AGP Executive Report

TSA Travel Perk in Oklahoma Travelers’ Orbit: TSA’s new Gateside program lets unticketed TSA PreCheck/known traveler number holders enter gate areas at select airports (including Salt Lake City), making it easier for welcomes, send-offs, and layover meetups. Sports Travel Boost: With football in full swing, major airlines are rolling out special routes aimed at fans heading to marquee games, including rare nonstop options tied to big matchups. Oklahoma Fair Countdown: The Oklahoma State Fair returns Sept. 17–27 at the OKC Fairgrounds with a Route 66 centennial theme (“The Midway of the Mother Road”) plus daily hours and ticket info. Road Trip Reality Check (Gas Prices): GasBuddy reports show mixed but generally lower prices in parts of Oklahoma for the week ending Sept. 5, including Murray County regular at $3.49 and Cherokee County midgrade at $3.92, while diesel stays higher statewide. Community Fundraiser: The Family Shelter of Southern Oklahoma is hosting its Healthy Choices United Way Fundraiser (Sept. 14–18) with stop-and-shop events across several south-central counties.

Road Safety: Oklahoma Highway Patrol is asking for dash-cam footage after a pedestrian was killed on I-44 near the Arkansas River bridge by Elwood Avenue in Tulsa (Sept. 10, 7–8:30 p.m.) as troopers work to piece together what happened. Tourism Impact: Grand Canyon flooding is disrupting travel plans by washing out a pipeline that shut down South Rim lodging and forcing visitors to scramble for rooms. Route 66 Travel: A Route 66 centennial drive brought 1,215 cars and more than a thousand Mustangs out of Lubbock, stopping at Cadillac Ranch and Buc-ee’s on the way. College Football Travel Buzz (OU/OSU): Oklahoma fans are showing up in force for the Sooners’ trip to Michigan’s Big House, where ticket prices reportedly plunged after a shaky Week 1. Local Game-Day Logistics: UTEP shared Sun Bowl Stadium entry rules and ticket info for fans heading to the Oklahoma matchup. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national average gas price jumped 13 cents to $4.27 per gallon, adding pressure for late-summer and fall travel budgets.

Gas Prices & Travel Costs: A fresh jump in gasoline prices is adding pressure to already-stretched household budgets, with higher fuel and diesel costs feeding into everyday prices. Oklahoma Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show E15 and E85 deals in parts of Oklahoma (including a lowest E15 price of $3.48 in Latimer County and a $2.94 E85 low in Pittsburg County), a reminder that fill-up costs can swing fast by county. Game-Day for Oklahoma Fans: Big Week 2 matchups are driving travel plans, especially Oklahoma’s trip to Michigan and Oklahoma State’s home opener vs. Oregon—plus a weather delay pushed OSU-Oregon kickoff later. Roadside Fun: For fall travelers, RV Trader highlights “dark tourism” detours, including Oklahoma’s Route 66 ghost-road stretch near Erick and Sayre. OKC Commemoration: The OKC 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb returns Saturday with hundreds of first responders and civilian climbers, benefiting local firefighter support.

Big Game Travel Watch: Oklahoma’s Week 2 road trip to Michigan is set for a noon kickoff at Michigan Stadium, with FOX carrying the matchup and fans already making the “Big House” trip for OU’s first-ever game there. Stillwater Tailgate Buzz: Oregon visits Oklahoma State in Stillwater at 11 a.m. on ESPN/Disney+—a home-opener moment for Cowboys fans and a big draw for visitors. Weekend TV/Streaming Plan: A packed Week 2 slate spans ABC, FOX, ESPN, ESPN2 and more, so travelers planning game-day stops will want to map channels before they hit the road. Airport Access Rules: TSA’s “gateside” program is expanding at select airports, letting some non-flyers reach airport gates—useful for family travel plans. Local Safety Note: OKC police are urging extra caution after two fatal scooter crashes in 24 hours. Nature Break: Monarch butterflies are starting fall migration through Oklahoma, with peak activity expected late September into mid-October.

Travel & Tourism Watch: Monarch butterflies are starting their fall migration through Oklahoma, with peak activity usually late September to mid-October; warm, sunny days with nectar-rich flowering plants can boost sightings. Road Safety: Oklahoma City police are urging extra caution after two fatal scooter crashes in 24 hours, stressing visibility, lights, and obeying traffic laws. Local History & Travel Connections: A “Spirit of Oklahoma” firetruck—built from Oklahoma students’ donations after the 1995 Murrah bombing and later serving in New York—returns to Oklahoma, linking Oklahoma City and NYC first-responder stories. Sports & Visitor Traffic: Oklahoma State hosts No. 6 Oregon Saturday at 11 a.m. in Stillwater, and OU travels to Michigan’s “Big House” for its first-ever game there; expect major fan travel and game-day crowds. Gas Prices: The national regular gas average jumped 13 cents to $4.27 per gallon.

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.