In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

Oklahoma News

SQ 836: Open primary proponents ask court to toss OKGOP objection based on SCOTUS case: State Question 836, also referred to as Initiative Petition 448, would end Oklahoma’s closed primary system. The Oklahoma GOP has sued to stop SQ 836 leaders from beginning the signature collection process for it to be placed on a ballot, saying the proposed state question would limit the ability of political parties to select their candidates. [NonDoc]

• Oklahoma Supreme Court hears open primary elections challenge [The Journal Record]
• Oklahoma Supreme Court hears challenge to open primary initiative petition [Oklahoma Voice]
• Oklahoma Supreme Court hears oral arguments in legal fight to keep state primary elections closed [KOSU]

State Government News

As details emerge, Nichols defends Muscogee-Tulsa settlement agreement from Stitt criticism: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and a slate of state law enforcement leaders are criticizing a proposed settlement agreement set to be filed in federal court Wednesday morning to end the Muscogee Nation’s lawsuit against the City of Tulsa over criminal jurisdiction. [NonDoc]

• Mayor moves forward with settlement between city, Muscogee Nation [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Tulsa mayor previews settlement agreement with Muscogee Nation on misdemeanors and tickets [Tulsa World]

What laws are going into effect on July 1 in Oklahoma? Notable laws to know, complete list: Exactly 100 laws from the Oklahoma Legislature are going into effect this summer. The state’s House and Senate discussed several issues this session, ranging from education, insurance, government codes and public health. [The Oklahoman]

Meet the leader of a group in Oklahoma fighting to preserve constitutional rights: Exercising the freedom of speech guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution is one of the key civil liberties the ACLU has defended throughout its history. Earlier this month, for example, the group was successful in obtaining a preliminary injunction of Oklahoma’s House Bill 4156, an effort to regulate immigration at the state level which the ACLU maintains is unconstitutional. [The Oklahoman]

Federal Government News

US Supreme Court allows third-country deportations for now: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday to allow, for now, the Trump administration to carry out deportations to third countries after a Massachusetts judge barred removals without proper notice. [Oklahoma Voice]

GOP leaders in US Senate struggle to lessen pain of Medicaid cuts for rural hospitals: U.S. Senate Republicans were scrambling Tuesday to restructure several proposals in the “big, beautiful bill” that don’t meet their chamber’s strict rules for passing a reconciliation package. Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin said there are concerns among his fellow Republicans about all of the provisions that must be removed or significantly reworked. [Oklahoma Voice]

Tribal Nations News

After outcry from tribes, federal agency scales back tribal school choice plan: Days after taking office, President Donald Trump stunned tribal nations when he signed an executive order mandating the expansion of school choice to Indian Country by this fall, including parents and educators, who feared the proposal would harm tribal schools that in many cases offer the only educational option for families living on remote reservations. [The Hechinger Report]

Q&A: ‘Statistical Unmarked Graves’ — How Data Erasure Masks Native American Deaths: A 2022 study by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control made headlines for revealing that Native Americans die on average 6.5 years younger than the general population. But new research shows that the life expectancy gap is likely much larger. [Native News Online]

Opinion: The Big Ugly Bill Attacks Tribes, Our Lands, and Our Rights: The U.S. Senate has added an attack on Tribal Sovereignty to it’s Big Ugly Budget. If passed, this provision would put over 250 million acres of public land, across 11 states, up for sale — mandating the sale of at least 3 million of those acres. [Judith LeBlanc / Native News Online]

Opinion: Sovereignty is real, and tribes’ leadership helps all of Oklahoma: Over the past several years, I’ve watched something remarkable take shape in Oklahoma, something too many people still overlook. Our Native American tribes have quietly built one of the most impactful success stories in this state’s modern history. [Former Oklahoma House Rep. Mark McBride / The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?

Education News

Ryan Walters issues memo on how he wants Oklahoma schools to teach Israel-Iran conflict: State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has sent a memo to Oklahoma school districts about teaching about the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, saying “there will be zero tolerance for a Liberal, pro-terrorist agenda indoctrinating Oklahoma students.” [The Oklahoman]

Health News

‘Razor blade throat’ among new COVID variant symptoms: Has it reached Oklahoma?: NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19. NB.1.8.1 has been detected in at least 16 states as of June 20, according to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data database. The Oklahoma State Department of Health did not confirm or deny to The Oklahoman whether any cases have been reported in the state. [The Oklahoman]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma Police Continue to Seize Millions From Motorists: Almost every state allows police to take cash and property it believes was illicitly obtained, but regulations and the burden of proof required for seizure vary widely. In Oklahoma, the money is typically split between the agency that seizes the property and the local district attorney’s office. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma County looks at suing website owner, registrar to nip potential fraud in the bud: Oklahoma County is considering going to court to stop the owner and registrar of a website charging money to search for public court records, in order “to prevent or halt fraud being perpetrated in the name of (the) Court Clerk.” [The Oklahoman]

Tulsa Mayor, Police Chief, Councilors outline strategies for addressing citywide violence: Tulsan Mayor Monroe Nichols and Tulsa Police Chief Dennis Larsen outlined their plan for addressing rising violence in Tulsa, including the recent incidents involving teens in four separate incidents over the Juneteenth weekend. [The Oklahoma Eagle]

• 883 illegal guns seized, 21 dead by gun violence in last six months in Tulsa [Tulsa World]
• Juneteenth shooting angers Greenwood community [Tulsa World]

Cops led fatal chase over car’s paper tag. Body cam raises questions about why.: Two Mannford police officers misled colleagues by falsely alleging a driver had tried to run over them when she fled a traffic stop for a paper tag issue, a Tulsa World investigation shows. [Tulsa World]

McGirt pleads guilty to violating sex offender registration law: Jimcy McGirt, whose 2020 U.S. Supreme Court tribal jurisdiction case reset the way many criminal cases are handled in the eastern portion of Oklahoma, had faced four counts of failure to register as a sex offender following his release from federal custody in May 2024. [Tulsa World]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Tulsa Housing Authority to build 106-unit affordable housing in downtown Tulsa: Tulsa Housing Authority has secured funding to begin development for The Hilltop, a 106-unit affordable multifamily apartment complex in downtown Tulsa. [The Journal Record]

• 106 New Affordable Housing Coming to Downtown Tulsa [The Black Wall Street Times]

Merchant Tulsa zoning application postponed to July after contentious meeting: The Tulsa Board of Adjustment postponed until July 22 a vote on whether to allow a social services provider for the homeless to relocate near two schools and a neighborhood a few miles east of downtown. [Tulsa World]

Homelessness in OKC: Nonprofit plans to meet people where they are with showers, counseling: Oklahoma City has a new way to help people experiencing homelessness, and it’s on wheels. A trailer operated by Tulsa-based BeHeard Movement features three shower rooms, four washers and dryers, charging stations, sinks and an office area where people can meet with case managers. [The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: Homelessness in Oklahoma – Information and Resources

Economy & Business News

Is Oklahoma among the top states for wind power production?: Yes. Oklahoma generated 37,731 GWh of energy from wind in 2023, making it the No.3 state in this regard. [Oklahoma Watch]

Community News

Parade a perfect ending for Thunder squad that couldn’t be denied: Before the sun rose, Oklahoma City lined the barricades outlining Walker Avenue. By the time it beamed, water bottles hot to the touch and pavement sizzling, thousands shed pounds in sweat. They waited hours to share this moment, even if brief. [The Oklahoman]

• Searching for Scissortail Park: Hot times and high security at the Thunder parade [NonDoc]
• ‘Okies finally have a top dog’: Oklahoma City comes out to celebrate Thunder champions parade [KOSU]
• OKC Thunder parade: Officials report 100 heat calls, 24 hospital emergencies during event [The Oklahoman]
• ‘Don’t ever forget this’: OKC Thunder celebrates NBA championship with raucous downtown parade [The Tulsa World]

Local Headlines

• After years of litigation, Edmond Walmart proposal again denied by planning commission [NonDoc]
• Edmond will enlist resident experts to help review, reform budget [The Journal Record]
• Tinker Air Show returns with Thunderbirds, community pride [The Journal Record]

Quote of the Day

“I currently don’t get to participate in the election that decides the outcome in like 80% of elections in Oklahoma. And not only that, the election I don’t get to participate in is funded by my tax dollars.”

– Tony Stobbe, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander and a proponent for SQ 836, speaking about the 480,000 independent voters in Oklahoma, including himself and many other military veterans, who are currently disenfranchised from primary elections because of Oklahoma’s closed primary system. SQ 836 seeks to open primary voting to all registered voters, but is currently facing legal challenges ahead of being put on the statewide ballot. [The Journal Record]

Number of the Day

$16,500

The estimated annual cost to provide licensed center-based child care for an infant in Oklahoma. While costs decrease as children age, the average never drops below $8,000 per year for children under age 5. [RAND]

Policy Note

How States Are Trying to Make Child Care More Affordable: States are piloting diverse strategies — such as tax credits for private donations, cost-sharing grants, regulatory easing for providers, and employer-supported childcare — to lower costs and expand access for working families. These initiatives aim to stabilize the childcare sector, retain quality providers, and boost workforce participation and business recruitment by treating childcare as an economic and public-good priority. [Governing]

You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

Cash bail doesn’t make us safer, but pretrial reform can (Capitol Update): It may be time for the legislature to take another look at pretrial release reform in Oklahoma. Pretrial reform would protect the public and help Oklahoma honor the fundamental principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]

State Government News

Gov. Stitt’s fourth appointee to Oklahoma Supreme Court takes oath: The Oklahoma Supreme Court again has a full bench of nine members, as new Justice Travis Jett has taken his formal oath of office. The ceremony took place Monday, June 23, in the Supreme Court courtroom inside the Oklahoma Capitol. [The Oklahoman]

Gamefowl Commission mired in ‘shady’ circumstances: Who would have thought that the people lobbying the Oklahoma Legislature to lessen the negative consequences of cockfighting would be caught on camera at the fights? Well, that’s what has happened in the Shady Grove community in McIntosh County. [NonDoc]

Federal Government News

Both parties prep for mega-bill marathon in U.S. Senate vote-a-rama: The next hurdle for Republican leaders in the U.S. Senate and the “big, beautiful bill”: Democrats — and possibly a few of their own members — in a marathon voting session will make last-ditch attempts to change the tax and spending cut measure. [Oklahoma Voice]

• From OK Policy: OK Policy Statement on FY 26 Budget Process and Proposed Tax Cuts

US Senate mega-bill drops requirement states help pay for SNAP program: U.S. Senate Democrats have succeeded in eliminating more than a dozen policy changes from Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill” after successfully arguing before the chamber’s parliamentarian that the elements didn’t comply with the strict rules that go along with writing a budget reconciliation bill. [Oklahoma Voice]

‘A purpose in this world’: Older adults fear elimination of program that helps them find work: Advocates fear that the loss of this program, which serves about 50,000 older adults nationwide, could affect not just participants like Leslie, but also stretch further into communities, removing tens of thousands of employees from local libraries, city recreation facilities and senior centers. [Oklahoma Voice]

RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz announce changes to prior authorization for health insurance: The changes, which are voluntary, focus on prior authorization, which means insurers require approval before covering medical care, a prescription or services like an imaging exam. [The National News Desk]

Trump says ‘complete and total’ ceasefire agreed to by Iran and Israel: Israel and Iran reached a truce in their 12-day-old war Monday, President Donald Trump said on social media. The ceasefire will go into effect at midnight Eastern, he said. [Oklahoma Voice]

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem briefs governors after US strikes on Iran: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over the weekend briefed state governors regarding public safety measures following President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb nuclear sites in Iran. [Oklahoma Voice]

Judge halts Trump order tying state transportation grants to immigration actions: A Rhode Island federal judge blocked an order that would have yanked billions of federal dollars for roads, bridges and airport projects in states that don’t aid in the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. [Oklahoma Voice]

Trump administration move to restore gun rights to some convicts protested by Democrats: The Trump administration’s decision to restore 10 convicts’ ability to legally purchase firearms and explosives violated the law, according to a letter six high-ranking congressional Democrats released Friday. [Oklahoma Voice]

Tribal Nations News

Gov. Stitt lashes out at still-secret consent decree involving Tulsa, Muscogee Nation: Gov. Kevin Stitt and others have come out against a proposed agreement aimed at settling a lawsuit brought by the Muscogee Nation against the city of Tulsa over who has the jurisdiction to prosecute tribal citizens for traffic violations. [Tulsa World]

Choctaw Code Talkers memorialized with overdue honors in Southeast Oklahoma: During World War I, 19 Choctaw soldiers pioneered the use of Native languages in wartime communication to limited fanfare. Sworn to secrecy, they hid the details of their service from family members until their story came to light decades later. [KOSU]

Opinion: Let’s start treating tribal governments as allies — not adversaries: Oklahoma is home to 38 federally recognized tribes. These tribal nations aren’t relics of the past — they are modern governments with jurisdiction, economies and responsibilities that directly impact millions of Oklahomans. [Courtney Jordan / The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: Lessons learned from SB 675 shed light on the importance of Tribal-state policy

Opinion: Native Mascots Don’t Honor Our Ancestors. They Harm Our Children: Growing up seeing your people caricatured on football helmets teaches Native children they are relics of the past, not human beings with dignity and sovereign identities. When Native youth walk into schools where the mascot is a red-faced warrior, they aren’t being honored — they’re being diminished. [Levi Rickert / Native News Online]

Voting and Election News

Oral Arguments Set for Primary Reform Ballot Initiative: The Oklahoma Supreme Court will hear oral arguments tomorrow morning on the constitutionality of State Question 836. The Republican Party of Oklahoma is challenging the initiative petition, which seeks to establish a top-two primary system where all statewide and county-level candidates are placed on the same ballot, on the grounds that it would force political parties to associate with candidates that deviate from the party platform. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma Democrat loses DNC vice chair role in election revote: The initial re-election ballot, involving Free, Conrad, and Kansas Democratic Party Chair Jeanna Repass, was inconclusive after no candidate earned a majority of votes. This led to a runoff vote, which began Wednesday, June 18 and concluded Friday, June 20 between Free and Conrad, ultimately resulting in Conrad’s election. [ICT News]

Education News

Fuel OKC tackles teacher gap with global and local recruits: As Oklahoma City faces a worsening teacher shortage, nonprofit Fuel OKC recently launched two strategic and innovative programs to build a stronger, more sustainable pipeline of educators. [The Journal Record]

Health News

Opinion: The devastating health consequences of Roe v. Wade’s demise: Three years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, taking away our constitutional right to an abortion. So what has happened? It has become increasingly dangerous to be pregnant in Oklahoma. [Janet Koven Levit / Tulsa World]

Criminal Justice News

Mass Shooting at Tulsa Juneteenth Festival Sparks Calls for Action: Tulsa community leaders took to social media Sunday to speak out after the Juneteenth shooting. They emphasized the role parents and neighbors must play in addressing violence across the city. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Sex offender label on driver’s license a constitutional violation, lawsuit claims: A state law that requires certain registered sex offenders to be issued driver’s licenses that include the phrase “Sex Offender” is unconstitutional, claims a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of three individuals and two nonprofit organizations. [Tulsa World]

Opinion: What are Tulsans willing to do to reduce youth crime, gun violence?: The latest downtown shooting fatality has Tulsans grieving, frustrated and, hopefully, mobilizing. The shooting is the latest in a string of violent episodes downtown in addition to an alarming rise in juvenile crime. It’s obvious a better public safety approach is needed downtown, which appears to be underway. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

• Tulsa officials move to change downtown curfew hours after shootings [Tulsa World]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

City approves homeless action plan lacking local input, sources say: While cities work in their own ways to address the issue, some officials say they are seeing a rise in anti-homeless policies. Lawton officials have recently approved an action plan that they believe will resolve the issue. Still, others say it seemingly paints those who are chronically homeless more as criminals instead of people struggling with mental health. [KSWO]

Opinion: Home insurance rates in Oklahoma are wildly distorted: The turmoil in insurance markets is a harbinger for an American economy that is built on real property. Without insurance, banks won’t issue a mortgage; without a mortgage, most people can’t buy a home. Communities that are deemed too dangerous to insure face the risk of falling property values, which means less tax dollars for schools, police and other basic services. [Mike Altshuler / Oklahoma Voice]

Community News

State releases findings on City of McAlester finances after citizen petition: An audit of the City of McAlester released Friday found the local school district failed to document more than $1 million in spending from city sales tax revenue, according to the state auditor’s office. The investigation wasn’t started by politicians. It was launched after residents of McAlester submitted a citizen-petition, demanding accountability and transparency from their city government. [News on 6]

Local Headlines

• Oklahoma City NBA Champions Parade expected to draw thousands [Oklahoma Voice]
• What to know about the Thunder championship parade, the biggest celebration in OKC history [The Oklahoman]
• $40M Andretti Karting venue to open in Oklahoma City [The Journal Record]

Quote of the Day

“What is needed now isn’t just more police tape. We need community-led solutions. Street-level peacekeepers. Mentorship. Spaces for men — especially young Black men — to heal and belong. We need more investment in mental health, in jobs, in hope.” 

– Kimberly Roberts, President of the Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce and CEO, responding to last week’s fatal shooting in Tulsa by calling for more than just law enforcement responses. [Tulsa World]

Number of the Day

686,800

The number of Oklahoma residents reached by SNAP in federal fiscal year 2024 — accounting for 17% of the state population, or 1 in 6 people. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]

Policy Note

Oklahoma Summer EBT Recipients Report Lower Food Insecurity, but Access Remains Unequal: Oklahoma Summer EBT recipients reported food insecurity at a rate of 65%, compared with 82% among eligible non-recipients — highlighting a significant reduction in hunger for participating households. However, access to the benefit remains uneven, with disparities in outreach and enrollment, particularly in rural and Tribal-serving areas. [The Urban Institute]

You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

One step forward for youth this session, two steps back on investment: This session, Oklahoma took action to protect youth from harmful systems and shield students with special needs from physical abuse at school. Lawmakers also passed a measure that will examine the feasibility of modernizing Oklahoma’s application for social support benefits. These measures, coupled with investment in support that Oklahomans need, could prevent youth from harm while strengthening their families’ ability to thrive. [Jill Mencke / OK Policy]

• From OK Policy: HB 1965 will help connect first-time youth offenders in Oklahoma with community-based services (video)

Oklahoma News

What children in poverty could lose from the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’: Low-income children and families would be among the groups hit hardest by Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act. In an effort to pay for an extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts, Republicans in both the House and Senate want to change or reduce key social safety net programs that provide health care, food benefits and financial assistance for millions of children. [NPR]

Utility regulator: Oklahoma’s energy demand to grow at ‘unprecedented’ rate: The Oklahoma Corporation Commission, which oversees utilities and the oil and gas industry, will be challenged with historically high electricity demand in the coming years, they said. [KOSU]

Thunder fans celebrate Oklahoma City’s first-ever major professional sports league title: The Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals is a big deal. As Oklahoma City’s only Big Four sports franchise, this is the city’s first-ever major championship in a professional sport.[KOSU]

• OKC Thunder fans celebrate city’s first NBA championship [The Oklahoman]
• OKC preparing for potential Thunder championship to be followed by record parade crowds [The Oklahoman]
• Gunshot victim reported in downtown Oklahoma City after Thunder win NBA Finals [Fox 25]
• Opinion: The Thunder’s victory is for every Oklahoman who’s been underestimated [Laura Albritton / The Oklahoman]
• Opinion: OKC residents may have different priorities (cartoon) [Todd Pendleton / The Oklahoman]

State Government News

Ryan Walters’ agency has a new lead attorney, who’s the fourth in less than three years: The top attorney for the Oklahoma State Department of Education is leaving the agency, court filings indicate. Michael Beason, who has served as the agency’s general counsel since May 2024, has within the past two weeks withdrawn from at least five state and federal cases in which he was representing the agency, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, or both. [The Oklahoman]

State agency employee count discrepancies inspire lawmakers’ scrutiny on budgets: Lawmakers likely will approach budget hearings with state agency heads in the coming year with a greater degree of caution after financial turmoil at the Mental Health Department raised concerns that that agency and others in the past might have routinely overstated the number of people they employed. [Tulsa World]

Federal judge finds poultry waste is still polluting eastern Oklahoma waters: Now with a critical court decision in hand, Attorney General Gentner Drummond said he hopes to settle a 20-year-long lawsuit over pollution to the Illinois River Watershed. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahoma senator seeks legal opinion on drag shows: A state senator has asked for a legal opinion about whether drag shows violate a recently enacted state law on obscenity. Senate Majority Floor Leader Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville, asked Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond for an official opinion, which could be legally binding. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma lawmaker asks AG if new obscenity law bans drag shows [KOSU]
• Political notebook: Bartlesville senator requests AG’s opinion on drag shows [Tulsa World]

Legal roundup: While Walters declares court victory, Stitt v. Drummond heats up: Over the past two weeks, courts made a pair of rulings regarding two of Oklahoma’s most controversial education policies: HB 1775 and Oklahoma’s latest social studies standards. [NonDoc]

Capitol Update: Reviewing the 2025 Oklahoma Legislative Session: The work of the 2025 legislative session is officially over. All bills and resolutions passed have been accounted for through action or inaction by Governor Kevin Stitt. What’s the final tally? [KGOU]

Federal Government News

Trump: Iran nuclear facilities ‘completely and totally obliterated’ in U.S. strike on 3 sites: President Donald Trump said Saturday night that the United States has attacked three nuclear sites in Iran, and all U.S. planes were outside Iran and on their way back to the United States. [Oklahoma Voice]

• US on high alert after strikes on Iranian nuke sites; Trump floats regime change: Updates [The Oklahoman]
• Trump hints at regime change in Iran amid escalating tensions [Fox 25]
• Oklahoma leaders react to U.S. strikes in Iran [KGOU]
• Watch: Bernie Sanders reacts to U.S. strikes in Iran at Oklahoma event [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, Gov. Stitt react to U.S. strikes on Iran [The Oklahoman]
• Hern backs Trump’s view of Iran’s nuclear capabilities as Oklahomans evacuate Israel [Public Radio Tulsa]

Supreme Court rejects one-size-fits-all standard in Oklahoma-Utah EPA cases: The question of federal overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came into focus when the U.S. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Oklahoma’s ability to pursue judicial review in its circuit court, rejecting what some describe as a “one-size-fits-all” approach to federal environmental regulation. [The Black  Wall Street Times]

Trump Breaks Tradition by Ignoring Juneteenth Holiday: President Donald Trump did not recognize the Juneteenth Holiday yesterday, breaking from a tradition observed by past administrations. [The Black Wall Street Times]

D.C. Digest: Oklahoma hospitals watch provider tax debate: Oklahoma hospitals, particularly outside the two major metros, could be affected by a provision of the Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would tighten their access to Medicaid funds. Since 2011, Oklahoma has been among states that assess hospitals a tax or fee used as matching funds for federal Medicaid dollars. [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Whoever chose early June for weather radio updates needs a history lesson on Oklahoma tornado season: As tornado warnings popped up across the Oklahoma City metropolitan area during rush hour earlier this month, it became abundantly clear that somebody didn’t know – or didn’t care – that it was smack dab in the middle of tornado season across much of the central and southern United States. Because why else would federal officials choose a peak period for tornado outbreaks to perform routine and needed maintenance on weather radios? [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]

Editorial: Trump isn’t just ‘enforcing the law’ on immigration: It’s safe to say a great many Americans who don’t necessarily support Trump on other issues were hoping and expecting him to finally start enforcing America’s immigration laws. What they’ve gotten instead is a counterproductive and often lawless approach to immigration enforcement, one that weaponizes the issue for the sake of partisan politics, with a foundation of abject cruelty that every American should be ashamed of. [St. Louis Post Dispatch via Tulsa World] 

Editorial: The Oklahoman applauds the ‘No Kings’ rally ― an essential ‘check and balance’: Although no one kept track, the crowd undoubtedly included many who voted Trump into office, since he received overwhelming support from Oklahomans in all three of his presidential campaigns, even the one he lost narrowly to Joe Biden. The protest marches were an effort to say: “There is a limit to what we will put up with.” [The Oklahoma Editorial Board]

Tribal Nations News

Ahead of Claremore Indian Hospital transition Oct. 1, a spotlight on concerns: The proposed changes to the Claremore Indian Hospital are drawing a mixed reception from the facility’s staff and patients. [Tulsa World]

‘It’s a restorative process’: Kiowa Tribe already preparing to expand new buffalo herd: More than a century after the decimation of Oklahoma’s bison population, the Kiowa Tribe is bringing back an integral part of their culture and connection to the Creator. In March, the Kiowa community welcomed 10 young buffalo to their homelands in southwest Oklahoma and is already looking to expand the herd. [KOSU]

Oklahoma Attorney General says ‘No’ to United Keetoowah Band casino: Questions are swirling around a gaming compact between Oklahoma and the United Keetoowah Band. [KOSU]

Education News

Parents Swallow Junk Fees to Pay for School Lunches: Parents collectively pay $100 million in fees each year, a couple of bucks at a time, while school districts do little to mitigate. Families on reduced-price lunches, earning less than $32,000 per year for a family of four, pay as much as 60 cents in fees for every $1 spent on lunch, regulators said. Even a $3 fee on a $30 deposit, enough to buy eight lunches, is a 10% surcharge, three to four times more than typical credit card processing fees. [Oklahoma Watch]

Langston University secures $10.1 million for campus maintenance upgrades: In a significant development for Oklahoma’s only historically Black college, Langston University has been awarded $10.1 million from the state legislature to address long-standing campus infrastructure needs. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Opinion: I’m more confused than ever where money in higher education is going: Skyrocketing costs of universities isn’t news. After a year of going through the college and financial aid application processes, I’m more confused than ever about where higher education money is going. Like, why does it cost $9,900 a year for housing and a meal plan at a private school in upstate New York but the equivalent at OSU is $11,000 and at OU it’s about $14,000? [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Opinion: It’s past time to train everyone at a school in trauma-informed instruction: Research in child development underscores the profound, and often long-lasting, consequences of early life trauma. In classrooms across Oklahoma, educators witness these detrimental impacts firsthand. Yet, there is no requirement for certified teachers, school administrators or support staff to be trained in trauma-informed instruction. [Annie Keehn / Tulsa World]

Opinion: How to use tensegrity to help grow the next generation of leaders: Leaders are often told to “just be better” — be more charismatic, delegate more or think up better ideas. But that kind of advice isn’t enough for most people. Real leadership growth comes from growing your people. When you help people improve, your organization’s results will follow. [George Horton / Tulsa World]

Opinion: Oklahoma is rebuilding trust after Ryan Walters’ change in student test scores: At a time when too many states are blurring the truth when it comes to student achievement, Oklahoma education leaders deserve a round of applause for their recent decision to restore transparency, academic integrity and trust for educators and families. [Patricia Levesque / The Oklahoman]

Editorial: Should a conspiracy theory be part of social studies standards? We don’t think so: When Oklahoma high school students studying U.S. history this school year get to the chapter on conspiracy theories about whether Donald Trump won an election he lost, blame state Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Legislature. One started it. The other let it happen. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]

Health News

Oklahoma’s health care system ranked 49th nationally by Commonwealth Fund: Oklahoma’s health care system ranks 49th in the nation, ahead of only Texas and Mississippi, according to this year’s evaluation by the Commonwealth Fund. Oklahoma held the same position two years ago when the Commonwealth Fund scorecard for the 50 states and the District of Columbia was last issued. [Tulsa World]

Oklahoma’s Narcotics Bureau: Drug overdoses increased in the state, cocaine use surged: Substance use and fatal overdoses are increasing in Oklahoma, with concerning trends emerging regarding different illegal drugs, according to an annual assessment by the Oklahoma Narcotics Bureau. [The Oklahoman]

Criminal Justice News

Violence disrupts Tulsa’s Juneteenth Celebrations in the Greenwood District: A 22-year-old male was shot and killed while trying to regain control over the area under the Greenwood overpass, Tulsa Police said. Seven other individuals, ranging in age from 17 to an elderly woman were hit by gunfire and transported to local hospitals for treatment, the TPD report said. [The Oklahoma Eagle]

• One dead, seven wounded in Saturday night shooting at Tulsa’s Juneteenth Festival [Tulsa World]

Opinion: The false promise of bail: What Tulsa’s new report reveals: Nearly 3 in 5 people booked into jail in the United States remain behind bars simply because they can’t afford bail. That’s not justice — it’s a pay-to-play system that erodes our constitutional ideals. And The Bail Project’s new report, The False Promise of Bail, confirms just how broken the system is. [Cameron Pipe / Tulsa World]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Tenants left without help after management quits: Several Oklahomans are frustrated with problems at their apartment complex. Now, they say there is nowhere to turn to get answers. They told News 4 that management had quit earlier this week. [KFOR]

Opinion: Gatesway housing project meeting needs for more than just its clients: A planned $48.5 million, 180-unit housing project in Broken Arrow by the Gatesway Foundation is much more than a typical development. It protects a vulnerable population from homelessness and encourages people without disabilities to be their neighbors. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Economy & Business News

Defense contractor to expand Bristow facility, potentially adding more than 200 jobs: Kratos Defense and Security Solutions says it will expand its operation in Bristow to include a new advanced manufacturing facility to produce turbofan engines for missiles and drones used in combat, a move that could result in the creation of more than 200 jobs in the Creek County town. [The Oklahoman]

Meet the Tulsa entrepreneur whose plant-based energy drinks are gaining momentum: Anna Cobb founded Rejuvenation, which makes plant-based energy fruit drinks that are sold online and also in more than 75 locations in eight states, including Akin’s Natural Foods. [Tulsa World]

USDA releases plan to halt the spread of New World screwworms: The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a plan to prevent the spread of the New World screwworm this week. The screwworm is a fly that lays eggs in the wounds of living animals. Its larvae burrow into healthy flesh and can cause illness or death. [KOSU]

Trump revives supersonic air travel five decades after a sonic boom test annoyed OKC: President Donald Trump has ordered the Federal Aviation Administration to end the 52-year ban on supersonic flights in the United States, which will clear the way for commercial passenger aircraft to exceed Mach 1. [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Beyond rainbow logos — Why real LGBTQ+ inclusion is good business: Every June, some brands roll out rainbow logos as a nod to Pride. But inclusion isn’t a marketing moment; it’s a reflection of your values. It shouldn’t be performative, but rather part of a growth strategy that transforms culture and improves performance through an intentional commitment to people, performance and purpose. [Cheena Pazzo / Tulsa World]

Community News

Thousands attend Bernie Sanders’ ‘Fight Oligarchy’ tour Saturday in Tulsa: Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders made the 22nd stop on his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour in front of thousands of Tulsans on Saturday as President Donald Trump was announcing the U.S. had struck three sites in Iran. [Tulsa World]

‘Target on our back’: Details from the City Council’s discussion on LGTBQ protections: What turned up the tension — and helped draw members of the LGBTQ community to City Council chambers Wednesday night — was a proposal to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city’s anti-discrimination ordinances related to public accommodations. [Tulsa World]

• Tulsa city council postpones ordinance expanding human rights protections [Public Radio Tulsa]

Local Headlines

• It’s time for new annual water quality reports. Here’s how Oklahomans can check theirs [KOSU]
• Oklahoma City to get EPA funds for brownfield site cleanup [KGOU]
• OKC eyes October vote on $2.7B plan for streets, parks [The Journal Record]
• OK County property market hits $105 billion. How much have real estate values gone up? [The Oklahoman]
• Tulsa Approves $1 Million to Continue 1921 Mass Graves Probe [The Black Wall Street Times]
• Opinion: Tulsa Fire Department celebrates 125 years of collective community service [Tulsa Fire Chief Michael Baker / Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“Tulsa has a choice: continue defending a failed system, or lead with evidence and compassion. The solution is clear. Invest in pretrial support services. End wealth-based detention. Replace punishment with dignity, and price tags with trust.”

– Cameron Pipe, a regional director at The Bail Project, writing in an op-ed about the use of bail in Tulsa County courts, which also is used throughout the state. Nearly 3 in 5 people booked into jail in the United States remain behind bars simply because they can’t afford bail. [Tulsa World] 

• The Bail Project Report: The False Promise of Bail

Number of the Day

3,432

The number of youth who entered foster care in Oklahoma in 2023 — equating to a rate of 3.55 per 100,000 children. That ranks Oklahoma 33rd in the nation, though two states did not report data. [The Administration for Children and Families]

Policy Note

Protect and Redirect: America’s Growing Movement to Divert Youth Out of the Justice System: Diversion programs, which steer youth away from arrest and formal juvenile court, are proven to reduce re-arrests and improve educational and employment outcomes — especially compared to traditional court processing — and help address racial and ethnic disparities. Best practices include pre-charge diversion, independent oversight outside of probation or prosecutors, data-driven evaluation, and effective public messaging emphasizing accountability through support rather than punishment. [The Sentencing Project]

You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

Tax cuts now, crisis later: Oklahoma’s unsustainable budget: As usual, Oklahoma’s legislative session ended with a flurry of fiscal and budget bills in the last two weeks of the session. The legislature has one constitutional requirement every year: pass a balanced budget. In doing so, the legislature decides what they will prioritize and what will be pushed to the sidelines. This is why many consider budgets a moral document — reflecting not just dollars, but values. The Oklahoma Legislature often waits until the very end of session to complete its only constitutionally required task: passing a balanced budget. [Aanahita Ervin / OK Policy]

Policy Matters: Congress isn’t fighting a health care crisis, they’re creating one:  After the House passed its proposed federal budget — which included deep Medicaid cuts and new work requirements — Speaker Mike Johnson defended the move by insisting there was “a moral component to what we’re doing.” It’s hard to see morality reflected here, given the bill’s projected impact: the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that up to 15 million people could lose Medicaid coverage nationwide. However, our Congressional delegation has worked overtime to deny these facts. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

Tulsa Identifies More Victims in 1921 Massacre Investigation: For the first time, Tulsa officials have not only named a 1921 victim in their massacre investigation but put a face to his story—thanks to DNA. George Melvin Gillespie’s remains, buried in a simple wooden coffin for more than a century, now anchor a renewed effort to uncover truth and justice. Tulsa officials also identified additional massacre victims. [The Black Wall Street Times]

• Report Reveals Fresh Details of Graves of Possible Race Massacre [The Oklahoma Eagle]
• Tulsa Race Massacre researchers identify another victim; plan Oaklawn return [Tulsa World]
• Remains of 2 more possible 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims identified [Public Radio Tulsa]

Poultry companies said they were no longer polluting Oklahoma’s waters. A federal judge disagrees: A federal judge ruled this week that poultry waste pollution is still hurting Oklahoma waters, and poultry companies are responsible for cleaning up existing pollution and preventing further harm. [KOSU]

• Poultry farm waste still harming Illinois River watershed, federal judge rules [Tulsa World]
• Federal judge rules Illinois River watershed still is being damaged by poultry waste [The Oklahoman]

State Government News

Oklahoma Supreme Court says HB 1775 ban does not apply to university courses: The Oklahoma Supreme Court decided Tuesday the state’s law banning certain discussions on race and sex does not apply to college and university classrooms. [KOSU]

• Both sides claim victory after Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling on meaning of House Bill 1775 [The Oklahoman]

SCOTUS rules Oklahoma lawsuit against EPA should be heard in regional court, not DC: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled an Oklahoma challenge to an Environmental Protection Agency rule concerning air pollution can be heard in a regional circuit court, granting state Attorney General Gentner Drummond a legal win. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma Gov. Stitt lost out on Tesla. Then came Canoo, and red flags: Gov. Kevin Stitt was fresh off a prominent loss in the spring of 2021 in his hopes to see Oklahoma compete in the once-promising electric vehicle market.  Then along came Canoo, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Torrance, Calif. Four years later, it is unclear if Canoo ever built a single vehicle in Oklahoma before closing shop and declaring bankruptcy earlier this year. [The Oklahoman]

Superintendent Walters’ legal fees cost taxpayers $130,000 in 2024 amid rising lawsuits: NewsChannel 8 is continuing to follow the costs of attorney fees State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is racking up. According to the Oklahoma Appleseed Center, Walters had 16 lawsuits by the end of 2024. Appleseed said that number is climbing. [KTUL]

Almost 500 bills set to become Oklahoma law, most got through without Stitt’s direct approval: Oklahoma lawmakers filed more than 3,200 bills during this year’s legislative session. Less than one in five of those are slated to become law. [KOSU]

How Bills Authored By Democrats Fared in 2025: Just 15 bills with a Democrat as the principal author were enacted in 2025, according to an Oklahoma Watch review of legislative records. Another three advanced to the governor’s desk but were vetoed without an override. That’s in line with recent trends. In 2022, just a dozen bills authored by Democrats were enacted. That ticked up slightly to 15 in 2023. In most years, about 450 to 500 bills become law. [Oklahoma Watch]

While some warn of groundwater depletion in Oklahoma, efforts to tighten monitoring fail again: State law requires operators of commercial groundwater wells — used for things like agriculture or oil and gas production — to send in reports of their groundwater usage. But many users report that they draw exactly how much water their permit allows, or they don’t send in reports at all, Oklahoma Water Resources Board Director Julie Cunningham told lawmakers last year. [The Frontier]

Few Shareholders Support Oklahoma Treasurer’s Anti-DEI Push: With few shareholders voting in his favor, Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ struck out in his effort to change corporate behavior on behalf of the state’s tobacco settlement endowment. [Oklahoma Watch]

Plans for a First Family Residence are in the works again: A state commission meeting Thursday brought to light plans for a First Family Residence, a home that was planned to be built on the Governor’s Mansion grounds.[KFOR]

Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: “No Kings” rally, cockfighting controversy, social studies standards and more (audio): The panel talks about the “No Kings” rally in cities across the state, an animal rights group showing leaders of the Gamefowl Commission involved in illegal cockfighting and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission moving forward with prosecution against Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Ajay Pittman. The trio also discusses the win for State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ controversial social studies standards after a favorable ruling from the court and Gov. Kevin Stitt signing two bills designed to keep veteran educators in the classroom. [KOSU]

Federal Government News

Attorney: Large-scale immigration raids not happening in Oklahoma, but ICE is detaining more people: As conflicting messages fly over the country’s border control policy, a Tulsa immigration attorney says things have been relatively quiet in Oklahoma, though Immigration and Customs Enforcement is newly targeting companions of wanted people. [Public Radio Tulsa]

• Oklahoma’s closed private prisons eyed as ICE detention centers [Public Radio Tulsa]
• From OK Policy: Anti-immigration raids harm all communities (Commentary)

Judge grills Trump DOJ on order tying transportation funding to immigration enforcement:
A Rhode Island federal judge seemed likely Wednesday to block the U.S. Department of Transportation’s move to yank billions in congressional funding for bridges, roads and airport projects if Democrat-led states do not partake in federal immigration enforcement. [Oklahoma Voice]

Sen. James Lankford talks with Good Day Oklahoma about the Big Beautiful Bill (video): Good Day Oklahoma’s anchors Shelby Love and Wayne Stafford sat down with Senator James Lankford to talk about the Big Beautiful Bill, the Israeli conflict, and Medicaid reform. [Fox 25]

‘Patriotism, Not Pride’: Oklahoma Lawmaker Aims to Ban LGBTQ Flags on Federal Property: Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., is reintroducing a bill this week to end the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags on federal property. [The Daily Signal]

Opinion: Our foundation saves and strengthens marriages. Tax hikes will hurt our work: Oklahoma’s nonprofits just want to maintain a steady and critical funding source that will allow them to keep serving people in need. However, we have heard that federal taxes might be increased on private foundations, as well as corporations. This would leave these entities with less money to provide to local charities, thereby impairing their ability to meet local needs. [Rodney and Cresha Redus / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: There’s nothing beautiful about a policy that takes health care away from sick kids: Don’t wait until it’s too late, Senator Lankford and Senator Mullin. Protect Medicaid now. Eli and Adelaide and thousands of Oklahoma families like ours are counting on you. [Dena Drabek / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: The conservative case for protecting Medicaid: Fiscal responsibility, limited government and compassion for all Americans are what conservatism is about. Conservatives believe in limited government that does for people what they cannot do for themselves. Not only would any degree of federal cuts to these programs cause real, immediate harm, but the proposed cuts being consider in Washington also contradict our foundational values. [Dee Stewart / Tulsa World]

Tribal Nations News

In Oklahoma, Juneteenth highlights tribal slavery descendants’ fight for recognition and citizenship: Juneteenth may mark the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed, but thousands of people in Oklahoma are still fighting for full citizenship in the tribal nations that once held their ancestors in bondage. [Associated Press]

As Gov. Stitt objects, Muscogee Nation and City of Tulsa approach settlement on jurisdiction lawsuit: With an objection from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt yet to be addressed in federal court, the Muscogee Nation and the City of Tulsa appear on the cusp of signing a settlement to end a lawsuit over the city’s exercise of criminal jurisdiction over tribal citizens within the Muscogee Reservation. While the city and nation filed a joint motion Tuesday requesting a final extension through June 25 to complete their proposed settlement agreement, Stitt also filed an objection the same day asking the federal court to dismiss the tribe’s lawsuit or add the state as a party. [NonDoc]

Cherokee cyclists commemorate Trail of Tears in 41st Remember the Removal Bike Ride: More than two weeks ago, 12 Cherokee Nation citizens embarked on a 900-mile journey to honor their ancestors who walked the Trail of Tears. Every year, 12 Cherokees are selected to participate in a 950-mile journey to remember the 100,000 Native Americans, 16,000 Cherokees included, who were forcibly removed from their homelands under the Indian Removal Act. Of the 16,000, around 4,000 died from exposure, starvation and disease. [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Learning an Indigenous language in Oklahoma is a living link to tribal ancestors: For the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, our language, Bodéwadmimwen, is the heartbeat of our culture and a living link to our ancestors. Yet, like so many, it’s endangered. [Robert Collins / The Oklahoman]

Voting and Election News

Sworn in: See Oklahoma’s newest lawmakers take office after winning a special election: The three newest members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, including a newly elected Democrat from Oklahoma City, have officially taken their seats at the state Capitol. [The Oklahoman]

• New Oklahoma Reps Norwood, Clinton and Timmons sworn in to office [The Journal Record]
• Oklahoma House of Representatives adds three new members [Oklahoma Voice]

Rep. Tammy Townley agrees to pay $5,000 for campaign finance violations: Rep. Tammy Townley has reached a settlement agreement with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission after a snafu in which she booked, then quickly canceled, a first-class ticket to Paris, France. [NonDoc]

Legislator active in energy efforts announces candidacy for Corporation Commission: State Rep. Brad Boles, Marlow, announced his candidacy this week for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. [Oklahoma Energy Today]

Minnesota assassination prompts many lawmakers to wonder: Is service worth the danger?: In the wake of the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, more public officials across the country are taking stock of their safety. Some say death threats have become part of the job. They fear that violence — real attacks and constant threats — will scare potential candidates away from seeking public office. [Oklahoma Voice]

Education News

After mass layoffs, Epic Charter Schools board approves budget: In the wake of its superintendent’s resignation, the layoffs of hundreds of teachers and staffers and major financial cuts, the board governing Epic Charter Schools approved a budget for the 2025-26 school year, shortly after also approving the ability for Epic to secure a $30 million line of credit from a bank. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma colleges tackle food insecurity, an invisible threat facing students, employees: University of Central Oklahoma students and employees wait in long lines on campus to choose items like nonperishable food staples such as beans, rice and canned goods from neatly labeled shelves. But unlike the grocery store, these shelves have no price tags and the items are free to UCO students and employees who need them. [Oklahoma Voice]

Former University of Tulsa athletic director to serve as school’s interim president; search to replace Carson continues: The University of Tulsa has named Rick Dickson, former university athletic director and vice president, to serve as its interim president, the school announced Wednesday. Dickson takes over the role immediately, while the school continues its search for a permanent replacement for former President Brad Carson, officials said. [Tulsa World]

In Oklahoma, financial literacy courses highlight the risks of gambling: As more states adopt personal finance education requirements, they are tailoring the classwork to help students navigate their local economies. [Marketplace]

Health News

Mental Health Association Oklahoma expands mission, providing eviction prevention services: Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) is expanding its mission through the integration of Shelterwell, an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit focused on housing stability and eviction prevention. [KFOR]

New measles exposures reported in Edmond: Oklahoma health officials on Wednesday reported recent measles exposure sites at five Edmond businesses. [Oklahoma Voice]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma’s Prison Food Service Contract Voided: A $74 million deal to outsource Oklahoma’s prison food service operations to the Trinity Services Group was voided after fewer than four weeks. [Oklahoma Watch]

Records: Man who plotted ISIS-style attack is son of Blanchard Police official, questions raised about parents’ response to confession: News 4 has learned the father of a man who pleaded guilty to planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack is the City of Blanchard’s deputy police chief—and newly uncovered court documents raise questions about whether his parents reported their son’s plans to authorities, following a confession. [KFOR]

State appellate judges reconsider case of only woman on Oklahoma’s death row: Federal appellate judges are reconsidering what will happen next for Brenda Andrew, the only woman on Oklahoma’s death row.[KOSU]

• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker

Economy & Business News

What is America’s answer to China’s rare earths dominance? Oklahoma!: Nestled beneath Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains sits a two-story warehouse containing the only machine in the United States capable of refining nickel, a crucial energy transition metal now dominated by China. The facility, owned by startup Westwin Elements, aims to help Oklahoma become the epicenter for U.S. critical minerals processing, a sector the country largely abandoned decades ago. [Reuters]

Beef prices are at an all-time high. Why it’s gotten so expensive: Even as beef prices hit record highs in May, demand does not appear to be slowing. The average price of a pound of ground beef hit a record $5.98 in May, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a 16% increase from a year before, and with a short supply of cattle, experts say they don’t expect prices to fall anytime soon. [KOSU]

Community News

Tulsa City Council yet to decide on extending LGBTQ protections, adding veterans as protected class: City councilors voted 7-2 Wednesday night to table until Sept. 10 a vote on a proposal to amend existing ordinances to expand the city’s human rights protections and make them more consistent throughout the city’s anti-discrimination policies. [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Supreme Court turned its back on trans youth. Our community never will: In the face of the Supreme Court’s decision, it’s important we look for ways to tangibly support families of trans youth. The legal system may have failed them, but our community won’t. [Dr. Van Bailey / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: The ‘Black struggle’ must become a part of everyone’s struggle: The mere fact that some are struggling to accept the concept of Black excellence is abundant evidence that no meaningful measure of excellence can be attained without embracing the pattern held by the people who embody Black excellence. [Elder Markus Tovstiga / The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Councilors approve $1.12 billion City of Tulsa budget for fiscal year 2025-26 [Tulsa World]
• Edmond is in a nearly $50 million water fight with an Arkansas contractor [The Oklahoman]
• OKC gearing up for 2028 Olympics with new projects, but no athletic village planned [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma City Olympics planner reveals how games are shaping up 3 years out [KOSU]
• ‘We were not treated equally’: Tulsa Public Schools meal employees criticize food supply company following district renewal [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Tulsa GOP chair wants to return to partisan city elections [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Tulsa works to fix discrimination complaint issues on website [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Swank, ex-OU president, law school dean who dealt with Switzer, Anita Hill issues, dies [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma City releases 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report [The Journal Record]
• Opinion: EMSA says no hidden motives in recent customer survey: [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“Lawmakers that argue these cuts won’t hurt babies or people with disabilities are wrong. I’ve seen firsthand how critical Medicaid is. Without it, Eli wouldn’t be alive and Adelaide wouldn’t have access to trauma-informed therapy or the surgery she needs for her breathing and hearing challenges. This isn’t political for me — it’s personal.”

 – Dena Drabek, a single, working mom raising two children with complex needs, writing in an op-ed about how Medicaid has saved her children’s lives. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

$2.04

For every $1 Oklahoma puts into Medicaid, the federal government contributes just over two more. That match rate means Medicaid brings far more money into the state than it costs. [KFF]

Policy Note

How Does Medicaid Benefit States?: Medicaid benefits states not just by expanding health coverage but by improving economic and health outcomes overall. Research shows it reduces medical debt, supports better health and financial stability for enrollees, and improves school performance among children. For states, it brings in matching dollars, reduces hospital uncompensated care costs, lowers state spending on behavioral health and public health programs, and helps stabilize rural hospitals — all while supporting thousands of health care jobs. [Commonwealth Fund]

You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma health care ranked nearly the worst in the nation: Oklahoma ranked 49th in the nation for its state health care system, according to a report released Wednesday. The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation supporting independent health care research, reported that only Texas and Mississippi trailed Oklahoma. D.C. was also included in the report. [Oklahoma Voice]

State Government News

Video shows Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission leaders at illegal cockfights: Anthony DeVore and Blake Pearce, the organization’s president and vice president, have lobbied the Legislature in recent years to reduce Oklahoma’s penalties for cockfighting. Now, the two men are being accused by Animal Wellness Action President Wayne Pacelle of engaging in a “criminal conspiracy.” [NonDoc]

Oklahoma agency misses first benchmarks of mental health settlement: The Oklahoma mental health department missed its first series of deadlines to provide improved competency restoration services. The mental health department was supposed to meet 10 benchmarks by June 8. Seven benchmarks were not met. One was partially completed. One had an “unknown” status. Only one deadline was met. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahoma launches $75M fund to improve infrastructure in all 77 counties: A new fund established through the legislature for county transportation infrastructure projects will reduce the rising number of deficient bridges in Oklahoma due to rising construction costs. The measure establishes the Preserving and Advancing County Transportation (PACT) Fund within the State Treasury, with funding coming from the gross production tax on natural gas before it gets to the General Revenue Fund beginning July 1. [The Journal Record]

Former Oklahoma AG plans to appeal judge’s decision to dismiss social studies standards lawsuit: A judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging Oklahoma’s new, controversial social studies standards, but former Attorney General Mike Hunter plans to appeal the decision. Hunter, who led the lawsuit against the Oklahoma State Department of Education and State Superintendent Ryan Walters, expressed his disappointment but said he remains determined to challenge the decision further. [KOCO]

• Social studies standards lawsuit tossed out, former AG speaks out [KFOR]

Oklahoma files federal lawsuit against 23andMe: The state of Oklahoma has filed a federal lawsuit against genetic testing company 23andMe. State Attorney General Gentner Drummond says he wants to prevent the company from selling its customers’ private DNA information. 23andMe filed for bankruptcy and is now seeking to sell off its assets, including sensitive genetic and health data in a high-stakes auction. [KGOU]

Federal Government News

GOP senators warn mega-bill’s new Medicaid cuts will hurt rural hospitals: GOP senators from across the political spectrum have debated the broad strokes of the tax and spending cut legislation for weeks, but raised fresh concerns after the influential Finance Committee released its portion of the package, which addresses taxes and Medicaid. Some GOP senators objected to a change in Medicaid policy they said could harm rural hospitals. [Oklahoma Voice]

• From OK Policy: Federal budget bill will harm vulnerable Oklahomans

Two-thirds of those in nonpartisan poll view GOP’s tax and spending cut bill unfavorably: Republicans and backers of President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again platform support the party’s “big, beautiful bill” as passed by the U.S. House, though Americans overall view the legislation unfavorably, according to a poll released Tuesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Medicaid keeps getting more popular as Republicans aim to cut it by $800 billion [KOSU]

After nationwide protests, what do Donald Trump’s latest approval ratings show? See polls: Five months into U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term, approval ratings continue to fluctuate as Americans weigh in on Trump’s handling of numerous national topics. Here’s an updated look at the president’s state and national ratings as well as comparisons to his first term and the beginning of his second. [The Oklahoman]

NAACP refuses to invite president for first time in 116 years: Donald Trump will not be invited to the NAACP’s national convention next month, making him the first sitting president in the organization’s 116-year history to be excluded. NAACP President Derrick Johnson announced the decision Monday during a press conference, stating, “This has nothing to do with political party. Our mission is to advance civil rights, and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights.” [The Black Wall Street Times]

Truck carrying tank after Army’s 250th birthday parade kills pedestrian in DC: A truck carrying one of the Army M1 Abrams tanks that participated in President Donald Trump’s parade in honor of the service’s 250th birthday struck and killed a woman in Washington. [The Oklahoman]

U.S. senators call for security funding boost after Minnesota assassination: U.S. senators emerged from a briefing with federal law enforcement officials Tuesday saying they’ll likely boost funding on safety and security for members and their families in an upcoming government funding bill. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter once lived in Oklahoma. Here’s what we know [The Oklahoman]

‘Easy target’: Trump threatens Iran’s supreme leader, says he’s safe ‘for now’: President Donald Trump threatened Iran’s supreme leader as he pushed Tehran to end its retaliatory airstrikes on Israel and warned against any threats to U.S. servicemembers in the region. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He is an easy target, but is safe there.” [USA Today]

Tribal Nations News

Cherokee Nation proposes revamp of aging Claremore Indian Health hospital: The Claremore Indian Hospital has served northeastern tribal patients since 1930. Now, the Cherokee Nation is proposing a $255.5 million investment to replace its aging facilities. [KOSU]

Voting and Election News

Republicans Add New Barriers to Oklahoma’s Dizzyingly Fast Process for Citizen Initiatives: In Oklahoma, organizers have to race against the clock to get measures on the ballot. The state has the nation’s shortest window of time for collecting the tens of thousands of signatures needed to qualify citizen-led measures—just 90 days, compared to other states with ballot initiatives, which all give canvassers 180 days or more. Oklahoma’s 90-day sprint is about to get a lot rougher, thanks to a new law adopted by state Republicans late last month that piles on new regulations. [Bolts]

• From OK Policy: SB 1027 would exclude millions of registered voters from signing initiative petitions

Tulsa GOP chair wants to return to partisan city elections: The new chair of the Tulsa County Republican Party wants to see some changes to how local elections are handled. Myers argued the lack of party affiliation on city ballots causes confusion and that partisan elections could help people research their candidates more efficiently. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Education News

Epic Charter School board approves $30 million credit lifeline, slimmer budget: Buoyed by a $30 million line of credit, Epic Charter School now has funds to survive the summer and a budget for the next academic year. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Long Story Short: Resignations and layoffs at the state’s largest online school (audio) [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma leads nation in aerospace education programs: Oklahoma leads the nation with the highest number of schools with an aerospace curriculum. That is according to The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. [KSWO]

Health News

Eldercare Nightmare: A Tragic Family Story Raises the Specter of Widespread Guardianship Fraud: In recent years, elder guardianship scams have become common across the country. The case of Leroy Theodore suggests that a nationwide plague of guardianship abuse may have arrived in Oklahoma. [Oklahoma Watch]

Measles exposure reported at OKC airport, Guymon Walmart over Memorial Day weekend: Oklahoma so far has recorded 20 measles cases in 2025. That includes 17 test-confirmed infections and three probable cases in which a person was symptomatic. Seventeen of the 20 cases involved people who were unvaccinated for measles. [Oklahoma Voice]

Guns kill more US children than other causes, but state policies can help, study finds: More American children and teens die from firearms than any other cause, but there are more deaths — and wider racial disparities — in states with more permissive gun policies, according to a new study. [Oklahoma Voice]

New mobile mental health vans bring critical care to rural communities around Tulsa: Oklahoma’s mental health care is taking a new direction, reaching rural communities surrounding Tulsa with a mobile mental health collaboration. What started as a small pilot program has now evolved into a full-fledged initiative, eliminating the distance between people and the care they need. [News Channel 8]

Abortion clinics are closing, even in states where abortion is legal: The abortion funding system across the U.S. is battered three years after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to enforce bans. An initial surge of donations has subsided, scores of clinics have closed and advocates fear that federal policy changes will result in more shutting down. [AP via Tulsa World]

Criminal Justice News

Richard Glossip seeks release on bond in murder-for-hire case: Richard Glossip will have to wait a little longer to find out if he will go free while he awaits his third murder trial. Glossip, once Oklahoma’s most high-profile death row inmate, is asking to be released on a personal recognizance bond. Prosecutors want him to stay locked up. [The Oklahoman]

• Oklahoma County judge continues to weigh Richard Glossip’s request for bond [KOSU]
• Former death row inmate Richard Glossip will be prosecuted again but no longer faces death sentence (video) [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma County jail fails inspection over sanitation, safety and security issues: The latest report detailed an unannounced inspection that took place inside the long-troubled facility at 201 N Shartel Ave. on May 7, following up on a previous inspection conducted in December. Various deficiencies were cited as a result of the May inspection, meaning the jail is “not in substantial compliance,” according to the 36-page report. [The Oklahoman]

Man fatally shot by OKC police identified; four officers on paid leave: A man fatally shot by police and the officers involved in a June 16 shooting in southwest Oklahoma City have now been identified. Police were responding to a call about a man threatening suicide, according to Capt. Valerie Littlejohn, a spokeswoman for the department. [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

‘Be heard and be seen’: Tulsa nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness expands to OKC: BeHeard started in 2020 in Tulsa with a simple mission: “to help end homelessness one person at a time, one shower at a time.” It operates a mobile drop-in center, which brings services like a mobile shower trailer, laundry, clothing, haircuts and charging stations directly to Oklahomans. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

• From OK Policy: Homelessness in Oklahoma – Information and Resources

Economy & Business News

Oklahoma strives to become American hub for critical minerals processing: Nestled beneath Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains sits a two-story warehouse containing the only machine in the United States capable of refining nickel, a crucial energy transition metal now dominated by China. The facility, owned by startup Westwin Elements, aims to help Oklahoma become the epicenter for U.S. critical minerals processing, a sector the country largely abandoned decades ago. [Reuters]

Councilor Hall-Harper questions PartnerTulsa’s commitment to redeveloping north Tulsa: City Councilor Vanessa Hall-Harper has accused PartnerTulsa, the city’s economic development arm, of working against the best interests of the historic Greenwood District she represents. [Tulsa World]

Future of Wagoner County solar farm uncertain after public opposition, zoning rejection: County Commissioners voted 2-1 to deny NextEra Energy Resources’ conditional use permit request Monday morning, forming an obstacle for the company’s proposed solar project. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

Opinion: Business Strategy: Data shows long-term, positive impacts of ARPA programming: ARPA funding was due to be spent or returned by December 2024, and as auditors and researchers have now had the time to thoroughly examine outcomes, it is clear that ARPA played a major role in our community’s economic stability through those difficult years. [Kenton Tsoodle / The Journal Record]

Community News

Mayor to Make Major Announcement Wednesday on Mass Graves Investigations: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols is expected to provide an update on Wednesday June 18 on findings from the investigation of mass graves of victims killed in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The mayor’s announcement will come just a few hours in advance of the Tulsa City Council’s anticipated final consideration of the 2026 city budget and a day before the city holiday commemorating Juneteenth. [The Oklahoma Eagle]

Oklahoma adds 2 sites to the National Register of Historic Places: The National Register of Historic Places has listed two new sites in Oklahoma. The State Historic Preservation Office of the Oklahoma Historical Society identifies, determines and nominates properties for federal designation. [KOSU]

Juneteenth 2025: Will mail run? Are banks open? What you need to know in Oklahoma: Juneteenth, known as America’s Second Independence Day, has been commemorated as a federally-recognized holiday since 2021, providing millions of Americans with a paid day off and the opportunity to commemorate the end of slavery. Here’s what you need to know about banks, post offices and shipping services, and whether or not they’ll be open on Juneteenth. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Small city with big league energy: OKC Council approves new arena agreements [The Oklahoman]
• Proposed lease for new Thunder arena aims to keep team in OKC [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“[They] create two classes of citizens. Ones whose signatures can count and ones whose cannot.”

– Jed Green, director of Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action, speaking about the signature limits imposed by SB 1027. Among other things, the bill caps the number of signatures a campaign can collect from any single county. [Bolts]

Number of the Day

113 million

The number of adults in the United States with an immediate family member who has been incarcerated. That’s nearly half the adult population. [Prison Policy Initiative]

Policy Note

We Can’t Afford It: Mass Incarceration and the Family Tax: A new report estimates that if incarceration rates remain at current levels, U.S. families will lose $3.5 trillion over the next decade. These costs come from reduced work hours, job loss, increased caregiving responsibilities, and financial strain from phone fees, commissary contributions, and travel expenses. It’s a clear reminder that the financial fallout of incarceration extends far beyond prison walls — its economic toll ripples through the lives of spouses, children, and caregivers. [FWD.us Education Fund]

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In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

SB 870 establishes strict liability for failing to report misconduct in youth detention (Capitol Update): A new law passed this session will establish stringent new reporting requirements for any employee, contractor, volunteer, or third party “working in or around” (1) a state-run juvenile facility, (2) a private contractor or group home under the supervision of the Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA), or (3) any county facility which detains juveniles. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]

• From OK Policy: Reimagining Youth Justice in Oklahoma

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma County judge dismisses lawsuit that opposed social studies standards: District Judge Brent Dishman decided Friday that the group of parents, grandparents and teachers who filed the lawsuit failed to cite any applicable law or rule that was broken when the Oklahoma State Board of Education approved the new standards this year. Final review of new academic standards, which mandate what topics Oklahoma public schools must teach, rests with the state Legislature, which permitted the new social studies standards to take effect, Dishman wrote. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma court dismisses lawsuit challenging Ryan Walters-backed social studies standards [The Oklahoman]
• Judge dismisses lawsuit challenging Oklahoma social studies standards [Tulsa World]
• Walters claims victory over dismissal of Oklahoma social studies standards lawsuit [StateImpact Oklahoma]
• Superintendent Walters defends new curriculum, vows end to woke education in state schools [Fox 25]
• Court grants motion to dismiss the Social Studies Standards lawsuit against OSDE [Fox 23]

State Government News

Why 5 bills passed by the Oklahoma Legislature won’t become law: At least five bills passed during the final week of the 2025 regular session — including one concerning who would administer a high-profile consent decree involving the state’s mental health agency — will not become law after Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt declined to act upon them before a legal deadline. The bills fell victim to what is called a “pocket veto,” which happens when a governor does not sign or directly veto a bill passed during the final week of the legislative session within 15 days of the final adjournment of the Legislature. [The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: What’s a pocket veto?

Oklahoma created a new court to compete with Delaware. What is a business court?: Oklahoma soon will create two new courts that will exclusively handle complex business lawsuits. Supporters say the courts will reduce the burden of lengthy and complicated legal matters faced by regular district courts while making the state attractive to companies looking for a new place to call home. Opponents, however, criticized the new law as being too costly and favoring business over “common people.” [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma Attorney General still wants to work out a deal with poultry companies to protect the Illinois River as decades-long lawsuit drags on: After a years-long legal battle with some of the world’s largest poultry producers over pollutants in one of Oklahoma’s most important waterways, the state attorney general still thinks he can strike a deal with the powerful industry. Oklahoma is still waiting on a ruling in a two-decade-old lawsuit that could have far-reaching consequences for the Illinois River and the surrounding region. But the parties could still reach a settlement outside of court. [The Frontier]

Federal Government News

Members of Congress on edge after assassination of Minnesota state legislator: The U.S. Senate will gather behind closed doors Tuesday to hear from federal law enforcement officials about protection for lawmakers and the safety of their families, just days after a gunman said to be posing as a police officer targeted state lawmakers in Minnesota. [Oklahoma Voice]

Trump directs ICE to target 3 big Democratic cities for raids: President Donald Trump announced late Sunday that he was directing U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement officers to conduct immigration raids in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, the nation’s three most populous cities that are all led by elected Democrats in heavily Democratic states. The announcement escalates a week-long conflict in Los Angeles, where large protests started after immigration officials began arresting day laborers at Home Depot stores across the city. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Trump orders ICE to expand deportations in large cities. Will Oklahoma be affected? [The Oklahoman]
• From OK Policy: Oklahomans should be watching LA immigration raid protests with concern (Commentary)

Less than 10% of immigrants taken into ICE custody since October had serious criminal convictions, internal data shows: As the Trump administration has ramped up raids in Los Angeles and around the country, top officials have highlighted the capture of immigrants convicted of crimes like murder, assault and rape — describing them as “barbaric” criminals who “reigned terror” on American communities. But internal government documents obtained by CNN show that only a fraction of migrants booked into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody since October have been convicted of serious violent or sexual crimes. [CNN]

• From OK Policy: Silence in the face of injustice puts each of us at risk (Commentary)

Housing advocates worry states can’t fill rental aid gaps if Trump cuts go through: The Trump administration is pushing to reshape the federal housing safety net by slashing spending and shifting the burden of housing millions of people to states, which may be ill-equipped to handle the mission. President Donald Trump’s recent budget request to Congress for fiscal year 2026, a preliminary plan released in early May and known as “skinny” because a more robust ask will follow, outlines a 44% cut to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, including a 43% reduction in rental assistance programs that support more than 9 million Americans. [Oklahoma Voice]

‘Big Beautiful Bill’ would put intense pressure on Oklahoma Medicaid program: House Resolution 1, the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” eked through the U.S. House of Representatives by a single vote – mostly along party lines – and now is in the U.S. Senate for consideration. Following is an examination of that legislation on SoonerCare, which is Oklahoma’s Medicaid program for low-income individuals and families, and on other state programs that receive Medicaid, which requires a heavily subsidized federal match to operate. [Southwest Ledger]

• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Policy Institute condemns U.S. House passage of federal budget bill that harms vulnerable Oklahomans

Key GOP holdouts signal displeasure with Senate’s tax and Medicaid blueprint: Several Senate Republicans who have withheld their support for the party’s massive tax and spending package signaled on Monday that they weren’t swayed by details unveiled by GOP leaders earlier in the day. The text released by the Senate Finance Committee Monday included some of the most controversial issues Republicans have been wrestling with — including Medicaid, taxes and green energy tax credits — and contained a number of departures from the House-passed version of the legislation. [The Hill]

U.S. Senate GOP wants to hike debt limit by $5 trillion in mega-bill: U.S. Senate Republicans unveiled Monday that they plan to raise the country’s debt limit by $5 trillion in the “big, beautiful bill,” a full $1 trillion more than House GOP lawmakers proposed in their version. The provision is tucked into the Senate Finance Committee’s 549-page section of the package, which also includes tax law changes and how Republicans in the upper chamber plan to rework Medicaid. [Oklahoma Voice]

Americans want Medicaid and food stamps funding maintained or increased, AP-NORC poll shows: As Republican senators consider President Donald Trump’s big bill that could slash federal spending and extend tax cuts, a new survey shows most U.S. adults don’t think the government is overspending on the programs the GOP has focused on cutting, like Medicaid and food stamps. Americans broadly support increasing or maintaining existing levels of funding for popular safety net programs, including Social Security and Medicare, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. [Associated Press]

Army parade, Trump birthday take over D.C., as ‘No Kings’ protests erupt across nation: President Donald Trump on Saturday celebrated his 79th birthday reviewing a parade of tanks, armament and marching soldiers gathered in the nation’s capital for the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration, amid heightened political tensions across the country and anti-Trump “No Kings” protests. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Opinion: “No Kings” Rallies Across America: This What Democracy Looks Like to Me [Native News Online]

Federal funding for these ag research labs ended. Now the search is on for new support: The Trump administration cut off nearly all funding for food and agricultural research at universities across the country as part of the Feed the Future Initiative. While some hope Congress will restore the funding, the global research continues on a much smaller scale, funded by private donors and individual universities. [Harvest Public Media via KOSU]

Tribal Nations News

The U.S. sold this tribe’s land illegally. It’s now the latest Native group to get its home back: The United States government promised the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation about 1,280 acres of Illinois reservation in an 1829 treaty. Instead, the U.S sold all of it illegally to white settlers. The Prairie Band is now the latest tribe in the Midwest and Great Plains to get some of their ancestral home back. [Harvest Public Media via KOSU]

Voting and Election News

Oklahoma Democrat Kalyn Free Pushed for New DNC Elections — And She Wants a Seat at the Table: A renewed round of leadership elections at the Democratic National Committee is underway after the elections of Vice Chairs David Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta were vacated, and Oklahoma’s DNC representative Kalyn Free is the reason why. Oklahoma rarely gets a spot on the national Democratic stage — given its bright red electorate and all-Republican congressional delegation. But Free wants to change that. [NOTUS]

• Oklahoma Democrat Seeks DNC Vice Chair After Overturned Election [The Black Wall Street Times]

Oklahoma City man pleads guilty to election day terrorism plot: Ahead of the 2024 election, two Afghan men living in central Oklahoma planned an election day terror attack on behalf of the Islamic State group. After Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi changed his plea last week, both men have admitted to the plot. [KOSU]

Education News

Oklahoma Legislature limits virtual school days, adds more instruction for 2025-26 calendar: During Oklahoma’s 2025 legislative session, efforts to put students in the classroom longer led the year’s education conversations, as bills limiting virtual learning days and requiring additional in-person instruction received varying levels of support. While the failure of one such bill on the House floor irritated a Senate leader, the concept was ultimately reincorporated into the Legislature’s budget deal, meaning Oklahoma students will receive one additional day’s worth of instruction next school year. [NonDoc]

Bill allowing adjunct early childhood teachers stalls in Oklahoma Senate: A bill that would open early childhood classrooms to uncertified adjunct teachers failed to become law this year, but lawmakers could consider it again in 2026. House Bill 2125 passed the House and narrowly survived the Senate Education Committee, but the legislative session ended without it being heard on the Senate floor. [Oklahoma Voice]

University of Oklahoma raises tuition despite opposition from governor, state lawmakers: The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents last week voted to raise tuition for the fifth consecutive year. A 3% increase will apply to tuition and mandatory fees for most undergraduate and graduate students on OU’s Norman campus and online programs, the university announced. Students at the health sciences center will see a 2% to 4% increase for most undergraduate and graduate programs and 10 professional programs. [Oklahoma Voice]

Health News

Oklahoma sees one of biggest health care cost spikes: Health care costs have risen dramatically across the U.S. this decade, and Oklahoma has shouldered one of the biggest increases, a new study reveals. On a state level, Oklahoma and Florida tied at 26.6% for the eighth largest increase in health care costs per capita from 2019 to 2023. The cost for Oklahomans grew by $1,760 in those five years to reach $8,382, which is still $813 below the national average. [The Journal Record]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma’s closed private prisons eyed as ICE detention centers: Shuttered private prisons in Oklahoma could be repurposed to hold migrants arrested in immigration raids. On an earnings call last month, CEO of CoreCivic Damon Heninger said most of the company’s dormant or underused holdings will be revitalized, and Oklahoma is especially attractive. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Does Oklahoma rank among the worst states in safety?: Yes. Two 2024 surveys rank Oklahoma at No.37 in terms of safety, placing it lower than 75% of the states. Using FBI data to evaluate each state’s violent crime rate and poverty crime rate, U.S. News ranked Oklahoma at No. 37 in terms of public safety. This ranking further informed the best states for crime and corrections rankings and the overall best states rankings, for which Oklahoma ranks No. 36 and No. 42, respectively. [Oklahoma Watch]

Man dies after being shot by police in southwest Oklahoma City: A man died after being shot by Oklahoma City police officers in southwest Oklahoma City on Monday, June 16. The June 16 incident would be the third reported officer-involved shooting by police in Oklahoma City this year. [The Oklahoman]

• Police investigating officer-involved shooting in SW Oklahoma City [KFOR]

Tulsa police lieutenant sues city, claiming retaliation after he called out racism: A Tulsa Police Department lieutenant has filed a lawsuit against the city of Tulsa and Rogers County prosecutors that alleges he was targeted for prosecution after he spoke out against racism in his department. Lt. Marcus Harper, who is Black, claims that fellow law enforcement officers retaliated against him after he spoke out in 2020 about TPD “common practices against the public good, officer cliques … and systemic racist practices of certain officers.” [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Trampling dissent: How police horses have been used to crush protest from Selma to LA: In Los Angeles, where protests have risen like heat from the pavement, police mounted on horses have turned city streets into stomping grounds — even as video and social media shine a light on their violence around the clock. They’ve rammed bodies into walls, herded voices into choke points, and trampled dissent until it falls silent. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Opinion: Tulsa City Council has chance to do the right thing to protect all rights: Ten years ago, the Tulsa City Council added the terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the list of protected classes in the city’s fair housing policy by a vote of 8-0. Now the language needs to be updated, clarified and expanded to all city services for consistency. Why ban discrimination in housing but be fine with it in employment? [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Community News

US News ranked these 8 Oklahoma cities the best in the state: Here’s who made the cut: U.S. News & World Report recently released its rankings of the 250 best places to live in the U.S. in 2025-2026, taking into account each city’s affordability, job market and quality of life. Six cities from the Sooner State made it into the top 250, with Oklahoma City ranking 96th overall. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Persica Solar Farm proposal near Porter denied by Wagoner County Commission [Tulsa World]
• Tulsa Public Schools to reevaluate testing strategy [Tulsa World]
• OKC’s Full Sail sets course for growth with Mercer deal [The Journal Record]
• City of El Reno to launch in-house Emergency Medical Services [StateImpact Oklahoma]
• Kratos to double Bristow facility size, add dozens of aerospace jobs [News on 6]

Quote of the Day

“The bill is an attempt to protect businesses and insurance companies from the common people. There is nothing wrong with the current district court system added to the Constitution by a vote of the people. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.”

– Oklahoma attorney and historian Bob Burke voiced concerns over the new business courts system, warning that parts of the law — such as the $1,500 filing fee — could effectively shut out individuals seeking to hold businesses or insurance companies accountable in court. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

18,095
The number of eviction filings in Oklahoma County in 2024 alone. Each one represents a family facing displacement — and the ripple effects reach schools, hospitals, social services, and entire neighborhoods. [Shelterwell]

Policy Note

Eviction and Poverty in American Cities: Evictions aren’t just a symptom of poverty — they’re a major cause of it. Research from Yale shows that eviction significantly increases the likelihood that households will fall deeper into poverty, particularly by reducing earnings and disrupting employment. [Tobin Center for Economic Policy]

You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail.

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

A Surprisingly Not Terrible Year for Criminal Justice Policy in Oklahoma: Criminal justice reform has been a long-running project of the Oklahoma Legislature. This year, legislators advanced a number of bills that will improve the criminal justice system in Oklahoma, and largely managed to avoid undoing previous work. Going into the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers should continue to prioritize building upon progress rather than tearing down policies that work. [Cole Allen / OK Policy]

Opinion: New national report shows our children are paying for lawmakers’ choices: A new national report on child well-being reads less like a rankings report and more like an indictment of Oklahoma’s political priorities. Oklahoma is ranked 46th in the nation for child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 Kids Count Data Book. Not in one category. Overall. Again. So why are we still 46th? Because the people in power have spent decades reducing revenue for the very programs that could have translated families’ efforts into real progress. [Shiloh Kantz / Tulsa World]

Oklahoma News

Thousands of Oklahomans gather to protest the Trump Administration under the ‘No Kings’ rally-cry: What started as a relatively quiet march of hundreds of demonstrators from Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park to City Hall eventually turned into a thunderous — and soaked — crowd of thousands of Oklahomans. The majority of them were there to peacefully protest what some have called President Trump’s authoritarian overreach. Some advocated for more action. [KOSU]

• Despite rain, thousands rallied for ‘No Kings’ march protesting Trump in OKC [The Oklahoman]
• Thousands gather in Oklahoma City for ‘No Kings’ protest [KFOR]
• ‘No Kings’ protesters in OKC rally for democracy, denounce administration [Fox 25]
• Tulsa anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rallies attract several thousand. No serious incidents reported [Tulsa World]
• More than a thousand protest Trump in Tulsa prior to military parade [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Ahead of No Kings protest, Stitt, Mayor Holt remember response to 2020 protests differently [The Oklahoman]
• No Kings protests around the nation denounce Trump’s actions [Oklahoma Voice]
• Opinion: Motorists still cannot just mow down protesters who wander off track [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

State Government News

Teacher incentives, math education bills become law in Oklahoma: Longtime Oklahoma teachers will continue earning annual salary increases for an extra 10 years, and their children will qualify for a major state-funded scholarship under new laws the governor signed this week. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma education package signed into law [The Journal Record]

Gov. Stitt explains Oklahoma’s goal with new business courts, how they would work: The creation of business courts in Oklahoma, one in Tulsa and one in Oklahoma City, could coax scores of new companies to incorporate in the state, which would generate millions of dollars in new revenue, Gov. Kevin Stitt believes. [Tulsa World]

• From Former House Speaker Steve Lewis: Contentious budget negotiations opened door for governor’s business court plans (Capitol Update)

Oklahoma legislators, some who knew slain Minnesota lawmaker, decry political violence: Current and former Oklahoma legislators — including at least three who knew one of the victims — have expressed heartbreak and condemnation over the shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma National Guard Museum is on the march to new space with room to grow: The Oklahoma National Guard Museum has closed the doors to its longtime home in the Lincoln Park Armory in preparation for relocation to a new facility. [The Oklahoman]

Political notebook: Tax cuts trim $227 million from FY 2026 revenue certification: The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization on Friday certified final revenue estimates for fiscal year 2026, which begins July 1. This year’s Legislature based its FY 2026 appropriations and budget on a Board of Equalization estimate from February. The one approved Friday differs only by figuring in the impact of the income tax cut and other measures enacted this spring. Those reduced expected general revenue by $208.6 million and direct apportionments by $18.2 million. [Tulsa World]

Capitol Insider: Funding delay could affect State Historic Preservation Office: Trait Thompson, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, discusses how did the Historical Society fare in the state budget for fiscal year 2026. [KGOU]

Opinion, Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert: Legislation making Oklahoma better advances this session: House Republicans came into the first session of the 60th Legislature with new leadership, a new two-tiered committee structure and a clear vision for what we could accomplish for the people of Oklahoma this year. [Rep. Kyle Hilbert / Tulsa World]

Opinion, Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair: No one wants a ‘load shedding event,’ that is, a power blackout: Recent load shedding events, or forced power blackouts, in Louisiana, New Mexico and even across the Atlantic in Spain serve as urgent reminders that no region, no matter how developed, is immune to the growing strains on our electrical infrastructure. These disruptions reveal critical vulnerabilities that demand proactive solutions. I work closely with our state’s electric utilities to ensure that such events don’t happen here. [Kim David / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Ignore the shouting: Most lawmakers are serious and hard-working: I won’t deny that I see worrisome signs that state politics is increasingly dominated by elected officials who are motivated more by ideology and political ambition than by a genuine desire to serve. Yet that makes it even more important to acknowledge and applaud the good men and women from both parties who are striving to do what’s right. [David Blatt / Tulsa World]

Opinion Cartoon: Where it counts, Oklahoma is failing its kids: Oklahoma ranks 46th among 50 states in the annual Kids Count report, released Monday, June 9, by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Every measure of educational success tracked by the report has worsened in recent years. At the same time, economic insecurity has increased, with 21% of Oklahoma children living in poverty. [Todd Pendleton / The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: Oklahoma ranks 46th in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, highlighting lawmakers’ misplaced priorities

Editorial: We can’t afford the Parental Choice Tax Credit scheme. Millions are now owed: The receipts are in on Oklahoma being the first state to offer a universal school choice program where taxpayers are charged for students to attend private school. Shocker: We are owed millions. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]

• From OK Policy: Private school tax credits will give everyone’s taxes to people who don’t need our help

Federal Government News

Trump’s proof of citizenship elections order blocked for now in federal court: A Massachusetts federal judge on Friday blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring states to mandate voters in federal elections provide documents proving their citizenship, ruling the measure would cause a significant burden to states and potentially harm voters. [Oklahoma Voice]

HR 40: A Renewed Fight for Reparations and Justice: From Tulsa to D.C., leaders urged lawmakers to confront the full scope of harms Black Americans still face. Rep. Ayanna Pressley underscored that the deep inequities Black Americans face—in education, healthcare, jobs, and wealth—are not accidental. These disparities, she said, stem from deliberate, legislated harm, built into policies and budgets across generations. Pressley framed this systemic injustice as policy violence that demands intentional repair. [The Black Wall Street Times]

House passes bill to cut public broadcasting funds: The House passed the rescission package Thursday afternoon in a 214–212 vote, with all five Oklahoma representatives voting in favor of the funding cuts. [The Black Wall Street Times]

• Hern votes to claw back foreign aid, public media funds [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Opinion: Yes, sir! Oklahoma House members support Trump in public broadcasting cut [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]

D.C. Digest: Oklahoma delegation backs Israeli attack on Iran: The Trump administration’s support for Israel’s attacks on Iran last week may have grated on isolationist supporters who fear being dragged into a wider Middle East conflict, but not Oklahoma’s congressional delegation. [Tulsa World]

Trump brought in $57 million from crypto venture, millions from sneakers and bibles: President Donald Trump’s sources of income range from luxury properties around the world to royalty payments and license fees for using his name and likeness on everything from sneakers to bibles, according to a financial disclosure form filed June 13. The 234-page document covered the calendar year 2024. [USA Today]

The GOP’s big bill would bring changes to Medicaid for millions: As the party pushes ahead on President Trump’ s priority package, Republicans insist they are not cutting the vital safety net program but simply rooting out what they call waste, fraud and abuse. Whether that argument lands with voters could go a long way toward determining whether Trump’s bill ultimately ends up boosting — or dragging down — Republicans as they campaign for reelection next year. [Associated Press]

• Medicaid enrollees fear losing health coverage if Congress enacts work requirements [Associated Press]
• The bitter pill: How millions of seniors voted to strip their own healthcare [The Black Wall Street Times]
• From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: The federal budget bill would take health insurance away from Oklahomans and makes it more costly

Opinion: James Lankford says folks are ‘going crazy’ over GOP Medicaid plans. But it’s not in a good way: It’s become clear that Oklahoma’s U.S. Sen. James Lankford has apparently taken one too many sips of the spiked, D.C.-flavored Kool-Aid. Because it’s clear there’s a disconnect between the Republican Medicaid propaganda he’s been spouting and the stark reality of Oklahoma’s insurance and health care systems. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]

Tribal Nations News

Former U.S. Interior secretary calls for tribal input in policy decisions in Oklahoma City address: A former U.S. Cabinet secretary told hundreds of Indigenous Oklahomans that the Trump administration’s attempts to end diversity, equity and inclusion shouldn’t touch tribal governments because they’re sovereign. But those efforts still threaten to derail the gains tribal nations have made in recent years, she said. [The Oklahoman]

Westwin Elements’ dream for America and swirling questions of tribal sovereignty, health in Oklahoma: A nickel refinery in Lawton, hoping to help solve America’s critical minerals crisis, has been the center of debate. After facing pushback from three local tribes, questions loom over the strength of Indigenous sovereignty.[KOSU]

Attorney general issues opinion denying Keetoowah gaming compact: The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has issued an opinion denying the validity of a gaming compact signed by the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and Gov. Kevin Stitt. [Tulsa World]

Voting and Election News

Oklahoma Ethics Commission approves prosecuting state representative for campaign finance misuse: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission will prosecute state Rep. Ajay Pittman for failure to reimburse penalties owed after agreeing to a settlement agreement for campaign expenditure violations in 2024. [KOSU]

Education News

‘Different tactics’: OU hikes tuition while touting scholarships, OSU keeps costs flat again: On the same day OU President Joe Harroz proclaimed tuition increases are required to achieve “excellence” in higher education, the Board of Regents for the Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges held a Finance Committee meeting where leaders of Oklahoma State University explained why OSU’s tuition and fees were staying flat for the fourth year in a row — the sixth in the last seven. [NonDoc]

• OU Board of Regents votes for tuition hike, pay increase for president [KGOU]
• OSU tuition and fees unchanged for fourth straight year [Tulsa World]

Vouchers Deliver Blow to Rural Schools: ‘They’re Taking Money From Our Students’: School voucher programs have a proven record of failure and are especially harmful to rural students, families, and communities. ‘Why are we diverting funds from our schools,’ asks an Oklahoma educator, ‘to give free money to families making over $200,000?’ [NEA]

Health News

‘Big step forward’: What to know about HB 2298 and how it may impact health care in Oklahoma: House Bill 2298 allows nurse practitioners who meet certain requirements to write prescriptions without a doctor’s oversight. It will essentially allow nurse practitioners to practice independently, something that has previously kept them from treating patients in rural areas if doctors do not cover those communities. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma’s naloxone vending machines are coming back, with key differences: Oklahoma’s mental health agency plans to redistribute naloxone vending machines to new locations across the state, shifting more responsibilities to local partners. [KGOU]

Planned Parenthood at risk of closing hundreds of clinics, drastically limiting abortion access:
If the budget reconciliation package before the U.S. Senate becomes law in the coming weeks, reproductive health advocates say the provision that would cut federal funding to Planned Parenthood clinics could serve as a backdoor nationwide abortion ban, eliminating access to 1 in 4 abortion providers. [Oklahoma Voice]

Criminal Justice News

Officials: New OK County Behavioral Care Center can’t be a ‘catchall’ for all in crisis: Who will receive treatment at the Behavioral Care Center at the new Oklahoma County jail if it —expected to potentially cost $700 million or more — is ever fully funded and built? Not just anyone will be able to get care at the $44 million mental health center, funded with federal pandemic relief money, underway at the jail site. [The Oklahoman]

• How a new jail didn’t solve all of Oklahoma County’s inmate problems in 1991 [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Supporting cash bail reform isn’t anti-public safety. It’s good governance: Oklahoma lawmakers haven’t had an appetite to tackle cash bail problems since a failed attempt in 2019. A federal court ruling and recent study out of Tulsa County ought to have lawmakers reconsidering their positions. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

• Report from The Bail Project: The False Promise of Bail: An Analysis of Pretrial Release Mechanisms and Court Appearance in Tulsa County, Oklahoma 

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

City Lights breaks ground on permanent supportive housing village for homeless in Tulsa: City Lights Foundation of Oklahoma broke ground Saturday on phase one of City Lights Village. Once completed, the permanent supportive housing community in north Tulsa will include 75 townhouses, a community center, gardens and an orchard. [Tulsa World]

Economy & Business News

Paying $10,000 to move to Tulsa is worth four times the investment, study shows:Aprogram that pays $10,000 for people to move to Tulsa for work is having an economic turnaround of four times the investment, a new study shows. [Tulsa World]

Opinion, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell: The next industrial revolution is in space. We can lead it: I recently attended the 40th annual Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, which is the largest space symposium in the world. The message I heard over and over from government leaders, commercial innovators and global competitors was clear: The next industrial revolution is underway — and it’s happening in space. [Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell / Tulsa World]

Community News

Oklahomans, veterans push back against the call for Afghan refugees to be expelled: Retired Maj. Kerri Keck said she was among the Oklahomans who worked shoulder to shoulder with America’s Afghan allies to rid Afghanistan of the Taliban. She was among several local veterans, individuals who have sponsored Afghan refugees and other supporters of Afghan resettlement in the state, who recently shared their concerns about Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s recent call for Afghan refugees to be expelled from Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman]

Supreme Court decision benefits Oklahoma chapter of Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City says it is encouraged by the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in favor of a Wisconsin-based Catholic Charities branch, calling it an affirmation of their right to provide social services without compromising their religious identity. [NonDoc]

Rollback on DEI impacting corporate sponsor support for Oklahoma Pride Alliance: Support and sponsorships for local organizations in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion space has been hard to come by, as many companies align with initiatives from the Trump Administration. [KFOR]

Local Headlines

• Tulsa City Council set to vote on $1.1 billion budget proposal Wednesday [Tulsa World]
• Tulsa Animal Services shows need for more from city budget with new shelter yet to open [Tulsa World]
• OKC’s Juneteenth on the East returns with BIG K.R.I.T. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Quote of the Day

“We cannot solve child poverty by telling families to work harder when they’re already working full-time or juggling multiple jobs. We can’t improve school outcomes by starving schools of the resources they need. And we can’t fix child health by cutting the programs that keep them insured. You can’t get different outcomes by doing the same thing over and over again — especially when the same thing has failed our kids for decades.”

– OK Policy Executive Director Shiloh Kantz, writing in an op-ed about the results from this year’s KIDS COUNT report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which again found the state ranking 46th for overall child well-being. [Tulsa World]

Number of the Day

15%

The reduction in jail bookings for Oklahoma County misdemeanor defendants who had their fines and fees waived. Removing the financial burden helped people stay out of jail and stay connected to work, housing, and their families. [Fines and Fees Justice Center]

Policy Note

The Human Costs of Fines and Fees: Court fines and fees don’t just create financial burdens — they have lasting human costs. Research shows they can lead to job loss, housing instability, and family separation, especially for low-income individuals. When people can’t afford to pay, the consequences further entrench poverty rather than promote accountability. [Center for Justice Innovation]

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In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

Oklahomans should be watching LA immigration raid protests with concern (Commentary): The federal government’s use of tear gas and National Guard troops against protestors in Los Angeles should sound an alarm for residents in every state — including places like Oklahoma that are far from a border. These tactics may start in Los Angeles, but history tells us they won’t stay there. [Gabriela Ramirez-Perez / OK Policy]

Oklahoma News

Open primary proponents challenge Oklahoma law capping initiative petition signatures: Open primary supporters in Oklahoma have filed two lawsuits in the Oklahoma Supreme Court challenging a new state law that limits the number of initiative petition signatures that can be collected from a single county. [The Oklahoman]

• Lawsuit challenges new Oklahoma initiative petition law [Tulsa World]
• Controversial Oklahoma law affecting ballot initiatives draws legal challenges [Oklahoma Voice]
• Broad Coalition of Voters File Lawsuit to Keep Power in the Hands of the Oklahoma People [This Land]
• From OK Policy: SB 1027 would exclude millions of registered voters from signing initiative petitions

Stitt tells Newsmax he’s pre-empting protest violence, local organizers say their purpose is peace: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is pre-empting a possible outbreak of civil unrest ahead of organized demonstrations planned across Oklahoma on Saturday. But while Stitt is committed to stopping potential lawbreakers, rally organizers say they are planning for peace. There will be 13 “No Kings” protests in Oklahoma, including three in Tulsa. [KOSU]

• ‘No Kings’ protests scheduled in Oklahoma, US: Gov. Stitt says troopers ‘stand ready’ [The Oklahoman]
• Tulsa protesters gather, promote ‘No Kings’ events during DC parade this weekend [Tulsa World]
• Gov. Stitt warns against violence as ‘No Kings Day’ protests approach Oklahoma cities [Fox 25]
• City of Lawton, U.S. Army Fort Sill cancel Army birthday parade due to security threats [KFOR]
• Legal expert shares tips ahead of protests in Oklahoma this weekend [Fox 25]
• Protesters demand an end to ICE raids before NBA Finals game in Indianapolis [USA Today]
• Drummond ‘leads’ effort among attorneys general to defend Trump’s use of National Guard [Public Radio Tulsa]
• AG Gentner Drummond backs Trump’s National Guard deployment in California protests [News 9]
• Opinion: Many Americans see violence, feel unsafe [Jillian E. Snider / Tulsa World]

State Government News

Financial troubles hit Oklahoma state park restaurants again, over $250K unpaid to state: It was supposed to be a fresh start for restaurants operating in Oklahoma state parks following a financial scandal and criminal indictments connected to former operator, Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchens. New operators took over the shuttered restaurants two years ago, but FOX 25 learned that taxpayers are once again footing the bill. [Fox 25]

Governor Stitt quietly signs several Education bills: There are now a handful of bills still on the governor’s desk this week, after he quietly signed several that brought funding to Oklahoma education. [KFOR]

New law mandates more school time for Oklahoma students: Legislation that will lengthen the school year for students in Oklahoma and allow veteran teachers to earn higher salaries earned Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature on Wednesday. [Tulsa World] 

Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: New mental health agency leader, immigration law on hold, Drummond on Afghan refugees and more (audio): The panel talk about Gov. Kevin Stitt picking a new leader for the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the state’s sweeping immigration law remains on hold after a federal judge’s ruling, and Attorney General Gentner Drummond calls for the removal of refugees from Afghanistan. [KOSU]

Federal Government News

Feds tackle, detain U.S. California Senator Padilla during immigration press conference: Sen. Alex Padilla, a Democrat from California, was physically removed by security during a press conference on immigration held by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday. [The Black Wall Street Times]

U.S. Senate GOP tries to ease the pain for states in sharing costs of SNAP benefits: U.S. Senate Republicans will propose more moderate changes to the major federal food assistance program than their House counterparts, Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman said Wednesday, detailing a provision in a giant tax and spending cut bill that would penalize states less harshly than the House GOP version. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Up to 82,000 Oklahomans are at risk of losing some amount of SNAP food assistance under the Senate’s proposal to expand work requirements [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]

Tribal Nations News

New report captures how Oklahoma economy ‘just wouldn’t be the same’ without tribal nations: Tribal nations have an estimated $23.4 billion impact on the Oklahoma economy, according to a new report. The report linked the economic activity of Oklahoma tribes to nearly 140,000 jobs and $7.8 billion in wages and benefits in 2023. [The Oklahoman]

• Oklahoma’s tribal nations tout economic impact [KOSU]
• Tribal impact in Oklahoma soars to $23.4 billion: [The Journal Record]
• Report: The Economic Impact of Tribal Nations in Oklahoma

Voting and Election News

A Tulsa political operative used his grandmother’s name to set up political action committees: The grandmother was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by a candidate who was criticized in campaign mailers from one of the groups during the Democratic primary for Tulsa County Commissioner in 2024. Her name surfaced in campaign filings for a shadowy network of political groups. [The Frontier]

Ethics Commission votes to prosecute Rep. Ajay Pittman for campaign finance violations: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted unanimously Thursday to authorize executive director Lee Anne Bruce Boone to pursue prosecution of Rep. Ajay Pittman for failing to pay the penalties she agreed to in a 2024 settlement of campaign finance violations. [NonDoc]

Education News

Uncertainty abounds at Epic Charter School after cuts, resignations: Families and educators at Epic Charter School now face a summer of uncertainty as the charter school system downsizes its staff, facilities and course offerings. [Oklahoma Voice]

University of Oklahoma tuition will likely cost students more this fall: The University of Oklahoma plans to raise tuition and fees by at least 3% on academic programs in 2025. [The Oklahoman]

• OU raises tuition but says net cost may go down for some [Tulsa World]
• OU Board of Regents approve tuition hike, athletics revenue-sharing program [News 9]
• OU regents approve $1.265 million in new contracts for Sooners’ football front office [Tulsa World]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma executes John Fitzgerald Hanson for 1999 murder of elderly Tulsa woman: A convicted murderer has been executed in Oklahoma as a direct result of President Donald Trump’s return to office. [The Oklahoman]

• Oklahoma carries out the execution of John Fitzgerald Hanson [The Frontier]
• Oklahoma killer put to death for 1999 murder [Oklahoma Voice]
• Oklahoma executes George Hanson after Trump officials expedite transfer [KOSU]
• Oklahoma executes a man who was transferred from federal custody by Trump officials [Public Radio Tulsa]

Tulsa Mayor’s office joins internal review into jaywalking arrest: Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols has directed the city’s Public Safety Commissioner to join an internal review into a Tulsa Police Department vehicle rolling over a detained Black man on the ground following a violent arrest over jaywalking. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Animal rights group accuses cockfighting advocates of illegal activity: An organization dedicated to fighting against animal cruelty released videos Wednesday that it says show two Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission officials participating in an illegal cockfighting ring. [Tulsa World] 

Economy & Business News

Oklahoma space port announced as launch site for suborbital flights: Oklahoma will soon join states like Florida and Texas as a launch site for suborbital spaceflight. [Tulsa World]

Community News

Tulsa has a reparations plan 104 years after race massacre (audio): More than 100 years after white residents of Tulsa destroyed a thriving Black neighborhood, the city has a plan for reparations. Here & Now‘s Scott Tong speaks with Brenda Nails Alford, a descendant of survivors of the 1921 massacre. [NPR via KOSU]

Tulsa welcomes new citizens in fifth child naturalization ceremony: Twenty-nine children from 18 countries became U.S. citizens Thursday during the city of Tulsa’s fifth annual citizenship ceremony. [Tulsa World]

Bernie Sanders stopping in Tulsa for ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour: Sen. Bernie Sanders is stopping in Tulsa on his national “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” tour, “focused on the takeover of the national government by billionaires and large corporations, and the country’s move toward authoritarianism.” [Tulsa World]

Opinion: OKC Pride Month must bring about safety and belonging for LGBTQ+ Jews and others: As an Orthodox rabbi, the spiritual leader of a congregation of Holocaust survivors and a longtime advocate for transgender and intersex inclusion, I’ve spent decades working at the intersection of faith, health care and LGBTQ+ advocacy. My family’s history — deeply marked by loss in the Holocaust — reminds me constantly how vital it is to stand against hatred in all forms. [Rabbi Dr. Levi Ethan Alter / The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• City of Tulsa budget cuts could put FreedomFest’s future in doubt, River Parks official says [Tulsa World]
• How is Oklahoma City wanting to spend $2.7B in potential bond projects? [The Oklahoman]
• Former Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater will serve as a part-time associate municipal judge in Edmond [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“Senate Bill 1027 is an outright attack on the people’s right to govern themselves. I’ve been organizing to hold the government accountable for years, and I’ve never seen such a blatant power grab to silence Oklahomans’ voices. This law is designed to make direct democracy in Oklahoma impossible.”

– Amy Cerato, a well-known opponent of the ACCESS Oklahoma turnpike project, speaking about a recently passed state law that severely limits who can sign initiative petitions to change state laws. SB 1027 is now the subject of legal challenges in lawsuits filed this week. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

245,000

The number of immigrant residents in Oklahoma, many of whom contribute to the state’s workforce, economy, and communities. About 6% are under 18, and many live in mixed-status households. [Migration Policy Institute]

Policy Note

The President’s Power to Call Out the National Guard Is Not a Blank Check: The president’s power to deploy the National Guard without a governor’s consent is limited — and historically rare. Legal scholars warn that while the Insurrection Act grants this authority, it is not a blank check. Deploying troops against protestors, especially without state approval, raises serious concerns about federal overreach, civil liberties, and the erosion of checks and balances in times of unrest. [The Brennan Center]

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In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.

New from OK Policy

Policy Matters: Latest KIDS COUNT report shows we’re failing our future: Oklahoma’s kids are the canary in the coal mine — the first to suffer when our systems crack, the loudest warning bell when something is deeply wrong. And right now, they’re sounding the alarms. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

Southern Baptists’ call to repeal gay marriage seeks to bring ‘moral clarity,’ pastor says: An Oklahoma pastor said Southern Baptists’ call to repeal a Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage is the faith group’s way of expressing its “grave concerns” about mainstream culture that denies biblical truths. [The Oklahoman]

Father deported to Guatemala after attending routine immigration hearing: A Guatemalan man who has been in Oklahoma City for 14 years is now separated from his wife and baby after showing up to a routine immigration hearing. He had an immigration attorney and was pursuing a resolution to a legal case, which he said the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement OK’d him to continue doing as long as he showed up every three months for check-ins. [KOCO]

State Government News

Stitt signs bills to open state tuition scholarship program to teachers’ children, expand step raises: House Bill 1727 by Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton) opens eligibility to OHLAP, the state’s tuition scholarship program, to teachers who have taught in Oklahoma schools for at least 10 years. House Bill 1087 by Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) allows teachers to receive step raises for 10 additional years of service. Previously, step raises stopped after 25 years. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

‘Critical’ infrastructure bill still awaits Gov. Stitt’s signature: The Coalition of Tulsa Area Governments (CTAG) met last week to discuss state legislation that could impact municipalities across Green Country, including a major infrastructure funding bill awaiting action from Gov. Kevin Stitt. HB 2758 would allocate $75 million for county roads and bridges statewide. The Association of County Commissioners has called the bill “critical,” and local leaders say the investment is overdue. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Federal Government News

Pentagon sets price tag for 60-day Los Angeles troop deployment at $134 million:
The Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to protests over immigration raids in Los Angeles will cost the federal government about $134 million, a Pentagon budget official said Tuesday, as the response to the protests further divided officials in California and Washington, D.C. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Sen. Lankford backs National Guard deployment to Los Angeles [Public Radio Tulsa]

ICE targets TikTok star Khaby Lame amid Trump’s immigration raids: Khaby Lame, the world’s most popular Tiktok creator who built a social media empire without saying a word, was targeted by U.S. Customs and Immigration (ICE) agents at a Las Vegas airport last week. The 25-year-old Senegalese-born Italian influencer was detained by ICE after allegedly overstaying his visa, according to the Associated Press. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Trump’s tariffs to stay in place while legal fight goes on, appeals court orders: President Donald Trump’s emergency tariffs can go forward while the administration fights to overturn a lower court’s trade decision that ruled the global import taxes unlawful, according to a U.S. appeals court order late Tuesday. [Oklahoma Voice]

U.S. Senate GOP tries to ease the pain for states in sharing costs of SNAP benefits: U.S. Senate Republicans will propose more moderate changes to the major federal food assistance program than their House counterparts, Senate Agriculture Chairman John Boozman said Wednesday, detailing a provision in a giant tax and spending cut bill that would penalize states less harshly than the House GOP version. [Oklahoma Voice]

Federal Lawmakers are Steering Clear of State Politics When It Comes to the Gubernatorial Race: With at least five declared candidates jumping into Oklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial primary, and more likely to announce, public support for anyone in the flooded field from the state’s congressional delegation is hard to find. Only one U.S. lawmaker from the state has endorsed so far, and none of the other members with whom Oklahoma Watch spoke are planning to weigh in. [Oklahoma Watch]

Opinion: Congress is moving backward on funding for Alzheimer’s disease research: The new proposed federal budget slashes investments in health research overall, with about 40% less money for NIH. Under the new budget, we expect that over 96% of grant proposals on Alzheimer’s would be rejected due to lack of funding. [Maria Glymour / The Oklahoman]

Tribal Nations News

Tribes celebrate record economic impact in Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s tribal nations contributed $23.4 billion to the state’s economy in 2023, according to a study released Wednesday. Over 55,000 Oklahomans were directly employed by tribes and nearly 140,000 jobs were supported for both tribal citizens and non-citizens, the tribal-backed study found. This totals more than $7.8 billion in wages and benefits in 2023. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Report shows tribes’ major economic impact in Oklahoma [Tulsa World]
• Tribal economic impact: $23.4 billion and 55,000 jobs in Oklahoma, according to report [News 9]

Cherokee Nation Secures $1.3M Grant to Strengthen Emergency Infrastructure: More than 70 natural disasters have occurred on tribal lands in the past decade, with some communities hit multiple times per year, according to federal disaster data. Many tribal communities lack reliable infrastructure to respond to these threats, making emergency preparedness critical for protecting residents during severe weather events. [The Journal Record]

Cherokee Nation to build health care facility to replace Claremore Indian Hospital: Cherokee Nation officials have announced plans to build a new health care facility in Claremore — but at the cost of the existing facility’s inpatient and surgery units. [Tulsa World]

Former OSU president joins Chickasaw Nation as chief health strategy officer: Former Oklahoma State University President Dr. Kayse Shrum has joined the Chickasaw Nation as chief health strategy officer. Her early work will focus on the planning and development of the upcoming Newcastle medical center campus. [Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: “One Beautiful Bill” Would Be a Tragic Setback for Indian Country: The name “One Beautiful Bill” might sound harmless, charming, even, but for Indian Country, its passage would be nothing short of a policy earthquake. Behind the rhetoric of fiscal responsibility and government streamlining lies a sweeping assault on the foundational programs that uphold tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and the bare minimum of equitable federal support that Native Nations have fought to establish over generations. [Kevin J. Allis / Native News Online]

Voting and Election News

Three new members to join the Oklahoma House following special elections: The Oklahoma House of Representatives on Tuesday got three new members. Voters went to the polls in special elections to replace three members who left office early. [Oklahoma Voice]

Education News

Education Watch: Resignations and layoffs at the state’s largest online school: The superintendent of the state’s largest online charter school stepped down this week amid a massive downsizing. Another top administrator resigned in mid-April. And the Statewide Charter School Board is now investigating the school’s fiscal integrity, reported the Tulsa World’s Andrea Eger. [Oklahoma Watch]

OU Board of Regents to consider increased costs for students next academic year: OU is proposing a 3% increase in tuition and mandatory fees for both undergraduate and graduate students in Norman, which they say would generate an estimated $8 million in additional revenue. [News 9]

Health News

Oklahoma’s naloxone vending machines are coming back, with key differences: Officials at Oklahoma’s mental health agency say they plan to redistribute 20 naloxone vending machines to new locations across the state, shifting the responsibility for stocking them to local partners.The vending machines were first unveiled in 2023 as part of a major harm reduction campaign by the department. Just over a year later, they were pulled. [KOSU]

New Oklahoma law makes contraception more convenient: A new law that gives women access to a six month prescription of birth control will make it easier to access pregnancy prevention medication, one health advocate said. The new law, which takes effect Nov. 1, requires insurance companies that provide coverage for contraception to allow women to obtain six months of birth control at the same time after being prescribed a three month supply. [Oklahoma Voice]

Criminal Justice News

Tulsa Jail study finds cash bail has no impact on whether someone shows up for court: People released by cash bail from Tulsa Jail on pending charges are no more likely to make their court dates than those released on their own recognizance or with no financial payment, according to a study released Tuesday. The False Promise of Bail study “challenges the fundamental assumption behind cash bail, that money is necessary to ensure people return to court,” a spokesman for The Bail Project said. [Tulsa World]

• From The Bail Project: The False Promise of Bail
• From OK Policy: Eliminate justice-related fees and invest in Oklahoma’s justice system

Oklahoma execution of John Hanson is back on schedule: The execution of a convicted murderer who has escaped death twice is back on. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled 4-0 Wednesday, June 11, that John Fitzgerald Hanson should not have been given a temporary stay. [The Oklahoman]

• George Hanson scheduled to be executed for Tulsa killing after temporary stay lifted [KOSU]
• From OK Policy: Death Penalty Tracker

Tulsa police run over Black man during jaywalking arrest, body cam shows: New body and dash cam footage, obtained by KJRH Channel 2’s Erin Christy, shows the aftermath of a scene that started with a minor infraction and ended with a man pinned under a patrol car. The video is disturbing. It shows officers pulling Hampton from beneath the vehicle, cuffing him, and offering no immediate medical reassurance as he cries in pain. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Jury finds Charles Bishop III guilty in Canadian County obstruction trial: After three days of conflicting witness testimony and more than two hours of deliberation, jurors determined Charles Bishop III had obstructed Lt. Ed Purcer on Sept. 15, 2023. During the incident, Bishop verbally interjected as deputies arrested a separate person, Madison Hernandez, while Bishop was waiting on an open records request. [NonDoc]

Economy & Business News

Hurdles on the horizon as wind industry eyes eastern Oklahoma expansion: Planned wind farms on the east side of Interstate 35 are seen as a potential asset to some landowners, while receiving opposition from others. People report a distaste for the sight of tall, white turbines swirling on the horizon or a mistrust of renewable energy. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

Community News

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? Will Stitt or Trump recognize it? What to know in Oklahoma: Juneteenth commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas when the last Black slaves of the Confederacy were ordered free following the arrival of Union troops. But with the Trump administration pushing to end diversity, equity and inclusion, and Gov. Kevin Stitt following the president’s stances against DEI, many may wonder how the Sooner State will celebrate the freedom of formerly enslaved people. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Oklahoma City seeks artists to create sculpture for Route 66’s centennial [KGOU]
• Oklahoma Caring Vans offer free summer immunizations for children aged 6 weeks to 18 years [Fox 25]

Quote of the Day

“Do our representatives think we would prefer an extra $3.50 per year instead of more progress toward curing Alzheimer’s disease?”

– Maria Glymour, an Alzheimer researcher, warns NIH funding cuts will directly undermine critical work in her field. Glymour emphasized that the modest returns Americans may see from tax cuts aren’t worth the cost of halting progress in scientific research. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

21%
The percent of children in Oklahoma growing up in households that struggle to afford basics like food, housing, and healthcare — a number that has risen since 2019. Living in poverty during childhood increases the risk of long-term challenges to health, education, and economic security. [2025 KIDS COUNT Data Profile for Oklahoma]

Policy Note

Poverty Matters for Children’s Well-being, but Good Policy Can Help: Poverty has lasting effects on children’s health, development, and future opportunities. Research shows that income instability can harm cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being. Addressing child poverty through policy is essential to promoting equity and long-term success. [Child Trends]

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