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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
In Oklahoma City, ‘No Kings’ protesters stand in rain to voice opposition to Donald Trump: The Oklahoma City “No Kings” protest on Saturday, Oct. 18 was part of a national movement to organize opposition to Trump and his administration’s activities, including the gutting of the federal workforce and raids by immigration authorities. The “No Kings” protests draw their name from the idea that the United States doesn’t have a king — a reference to Trump’s language about himself and his administration’s efforts to expand presidential powers beyond what Congress or the U.S. Constitution has authorized. [The Oklahoman]
- Over 1,000 gather in Oklahoma City as part of nationwide No Kings protests [Oklahoma Voice]
- Protestors come together for the return of ‘No Kings’ [KFOR]
- Tulsans participate in nationwide No Kings protest against Trump administration [Public Radio Tulsa]
- ‘No Kings’ but lots of jesters at serious yet whimsical Tulsa rally [Tulsa World]
- ‘We love America’: Residents, local legislators attend second ‘No Kings’ protest in Norman [OU Daily]
- Trump jabs ‘No Kings’ protesters with AI videos of himself wearing crown [The Oklahoman]
- Watch: Oklahomans rather to celebrate 1st Amendment, protest Donald Trump at No Kings protest in OKC [The Oklahoman]
- Video: Oklahoman protestors say attending No Kings rally means “standing up for democracy” [The Oklahoman]
- Video: U.S. Army veteran says he’s not bending “the only knee he has left for a king” at No Kings protest in OKC [The Oklahoman]
- Video: No Kings protestor calls on Stephanie Bice to stand up to Donald Trump as a “check and balance” [The Oklahoman]
- Video: “See something, say something” motivates protestor at No Kings protest in OKC [The Oklahoman]
State Government News
Mental health department still in troubled waters, interim chief says: The retired Navy rear admiral appointed to lead Oklahoma’s mental health department on an interim basis sees turbulent waters ahead for the foreseeable future. But in an interview with the Tulsa World, he said the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has taken steps to better navigate crosscurrents going forward. [Tulsa World]
- Oklahoma Department of Mental Health requests millions more from state [KOSU]
How Oklahoma is spending its opioid settlement funds: More than $600 million from opioid settlements is flowing into the state over the next dozen years. Of that, around $150 million already has been paid, according to settlement administrator BrownGreer. Tens of millions have been spent or obligated. Is it making a difference? The answer, for now, seems to be a tentative yes. [Tulsa World]
Oklahoma should add special education support amid federal uncertainty, state lawmaker says: While the U.S. Department of Education proposes mass layoffs in its special education office, an Oklahoma lawmaker said he intends to bolster state-level support for students with disabilities. [Oklahoma Voice]
OSDE employees close to Ryan Walters left with thousands in extra pay, records show: Three prominent now-former employees of the Oklahoma State Department of Education received extra money in their paychecks in the final days of the administration of state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma Ethics Commission sues Democratic state lawmaker for alleged campaign finance fraud: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is suing Rep. Ajay Pittman, D-Oklahoma City, for alleged campaign finance fraud. The lawsuit was filed in the Oklahoma County District Court on Thursday. [KOSU]
- State Representative Faces Civil Lawsuit, AG’s Investigation Over Campaign Finances [Oklahoma Watch]
- Ethics Commission lawsuit targets Oklahoma City lawmaker [Oklahoma Voice]
- Oklahoma Ethics Commission sues Rep. Ajay Pittman as AG agents search Capitol office [The Oklahoman]
Political notebook: General revenue posts strong September: Allocations to the state’s primary revenue stream in September beat expectations and the year-over-year figure, the Office of Management and Enterprise Services said. General Revenue Fund deposits totaled $769.5 million, which was 8.6% above projections and 3.1% above the same month a year earlier. [Tulsa World]
Listen Frontier: Are Oklahoma classrooms too wired for learning?: The Frontier interviews Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, about the cellphone bill she successfully ran that removed cell phones from classrooms. [The Frontier]
Capitol Update: Classroom Bible mandate dropped by State Department of Education: New State Superintendent Lindel Fields has taken a step to undo one of former State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ most controversial mandates. An order from the Oklahoma Supreme Court forced a decision on the issue. [KGOU]
Opinion: Oklahoma’s haphazard approach to fixing public education has failed. Here’s a plan that could help: Rather than continuing the chaotic annual strategy of throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Oklahoma’s failing public school system, it’s clear that we need leaders with the vision to develop a 10-year roadmap. Because I don’t know about you, but over the past decade, it’s felt like we’ve careened from one crisis to another. And somehow we’ve ended up with lawmakers who haven’t been particularly visionary on the public school front, and who have preferred a scattershot approach to tackling whatever happens to be the latest predicament. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]
Federal Government News
U.S. Supreme Court, federal courts to run out of money, limit operations amid shutdown: The U.S. Supreme Court and the rest of the federal judiciary are set to run out of funding in the next few days, a new development in the ongoing government shutdown that will likely reverberate throughout much of the country. [Oklahoma Voice]
- SNAP benefits on pace to run out in two weeks if shutdown persists [Oklahoma Voice]
Trump isn’t sending troops to cities with highest crime rates, data shows: A Stateline analysis of U.S. Census Bureau and federal crime data shows that Trump’s deployments and proposals have not focused on the nation’s most violent cities. Of the 10 cities population 250,000 or more with the highest violent crime rates, Trump has sent National Guard troops to just one: Memphis, Tennessee. [Oklahoma Voice]
D.C. Digest: Mullin says Young Republican chat no joke: U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin is usually a reliable Trump team player, but last week he rejected Vice President JD Vance’s dismissal of some Young Republicans’ “love” of Adolf Hitler as kids joking around. “I didn’t hear … the vice president’s remarks, but I would never let my kids joke like that,” Mullin told CNN. “That’s a solid no.” [Tulsa World]
Opinion, Your Vote Counts: Oklahoma leaders warn political misinformation threatens public safety: State Senator Paul Rosino and former Representative Jason Dunnington joined Scott Mitchell on Your Vote Counts this week to discuss the fallout from recent political behavior, saying false statements and online attacks are deepening public distrust and putting people at risk. [News on 6]
Opinion: While not perfect, Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ has benefits for Oklahoma ranchers: American cattle raisers were recognized during negotiations for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed by President Donald Trump in July. Passage of the legislation includes provisions crucial to the longevity of our industry. Notably, it also excludes controversial measures like the sale of public lands or expanded eminent domain. [James H. Dudley IV / The Oklahoman]
Tribal Nations News
Caddo youth keep traditions alive with Gardening Day, end-of-summer harvest: The Caddo Nation is planting seeds to strengthen its food sovereignty efforts and its community. During the tribe’s Gardening Day in southwest Oklahoma, young ones helped keep traditions alive and, in some cases, even revived them. [KOSU]
Education News
3 shot on OSU’s campus after homecoming weekend party: At least three people were injured in a shooting on Oklahoma State University’s Stillwater campus early Sunday morning, according to the OSU Police Department. [KOSU]
- Shooting at OSU leaves students worried [KFOR]
- Oklahoma State University police investigating shooting at on-campus residential hall [The Oklahoman]
- Three people shot following party in Stillwater, OSU police investigating [Tulsa World]
TU denies rumor of financial incentive to hire congressman as its next president: The University of Tulsa says there’s no incentive being offered to hire U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern as its next president, addressing swirling campus rumors from students and faculty. [Tulsa Flyer]
- Hern-TU link creating some smoke, but is there any fire? [Tulsa World]
Google donates money for energy efficiency, tech upgrades in Stillwater Public Schools: Stillwater Public Schools is getting $600,000 to spend on energy efficiency and classroom technology after a donation from its new neighbor: Google. [KOSU]
Fund for teachers opens fellowship applications: Oklahoma educators can now apply for Fund for Teachers fellowships, which provide grants for self-designed professional learning experiences around the globe. Applications are open through 5 p.m. on January 22, and eligible full-time pre-K through 12th grade teachers can apply individually for up to $5,000, or in teams for up to $10,000. [The Journal Record]
‘Understand the history’: Yale professor speaks on importance of constitutional study, nonpartisanship: Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of law and political science at Yale University, spoke to OU students and faculty on constitutional issues in today’s politics. He encouraged attendees to learn and get informed about political issues, but also unlearn common misconceptions. He said it’s important for college campuses to impart neutrality and nonpartisanship to students. [OU Daily]
Opinion: Let’s Not Repeat Ryan Walters’ Mess with Next Superintendent: Public schools are a common good. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by saying they are the most important institution for a healthy democracy. Ryan Walters wanted to destroy public education. If public officials, especially individuals running for office, say they don’t like public education, then what becomes of the children in America? [Betty Casey / Tulsa Kids]
Criminal Justice News
Oklahoma Predator Hunters Face Felony Charges: A group called Oklahoma Predator Prevention that, in their view, helps keep child predators off the streets. But an Oklahoma Watch investigation revealed that group members used highly questionable tactics and pursued the most vulnerable people, using decoy accounts to pose as minors online and entice potential predators to meet in person or reveal their addresses. [Oklahoma Watch]
Tulsa could extend downtown curfew. Businesses say they want additional solutions to crime: Tulsa’s juvenile curfew could be extended by city council Wednesday, but the downtown community is conflicted on the logistics of it. The curfew, implemented on June 26, prohibits unaccompanied minors from being downtown from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Now, the council is set to vote on extending it through Oct. 26, 2026 —but only for Fridays and Saturdays. [Tulsa Flyer]
Opinion: Tremane Woods doesn’t deserve to be executed. He didn’t kill anyone: As pastors, we walk alongside people who share stories of personal grief, addiction, pain and struggle. Occasionally, there is a story that demands more than just a listening ear, a benevolent offering, or a laying of hands, it calls us to action. One of those stories is that of Tremane Wood, an Oklahoman who faces a Nov. 13 execution date, even though he didn’t kill anyone. [The Rev. Jon Middendorf and the Rev. Sean Jarrett / The Oklahoman]
- From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
Local activist warns of private equity taking over affordable housing, amid Izzy Apartments complaints: Local activists are sounding the alarm about private equity companies from out-of-state taking over affordable housing in the metro, leaving no accountability when things take a turn. [KFOR]
Tulsa city, county agree to terms on a deal to establish a low-barrier homeless shelter: The city of Tulsa and Tulsa County have reached an agreement to use the county’s old Juvenile Center at 315 S. Gilcrease Museum Road for a low-barrier homeless shelter, the city and county confirmed. Under the terms of the agreement, the city will acquire the property for $500,000, with the county having first right of refusal for any future sale or change of ownership. [Tulsa World]
Economy & Business News
Critics Say CompSource Plan Will Hurt Policyholders: A hush-hush plan to convert CompSource Mutual to a stock company has been challenged by a policyholder and a law firm who argue the proposal for Oklahoma’s largest workers’ comp insurer amounts to a raid on CompSource’s $1 billion surplus for an aggressive expansion plan. A class-action lawsuit, brought by Oklahoma City law firm Whitten Burrage, ongoing for four years, alleges that CompSource’s $1 billion surplus holdings have accrued, at least in part, from decades of bundling of phantom policies that never pay out on claims. [Oklahoma Watch]
Oklahoma transmission lines to be upgraded through Energy Department loan guarantee: Hundreds of miles of Oklahoma transmission lines will soon be upgraded through a loan agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy. The loan is for $1.6 billion for American Electric Power to upgrade about 5,000 miles of existing transmission lines in five states, including about 1,400 miles in Oklahoma. [KOSU]
Tulsa company builds five AI data centers in the past year: One of the fastest growing companies in Tulsa has built five AI data centers around the U.S. in the past year. Fleming Construction Group for the second year in a row was among Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies in the U.S. and fourth in Oklahoma for 2025. [Tulsa World]
Opinion: As we face labor shortage, don’t overlook candidates with disabilities: October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities and celebrate the value inclusive workplaces bring to our communities and our economy. This year, that celebration shines a light on both the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead. [Karie Jordan / Tulsa World]
Community News
New children’s biography explores life of Ralph Ellison: A new children’s biography about famed Oklahoman and “Invisible Man” author Ralph Ellison is now on bookshelves. [Public Radio Tulsa]
She wanted to slow down traffic in her Tulsa neighborhood. Language became a speed bump: A Tulsa woman wanted was to keep the midtown neighborhood safe from speeding vehicles. What she got was an extended trip through the bureaucracy of a city that has a rapidly growing Spanish-speaking population and, she believes, may not have the resources to fully service them. According to the 2024 American Community Survey, roughly 17% of Tulsa County residents identify as Latino. [Tulsa Flyer]
Opinion: Tulsa is stronger when we see ourselves: Why I’m betting on local news: Leaders thrive when our community shares the same basic facts. But fewer people are participating civically, and too many of us are navigating public life with incomplete information. That is why I believe Tulsa needs more local reporting, not less. [Marcia Bruno-Todd / Tulsa World]
Local Headlines
- Vinita theme park update: Defendants seek dismissal of lawsuit [Tulsa World]
- ‘Okmulgee deserves our attention’: Dinsmore explores challenges and opportunities [NonDoc]
- City of Tulsa’s planned Public Safety Center millions of dollars over budget [Tulsa World]
- Revised panhandling ordinance goes into effect in Tulsa [Tulsa World]
- Tulsa Police Department seeks more Spanish-speaking officers [Tulsa Flyer]
- Asian Affairs Commission prepares for Stories of Asian Tulsa project [Tulsa Flyer]
Quote of the Day
“I was willing to die and lost a leg in a foreign country fighting for their rights. There’s no way I’m bending the only knee I have left for a king here in America. I can’t sit idly by while rights are trampled on and ignored, and people are pushed and treated like second class citizens.”
– U.S. Army veteran Brian Wofford of Moore, who was wounded in 2004 while serving in Iraq, speaking to reporters at Oklahoma City’s No Kings rally. [The Oklahoman] | [Video]
Number of the Day
37%
The share of projected rural Medicaid funding cuts that could be offset by the $50 billion rural health fund included in the new federal budget. While that funding may sound substantial, it would cover only a little over one-third of the $137 billion in Medicaid losses rural areas are expected to face over the next decade — and just 5% of total federal Medicaid cuts nationwide. [KFF]
Policy Note
Rural Health Fund Will Do Little to Offset Harm to Rural Providers in Republican Megabill: Even with a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, much of the harm to rural health providers from deep Medicaid cuts in the Republican “megabill” won’t be offset. The fund’s short timeframe, flexible distribution rules, and limited scale mean it will likely cover only a fraction of the losses, leaving many rural hospitals and clinics exposed. Many of these facilities already operate on thin margins, and without sustained Medicaid funding, access to care in rural communities could deteriorate rapidly. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]
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