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 ranks 46th in overall child well-being for third consecutive year: Oklahoma ranked 46th for the third consecutive year in overall child well-being, according to a new 50-state report. The annual KIDS COUNT Data Book is published by the private philanthropy Annie E. Casey Foundation, which makes grants to address challenges among children and young people. [KGOU]

• Report: Oklahoma ranks 46th in nation for overall child well-being [KOCO]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma ranks 46th in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, highlighting lawmakers’ misplaced priorities

Some ‘debtors’ prison’ fees have been eliminated for Oklahoma defendants: Oklahoma may be emerging as a leader among states in eliminating court-ordered fees that in the past have essentially left many former inmates in “debtors’ prison” long after their time of incarceration has been served. [Tulsa World]

State Government News

Oklahoma Cosmetology Board extended one year amid restructuring debate: The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering will continue under its current structure for at least another year. Oklahoma lawmakers this session extended the sunset date of the board, which oversees the licenses of more than 77,000 Oklahomans. [The Journal Record]

Oklahoma landowners are torn on wind energy. How do policymakers move forward?: Wind energy has been a hot topic in Oklahoma for the last year. Lawmakers introduced several bills to limit where wind turbines could be installed, sparking discussions about property rights and rural identities. Others pushed back on the restrictions, saying the wind industry had done their communities good. [KOSU]

Opinion: Oklahoma legislative session closed with lost opportunities, destructive policies: As the 2025 legislative session came to a close, headlines focused on the conflicts between Gov. Kevin Stitt and Republican legislators who pushed back on much of his agenda. The Oklahoma Policy Institute explained that Stitt vetoed bills in what appeared to be a “spiteful” manner. Gov. Stitt then vetoed 68 bills, and 47 of them were overridden. [John Thompson / The Oklahoman]

Federal Government News

States’ moves to curb cellphone use in schools highlighted in U.S. House hearing: Concerns over the use of cellphones in classrooms took center stage Tuesday at a hearing in a U.S. House education panel, as an increasing number of states push to ban or restrict the use of cellphones and other electronic devices during instruction time. [Oklahoma Voice]

Amid LA protests, senators raise questions about safety at Olympics, World Cup: While athletes, coaches and other staff are exempt from the travel ban, it’s unclear how fans wanting to support their home countries will fare. Nationals from 12 countries face travel bans – Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Residents gather outside Tulsa City Hall in solidarity with ICE protestors in Los Angeles [Fox 23]
• Opinion: Oklahomans shouldn’t brush off LA immigration protests as not our problem [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma weighs potential impacts of ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ on SNAP, food security: Stacy Dykstra, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, asked Oklahoma’s federal delegation to reject anything that would reduce funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” tightens requirements for those benefits, leaving the food bank worried that people could go hungry. [KOCO]

Black farmers are reclaiming their land — whether the USDA stands in the way or not: We’ve all heard the rumors of foreign interests buying up millions of acres of American farmland. But there is a more positive story tucked in American farmland right now. While the USDA drags its feet and financial interests privatize land at scale, Black farmers across the U.S. are reclaiming what was stolen. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Opinion: Trump cuts to NIH funding would gut American science and medicine: We three can say unequivocally ― from our more than 100 years combined experience at high levels of U.S. medicine and research ― that these proposed cuts have nothing to do with waste, fraud and abuse, or of finding efficiencies. They would simply gut American science and medicine. [Ken Dill, Sue Mallonee and Joe Mallonee / The Oklahoman]

Tribal Nations News

‘Words of perpetuity’: Muscogee Nation Supreme Court hears oral arguments on Freedmen citizenship: The Muscogee Nation Supreme Court heard oral arguments today over whether the nation must honor a 159-year-old treaty’s promise to grant citizenship within the nation to Muscogee Freedmen. [NonDoc]

• Muscogee Supreme Court hears oral arguments over freedmen citizenship [Tulsa World]
• Freedmen descendants argue citizenship case before tribal Supreme Court [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Muscogee Nation Supreme Court to decide if Creek Freedmen descendants can be citizens [The Oklahoman]

Voting and Election News

Special Election Roundup

• Special elections: Amanda Clinton wins HD 71, Kevin Norwood wins HD 74 [NonDoc]
• HD 97: Former Judge Aletia Timmons elected in NEOKC special election [NonDoc]
• Voters select HD 71, 74 representatives [Tulsa World]
• Cherokee Nation Citizen Amanda Clinton Wins Oklahoma House District 71 Special Election [Native News Online]
• Election results: Voters pick new OKC, Tulsa-area representatives in three House races [The Oklahoman]
• Three House districts select new representatives, Seminole approves Sunday alcohol sales and more election results [KOSU]

New law to bring more uniformity to how tie elections are decided in Oklahoma: Although it is rare, some elections here in Oklahoma end in ties. One lawmaker is looking to bring more transparency in how those are decided. [Fox 25]

Long Story Short: Christian School’s Runoff Email Sparks Debate Over Partisan Lines (audio): Paul Monies looked into the fallout from an election email sent by a private religious school. Keaton Ross wrote about a successful effort to consolidate Oklahoma’s campaign finance document filing system. J.C. Hallman made some discoveries about legal disparities in rural parts of Oklahoma. [Oklahoma Watch]

Education News

Epic Charter Schools under investigation by state agency as two top administrators resign: The state agency that sponsors Epic Charter Schools is investigating the “fiscal integrity” and compliance of Oklahoma’s third-largest school system amid budget slashing that has left many students without an in-person school to return to when summer break ends. [Tulsa World]

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt reviewing teacher retention bills as pocket veto deadline approaches: Two highly anticipated teacher retention bills are awaiting the governor’s signature. The measures will die if they aren’t signed by Saturday. [KGOU]

Universities tackling Oklahoma’s teacher shortage head on: With teacher shortages at the center of state leaders’ conversations, The University of Central Oklahoma is one of Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities looking for unique approaches to incentivize students to become the next generation of educators. [Oklahoma Voice]

OU, OSU, TU and ORU now can share up to $20.5 million with their athletes. What they’re saying: Beginning July 1, the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, University of Tulsa and Oral Roberts University athletic departments will be allowed to share up to $20.5 million annually in revenues from their respective media rights deals with their athletes. [Tulsa World]

Oklahoma City Public Schools set 2030 goals for reading, math levels: New performance goals for Oklahoma City Public Schools aim to have 40% of fourth graders reading on grade level and 20% of eighth graders proficient in math by August 2030. [Oklahoma Voice]

‘We were not treated equally’: School meal employees criticize food supply company following district renewal: Cafeteria workers at Tulsa Public Schools expressed frustration Monday night following the district’s contract renewal with food supplier Aramark. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Opinion: Finland chose to build its future on education. Oklahoma should do the same: In the 1970s, Finland was a largely rural, agricultural country searching for direction in a changing world. With limited resources, Finland made a deliberate choice: invest in public education as the path forward. [Former Oklahoma Representative Mark McBride / The Oklahoman]

Health News

Will HIPAA protections continue for abortion care? Courts to soon decide.: A decision is imminent in three of the four cases that will determine whether individual health information for legal reproductive care remains protected by a 2024 federal rule under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), including a case in Texas before the same judge who tried to revoke government approval of an abortion drug. [Oklahoma Voice]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma won’t seek the death penalty again for Richard Glossip: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond won’t seek the death penalty for Richard Glossip during a new trial. Drummond said he will seek life in prison for Glossip after the U.S. Supreme Court vacated his conviction earlier this year. [The Frontier]

• From OK Policy: Death Penalty Tracker

Sexual assault survivors allege Edmond PD breached privacy, violated rights: During interviews for the investigations of their respective assaults, rape survivors in Edmond said EPD did not inform them of the rights granted to victims under HB 2546, also known as the Sexual Assault Victims’ Right to Information Act. In other cases, they said information like full names and addresses were released in police reports regarding their assaults. [NonDoc]

Tulsa police cruiser runs over jaywalking suspect: Dashcam and bodycam footage obtained by KJRH shows the officer rolling up on Kemonte Hampton April 15 in a QuikTrip parking lot near 11th and Garnett. As officers pin Hampton to the ground, the cruiser rolls backward over the suspect. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Does Oklahoma have one of the highest female incarceration rates?: Yes. Though no longer the state with the highest female incarceration rate, as of 2022, the most recent Bureau of Justice Statistics report, Oklahoma has the fourth-highest female imprisonment rate at 108 per 100,000 female residents. [Oklahoma Watch]

ISIS supporter scouted University of Oklahoma football stadium for attack, federal prosecutors say: A young man who pledged allegiance to ISIS scouted the University of Oklahoma football stadium in 2023 for a possible terrorist attack, federal prosecutors have revealed. [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Homelessness continues to rise in Tulsa, annual count shows: For the ninth year in the last 10, an annual effort to count and survey Tulsa’s homeless community shows that homelessness is increasing, and that the lack of housing is still the primary cause. [Tulsa World]

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

Tulsa-area housing starts spike in first four months of 2025: The number of housing starts in the Tulsa metro area increased by 23.1% in the first four months of this year, the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa said. [Tulsa World]

Economy & Business News

Ardmore Michelin plant to wind down tire production operations by fall: The closure of a tire production facility in south-central Oklahoma is expected to be completed by this fall. The last tire will roll off from the Michelin Ardmore production plant by late September or early October, according to a report from KTEN-TV, following an update from the Michelin Transition Task Force. [KGOU]

deadCenter Film Festival kicks off this week, highlighting growing Indigenous representation in entertainment industry: Indigenous representation continues its momentum in the entertainment industry, and the 25th annual deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City has a lineup of films to show for it. [KOSU]

Community News

Oklahoma ranks safer for LGBTQ+ people in new study, but still one of the worst in US: As Oklahoman legislators push to restrict trans rights and overturn the 2015 Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage, Zane Eaves says his identity as a transgender man has put a target on his back in his home state. [The Oklahoman]

Free Mom Hugs brings Oklahoma to WorldPride D.C festival 2025: “It’s not just a party. It’s a powerful statement: We’re here, we matter, and we’re not going anywhere,” said Sara Cunningham, founder of Free Mom Hugs, an Oklahoma City group participating in the WorldPride D.C. parade. [Gaylord News via The Black Wall Street Times]

Meet Amanda Sandoval, a councilwoman at 24, and now the first Latina mayor in Oklahoma: Incorporated in 1910, shortly after statehood, Bethany was once a stagecoach stop and ended up on famous Route 66. According to the Oklahoma Historical Society, the city elected this year the first Latina mayor in state history — Amanda Sandoval. [The Oklahoman]

Pioneering meteorologist Gary England dies at 85: Trailblazing meteorologist Gary England — who for four decades appealed to Oklahoma television audiences to “Stay tuned; we’ll keep you advised” — died Tuesday, June 10. He was 85. [The Oklahoman]

• Gary England, longtime News 9 Chief Meteorologist, dies at 85 [News 9]
• Weather legend Gary England dies at 85: Social media floods with tributes to mentor, icon [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Tulsa’s first chief mental health officer, Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, resigns [Tulsa World]
• Owasso school board sends $169-million bond to September ballot [Tulsa World]
• North Tulsa job fair aims to close opportunity gap, connect Black residents to careers [The Black Wall Street Times]
• Edmond City Council passes 2025-2026 city budget unanimously. What got the mayor riled up? [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“Oklahoma’s elected officials like to say that our children’s futures are a top priority, but the new KIDS COUNT report shows a stark disconnect between their words and their actions.”

– Shiloh Kantz, OK Policy executive director, noting that for more than two decades, Oklahoma lawmakers have prioritized tax cuts that have weakened the state revenue that would fund programs and services proven to improve outcomes. Kantz emphasized that investing in children’s well-being — through stable homes, strong schools, and opportunities to thrive — is key to long-term prosperity. [KGOU] | [2025 KIDS COUNT report highlights from OK Policy]

Number of the Day

43rd

Oklahoma’s ranking in overall child health, reflecting persistent challenges such as high rates of low birthweight, teen and child mortality, obesity, and lack of health coverage. These poor health outcomes threaten children’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive. [2025 KIDS COUNT Data Profile for Oklahoma]

Policy Note

The Importance of Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Policies for Children and Families: Continuous Medicaid enrollment helps children and families maintain stable access to care. Gaps in coverage can disrupt treatment and worsen health outcomes, especially for low-income households. Policies that minimize coverage interruptions improve long-term health and reduce administrative burdens.[Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics]

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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 1168 expands liability for government-caused injuries and property damage (Capitol Update): One of the more positive results of the leveraging between policy and budget issues at the end of the legislative session was the passage of SB 1168, which deals with the perplexing issue of sovereign immunity. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]

Oklahoma News

Report ranks Oklahoma as one of the worst states for child well-being. Here’s why: 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. [The Oklahoman]

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

Drummond takes over third prosecution of Richard Glossip, says death penalty off table: Richard Glossip has faced nine execution dates since his murder conviction 27 years ago and eaten his “last” meal three times. Now, after the U.S. Supreme Court vacated his conviction and sent the case back to Oklahoma County for a new trial, Glossip appears set to be prosecuted once again. This time, however, prosecutors say he will not face the death penalty if convicted. [NonDoc]

• Oklahoma AG won’t seek capital punishment in retrial of former death-row inmate Glossip [Oklahoma Voice]
• Drummond won’t seek death penalty in retrial of Richard Glossip [Tulsa World]
• AG says Richard Glossip will be retried again but no longer faces death penalty [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma man who was given 3 last meals will stand trial again but won’t face the death penalty [Associated Press]
• Oklahoma prosecutors seek retrial for longtime death row inmate Richard Glossip [KOSU]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker

State Government News

Oklahoma AG signs letter critical of congressional efforts to prohibit AI state regulation: Oklahoma’s attorney general is pushing back on a congressional effort to bar states from regulating artificial intelligence for the next decade. Attorney General Gentner Drummond is one of a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general who signed a letter from the National Association of Attorneys General in opposition to an amendment in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that bans state action on the issue. [Oklahoma Voice]

Federal Government News

Wrongly deported Maryland man Abrego Garcia returned to U.S.: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man wrongly deported to his native El Salvador three months ago, was brought back to the U.S. on Friday and will face federal charges, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said. Abrego Garcia’s case had become a flashpoint in a debate over what due process rights protect immigrants from deportation after federal officials conceded he was sent to a notorious El Salvador mega-prison because of an administrative error. [Oklahoma Voice]

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

Some visitors report extra scrutiny at US airports as Trump’s new travel ban begins: President Donald Trump’s new ban on travel to the U.S. by citizens from a dozen countries took effect Monday with relative calm, as some travelers with valid visas reported extra scrutiny at American airports before being allowed entry. [Associated Press]

China says its exports to the US fell 35% in May, as trade talks are due to start in London: China’s exports to the United States fell 35% in May from a year earlier, new customs data show, adding to pressure on the world’s second largest economy as a new round of trade talks with Washington was due to start later Monday in London. China’s total exports rose 4.8% last month, slowing from an 8.1% year-on-year increase in April. Imports declined 3.4% year-on-year, leaving a trade surplus of $103.2 billion. [Associated Press]

Tariffs and data uncertainty shake labor outlook: A lot of data released this week reflected uncertainty about what the news is telling us. As our trading session ended June 6, 2025, new jobs numbers showed a drop in hiring in May. The Labor Department said that employers added 139,000 jobs, and downward revisions were made to March and April’s numbers to the tune of 95,000. [The Journal Record]

Republicans in Congress axed the ‘green new scam,’ but it’s a red state boon: Clean energy manufacturers and advocates say they’re perplexed how the repeal of tax credits in President Donald Trump’s “one big beautiful bill” will keep their domestic production lines humming across the United States, particularly in states that elected him to the Oval Office. While some Republicans have labeled the billions in tax credits a “green new scam,” statistics reviewed by States Newsroom show the jobs and benefits would boost predominantly GOP-leaning states and congressional districts. [Oklahoma Voice]

Tribal Nations News

Cherokee Nation Tribal Council election results: All incumbents win another term: In the June 7 general election, six incumbent members of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council won reelection, while two open seats are headed to a July 26 runoff. The races for Districts 2, 5, 7, 10, 11 and 15 and the seat representing Cherokee Nation citizens living outside the nation’s borders “at large” were decided outright. However, races in Districts 4 and 9 will move to a runoff election. [NonDoc]

• Incumbents plus 1 tentatively win council seats, run-offs for the rest [Cherokee Phoenix]

Ex-OSU president Kayse Shrum announced as Chickasaw Nation chief health officer: Dr. Kayse Shrum, former Oklahoma State University president, will be joining the Chickasaw Nation as its new chief health strategy officer, the tribe announced Monday. Shrum will lead strategic initiatives related to the Newcastle campus, including identifying health workforce needs, creating graduate medical education opportunities, establishing research priorities, and building partnerships with universities, health systems and other government agencies. [Tulsa World] 

Editorial: Veto override shows Native commitment: The Oklahoma Legislature deserves a round of applause for having the temerity and courage to override 47 of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes, some of which were clearly based on partisanship and grudges. One of the most important overrides involved Stitt’s veto of a measure to fund the Office of Liaison for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, House Bill 1137. [Tahlequah Daily Press]

Voting and Election News

5 file for 2 seats on Judicial Nominating Commission in Oklahoma’s attorney-only election: Licensed attorneys in southern Oklahoma will have the opportunity to vote on candidates for the Judicial Nominating Commission’s open Districts 3 and 4 this summer. The 15-member commission is responsible for vetting applications for judicial office before presenting the governor with candidates for appointment. [NonDoc]

Education News

Epic Charter School superintendent resigns after major cuts to staff, facilities: Amid mass layoffs of educators, the superintendent of Epic Charter School has resigned. The virtual charter school announced Monday that Bart Banfield has stepped down after six years in charge. Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Justin Hunt will lead the school in the interim while Epic’s governing board searches for a permanent hire. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Embattled Oklahoma Charter school’s superintendent resigns [KFOR]

Health News

What health policies came out of the 2025 legislative session? StateImpact has the highlights: Various bills impacting health care providers, facilities and patients made it through the Legislature this session. Topics addressed include prescriptive authority, insurance coverage and hospital pricing. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

Oklahoma Medicaid program 3rd worst for mental health: In a new study conducted by addiction-rep, Oklahoma ranked 3rd worst in Medicaid program’s mental health efforts. While Medicaid is federally funded, according to the study, each state has broad discretion to determine when and how money is spent and how services are delivered. While rates of mental illness are rising across the board, according to addiction-rep, mental health struggles are increasing disproportionately in low-income individuals and Medicaid enrollees. [The Lawton Constitution]

Oklahoma measles cases increase to 19, according to health officials (video): The Oklahoma State Department of Health has confirmed 19 cases of measles across the state. In the department’s most recent update, OSDH says the number of cases is split into 16 confirmed and 3 probable cases. A probable case means a person has symptoms consistent with the national standard definition of measles, but does not have a confirmed test result or is linked to another positive test, according to state health officials. [News On 6]

Partnership with OSU Medical Authority will bring top-tier trauma center to St. Francis: Tulsans and people across northeastern Oklahoma will soon be able to access the highest level of trauma care closer to home. A partnership between Saint Francis Health System and the Oklahoma State University Medical Authority backed by the state Legislature has resulted in plans to open a level one trauma center in Tulsa. [Tulsa World]

• Tulsa to get level I trauma center in OSU partnership [The Journal Record]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma death row inmate John Fitzgerald Hanson gets execution stay: A judge has granted convicted murderer John Fitzgerald Hanson a stay of execution until his lawsuit against the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board is resolved. Oklahoma County District Judge Richard Ogden made the decision on Monday, June 9, after rejecting arguments he didn’t have that authority. [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Oklahoma’s Poverty Crisis Deepens as Lawmakers Clash Over Solutions: Poverty is deeply woven into the fabric of Oklahoma history. Whether it is the result of tornadoes and dust bowls, oil industry booms and busts, a never-ending stream of bad guys or a century of ugly political feuds, poverty and its byproducts have shaped the Sooner State. [Oklahoma Watch]

• From OK Policy: Oklahoma’s families face the nation’s 6th highest poverty rate. Raising the minimum wage will help change that.

Norman City Council approves purchase of future supportive housing site (transcript): The Norman City Council has approved the purchase of land to be used for supportive housing. Reporter Hannah France sat down with Councilmember Helen Grant to talk about plans for the development. [KGOU]

• From OK Policy: New data shows Oklahoma’s housing crisis is worsening

Economy & Business News

Wind energy brings money to landowners and rural communities, but pushback remains: In Oklahoma, wind energy accounted for about 42% of in-state electricity net generation in 2023 and economists estimate landowners across the state collectively get almost $100 million every year in payments. In the first story of a three-part series for NPR’s Climate Solutions Week, KOSU and StateImpact dive into the financial impact of the wind industry in rural spaces. [KOSU]

Local Headlines

• Some Tulsans show ‘solidarity’ with Los Angeles as Trump sends in Marines [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Early Settlement Center director dismayed by city’s decision not to fund program [Tulsa World] 
• TPS board approves proposed Teacher Retirement System settlement [Tulsa World]
• Tulsa Public Schools board approves 2026 budget, renews food service contract [Tulsa World]
• Edmond Fire Department’s new chief, wooed from Stillwater, comes as station about to open [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“If we are viewing things like this as indicators on a dashboard of child well-being, what would we look like if we chose to say, ‘Actually, this is unacceptable; this doesn’t reflect Oklahoma values, and we’re going to commit to being brave and doing better?’”

– Carly Putnam, Policy Director at the Oklahoma Policy Institute, addressed Oklahoma’s low ranking — 46th in the nation for child well-being — in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 KIDS COUNT^® Data Book. While Oklahoma often touts itself as a family-friendly state committed to children’s welfare, Putnam points out that its dismal ranking tells a different story. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

27%

About 256,000 Oklahoma children, or 27% of all children in the state, live in households with a high housing cost burden. High housing costs weigh more heavily on low-income families, which are more likely to struggle with finding affordable housing, often spending more than 30% of pretax income on a home, whether they rent or own. [2025 KIDS COUNT Data Profile for Oklahoma]

Policy Note

Mental health effects of poverty, hunger, and homelessness on children and teens: Census data show that children are more likely to experience poverty than people over the age of 18. Approximately one in six kids, 16% of all children, live in families with incomes below the official poverty line. Those who are poor face challenges beyond a lack of resources. They also experience mental and physical issues at a much higher rate than those living above the poverty line. This report summarizes the myriad effects of poverty, homelessness, and hunger on children and youth. [American Psychological Association]

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

0IN 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

Oklahoma ranks 46th in 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book, highlighting lawmakers’ misplaced priorities: Oklahoma ranks among the bottom five states for overall child well-being in the 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing child well-being in post-pandemic America. Oklahoma ranked among the top half of all states in only two of those 16 indicators. The data show Oklahoma leaders must do more to invest in the well-being of Oklahoma children and families, including proven programs and services that can help them thrive. [OK Policy]

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma again ranks poorly for child well-being, annual report says: Oklahoma continues to rank in the bottom five nationally for child well-being, with its consistently low marks for education helping keep it there, according to an annual report released Monday. The 2025 Kids Count Data Book, published annually for the last 36 years by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, ranks the state 46th in the country for child well-being. It’s the third straight year Oklahoma came in at 46th overall, after ranking 40th in 2022. [Tulsa World]

• Oklahoma ranks 46th in national child well-being report [News 9]
• Report: OK ranks 46th nationally in child well-being [Public News Service]

State Government News

State collects just $200K of millions owed by ineligible private school tax credit recipients: The state of Oklahoma has collected just 8% of the millions of dollars owed back by parents who received private school tax credits for children who did not attend the schools. Officials say that process resulted in the total dollar amount being sought back decreasing to $2.4 million, but as of the end of May, only $200,000, or 8%, had been recouped. [Tulsa World]

• From OK Policy: Oklahomans must demand thorough, independent, annual evaluations of the cost, effectiveness, and budget impacts of the tax credits in the aggregate. 

Attorney General Gentner Drummond calls for removal of all Oklahoma Afghan refugees: Advocates says Oklahoma’s Afghan refugee population is being used as collateral in an unrelated political game. “Really, this is a spat between Attorney General Drummond and the governor’s office. And the Afghans in this case are simply the shape of the rock they’re throwing at each other.” [KGOU]

• Advocates decry AG Drummond’s letter calling for removal of Afghan refugees [Public Radio Tulsa]
• AG faces criticism for call to remove Afghan refugees from Oklahoma [Oklahoma Voice]
• Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond calls for expulsion of all Afghan refugees [The Oklahoman]

21 bills still waiting on decision by Gov. Stitt: Governor Kevin Stitt still has to make a decision on 21 bills that made it to his desk by the end of session. During the session, the Governor has five days to sign or veto a bill. Now that the session is over, he will have until June 14 to take action on the remaining bills. [KFOR]

• From OK Policy: What is a pocket veto? 

Oklahoma’s Guardian System Set to Expand: Oklahoma’s Guardian System provides online access to free and easy access campaign finance documents for political candidates and lobbyists. In the past, documents have only available for statewide candidates, and it wasn’t universal for cities and counties. That’s soon to change. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma National Guard not expected to participate in Trump’s military parade: The Oklahoma National Guard is not planning on participating in the nation’s largest military parade. The June 14 parade will feature tanks rolling through the U.S. capital’s streets, thousands of soldiers marching and military fly overs to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday. Additionally, it will also be President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. [Oklahoma Voice]

New state law a response to fraudsters passing off pets as service animals: House Bill 1178, which was enacted only after lawmakers overrode a veto by Gov. Kevin Stitt, also sets penalties for people who misrepresent an animal or pet as a service animal to gain unlawful benefits. People who try to pass off a non-service animal as a service animal can face misdemeanor charges. [Tulsa World]

New Oklahoma law waives sales taxes on gun safe purchases: Oklahomans will no longer pay the state sales tax on gun safes and firearm locking devices after a bipartisan bill becomes law in November. [The Oklahoman]

Roundup: Rep. Larry Ferguson remembered, #oklaed issues linger, 2026 poll released: If your end-of-session/school stress kept you from keeping up with Oklahoma news items and local issues, don’t worry: The following roundup includes updates on storylines worth following. [NonDoc]

Political notebook: TSET sues to stop new law: The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Board of Directors sued last week to prevent implementation of a new law that would essentially give legislative leaders and the governor direct control of TSET’s $2 billion endowment. [Tulsa World]

Capital Insider: Stitt calls recently completed legislative session ‘amazing: The legislative session ended on May 30th, and Governor Kevin Stitt has declared it the best session in his seven years as governor. He called it amazing. What does Stitt point to in making that assessment? [KGOU]

Opinion: Oklahoma lawmakers didn’t think we deserved to know their plans as session ended, and they did a lot: It’s not necessarily problematic that lawmakers cast votes at night: That happens many years because they procrastinate or are otherwise disorganized. What was extremely concerning this time was that they entered — and exited — the penultimate day without a full public agenda posted. If their sparse public agenda was to be believed, the state House of Representatives and Senate had no plans to take up any veto overrides or even the state’s mental health commissioner. The reality was starkly different. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]

Editorial: Gov. Stitt comes out of Legislative session with wins and regret after dirty tactics: Every session has its winners and losers, and this year is no different. The last day of the legislative session clipped his wings a bit, but Gov. Kevin Stitt got nearly everything he wanted from the Legislature, from a tax cut to a new court system. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]

Editorial: Legislature showed rare congeniality this year. That’s worth celebrating: Bipartisanship is rare in politics today, and when it happens, it should be celebrated. The Oklahoma Legislature came together in rare congeniality to override one of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes. [The Oklahoma Editorial Board]

Federal Government News

Oklahoma public media weighs potential loss of federal dollars: With the possibility of federal cuts to funding for public media looming, Oklahoma’s media outlets are working to fight the cuts and secure revenue. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahoma Job Corps Centers get temporary reprieve from federal shutdown order: Job Corps Centers across the country are scrambling after a district judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s order to close them. That includes a trio of centers in Oklahoma. [KOSU]

• Cherokee Nation’s Job Corps facing uncertainty after Trump calls for the program to end [The Oklahoman]

U.S. Senator James Lankford speaks at Oklahoma March for Life rally: Advocates held a rally at the Oklahoma State Capitol in support of pro-life policies. The group celebrated the overturn of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, but still says the work must continue. [Fox 23]

Opinion: The “Big, Beautiful Bill” Is a Big, Ugly Risk for Oklahoma: The House-passed tax and budget plan — now being considered in the Senate — threatens the health and financial well-being of everyday Oklahomans. Despite the branding as a “Big, Beautiful Bill,” it’s a lopsided giveaway to the wealthy that comes at the expense of children, seniors, working families and rural communities. [William Langdon / Tulsa World]

Tribal Nations News

Lawmakers Say Trump’s Budget Would Put Native American Health Care at Risk: Lawmakers from both parties said Thursday that President Donald Trump’s budget would put care for millions of Native Americans at risk should the government shut down. [Oklahoma Watch]

Film-ready Cherokee Nation equipped to lure more film, TV projects to reservation: During a Friday event at Cherokee Film Studios in Owasso, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed a proclamation declaring the Cherokee Nation Reservation “film-ready,” a first among tribal nations. [Tulsa World]

Voting and Election News

What’s on the ballot for the June 10 election in Oklahoma: Voters in 16 Oklahoma counties will head to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots in elections for legislative seats, county propositions and sales taxes. [KGOU]

• To view a sample ballot and find your polling location, visit the OK Voter Portal
• Owasso, Brookside-area voters to choose new state representatives [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Oklahoma’s primary election locks out too many voters. It’s time for a change: Former Gov. Henry Bellmon was a statesman who consistently acted in the best interests of the people of Oklahoma, rather than for his own political gain. Today, leaders like him would not stand a chance in a primary election, not because they lack vision, integrity or experience, but because Oklahoma’s closed primary system forces candidates to pander to the most extreme voices in their party rather than appeal to the broader electorate. [David High / The Oklahoman]

Education News

Oklahoma committee, including replaced state board member, begin social studies textbook adoption: An ousted member of the state’s top school board will lead the process to approve K-12 textbooks that align with controversial new academic standards for social studies. [Oklahoma Voice]

Walters recaps legislative wins, losses for his education agenda to a friendly Sapulpa crowd: State Superintendent Ryan Walters says he’s proud of the new social studies standards coming next school year. He spoke at a Republican Party event late last Thursday to reflect on the legislative session and rally his base. [KOSU]

Opinion: Students debate whether NIL should be allowed in youth sports: Teens and preteens shouldn’t be allowed name, image and likeness sports deals because of potential exploitation, harm to small schools, and damage to the spirit of youth and amateur athletics. Then again, NIL deals in Oklahoma high schools are already happening. So instead of trying to reverse course, it’s better just to reform the system. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Health News

Opinion: We must rely on the kindness — and data — of strangers: We have to compare health between people who don’t share those risks. This is why national and even global data on health are so important. If we don’t have good data on the health of people in many different places, we have no way of learning whether we’re making progress or not. And that means we can’t find ways to be healthier. [Maria Glymour / Tulsa World]

Opinion, Sen. Paul Rosino: Oklahoma’s mental health crisis is real. Lawmakers are taking action: Oklahoma is in the middle of a mental health crisis. Nearly one in four Oklahomans faces some form of mental illness, and far too many are battling substance abuse or thoughts of suicide. [Sen. Paul Rosino / Tulsa World]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma Inks $74 Million Deal to Privatize Prison Food Service: The Oklahoma Department of Corrections will spend about $74 million over two years to outsource its food service operations to the Trinity Services Group, a Florida-based company that feeds more than 300,000 prisoners and pretrial detainees daily. [Oklahoma Watch]

Can voters be convinced to support funding a new jail? How Oklahoma County plans to pitch it: Could Oklahoma County voters be persuaded, again, to support funding for a county jail? Just in case it starts to seem possible, the Board of County Commissioners has a plan in hand to “flip a switch and go (for it),” as Chairman Myles Davidson put it after a recent presentation from a leading Tulsa-based PR firm. [The Oklahoman]

• With serious issues, should the Oklahoma County jail trust dissolve? One group thinks so. [The Oklahoman]

Economy & Business News

Industrial park powered by behind-the-meter solar announced for Chickasha: Chickasha will soon be home to a new industrial park powered by its own solar farm. Gov. Kevin Stitt says it will be the city’s largest-ever private investment. [KOSU]

• Chickasha lands historic $3.5B investment that promises thousands of jobs [The Journal Record]

Local Headlines

• Oklahoma is drought free after nearly 6 years, but will it last? Weather experts weigh in [The Oklahoman]
• Possible county construction project in Berryhill has some questioning site, land purchase [Tulsa World]
• Why the city worked to save a northeast OKC bus route from budget cuts [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“Oklahoma’s position at 46 is a choice. We don’t have to be here.”

 – Carly Putnam, Policy Director for the Oklahoma Policy Institute, speaking about the state’s rank as 46th for child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 KIDS COUNT® Data Book. Experience and common sense show what children need to help them grow into thriving adults. However, for more than two decades, Oklahoma lawmakers have prioritized tax cuts that have weakened the state revenue that would fund programs and services proven to improve outcomes. [Tulsa World]

Number of the Day

48th

Oklahoma’s ranking in education, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book. This ranking was based on the number of young children (ages 3 & 4) not in school, fourth graders not proficient in reading, eighth graders not proficient in math, and high school students not graduating on time. [2025 KIDS COUNT Data Profile for Oklahoma]

Policy Note

2025 KIDS COUNT Data Book: This year’s Data Book tells a mixed story — steady progress in some areas, setbacks in others and opportunities to do better for kids and families. [Annie E. Casey Foundation]

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

Oklahoma’s legislature missed key opportunities to address housing crisis: While state lawmakers took no meaningful action to address housing instability, they deserve credit for rejecting efforts to further criminalize homelessness and reduce services. These proposals would have made it even more difficult to keep Oklahomans housed. [Sabine Brown / OK Policy]

State Government News

Gov. Stitt: Tribes probably want sports betting only after he leaves office: People who like to bet on basketball or other sports won’t get to place wagers legally in Oklahoma anytime soon — and possibly not until after Gov. Kevin Stitt leaves office. [Tulsa World]

Court halts controversial Oklahoma immigration law that would create new state charge: Oklahoma can’t enforce a controversial state immigration law while a related lawsuit works its way through court, a federal judge in Oklahoma City has ruled. [The Oklahoman]

• Enforcement of Oklahoma immigration law blocked indefinitely [Oklahoma Voice]

Stitt, city leaders dismayed, disappointed, sad about Drummond’s refugee remarks: Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s call for Gov. Stitt to remove all Afghan refugees who entered the state through a Biden administration humanitarian resettlement program was met in Tulsa with disbelief, confusion and a few choice words not fit for print. [Tulsa World]

• Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond calls for expulsion of all Afghan refugees [The Oklahoman]

New Oklahoma laws aim to prevent foreign litigation funding, put cap on non-economic damages: Business leaders say two pieces of legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt will help them navigate Oklahoma’s commercial legal environment. [The Journal Record]

Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Legislative session recap, mental health agency budget issues, curtailing Ryan Walters’ power: The panel talks about the recently wrapped legislative session, the troubled state mental health agency and how Gov. Kevin Stitt and lawmakers tried to curtail the power of State Superintendent Ryan Walters. The trio also discusses Stitt’s high-use of the veto pen and how state lawmakers responded, and discuss their highs and lows of the session. [KOSU]

Opinion: Oklahoma women get win from Legislature with expanded birth control access: Allowing women to make fewer trips to the pharmacy doesn’t seem like a big win, but it is in Oklahoma when it’s for birth control. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Opinion: Is the Oklahoma Legislature reasserting Its Constitutional role?: So, the chihuahuas abruptly morphed into pit bulls. Bullied by Gov. Kevin Stitt all session long, lawmakers tore into the governor as adjournment neared with a ferocity not seen since … well, since Democrats ruled Oklahoma and were renowned for intra-party cage matches. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]

Federal Government News

‘He. Is. Lying.’ Republican blasted for spinning Medicaid cuts as ‘transitioning: U.S. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) is receiving strong criticism for his claim that Republicans’ budget legislation does not remove millions of Medicaid users from the program, but rather “transitions” them to employer-based health care programs. [AlterNet]

Oklahoma Job Corps sites get temporary reprieve from closure: At least for now, a federal court order has blocked the closure of three Oklahoma Job Corps sites. [Tulsa World]

Education Secretary Won’t Say If She Knows What The Tulsa Race Massacre Is: Education Secretary Linda McMahon deflected when asked if she knew what the Tulsa Race Massacre was during a Wednesday congressional hearing, telling lawmakers that she intends to “look into it more.” McMahon’s response comes as Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) pressed her about history lessons that would be considered “illegal DEI” by the Trump administration. [HuffPost]

The effect of proposed federal budget cuts on vulnerable seniors: President Trump’s massive tax bill – the one he calls the Big, Beautiful Bill – could cut more than $700 million from Medicaid. Millions of older Americans with low incomes rely on Medicaid to take care of home health expenses their Medicare coverage does not. [NPR]

Tribal Nations News

Osage Nation seeks full control of minerals estate amid federal cuts: The Osage Nation is trying to take full control of its mineral estate from the Bureau of Indian Affairs amid proposed federal spending cuts. [KOSU]

Cheat sheet: From Honolulu to Tulsa, 4 campaign in at-large Cherokee Nation election: Incumbent Tribal Councilor Johnny Jack Kidwell will face three challengers during the June 7 election to represent the Cherokee Nation at large — with one hailing all the way from Hawaii. [NonDoc]

Cheat Sheet: Haley Buzzard challenges Melvina Shotpouch for Cherokee Nation District 10: Incumbent Cherokee Nation District 10 Councilor Melvina Shotpouch is facing challenger Haley Buzzard in her June 7 bid for reelection to the Tribal Council. [NonDoc]

Voting and Election News

HD 71 special election: Beverly Atteberry, Amanda Clinton tout professional experiences: A Democratic public relations specialist and Republican attorney are competing in a June 10 special election to represent HD 71, an urban district in Tulsa running along the east side of the Arkansas River. [NonDoc]

HD 74 special election: Amy Hossain, Kevin Norwood campaign in Owasso: Democrat Amy Hossain and Republican Kevin Norwood are campaigning in an HD 74 special election to represent the Owasso area after former Rep. Mark Vancuren resigned to serve as a deputy county commissioner in Tulsa County. [NonDoc]

Listen Frontier: Polling shows Gentner Drummond with a large lead over fellow Republicans in the 2026 race for governor (audio): A year out from the 2026 primary elections, three names have emerged as leaders to be Oklahoma’s next Republican candidate for governor. The catch? Only one of them has officially declared their candidacy. [The Frontier]

Opinion: Oklahoma’s new ballot initiative law just priced democracy out of your reach: Lawmakers claimed the new ballot law was meant to prevent outside interests from influencing Oklahoma’s laws. In reality, those are the only groups with the resources to meet the law’s demands. [Meghan Cox / The Oklahoman]

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

Education News

What’s coming to Oklahoma education after the 2025 legislative session? StateImpact has the highlights: This year’s legislative session did not see the budget fireworks of 2024 or the historic education funding of 2023, but lawmakers still managed to add $25 million into the state funding formula, along with new programs and regulations. [KOSU]

Walters repeats demand for data on undocumented students: Despite objections from both the federal Department of Homeland Security and the Oklahoma Legislature, State Superintendent Ryan Walters reiterated Thursday night that he wants information about the cost of providing a public education to undocumented students. [Tulsa World]

Health News

‘Total freefall’: Oklahoma faces deadline to fix broken mental health system: As deadlines approach, wait times for severe mental illness treatment continue to be months long, and Department of Mental Health officials have at times been unresponsive to requests for updates, defense attorneys representing clients across the state said. The agency has also been dealing with a financial crisis that led to the firing of its leader. [KOSU]

Criminal Justice News

Double Jeopardy: Two Levels of Justice in Rural Oklahoma: The legal entanglements of a Texas County mother and son — stories separated by a quarter century — illustrate the bifurcated nature of justice in rural Oklahoma, where who you know can make all the difference in the kind of justice you receive. [Oklahoma Watch]

ODOC to purchase Lawton Correctional Facility, take over operations in July: The Oklahoma Department of Corrections plans to purchase the Lawton Correctional Facility and take over operations by July 25. The facility is currently owned by the GEO Group and is the last privately run prison used by the state. [KGOU]

• State next month to take control of Oklahoma private prison [Oklahoma Voice]

Brent Swadley asks judge to kick AG, assistants off his criminal conspiracy case: The owner of Swadley’s Bar-B-Q wants Attorney General Gentner Drummond removed from his criminal case. Brent Swadley is accusing Drummond of making improper prejudicial statements about the case as he runs for governor. [The Oklahoman]

Cleveland County sheriff takes ‘full responsibility’ for inmate’s mistaken release: A convicted robber, who was in jail awaiting trial on a kidnapping charge, was released by mistake in April from the Cleveland County Detention Center. Sheriff Chris Amason blamed a clerical error. [The Oklahoman]

• Cleveland County Sheriff says no layoffs needed despite lower budget approval [KFOR]

Judge orders release of remaining Tulsa police discipline records to The Frontier: Tulsa County District Judge Caroline Wall said she did not see a “significant difference” between records already produced by the City of Tulsa and those the Tulsa Fraternal Order of Police sought to keep private.  [The Frontier]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Bartlesville passes ordinance banning public bathing, camping and lying on sidewalks: A unanimous vote June 2 from Bartlesville city councilors saw the passage of an ordinance targeting the unhoused population of the city, even as a city task force was authorized to continue its work to find solutions that don’t criminalize poverty and those suffering from mental health issues. [Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise]

Economy & Business News

Two data centers in the works for Tulsa area: The Tulsa area already has one data center in the works, and after Wednesday, it’s a step closer to having two. The city’s planning commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the land use for Project Clydesdale, which would put a data center near East 76th Street North and North Sheridan Road. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Stitt, Chickasha leaders announce “transformative” industrial park, power venture—but offer few specifics: Gov. Stitt, along with Chickasha leaders, announced plans for a massive industrial park and power generation partnership in Chickasha, calling it a transformative $3.5 billion investment—but offered few specifics about what exactly is coming, and when. [KFOR]

Community News

Oklahoma communities large, small celebrate Pride Month with events: Oklahoma Pride events are taking place in urban and rural communities this month. Rural Oklahoma Pride is an organization that helps people in different areas put on Pride events, and it shares information about other celebrations at any time of the year. [KOSU]

Youth shelter meeting terms of federal funding contract despite commissioner’s claims, director says: The executive director of a nonprofit Oklahoma City youth homeless shelter stripped of $375,000 in federal pandemic funding says the organization is in compliance with its agreement with Oklahoma County despite claims made by Commissioner Jason Lowe. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma’s Heartland Flyer to suspend service after funding not forthcoming: Passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth is expected to end on or before Oct. 1, transportation officials said Thursday. The announcement comes after the Texas Legislature declined to continue funding for its share of the 206-mile route. [Oklahoma Voice]

New safety guidelines available for major Oklahoma events: As Oklahoma City prepares to host the first games of this year’s NBA Finals, Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday announced the launch of new security protocols for major events developed by the Secure Oklahoma NOW advisory council. [Oklahoma Voice]

Local Headlines

• Advocates for longtime mediation program urge City of Tulsa not to cut funding [Tulsa World]
• Tulsa Community Foundation to donate profits from vintage car collection sold at Mecum Auction [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“What they suffer sitting in a county jail – literally languishing in an environment that will only make their condition worse – is absolutely unacceptable.”

– Debbie Maddox, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System, speaking about the state’s shortage of mental health services is leaving people with severe mental illness stuck in county jails waiting for treatment are charged with low-level crimes. [KOSU] 

Number of the Day

40%

The proposed cut to federal rental aid in the latest White House budget plan, which essentially would end Section 8 and other housing voucher programs. Its plan calls for cutting rental aid by about 40% and sending that money to states “to design their own rental assistance programs based on their unique needs and preferences.” It would also impose a two-year cap on rental assistance for able-bodied adults, which it said would ensure an even bigger share of federal subsidies went to the elderly and disabled. [NPR]

Policy Note

The Trump Administration Has Proposed $27 Billion in Cuts by Block Granting Housing Assistance. That Could Worsen the Housing Affordability Crisis: The president’s budget proposed combining five federal housing assistance programs into one block grant—a move that would immediately and dramatically reduce the number of assisted households. Any change that turns housing assistance programs into a single block grant would scale back already limited assistance at a time when housing is increasingly unaffordable for many. [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

Policy Matters: When lawmakers cut budgets, it rolls downhill: In government, just like in nature, everything rolls downhill. And when budget cuts start cascading downwards, it’s not the mountaintop that feels the hit – it’s the town in the valley. This is the moment we find ourselves in now, as the majority in Congress pushes for massive program cuts to help pay for tax breaks for the ultra-rich. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma governor apologizes for disparaging remarks, celebrates session victories: Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday he had apologized to a state senator after making disparaging remarks about him and his wife last week. Stitt also defended his choice for interim commissioner of the state mental health department, despite his lack of experience in mental health. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Gov. Stitt apologizes to senator and senator’s wife for bringing her into political debate [The Oklahoman]
• Gov. Stitt regrets calling out Senator’s wife before Friesen firing [KFOR]

Opinion: Republicans in the Oklahoma Legislature flex their muscle and independent spirit: Make no mistake about it, the Oklahoma Legislature’s assertion of power in removing the head of the state’s mental health agency was not only surprising and extraordinary, it was encouraging. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]

State Government News

Wondering what went down during Oklahoma’s 2025 legislative session? Here’s a recap: Oklahoma lawmakers approved a quarter of a percent income tax cut this legislative session, complete with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature, and despite some big budgetary questions. Here’s a rundown of what happened to key bills and other legislative initiatives this year. [KOSU]

• Legislative Recaps from OK Policy: Common sense prevailed this year, but anti-immigrant sentiment still threatens Oklahoma | Lessons learned from SB 675 shed light on the importance of Tribal-state policy

Stitt touts ‘one of my best’ Oklahoma legislative sessions featuring tax cuts, vetoes: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt is proud of his legislative victories. And he took a victory lap on Wednesday afternoon in front of reporters to tout them. He immediately celebrated the recent tax cut signed last week. House Bill 2764 will reduce Oklahoma’s top income tax bracket from 4.75% to 4.5%, with the intention of eventually eliminating the income tax. [OPMX]

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

Oklahoma House bill providing free childcare to industry workers set to become law: A new law passed by the legislature this session will allow early childhood educators to receive no-cost childcare. House Bill 2778, written by state Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, is an effort to bolster the childcare workforce by offering free childcare for those in the industry. Language for the measure was taken from House Bill 1849 and transferred to the bill reserved for the budget process. [The Journal Record]

Federal Government News

Senate GOP talks cutting Medicare ‘waste, fraud’ to offset cost of Trump tax bill: Senate Republicans on Wednesday discussed the need to cut out waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare to achieve more deficit reduction in President Trump’s landmark bill to extend the 2017 tax cuts, provide new tax relief, secure the border and boost defense spending. The House-passed bill would cut more than $800 billion from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but some GOP lawmakers argue that other mandatory spending programs, such as Medicare, should also be reviewed for “waste” to further reduce the cost of the bill. [The Hill]

• Trump-backed giant tax and spending bill bloats deficit by $2.4T, nonpartisan CBO says [Oklahoma Voice]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Policy Institute condemns U.S. House passage of federal budget bill that harms vulnerable Oklahomans

Senators object to Trump push to ax Education Department programs for low-income students: U.S. senators from both parties pressed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Tuesday over the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate funding for key programs administered by the Education Department for disadvantaged and low-income students. [Oklahoma Voice]

Trump issues travel ban on 12 countries: President Donald Trump issued a long-awaited “travel ban” late Wednesday to bar entry of nationals from a dozen countries and partially restrict entry for nationals from a smaller set of countries. Countries that will have a full ban are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. [Oklahoma Voice]

Bill to Make the Tulsa Race Massacre Site a National Monument Faces Uncertain Future: Legislation to designate the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 as a national monument breezed through the Senate last month, but its path through the House is less certain. The bipartisan effort from Sens. James Lankford and Cory Booker would also establish an advisory commission appointed by the interior secretary that would be made up in part by descendants of massacre victims. At least one House Republican from Oklahoma is hesitant to outright endorse the existing legislation. [Tulsa World]

• Did the survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre ever directly receive any legal settlement or reparations? [Tulsa World]

Tribal Nations News

Cheat sheet: In expansive Cherokee Nation District 11, 3 candidates vie for seat: With each embracing social media antics to appeal to voters, three Cherokee Nation citizens are campaigning to represent Tribal Council District 11, which spans the northern boundary of the Cherokee Reservation. [NonDoc]

Cheat sheet: Joshua Sam challenged by Derrick Ross for Cherokee Nation District 7 seat: Incumbent Councilor Joshua Sam faces a lone challenger, Derrick Ross, for reelection to his Cherokee Nation District 7 Tribal Council seat. District 7 lies along the Cherokee Reservation’s eastern border in parts of Adair and Sequoyah counties. It includes the communities of Belfonte, Dahlonegah and Stilwell.  [NonDoc]

Cheat sheet: Cherokee Nation District 9 sees 7 seek open seat: From local school board officials to small business owners, retirees and a rural water board member, seven candidates are seeking to represent Cherokee Nation District 9 of the Tribal Council. Spanning primarily rural areas, District 9 encompasses the southern tip of Craig County including part of Big Cabin, northern Mayes County excluding Pryor and Salina proper, and southwestern Delaware County with all of Lake Eucha. [NonDoc]

Jennifer Blalock challenges Danny Callison in Cherokee Nation District 15: In the Cherokee Nation District 15 race, challenger Jennifer Blalock is facing incumbent Tribal Council member Danny Callison at the ballot box June 7. Cherokee Nation District 15 encompasses portions of Rogers and Mayes counties, including Pryor, Chouteau and Locust Grove.  [NonDoc]

Voting and Election News

HD 97 debate: Candidates differ on development bill, Oklahoma County Jail funding intervention: While outlining their respective paths to becoming candidates for the open House District 97 special election, JeKia Harrison and Aletia Timmons differed on state intervention into the Oklahoma County Jail funding crisis and on a bill that would promote more transparency on why development projects are rejected by municipal governing boards during a debate Tuesday night hosted by NonDoc and News 9 at Metro Tech. [NonDoc]

Todd Russ formally announces campaign for re-election as Oklahoma’s state treasurer: Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ has formally announced he’s running for a second term in 2026. The state treasurer serves on ten boards: the State Board of Equalization, the Council of Bond Oversight, the Teacher’s Retirement System, the Public Employees Retirement System, the State Pension Oversight Commission, the Oklahoma College Savings Plan, the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, the Capitol Improvement Authority, the Industrial Finance Authority and the Oklahoma Broadband Governing Board. [The Oklahoman]

Education News

How Oklahoma made universal pre-K work: Proponents of public school pre-kindergarten programs generally argue that it has two benefits: that it helps children succeed in school, and that it is a reliable, free source of child care for working parents. There’s some debate about what the data say about that first point, but few argue with the latter. Despite that, not every school district offers pre-kindergarten — and some districts have even seen fierce battles to stop the expansion of pre-K programs. One state avoided that fight, however, and has one of the US’s most successful public, universal pre-K programs: Oklahoma. [Vox]

Ryan Walters’ agency says Oklahoma students’ 2025 standardized test results will be delayed: The Oklahoma State Department of Education says preliminary scores of students who took standardized tests this spring in English language arts, math and science in grades 3-8 will be delayed. The agency, led by state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, made the announcement in an email from its Office of Assessments on Tuesday, June 3, the day school districts had been scheduled to receive the scores. The announcement said the preliminary scores had been scheduled to be available to parents on June 10, but said that release date also has been pushed back. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma school district slashes nearly 360 jobs in ‘streamlining measures’: Epic Charter Schools, one of Oklahoma’s largest school districts, announced mass layoffs Tuesday, resulting in 357 job losses. In a move the district called in a statement, “significant streamlining measures,” Epic has not renewed contracts for 83 teachers and 274 administrators for the next school year. That accounts for about 6% of teachers and more than one-third of administrators. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

First Watch: Stuff You Should Know: When is campaigning not campaigning? Rejoice Christian School in Owasso told reporter Paul Monies that the email they sent to parents before the primary runoff election was merely intended to educate people about the issues. The school sent a questionnaire to five Republicans and a Democrat, asking for their views on the Parental Choice Tax Credit. [Oklahoma Watch]

Economic Opportunity News

Opinion: Community college partnerships boost workforce success: Oklahoma has the highest rate of students attending community colleges who transfer to a four-year institution within six years. SSC recently launched some new 2+2 Programs which aid students in seamlessly transferring to complete a bachelor’s degree for several high-demand occupations. [Lana Reynolds / The Journal Record]

Economy & Business News

Economic uncertainty drives sharp drop in Oklahomans’ spending: Consumer confidence has fallen sharply across multiple surveys, with Americans expressing the most pessimistic outlook in years. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86 in April, down 7.9 points from March and the lowest reading in nearly five years. [The Journal Record]

PSO monthly bills to rise with regulatory approval of power plant purchase: The utility asked the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) to approve its request to recover costs from a $730 acquisition of a power plant in Jenks. Commissioners voted 2 to 1 during their Wednesday meeting, with Todd Hiett splitting from Kim David and Brian Bingman’s approval. The discussion lasted more than an hour with a break in between. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

Community News

Fate of Oklahoma-Texas Heartland Flyer uncertain: The fate of passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth is on shaky ground after the Texas Legislature declined to fund that state’s portion. “The state of Oklahoma cannot fund that operation of our own accord,” Tim Gatz, Oklahoma Department of Transportation executive director, told his governing board Monday. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma’s only major passenger train route’s future uncertain without Texas funding [KOSU]

Local Headlines

• PSO gets green light for purchase of Jenks power plant [Tulsa World]
• Sharpton highlights $75M road funding by state legislature [Guthrie News Page]
• Hundreds of Putnam City Schools families receive food, essentials [KOSU]
• OKC Council approves new budget, adjusts current budget for water main breaks [The Oklahoman]
• Tulsa mayor says city should consider changes to highway over Greenwood [Public Radio Tulsa]
• Road to Repair: Mayor Nichols’ Full Transcript [The Black Wall Street Times]
• Opinion: The Future is Local: Lessons from Leadership Tulsa’s Cohort 71 [Eddie Washington / The Black Wall Street Times]

Quote of the Day

“So even though Gov. Kevin Stitt got most of what he wanted out of the 2025 legislative session — he pronounced it his best session ever — there were encouraging signs that the Republican supermajority in Oklahoma is not all of one mind.”

– William C. Wertz, writing on the 2025 legislative session and the signs of Republican independence from Governor Stitt’s agenda. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

697.6

American Indians and Alaska Natives in Oklahoma have the state’s highest rate of premature deaths from avoidable causes at 697.6 per 100,000 residents. Oklahoma has the nation’s 11th highest rate for residents who are American Indian and Alaska Natives. [Commonwealth Fund]

Policy Note

Native Americans Hurt by Federal Health Cuts, Despite RFK Jr.’s Promises of Protection: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly promised to prioritize Native Americans’ health care. But Native Americans and health officials across tribal nations say those overtures are overshadowed by the collateral harm from massive cuts to federal health programs. [KFF]

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

Lessons learned from SB 675 shed light on the importance of Tribal-state policy: There is a continued need for shared, strategic decisions that will shape the state’s current and future policy-making with Tribal nations. For example, the processes, or lack thereof, surrounding Senate Bill 675 shed light on both lessons that should be learned around respecting Tribal sovereignty and engaging in direct Tribal consultation before making decisions that directly affect Tribal Nations. [Vivian Morris / OK Policy]

State Government News

Interim Oklahoma mental health commissioner named: Gov. Kevin Stitt named an interim commissioner of the Oklahoma mental health department Tuesday, following the Legislature’s vote to fire the previous agency head last week. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Gregory Slavonic appointed interim leader of ODMHSAS [NonDoc]
• Stitt names interim commissioner of Oklahoma’s mental health agency [KOSU]
• Stitt appoints Gregory Slavonic as interim mental health commissioner [Tulsa World]
• Stitt appoints interim commissioner of mental health agency after previous leader’s firing [The Oklahoman]

Lawmakers override MMIP and mammogram access vetoes: This year’s legislative session saw a record number of vetoes from Governor Kevin Stitt. In total, he vetoed 68 bills, breaking the previous record set by former Governor Frank Keating in 1995. Before lawmakers adjourned Sine Die on Friday, they worked to override 40 of Stitt’s vetoes. [The Black Wall Street Times]

OK Board of Cosmetology to enter ‘wind down’ time starting July 1: News 4 recently reported on a those in the beauty industry urging lawmakers to override Governor Kevin Stitt’s veto, which essentially abolished the Board of Cosmetology. The veto was withheld, leaving license holders wondering what happens next. [KFOR]

Oklahoma Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit over tobacco settlement investment managers: The Oklahoma Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by an investors’ board led by state Treasurer Todd Russ against Attorney General Gentner Drummond. The board had wanted the court to rule on who has the final say when the state enters into contracts or other legal agreements with investment managers. [The Oklahoman]

Brent Swadley seeks to disqualify AG over public comments; asks for gag order in BBQ case: Brent Swadley, the co-founder of the Swadley’s BBQ chain and the defendant in a case which pits the state of Oklahoma against him, has filed a motion in district court to have Attorney General Gentner Drummond disqualified from the case. [Fox 25]

Long Story Short: Oklahoma Watch Files Transparency Lawsuit Against Ed. Dept. (audio): Paul Monies talks about a lawsuit Oklahoma Watch filed against OSDE. Keaton Ross breaks down several criminal justice measures that passed this session, from fines and fees reform to tougher sentencing laws. JC Hallman discusses a woman who was being held on an old warrant in the Tulsa County Jail. [Oklahoma Watch]

Legislation pushes Tulsa’s OKPOP museum closer to its fundraising goal ahead of deadline: Between adding a fiddle from the late, great Guthrie musician Byron Berline to its collection and fielding a special visit from Sooner State native and Country Music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, the long-awaited Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture in Tulsa got a big boost to its fundraising campaign. [The Oklahoman]

New Oklahoma license plate design faces scrutiny, focus group preferred alternative design: It has been nine months since Oklahoma license plates went red. Through an Open Records Request, FOX 25 learned it is not what most Oklahomans would have picked. [Fox 25]

Federal Government News

Trump promises to hike steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% starting Wednesday. Here’s what we know: U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to hike nearly all of his tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum to a punishing 50% on Wednesday, a move that would hammer businesses from automakers to home builders, and likely push up prices for consumers. [AP]

Trump wants Congress to slash $9.4B in spending now, defund NPR and PBS: The Trump administration plans to send its first spending cuts request to Congress on Tuesday, asking lawmakers to swiftly eliminate $9.4 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and various foreign aid programs. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahomans voice concerns about Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’: Some Oklahomans are raising concerns about funding cuts hitting Oklahoma if Congress passes the “Big, Beautiful Bill” in its current form. The bill cleared the House by just one vote and will soon be considered by the Senate. [Fox 25]

• Elon Musk fumes tax and spending bill is a ‘disgusting abomination’; GOP senators shrug [Oklahoma Voice]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Policy Institute condemns U.S. House passage of federal budget bill that harms vulnerable Oklahomans

Rubio in talks for return of wrongly deported ‘Cristian,’ in flip for Trump administration: If successful, the man, identified in documents in federal court in Maryland only by the pseudonym of “Cristian,” would be the first deported person returned from the brutal Salvadoran Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, or CECOT. [Oklahoma Voice]

Tribal Nations News

Tribal leaders in Oklahoma frustrated by lack of communication about federal cuts: Oklahoma tribal nation leaders are wondering how federal cuts will continue to impact their citizens, as confusion persists about massive federal cuts. [KOSU]

Cheat sheet: Issac Collins challenges Candessa Tehee for Cherokee Nation District 2: One candidate is challenging the incumbent Cherokee Nation District 2 Tribal Councilor in the June 7 election. Rep. Candessa Tehee has served as the district’s representative since 2021, and newcomer Issac Collins is facing off against the incumbent. [NonDoc]

Voting and Election News

Voters to select three new Oklahoma representatives: Three open seats in the Oklahoma House will be decided June 10 by voters in a special election. In Tulsa County, voters will choose between Republican Beverly Atteberry and Democrat Amanda Clinton. Democrat Amy Hossain will face off against Republican Kevin Wayne Norwood in the race for House District 74. Two Democrats, JeKia Harrison and Aletia Haynes Timmons, will vie for the open House District 91 seat, representing parts of Oklahoma City and Midwest City. [Oklahoma Voice]

Education News

Christian School’s Runoff Email Sparks Debate Over Partisan Lines: A private religious school in Owasso sent an email to parents about GOP candidate positions on the Parental Choice Tax Credit in a recent election, raising questions about nonprofit private school involvement in partisan politics. [Oklahoma Watch]

Epic Charter Schools cuts 357 staff members, phases out Learning Centers: Epic Charter Schools suddenly announced that over 300 staff members would not return for 2025-26, as part of implementing significant streamline measures to “continue delivering a high-quality educational experience and ensure long-term financial sustainability.” [News 9]

• Epic Charter Schools closing learning centers, slashing 357 jobs [Tulsa World]
• EPIC Charter Schools lays off more than 300 staffers as it cuts learning centers [The Oklahoman]

OKC Public Schools board takes first step toward revoking contract with Montessori charter school: The Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education has voted to potentially revoke its sponsorship of a Montessori charter school that has struggled to maintain its obligations under its contract with the district. [The Oklahoman]

Health News

‘How we ended up here’: Authors on effects of abortion bans: During the pandemic, when many people were reevaluating their life goals, Colleen Long texted her childhood best friend and fellow journalist Rebecca Little to see if, together, they could write a relatable, even funny, book about pregnancy loss. They wanted to understand why it was so hard to talk about pregnancy loss in public, and thus difficult to process. [States Newsroom via Oklahoma Voice]

Norman Regional announces layoffs, six clinics to close: Norman Regional Health System will close select clinics in July after a workforce reduction was announced earlier this week. [The Journal Record]

Opinion: Oklahoma’s largest health insurer is putting its own profits ahead of patients: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma is now requiring prior authorization for critical asthma therapies administered by a physician. It’s about saving the insurer money. [Iftikhar Hussain / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: We’re Oklahoma doctors. Here’s the truth about vaccines.: In the past century, relatively few things have more fully demonstrated this goal than the antiviral and antibacterial vaccines that have protected our most vulnerable populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that in the last 50 years, immunizations have saved the lives of over 150 million children. [Dr. Sumit Nanda and Dr. James Kirk / The Oklahoman]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma Department of Corrections seeks to keep incident reports for inmate deaths confidential: The Frontier is suing the Oklahoma Department of Corrections after the agency refused to release incident reports on deaths and other violent incidents. [The Frontier]

Hundreds could be in Oklahoma prisons on a wrongful conviction. This group helps them find justice: Imagine having a bad dream about being convicted of a crime you didn’t commit. Or a nightmare if the crime was a murder ― and you were innocent. It really happens, perhaps more often than you might think. [The Oklahoman]

Judge removed from murder case after ‘improper’ meeting with defendant: A Tulsa judge has been removed from hearing a murder case after prosecutors expressed their “grave concern” about her meeting privately with the defendant. [Tulsa World]

A judicial sex scandal gave a murder suspect a second chance. Now, he’s back in prison: Robert Leon Hashagen III was sentenced to life in prison after an Oklahoma County jury convicted him in 2021 of first-degree murder. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in 2023 overturned his conviction because his trial judge had been in a secret sexual relationship with one of his prosecutors years before. [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Park Board vote clears path for Newblock Park to be used for program to help homeless: The Tulsa Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday voted 2-1 to approve a recommendation from the city to abandon 2.5 acres of Newblock Park in the Crosbie Heights neighborhood for use as a transitional living program. [Tulsa World]

Economy & Business News

Digital resilience: EF5-Rated data center opens in OKC: There are hundreds of data centers scattered across the United States, comprising a central nervous system of digital infrastructure, known simply as “the cloud.” What would happen if an EF5 tornado rambled through Oklahoma City and blew one of them up? Healthcare facilities could go dark, businesses could be crippled, manufacturing could grind to a halt and services the community depends on could stop. [The Journal Record]

Community News

Oklahoma funds USS Batfish move to new harbor home: One of America’s most decorated World War II submarines — and a beloved Oklahoma landmark — is one step closer to safe harbor. On May 22, the Oklahoma Legislature approved HB2794, allocating $4 million in FY26 funding to the USS Batfish. The state appropriation will be used to relocate the historic military vessel to its future home at Three Forks Harbor. [The Journal Record]

Local Headlines

• OKC Budget Approved: Capital Projects Up, Staffing Down [The Journal Record]
• OKC Council approves new budget, adjusts current budget for water main breaks [The Oklahoman]
• There’s a ton of construction happening in OKC. Here are some of the biggest projects so far [The Oklahoman]
• PartnerTulsa Board of Trustees accepts resignation of former CEO, appoints interim [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“When it comes to tribes and dealing with tribes, it’s not a DEI issue. Tribes are sovereign nations. We have a government-to-government relationship with the federal government, the state governments, with each other among tribes… The hope is that they realize … they have to fulfill those obligations, and using the guise of DEI does not free them of that responsibility.”

– Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Council Chairman Jake Keyes expressing frustrations with federal conversations regarding potential cuts to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. [KOSU]

Number of the Day

9.5%

Oklahoma has the nation’s largest population of residents who identify as American Indian alone, at 9.5 percent or nearly 1 in 10 Oklahomans. [Census data via OK Policy]

Policy Note

Inside the Fight for Indigenous Data Sovereignty: The wide-ranging, long-lasting effects that colonialism left in its wake have plagued Indigenous peoples for centuries: disproportionate poverty rates, marked health disparities, outsize violence, and lower life expectancies. But we’re just beginning to fully understand how data has long been wielded—from unjust collection techniques to the weaponizing of information to the total exclusion of certain populations—as a way to perpetuate racial inequities. [Atmos]

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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

Contentious budget negotiations opened door for governor’s business court plans (Capitol Update): During contentious budget negotiations between the House and Senate at the end of the 2024 session, Gov. Kevin Stitt seized the opportunity to make a deal with legislators not to veto the general appropriations bill — if lawmakers agreed to several measures, including passing a framework to start “business courts,” an idea he had touted in his State of the State address at the beginning of the session. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]

Oklahoma News

The 2025 legislative session is over. Who were the winners and losers?: The 2025 session of the Oklahoma Legislature ended in a dramatic fashion that featured last-minute negotiations, dozens of veto overrides and political squabbling. But the plot lines that emerged in the final 24 hours of the session starting on Thursday, May 29, were only part of the story. [The Oklahoman]

• How did Gov. Stitt’s priorities pan out this legislative session? [KOCO]
• Food trucks, minimum wage and liquor sales: 7 new Oklahoma laws in 2025 [The Oklahoman]
• SINE DIE: Oklahoma Legislature wraps up for 2025 [KJRH]
• Oklahoma passes REINS Act, legislative and executive oversight, and judicial nondeference bills [Ballotpedia News]

State Government News

Oklahoma’s female lawmakers condemn governor’s veto of mammogram legislation: A bipartisan group of 28 female lawmakers sent Gov. Kevin Stitt a letter expressing their “profound disappointment” that he vetoed a measure aimed at expanding access to mammograms. The women wrote Saturday that Stitt’s veto of House Bill 1389 was “disheartening to patients, doctors, families and the very values we all hold dear in our great state,” but said that female lawmakers were celebrating the Legislature’s overwhelming decision to override Stitt’s veto. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Female Oklahoma lawmakers praise veto override of breast cancer exam coverage bill, denounce Stitt [StateImpact Oklahoma]
• Women in Legislature chide Gov. Stitt after overriding his veto of breast cancer bill [Tulsa World]

Federal Government News

‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ faces opposing GOP forces in the Senate: The Senate will begin its work this week on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which contains President Donald Trump’s tax cuts and spending priorities. The massive bill barely passed the Republican-controlled House a couple of weeks ago, and now the Republican-controlled Senate will grapple with the same difficult issues. [The National News Desk]

• The GOP megabill is moving to the Senate, where big changes could be in store [Public Radio Tulsa]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Policy Institute condemns U.S. House passage of federal budget bill that harms vulnerable Oklahomans

Trump ‘blatant’ refusal to comply in deportation case shows growing rift with judges: A federal judge in Maryland slammed the Trump administration Friday for its “blatant lack of effort to comply” with her order earlier this month to report steps taken to facilitate the return of a second wrongly deported man to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. [Oklahoma Voice]

Homeland Security’s list of ‘sanctuary cities’ pulled down after sheriffs object: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security over the weekend took down a public list of cities and jurisdictions that the Trump administration labeled as “sanctuary” cities, after a sharp rebuke from a group representing 3,000 sheriffs and local law enforcement. On Saturday, National Sheriffs’ Association President Sheriff Kieran Donahue slammed the list as an “unnecessary erosion of unity and collaboration with law enforcement.” [Oklahoma Voice]

DOJ files hate crime charge against suspect in Boulder attack: The man suspected of attacking a group of demonstrators with incendiary devices in Boulder on Sunday, leaving multiple people hospitalized with severe injuries, faces state and federal charges for attempted murder and a hate crime, law enforcement officials announced. [Oklahoma Voice]

• ‘Terror’ attack in downtown Boulder leaves multiple victims injured [Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: Einstein would be deported under Trump’s immigration standards: President Donald Trump was ushered into office on promises to crack down on illegal immigration. The crackdown has extended to legal immigrants, particularly those with political views different from Trump’s administration. This is a new standard by which to approve immigration status. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

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

Opinion: For the Children – ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ puts Medicaid pressure on state governments, including Oklahoma: It is estimated that approximately $880 billion will be reduced over the next decade through the Medicaid provisions of the legislation, with much of that shifted to states if they want to continue providing services at current levels. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that 174,000 Oklahomans will lose SoonerCare benefits under this proposal, with uninsured rates increasing by roughly 95,000 or 2% of our population. [Joe Dorman / The Duncan Banner]

Tribal Nations News

Cheat Sheet: 3 seek open Cherokee Nation District 5 seat in Tulsa area: Three candidates are vying for the open Cherokee Nation District 5 seat on the Tribal Council, which covers the northern half of Tulsa, as well as Sperry and Owasso. Cherokee Nation District 5 is home to more than 9,300 Cherokee citizens. Either Ashley Grant, Frank Whitlock or Charles Wilkes will replace current Tribal Council Rep. E.O. “Junior” Smith, who is term-limited after serving two consecutive terms. [NonDoc]

Cheat sheet: Cherokee Nation District 4 open seat features 6-candidate field: On June 7, Cherokee Nation District 4 voters will cast their ballots for a new representative among six candidates: Janis Dearman, Uriah Grass, Stephen Maples, Mandy Scott, Joie Sneed and Elana Stroble Gallardo. District 4 covers the farthest southwest portion of the Cherokee Nation Reservation, encompassing the majority of Muskogee County plus portions of northeastern McIntosh County and western Sequoyah County. [NonDoc]

Opinion: Same Old Story: Trump Budget Delivers Symbolic Gestures Instead of Real Investment in Indian Health: The Trump administration released new details about its 2026 budget, which includes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Budget in Brief. As with past budgets, this document was rolled out with the usual talking points: commitment to tribal sovereignty, honoring federal trust obligations, and improving health outcomes for Native people. But reading between the lines — and looking at the numbers — reveals a familiar story: symbolic gestures, flat funding, and broken promises. [Levi Rickert / Native News Online]

Education News

Oklahoma teachers will soon have to teach 2020 election conspiracies (audio): In Oklahoma, public school teachers will soon be required to teach about the widely debunked conspiracy theory that Democrats stole the 2020 election from President Trump. [WBUR]

Health News

Oklahoma Enacts Legislation Significantly Modernizing PA Practice: In a reminder to PA advocates in every state, the Oklahoma Academy of Physician Associates (OAPA) proved a familiar saying this week: It’s not over ‘til it’s over. HB 2584, Oklahoma legislation that includes provisions to remove the requirement for a PA-physician practice agreement for PAs with more than 6,240 hours, was vetoed by Oklahoma Governor Stitt earlier this year. However, on May 29, the Oklahoma Legislature overrode the governor’s veto with bipartisan support – passing 68-16 in the House and 33-13 in the Senate. [AAPA]

How does Oklahoma’s new law for nurse practitioners compare to other states?: With the passage of House Bill 2298, Oklahoma joins a growing list of states granting nurse practitioners full practice authority, meaning they can prescribe medications and manage patient care without physician oversight. To understand how Oklahoma’s law fits into the national landscape, it’s helpful to look at where other states stand. [News 9]

• What are the qualifications required for nurse practitioners to obtain independent prescriptive authority in Oklahoma? [News 9]

New moms see slight improvement to mental health care, but Medicaid cuts could reverse that: States across the country improved policies and support for maternal mental health — but only slightly. The country’s overall grade increased from a D+ to a C- this year, according to a new report. Oklahoma saw a decline, dropping from a D+ to a D. [Side Effects Public Media via KOSU]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma GOP lawmaker sues state Department of Corrections in prison records dispute: A lawmaker with a history of disagreements with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections has sued the agency, its leaders and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, alleging “ongoing violations” of the Oklahoma Open Records Act. [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Trump administration orders shutdown of Job Corps Centers, including 3 in Oklahoma: Job Corps is a federally funded residential educational and career training program for eligible low-income young adults, ages 16 to 24. They come to Job Corps for academic education, to learn skills, get real-life experiences and job opportunities in construction, welding, security, culinary arts and other fields. [OPMX]

OK County cites slow progress, stuns OKC youth homeless shelter by taking back ARPA money: A nonprofit Oklahoma City youth homeless shelter with multimillion-dollar plans to expand was dealt a setback from which it might not recover when Oklahoma County commissioners, without giving it notice, voted to take back nearly $375,000 in pandemic relief funds. [The Oklahoman]

Economy & Business News

Egg prices trend lower as avian flu wanes in Oklahoma, nationwide: The threat of avian flu has declined in Oklahoma and nationwide, but egg prices remain elevated after spiking to historic levels triggered by the most recent outbreak of the illness in 2022. No new outbreaks of avian flu have been reported in Oklahoma since February, and commercial operations that were affected in the state at that time have resumed more normal day-to-day routines, Oklahoma State Veterinarian Rod Hall said. [Tulsa World]

Seller demands that Oklahoma County buy $6 million property in rescinded jail land swap deal: Allen Contracting Inc. is apparently ready to go to court to try to force Oklahoma County to buy the land it agreed to buy under a $6 million purchase contract that commissioners approved, then later rescinded. [The Oklahoman]

Community News

Oklahoma’s Summer Feeding Program offers free meals to kids statewide until August 8: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is offering free meals and snacks to children across the state throughout the summer months as part of its Summer Feeding Program. The initiative, which runs from June 2 to August 8, aims to ensure that children aged 18 and under continue to receive nutritious meals even when school is out. [Fox 25]

Local Headlines

• Norman Regional lays off 10% of staff; entire clinics cut [KOCO]
• Oasis Fresh Market launches free breakfast, lunch for Tulsa kids [The Black Wall Street Times]
• Downtown church sells to local developer, moves services temporarily to Circle Cinema [Tulsa World]
• OKC voters may see a $2.5 billion bond issue on the ballot this year: What to know [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma City Board names new middle school Skyline, opening August 2026 [Fox 25]

Quote of the Day

“We did hand the governor an awful lot of power and we missed some opportunities to hold him accountable.”

– Representative John Waldron weighs in on the clash between the Legislature and Governor Stitt during the 2025 legislative session, marked by a flurry of vetos from the governor. [KJRH]

Number of the Day

44th

Oklahoma’s rank in the 2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index that ranks the most and least welcoming states for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. The state was ranked 47th the previous year. [Oklahoma Report, Outleadership]

Policy Note

2025 State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index: Outleadership’s 7th annual State LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index shows which U.S. States are safe and which are unwelcoming for millions of LGBTQ+ Americans. It also shows a country growing more polarized on LGBTQ+ rights–and this divide is influencing where people choose to live, work, and do business. For the third year in a row, the national average score declined, driven by the introduction of more than 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills and a wave of newly-elected conservative officials pushing restrictive agendas. [Outleadership]

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

Common sense prevailed this year, but anti-immigrant sentiment still threatens Oklahoma: In this 2025 legislative session, over 20 anti-immigrant measures were introduced in the Oklahoma legislature. They ranged from barring any immigrant from owning or renting property in Oklahoma (SB 982) to tracking the immigration status of children enrolled in public school HB 1165 and HB 1671). These bills would hurt all Oklahomans, not just immigrants — however, thanks to the hard work of advocates, sensible legislators, and engaged Oklahomans, most of these bills failed. [Gabriela Ramirez-Perez / OK Policy]

Oklahoma News

Tulsa mayor unveils historic $105 million reparations plan for Greenwood: Exactly 104 years after Tulsa’s local government deputized white men to loot, bomb, burn, kill and kidnap Black residents of the Historic Greenwood District, the city’s first Black mayor announced the creation of a historic plan for reparations on Sunday. [The Black Wall Street Times]

• Private trust to be created to aid Greenwood District, those harmed by Tulsa Race Massacre, Nichols says [Tulsa World]
• Tulsa mayor unveils plan for $100M trust to address effects of 1921 race massacre [The Hill]
• Tulsa’s new Black mayor proposes $100M trust to ‘repair’ impact of 1921 Race Massacre [NBC News]
• $105 Million Reparations Package for Tulsa Race Massacre Unveiled by Mayor [New York Times]
• Greenwood Rising hosts candlelight vigil honoring victims of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre [Fox 23]
• $105 million trust to be built for 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre reparations, city says [Public Radio Tulsa]

The Tulsa Race Massacre was a taboo subject when Ed Wheeler’s story published in 1971: Ed Wheeler, a retired Oklahoma National Guard brigadier general and former Tulsa Community College history instructor, reflected in 2021 on the experience behind a writing project on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Published in Impact Magazine in 1971, his “Profile of a Race Riot” is considered the first serious contemporary look at the events of May 31-June 1, 1921. [Tulsa World]

State Government News

‘Pretty frustrated’: Stitt video leads lawmakers to override extra vetoes to end session: While most of the 2025 regular session had seen Gov. Stitt and legislative leaders co-exist more harmoniously than in years past, the relationship reverted Thursday like a pet raccoon that can’t stay out of the trash. With Stitt’s feisty veto pen already inking and irking influential lawmakers, his social media videos upped the temperature on smoldering embers. [NonDoc]

• Legislative session mixed bag for Oklahoma governor who ‘got everything he wanted’ until very end [Oklahoma Voice]
• ‘Unified’ legislative session ends with sparks flying in the Capitol [Tulsa World]
• An agreement, then a surprise: How a video spurred lawmakers to override Gov. Stitt vetoes [The Oklahoman]
• Legislature Overrides Most of Stitt’s Vetoes [Oklahoma Watch]
• The Oklahoma Legislature Spent Its Last Day of Session Overriding Gubernatorial Vetoes [Governing]
• Oklahoma’s female lawmakers celebrate overriding Stitt’s mammogram bill veto [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma lawmakers override record number of vetoes, remove Stitt appointee in dramatic end to legislative session [KFOR]
• Lawmakers voted to override most of Gov. Stitt’s vetoes. Here’s a look at some of them [The Oklahoman]
• Here are the 47 bills for which the Oklahoma Legislature overrode Gov. Stitt’s vetoes [Tulsa World]
• Capitol Insider: Tumultuous final hours as lawmakers conclude 2025 Legislative Session [KGOU]

Can the Oklahoma Legislature legally fire Allie Friesen, the mental health commissioner?: The embattled leader of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is officially out of office, after lawmakers voted to oust her in an exercise of their constitutional power. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma made child rape eligible for the death penalty, shirking a Supreme Court ruling: Oklahoma has opened the door for prosecutors to seek the death penalty against someone convicted of rape involving a child under 14 years old, even though capital punishment in such cases has been ruled unconstitutional. Senate Bill 599 was signed into law and becomes effective in November. [The Oklahoman]

A bill increasing wrongful conviction compensation is now law — but with last-minute changes: Legislation increasing compensation for wrongfully convicted Oklahomans based on the number of years they were imprisoned has now officially been signed into law. The governor line-item vetoed individual portions of the bill that would have allowed exonerees access to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections’ group health insurance plan and would have issued higher education tuition waivers for exonerees and their children. [The Oklahoman]

Rage and resignation: Purcell, Norman crowds confront loss of homes to new toll road path: A week after the Purcell meeting, the same turnpike engineers faced a rage-filled Norman crowd angered over years of what they believe was a purposeful effort to force through toll roads that will wipe out their homes. [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Oklahoma Legislature finally found its spine: Oklahomans now know where the line of decency is for legislators: at baseless corruption allegations against their spouses. The Legislature found its spine last week, and the state is better for it. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Opinion, Oklahoma’s legislative session went Gov. Kevin Stitt’s way, even with minor revolts at the end: If there’s one thing that defined Oklahoma’s 2025 annual legislative session, Gov. Kevin Stitt finally played a starring role after six years in a row of lackluster performance. The Republican adroitly exercised his power to relegate even lawmakers from his own party to supporting roles in their own production. For better or worse, pretty much every major policy passed during the 60th legislative session had his fingerprints all over it. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]

Editorial: The Legislature strikes back. The governor attacks the wives of legislators: After getting what he wanted in a badly timed tax cut that we can’t afford and vetoing bills that would actually help Oklahomans, Gov. Kevin Stitt decided to bully with personal attacks as the Legislature worked to cancel those vetoes. He even went so far as to go after the wives of legislators. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]

• Lawmakers upset after Gov. Stitt brings family member into Friesen fallout [KFOR]

Federal Government News

Trump sends detailed budget request cutting spending by $163 billion to Congress: The Trump administration released significantly more detail about its budget request Friday evening, giving Congress the information it needs for lawmakers to draft the annual government funding bills. The 1,224-page document sheds light on where exactly President Donald Trump and White House budget director Russ Vought want lawmakers to cut federal spending during the upcoming fiscal year. [Oklahoma Voice]

Sen. Ernst doubles down on bleak response to Medicaid grilling: Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst faced intense questioning from her constituents during a Friday town hall, eliciting shouts and boos from community members over her support for President Trump’s contentious One Big Beautiful Bill Act. One dismissive comment drew particularly intense ire: In response to constituents’ concerns over Medicaid cuts, Ernst said, “We all are going to die.” [NPR via KOSU]

USDA announces $1 billion in disaster aid for livestock producers: The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $1 billion dollars in disaster assistance to cover grazing losses from eligible drought and wildfire events in 2023 and 2024. [KOSU]

Oklahoma’s historic sites at risk as federal funding cuts loom under Trump’s budget: Efforts to preserve historic sights and structures in Oklahoma could be at risk if President Trump’s budget proposal goes through. “The state historic preservation office in Oklahoma is looking at closing sometime late this summer,” said Lynda Ozan, a Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. [Fox 25]

Opinion: Trump’s chaotic approach to tariffs ramping up anxiety on farms across Oklahoma: Tariffs promised, proposed and implemented by President Donald Trump ― and then in some cases canceled, postponed and then reimposed ― are causing chaos in the marketplace. Apprehension over tariffs is high because it’s déjà vu for many in Oklahoma’s agricultural community. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]

Tribal Nations News

Oklahoma legislature overrides Stitt’s veto of funding bill for OSBI Missing and Murdered Indigenous People unit: The Oklahoma legislature overrode a veto against a funding bill for the Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.  [KOSU]

An Egregious Backlog: Interior Department Searches for Ways to Speed Up Native American Probate Court: A backlog in probate court at the Bureau of Indian Affairs has some Native Americans waiting months, years or generations for their cases to be decided. [Oklahoma Watch]

Voting and Election News

Oklahoma adopts pay-per-signature ban, residency requirement, signature distribution requirement, and funding disclosure rules for citizen initiatives: On May 27, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) signed Senate Bill 1027 (SB 1027), approving changes to the state’s initiative and referendum processes. The bill passed in the Oklahoma Legislature with all Democrats voting against it and all but six Republicans voting for it. [Ballotpedia]

Political notebook: Special election early voting begins Thursday: Early in-person voting is Thursday and Friday for the special general elections in state House Districts 71 (Tulsa County) and 74 (Tulsa and Rogers counties). A third legislative special election, a Democratic primary in Oklahoma County’s HD 97, is also scheduled for June 10. [Tulsa World]

Education News

Oklahoma parent asks court to dismiss lawsuit over Ryan Walters’ Bible mandate: A Locust Grove parent who filed the first lawsuit challenging state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters’ Bible-teaching mandate for Oklahoma schools is asking a judge to dismiss the case. In his filing, the parent said his youngest child graduated from high school in May and that he “no longer has any children attending Oklahoma public schools.” [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: CareerTech ready to embrace President Trump’s commitment to career training: In a fast-changing economy, one thing remains constant: the value of skills. Whether it’s advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology or the skilled trades, the need for trained professionals has never been greater. [Brent Haken / Tulsa World]

Health News

How does Oklahoma City’s new emergency mental health response team work?: In Oklahoma City, a new program is diverting emergency mental health calls to trained social workers, peer support specialists and paramedics, instead of police officers. The city’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare program, which officially launched in May, is housed in the Oklahoma City Fire Department and provides alternatives for 911 calls related to behavioral or mental health needs. [KOSU]

Opinion, Oklahoma County DA: Mental health belongs at the center of Oklahoma justice reform efforts: Providing community-based treatment options and intervention programs enhances public safety and ensures that our justice system upholds the dignity of every individual. [Vicki Behenna / The Oklahoman]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma Enacts Fines and Fees Reform, Tougher Sentencing Laws: Bills aimed at reducing fines and fees that burden criminal defendants and boosting statewide participation in a county-level mental health and diversion program have become law. [Oklahoma Watch]

Man claims illegal detention in Tulsa jail as ICE, sheriff dispute responsibility: A man detained on an immigration hold in the Tulsa County jail says he’s imprisoned illegally, but officials say he won’t be going anywhere until the courts determine if that’s the case. [Public Radio Tulsa]

As new facility remains unfunded, Oklahoma County Jail deaths on pace to match worst year: Nearly halfway through 2025, the Oklahoma County Jail is on pace to break its grim record for detainee deaths while still struggling with staffing shortages, failed inspection reports and doubts among those tasked with overseeing the facility’s day-to-day operations. [NonDoc]

Oklahoma County diversion courts need a new governing board, DA says: Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna wants a new governing board to oversee county diversion courts, which emphasize treatment and counseling over incarceration. [The Oklahoman]

Tulsa police fatally shoot person who reportedly fired at first responders, others: Tulsa police fatally shot a 30-year-old man who reportedly shot a jogger and then fired shots at emergency personnel and others who responded on Sunday afternoon, the department said. [Tulsa World]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Tulsa Job Corps to close as part of federal cuts: A longtime residential education and job training program with locations in Tulsa and other parts of Oklahoma is among the latest casualties of federal cutting. [Tulsa World]

Community News

Oklahomans kick off Pride Month in the metro with packed parade on 39th Street: June is Pride Month and Oklahomans from near and far gathered across the metro to celebrate. Joy and freedom is what many at Sunday’s Pride parade say it’s all about. [KFOR]

• Oklahoma Pride 2025: Here’s 10 festivals, events to celebrate statewide through June [The Oklahoman]
• See photos of people celebrating at OKC Pride on 39th Saturday afternoon [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Actions of the Trump administration will foster corruption, will not promote civility: Many in the United States consider Donald Trump to be a savior. To the contrary, he and the actions of some in his administration will foster corruption and ongoing incivility in our society. [Nancy E. Snow / The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• New Edmond City Council tackles budget reform with budgeting in progress: What’s changing? [The Oklahoman] 
• City to pay $700,000 to settle lawsuit filed by woman arrested outside Trump’s Tulsa rally [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“House Bill 1460 is a step in the right direction toward eliminating unjust financial penalties that make it harder for Oklahomans to get back on their feet after incarceration. Without the burden of overwhelming fees, people will be better equipped to rebuild their lives and become productive members of society.”

– Rep. Tammy West of Oklahoma City, speaking about the passage of her bill that removes several fees from the state statutes, including a $300 electronic monitoring fee for Department of Corrections inmates enrolled in a GPS monitoring program and a $15 assessment for those convicted of a misdemeanor or felony DUI. Many of the fees are not reliably collected and most agencies will be able to absorb the costs, according to a House fiscal impact report. [Oklahoma Watch]

• From OK Policy: Eliminate justice-related fees and invest in Oklahoma’s justice system

Number of the Day

$36,000

The cost per day for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to house 526 undocumented immigrants in Oklahoma jails for criminal activity unrelated to their unlawful presence in the U.S. [State of Oklahoma]

Policy Note

Fact-checking claims about illegal immigration in Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt in December released a joint statement with 25 other Republican governors announcing support for using state law enforcement and the National Guard to help carry out Trump’s immigration agenda. The Frontier used public records, information provided by state officials and other sources to fact-check recent claims about illegal immigration in Oklahoma. [The Frontier]

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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

New data shows Oklahoma’s housing crisis is worsening: New data from the National Low Income Housing Coalition confirms what Oklahomans already know: our housing crisis is getting worse. Oklahoma needs nearly 85,000 rental homes to meet the needs of extremely low-income renters. [Sabine Brown / OK Policy]

State Government News

Legislature removes Allie Friesen as mental health commissioner: In the late hours of what was functionally its final day of regular session, the Oklahoma Legislature voted in supermajorities to remove Allie Friesen as commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The inherently tense situation escalated past the point of no return when Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a statement targeting the wife of a senator — leading some legislators to question if the governor was any more fit to lead than Friesen. [NonDoc]

• Lawmakers fire Oklahoma mental health commissioner against governor’s wishes [Oklahoma Voice]
• Legislature passes resolution seeking to oust Oklahoma mental health commissioner [The Oklahoman]
• Legislature fires mental health commissioner after Gov. Stitt tries to block veto overrides [Tulsa World]
• Oklahoma lawmakers remove mental health commissioner [KOSU]

Oklahoma lawmakers overturn vetoes on dozens of measures, including mammograms, records transparency: Despite a nearly five hour delay in the Senate, a bill expanding access to mammograms for early breast cancer detection was one of nearly four dozen vetoes the House and Senate overturned on the penultimate day of session as they worked past midnight and into Friday morning before adjourning. Lawmakers moved to overturn the majority of Stitt’s vetoes. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma lawmakers move to overturn dozens of Gov. Stitt vetoes in last-minute push [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma lawmakers were trying to finish for the year. Then everything stopped over this bill [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma lawmakers override string of Gov. Kevin Stitt’s vetoes [KOSU]
• Oklahoma lawmakers close 2025 session with veto overrides [The Journal Record]
• From OK Policy: The governor’s agenda isn’t a plan — it’s a power grab

Oklahoma governor signs income tax cut deal: What to know: Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt has signed an income tax cut into law, accomplishing his main goal of the legislative session with days to spare. The quarter-point cut will reduce Oklahoma’s income tax rate to 4.5% for most earners, while costing the state between $160 million and $300 million a year in lost revenue, according to varying estimates. [The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: The truth is, most families might see just a few dollars a week — and (tax cuts) might not kick in until 2027. That’s a lot of sizzle for no steak.”

TSET board plans to sue to stop a new Oklahoma law restructuring its membership: A constitutionally created board charged with overseeing billions of taxpayer dollars plans to sue to block a new law that allows state leaders to alter its makeup at any time. [Oklahoma Voice]

Collection of student immigration data in Oklahoma public schools blocked: A controversial proposed rule from Oklahoma’s chief education official to require schools to collect immigration status of students will not take effect. [Oklahoma Voice]

President Trump wants to slash funds for NPR and PBS: What that means to Oklahoma TV and radio: Making good on his longstanding threats to cut funding for the Public Broadcasting Service and National Public Radio, Trump’s executive order endangers America’s largest public broadcasters and hundreds of associated local and regional radio and television channels. In Oklahoma, that includes public radio stations KOSU and KGOU as well as the Oklahoma Educational Television Authority, or OETA. [The Oklahoman]

Morel hunting to hospital prices: 5 new Oklahoma laws you might have missed: Out of the hundreds of new laws that will go into effect in 2025, here are five that you might not have heard about yet. [The Oklahoman]

Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Income tax cut signed, Catholic charter school blocked, social studies standards and more (audio): The panel talks about the governor signing a bill to reduce the top income tax bracket by .25%, a legal challenge coming to a new law restricting initiative petitions and the U.S. Supreme Court blocking a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma. Also discussed, a waiver issued by parents and advocates for students to opt-out of materials championed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and lawmakers providing a $100,000 bonus to prosecutors who a fighting an ongoing battle over tribal sovereignty. [KOSU]

Opinion: Oklahoma’s income tax cuts will be anything but a relief for seniors: Oklahoma’s $250 million income tax cut and flat agency funding are framed as “relief,” but for many older Oklahomans, they translate into lost services, longer waits and greater vulnerability. This budget tells older Oklahomans: We can afford tax cuts for the wealthy, but not meals, home care, or protection for you. [Karen A. Poteet Brewer / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: The party of parents — unless they disagree: For years, the GOP promoted itself as chief protector of parents’ rights. Don’t want your kids exposed to sex ed in school? Or forced to read certain books? Statehouse Republicans fought to establish opt out provisions. Now, a grassroots group calling itself We’re Oklahoma Education – or WOKE – is demanding the same power for parents who don’t want their students force-fed Bible lessons, rightwing PragerU materials, or Superintendent Ryan Walters‘ social studies standards that include election denialism. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]

Editorial: Oklahomans wanting say in policies may have only one hope: Vote Republicans out: Opponents to SB 1027 noted it includes provisions that were previously struck down in federal court. However, a lawsuit has yet to be filed, and the legal process to overturn the law is complicated, lengthy and uncertain to be successful. The only certain option the people of Oklahoma have at this point is to convince their elected representatives to change course or throw them out of office. That will require a level of involvement and participation in the political system that has been lacking. [The Oklahoman Editorial Board] 

Federal Government News

EPA excluded, then restored, data on Black people who live closest to toxic sites: A Streetlight investigation found most EPA data on factories, Superfund sites, and other sites the agency regulates excluded how many Black people live closest to the sites. This applied to the majority-Black JFK neighborhood in Oklahoma City and 80 sites in eight majority-Black cities, including Jackson, Mississippi; Memphis, Tennessee; and Baltimore, Maryland. The “ghost data” made it falsely appear that zero Black residents lived within one mile of the sites and white people were most impacted by these facilities. [Streetlight] 

Immigrants in U.S. without permanent legal status grew to 12.2 million, study finds: The Center for Migration Studies Thursday released a report finding the population of people in the United States without permanent legal status increased to 12.2 million in 2023, using the most recent Census Bureau American Community Survey data. [Oklahoma Voice]

Tribal Nations News

More than 4,100 Oklahomans have yet to claim Native American settlement awards: Heirs of over 17,000 deceased Individual Indian Money account holders have until June 30 to claim compensation. Descendants of Individual Indian Money account holders who should have received money in a class action lawsuit have until June 30 to submit probate information for compensation. [KGOU]

Power List: Native American Leaders 2025: At a time when Native voices are more vital than ever, these leaders stand as powerful examples of what it means to lead with purpose and vision. We hope they inspire you as much as they’ve inspired us. It is an honor to celebrate their contributions to Oklahoma — and to the broader narrative of Native excellence across the nation. [Journal Record]

Education News

Marathon court hearing in social studies standards lawsuit ends without immediate ruling: At the end of a court hearing that lasted more than two hours, an Oklahoma County judge gave no indication when he might rule on dueling requests from attorneys in a lawsuit filed over the process used to develop and pass the state’s new social studies academic standards. [The Oklahoman]

Stitt signs bill that could lead to expanded course offerings at Tulsa-area colleges: A new law in Oklahoma may allow college students in Tulsa to take a broader range of courses at their institutions. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 701, authorizing the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to approve proposals made by colleges to expand their undergraduate and graduate course offerings and degree programs. [Tulsa World]

OSU receives historic $250 million from state to build new veterinary teaching hospital: A$250 million state appropriation and the new veterinary hospital it will help fund should solve the facility concerns that have continued to dog Oklahoma State University’s animal medicine program, officials say. [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Christian nationalism is being forced into Oklahoma schools. It’s a war on reality: Oklahoma Republicans are staging a war on reality in their public schools, and every American who cares about religious freedom and democracy should be ashamed. State officials are trying to force the Bible and the Christian nationalist “1776 Commission” report into public classrooms, turning education into religious and political indoctrination. [Kevin Bolling / The Oklahoman]

Health News

HHS presses health care providers, hospitals to curb gender-affirming treatments for kids: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urged health care providers Wednesday to stop several treatments for children with gender dysphoria, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahoma veterans face care gap despite strong benefits: A quarter of a million veterans – more than one-third who served in the Vietnam era – call Oklahoma home, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Oklahoma offers them a good economic environment and quality of life but falls short when it comes to health care, according to a new ranking of the best states for military retirees. [The Journal Record]

Opinion, Oklahoma oil and gas drillers face few regulations amid lingering concerns about health impact: The oil and gas industry is a major economic engine in Oklahoma, contributing significantly to jobs and tax revenue. But, we are paying for this lucrative driver of our economy with environmental degradation and harm to community health. [Mike Altshuler / Oklahoma Voice]

Criminal Justice News

Will the 154 people arrested at an alleged street takeover face charges?: Nearly two weeks after a controversial mass arrest of 154 mostly young people at an alleged street takeover event, confusion remains about what comes next as leaders in Oklahoma City still can’t seem to agree on how to move forward. [The Oklahoman]

Prosecutor training focuses on animal cruelty, domestic violence: The training session is part of a three-day program being presented by the Tulsa County DA’s office for rookie prosecutors across the region, focusing on how to handle domestic violence and animal cruelty cases. [Tulsa World]

Former OKCPD officer who slammed Lich Vu to the ground approved for disability: On Wednesday, the state board overseeing police pension and retirement approved a former officer’s disability pay after he was caught on camera slamming an elderly man to the ground. [KFOR]

A Look Back: Funding for Oklahoma victims’ compensation drops after justice reforms: While the number of victims of violent crime who apply for compensation has fallen significantly over the past several years, the denial rate for payments also increased. [The Frontier]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Tulsa Park Board to discuss using Newblock Park for transitional housing for homeless: The Tulsa Parks and Recreation Board on Tuesday will discuss and possibly act on the city’s recommendation to use a portion of Newblock Park for transitional housing for the homeless. [Tulsa World]

Dorset Place to house homeless veterans in OKC: Veterans experiencing homelessness will soon have a new permanent housing option thanks to the Oklahoma City Housing Authority (OCHA) and MAPS 4.  [The Journal Record]

Economy & Business News

DEI: ‘We don’t need anyone’s permission to do what’s right’: Despite rollbacks on diversity, equity and inclusion policies by some politicians, it is vital for businesses to continue to seek out employees from a variety of backgrounds, the keynote speaker at a Tulsa Regional Chamber event said Thursday. [Tulsa World]

Community News

Opinion: I love my church. Disaffiliating to avoid LGBTQ+ exclusion was the right move: We’ve always welcomed anyone sincerely interested in learning more about God, worshipping him, studying what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and serving our community, including LGBTQ+ persons. [Matthew Curtis Fleischer / The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Strong Neighborhoods Initiative drives housing, art and parks in OKC [The Journal Record]
• Cleveland County faces $15 million budget cut challenge [KOCO]

Quote of the Day

“If Oklahoma truly values older Oklahomans, our budget should reflect that. It’s time to put people before percentages and dignity before dollars. We should be strengthening the foundations that allow people to age with dignity — not eroding them for short-term tax wins.”

– Karen A. Poteet Brewer, a former Aging Services Director for the State of Oklahoma, writing in an op-ed about how the state’s budget — with flat agency funding and hundreds of millions in lost revenue from tax cuts — will fail to meet the needs of Oklahoma’s aging population. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

84,718

The number of affordable and available rental units needed in Oklahoma to meet the needs of residents who are considered extremely low income. This includes people with incomes at or below either the federal poverty guideline or 30% of their area median income, whichever is greater. [National Low Income Housing Coalition]

Policy Note

The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes: The nation’s lowest-income renters face a long-standing, systemic shortage of affordable and accessible housing attributable to the inherent limitations of the private market and inadequate public subsidies. This shortage of affordable housing impacts nearly every community in the U.S. and constitutes a crisis that is detrimental to the wellbeing of millions of people, including low-wage workers, seniors, people with disabilities, and single-adult caregivers of young children and family members with disabilities. [National Low Income Housing Coalition] | [PDF, Full Report]

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

Policy Matters: New federal budget bill would harm Oklahoma children, families: They’re calling it the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — a name so slick it sounds like a game show prize. But the name attempts to hide a grim reality: it’s a blueprint for hardship, designed to gut health care and food programs for millions of Americans while handing out tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Buried in the fine print, you’ll find a gut punch to everyday folks trying to earn a living, put food on the table, and keep their families healthy. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

Governor signs income tax cut bill as Oklahoma lawmakers prepare to end session: Gov. Kevin   on Wednesday signed a bill to cut the state’s top income tax rate. House Bill 2764 reduces the state’s top income tax bracket by .25% from 4.75% from 4.5% and contains a path toward eliminating it entirely. Most Oklahomans fall within the top bracket. The fiscal impact is expected to be about $350 million. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Gov. Kevin Stitt signs bill to reduce state income tax rate [Tulsa World]
• Oklahoma income tax cut signed by Gov. Stitt [News On 6]
• From OK Policy: The governor’s agenda isn’t a plan — it’s a power grab (Commentary)

Legislature signs off on creation of Oklahoma business courts: The Legislature on Wednesday advanced a measure to Gov. Kevin Stitt to create the state’s first business court system. Senate Bill 632 would create a business court in Tulsa and one in Oklahoma City. The specialized courts would only hear business-related disputes that involve at least $500,000. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Bill establishing business courts in Tulsa, OKC now on Stitt’s desk [Tulsa World]
• Business courts could soon be established in Oklahoma. Critics are worried. [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma business court bill sent to House for last vote [The Journal Record]

State Government News

Oklahoma lawmakers weigh veto overrides as session expected to end (video): Gov. Kevin Stitt defended his more than 40 vetoes from the 2025 regular session. “I am for limited government, lower taxes. More government regulations doesn’t fix these problems,” Stitt said. He acknowledged having conversations with lawmakers about his veto decisions, admitting, “There’s a couple that I’ve already talked to that they said ‘Hey, you missed this issue.’ I said, ‘You’re right. Y’all need to override that.’ There’s a couple that the legislature has come to me and said ‘Hey, we missed this.'” [KOCO]

Legislature acts to reinstate vetoed licensing boards for cosmetology, funerals: Late-session legislative legerdemain appears to have rescued two professional licensing bodies. With the usual procedural rules suspended, the House and Senate on Wednesday inserted a one-year reauthorization of the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering into an unrelated measure and passed it by a combined vote of 154-2. [Tulsa World]

• Oklahoma legislature revives state funeral board [KOSU]
• Oklahoma Governor and state lawmakers agree to keep State Cosmetology Board in place for one year [Fox 23]

Legislature slaps restrictions on who can oversee Oklahoma’s mental health settlement agreement: Amid ongoing turmoil, the Oklahoma Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that appears to require someone other than the state’s current mental health commissioner to oversee compliance with a landmark mental health settlement agreement. Under House Bill 2513, which heads to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk, the official tasked with overseeing the implementation of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ settlement agreement must be a medical doctor or hold a doctorate degree. [Oklahoma Voice]

While Oklahoma foster care payments stay stagnant, foster parents rely on community support: Lawmakers attempted to secure more financial support for Oklahoma foster parents this legislative session. While they weren’t successful, other resources are available. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

Federal Government News

5 ways the ‘big, beautiful bill’ could impact Americans: Congressional Republicans are moving quickly to pass a mammoth tax and spending cuts package that could have a direct impact on millions of Americans and drastic consequences for the economy. The 1,000-plus-page bill recently passed by the House would extend tax cuts set to expire as part of President Trump’s signature 2017 tax law, provisions aimed at nixing taxes on tips and overtime pay. It also includes a host of reforms to programs like Medicaid and food stamps that according to early estimates could reduce spending in those areas by hundreds of billions of dollars in the next decade. [KFOR]

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

A public conversation on SoonerCare was held on Wednesday following proposed budget cuts (video): A public conversation was held in midtown Tulsa on Wednesday about the possible cuts to SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s version of Medicaid. Last week, House Republicans made cuts to the budget which will include cuts to Medicaid. Speakers like Dr. Chris McNeil spoke to the public about these cuts and what effects they will have, if allowed to pass. [Fox 23]

Top Democrats in Congress decry White House ‘lack of transparency’ in spending plans: Two top Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to detail exactly how it’s spending money that Congress approved earlier this year for government operations. House Appropriations Committee ranking member Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut and Senate Appropriations Committee ranking member Patty Murray of Washington released a two-page letter Wednesday demanding the White House budget office share that information this week. [Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: House Republicans already on repeat with Medicaid cut talking points: You’d think that kicking 174,000 Oklahomans off their health insurance and jacking up premiums for those using the Affordable Care Act marketplace by at least 100% would at least bring down the national debt. Nope. The budget reconciliation bill passed by the U.S. House last week would add $3 trillion to $4 trillion to the debt, according to the Congressional Budget Office. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Trade court blocks President Trump’s tariffs, ruling they exceed legal authority: A federal court ruled President Donald Trump can’t use an emergency-powers law to impose tariffs on foreign countries, dealing a blow to his trade agenda. The ruling notes that the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to “regulate commerce with foreign nations.” [USA Today]

Homeland Security wants court to drop immigration policy lawsuit filed by Ryan Walters: The new Republican administration in charge of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit concerning immigration policy filed in January by Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters and the state Department of Education, which he runs. Walters had demanded the federal agency pay the state $474 million to “recoup illegal immigration impacts on Oklahoma schools.” [The Oklahoman]

Trump administration contends U.S. courts can’t rule on Kilmar Abrego Garcia: The Trump administration is arguing that a Maryland federal court lacks the authority to require the return of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia because he’s in prison in El Salvador — even though the U.S. Supreme Court has directed administration officials to “facilitate” his return. In addition, the judge in the highly publicized case has denied the Department of Justice’s request for another 30 days to extend its time to submit briefs. Abrego Garcia has remained in prison since March. [Oklahoma Voice]

Chinese students anxious and angry after Rubio vows to revoke visas: Chinese students studying in the U.S. are scrambling to figure out their futures after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that some students would have their visas revoked. The U.S. will begin revoking the visas of some Chinese students, including those studying in “critical fields”, and “those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party,” according to the announcement. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Tribal Nations News

Oklahoma tribal nation sues U.S. government over federal Indian boarding schools: The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, headquartered in Anadarko, and the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California filed a legal complaint last week to hold the United States accountable for the federal Indian boarding school system and its policies. It was made against the Department of the Interior, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and the Bureaus of Indian Affairs and Indian Education. [KOSU]

More than 4,100 Oklahomans have yet to claim Native American settlement awards: Descendants of Individual Indian Money account holders who should have received money in a class action lawsuit have until June 30 to submit probate information for compensation. More than $38 million is available for over 17,000 deceased account holders whose funds were not awarded after the 2009 settlement in the case Cobell v. Salazar. Around 4,100 deceased members’ accounts are in Oklahoma, according to William Dorris, a lead plaintiff attorney for the settlement. [KOSU]

City moves forward with transfer of parks to Muscogee Nation: After a ceremony last year, Tulsa officials are still working to give Council Oak and Stickball parks back to the Muscogee Nation. The two parks are on either side of 18th Street at its intersection with Cheyenne Avenue. Council Oak was where the Muscogee Nation reconvened after they were removed from their original homeland, and Stickball Park is where tribes played the sport the park is named for. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Education News

Judge set to rule on future of controversial Oklahoma social studies standards: After nearly three hours of oral arguments Wednesday, an Oklahoma County district judge said he isn’t ready to rule on a legal challenge to the state’s controversial social studies standards. A group of seven Oklahoma parents, grandparents and teachers represented by former Republican Attorney General Mike Hunter have sued and asked Dishman to nullify the controversial academic standards, which include language about discrepancies in the 2020 election, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and biblical lessons. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Lawsuit challenging Ryan Walters’ and OSDE’s social studies standards set to be heard in court [KOCO]
• Marathon court hearing in social studies standards lawsuit ends without immediate ruling [The Oklahoman]

Parents push back against Oklahoma’s new social studies standards with opt-out form: Some public school parents in Oklahoma say they don’t want their child learning the new social studies standards. A non-partisan, non-profit called “We’re Oklahoma Education,” or “WOKE” for short, created an opt-out form for this. It’s a fill-in-the-blank template, where you can put your initial next to the material you don’t want your child learning in school.
[Fox 25]

• Nonpartisan Oklahoma Group Offers Parents Social Studies Opt-Out Forms Amid Controversy Over State Curriculum [Hoodline]

Oklahoma schools will not be required to track immigrant students despite Walters’ proposal: A controversial administrative rule proposal that would have required schools to collect the immigration status of students and their parents has been halted after a joint resolution blocking the policy went into effect without Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma Watch Files Transparency Lawsuit Against Education Department: Oklahoma Watch and reporter Jennifer Palmer sued State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters and the state Department of Education, asking a district court judge to order the release of public records the department refused to produce.At issue is a resignation letter from Kourtney Heard, who served as the agency’s chief compliance officer for approximately 13 months, beginning in April 2024. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma teachers could earn up to $10K in annual stipends: A new law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt will change how Oklahoma recognizes and rewards high-performing teachers. House Bill 1412, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, introduces a tiered certification system that offers annual stipends instead of permanent pay raises. [News On 6]

$25 million in state budget officially approved for teacher pay raise schedule: Members of the legislature signed off on part of the state’s budget Tuesday, dedicating $25 million to public education. It’s tied to House Bill 1087, which was authored by Rep. Dick Lowe (R-Amber) and co-authored on the Senate side by Sen. Adam Pugh (R-Edmond). The bill would give long-standing, or senior teachers, an incentive to stay in the classroom by raising the teacher pay raise ceiling. [KFOR]

Health News

RFK Jr. ends COVID vaccine recommendation for healthy children, pregnant people: U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. changed the federal government’s recommendation for the coronavirus vaccine on Tuesday, saying healthy children and healthy pregnant people no longer need to get it. Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic who had to broker several deals with Republican senators to secure confirmation, didn’t explain why he was making the change in a brief video. [Oklahoma Voice]

RFK Jr.’s ‘Make America Healthy Again’ report stresses emphasis on children’s well-being: The Make America Healthy Again commission, created earlier this year by President Donald Trump, released its first report Thursday, calling on the administration and lawmakers to improve the well-being of the country’s children. The 73-page report was published just after Trump and several Cabinet secretaries held an event highlighting their concerns with four areas — nutrition, physical activity, environmental factors and “overmedicalization.” [Oklahoma Voice]

Criminal Justice News

State Supreme Court opens the door to surprise health inspections of Oklahoma County jail: The Oklahoma State Department of Health may perform unannounced inspections of the deadly Oklahoma County jail, the state Supreme Court ruled Wednesday, May 28. The court ruled: “The legislature requires jail inspections by the OSDH, the legislature has stated specific requirements for jail management and care for prisoners, and the OSDH is required to examine whether a jail meets those requirements. The OSDH is required to perform an inspection and a jail must admit an OSDH inspector to inspect the jail.” [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma prosecutors can seek death penalty for child rape on first offense: People convicted of sex offenses against children can be sentenced to death or life without parole on their first offense under a new law signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Senate Bill 599, authored by Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, allows prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for the rape of a child under 14 for first-time offenders. Under existing law, the offender must have been previously convicted of the sex crime to be eligible for the death penalty. [Oklahoma Voice]

Bixby man, former coach gets 22 years in prison for child sexual abuse: A Bixby man who prosecutors say “used his position as a coach to groom and seek out minor children” has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for child sex abuse and other crimes. [Tulsa World]

Economy & Business News

Is carbon storage the next big industry in Oklahoma? Lawmakers are looking to regulate: Researchers and private companies in the U.S. are seeking ways to limit emissions from burning fossil fuels through carbon storage. The emerging industry traps carbon dioxide, sometimes before it enters the atmosphere, and injects it into deep geological formations underground. [StateImpact Oklahoma]

3D-printed rocket fuel factory to open in southwest Oklahoma, governor says: A 3D-printed rocket fuel factory is coming to Lawton, a facility that its founders say will be the first of its kind in the United States. Firehawk Aerospace, headquartered in Texas, plans to invest $22 million and create 100 jobs, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday, May 28, during his weekly news conference. [The Oklahoman]

Community News

OK County, unlike OKC, wants ARPA money back from troubled state mental health agency: Oklahoma County commissioners want the $1.5 million in pandemic money back that they provided for a new state mental health center to replace Griffin Memorial Hospital, since plans to build a new facility from the ground up have been scrapped. [The Oklahoman]

‘We need the TIF’: Capitol Hill area sees proposal for redevelopment in SWOKC: The ranks of Oklahoma City’s tax increment finance districts may be expanding soon with the addition of one in the Capitol Hill area that could go before the city council in the coming months. TIF districts offer a slightly complex and sometimes controversial method of creating opportunities for the development and redevelopment of areas that need a makeover. [NonDoc]

Local Headlines

• Norman residents protest South Extension turnpike at heated OTA meeting [KGOU]
• Edmond’s $44M City Center Complex to open in July [The Journal Record]
• Tulsa school board approves principal contract renewals on second try [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“Are we growing government or shrinking it?”

– Sen. David Bullard of Durant, asked during floor debate about creating a new system of business courts in Oklahoma. The proposal, which passed the Senate, would cost about $2 million a year, plus additional costs for physical offices. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

$500 billion

If the federal reconciliation bill is enacted into law in its current form, and Congress takes no further action, the increase in the deficit would trigger mandatory cuts, also known as sequestration, under the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. These cuts would total approximately $500 billion to Medicare from 2026–2034, according to CBO. [KFF]

Policy Note

Congress is Neglecting its Best Tools for Oversight and Efficiency: For over a century, Congress has relied on nonpartisan support entities to help it gather and process information and monitor the executive branch for waste, fraud, and abuse. Given the growth and prevalence of these sophisticated investigators and analysts, why have problems persisted? One explanation may be that Congress is simply not listening as much as they used to or could be. There has been a decades-long decline in witness testimony and implementation of recommendations from Congress’s key oversight entities: the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Offices of Inspectors General (OIG). [Bipartisan Policy Center]

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