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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.
Oklahoma News
DOJ report on Tulsa Race Massacre not what some hoped: The U.S. Department of Justice’s report on Tulsa’s 1921 Race Massacre was not what some had hoped. While the review found no possibility of criminal prosecution, it is generally critical of public officials at the time, including a Bureau of Investigation agent who conducted an apparently cursory report in the days following the massacre. It emphasizes the apparent organization of at least some of those who invaded Tulsa’s Black Greenwood neighborhood on the morning of June 1, 1921, and burned it to the ground while killing an unknown number of people. [Tulsa World]
- Tulsa Race Massacre survivors learn of DOJ report on tragedy from press, attorney says [Public Radio Tulsa]
- DOJ: Credible reports that law enforcement ‘participated in murder’ during Race Massacre [Public Radio Tulsa]
- DOJ report on Tulsa Race Massacre: ‘No avenue of prosecution now exists’ [Tulsa World]
- DOJ says ‘no avenue’ to prosecute those who perpetrated Tulsa Race Massacre [The Oklahoman]
- Tulsa Massacre Was a ‘Coordinated, Military-Style Attack,’ Federal Report Says [New York Times]
- Justice Department says there are ‘credible reports’ law enforcement took part in 1921 Tulsa massacre [Reuters]
- Read the U.S. Department of Justice report
State Government News
Stitt: Session started, so full Legislature must approve mental health lawsuit settlement: In a development adding another knot in the noodles of Oklahoma’s 2025 legislative session, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office says a mental health lawsuit settlement about competency restoration services will need to be approved by the full Legislature instead of only a triumvirate of state leaders. [NonDoc]
- Lawsuit on inmates’ mental health: Legislature on tap to approve consent decree [Tulsa World]
After Canoo shuttered factories, a bill seeks to keep other EV companies from getting cash from a state incentive program: An Oklahoma lawmaker has filed a bill that would ban electric vehicle makers from receiving cash from a governor-controlled state incentive program after Canoo furloughed workers and closed factories in the state. [The Frontier]
Business courts ‘most important boring thing’ on Legislature’s agenda, ex-lawmaker says: Former state Rep. Jon Echols is very excited about what he says is “the most important boring thing the Legislature is going to do” this session. That’s saying something, considering how many boring things a Legislature does in any given session. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma lawmakers file wide-ranging bills: Lawmakers have filed bills to curb smoking, increase the minimum wage and allow sports betting. More are coming. Jan. 16 is the bill filing deadline. But here’s a breakdown of a couple more notable ones that have been filed so far. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma Lawmaker Files Bill To Increase Access To Menstrual Products In Schools [News 9]
- Oklahoma Senate bill could lower bag limit for antlered deer from two to one [The Oklahoman]
Proposed bill would help more Oklahoma kids qualify for free, reduced-price school lunches: More kids could see free or reduced-price school lunches for the next two school years if a recently introduced bill makes it through the upcoming legislative session. [The Oklahoman]
Walters asks Oklahoma lawmakers for $3 million to fund classroom Bibles: State Superintendent Ryan Walters asked lawmakers for a $3 million allocation at Thursday’s Senate budget hearing to purchase Bibles for Oklahoma classrooms. [KGOU]
- Ryan Walters asks lawmakers for millions for Bible mandate, legal fights [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma DHS weighs changes to accreditation requirements for child care providers: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) hosted a public hearing Tuesday, allowing child care providers to comment on proposed emergency rules related to its child care subsidy and licensing programs. Providers said they’re concerned about a provision that would require certain facilities to become accredited. [KOSU]
OKPOP Museum leader asks for pledges to count so $18 million in state funding can be used: State lawmakers have been asked to ease access to $18 million they previously appropriated for development of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture in Tulsa. [Tulsa World]
Tribal and external affairs role created for Oklahoma’s 60th Legislature: Rep. Scott Fetgatter will be serving in a new leadership position to ensure better communication among the state Legislature, tribal governments and the federal delegation from Oklahoma. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma House lawmaker takes on second role as government affairs manager: A Democratic House lawmaker has taken on a job as a regional government affairs manager for a nonprofit organization focused on the separation of church and state. In addition to serving as a state representative, Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, announced Wednesday that he will also work for the Freedom From Religion Foundation. [Oklahoma Voice]
‘Champion of the ratepayer’: Bob Anthony reformed OCC, worked undercover for FBI: Bob Anthony had never been to an Oklahoma Corporation Commission meeting until he was encouraged in 1988 to run for a seat on the three-member utility-regulating panel. Devoid of a political background and lacking ties to the oil and gas industry or utility companies, Anthony — like many Oklahomans — didn’t really know what the agency did. But today, 36 years after taking his first oath as an elected state officeholder, his tenure as a corporation commissioner ends. [NonDoc]
Opinion: Oklahomans ignoring human trafficking are allowing it to thrive: Within a mile of where you stand, the crime of human trafficking is occurring. That’s an opening line Tulsa private investigator Eric Cullen uses to grab the attention of an audience unfamiliar with human trafficking. He adds that the Oklahoma Legislature declared it an emergency in 2022. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]
Opinion: Capitol Insider: New Oklahoma legislature begins as state revenues slow: The 60th legislature is underway. Legislative budget hearings began Wednesday. These hearings are when agencies present their budget request for the next fiscal year to lawmakers. [KGOU]
Opinion: This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Ryan Walters’ video, Oklahoma County Jail, open primaries and more (audio): The panel discuss a video from State Superintendent Ryan Walters attacking teachers and teachers’ unions, Oklahoma County ending its lawsuit against OKC over the location of a new jail and supporters of an open primary ballot measure refiling their initiative petition with the Secretary of State. The trio also discusses Organizational Day at the State Capitol for lawmakers to elect leaders and adopt rules for the coming legislative session, and three Republican representatives appeal a $127 million OG&E rate increase to the State Supreme Court. [KOSU]
Opinion: Oklahoma House’s decision to police a single women’s Capitol bathroom is sexist and outrageous: The bathroom police have arrived at the Oklahoma state Capitol, and our Republican lawmakers plan to lead the charge of deciding who’s woman enough to pee. It’s yet another state police attacking the rights of transgender people, but they’ve added more targets: children. Now, hold on. Before you poo-poo the idea, the male-dominated House wants the public to know that legislators only plan to police usage in one particular bathroom — the one that’s designated for use by their female colleagues. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]
Federal Government News
‘Held hostage’: Congress blocks Fort Reno return through September: When Congress passed a continuing resolution in December in order to avoid a government shutdown, it included a small provision backed by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK3) with big impacts for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes: The resolution bars the executive branch of the U.S. government from returning nearly 10,000 acres of land around the historic Fort Reno to the tribes until at least Sept. 30. [NonDoc]
Federal judge vacates Biden Title IX rule, scrapping protections for LGBTQ+ students nationwide: A federal district court judge in Kentucky has struck down President Joe Biden’s effort to protect transgender students and make other changes to Title IX, ruling the U.S. Department of Education violated teachers’ rights by requiring them to use transgender students’ names and pronouns. [Oklahoma Voice]
Tribal Nations News
Trump Interior Secretary nominee draws praise from tribal leaders with environmental caveats: Tribal nations are assessing President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks. Potential Department of Interior lead Doug Burgum is of particular interest to Indigenous leaders. Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said collaboration is key to the position. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Cherokee Nation secures $10.7M grant for EV charging network: The Cherokee Nation is receiving a $10.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to install 112 publicly accessible electric vehicle charging ports across 12 community locations. [The Journal Record]
Prominent Chickasaw politician Neal McCaleb dies at 90: A defender of tribal sovereignty and Native rights, Chickasaw politician and Oklahoma City native Neal McCaleb died on Thursday at 90. [KOSU]
- Republican lawmaker, transportation advocate and Chickasaw leader Neal McCaleb dies [Tulsa World]
Voting and Election News
Eight seeking vacant Oklahoma Senate seat: Six Republicans, one Democrat and an independent have filed for the state Senate seat formerly held by Roger Thompson. The filing period was Monday through Wednesday. [Oklahoma Voice]
Attorney General Gentner Drummond expected to announce a 2026 run for governor today: While Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is expected to announce on Monday a 2026 run for governor, former state Sen. Mike Mazzei of Tulsa is also readying a bid. [Tulsa World]
- Political notebook: 2026 campaigns appear ready to launch [Tulsa World]
Education News
Ryan Walters tells lawmakers he looks forward to U.S. Department of Education being dissolved: State Superintendent Ryan Walters told state lawmakers on Thursday that he is looking forward to the possibility of the U.S. Department of Education being dissolved under the incoming Trump administration. [Tulsa World]
- Tulsa teacher leader ‘disheartened’ as Stitt, Republican governors support former wrestling CEO for Ed Secretary [Public Radio Tulsa]
Meet Oklahoma’s 3 new House leaders on K-12 education: A year of leadership turnover in the Oklahoma House brings three new K-12 education committee leaders who say improving academic results is their top priority. The GOP-controlled House is unlikely to pursue a hike in school funding after passing major increases in recent years, the three new committee leaders said. [Oklahoma Voice]
Education Watch: District Leaders Address Concerns Over Proposed Immigration Checks: Following the Department of Education’s proposal to require students to prove citizenship or legal immigration status, leaders of the state’s two largest public school districts delivered messages to reassure families. [Oklahoma Watch]
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issues executive order regarding NIL rules: On Thursday, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order that will ensure college athletes “remain competitive in the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics.” The order enables institutions to facilitate direct payments to student-athletes for use of their name, image and likeness, also known as NIL, “while federal and legal decisions surrounding NIL payments remain pending.” [KOCO]
- Gov. Stitt signs order allowing state schools to facilitate NIL deals [The Journal Record]
Special ed students benefit from being integrated at school. It doesn’t always happen: While federal data shows students with disabilities have been increasingly taught in general education settings, students with certain disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, are still largely educated in separate classrooms. [NPR]
Opinion: Here’s the grade Oklahomans gave Ryan Walters for his 2024 performance: A scripture from the Bible seems to have perfectly captured the opinion of thousands of readers who gave schools Superintendent Ryan Walters an “F” grade in a poll conducted by The Oklahoman ― “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” — Psalm 109:8. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]
Health News
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital sees more patients amid respiratory season: officials say it’s prepared: Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health is seeing higher patient volumes in its emergency department, with influenza and RSV cases on the rise. Officials say although your wait time might be longer, Oklahoma Children’s is prepared to meet patients’ needs. [KGOU]
‘Epitome of the rural health crisis’: Pauls Valley hospital closes nearly four years after reopening: Pauls Valley’s hospital is closing down nearly four years after it reopened amid reported financial challenges. Valley Community Hospital is closing its doors this week after an announcement Wednesday evening from its owner and CEO, Madhukar Sharma, according to the Pauls Valley Democrat. Sharma told the Democrat monthly shortfalls well into the six-figure range fueled his decision to close the facility. [KGOU]
Oklahomans face long wait times for SoonerCare Helpline: Some Oklahoma families with SoonerCare say navigating the system has become increasingly difficult with hours spent on hold. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is aware of the long wait times and is working to reduce them. [KFOR]
Criminal Justice News
Oklahoma County Jail CEO Brandi Garner resigning: Oklahoma County Detention Center CEO Brandi Garner is resigning her post less than two years after being hired as the jail’s top officer, she announced in a statement released this afternoon. Garner listed spending more time with family among her top reasons for stepping down. In her resignation letter, she said recent jail problems did not influence her decision. [NonDoc]
- Oklahoma County jail CEO Brandi Garner submits resignation [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma County Jail Trust CEO steps down after critical report [KOSU]
OK County jail fails another inspection with Supreme Court case pending, death: The Oklahoma County jail has failed another surprise health inspection, found “not in substantial compliance” with state regulations, this time after an actual examination — not “failing” because jail administration wouldn’t let inspectors on the premises. [The Oklahoman]
- Is the idea of a new Oklahoma County jail just a pipe dream? What about the health center? [The Oklahoman]
- Could radar stop inmate deaths in the OK County jail? A pro with Oklahoma roots says yes [The Oklahoman]
Cleveland County jail reports first death 10 days into 2025: Cleveland County reported the death of a jail detainee Friday. Jacob Shane Dieball, 27, died on Friday morning, according to a news release from Cleveland County officials. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma Maintains Nation’s Fourth-Highest Imprisonment Rate: Oklahoma is past its former title of top incarcerator in the world, though progress moving down the national rankings has plateaued. [Oklahoma Watch]
Concerns raised about Tulsa 911 center’s service, particularly related to fire calls: Anew examination has revealed serious concerns about whether Tulsa’s 911 call center is promptly and reliably dispatching emergency responders, raising new discussions by officials about whether an overhaul of the system is needed. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma sheriff’s felony charges dismissed, accepts plea deal: A former Southeast Oklahoma sheriff’s felony charges of embezzlement and bribery were dismissed Wednesday as part of a plea deal. Former Pittsburg County Sheriff Chris Morris was charged with three felonies last May for allegedly abusing his office. [KOSU]
‘Murder Under the Friday Night Lights’ episode spotlights 1976 Sapulpa tragedy: A tragedy that rocked Sapulpa nearly 50 years ago is going to be revisited in a new episode of the true crime docu-series “Murder Under the Friday Night Lights.” [Tulsa World]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
Editorial: Mayor Monroe Nichols’ first moves in housing, homelessness hold promise: During Tulsa’s first arctic blast of the season, the city of Tulsa and dozens of nonprofit partners are keeping vulnerable people and pets safe while also moving fast on longer-term solutions to homelessness. It’s a promising path ahead for the city. [Editorial / Tulsa World]
Economy & Business News
Details scarce for Oklahoma data centers promised by Trump: President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Oklahoma will be getting some new data centers. Speaking to the press from Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Trump named Oklahoma among seven other states that will benefit from a $20 billion foreign investment meant to boost artificial intelligence and cloud technology. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Walters, Stitt appear to be on opposite sides on issue of green energy development: Since Ryan Walters won election as Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent in 2023 and began burnishing his image as a conservative firebrand, Gov. Kevin Stitt often has fielded questions about his fellow Republican. While the governor occasionally is critical of Walters, he’s usually not been especially harsh while doing so. But the men now appear to be on opposite sides of a delicate political issue, that of wind turbines that dot the landscape in rural areas of the state, taking advantage of one of Oklahoma’s natural resources. [The Oklahoman]
Editorial: Beware of social media oligarchs trying to avoid higher standards: Do not be fooled by social media billionaires wrapping themselves in the American flag to escape responsibility for spreading lies and engaging in questionable ethics around gathering and selling of personal data. [Editorial / Tulsa World]
Local Headlines
- After 20 years, a multicultural plaza is finally breaking ground in south OKC [The Oklahoman]
- City of Tulsa’s emergency shelter system worked, officials say, but efforts to improve continue [Tulsa World]
Quote of the Day
“I’m not shocked or surprised, but it is disappointing. It just goes to show that justice for Black Americans is too often deferred or denied — and usually it’s denied. I just can’t take (this) ‘no’ and let it go.”
-Kristi Williams, a descendent of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors, speaking about the release of a U.S. Department of Justice report on Saturday. The report found that law enforcement likely “participated in murder” but that “no avenue of prosecution now exists.” [Tulsa World]
Number of the Day
$70
Estimated benefit received by the lowest quintile of 2025 tax filers (earning up to $27,300) from the 2017 tax law, while the top 1% (earning more than $837,800) would receive an estimated benefit of $61,090. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]
Policy Note
Policymakers Should Reject Trump, Republican Tax Agendas That Would Double Down on Failures of 2017 Tax Law: Following a campaign in which President-elect Trump promised to improve the economic circumstances of working-class people across races, it’s jarring that the incoming Trump Administration and Republican majority seem intent on rushing through an extension of the 2017 Trump tax law. That law was skewed to the wealthy, expensive, and failed to deliver on its promises. Instead of doubling down on this costly failure, policymakers should shift course and make better, more equitable choices. They should require wealthy households and corporations to pay their fair share. They should make the tax code work better for families with more modest incomes and people of color. They should support key investments and strengthen our fiscal outlook. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]
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