AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Shock: Oklahoma Highway Patrol says a 64-year-old pedestrian died after he was hit by two cars on I-44 near a Tulsa construction zone, and investigators are still sorting out what led to the crash. Memorial Day Travel Watch: With holiday driving ramping up, seatbelt reminders are getting louder—TxDOT notes last year in its region, dozens of deaths were tied to not wearing a belt. Fatal Crash Update: Separate reports out of Canadian County describe a wrong-way I-40 crash that killed four young adults from El Reno after a driver hit their car head-on. Local Sports & Travel Buzz: OSU Unified kept its Special Olympics Summer Games streak alive in Stillwater, while Oklahoma’s Route 66 storylines keep rolling—from a century-old car pier-to-pier trip to Route 66’s “Ribbon Road” restoration opening May 23. Gas Prices: GasBuddy data shows premium and diesel prices in parts of Oklahoma hovering around the mid-$4s to low-$5s heading into the weekend.

NBA Playoff Spotlight: The conference finals are set, with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the San Antonio Spurs as the top two seeds clash, while the Knicks face the Cavaliers after New York’s Game 2 surge—an early 18-0 run and a more distributor-style Jalen Brunson helped the Knicks keep control. Memorial Day Travel Watch: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are at a four-year high nationwide (regular averaging $4.56), and with 45 million expected to travel, Oklahoma drivers should expect a pricey start to summer road trips. Road Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol reports a fiery wrong-way crash on I-40 near Yukon killed four people early Friday; the wrong-way driver was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Red Dirt Weekend Buzz: Pryor’s Born & Raised returns Sept. 17–19 with The Red Clay Strays leading the lineup, plus Justin Moore and Gavin Adcock. Gas Check (OK): Week ending May 16 saw some lowest local deals—like E15 at $3.74 in Tulsa County and regular at $3.75 in Seminole County—but statewide averages remain elevated.

NBA Conference Finals: The Thunder are set for Game 3 in San Antonio, but Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams is game-to-game with a left hamstring injury after playing just seven minutes in Game 2. Playoff Context: LeBron James says the Lakers were “out-talented” by OKC, even as the Thunder keep proving they can win without drama. Gas Watch for Travelers: Memorial Day demand is pushing prices up—AAA says Arizona hit four-year highs, and Oklahoma’s statewide regular average is about $3.96 (week ending May 16), with diesel averaging around $5.01. Local Tourism: McAlester’s Oktoberfest partnership just won a statewide tourism Merit Award for Best Partnership. Safety & Justice: Seven people tied to an alleged immigrant smuggling operation received sentences, including routes that funneled people through Oklahoma. Family Fun: Love County Library’s Summer Reading kickoff foam party is Friday, May 22.

NBA Playoffs (OKC): The Thunder evened the Western Conference Finals, beating the Spurs 122-113 in Game 2 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 30 points and nine assists, with OKC heading back to San Antonio tied 1-1. Memorial Day Travel (Gas + Weather): AAA says Memorial Day gas is at its highest in four years, with national regular averaging $4.56, while storms threaten flooding and delays across parts of the Plains and beyond—expect a rough start to the holiday drive. Gas Watch (Oklahoma): GasBuddy reports E85 as low as $3 in Muskogee County, regular as low as $3.89 in Pushmataha County, and diesel as low as $4.49 in Comanche County. Local Safety: Oklahoma City police say teens arrested after weekend shootings near Scissortail Park and Paycom Center had alleged gang ties. Space (OKC): Oklahoma City psychiatrists are developing mental-health screening for private astronauts headed for a potential first private space station.

NBA Finals Set: The Thunder are back in the Western Conference Finals vs. the Spurs, and the Knicks are set for Cleveland after a wild Game 1 comeback that had New York down big late. Courtroom Twist (Texas Tech): A Lubbock judge is recusing in Brendan Sorsby’s lawsuit seeking eligibility after NCAA sports-gambling violations—meaning a new judge will take over. OKC Road Reality: Drivers on May Avenue and NW Expressway should brace for major delays starting May 26 as a bridge replacement begins through 2028. Aviation Upgrade Watch: FAA plans new air-traffic control towers and radar upgrades at multiple airports, with Oklahoma included in the broader program. Space Flight, OKC Connection: Oklahoma psychiatrists are developing mental-health screening for a future private space station. Memorial Day Travel: AAA expects record holiday travel even with gas averaging about $4.55 nationally. Local Justice: A caretaker in the Athena Brownfield case was sentenced to life in prison.

Road Trip Energy: Memorial Day travel is ramping up with AAA expecting 45 million Americans to head out (mostly by car), but the weekend comes with higher gas prices—and Tulsa drivers are again asking why their pumps run hotter than Oklahoma City. Energy & Infrastructure: Evergy’s Kansas powerline project is being rerouted after regulators flagged sensitive Flint Hills impacts, a reminder that big builds can hit environmental roadblocks. Local Wins: East Central University students brought home $28,000 at the i2E Entrepreneur’s Cup, with pitches spanning forestry, fashion, and handmade accessories. Sports Spotlight: NCAA softball super regionals kick off with a heavy SEC presence—including Oklahoma—while the Thunder’s postseason buzz stays loud after a double-overtime Game 1 in OKC. Travel Culture: If you’re planning ahead, Oklahoma’s summer calendar is getting classic-rock heat with major shows on the horizon.

Gas Prices & Memorial Day Rush: AAA says Memorial Day travel could hit record levels even as gas hits its highest point in four years, with the national average around $4.47 a gallon and drivers bracing for more increases through the weekend. Tulsa vs. OKC Fuel Gap: FOX23 reports Tulsa stations are again charging noticeably more than Oklahoma City—some Tulsa stops near $4.19 while OKC-area prices are in the mid-$3s—reviving the question of why the gap keeps widening. Courtroom Watch: The trial of well-known Swadley’s restaurant owner Brent Swadley begins, after two related defendants pleaded guilty in the state contract fraud case. Local Roads: OKC crews begin May 26 on the May Avenue bridge replacement over NW Expressway, including lane closures and a new diverging diamond interchange. Weather & Safety: Oklahoma Poison Center warns boaters about carbon monoxide risks from idling engines and exhaust buildup near passengers. Wildfire Update (Region): Randall County firefighting continues after fast-moving blazes threatened I-27 traffic and prompted evacuations that have since been lifted.

Road Safety Alert: A Southwest Loop 410 rollover in San Antonio sent a 19-year-old passenger to the hospital in critical condition after a 27-year-old driver lost control and the vehicle ejected both men; police say no intoxication was found and no charges are expected. Local Travel Disruption: Oklahoma City crews start May 26 on the May Avenue bridge replacement over NW Expressway, with ramp closures, lane shifts, and a new diverging diamond interchange planned over two years. Border & Smuggling Case: An Oklahoma truck driver faces federal charges after authorities say he hid 42 undocumented immigrants in a sealed trailer and sleeper cab at the Sarita checkpoint, with temperatures near 92.5 degrees. Memorial Day Boating Warning: The Oklahoma Poison Center urges boaters to watch for carbon monoxide—especially near engines or swim platforms—because it can build up fast and cause serious symptoms. Culture & Weekend Plans: The Osage Nation’s Sovereignty Festival in Pawhuska spotlighted music, food, and Indian Dice as it marked 20 years of sovereignty. Route 66 Buzz: Tulsa Route 66 fans are gearing up for the centennial with a fresh wave of neon-fueled attention.

NBA Playoffs (OKC): Downtown OKC turned into a blue-and-orange party for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, with fans packing “Thunder Up in the Park” ahead of the Spurs vs. Thunder matchup. Sports TV/Travel Planning: If you’re trying to catch the games while you’re on the move, the Spurs–Thunder series is airing on NBC with streaming via Peacock, and this week’s TV slate also includes other major league matchups. Road Trip Fuel Check: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are set for the highest level since 2022, so budget accordingly. Route 66 (Preservation): Ottawa County is resurfacing two miles of the historic “Ribbon Road” while keeping one mile of original 1920s pavement intact—good news for heritage travelers. Local Business Boost: Love’s Travel Stops opened a new Illinois travel center in Joliet and recently added Ohio locations, adding more stops for drivers heading through the Midwest. Health Access (Oklahoma): A federal rural hospital program offers lifelines in Oklahoma, but hurdles remain for small facilities trying to stay open. Courts/Local Watch: Jury selection begins in Oklahoma County in the Brent Swadley restaurant fraud case tied to state park contracts.

Memorial Day travel weather: The Old Farmer’s Almanac is pointing to a warm, early-summer May across most of the U.S., with many regions trending drier than normal and only “isolated” storm chances—so expect heat and humidity to be the main story as people hit the road for the May 25 weekend. Air travel for sports fans: American Airlines is rolling out a major football-focused schedule, adding a record 23,000 seats for fan flights—good news if you’re planning a stadium trip. Roads and safety: A new Oklahoma report warns the state’s roads and bridges are in peril, while separate coverage highlights ongoing traffic incidents and enforcement concerns. Route 66 buzz in Tulsa: Tulsa’s Route 66 Commission is pushing the centennial spirit with dozens of new or restored neon signs along the historic stretch. Local community moments: Thousands gathered for the Lumbee Tribe’s federal recognition celebration, drawing visitors from across the country.

Church-State Clash: A Trump-backed “Rededicate 250” event drew thousands for a nine-hour mix of worship and rally-style speeches, but critics say it leaned too heavily on conservative Christian voices and blurred the lines between faith and government. Wildfire & Travel Safety: Out west, major fires triggered evacuations and emergency mobilizations, a reminder that Memorial Day travel can come with real risk. Route 66 Update: Oklahoma drivers can soon get a new Route 66 commemorative license plate, with proceeds supporting Route 66 preservation and tourism. Summer Parenting Question: Oklahoma families are asking what the state’s guidance is on leaving kids home alone as school winds down. Sports (OKC/Statewide): Duke softball punched its ticket to a super regional after beating Arizona; and LSU’s SEC Tournament opener is set vs Oklahoma. Local Watch: OSBI is investigating a suspicious death in Norman.

Oklahoma Court Watch: Richard Glossip is out of jail on a $500,000 bond while awaiting a new trial after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned his conviction—his release came with strict conditions, and Kim Kardashian’s team says she helped cover part of the bail. SEC Baseball: LSU’s SEC Tournament bracket is set, and the Tigers open Tuesday night vs Oklahoma (8 p.m. CT, Game 4 timing could shift). Route 66 Road Trip: Oklahoma drivers may soon get a new Route 66 license plate, with proceeds supporting Route 66 preservation and tourism. Local Stories: OSBI is investigating a suspicious death in Norman, and Wakita packed in storm-chasing fans for the 30th anniversary “Twister” movie museum celebration. Travel Alerts: Oklahoma also saw an unusual early-season ozone alert, with air quality concerns running into the evening.

Route 66 Boost: Oklahoma’s Route 66 Association just unveiled a new commemorative Route 66 license plate, approved unanimously by lawmakers and designed to fund preservation, education, and tourism across 40+ communities and 400+ miles. Public Safety: OSBI is investigating a suspicious death in Norman, while a Wynnewood-area crash sent at least one person to the hospital. Weather & Health: An unusual early-season ozone alert is in effect across parts of Oklahoma, with officials warning people with breathing or heart issues to take it easy. Road Trip Culture: Wakita packed in nearly 3,000 fans for the 30th anniversary “Twister” celebration at the movie museum. Big Oklahoma Sports Moment: The Oklahoma Legislature wrapped up its 2026 session early, and the NBA is set to announce its 2025-26 MVP winner Sunday—right as Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in the mix. Crime & Travel Caution: A Texas man accused of killing his pregnant wife allegedly fled to Italy via Toronto, according to court documents.

NBA MVP Countdown: The league will announce the 2025-26 MVP on Sunday, May 17 at 6:30 p.m. CT, with OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plus Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic, in the mix. Celebrity Justice Spotlight (OKC): Kim Kardashian helped post $500,000 bail for former Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip, who walked out of jail Thursday while awaiting a new trial under strict bond rules. Travel Watch (Gas + Air): AAA says drivers get only “little relief” as national gas averages dip then rise again, and Oklahoma is under a rare early-season ozone alert through 10 p.m. Sports & Fun in the State: Citizen Potawatomi Nation broke ground on a new championship softball stadium in Shawnee, aiming to finish in early 2027—built to draw traveling teams and tournaments. Local Human Interest: A Siloam Springs women’s health gap is closing as Community Clinic expands comprehensive services at its Progress Avenue location.

Justice Update: Richard Glossip—who spent nearly 30 years on Oklahoma’s death row—walked out of the Oklahoma County Detention Center after a judge set $500,000 bond while he awaits a new trial. The U.S. Supreme Court vacated his conviction last year, saying prosecutors let false testimony stand. He’s out under strict conditions: electronic monitoring, no travel outside Oklahoma, and no contact with witnesses. Celebrity Spotlight: Kim Kardashian’s team says she helped cover the bond money, turning the case into a national headline again. Travel & Community: Tulsa’s Capitol Cruise is getting a Guinness push with two 100-year-old neighbors from Skiatook leading the parade. Local Tourism: Citizen Potawatomi Nation broke ground on a new championship softball stadium in Shawnee, aiming to draw tournaments starting next season. Air Quality Alert: Oklahoma issued a rare ozone alert through the evening, urging people—especially those with breathing or heart issues—to take it easy.

Oklahoma Justice Update: Richard Glossip—whose 1997 conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court—was released on $500,000 bond while awaiting retrial, with strict conditions including GPS monitoring and limits on travel and contact. Air Travel & Safety: The Trump administration says eight airports, including Lawton, Oklahoma, will get major air-traffic control upgrades totaling $835M+ to modernize aging systems. Road & Travel Watch: AAA reports the national gas average is dipping then rising again (about $4.53 today), and Oklahoma/Arizona issued ozone air-quality alerts urging people to limit driving and outdoor activity. Local Pulse: An Oklahoma City pursuit ended in Moore with the driver arrested; and a new Oklahoma law expands property owners’ ability to sue local governments over value loss tied to illegal public camping and related enforcement failures. Route 66 Flavor: The Route 66 Beef Trail is spotlighting cattle-country stops and roadside dining as the highway heads toward its 100th anniversary.