In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. Subscribe to In The Know and see past editions.
New from OK Policy
Tax cuts now, crisis later: Oklahoma’s unsustainable budget: As usual, Oklahoma’s legislative session ended with a flurry of fiscal and budget bills in the last two weeks of the session. The legislature has one constitutional requirement every year: pass a balanced budget. In doing so, the legislature decides what they will prioritize and what will be pushed to the sidelines. This is why many consider budgets a moral document — reflecting not just dollars, but values. The Oklahoma Legislature often waits until the very end of session to complete its only constitutionally required task: passing a balanced budget. [Aanahita Ervin / OK Policy]
Policy Matters: Congress isn’t fighting a health care crisis, they’re creating one: After the House passed its proposed federal budget — which included deep Medicaid cuts and new work requirements — Speaker Mike Johnson defended the move by insisting there was “a moral component to what we’re doing.” It’s hard to see morality reflected here, given the bill’s projected impact: the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that up to 15 million people could lose Medicaid coverage nationwide. However, our Congressional delegation has worked overtime to deny these facts. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]
Oklahoma News
Tulsa Identifies More Victims in 1921 Massacre Investigation: For the first time, Tulsa officials have not only named a 1921 victim in their massacre investigation but put a face to his story—thanks to DNA. George Melvin Gillespie’s remains, buried in a simple wooden coffin for more than a century, now anchor a renewed effort to uncover truth and justice. Tulsa officials also identified additional massacre victims. [The Black Wall Street Times]
- Report Reveals Fresh Details of Graves of Possible Race Massacre [The Oklahoma Eagle]
- Tulsa Race Massacre researchers identify another victim; plan Oaklawn return [Tulsa World]
- Remains of 2 more possible 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre victims identified [Public Radio Tulsa]
Poultry companies said they were no longer polluting Oklahoma’s waters. A federal judge disagrees: A federal judge ruled this week that poultry waste pollution is still hurting Oklahoma waters, and poultry companies are responsible for cleaning up existing pollution and preventing further harm. [KOSU]
- Poultry farm waste still harming Illinois River watershed, federal judge rules [Tulsa World]
- Federal judge rules Illinois River watershed still is being damaged by poultry waste [The Oklahoman]
State Government News
Oklahoma Supreme Court says HB 1775 ban does not apply to university courses: The Oklahoma Supreme Court decided Tuesday the state’s law banning certain discussions on race and sex does not apply to college and university classrooms. [KOSU]
- Both sides claim victory after Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling on meaning of House Bill 1775 [The Oklahoman]
SCOTUS rules Oklahoma lawsuit against EPA should be heard in regional court, not DC: The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled an Oklahoma challenge to an Environmental Protection Agency rule concerning air pollution can be heard in a regional circuit court, granting state Attorney General Gentner Drummond a legal win. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt lost out on Tesla. Then came Canoo, and red flags: Gov. Kevin Stitt was fresh off a prominent loss in the spring of 2021 in his hopes to see Oklahoma compete in the once-promising electric vehicle market. Then along came Canoo, an electric vehicle manufacturer based in Torrance, Calif. Four years later, it is unclear if Canoo ever built a single vehicle in Oklahoma before closing shop and declaring bankruptcy earlier this year. [The Oklahoman]
Superintendent Walters’ legal fees cost taxpayers $130,000 in 2024 amid rising lawsuits: NewsChannel 8 is continuing to follow the costs of attorney fees State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters is racking up. According to the Oklahoma Appleseed Center, Walters had 16 lawsuits by the end of 2024. Appleseed said that number is climbing. [KTUL]
Almost 500 bills set to become Oklahoma law, most got through without Stitt’s direct approval: Oklahoma lawmakers filed more than 3,200 bills during this year’s legislative session. Less than one in five of those are slated to become law. [KOSU]
How Bills Authored By Democrats Fared in 2025: Just 15 bills with a Democrat as the principal author were enacted in 2025, according to an Oklahoma Watch review of legislative records. Another three advanced to the governor’s desk but were vetoed without an override. That’s in line with recent trends. In 2022, just a dozen bills authored by Democrats were enacted. That ticked up slightly to 15 in 2023. In most years, about 450 to 500 bills become law. [Oklahoma Watch]
While some warn of groundwater depletion in Oklahoma, efforts to tighten monitoring fail again: State law requires operators of commercial groundwater wells — used for things like agriculture or oil and gas production — to send in reports of their groundwater usage. But many users report that they draw exactly how much water their permit allows, or they don’t send in reports at all, Oklahoma Water Resources Board Director Julie Cunningham told lawmakers last year. [The Frontier]
Few Shareholders Support Oklahoma Treasurer’s Anti-DEI Push: With few shareholders voting in his favor, Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ struck out in his effort to change corporate behavior on behalf of the state’s tobacco settlement endowment. [Oklahoma Watch]
Plans for a First Family Residence are in the works again: A state commission meeting Thursday brought to light plans for a First Family Residence, a home that was planned to be built on the Governor’s Mansion grounds.[KFOR]
Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: “No Kings” rally, cockfighting controversy, social studies standards and more (audio): The panel talks about the “No Kings” rally in cities across the state, an animal rights group showing leaders of the Gamefowl Commission involved in illegal cockfighting and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission moving forward with prosecution against Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Ajay Pittman. The trio also discusses the win for State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ controversial social studies standards after a favorable ruling from the court and Gov. Kevin Stitt signing two bills designed to keep veteran educators in the classroom. [KOSU]
Federal Government News
Attorney: Large-scale immigration raids not happening in Oklahoma, but ICE is detaining more people: As conflicting messages fly over the country’s border control policy, a Tulsa immigration attorney says things have been relatively quiet in Oklahoma, though Immigration and Customs Enforcement is newly targeting companions of wanted people. [Public Radio Tulsa]
Judge grills Trump DOJ on order tying transportation funding to immigration enforcement:
A Rhode Island federal judge seemed likely Wednesday to block the U.S. Department of Transportation’s move to yank billions in congressional funding for bridges, roads and airport projects if Democrat-led states do not partake in federal immigration enforcement. [Oklahoma Voice]
Sen. James Lankford talks with Good Day Oklahoma about the Big Beautiful Bill (video): Good Day Oklahoma’s anchors Shelby Love and Wayne Stafford sat down with Senator James Lankford to talk about the Big Beautiful Bill, the Israeli conflict, and Medicaid reform. [Fox 25]
‘Patriotism, Not Pride’: Oklahoma Lawmaker Aims to Ban LGBTQ Flags on Federal Property: Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., is reintroducing a bill this week to end the display of LGBTQ+ pride flags on federal property. [The Daily Signal]
Opinion: Our foundation saves and strengthens marriages. Tax hikes will hurt our work: Oklahoma’s nonprofits just want to maintain a steady and critical funding source that will allow them to keep serving people in need. However, we have heard that federal taxes might be increased on private foundations, as well as corporations. This would leave these entities with less money to provide to local charities, thereby impairing their ability to meet local needs. [Rodney and Cresha Redus / The Oklahoman]
Opinion: There’s nothing beautiful about a policy that takes health care away from sick kids: Don’t wait until it’s too late, Senator Lankford and Senator Mullin. Protect Medicaid now. Eli and Adelaide and thousands of Oklahoma families like ours are counting on you. [Dena Drabek / The Oklahoman]
Opinion: The conservative case for protecting Medicaid: Fiscal responsibility, limited government and compassion for all Americans are what conservatism is about. Conservatives believe in limited government that does for people what they cannot do for themselves. Not only would any degree of federal cuts to these programs cause real, immediate harm, but the proposed cuts being consider in Washington also contradict our foundational values. [Dee Stewart / Tulsa World]
Tribal Nations News
In Oklahoma, Juneteenth highlights tribal slavery descendants’ fight for recognition and citizenship: Juneteenth may mark the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas found out they had been freed, but thousands of people in Oklahoma are still fighting for full citizenship in the tribal nations that once held their ancestors in bondage. [Associated Press]
As Gov. Stitt objects, Muscogee Nation and City of Tulsa approach settlement on jurisdiction lawsuit: With an objection from Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt yet to be addressed in federal court, the Muscogee Nation and the City of Tulsa appear on the cusp of signing a settlement to end a lawsuit over the city’s exercise of criminal jurisdiction over tribal citizens within the Muscogee Reservation. While the city and nation filed a joint motion Tuesday requesting a final extension through June 25 to complete their proposed settlement agreement, Stitt also filed an objection the same day asking the federal court to dismiss the tribe’s lawsuit or add the state as a party. [NonDoc]
Cherokee cyclists commemorate Trail of Tears in 41st Remember the Removal Bike Ride: More than two weeks ago, 12 Cherokee Nation citizens embarked on a 900-mile journey to honor their ancestors who walked the Trail of Tears. Every year, 12 Cherokees are selected to participate in a 950-mile journey to remember the 100,000 Native Americans, 16,000 Cherokees included, who were forcibly removed from their homelands under the Indian Removal Act. Of the 16,000, around 4,000 died from exposure, starvation and disease. [Tulsa World]
Opinion: Learning an Indigenous language in Oklahoma is a living link to tribal ancestors: For the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, our language, Bodéwadmimwen, is the heartbeat of our culture and a living link to our ancestors. Yet, like so many, it’s endangered. [Robert Collins / The Oklahoman]
Voting and Election News
Sworn in: See Oklahoma’s newest lawmakers take office after winning a special election: The three newest members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, including a newly elected Democrat from Oklahoma City, have officially taken their seats at the state Capitol. [The Oklahoman]
- New Oklahoma Reps Norwood, Clinton and Timmons sworn in to office [The Journal Record]
- Oklahoma House of Representatives adds three new members [Oklahoma Voice]
Rep. Tammy Townley agrees to pay $5,000 for campaign finance violations: Rep. Tammy Townley has reached a settlement agreement with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission after a snafu in which she booked, then quickly canceled, a first-class ticket to Paris, France. [NonDoc]
Legislator active in energy efforts announces candidacy for Corporation Commission: State Rep. Brad Boles, Marlow, announced his candidacy this week for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. [Oklahoma Energy Today]
Minnesota assassination prompts many lawmakers to wonder: Is service worth the danger?: In the wake of the assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the wounding of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, more public officials across the country are taking stock of their safety. Some say death threats have become part of the job. They fear that violence — real attacks and constant threats — will scare potential candidates away from seeking public office. [Oklahoma Voice]
Education News
After mass layoffs, Epic Charter Schools board approves budget: In the wake of its superintendent’s resignation, the layoffs of hundreds of teachers and staffers and major financial cuts, the board governing Epic Charter Schools approved a budget for the 2025-26 school year, shortly after also approving the ability for Epic to secure a $30 million line of credit from a bank. [The Oklahoman]
Oklahoma colleges tackle food insecurity, an invisible threat facing students, employees: University of Central Oklahoma students and employees wait in long lines on campus to choose items like nonperishable food staples such as beans, rice and canned goods from neatly labeled shelves. But unlike the grocery store, these shelves have no price tags and the items are free to UCO students and employees who need them. [Oklahoma Voice]
Former University of Tulsa athletic director to serve as school’s interim president; search to replace Carson continues: The University of Tulsa has named Rick Dickson, former university athletic director and vice president, to serve as its interim president, the school announced Wednesday. Dickson takes over the role immediately, while the school continues its search for a permanent replacement for former President Brad Carson, officials said. [Tulsa World]
In Oklahoma, financial literacy courses highlight the risks of gambling: As more states adopt personal finance education requirements, they are tailoring the classwork to help students navigate their local economies. [Marketplace]
Health News
Mental Health Association Oklahoma expands mission, providing eviction prevention services: Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAOK) is expanding its mission through the integration of Shelterwell, an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit focused on housing stability and eviction prevention. [KFOR]
New measles exposures reported in Edmond: Oklahoma health officials on Wednesday reported recent measles exposure sites at five Edmond businesses. [Oklahoma Voice]
Criminal Justice News
Oklahoma’s Prison Food Service Contract Voided: A $74 million deal to outsource Oklahoma’s prison food service operations to the Trinity Services Group was voided after fewer than four weeks. [Oklahoma Watch]
Records: Man who plotted ISIS-style attack is son of Blanchard Police official, questions raised about parents’ response to confession: News 4 has learned the father of a man who pleaded guilty to planning an ISIS-inspired terror attack is the City of Blanchard’s deputy police chief—and newly uncovered court documents raise questions about whether his parents reported their son’s plans to authorities, following a confession. [KFOR]
State appellate judges reconsider case of only woman on Oklahoma’s death row: Federal appellate judges are reconsidering what will happen next for Brenda Andrew, the only woman on Oklahoma’s death row.[KOSU]
Economy & Business News
What is America’s answer to China’s rare earths dominance? Oklahoma!: Nestled beneath Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains sits a two-story warehouse containing the only machine in the United States capable of refining nickel, a crucial energy transition metal now dominated by China. The facility, owned by startup Westwin Elements, aims to help Oklahoma become the epicenter for U.S. critical minerals processing, a sector the country largely abandoned decades ago. [Reuters]
Beef prices are at an all-time high. Why it’s gotten so expensive: Even as beef prices hit record highs in May, demand does not appear to be slowing. The average price of a pound of ground beef hit a record $5.98 in May, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a 16% increase from a year before, and with a short supply of cattle, experts say they don’t expect prices to fall anytime soon. [KOSU]
Community News
Tulsa City Council yet to decide on extending LGBTQ protections, adding veterans as protected class: City councilors voted 7-2 Wednesday night to table until Sept. 10 a vote on a proposal to amend existing ordinances to expand the city’s human rights protections and make them more consistent throughout the city’s anti-discrimination policies. [Tulsa World]
Opinion: Supreme Court turned its back on trans youth. Our community never will: In the face of the Supreme Court’s decision, it’s important we look for ways to tangibly support families of trans youth. The legal system may have failed them, but our community won’t. [Dr. Van Bailey / The Oklahoman]
Opinion: The ‘Black struggle’ must become a part of everyone’s struggle: The mere fact that some are struggling to accept the concept of Black excellence is abundant evidence that no meaningful measure of excellence can be attained without embracing the pattern held by the people who embody Black excellence. [Elder Markus Tovstiga / The Oklahoman]
Local Headlines
- Councilors approve $1.12 billion City of Tulsa budget for fiscal year 2025-26 [Tulsa World]
- Edmond is in a nearly $50 million water fight with an Arkansas contractor [The Oklahoman]
- OKC gearing up for 2028 Olympics with new projects, but no athletic village planned [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma City Olympics planner reveals how games are shaping up 3 years out [KOSU]
- ‘We were not treated equally’: Tulsa Public Schools meal employees criticize food supply company following district renewal [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Tulsa GOP chair wants to return to partisan city elections [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Tulsa works to fix discrimination complaint issues on website [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Swank, ex-OU president, law school dean who dealt with Switzer, Anita Hill issues, dies [The Oklahoman]
- Oklahoma City releases 2024 Drinking Water Quality Report [The Journal Record]
- Opinion: EMSA says no hidden motives in recent customer survey: [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]
Quote of the Day
“Lawmakers that argue these cuts won’t hurt babies or people with disabilities are wrong. I’ve seen firsthand how critical Medicaid is. Without it, Eli wouldn’t be alive and Adelaide wouldn’t have access to trauma-informed therapy or the surgery she needs for her breathing and hearing challenges. This isn’t political for me — it’s personal.”
– Dena Drabek, a single, working mom raising two children with complex needs, writing in an op-ed about how Medicaid has saved her children’s lives. [The Oklahoman]
Number of the Day
$2.04
For every $1 Oklahoma puts into Medicaid, the federal government contributes just over two more. That match rate means Medicaid brings far more money into the state than it costs. [KFF]
Policy Note
How Does Medicaid Benefit States?: Medicaid benefits states not just by expanding health coverage but by improving economic and health outcomes overall. Research shows it reduces medical debt, supports better health and financial stability for enrollees, and improves school performance among children. For states, it brings in matching dollars, reduces hospital uncompensated care costs, lowers state spending on behavioral health and public health programs, and helps stabilize rural hospitals — all while supporting thousands of health care jobs. [Commonwealth Fund]
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