AGP Executive Report

TSA Gateside Update: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved non-ticketed loved ones pass through security and reach airport gates at 13 airports—aimed at easier welcomes, send-offs, and layover meetups. Travel Costs Watch: AAA reports the national gas average jumped 13 cents in a week, with volatility tied to crude prices and Middle East risk—good timing for Oklahoma road-trip planners to double-check fill-up stops. Oklahoma 9/11 Remembrance: Retired Oklahoma City Fire Department battalion chief Larry Hansen reflects on responding to both the 1995 Murrah bombing and 9/11, underscoring preparedness lessons for travelers and communities. Local Health & Advocacy: OSU student Brooklyn Hawkins turns her childhood cancer journey into advocacy as National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month begins. Family Travel Safety: A Florida man killed by lightning while in the Disney College Program is a sobering reminder to plan for severe weather during theme-park seasons. Airport Access Friction: One DFW visitor was denied Gateside access due to “lack of training,” highlighting how new travel rules may vary by staff.

Oklahoma Travel & Tourism: School-bus safety reminders: The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office shared “Child Safety Thursday” tips urging kids to wait for buses to fully stop, stay visible, and reminding drivers to watch for flashing red lights and stop arms. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest Oklahoma midgrade and diesel prices in multiple counties, including Alfalfa ($4.65 midgrade), Garfield ($3.92 midgrade), Kingfisher (diesel as low as $4.88), and Choctaw ($3.49 regular). Spooky-season plans: Lawton’s Trail of Fear Haunted Scream Park returns Oct. 2 with 13 nights of terror, including the new “Section 13” attraction plus a VIP Nightmare Cantina upgrade. Local sports travel draw: Oklahoma State hosts No. 6 Oregon at Boone Pickens Stadium Saturday—an early-season marquee that should bring visitors to Stillwater. Travel tech update: TSA’s “Gateside” program for some non-ticketed visitors is set to expand to Reno-Tahoe in early October, with more airports expected later this year. Nature & road-trip inspiration: A “Monarch Highway” concept highlights how states are planting milkweed and native habitat along interstate corridors to support monarch migration.

TSA Travel Ease (Oklahoma City): TSA’s new Gateside program lets some TSA PreCheck members (with known traveler numbers) pass through security at select airports—including OKC Will Rogers International Airport—to meet loved ones at the gate or wait for arrivals, with rules still requiring ID and no prohibited items. Road Safety Watch: A preliminary National Safety Council analysis estimates 18,460 lives lost in U.S. crashes in the first half of 2026, including a 20% drop in Oklahoma. Gas Prices (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports show diesel deals in parts of the state, including McCurtain County with the lowest reported diesel at $4.97/gal (week ending Aug. 29). Sports & Travel Tie-In (Norman): OU softball’s 2027 SEC schedule is out, with series at Love’s Field against Missouri, Florida, and LSU (no Red River Rivalry Texas series scheduled). Local Events (Travel Culture): Northern Santa Barbara’s Lompoc Pops on Broadway brings a tour-style concert featuring Oklahoma! and more on Sept. 20.

AI Ethics in Oklahoma: Cameron University’s “Being Human in the Age of AI” brings former U.S. Rep. Brad Carson to Lawton (Sept. 10) and Duncan for a public talk on ethical uses of artificial intelligence. Airport Travel Perk: TSA PreCheck’s new “Gateside” program lets approved, non-ticketed visitors pass security at 13 airports to meet loved ones at the gate—Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers International Airport is included. OU Softball Schedule: Oklahoma released its 2027 SEC slate, including first-time Love’s Field series vs. Missouri, Florida, and LSU, plus a road opener at Georgia; Texas is notably absent from the schedule. Route 66 on TV: The Great American Road Rally is set to premiere on The CW, spotlighting Route 66 stories and raising funds for the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership. Local History Spotlight: Love County Pioneer Museum features memories of Aaron “Punk” Gay, an Old School Cowboy remembered for life at the Marietta sale barn and local cafes. Gas Watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 price in Oklahoma County at $2.49/gal (week ending Aug. 29), with E85 averaging $2.79 there.

Airport Access Update: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible non-ticketed visitors pass security and reach gate areas at 13 airports (including Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City) for one calendar day—aimed at welcoming loved ones, meeting during layovers, and grabbing food or shopping. Gas Prices & Travel Costs: AAA reports Labor Day gas hit record highs, with the national regular average around $4.15 per gallon, driven by elevated crude oil costs and Middle East shipping worries—bad news for end-of-summer road trips. Oklahoma Travel & Dining Growth: LV Petroleum opened the first Bojangles in Arizona and noted it also acquired a TravelCenters of America site in Seminole, Oklahoma, signaling continued expansion of travel-center dining options. Local Culture Spotlight: “Chikasha Poya” returns with a new episode highlighting Chickasaw storytelling, history, and tourism across Chickasaw Country. Invasive Species Watch (Outdoors): Great Smoky Mountains National Park is tracking the invasive Joro spider—an alert for hikers planning fall trips to regional parks.

TSA “Gateside” pilot: TSA PreCheck members can now apply for a free one-day pass to enter secured airport areas and reach the gate without a flight ticket at 13 airports, including Will Rogers International (Oklahoma City)—use cases include welcoming loved ones, meeting someone on a layover, and grabbing food or shopping; passes are limited and must be requested 1–3 days ahead. Oklahoma travel & culture TV: The Chickasaw Nation’s “Chikasha Poya” returns with Episode 3, spotlighting Chickasaw storytelling, history, and tourism across Chickasaw Country, airing Sept. 12 and 19 on KFOR and KXII. Gas prices watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest midgrade/premium figures in the state around late August, including Mayes County premium at $4.00 and Logan County midgrade at $3.99, with county averages still hovering near the mid-$4 range. Road safety: A wrong-way crash in Cherokee County injured four people, a reminder for holiday-weekend driving vigilance. Travel-adjacent business: LV Petroleum opened its first Bojangles in Arizona and also acquired a TravelCenters of America location in Seminole, Oklahoma, continuing its travel-center and restaurant expansion.

Airport Access Update: TSA’s new “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” lets some trusted travelers pass through airport security without a plane ticket at 13 airports, including DFW and LAX—free to use, but availability can be limited during busy times. Labor Day Travel: Oklahoma airports are bracing for the post-holiday rush, with TSA screening estimates of 2.7 million passengers Monday and local guidance to arrive early (Tulsa recommends 90 minutes). Road Work in Sand Springs/Tulsa: ODOT starts nearly $10M in bridge rehabilitation on U.S. 412 and SH-97/Wilson Ave, with lane reductions expected through late spring 2027. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports Oklahoma fuel prices easing in late August, with county-by-county lows for regular, midgrade, premium, E85, and diesel—useful for road-trip planning. Wildlife on the Move: The “Monarch Highway” idea along I-35 aimed to restore milkweed habitat, but funding and staffing stalled the original push; some states still add roadside wildflowers. Local Safety: A Sand Springs man died after a motorcycle crash in Osage County when he left the roadway on Lake Road. OU Football Honors: Isaiah Sategna III earned SEC Special Teams Player of the Week after a 51-0 season-opening win over UTEP.

Labor Day airport rush: TSA expects nearly 2.7 million passengers to be screened Monday, and Oklahoma airports are urging travelers to arrive early. OKC’s Will Rogers Airport recommends extra time for security and parking, while Tulsa International says plan for at least 90 minutes before departure and check flytulsa.com for wait times. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reports show bargain fuel pockets across Oklahoma as the holiday winds down—E85 hit a low of $2.49 in Oklahoma County (week ending Aug. 29), while diesel lows included $4.99 in Wagoner County and $4.69 in Mayes County. TSA access change: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible PreCheck members (with a Known Traveler Number) enter certain airport areas beyond security without a flight ticket at 13 participating airports. FAA student transport: The FAA says student transportation is critical to keeping its Oklahoma City controller training pipeline on track, awarding a temporary single-source contract for lodging-to-training shuttles. Local travel & tourism tie-ins: NSU partnered with Regent Bank Amphitheater in Broken Arrow to create internships and real-world hospitality/tourism experience for students. Theme park goodbye: Oklahoma-based Premier Parks’ Wild Waves Theme & Water Park is closing in Federal Way after 50 years, with a petition underway to save it.

Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA says nearly 40 million Americans will drive this Labor Day, but record-high gas prices are making the holiday pricier than ever, with the national regular average around $4.14–$4.15 per gallon and Oklahoma hovering just above $3.70. TSA Gate Access: TSA’s “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” lets eligible non-ticketed visitors pass security to reach gates at 13 airports (free, but you must apply online at least a day ahead). Roadside Safety: A Marlow man, 63, died after crashing into a pack of wild hogs in Stephens County, underscoring how wildlife can turn dark roads dangerous. Local Fuel Watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports lowest regular deals in Tillman County ($3.65) and Lincoln County ($3.56), plus diesel lows like Stephens County ($4.67) and Love County ($5.00). Water & Farming Help: OSU agriculture programs are supporting Oklahomans with conservation efforts tied to the state’s water challenges. Theme Parks & Fall Plans: Six Flags Darien Lake is dropping Fright Fest for 2026, a reminder to double-check fall event schedules before you book.

Airport Access Upgrade: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” at 13 airports, letting eligible non-ticketed visitors pass security to meet travelers at gates and grab food or shopping—starting with places like OKC’s Will Rogers World Airport and Harry Reid (LAS). Road Trip Fuel Watch: AAA says Labor Day gas is pushing record territory nationally ($4.14 average), while Oklahoma’s local price snapshots show premium deals in Le Flore ($4.05), Creek ($3.99), and regular at $3.56 in Lincoln County—plus E15 as low as $3.59 in Creek. Travel Culture Spotlight: Route 66’s centennial is fueling fresh neon, events, and spending along the “Mother Road,” with Oklahoma’s stretch getting a big midpoint marker. Local Safety Note: A 3-vehicle crash on U.S. 285 near Villa Grove sent one person to the hospital; the road reopened by late morning. Foodie Fun: Wendy’s in Edmond is bringing back Canada’s “T-Rex Burger” secret menu item after 13 years.

Airport Travel: TSA is rolling out “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting approved, non-ticketed PreCheck members pass security at 13 airports (including OKC) to reunite with loved ones sooner. Labor Day Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas is on track to hit a record, with Oklahoma averaging just above $3.70 and the national average around $4.15. Road-Trip Weather: The NWS and Weather Prediction Center flag heat across the central U.S., severe storms, and flash-flood risk in parts of the Southwest for the Sept. 5–7 weekend. Oklahoma Sports Tourism: Tulsa beat Oklahoma State 24-10 at home, a reminder that in-state rivalry weekends keep drawing fans and visitors. Local Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports a fatal crash in Seminole County on US-270, with three others injured. Travel Deals: Ticket prices for UCF’s Sept. 3 home opener start low on the secondhand market, with upper-bowl seats as cheap as $8.

Labor Day Travel Costs: AAA says record-high gas prices are driving up holiday travel costs, with the national regular average around $4.15 and Oklahoma just above $3.70, plus domestic round-trip airfare averaging about $750. Road-Trip Fuel Watch (OK): GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 in Lincoln County at $3.54 and E15 in Kingfisher County at $3.49, while diesel deals show up in Harmon County at $5.29. OKC Water & Summer Travel: Oklahoma City plans to release water from Canton Lake starting Sept. 17 to raise Lake Hefner after hot, dry weather dropped levels. Sports Tourism (OU): No. 10 Oklahoma opened with a 51-0 shutout of UTEP, setting up a Week 2 trip to Michigan—good news for fans planning fall road trips. Local Safety: One person died and at least three were injured in a Seminole County crash on U.S. 270. WinStar Invitational (Thackerville): Angelo State women’s golf heads to the WinStar Invitational Sept. 6-8 in Thackerville.

Rocklahoma 20th Anniversary: Pryor’s Rocklahoma is celebrating 20 years in 2026, with the festival’s roots traced back to a 2008 reunion run by Triumph—plus this weekend’s fresh lineup. Missing Person: A Tecumseh man, 47-year-old Troy Tolton, has been missing since late July after his truck was found abandoned; family members are still searching for answers. OKC Water Update: Oklahoma City will release water from Canton Lake starting Sept. 17 to boost Lake Hefner levels, with first effects expected in 3–5 days. Travel Safety & Weather: Labor Day weekend forecasts point to heat across the West and storms/severe potential across parts of the southern Plains, including western Oklahoma. Local Road Risks: A Del City crash killed an e-bike rider; the driver was arrested after police said he lacked a valid license. OKC Hotel Spotlight: “Travel with Terri” highlights The National Hotel in downtown OKC as a romantic, luxury stay. Sports for Travelers: No. 10 Oklahoma opened the season by shutting out UTEP 51-0, setting up more game-day travel chatter.

OU Season Opener: No. 10 Oklahoma hosts UTEP on Friday night at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium (7 p.m. CT), with the Sooners heavily favored at -41.5. Norman Tradition: A Norman mom-and-son duo has never missed an OU home game kickoff in 50 years, starting in 1975. Labor Day Travel Watch: Travelers are rolling through the region as Labor Day traffic ramps up, with AAA warning record-high gas prices could add to holiday costs. Fuel Prices (OK): GasBuddy reports show Grady County midgrade at a low $3.69/gal (week ending Aug. 29), plus other county-by-county lows across Oklahoma. OKC Water Update: Oklahoma City plans to release about 16,000 acre-feet from Canton Lake starting Sept. 17 to replenish Lake Hefner. Safety Alerts: A fatal e-bike crash in Del City led to an arrest; Choctaw also saw a deadly crash that injured six children. Flights for Getaways: Tulsa International lists 22 nonstop destinations, while OKC’s Will Rogers has 27 nonstop options.

Airport Convenience: TSA is expanding “Gateside by TSA PreCheck,” letting eligible travelers pass through security at 13 airports (including Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City) even without a flight ticket for greetings, layovers, or access to post-security amenities. Road-Trip Costs: AAA reports Labor Day 2026 gas prices are on track for a record at the pump as crude oil stays volatile; Oklahoma’s average regular price is cited around the mid-$3 range for the week ending Aug. 29. OU Game-Day Planning: Norman police and OU released 2026 football traffic maps, including one-way changes on Lindsey Street and closures/restrictions near campus and the stadium—plan extra time and follow posted routes. Local Festival Buzz: Rocklahoma returns for its 20th anniversary in Pryor, with camping culture and thousands of fans expected for a full week of music and community. Travel Safety Reminder: After deadly Grand Canyon flash flooding, officials are still assessing damage and infrastructure, with lodging closures and evacuations reported.

OU Football Game Day Traffic: Norman police are laying out 2026 home-game road closures and one-way changes around Lindsey Street, plus restrictions near Boyd, Elm and Lindsey before/after games—fans are urged to arrive early and check official traffic maps. Local Shopping & OU Culture: Blush boutique on Campus Corner marks 10 years under sisters Megan Benson and Ashley Montgomery-Schulz, a longtime game-day stop for multi-generational Sooners fans. Travel Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show E15 at $3.65/gal in Garfield County (week ending Aug. 29) and diesel at $5.09/gal in Atoka County—useful for road-trip planning. Road Construction: ODOT starts a $3.6M Highway 169 resurfacing project (Talala to south of Nowata), with one-lane traffic and a 55 mph limit through late fall. PikePass Expansion: Oklahoma’s PikePass now interoperates with more out-of-state toll roads, adding additional states and entities for smoother cross-border driving. Airport Convenience: TSA’s “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” lets approved non-fliers access parts of select airports beyond security for meetups, dining and shopping. Family & Community: Lawton sets citywide trick-or-treating for Oct. 31, 6–9 p.m. Missing Person: Tecumseh family seeks answers after Troy Tolton vanished; his truck was found abandoned.