oklahoma Education Tech: Oklahoma districts are scrambling as AI image tools and deepfakes show up in student email and school systems investigate. Local STEM Outreach: Science Museum Oklahoma is rolling out a Barbie-themed exhibit that spotlights STEM careers for kids and families. Healthcare Tech & Trust: A study finds transparency about AI use boosts patient trust, but higher AI diagnostic accuracy can reduce or stall trust as people worry doctors may outsource judgment. Autonomous Transport: Volvo Autonomous Solutions plans fully driverless U.S. highway operations in Q1 2027, including a driverless Dallas-to-Oklahoma City route. Energy & Infrastructure: Wet weather and outages in Canada are tightening crude supply that could affect Oklahoma’s Cushing storage and Midwest refineries. Agriculture Biosecurity: The New World screwworm threat is back, with officials emphasizing sterile-fly releases and rapid ranch response. Data Centers: Texas faces massive data-center power demands, renewing calls for stronger grid and community planning. Oklahoma Business: BancFirst plans to buy Tulsa’s SpiritBank, deepening its Tulsa-area footprint.

AI in Health Care: Oklahoma researchers’ latest work highlights why transparency about AI use can boost patient trust, but also shows that “more accurate” AI may not always increase trust in doctors’ judgment. Oklahoma Education & AI Safety: Sand Springs Public Schools shut down student email accounts after AI deepfake images of administrators were sent to students, and the district says it’s investigating and involving police. Statewide AI Training: Oklahoma’s second annual AI Education Symposium in Tulsa tripled in size, shifting the conversation from experimenting with AI tools to building responsible, secure classroom plans. Data Centers in Oklahoma: A News 9 tally finds at least 44 data centers planned or operating in Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City-area moratoriums are spotlighting big differences between existing sites and new proposals. Livestock Threat: New World screwworm is back with another U.S. case in Texas, as USDA ramps up sterile fly releases and spending. Public Health: A rare tick-borne disease case (Rickettsia lanei) has been confirmed in California, only the fourth worldwide on record. Local Tech & Climate: Oklahoma City’s urban heat mapping shows some neighborhoods can run up to 15 degrees hotter, pushing cooling and green infrastructure plans. Beef Prices: Record ground beef prices are tied to drought and screwworm pressure shrinking the herd. STEM Workforce & Policy: A national survey finds AI boosts productivity but also raises worker anxiety, while Oklahoma’s labor market data shows turnover pressures that could shape wage debates.

AI in K-12: Maryland lawmakers say teachers are stuck “navigating AI entirely on their own,” pushing for AI coordinators, teacher training, and student AI literacy as states race to catch up. Medical Marijuana Policy: DOJ’s downgrade of medical cannabis to Schedule III could unlock some federal tax benefits, but the federal/state split still leaves states in a patchwork. Social Security Deadline: Congress has just six years before Social Security’s trust fund runs out, with automatic benefit cuts looming if lawmakers don’t act. Oklahoma Elections & Ethics: Oklahoma governor candidates are pouring record self-funds into the GOP primary, with ethics filings showing loans dwarfing outside donations. Workforce & Wages: Oklahoma’s minimum-wage $15 push is framed as a way to reduce turnover, as economists cite separations outpacing hires. AI Safety in Schools: Sand Springs Public Schools is investigating an email sent to students containing AI deepfake images of administrators. Beef Supply Pressure: Record beef prices are tied to drought-shrunk herds and the looming New World screwworm threat. AI at Work Anxiety: A survey finds AI boosts productivity and hiring managers’ confidence, but job seekers report rising worry about automation and the future of work.

AI in Health Care: Oklahoma researchers say patient trust in AI-assisted diagnoses rises when doctors are transparent about AI use, but accuracy alone doesn’t always boost trust. Public Safety Tech: OKC police are rolling out real-time autonomous drone support to speed responses, track suspects, and gather footage during fast-moving incidents. Data Center Policy: Edmond joins the trend of pausing new data center applications with a moratorium through Dec. 31, citing water, power, and zoning concerns; Oklahoma City and Tulsa have taken similar steps. Workforce for AI Infrastructure: Meta is funding a $115M data-center technician training program with job offers for graduates, aiming to fill roles tied to AI buildouts. STEM Education: OSU’s Launch Pad STEM Camp is teaching elementary students aviation and aerospace through hands-on challenges. Local Science & Learning: Love County Library is hosting fossil-making crafts using air-dry clay and 3D-printed stencils. Diabetes Research Leadership: OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center named translational scientist John P. Kirwan as director starting Sept. 1.

AI in Health Care: A new study finds that being upfront about when doctors use AI boosts patient trust, but higher AI diagnostic accuracy can reduce or stall that trust—possibly because people fear doctors will lean less on their own judgment. Oklahoma Elections & Ethics: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is drafting new rules to rein in AI-generated political ads and synthetic media, after voters reported confusion about what’s real. AI Infrastructure & Data Centers: Crusoe says it has contracted 4.9 gigawatts of AI data-center capacity, as debates continue over whether data centers bring jobs or just tax breaks. Public Safety Tech: Team Dominator says it captured the first ground-up 3D dataset inside a tornado, using an air-cannon-launched probe to map winds and storm structure. STEM in Oklahoma Communities: Stillwater Public Library’s summer program adds dinosaur science shows and hands-on activities for kids, teens, and adults. Agriculture & Food Systems: Oklahoma peanut growers face disappointing contract prices and acreage shifts, while Oklahoma’s tourism industry reported nearly $12.8B in visitor spending and 109,300 jobs in 2025.

AI & Health Trust: Oklahoma researchers report that being open about AI in medical care boosts patient trust in both the doctor and the AI, but higher AI diagnostic accuracy can stall or even reduce trust as people fear doctors may “hand off” judgment. Skilled Trades for AI Infrastructure: Meta is putting $115 million into a free “America’s Workforce Academy” to train data-center technicians, with job offers via general contractors; the push targets the skilled labor needed for AI power and buildouts. Oklahoma Lithium Leadership: Galvanic Energy, an Oklahoma lithium company, named lithium veteran Brett Rabe senior vice president of major projects to oversee design, construction, and sustainable operations for extraction and refining facilities. Local STEM & Education: Science Museum Oklahoma is bringing back Space Day and Sally’s Night for hands-on astronomy and STEM inspiration, while OKCPS is hiring for 150 teacher openings, including science roles. Water-Saving Tech for Farms: Kilimo is entering Oklahoma with a drought-focused plan to help farmers adopt irrigation-saving upgrades funded through corporate partnerships.