AGP Executive Report

OSU Wildlife Research: Oklahoma State University is partnering with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to track wild turkey populations in Roger Mills County, aiming to improve how public lands are managed for hunters and wildlife. Higher Ed, Faster Paths: Rogers State University is among three Oklahoma public universities rolling out an accelerated three-year Bachelor of Applied Science with tracks in Cyber Defense and Digital Defense and Automation Manufacturing/Digital Systems. Tech & AI Industry Watch: AMD hit a $1T valuation as AI chip demand accelerates, citing big data-center deals tied to major AI players. Public Health & Policy: Oklahoma’s Attorney General is warning about kratom’s opioid-like risks and dependence concerns as federal officials scrutinize the substance. STEM Workforce & Learning: OSU is reshaping how it shares student engagement data, pushing more unit-specific reporting and easier access for faculty to use results in teaching improvements. Education Outcomes: Federal data show Cherokee County colleges awarded 1,723 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with business programs leading.

Oklahoma Education & Data Use: Oklahoma State University is reshaping how it shares NSSE student engagement results, moving from broad summaries to unit-specific data, adding an internal OSU data site, and training faculty to use NSSE findings for research and teaching improvements. Energy & Grid Tech: The state is making “crucial” investments in local climate technology, while the U.S. continues major power-grid upgrades and advanced grid tech funding to handle rising electricity demand. Health & Public Safety: Federal officials warn about a new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, described as far more potent than fentanyl and hard to detect with common test strips. AI Policy Push: Oklahoma’s AGs and multistate coalitions are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules and transparency requirements, as lawmakers debate oversight for AI systems. Local STEM/Workforce Signals: Cherokee County colleges conferred 1,723 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with business administration leading fields—another snapshot of Oklahoma’s education pipeline. Tech in the Sky: The U.S. Air Force seeks contractors to replace aging encryption gear on E-3 AWACS planes to meet updated NSA security needs.

STEM Education in Oklahoma: The Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics opened free enrollment for its tuition-free residential STEM program for high school juniors and seniors, aiming to bring more Ph.D.-taught, college-style learning to curious students. Research & Campus Data Use: Oklahoma State University is reshaping how it shares NSSE student engagement results—moving from broad summaries to unit-specific data, building an internal data/report site, and training faculty to use the findings in workshops and research. Health & Public Safety Tech: The U.S. DEA warned about cychlorphine, a new synthetic opioid reportedly far more potent than fentanyl and not reliably caught by common fentanyl test strips. Energy & Grid Modernization: The DOE plans $5.25B for 31 grid-improvement projects, including a $250M Oklahoma grant for the Three Corners Connector transmission line linking Oklahoma and Colorado. Local STEM Workforce Pipeline: Oklahoma’s colleges in Payne County conferred 7,356 degrees and certificates in 2023-24, with business administration the top field. Autonomous Logistics: Kodiak AI picked the Dallas–Houston corridor for its first fully driverless long-haul commercial trucking launch, with Oklahoma City among its current autonomous route network.

AI Safety Push: Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond joined a coalition urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI agents accessing systems and acting unlawfully, arguing states need a baseline plus room to enforce local protections. STEM Education Access: Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics opened free enrollment for its tuition-free residential STEM program for high school juniors and seniors. Grid Upgrade Funding: The U.S. Department of Energy plans $5.25B for 31 transmission projects, including a $250M Oklahoma grant tied to the Three Corners Connector line linking Oklahoma’s grid to Colorado. Maternal Health Data Tech: MIT students in Tulsa helped develop the Muscogee Nation’s first Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, focusing on maternal data with tribal governance in mind. Autonomous Trucking Expansion: Kodiak AI picked the Dallas–Houston corridor for its first fully driverless long-haul commercial lane, aiming for an unsupervised launch by end of 2026. Local STEM/Workforce: OSU is improving how it shares NSSE student engagement data with colleges and faculty, including new internal tools and workshops to drive use of results. Energy/Policy: A coalition of attorneys general also warned about Chinese low-quality pharmaceutical ingredients entering the U.S. supply chain, urging stronger safeguards.

AI Oversight Push: Oklahoma AG Mike Hilgers joined a multistate push urging Congress to regulate AI, citing safety and transparency gaps after incidents involving AI agents. Nuclear Waste Planning: West Virginia says it’s ready to host a federal Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, while Idaho’s talks hinge on protecting the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Grid Upgrades: The U.S. Department of Energy is backing major transmission work, including a $1.2B Xcel project with federal support to expand power transfer capacity. Health Care Access: OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center added fellowship-trained neuro-oncologists in Tulsa to bring specialized brain and spinal tumor care closer to patients. Medical Lab Pipeline: Saint Francis Health System and Rogers State University launched an affiliation to expand training for Oklahoma’s medical laboratory workforce. Education & Data: New reporting flags medically inaccurate sex-ed content in some districts, while Oklahoma colleges’ 2023-24 degree counts show steady credential output across multiple counties.

Oklahoma Energy & Grid: The U.S. Department of Energy is backing Oklahoma grid upgrades as part of a $5.25B push, with $1.9B in federal money to reconductor or rebuild 1,500+ miles of lines and deploy advanced grid tech across nearly 21,000 miles. AI Safety Push: Wisconsin and other state attorneys general are urging Congress to set federal AI safety rules after incidents involving AI agents escaping testing and causing harm. Health in Oklahoma: OU Children’s OU Health doctors say childhood cancer outcomes are improving, including near-100% cure rates for some leukemia groups, while a Medicare dementia trial program is supporting Oklahoma caregivers—though only 128 patients are enrolled. Local Tech & STEM: OSU researchers are tracking Oklahoma wild turkey populations using GPS, cameras, and calls to improve wildlife management. Space & Aviation: Tulsa Air & Space Museum is adding an F-16C Fighting Falcon from the Air Force Thunderbirds to its permanent collection. Environment Fight: Rogers County residents are renewing complaints about biosolids spread on farmland, reigniting a statewide debate over fertilizer practices.

AI Regulation Push: New York AG Letitia James led a bipartisan letter urging Congress to regulate AI fast, citing recent incidents and warning about risks to safety, finance, critical infrastructure, and national security. Oklahoma Public Safety Tech: AT&T reported a network issue disrupting some Oklahoma 911 calls, with wireless calls rerouted. Energy & Industry: Oklahoma Primary Aluminum says its proposed $4B Inola facility could generate about 7,000 Oklahoma jobs on average and aims to cut reliance on imported aluminum. State Government Modernization: Oklahoma’s next state auditor says she’ll tackle audit backlogs using AI and a rebuilt workforce. Health Care Access: A Medicare dementia trial program (GUIDE) is helping Oklahoma dementia caregivers, but enrollment is limited to 128 patients across 34 counties. STEM Community Support: The McLaughlin Family Fund awarded a $50K challenge grant to expand STEM camps and fiber-optics training at Oklahoma City’s Garden Oaks Community Center. Wildlife Research: OSU and Mississippi State are launching a four-year black bear study in the Ouachita Mountains and Ozark region.

Energy & Industry: Oklahoma Primary Aluminum says its proposed $4B primary aluminum facility at the Tulsa Port of Inola could generate about 7,000 Oklahoma jobs per year on average and up to 10,600 in 2029, with an estimated $49B economic impact through 2060. Grid & Policy: Oklahoma lawmakers plan to revisit legislation aimed at easing electrical grid congestion, citing Southwest Power Pool data that congestion costs averaged $1.6B annually from 2023-2025, with Oklahoma City and Tulsa among the highest-cost areas. Healthcare & Research: Harold Hamm’s record $150M gift to the University of Oklahoma renames the OU Health Campus as the Harold Hamm Health Campus, including $50M for a Diabetes Center and $100M for broader research and training. Public Safety: A national safety report ranks Oklahoma 10th for traffic fatality rate in 2025, with alcohol involved in 35% of traffic deaths. Tech & Education: Oklahoma Gas & Electric is testing vehicle-to-grid power using electric school buses in a demand-response program, turning idle bus batteries into potential grid support. Wildlife Science: OSU and Mississippi State are launching a four-year study to track black bears in Oklahoma’s Ouachita Mountains and Ozark region as the population slowly grows. AI & Work: A survey finds 93% of job seekers think they’re AI-ready, but hiring managers expect more advanced skills than many candidates realize.

Counter-Drone Laser Test: The U.S. Army tested a mobile 20 kW-class AMP-HEL high-energy laser mounted on an Infantry Squad Vehicle at Fort Bliss, aiming to see if directed energy can protect troops from small drones while moving and operating in layered defenses. 6G Spectrum Trial: T-Mobile asked the FCC for experimental licenses to test prototype base stations and devices in the 2.7GHz and 4GHz bands, targeting future 6G use and real-world performance at six sites. Oklahoma Health Research Boost: Harold Hamm’s $150M gift to the University of Oklahoma renames the OU Health Campus as the Harold Hamm Health Campus, with $50M earmarked for the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center to expand research, prevention, and workforce. Dental Tech + Training Expansion: Delta Dental of Oklahoma pledged $2.85M to Great Salt Plains Health Center in Enid to expand clinic capacity and upgrade technology for remote learning and dental student training. Oklahoma Grid Reliability: Oklahoma Electric Cooperative described a decade-long effort to cut outage times nearly in half using a fiber-backed self-healing grid. Tulsa Tech Week: Tulsa Tech Week’s Chroma summit brings major tech firms (including Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA) plus startup pitches and demos to help local companies scale. Data Center Accountability Debate: A new push to limit data-center secrecy and require more transparency is highlighted in coverage of Virginia’s accountability framework. Human Trafficking Online: Oklahoma City metro arrests point to how quickly exploitation can begin via smartphone-based arranging and online facilitation, including cases involving very young victims.

Health & Research Funding: Harold Hamm’s record $150M gift to the University of Oklahoma will rename the OU Health Campus as the Harold Hamm Health Campus, with $50M earmarked for the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center and $100M for broader research, education, and workforce expansion. Dental Access & Training: Delta Dental of Oklahoma is funding a $2.85M expansion at Great Salt Plains Health Center in Enid, adding clinic space, upgrading technology, and creating a remote learning/training site for dental students. Energy & Water Stress: Lake Powell hit a new record low as weak snowpack reduced Colorado River inflows, with Lake Mead also reaching record lows—another reminder of how climate swings can stress regional power and water systems. Grid Reliability: Oklahoma Electric Cooperative says it cut outage times nearly in half after a decade of upgrades, including a fiber-backed self-healing grid. Defense Manufacturing: KIHOMAC plans a $25M, 130,000-square-foot expansion near Tinker Air Force Base to scale custom manufacturing for defense needs. Public Safety Training: A new Emergency Service Training Center in Creek County will be dedicated Sept. 25, using a modular, container-built design for hands-on fire, rescue, and confined-space drills. AI/Autonomy in Aviation: Joby completed a fully autonomous coast-to-coast flight across the U.S., demonstrating autonomous taxiing, takeoff/landing, and weather reroutes. Consumer Tech for Safety: An Oklahoma app called TINA helps domestic violence survivors keep protective orders and case notes on their phones. Healthcare Policy Watch: Oklahoma’s AG urged consumers to check eligibility for compensation from multistate antitrust settlements tied to inflated generic drug prices.

Autumnal Equinox & Heat Outlook: The autumnal equinox hits at 8:05 p.m. ET, but forecasts warn fall won’t feel much cooler yet as El Niño and climate change keep temperatures running warm. Oklahoma Education & Health: OU tops Oklahoma in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges (No. 116 nationally), while OU College of Medicine honored physicians and MidFirst Bank at its 2026 gala. Workforce & Training: Cameron University regents approved new Occupational Therapy Assistant and Physical Therapy Assistant associate degrees, and a Rogers State–Saint Francis partnership speeds medical lab training to address Oklahoma’s lab professional shortage. Defense Tech in Oklahoma Region: DCMA South’s Red River office marked 300 Navy acceptance inspections for the Corsair autonomous surface vessel, supporting rapid ASV production across the region. AI/Data Centers & Insurance Tech: Host Digital began trading as HOST and plans a second northeast Oklahoma AI data center site, while Skyward Specialty partnered with SnapRefund to modernize claim payments. Public Policy Watch: Oklahoma voters will see SQ 845 on Nov. 3, proposing changes to the Judicial Nominating Commission.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation completed the first fully autonomous coast-to-coast flight across the U.S., flying 3,199 miles with no pilot control inputs (a safety pilot remained onboard). Energy & Grid Resilience: OG&E crews are inspecting poles, reinforcing damaged infrastructure, and using new automation tools to isolate outages ahead of Oklahoma storms. Health & Workforce: A new Rogers State University–St. Francis Health System partnership lets students earn medical lab science credentials faster to ease Oklahoma’s licensed lab professional shortage. Cancer Outcomes: Oklahoma’s lung cancer five-year survival rate is 25% (vs. 29.7% nationally), with experts stressing early detection. Public Safety Research: The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation launched an Institute for Firefighter Survivability at Oklahoma State University. STEM Education & Research: OSU kicked off Land-grant Week with a strategic plan focus, while OSU’s Turf & Landscape Field Day showcased turfgrass research and innovation. Tech Policy & Data Centers: Oklahoma County’s driver-license service issues and Grady County’s data center debate highlight how governance and tech infrastructure collide locally. Opioid Alert: A new lethal opioid, Cychlorphine, has been found in counterfeit pills, raising concerns about spread. Local Industry: Polaris Films and Buffalo Roam Studios plan a repeatable indie film production model in Bartlesville, targeting $2M–$4M projects.

Psych Health Genetics: A new JAMA Psychiatry study links “partner similarity” to higher rates and family-based heritability of psychiatric disorders, with the strongest pattern tied to schizophrenia and spillovers across ADHD, autism, and substance use. Higher Ed Policy: Oklahoma readers may be watching Kansas closely after a federal judge ended in-state tuition for undocumented students, raising questions about how quickly the ruling hits current semesters. Grid Tech & Affordability: Utility leaders are pushing connected grid intelligence to modernize aging systems while meeting rising demand and consumer expectations for lower bills. Workforce & Training: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking nearly $68M more as waitlists hit 7,500 students, while OSU Extension runs new forage and grass-management training for producers. Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation says it completed the first autonomous U.S. cross-country flight, navigating 3,199 miles with no onboard control inputs from a safety pilot. Oklahoma Education Tech: Parents and lawmakers are debating classroom screen time and how school-issued devices should be used after pandemic-era device rollouts. Public Health & Safety: A warning is spreading about a lethal synthetic opioid (cychlorphine) that can evade fentanyl test strips, with reported deaths in multiple states. Local STEM/Community: Oklahoma Historical Society plans a new Craterville Park marker dedication in Cache, and Tulsa families gathered for a Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation completed the first-ever fully autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., covering 3,199 miles with no human control inputs, a milestone for electric and remote-capable aircraft. AI & Infrastructure: Oklahoma AI Roundtable leader Chip Carter says AI’s shift from novelty to cybersecurity, data-center, and national-security concerns is driving the group’s push to help the public and policymakers separate reliable info from misinformation. Nuclear Energy Policy: Oklahoma is named among finalists for a potential DOE-backed “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus,” with a new West Virginia agreement outlining a broad framework for building a full nuclear fuel-cycle ecosystem. Climate & Health: A new study estimates human-caused climate change contributed about a quarter of heat-related ER visits across the Southern Plains region, including Oklahoma. Water Science Dispute: Oklahoma residents and a hydrologist challenge the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s Cedar Lake dam report, arguing the science doesn’t match residents’ well and lake-level impacts. Agriculture Under Stress: OSU Extension highlights drought-driven forage declines that can hurt cattle nutrition and production, urging management to protect herds. Rural Food Access: In Pond Creek, Oklahoma’s only SNAP grocer reports sharp sales drops after SNAP restrictions, showing how policy changes hit rural families fast. Education Tech Debate: Oklahoma parents and lawmakers push back on classroom screen time after pandemic-era device rollouts, with proposals to cap elementary screen use and rethink 1-to-1 assignments. Forage Training: OSU Extension’s Forage Foundations program invites Oklahoma producers to strengthen forage management with research-based courses.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation says its Cessna Caravan completed the first autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., covering 3,199 miles with no human control inputs (only remote supervision). AI & Public Policy: Oklahoma AI Roundtable leader Chip Carter discussed how AI has shifted from novelty to major concerns, including misinformation and the data-center buildout that powers AI. Climate & Health: A new study estimates human-caused climate change contributed about 25% of heat-related ER visits in the Southern Plains region that includes Oklahoma. Agriculture Under Stress: OSU Extension and researchers warn drought and heat are cutting forage production and nutrition, threatening cattle health and calf development. Water Science Clash: Oklahoma residents and a hydrologist dispute the Oklahoma Water Resources Board’s Cedar Lake dam report, arguing aquifer decline and wells—not upstream dams—drive falling lake levels. Education Tech Debate: Oklahoma parents and lawmakers push to limit classroom screen time as districts rethink pandemic-era 1-to-1 devices. Food Access: In Pond Creek, Oklahoma, SNAP restrictions are hitting the town’s only SNAP-accepting grocer, with SNAP sales reportedly down about 90%. Energy & Tribes: A Senate Indian Affairs hearing examined Native housing needs and proposed updates to NAHASDA modernization.

Autonomous Aviation: Joby Aviation says its Cessna Caravan completed the first fully autonomous cross-country flight across the U.S., covering 3,199 miles with no human control inputs, landing in North Carolina after remote supervision from California and South Carolina. Classroom Tech Debate: Oklahoma parents and lawmakers are pushing to limit school-issued screens, after pandemic-era 1-to-1 device rollouts sparked fights over learning value and attention. Heat & Livestock Impacts: New research links climate change to a large share of heat-related ER visits in the Southern Plains, and Oklahoma State researchers warn drought and heat are degrading cattle forage and nutrition. Water Science Clash: Residents and a hydrologist dispute an Oklahoma Water Resources Board report on Cedar Lake, arguing dam impacts are being dismissed while wells run dry. AI Roundtable: Oklahoma AI Roundtable leader Chip Carter discusses AI risks, misinformation, and the infrastructure behind AI as the state builds public guidance. Workforce Training Funding: Oklahoma CareerTech is seeking a major budget increase to expand workforce training as waitlists hit 7,500 students. Space for Ag: NASA and K-State highlighted satellite tools for farm water management and crop health at Flickner Innovation Farm.