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In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.
New from OK Policy
Policy Matters: ‘Doing less with less’ hurts us all: In government circles, few phrases are as popular — or as misleading — as “do more with less.” It sounds efficient, even admirable. But in practice, it has too often meant something far more damaging: doing less with less. The result is mounting costs and unmet needs that ultimately affect every Oklahoma business, community, and family. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]
Oklahoma News
Hearing St. Isidore case arguments, SCOTUS ponders whether charter schools are public schools: Hearing a case Wednesday that would have major ramifications across the country, U.S. Supreme Court justices spent two hours weighing arguments about whether a proposed Catholic charter school in Oklahoma would violate constitutional parameters regarding public funding and religion. [NonDoc]
- Supreme Court seems poised to require state-funded charter schools to include religious schools [NPR]
- Divided Court Hears Oklahoma Religious Charter School Case [Oklahoma Watch]
- See what questions U.S. Supreme Court justices had during St. Isidore arguments [Tulsa World]
- Split U.S. Supreme Court hears Oklahoma Catholic charter school case [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma religious charter school case at US Supreme Court: Everything you need to know [The Oklahoman]
- What Oklahomans are saying about St. Isidore as U.S. Supreme Court considers case [Tulsa World]
- How Oklahoma leaders at Supreme Court hearing on religious charter school responded to arguments [The Oklahoman]
- ‘Everyday Oklahomans’ oppose St. Isidore plan, plaintiffs say ahead of Supreme Court arguments [Tulsa World]
- Interfaith leaders speak out against religious public charter schools as SCOTUS hears Oklahoma’s case [Public Radio Tulsa]
- The Supreme Court Had Classroom Culture Wars on Top of Mind in Oral Arguments [Oklahoma Watch]
- Can charter schools be religious? If so, what does that mean for public education? [NPR]
- ‘A Real Good Test For the First Amendment’ Comes to the Supreme Court [Oklahoma Watch]
- Amy Coney Barrett recused herself from big religious charter school Supreme Court case [USA Today]
- Roberts might hold key vote in Oklahoma charter school case [AP via The Journal Record]
State Government News
New academic standards set to pass after lack of vote from Oklahoma Legislature: Republican majorities in the state House and Senate held a vote on none of the three resolutions that would send the proposed standards back to the Oklahoma State Board of Education for further review. [Oklahoma Voice]
- Senate doesn’t act to reject social studies standards that question 2020 election results [The Oklahoman]
- After closed-door meeting with Walters, Oklahoma GOP opts out of rejecting social studies standards [KOSU]
- ‘Very concerned’: Oklahoma lawmakers allow new social studies standards to take effect [Fox 25]
Mental health agency launches new CFO search following Oklahoma lawmaker grilling: A day after telling lawmakers it wouldn’t hire a chief financial officer until it “gets through” its budget situation, a state agency said it is moving forward with filling the position permanently. [Oklahoma Voice]
OTA seeks input on new toll road placement: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority has two public meetings set next month for residents to share ideas and concerns about the South Extension Turnpike route planned for the area west of Lake Thunderbird. [The Journal Record]
Oklahoma officials accused of delaying records requests amid scrutiny over tax dollar use: FOX 25’s outstanding requests for records that belong to you date back as far as December 2024. All of them remain unanswered by various Oklahoma state agencies, including the Department of Tourism, the Lt. Governor’s Office, and the Department of Mental Health. [Fox 25]
Legislative Roundup
- OK Governor receives bill set to modify eviction timeline [Fox 23]
- House sends bill curtailing virtual school day use to Oklahoma governor [Oklahoma Voice]
- House sends mandatory ‘bell-to-bell’ cellphone ban bill to Oklahoma governor [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma lawmakers pass school cellphone ban, reduce virtual learning days [The Oklahoman]
- House fights over corporal punishment of Oklahoma disabled children, sends ban to governor [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma teachers could get more time off after childbirth [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma House rejects plan to add extra instructional day for every $25 million in new funding [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma legislature passes NIL bill for revenue sharing [The Journal Record]
Opinion: Imagine this ― A Freedom Brigade of young Gen Z women bucking the Legislature: It may well be that supporters of a new law allowing abortions for a specified period of time or under particular circumstances have given up on the Legislature and are hoping to bypass the need for its approval by going directly to Oklahoma voters through a citizens’ initiative. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]
Opinion, Former House Rep.: Ryan Walters uses Education Department to further his own political career: There’s something wrong when state officials treat the rules like suggestions — and even worse when the Legislature lets it happen. Take the recent social studies standards. I’m not here to argue the content — that’s another debate. But they were not properly presented to the Oklahoma State Board of Education before being voted on. That matters. Process matters. Transparency matters. [Former State Representative Mark McBride / The Oklahoman]
Federal Government News
Trump denies disaster aid, tells states to do more: In the wake of recent natural disasters, state leaders across the country are finding that emergency support from the federal government is no longer a given. [Oklahoma Voice]
Amid Oklahoma tornado season, scientists warn NOAA cuts could impact forecasting, public safety: Norman is a nexus of national weather and climate science. But swift layoffs and deep budget cuts could disband it and other organizations nationwide. [KGOU]
DOGE cuts deal ‘significant blow’ felt by Oklahoma AmeriCorps programs: A summer program for children and youths is among the organizations that recently learned that its federal grant funding has been cut, courtesy of the Department of Government Efficiency known as DOGE. [The Oklahoman]
ICE raid in Oklahoma City updates: Homeland Security says right house, wrong target: A family has been left traumatized after ICE agents raided their northwest Oklahoma City home and seized much of their belongings though they were not the intended targets, a recent report revealed. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma university international students can stay in U.S., for now, after Trump admin reversal: After weeks of confusion, the Trump Administration has reversed course on terminating international students’ statuses in the U.S. Oklahoma universities say their students’ statuses are restored. [KGOU]
- Opinion: International students strengthen America—They don’t threaten it [James S. Bridgeforth, Ph.D. / The Black Wall Street Times]
Oklahoman tapped by Trump to led Customs and Border Protection probed on 2010 death: President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead U.S. Customs and Border Protection told the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday that he would focus on the agency’s workforce to manage trade and border crossings, while the committee’s top Democrat accused him of covering up a 2010 death at a CBP facility he oversaw. [Oklahoma Voice]
Did an Oklahoma member of Congress have over a million dollars in business loans forgiven while serving as a representative?: Yes. Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s various plumbing businesses received $1.45 million in Paycheck Protection Program loans in April 2020 that have been forgiven. [Oklahoma Watch]
Opinion: Is America still a ‘Shining City’ on a hill?: Today, a new 29-country Ipsos poll reports that the United States’ reputation as a positive influence in the world has declined in 26 of the 29 countries surveyed. And China—for the first time in Ipsos decade-long surveys—places ahead of the United States as a positive influence on the world by the 29 countries surveyed. [R.L. Byrd / The Black Wall Street Times]
Tribal Nations News
Oklahoma kids in need can get $120 for groceries this summer — but only on tribal lands: For the second year in a row, Oklahoma’s government will not participate in a federal summer food program worth $120 per eligible child. While Oklahoma will not take part in the program, a handful of tribal nations in the state will, meaning some Oklahoma families may still be eligible for the funds. [The Oklahoman]
- From OK Policy: Statement regarding Oklahoma’s decision to opt out of new summer food program for children
Will the Supreme Court Save an Apache Sacred Site?: The Supreme Court is no stranger to religious freedom cases. Under Chief Justice John Roberts’s tenure, the justices are more sympathetic to such claims than at any other point in the court’s modern history. But one dispute in particular seems to be stuck in the justices’ figurative craw: a land-use battle between a Native American tribe in Arizona, an Australian mining venture, and the federal government. [The New Republic]
Osage LLC Celebrates Milestone with Opening of Skyway36 Drone Testing Facility: On April 24, Osage LLC celebrated a major milestone as Candy Thomas, Director of Self-Governance and Strategic Planning for the Osage Nation, and Osage LLC Board Member Rick Perrier accepted the keys to the newly renovated Skyway36 drone testing facility from Darren Burns, President and CEO of Wallace Design Collective. [Native News Online]
Voting and Election News
Election Board sending out address confirmation notices to voters: Oklahomans who want to vote in upcoming elections should be aware state officials are now mailing out address confirmation notices, the State Election Board’s first step to purging inactive voter registrations. [Tulsa World]
- Verify your address and voter registration status using the Oklahoma Voter Portal
Former lawmaker Jake Merrick joins race for Oklahoma Governor: Former Republican Senator Jake Merrick is running to become Oklahoma’s next governor in 2026. Merrick, who also hosts his own radio show, is the sixth person vying for the state’s top executive seat. [KOSU]
Listen Frontier: Cyndi Munson talks about education, abortion and why she thinks a Democrat can be Oklahoma’s next governor: The Frontier’s Executive Editor Dylan Goforth spoke with Democratic House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson about her decision to run for governor. She is the first Democratic candidate to enter the 2026 governor’s race. This is an excerpt of their conversation. [The Frontier]
Education News
More Oklahoma communities are embracing Bible classes during public school hours: Several community groups are embracing LifeWise Academy’s “release time” religion education classes across Oklahoma, including in the Oklahoma City metro area. [The Oklahoman]
Criminal Justice News
Black woman claims Tulsa police failed to charge white attacker: A Black content creator was assaulted on camera by a white woman at a Tulsa dog park. Now she feels attacked by Black women on social media for not fighting back. [The Black Wall Street Times]
Jimcy McGirt files motion for mental evaluation while facing new trial: The attorney for the man behind the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma U.S. Supreme Court case is requesting that his mental competency be evaluated in court filings. [KOSU]
Oklahoma County jail trust Chairman Joe Allbaugh resigns: The chairman of the Oklahoma County jail trust has stepped down. Joe Allbaugh, 72, told county commissioners in an April 30 email that his resignation was effective immediately and with regret. His departure is significant because of his reputation for straight talk and his experience holding tough jobs. [The Oklahoman]
Opinion: Bill to reduce court fines can offer employment stability: Throughout my career, I have witnessed how heavy fines and fees imposed on individuals involved in the criminal justice system can create significant financial barriers to their long-term stability. That’s why I’m sincerely glad to see an initiative to reduce fines and fees assigned to criminal defendants moving through the legislature with overwhelming support. [Melissa Walton / The Journal Record]
- From OK Policy: The Legislature has advanced some bills that will lower barriers that can keep justice-involved Oklahomans trapped in the system.
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
OKC homeless population increases slightly, ‘moving toward’ stability: Oklahoma City’s homeless population grew by 2.4 percent over the past year. Still, that total represents a double-digit decrease in growth following the end of COVID-19 aid, according to new numbers released by the City of OKC at its State of Homelessness address Tuesday at the Oklahoma History Center. [NonDoc]
- OKC leaders share results of Point in Time survey at State of Homelessness address [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma City count finds 2.4% increase in people experiencing homelessness [KOSU]
Tulsa eyes Newblock Park as possible site for temporary homeless housing: The city is discussing the possibility of temporarily housing homeless people in prefabricated modular structures at Newblock Park, 1414 Charles Page Blvd., a city councilor confirmed Wednesday. [Tulsa World]
Economy & Business News
Report: Oklahoma near bottom for green policies: Oklahoma ranks among the least environmentally friendly states in a new report that highlights the good and calls out those doing a poor job of caring for the environment. [The Journal Record]
Norman economic developer takes program countywide: Since taking over as the chief executive of the Norman Economic Development Coalition in 2021, Lawrence McKinney has been an award-winning visionary, bringing jobs and new ideas to a town known more for its football team than its industry. [The Journal Record]
Global summit in Oklahoma confronts AI’s energy demands: Does the United States have the ability to produce the energy required to power the scores of AI data centers that will dot the American landscape within the next decade? That is the question that Ann Bluntzer Pullin tried to answer through the Powering AI Global Leadership Summit at Oklahoma City’s Hamm Institute for American Energy last week. [The Journal Record]
Opinion: Amazon showed its penchant for pettiness, so shop a local, indie bookstore: In a move no one is buying, Amazon claims that its crashing of Independent Bookstore Day last Saturday with a massive online discount book sale was “unintentional.” Sure it was. [Tulsa World]
Community News
Book event draws Tulsa crowd for Tulsa World reporter’s take on impacts of Race Massacre: Over his 30 years of reporting on it, Randy Krehbiel has become intimately familiar with the details of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. But it’s the broader lessons, he believes, that might be most valuable. [Tulsa World]
Opinion, Former Oklahoma Attorney General: It’s better now, but don’t tell me Oklahoma has never been a racist state: We have made great progress in Oklahoma, largely led by Black people themselves. Yet as recent as two years ago, we saw news reports that a southeast Oklahoma county sheriff and other officials were caught on tape bemoaning the inability to lynch Black people and kill journalists. [Former Oklahoma Attorney General Robert H. Henry / The Oklahoman]
Local Headlines
- Edmond ‘budgeting conservatively’ for upcoming year as long-time councilmembers depart [NonDoc]
- Edmond plans for $2.7M revenue drop in FY26 budget [The Journal Record]
- Oklahoma City Council swears in four representatives as budget talks begin [The Oklahoman]
- Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols presents ‘not flashy’ first budget to city councilors [Tulsa World]
- Tulsa World’s Senior Living Expo on Saturday designed to help families [Tulsa World]
- Damage at Lake Waxhoma Dam: Heavy rain complicates response in Osage County [Tulsa World]
Quote of the Day
“The state of childhood hunger in Oklahoma has not gotten any better. It’s still between one-in-four and one-in-five kids, and what we’re actually seeing now is pressures on families are growing. Things cost more and wages haven’t kept up with those costs.”
– Chris Bernard, president and CEO of the nonprofit Hunger Free Oklahoma, on the state of childhood hunger in Oklahoma, which ranks fifth in the nation for household food insecurity, despite the efforts made by nonprofits and Oklahoma tribes. The state, for the second year in a row, declined to participate in a federal summer food program that provides eligible children with summer EBT funds to make up for meals that children would normally receive in school. [The Oklahoman]
Number of the Day
- From OK Policy: Reimagining Youth Justice in Oklahoma: A Landscape Report of the Youth Justice System and Recommendations for Reform
Policy Note
Trump Delivers Massive Blow to Youth Justice Programs: Youth justice providers across the country have been working to prevent gun violence, protect runaways and eliminate rape behind bars. They were notified via email last week that the Trump administration was terminating roughly $170 million in grants that support their work from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and other federal agencies. The notice applied to grants already made, affecting programs and initiatives currently underway. Recipients were instructed to cease work immediately. [The Imprint]
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