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: The Big ‘Beautiful’ Delay: While most Oklahomans this summer have been focused on backyard cookouts and planning trips to the lake, the Republican-controlled Congress passed what they proudly named “The One Big Beautiful Bill.” Behind that name is a carefully engineered blueprint to fast-track tax cuts for the wealthy, while paying for them by snipping the ropes of the social safety net for our working poor. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

Former death row inmate alleges Oklahoma AG entered into agreement to set him free: A man who faced execution nine times and had his conviction vacated by the U.S. Supreme Court is asking a judge to enforce what he says is an agreement between him and the state’s attorney general that could set him free immediately. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Richard Glossip’s defense team seeks release amid disputed plea deal [KOCO]
• Emails Reveal Oklahoma Attorney General Agreed to Release Richard Glossip [The Intercept]
• Richard Glossip asks judge to free him because of 2023 deal in his murder-for-hire case [The Oklahoman]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker

Meet the woman watching over Oklahoma’s children and families amid major federal cuts: “We’re kind of like the canary in the coal mine,” Annette Jacobi says about her agency, the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth (OCCY). Her 30-member staff is on the alert for problems in the state agencies responsible for the welfare of the state’s young people, and certainly they can see trouble ahead. [The Oklahoman]

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

State Government News

Oklahoma Supreme Court stays new business courts, weighs constitutionality after oral arguments: A new law to create a pair of so-called business courts would violate a section of the state constitution prescribing the election of district court judges, attorney Bob Burke claimed during oral arguments to the Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday. [NonDoc]

• Oklahoma Supreme Court stays Stitt’s business courts [The Journal Record]
• From OK Policy: Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of new business court law (Capitol Update) 

Three seek Tulsa County district judge appointment: Three candidates for a vacant Tulsa County District Court position have been forwarded by the Judicial Nominating Commission to Gov. Kevin Stitt for a final decision. The three were the only ones who applied to succeed Associate District Judge Clifford Smith, who retired. [Tulsa World]

Federal Government News

Education Department in the middle of a growing tug-of-war between Trump, Democrats: The U.S. Department of Education has emerged as central in the struggle over control of the power of the purse in the nation’s capital. Democrats in Congress are pushing back hard on the Trump administration’s freeze of $6.8 billion in funds for after-school programs and more at public schools, some of which open their doors a few weeks from now. [Oklahoma Voice]

GOP members of US Senate protest Trump freeze of $6.8B in school funding: Republican members of the U.S. Senate called on Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought in a letter Wednesday to release the $6.8 billion in funds for K-12 schools that the Trump administration is withholding. [Oklahoma Voice]

Education Watch: Supreme Court clears Trump’s path to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education: The Supreme Court this week cleared the way for the Trump Administration to dismantle the federal Department of Education by firing more than 1,000 workers. The justices blocked a lower court order issued in May that required the Department of Education to reinstate nearly 1,400 employees and prohibited the government from moving student loans and special needs programs to other agencies. [Oklahoma Watch]

Senate approves cuts to NPR, PBS and foreign aid programs: The Senate has approved the Trump administration’s $9 billion rescission package aimed at clawing back money already allocated for public radio and television — a major step toward winding down nearly six decades of federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. [NPR]

• US Senate Republicans advance bill stripping funds from NPR, PBS, foreign aid [Oklahoma Voice]
• PBS/NPR funding at risk as Senate votes on cuts package [Gaylord News]
• Opinion: Taking back public broadcasting funds is about politics, not content [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Bipartisan support helps foundations avoid tax increase in new Trump legislation: Two Republican senators and a broad bipartisan coalition of funders and nonprofits prevented a 600% increase in taxes levied on the endowments of the largest private foundations as part of President Donald Trump’s the tax and spending legislation. [Associated Press]

Trump directive could bar some immigrants from accessing education, health services: President Donald Trump’s administration announced restrictions for immigrants lacking permanent legal status from accessing certain education and health-related federal programs in a directive last week. [KOSU]

Medicaid rule rollbacks could leave millions without coverage: A provision in the sweeping Republican-backed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is poised to change how millions of Americans stay enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP, and it’s already taking effect. The new law repeals two key federal rules finalized under the Biden administration: one that allowed states to automatically renew coverage for people who had previously verified income and asset information (such as from SNAP or SSI), and another that streamlined enrollment for people with no reported income. [KOCO]

Federal disaster aid is uncertain for states even as Texas floods underscore need: With hurricane and wildfire season well underway across much of the country, state and local emergency managers say they have little idea how much support the federal government will provide if disaster strikes. And the recent deadly floods in Texas have shown just how dire the need can be. [Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: If we want safer, stronger communities, Congress must save the block grant program: First enacted in 1974 under the leadership of Republican President Gerald Ford, CDBG returns tax dollars back to local communities and gives local leaders ― the people with the best knowledge as to what is needed ― the flexible federal funds to invest in what works: housing, public safety, child and senior services, infrastructure, and economic development programs. [David Holt and Andrew Ginther / The Oklahoman]

Tribal Nations News

Magistrate judge in Bobby Barrick case: Tribal citizens have ‘fewer constitutional civil rights protections’: In the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, Magistrate Judge Gerald L. Jackson has recommended that a lawsuit brought by the widow of Bobby Barrick be dismissed, finding that three law enforcement officers “were acting under tribal authority” when they allegedly tased and struck the Choctaw Nation citizen who had been detained by others at a closed gas station. [NonDoc]

• Opinion: Gavel to Gavel: Officers working on tribal land may be immune to claims [Mike Carr / The Journal Record]
• From OK Policy: Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?

Native American radio stations part of funding deal as US Senate takes up cuts to NPR, PBS: The U.S. Senate on Wednesday began debating changes to a bill that will cancel $9 billion in previously approved spending on public broadcasting and foreign aid — but with a deal for grants to some Native American radio stations that may help offset cuts to public media. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahoma oil and gas regulator dismisses environmental authority of Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes: After the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes established their Environmental Protection Commission, they asserted environmental oversight over their lands. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is intervening. [KOSU]

Choctaw Nation constitutional amendment fails: Changes to Choctaw Nation’s constitution will not go into effect despite receiving overwhelming support from voters. In order for them to be approved, they would have had to receive 51% of the total number of qualified votes in the last Chief’s election. Each of the five amendments failed to meet that threshold, including one that had been criticized by Choctaw Freedmen. [KOSU]

Comanche Nation closing assisted living center: The Comanche nation is closing its assisted living center, the Edith Kassanavoid Gordon Assisted Living Center. The decision to close the center, 1001 SE 36th, came from the Comanche Business Committee before the tribe’s general election in April of this year, according to Comanche Nation Chairman Forrest Tahdooahnippah. He said the decision was made due to the tribe’s declining revenue. [The Lawton Constitution]

Education News

Opinion: Ryan Walters wants free school lunches for all. Do Oklahoman readers agree?: Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is demanding that all Oklahoma students get free lunches, saying local districts have plenty of money. The Oklahoman surveyed its readers for their opinions, and a strong majority were opposed to the superintendent’s order. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman]

Criminal Justice News

OK County jail trustee demands apology over false press release on jail funds: The false alarm − a press release from the Oklahoma County jail trust falsely claiming the jail would be flat broke by the end of this month − was a “catastrophic blunder” and an “absolute lie” that “undermines the credibility” of jail leadership and the public trust itself, a trustee complained. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma County Courthouse is down to one working elevator. What if it goes down, too?: If the only working elevator in the Oklahoma County Courthouse goes down − down as in kaput − before the others are repaired, the courthouse will have to be closed and much county business brought to a halt.Even judicial proceedings would grind to a stop because the 70-year-old building would be out of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. [The Oklahoman]

Black mayors are reducing violent crime across the nation: As efforts to address recent gun violence in Tulsa continue, a preview of Mayor Monroe Nichols’ long-term plans appears to be on display in at least three other cities with Black mayors where violent crime is dropping. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Suspected puppy mill shut down, hundreds of Maltese dogs rescued from ‘cruel’ conditions: A social media post from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said many reports came in over the weekend about the “suspected puppy mill” in Stroud. Skiatook Paws & Claws Animal Rescue and Oklahoma Westie Rescue called for Oklahomans to make a plea to local law enforcement to close down Add Love Pets, a breeding facility and pet store that the Skiatook rescue said has been criticized for years. [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Data Ties Childhood Evictions to Chronic Absenteeism in Schools: Students in Oklahoma experience housing instability at a higher percentage than the national average. That contributes to the state’s chronic absenteeism rates, with evictions being linked to a decrease in school attendance. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahomans can apply for assistance to keep their homes cool this summer: Oklahomans who meet certain income requirements can now apply for assistance paying their electricity bill. It’s part of a program that aims to keep air conditioners humming during summer’s hottest months. [KOSU]

Economy & Business News

Tinker AFB looking to add 1,000 jobs with purchase of 131 acres for expansion: Tinker Air Force Base is looking at adding 1,000 new jobs with the $24.5 million purchase of 131 acres for expansion of its B-21 bomber campus. The purchase, which closed on June 23, followed several years of negotiations that required congressional and presidential approval along with a review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Oklahoma City mayor reveals new Thunder arena [Oklahoma Voice]
• Oklahoma City unveils new NBA arena design [KOSU]
• Mayor Holt tackles bond vote, homelessness in annual State of the City address [The Oklahoman]
• Tulsa Food Not Bombs supplies mutual aid no strings attached [The Black Wall Street Times]
• County commissioners OK zoning change for data center near Owasso [Tulsa World]
• Another youth curfew has been imposed in Green Country. What factors will determine success? [Public Radio Tulsa]

Quote of the Day

“The fact of the matter is, we have homelessness and eviction rates hitting every demographic in Oklahoma. It is a problem that people don’t recognize and we need solutions to come out of the Capitol building that will help these folks be able to provide some stability and stay in a home that hopefully is permanent.”

– Joe Dorman, CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, speaking about the growing housing crisis in Oklahoma  He discusses how childhood evictions are closely tied to chronic absenteeism in schools — a pattern that can derail a child’s education and limit future economic opportunities — and urges lawmakers to step up with solutions that help families find stability and remain in homes that can become permanent. [Oklahoma Watch]

Number of the Day

-84,718

The shortage of rental homes in Oklahoma that are both affordable and available to extremely low-income renters — leaving thousands without access to stable housing. 1 in 4 households in Oklahoma are considered extremely low-income. [National Low Income Housing Coalition]

Policy Note

The Secret of Affordable Housing: Governments Have to Do It: Sustained, large-scale investment and direct government production remain the only reliable way to build and preserve truly affordable housing — market incentives and tax breaks alone fall short. Cities and states must take ownership of the housing challenge by using public financing and development tools to ensure long-term affordability and stability in their communities. [Governing]

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

Senators request interim study to rethink how Oklahoma cities are funded (Capitol Update): A couple of freshmen senators from Oklahoma’s two largest metro areas have made a bipartisan request for a legislative interim study to look for ways to “stabilize” municipal funding in Oklahoma. For years, Oklahoma’s cities and towns have struggled to find the means of maintaining adequate municipal services. Their revenue mainly comes from city sales tax, use taxes on out-of-city purchases, hotel taxes, and service fees. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma Supreme Court puts business court measure touted by governor on hold: The Oklahoma Supreme Court late Tuesday put on hold a law that would create the state’s first business court system. During oral arguments, justices appeared skeptical about the legality of the measure, which was to become effective Sept. 1 and was strongly supported by Gov. Kevin Stitt. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma Supreme Court quickly stays new law that would establish business courts [The Oklahoman]

State Government News

Shelley Zumwalt settlement: Former official to pay $20,000, not hold office for 2 years: As part of a finalized settlement agreement released Monday by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, former Oklahoma Employment Security Commission executive director Shelley Zumwalt has agreed to pay $20,000 in fines and not hold a public position for two years owing to a violation of conflict of interest rules. [NonDoc]

• Former tourism chief Shelley Zumwalt to pay civil penalty for ethics violation [The Oklahoman]

Can campaign funds be used for private security? OK leaders ask for clarification after Minnesota deaths: Democratic and Republican legislative leaders are asking the Oklahoma Ethics Commission whether lawmakers can use campaign funds to pay for personal security measures after a Minnesota representative and her family were killed in their home. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma goes digital with car titles: What vehicle owners need to know: After more than a century of using paper car titles, Oklahoma is officially going digital. As of July 1, the state now issues electronic vehicle titles through a state-run database. While the change won’t impact every driver immediately, it could make a difference the next time you buy, sell, or transfer a vehicle. [News 9]

Long Story Short: Walters’ School Meal Plan Draws Criticism (audio): Jennifer Palmer with reactions to a new directive from State Superintendent Ryan Walters about the cost of school meals. Paul Monies investigated which oil and gas companies are applying for a share of a $50 million rebate program to make upgrades that limit their methane emissions. J.C. Hallman about a medical parole story he first wrote in March, which the Oklahoma Supreme Court has weighed in on. [Oklahoma Watch]

Federal Government News

Oklahoma school districts brace for budget cuts amid federal funding freeze: While Oklahoma is not among the 24 states suing the Trump administration over the federal government’s freeze on $6.8 billion in education funding, districts across the state are still bracing for major impacts. [2 News Oklahoma]

US Supreme Court allows Trump to carry out plan to dismantle Education Department for now: The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Trump administration, for now, to proceed with mass layoffs and a plan to dramatically downsize the Education Department ordered earlier this year. [Oklahoma Voice]

• How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department after Supreme Court ruling [The Black Wall Street Times]

More ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ centers to be built by states flush with cash, experts predict: Former top immigration officials from the Biden administration warned Tuesday that billions for immigration enforcement signed into law earlier this month will escalate the rapid detention and deportations of immigrants. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Miccosukee Tribe Joins Lawsuit Against State of Florida & Federal Government Over “Alligator Alcatraz” [Native News Online]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma shouldn’t allow private prisons to reopen as immigration detention centers. Here are 6 reasons why.

In Depth: New gambling tax will hit you in both Las Vegas and Oklahoma tribal casinos (video): The Nevada Congressional delegation and professional gamblers have taken to social media and the halls of Congress to sound the alarm on what they say is an ugly tax provision tucked away inside ‘The Big Beautiful Bill’. [Fox 23]

Is Oklahoma getting rid of daylight saving? What a change would look like, according to Trump: Daylight saving time doesn’t end for another few months, but legislation regarding it could make this an interesting fallback period this autumn. Several states, including Oklahoma, have individually decided to end daylight saving time if federal action is taken; however, no congressional measures have yet crossed the finish line. [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: CDC Injury Center helped Oklahoma after the 1995 bombing. Now it’s under attack: The president’s budget proposes to eliminate all Injury Center funding, which also include programs for the prevention of suicide, drownings, older adult falls, domestic violence and child abuse. [Shelli Stephens-Stidham / The Oklahoman]

Tribal Nations News

Choctaw Freedmen criticize tribe’s recently passed constitutional amendment: Descendants of people formerly enslaved by the Choctaw Nation are criticizing a Constitutional change by the tribe. Despite a letter of opposition to the Department of the Interior, Amendment Five removes the need to seek federal approval when making changes to the Choctaw Nation’s constitution. [KOSU]

Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association conference explores sports betting potential: The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association’s annual conference in Oklahoma City is showcasing the latest games and technology set to appear in casinos across the state. [KOCO]

Education News

Oklahoma Charter School Board approves Epic audit after financial crisis, mass layoffs: The Statewide Charter School Board is calling for an investigative audit of Epic Charter Schools. Board financial compliance officer Skyler Lusnia said Epic’s two rounds of layoffs over the last school year were due to over projections of enrollment and federal revenue. [StateImpact via KGOU]

• Epic Charter Schools to use $30M private loan for July payroll amid financial struggles [KFOR]

‘Labor of love’: Northeastern State University gets $2.3 million to train social work grad students: A new effort to strengthen behavioral health services in rural Oklahoma is underway, thanks to a $2.3 million grant awarded to Northeastern State University’s School of Social Work by the Health Resources and Services Administration. [KOSU]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma Grand Jury decides not to charge officer in June fatal SE OKC shooting: An Oklahoma Grand Jury ruled to take no action in a use-of-force case of an Oklahoma City police officer in a June fatal officer-involved shooting. [KFOR]

OKC Council votes to hire defense for ex-officer involved in use of force suit: The Oklahoma City Council voted to hire a legal firm to represent the officer who was involved in a use of force incident with a 71-year-old man. [Fox 25]

10 years after the Bever murders in Broken Arrow: A Tulsa World Special Report: On the night of July 22, 2015, a quiet Broken Arrow neighborhood was the scene of a shocking quintuple homicide that made international headlines. A narrative retelling of the events of the night of July 22, 2015, uses previous reports, trial coverage and available records from the disturbing Broken Arrow familicide case. [Tulsa World]

Are guns allowed at work, schools or bars? Here’s what Oklahoma laws say about open carry: There are restrictions in place on where people can possess their guns, such as schools, certain government buildings, and others. But what about if it’s your job? [The Oklahoman]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Oklahoma Has Nation’s Highest Average Homeowners Insurance Premiums: According to a June 9 Lending Tree report, Oklahoma has the highest average homeowners insurance premium in the country at $6,133 per year, 2.2 times the national average of $2,801. Rates in Oklahoma have climbed 50.8% from 2019 through 2024, rising faster than the national average of 40.4% the report said. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma among 18 states that stops cities from enacting paid leave standards, report finds: Across most of the South and Midwest, state laws bar local governments from requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, effectively stripping cities of the power to enact their own labor protections. [Oklahoma Voice]

‘Our whole life is blowing up’: Tulsans face eviction over rent hikes: For three years, Gable Hills Apartments have been home for Sylvia Aguilar and her six-year-old son. At the end of June, she found a notice taped to her door, alerting her to her lease being terminated in just 60 days. The notice attributes it to rental increases that Tulsa Housing Authority, who gives Aguilar rental assistance, refuses to pay. [2 News Oklahoma]

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

Economy & Business News

Oklahoma rethinks employment options for people with disabilities: A federal policy allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage. Oklahoma passed legislation this year to form a task force to study how the state could transition its more than 1,200 subminimum-wage workers into minimum wage jobs or day programs. [The Frontier]

Tinker Air Force Base expansion to add 1,000+ new jobs: More than 1,000 new jobs will come to Tinker Air Force Base as the result of a new land purchase by the base. This strategic purchase enhances the Air Force’s capacity for complex aircraft depot maintenance, addresses shortages in hangar and ramp space, and supports Tinker AFB‘s long-term mission. [The Journal Record]

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority council calls for action on ‘rogue’ THC products made from hemp: Members of an advisory council to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority have called for action to remove unregulated, hemp-derived gummies, candies and other products designed to make people high from gas stations and other stores. [Tulsa World]

Community News

Oklahoma sends aid to New Mexico, additional support to Texas to help with flood recovery: Oklahoma has sent a support team to New Mexico to help with recovery from flash flooding that occurred last week. The state also sent more swift water rescue teams to Texas to help that state recover from deadly flooding. [Oklahoma Voice]

Competition schedule announced for 2028 LA Olympic events held in OKC: Officials say OKC will host Olympic events for 16 days straight, with medals awarded on seven of those days. The first Summer Olympics competition ever held in OKC will be 9 a.m. on July 14, 2028, with canoe slalom at OKC’s white water facility. [KFOR]

Robert Funk Sr., Express Employment co-founder, OKC philanthropist, dead at 85: Robert A. Funk Sr., co-founder and executive chairman of Express Employment International, passed away Tuesday at Express Ranches, his longtime home in Yukon. He was 85. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Council denies long-litigated Edmond Walmart proposal as legal ‘consequences’ loom [NonDoc]
• Yukon City Council drops plans for proposed Sunset Amphitheater [News 9]
• Oklahoma Turnpike Authority hopes to wrap up I-35 access project sooner than expected [Oklahoma Voice]
• OKC Council sets $2.7B infrastructure bond vote for Oct. 14 [The Journal Record]
• Water main breaks in Oklahoma City are increasing. What’s happening? [The Oklahoman]
• How Tulsa’s flood planning could help it withstand threat of federal cuts [The Oklahoma Eagle]
• Tulsa Area United Way expanding to Rogers, Mayes and Delaware counties [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“I mean, we have Tulsa Housing help for a reason, and I’m a single mom, I can’t work a whole lot of hours. My son’s school is out here, his counseling is out here, my job is out here, so I feel like our whole life is blowing up and I don’t know what to do, I don’t know where were going to live.”

– Sylvia Aguilar, a 3-year tenant of Gable Hills Apartments and recipient of housing assistance through the Tulsa Housing Authority. Aguilar, along with many of her neighbors, received an eviction notice last month informing her that because of a lack of federal funding, the Tulsa Housing Authority could no longer fulfill rent increase requests. [2 News Oklahoma]

Number of the Day

14%

The median rent (including utilities) for an apartment in Oklahoma was $1,020/month in 2023, a 14 percent increase since 2001. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]

Policy Note

Cuts to Health Care, Food Assistance, and Income Support to Fund Tax Cuts for the Wealthy Would Worsen Housing Instability and Homelessness: In the wealthiest nation in the world, we have the resources to ensure everyone can afford necessities, including a safe, affordable place to live, enough food, and access to quality health care. But Republican budget proposals to deeply cut health coverage, food assistance, and income support to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy would do the opposite. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities]

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 shouldn’t allow private prisons to reopen as immigration detention centers. Here are 6 reasons why: As federal officials are looking for additional space to detain people, CoreCivic, GEO Group, and other private contractors are looking to profit from this effort by repurposing idle facilities. Here are six reasons why privately operated immigration detention facilities are a bad move for Oklahoma. [Gabriela Ramirez-Perez and Polina Rozhkova / OK Policy]

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma parents, faith leaders drop lawsuit over Catholic charter school: An Oklahoma County lawsuit challenging a Catholic charter school has been dropped following the school’s failed appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court’s 4-4 stalemate upheld an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision against permitting the country’s first religious charter school to begin operating in the state with taxpayer funds. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Taxpayer challenge to Catholic charter school proposal ended after U.S. Supreme Court ruling [Tulsa World]
• St. Isidore lawsuit in Oklahoma County court to be dropped following SCOTUS decision [The Oklahoman]
• Oklahoma St. Isidore lawsuit dropped in light of spring SCOTUS ruling [StateImpact via KGOU]

Restaurants at five Oklahoma state parks to reopen following contract dispute resolution: Restaurants at five Oklahoma parks are set to reopen Tuesday after the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation recently suspended operations in the midst of a contract dispute. The agency and vendor, the Lookout Kitchen, on Monday reached a conditional agreement to reopen the restaurants at Beavers Bend, Lake Murray, Robbers Cave, Roman Nose and Quartz Mountain state parks, the agency said in a press release. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma state park restaurants set to reopen as Lookout Kitchen repays money owed [KOSU]

Heartland Flyer to continue operations for another year, long-term funding remains uncertain: The passenger rail line connecting Oklahoma City to Dallas-Fort Worth has secured the funding it needs to continue operations — but only for the next year. [KGOU]

State Government News

Lawmaker, Oklahoma Policy Institute weigh in on Ryan Walter’s school lunch mandate: State Superintendent Ryan Walters is requiring all school districts to pay for all student meals with money currently in their budgets. Several school districts have since responded by saying the way they allocate their funding is dictated by state law. We spoke with Shiloh Kantz, the Oklahoma Policy Institute Executive Director. [News on 6]

• Catoosa Public Schools questions state mandate to fund student lunches [News 9]

Ryan Walters appeals order to pay journalists’ attorneys fees in First Amendment suit: State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters and his former spokesman are appealing a federal judge’s order that they pay attorneys who successfully represented Oklahoma City television station KFOR in a First Amendment lawsuit more than $170,000 in legal fees. [The Oklahoman]

Former Oklahoma agency head prohibited from working for state, under settlement agreement: A former Oklahoma agency head and Cabinet secretary will pay a $20,000 fine and is prohibited from holding public office for two years for violating state ethics rules, according to the terms of a settlement agreement made public Monday. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Ethics Commission, Shelley Zumwalt agree on complaint settlement [The Journal Record]
• Former Oklahoma agency head barred from office for 2 years, fined $20,000 in ethics violation settlement [KOSU]

Federal Government News

Tax cuts take effect before spending cuts in ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’: Key parts of President Donald Trump’s massive “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will take effect at different times. Core to the bill, which Trump signed into law on the Fourth of July, is the permanent extension of his 2017 tax cuts that had been slated to end this year. That law changed tax rates across income brackets, and now the changes will carry forward beyond this year. [The National News Desk]

• From OK Policy: Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”

24 states sue Trump admin to unfreeze more than $6 billion in education grants: A coalition of 24 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration on Monday over the administration’s decision to freeze more than $6 billion in federal education grants for K-12 schools and adult education. The move comes two weeks after the Trump administration first notified states that it was withholding the previously approved funds. [NPR]

FEMA Cuts Sink Norman’s Automated Flood Warning Plan: The city of Norman was prepared to build an automatic flood warning system this year, the same kind of early warning system that Kerr County, Texas, could have used to help save lives during the deadly floods over the July Fourth weekend. But in April, the Trump administration said it was ending the wasteful and ineffective program that would have paid for it. [Oklahoma Watch]

Tribal Nations News

DA, sheriff want tribe’s jurisdiction lawsuit paused as Supreme Court mulls similar case: Tulsa County officials have asked a judge to halt court proceedings in a jurisdictional challenge filed by the Muscogee Nation while the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether it wants to take up a similar case involving Gov. Kevin Stitt’s brother. [Tulsa World]

• From OK Policy: Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?

13 Democratic Members of Congress Push to Restore Report on MMIP Crisis: Thirteen Democratic lawmakers are calling on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to reinstate the Not Invisible Act Commission Report on its website. The report, which contained vital findings and recommendations regarding the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis, was unexpectedly removed following the implementation of a recent executive order—effectively erasing years of essential research and community testimony. [Native News Online]

Choctaw Nation: Henry, Mabray win council seats, constitutional amendments fall short despite support: A provision in the Choctaw Nation Constitution requiring changes to receive support totaling at least 51 percent of all votes cast in the tribe’s last chief election prevented five amendments from passing Saturday, even though each received more than 84 percent support from the more than 10,100 citizens who cast ballots. [NonDoc]

Seminole Nation chief, assistant chief races go to runoff: Amid a decrease in voter turnout, the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma races for chief and assistant chief are heading to an Aug. 9 runoff election, according to Saturday’s unofficial election results released by the tribe. In its 2021 election cycle, the Seminole Nation saw record turnout, collecting 1,712 votes in the race for chief. This weekend, however, only 1,069 people voted in the chief race, a 37.6 percent decrease in turnout. [NonDoc]

Education News

State board calls for investigative audit of Epic Charter School: While pointing to mismanagement as the cause of mass layoffs and program cuts at Epic Charter School, state officials agreed Monday to hire an accounting firm to investigate further and recommend corrective action. [Oklahoma Voice]

• State board orders investigation into Epic Charter Schools’ finances after mass layoffs [Tulsa World]
• Statewide Charter School Board to hire outside auditor to investigate Epic Charter Schools [The Oklahoman]

Broken Arrow, Owasso school leaders share funding freeze impact: For several area districts, Monday night brought the first school board meeting of the new fiscal year, as well as the first meeting since two announcements within the span of a week that could potentially upend budgets for schools across Oklahoma. [Tulsa World]

NSU social work students get extra support to help close mental health care gaps: Northeastern State University received a $2.3 million grant to support its students who are set to become social workers in rural northeast Oklahoma. The money will be distributed as stipends directly to students so they can focus on their social work during their studies. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Opinion: Hard truth? Oklahoma City is leaving your child out of our success story: Oklahoma City’s future depends on ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality public school. Our community must work together to significantly increase the number of strong school options so that every student, in every neighborhood, has the opportunity to thrive. [Brent Bushey / The Oklahoman]

Health News

Measles reaches highest level in 33 years, now in 39 states: Measles cases have surpassed a recent 2019 record to reach the highest level since 1992, with at least 1,289 cases reported in 39 states. The milestone comes as health officials are increasingly alarmed by vaccine skepticism gaining a voice in the Trump administration under U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma health officials warn of measles risk in low vaccination areas [News 9]

Criminal Justice News

Trying to prevent deaths, Oklahoma County Jail installs radar first designed for outer space: Since the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority took over day-to-day operations at the county jail five years ago, the facility has seen a steady stream of detainee deaths from a variety of causes, but jail officials are hoping the tide can be turned by deploying radar technology in the coming months and years. [NonDoc]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Leader says ‘nasty’ opposition spurred ministry serving homeless to pull zoning application: The leader of a ministry focused on homelessness said it has withdrawn its zoning application that would have allowed it to relocate east of downtown after some neighbors “got really nasty” in their opposition. [Tulsa World]

What’s behind Oklahoma’s skyrocketing home insurance costs?: Oklahoma has claimed the top spot in the U.S. for the most expensive home insurance rates, with an average rate of $6,133. Homeowners in Oklahoma pay 119% more than the national average of $2,801. Lending Tree Analyst Rob Bhatt said there are many reasons for this number, but one of the main factors that insurance companies blame rate increases on is the weather that we experience, such as tornadoes, wind damage, and hailstorms. [News 9]

Oklahoma launches improved website for filing unemployment claims: Unemployed Oklahomans may have an easier way to file for benefits after the state launched an improved website to submit their claims. The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) launched a new claimant portal that is expected to reduce the time spent filing a claim. It’s also designed to be more secure, more intuitive to navigate and easy to use on mobile devices, OESC said. [The Oklahoman]

Economy & Business News

OKC has a long history with the aerospace industry, and it’s still growing: A new survey released by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber reports the aerospace industry is a leading contributor to the local economy generating $8.98 billion annually in goods and services and supporting more than 80,200 jobs. [The Oklahoman]

Big Energy Companies at Forefront of State Emissions Rebates: Some of the state’s largest energy companies are at the front of the line for a $50 million state incentive to upgrade oil and gas equipment. The fund to limit methane emissions established under a Biden administration rule is now under review by the Trump administration. [Oklahoma Watch]

An oil spill 33 years ago has led to a new groundwater restriction in OKC. What happened?: In 1992, a hydrocarbon spill occurred at the Phillips 66 Oklahoma City Products Terminal at 4700 NE 10, at the north edge of the Del City limits. The pollution recently bubbled to the surface of the public record, although the extent of the spill, and the kind of petroleum product it was, could not be determined. [The Oklahoman]

Fed manufacturing survey offers a glimmer of optimism: Manufacturing activity in Oklahoma and surrounding states continues to lag, but there is a growing sense of optimism that the economic environment will improve over the next six months, according to a June survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. [The Journal Record]

Data center vote is Wednesday: Here’s what you need to know: A proposal to build a massive new data center complex in unincorporated Tulsa County near Owasso had been sailing along toward approval until last week’s Tulsa County commissioners meeting. Commissioners last week postponed a vote to approve a zoning change for “Project Clydesdale” after county residents pleaded for more time to gather additional information about the proposed center. [Tulsa World]

Grocery store closures in small Oklahoma towns potentially leave 85 employees jobless: Four grocery stores in small Oklahoma towns are closing on Aug. 16, potentially leaving 85 employees without jobs and communities scrambling to provide support. The closures include United Supermarkets in Kingfisher, Discount Foods in Ponca City and Homeland stores in Jay and Pauls Valley. Homeland Acquisition Corp. cited financial and operational factors as the reason. [KOCO]

• 4 Oklahoma grocery stores slated to close next month [KOSU]

Local Headlines

• Bartlesville boil order lifted after later E. coli tests come up negative [Tulsa World]
• Tulsans push back on Reworld’s plan to burn medical waste [The Oklahoma Eagle]
• McKinley Park could be getting some big upgrades: What to know about bond up for council approval [The Oklahoman]
• New $1 billion Oklahoma City arena will open with a new name with end of Paycom deal [The Oklahoman]
• New Edmond City Hall debuts with first City Council meeting [The Journal Record]
• League of Women Voters to host ‘Civic Conversations’ on federal changes affecting Stillwater [Stillwater News Press]

Quote of the Day

“Some skeptics question whether schools serving underserved communities can succeed. But that mindset is not only misguided, it’s harmful. Lowering expectations for students based on their ZIP code or socioeconomic status only reinforces the barriers they face.”

– Brent Bushey, writing about the need for stronger public education in Oklahoma City, argues that while the city is growing, its public schools are being left behind. He calls on the community to come together to expand high-quality school options so that every child — no matter their neighborhood — has the opportunity to succeed. [The Oklahoman]

Number of the Day

21%

The share of Parental Choice Tax Credits in Oklahoma that went to high-income households — those earning over $250,000 — according to the Oklahoma Tax Commission. That’s $19.3 million out of the $91.7 million awarded, raising questions about who truly benefits from school choice programs. [Oklahoma Tax Commission]

Policy Note

Who Really Benefits From Universal School Choice?: Universal school-choice policies tend to skew benefits toward higher‑income families with access to private schools, while rural communities and low-income students often gain little due to limited school availability and eligibility criteria favoring the wealthy. Despite claims of fostering competition and innovation, they frequently siphon funding from public schools, exacerbate inequities, and may leave underserved areas with even fewer quality education options. [Governing]

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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.

State Government News

Bridging gaps: What four Native state officials had to say about their roles, identities: The Oklahoman spoke with four Native people who serve the state as lawmakers or advisers. Their tribal nations were all affected by the McGirt decision. Here’s what the four had to say about how they view their roles and how their identities influence their work. [The Oklahoman]

Lawmakers push back on decision to pull highway patrol from urban areas: ‘There has to be a better way’: Two Oklahoma lawmakers are questioning the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s decision to withdraw resources from urban areas later this year. [The Oklahoman]

• Drunken driving, highway crashes are top concerns as OHP withdraws from Tulsa, OKC [Tulsa World]

Drummond calls for over $100 million in penalties in chicken waste lawsuit: Attorney General Gentner Drummond has proposed penalties totaling over $100 million for poultry companies found to be liable for causing degradation of the Illinois River and Lake Tenkiller water quality. [Tulsa World]

Oklahoma Ethics Commission settles with former agency head, opens new investigation on lawmaker: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission approved a formal investigation into a state representative’s financial records and settled a case with the former head of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation on Thursday. [KOSU]

• Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission under ethics investigation [Tulsa World]

Before you go hunting in Oklahoma, see these new laws on permits, foraging: The state Legislature passed about a handful of new laws that affect hunting, fishing and even foraging for nuts and fungi. [The Oklahoman]

Roundup: More money on tap for OKC water line breaks, DAs and DOJ start settlement talks: In a move to stem a flood of water main breaks, the City of OKC is flushing its pipe replacement plans with cash. Meanwhile, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has claimed yet another legal victory, this time in federal court against a former State Department of Education employee who was suing him for wrongful termination. [NonDoc]

Capitol Insider: State of Oklahoma revenues show slight increase in last 12 months: The state’s new fiscal year began July 1st, so we now have a full view of the state’s tax revenue for the just completed 2025 fiscal year. What do those numbers tell us? [KGOU]

Opinion: Ryan Walters’ free food stunt begs the question: Is he Oklahoma’s biggest class clown?: I can’t figure out which character Ryan Walters is playing. Is he the kid who sits in the back of the classroom, quietly sowing chaos by chunking nasty spitballs at his classmates and blaming someone else when he gets in trouble? Or is Oklahoma’s Republican state superintendent merely a well-intentioned but bumbling public official who hasn’t got a clue about how things actually work? [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]

• Critic says arguing merits of Walters’ controversial ideas gives them unearned legitimacy [KFOR]

Federal Government News

States scramble to shield hospitals from GOP Medicaid cuts: The giant tax and spending bill President Donald Trump signed into law over the weekend includes the biggest health care spending cuts in U.S. history. In response, states are scrambling to shield their hospitals from the looming loss of hundreds of millions in federal funding. Indiana and Oklahoma considered bills this session to create grant programs for rural hospitals. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Hospitals across nation brace for Medicaid cuts under ‘big, beautiful’ law [The Hill]
• Think You’re Safe From Medicaid Cuts? Your State Health Care Program May Not Be [Investopedia]

Medicaid cuts will be tough for people with disabilities, local agency says: Proposed federal Medicaid cuts could significantly impact hundreds of Oklahomans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, according to officials at A New Leaf, a nonprofit based in Owasso. [Public Radio Tulsa]

ICE tactics under fire as its clout swells: With the imminent arrival of a significant hike in federal funding, thanks to the July 4 enactment of the “big, beautiful bill,” and the high court’s ruling last month that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can swiftly deport migrants to locations outside their native countries, the administration promises a far larger ICE force as its tactics draw scrutiny. [The Hill]

• Americans have grown markedly more positive toward immigration over the past year, with the share wanting immigration reduced dropping from 55% in 2024 to 30% today. At the same time, a record-high 79% of U.S. adults say immigration is a good thing for the country. [Gallup]

Head Start will no longer enroll undocumented children, Trump administration says: Undocumented children will no longer qualify for federally funded preschool through the Head Start program under a major policy shift the Trump administration announced Thursday. Federal officials said the change would take effect as soon as it is published in the Federal Register. It has not been published, but has been submitted, the Trump administration said. [Chalkbeat]

New national school voucher program included in ‘big, beautiful’ law, with no cap on cost: A national private school voucher program is now law, though the school choice initiative comes with a huge caveat. States also choose — whether or not to participate. [Oklahoma Voice]

A controversial amendment cut from Trump’s tax bill is to be reintroduced: At the last minute, an amendment forcing federal agencies to sell public lands got dropped from President Trump’s tax and spending bill. Utah Senator Mike Lee is expected to reintroduce the controversial measure soon. He says the federal government owns too much land and at least some of it should be used to build housing. And that’s teeing up a fight. [NPR]

Opinion: Oklahoma congressmen disappoint constituent wanting voice heard: We have seen the chaos and felt the pain since tariff and spending powers were ceded to the executive branch. Which legislative powers will Congress surrender next? How much uncertainty, poor decision-making and instability can our system bear? Congress, if you stand for anything, please stand for democracy. [Theresa Kaiser / Tulsa World]

Editorial: Our Congressional delegation should be home to explain themselves: Here’s what should happen this time of year, especially after the passing of a federal law that changes so many things. We should all have a town hall on our calendars to go to with our members of Congress so we can hear them out, ask some questions and have a discussion about what life will look like in this new “One Big, Beautiful” world they have created for us. But as of this writing, nothing like that is scheduled. [Tulsa World]

Tribal Nations News

High court says no tax exemption for tribal citizens: On July 1, the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejected an attempt to exempt tribal citizens living and working within their own reservations from personal state income taxes. The 6-3 opinion supported the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s fall 2022 decision that Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen Alicia Stroble is subject to state income taxation. [ICT]

Rematches set for 2025 Muscogee council elections: On the eve of the five-year anniversary of the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision that acknowledged its reservation’s existence, the Muscogee Nation’s election board announced that 18 full citizens filed to run for one of the eight “B” seats during the 2025 Muscogee National Council election cycle. [NonDoc]

Voting and Election News

IRS Rule Change Clears Way for Pulpit Endorsements: Last Monday, July 7, the IRS stated in a court filing that churches and other houses of worship may endorse political candidates to their congregants without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status. The decision stemmed from a lawsuit filed by two Texas churches and the National Religious Broadcasters Association. [Oklahoma Watch]

A racist campaign message caused ire among Oklahoma Democrats. But it wasn’t real, it was AI: A recording began circulating of a voice, claiming to be state Rep. John Waldron, making inflammatory racial remarks about his opponent for Democratic Party chair. Evidence suggests the voice was actually generated by artificial intelligence. Who was behind the recording, and for what purposes, is still unknown. But the flash controversy points to what experts warn is a growing threat in Oklahoma and across the nation as AI becomes an increasingly easy tool to spread political disinformation and influence elections through lifelike audio and video clips. [The Oklahoman]

• AI poses threats of discrimination and violations of civil liberties, ACLU says [Oklahoma Voice]

Elon Musk says he’ll launch the ‘America Party.’ Can he get candidates on the ballot?: If the world’s richest man seriously pursues his goal of standing up what he calls the America Party, he will have to navigate a patchwork of state-level requirements to get his party and its candidates on general election ballots across the country. [Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: Elections are for the American people, not political parties: Who are elections for: the American people or political parties? The Constitution begins with “We the People of the United States.” Elections are for the American people. That’s what a movement in Oklahoma is seeking to restore. State Question 836 would change state elections to a unified ballot, also called a top-two primary election or open ballot. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Education News

Walters, Oklahoma districts dispute claims of free meal affordability: Disagreement between Oklahoma’s top education official and public school leaders continued this week over whether districts are well-funded enough to afford free cafeteria meals for all students. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma school districts say Ryan Walters’ claim they have millions to fund meals is untrue [The Oklahoman]
• Districts targeted by Ryan Walters over ‘surplus’ funds push back on inaccuracies [Tulsa World]
• School districts say Walters’ claims of massive budget surpluses are verifiably false, damaging to public education [KFOR]
• Fact-checking Ryan Walters’ claims on school lunch funding in Oklahoma [News 9]
• A State Chief’s Order to Schools: Provide Free Meals for All—With No New Funding [Education Week]

PragerU, Oklahoma collaborate on teacher assessment to curb perceived leftist influence: If you’re moving from a more progressive state, before you step up to the white board in Oklahoma, you’re going to have to prove you’re committed to providing an ‘America first’ education. [Fox 25]

• Oklahoma’s proposed ‘America First Assessment’ for teachers draws mixed reactions [KOCO]
• Oklahoma Mocked as Teachers Set to Undergo ‘America First’ Screening to Obtain License: ‘Trying to Uphold That 49th Out of 50th in Education’ [The Latin Times]

Former Trump education official files complaint over ‘discriminatory’ TU programs: A former U.S. Department of Education official under President Trump filed a civil rights complaint Tuesday against the University of Tulsa, alleging discrimination based on race and gender. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Opinion: Sara Framel: It’s time to rethink summer break and invest in youth when school is out: Since 1976, Youth At Heart has been showing up for Tulsa youth and families — year after year, season after season. And every summer, we come back to the same problem: School’s out. But life isn’t. Last year, 31 community partners served more than 6,000 kids, This year, many of those programs have been downsized or disappeared altogether. Families are back to piecing together care like it’s a group project and no one’s replying to the group text. [Sara Framel / Tulsa World]

Opinion: Oklahoma doubled free school meal access. No child deserves to go hungry: Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a federal program that helps schools in high poverty areas serve meals to all students at no cost to their families. It is a crucial program that makes our food safety net effective. It helps schools, kids, teachers and families. Oklahoma’s success shows how well it can work, especially when using the Medicaid option to reach more students who need help. But there’s more to do. [Chris Bernard / The Oklahoman]

Health News

Opinion: Why childhood immunizations matter to protect Oklahomans: While most children receive their recommended vaccinations, there are still some gaps in Oklahoma that we can all share the burden in closing. Our state is ranked 48th in the nation for overall vaccinations and second-to-last for childhood immunizations, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. [Stephania Grober / Tulsa World]

Criminal Justice News

Anti-government group leader, now in Oklahoma, says group takes credit for News 9 radar sabotage: A man who, years ago, became convinced a child sex-trafficking ring was operating at an abandoned cement plant in Tucson has moved to Oklahoma and found a new target: radar systems he believes the military and media use to control the weather. [The Oklahoman]

Suspect in cellmate’s death allegedly supplied drugs that killed Oklahoma County jail inmate: A 35-year-old woman is accused of first-degree murder after allegedly supplying the drugs that killed her cellmate in March at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. [The Oklahoman]

Lawton correctional center to be renamed in new chapter at facility: The Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) announced plans to rename the Lawton Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility to the Red Rock Correctional Center. This change will take effect on July 25, coinciding with the state’s acquisition and operational takeover of the last privately operated facility in Oklahoma. [Fox 25]

Economy & Business News

Midwest farm economies suffered while some Sun Belt states kept rolling in early 2025: Global clashes and trade wars hammered Midwestern states’ agricultural economies early this year, while a continuing boom in Southeastern states’ housing and tech jobs kept their economies humming along. Oklahoma’s annualized GDP declined by 1.58 percent from the fourth quarter of 2024 compared to the first quarter of 2025. [Oklahoma Voice]

Community News

Opinion: A renewed spirit of optimism about race relations in Tulsa: The Black Wall Street Legacy Festival and the announcement of the Greenwood Trust — a historic milestone aimed at bringing restoration and reparation to families and communities impacted by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre — can help reverse the trend of hopelessness about racial equality and begin to inspire a renewed spirit of optimism about race relations. [Leroy Gatlin/ Tulsa World]

Local Headlines

• How well is OKC run? New study ranks Oklahoma City among the top 15 for city management [The Oklahoman]
• OKC once again looking to tear down 1937 jail and police headquarters [The Oklahoman]
• Three major library projects may be up for a vote in OKC. Here’s what they are [The Oklahoman]
• What’s the Homeland near me? 2 Homeland stores closing leave Oklahoma towns without a location [The Oklahoman]
• New $70 million retail development coming to Broken Arrow to include top retailers [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“We can’t imagine (State Superintendent Ryan) Walters would be suggesting that we use bond money to pay for student meals. Using bond money would be a clear violation of the law. It is unfortunate that school districts have to spend their time and resources correcting misinformation sent by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.”

– Piedmont Public Schools, writing in a statement that refutes claims that school districts are well-funded enough to afford free cafeteria meals for all students. The state superintendent previously claimed schools had “surplus” funds available for this purpose. Districts around the state, however, say these funds appear to include bond money that cannot legally be used for school meals. [Oklahoma Voice]

Number of the Day

5%

The estimated share of Oklahoma youth ages 12 to 17 who carried a firearm at least one day in 2019, not counting days when they carried a gun only for hunting or for a sport such as target shooting. The national average that year was 4.4%. [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

Policy Note

From Punishment to Prevention: A Better Approach to Addressing Youth Gun Possession: The U.S. justice system’s increasing reliance on punitive approaches — like locked detention and automatic transfers to adult court — for youth caught with guns is ineffective, exacerbates racial disparities, and undermines community safety. Instead, evidence shows that diversion programs, community-based interventions, and targeted gun violence prevention models (such as focused deterrence and cognitive behavioral therapy) reduce recidivism and support healthier youth development. [The Sentencing Project]

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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

Community-led crisis response is working, but Oklahoma needs a statewide solution (Commentary): Oklahoma City’s new Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program represents a meaningful step toward the justice reform envisioned by Oklahoma voters nearly a decade ago. But expanding similar services beyond metro areas requires sustained commitment and investment from the state. [Kati Malicoate / OK Policy]

Oklahoma News

Appellate court affirms death penalty for serial killer William Lewis Reece: The state Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously affirmed the death penalty sentence of convicted serial killer William Lewis Reece today in a precedential ruling that says sexual propensity evidence may be admitted during some murder trials in Oklahoma. [NonDoc]

• Oklahoma appeals court upholds serial killer’s murder conviction and death sentence [The Oklahoman]
• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker

Heartland Flyer to continue operating Oklahoma-Texas route following funding infusion: Passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth will continue for at least another year after a Texas group agreed to chip in millions to keep the route alive, officials said Thursday. The North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Transportation Council on Thursday voted to provide $3.5 million to keep the Heartland Flyer rail service operational. [Oklahoma Voice]

State Government News

How federal immigration policy led to the deportation of an advisor to Oklahoma’s governor (audio): In the podcast, KOSU reporter Lionel Ramos explains how he met Reyes and learned about his story, how Reyes ended up on Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Hispanic Advisory Council in 2023 and how Reyes was detained, transported and deported to Guatemala. [KOSU]

Oklahoma Ethics Commission to issue opinion on security for elected officials: In the wake of the June assassination of a top Minnesota lawmaker, Oklahoma’s legislative leaders from both parties want to know if security can be considered an officeholder expense.  The Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to provide an advisory opinion, which they expect to publish ahead of their next meeting scheduled for Aug. 14. [Oklahoma Voice]

Ethics Commission votes to settle with former Oklahoma agency head, investigate lawmaker, sue PAC: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission on Thursday voted to settle an ethics case with a former agency head and state Cabinet secretary accused of violating conflict of interest rules. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma Ethics Commission opens second investigation of lawmaker [The Journal Record]
• Ethics Commission votes on cases involving Gamefowl Commission, Rep. Ajay Pittman, Shelley Zumwalt [NonDoc]

Oklahoma legislative report on reports shows bad marks for state agencies. Here’s the plan to fix it: The joint Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency presented a report Thursday detailing the degree to which state agencies comply with mandated reporting of various aspects of their work. Findings indicate that the system for submitting information requested by lawmakers is broken, but not irreparable. [KOSU]

• Report finds lack of reporting coming from govt. agencies [KFOR]

State lawmaker files study to explore future of women’s professional sports in Oklahoma: An Oklahoma lawmaker is looking to explore the future of women’s professional sports in Oklahoma with an interim study. [Fox 25]

Federal Government News

‘Draconian’ cuts: What Trump’s megabill means for Oklahoma hospitals and Medicaid recipients: Oklahoma health care leaders estimate state hospitals will see $6.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursement cuts as funding reductions made to the program through President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” set in. [StateImpact via KGOU]

• From OK Policy: Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”

Federal judge to pause Trump’s birthright citizenship order: A federal judge in New Hampshire Thursday issued a preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump’s executive order that would rewrite the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, and granted a class certification to infants who would be affected by the order. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Judge blocks Trump’s birthright citizenship order after Supreme Court ruling [Reuters]

Supreme Court blocks part of Florida’s immigration law: The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday left in place a lower court decision that blocked part of a Florida law making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to cross into the state. The statute imposed various mandatory prison terms for violating the law. [NPR]

• Supreme Court denies Florida’s request to enforce state law on illegal immigration [SCOTUS Blog]

Oklahoma Senators Weigh in on EPA’s Contrails Report: The Environmental Protection Agency released a new website Thursday that debunks conspiracy theories about airplane contrails — conspiracies that are popular with a contingent of President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters, and at least one member of his cabinet. [Oklahoma Watch]

Spending bill stalls in US Senate amid fight over Maryland as FBI HQ destination: The Trump administration’s plan to relocate the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters to the Ronald Reagan building in the District of Columbia, and not a previously selected location in suburban Maryland, hit a roadblock Thursday. [Oklahoma Voice]

Mass layoffs can move forward, with devastating impacts for conservation and science: Mass federal layoffs the Trump administration has planned can move forward immediately, after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted an injunction that has held them off since mid-May. More than 100,000 federal workers can now be fired at any time. [High Country News]

The politics of flooding: Disaster response being rewritten amidst tragedy: Even as FEMA, hit by huge layoffs when President Trump took office, struggled to deploy resources to flood-stricken Kerr County where the death toll now stands at more than 120 children and adults, Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday: “The entire agency needs to be eliminated as it exists today.” [Gaylord News]

Tribal Nations News

How COVID-19 prompted the Osage Nation to take more action against food insecurity: In a state where vast stretches of land offer little access to fresh food, Oklahoma faces a quiet crisis: It is one of the most food-insecure states in the nation. Amid the growing concern over food deserts and the potential farm crisis, the Osage Nation is leading a powerful movement toward food sovereignty — taking control of how food is grown, distributed and shared within its very own community. [The Oklahoman]

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma receives near $1 million grant for Choctaw language education: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma announced on Thursday they have received a U.S. Health and Human Services grant totaling close to $1 million for the purpose of preserving and expanding the Choctaw language. [KXII]

Seminole Nation announces initiative for small Oklahoma business owners: Stemming from a $4.1 million allocation from the U.S. Treasury, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma will establish three distinct programs offering credit support for tribal members to access resources necessary to grow their businesses. [KOSU]

Voting and Election News

Opinion: As a bishop, churches endorsing political candidates leads us down an unsteady path: Since 1954, the Johnson Amendment in the tax code has said that churches risk losing their tax-exempt status if they participate in “any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office.” On Tuesday, July 8, the IRS announced that it will no longer restrict churches from endorsing candidates, on the grounds of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. [Reverend Poulson Reed / The Oklahoman]

Education News

Walters announces PragerU-backed ideology test for teachers from “woke” states: State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced Wednesday Oklahoma will withhold certificates from teachers from “woke” states who do not pass a new ideology test developed by PragerU. [StateImpact via KGOU]

• Ryan Walters launches ‘America First’ teacher screening for out-of-state educators [News 9]
• Oklahoma State Department of Education partners with PragerU to vet incoming teachers [KOCO]

Opinion: Walters serves headlines, not lunch: The bombastic state superintendent of public instruction this week sounded his trumpet, stomped his foot and declared yea, verily, henceforth Oklahoma students shall eat free at public school from a Bobby Kennedy Jr.-esque menu. Of immediate relief to Oklahomans is that Walters’ decree has no practical effect. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]

Opinion: Investment in higher education a win for Oklahoma and Oklahomans: State investment in public higher education impacts more than just individual students; it is a remarkable driver of statewide economic activity. Oklahoma’s investment in public higher education serves employers in need of an educated workforce, attracts more businesses to operate here, and supports Oklahomans pursuing their version of the American dream. By any definition, that’s a win for our state and our citizens. [Sean Burrage / The Journal Record]

Opinion: Banning cellphones in Oklahoma schools may be a smart move, but don’t overlook the parking lot: Oklahoma lawmakers may be headed in the right direction with a new law that bans cellphone use during the school day in a bid to improve student focus, mental health and classroom performance. But as districts craft policies to comply with Senate Bill 139, I hope they’ll also think beyond the confines of their school buildings and consider what could happen when students grab their phones the moment the final bell rings and head to the parking lot. [Lori Lovett / Oklahoma Voice]

Health News

Are guns the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.?: Yes. Using 2023 CDC data, several reports concluded that guns were the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17 for the fourth year in a row. [Oklahoma Watch]

Editorial: Let’s talk about poverty, health care and hunger ― not fluoride: Oklahoma, sad to say, is one of the hungriest states in the nation. It’s also one of the unhealthiest. Both are consequences of the fact that we’re one of the poorest states in the nation. We’ll never truly be in the “Top 10,” Gov. Kevin Stitt’s often-expressed goal, until we can do something about this huge, complex problem, which has been with us since before statehood. [The Oklahoman Editorial Board]

Criminal Justice News

24 states have legalized recreational marijuana. Is Oklahoma one of them?: While 24 states have adopted laws allowing adults to purchase and consume cannabis for non-medical use, Oklahoma continues to prohibit it. In fact, Oklahomans voted down a state question that would have altered the state’s constitution to allow recreational use of marijuana in March 2023. [The Oklahoman]

Oklahoma pot farm ‘accountant’ going to prison as a result of 2022 massacre investigation: An “accountant” for dozens of illegal medical marijuana farms across Oklahoma has been sentenced to prison for 10 years. Kevin Paul Pham, 48, came under investigation after four workers were massacred in 2022 at an illegal pot farm tied to him. [The Oklahoman]

‘Tiger King’ star Joe Exotic loses another appeal, asks Trump on X for a pardon: After losing his latest appeal, Joe Exotic called again on President Donald Trump to pardon him. The former Oklahoma zookeeper, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, was again seeking a new trial in his murder-for-hire case. [The Oklahoman]

Lawmakers criticize Oklahoma Highway Patrol decision to stop urban enforcement: Two Oklahoma lawmakers are questioning the Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s decision to withdraw resources from urban areas later this year. [Oklahoma Voice]

Economy & Business News

Oklahoma is asking a federal judge to fine big poultry companies millions for polluting the Illinois River: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a federal judge to fine some of the nation’s largest poultry companies tens of millions of dollars and order them to stop spreading bird waste in sensitive areas that drain into the Illinois River. [The Frontier]

Artificial labor: Some occupations should reskill to stay ahead of AI: As Artificial Intelligence advances, the way businesses operate is evolving. From detecting fraudulent activity to interacting as chatbots, many companies are automating certain tasks as a regular part of day-to-day operations. [The Journal Record]

Community News

Oklahoma flooding 2025: Here’s how you can prepare your home, family in case of a flood: Recent historic flooding has devastated communities in central Texas, and a flash flood in eastern Oklahoma forced a summer day camp to evacuate. Here’s what Oklahomans should know about preparing their homes and families in case of flooding. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• RAM clinic offering free medical, dental, vision care in Enid on July 12, 13 [NonDoc]
• Sand Springs council seeks clarity on disaster relief funding [Public Radio Tulsa]
• ‘Premature aging’ is causing OKC water main breaks [The Journal Record]
• As water leaks plague Oklahoma City, officials double budget for line replacement [KOSU]

Quote of the Day

“Mobile Integrated Healthcare exemplifies what voters intended — care, not cages. Now lawmakers must fund the future Oklahomans voted for.”

– OK Policy’s Kati Malicoate, writing about Oklahoma City’s mobile crisis response program, which sends behavioral health professionals to mental health emergencies instead of police. While metro programs show promise, rural communities often lack the funding to implement similar models, highlighting the need for statewide investment in crisis care. [OK Policy]

Number of the Day

$87 million

The amount Oklahoma could save each year by expanding mental health diversion programs, including alternatives to jail and emergency room visits. This includes strategies like crisis response programs, treatment courts, and reclassifying certain 911 calls to connect people with care instead of incarceration. [Healthy Minds Policy Initiative]

Correction: Wednesday’s edition of In The Know shared information about public land that was going to be made available for sale under the federal budget megabill. That provision was included in an initial version of the bill, but removed from the final version.

Policy Note

From Crisis to Care: Addressing Addiction, Mental Health, and Homelessness Through Health and Supportive Services: Punishing addiction, mental illness, and homelessness with incarceration or forced treatment wastes taxpayer dollars and worsens public health outcomes. Community-based solutions — like voluntary treatment, crisis response teams, supportive housing, and harm reduction — are proven to reduce overdose, lower incarceration rates, and improve long-term stability. [Drug Policy Alliance]

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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: Making Oklahoma healthy requires more than a slogan: “Make Oklahoma healthy again.” That’s the slogan behind a new initiative announced by Gov. Kevin Stitt in partnership with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While they tried to frame this as a renewed commitment to improving the state’s health outcomes, slogans won’t fund local clinics or make it easier to see much-needed medical specialists. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

From hungry goats to property taxes, Oklahoma senators unveil interim study plans: State senators in the interim will take a look at sports betting, removing elected officials and the use of goats to eradicate red cedar trees. Those are just a few of the 74 Senate interim study requests Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, recently assigned to committees. The studies, which can help shape legislative priorities, are expected to be completed by Oct. 31. [Oklahoma Voice]

• From OK Policy: Interim Study

State Government News

Oklahoma’s total tax revenue collections up slightly compared to last fiscal year: Oklahoma’s tax revenues are up by a fraction of a percent compared to this time last year, according to a June report by the state treasury department. It’s largely attributed to a tax lawmakers want to get rid of — and that makes up much of the state’s budget. [KOSU]

Education Watch: Walters’ School Meal Plan Draws Criticism: This week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters said he wants schools to provide meals at no cost to all students, using existing state and federal money.Compliance, though, would cause drastic cuts — dozens of teachers laid off and all administrators, plus programs. [Oklahoma Watch]

• Oklahoma school leaders say Walters’ meals mandate would cause ‘drastic’ cuts [Oklahoma Voice]
• Walters’ meals mandate is an ‘empty threat,’ Oklahoma House education leader says [Oklahoma Voice]
• Oklahoma House education leader calls Ryan Walters’ school lunch mandate an ’empty threat’ [The Oklahoman]

Report finds years of mismanagement at Oklahoma mental health agency: More than a decade of faulty budgeting practices and mismanagement at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services contributed to the agency’s recent financial crisis, according to an investigative report. [KOSU]

Federal Government News

How Immigrants Will Help Fund Trump’s Tax Cuts: To help cover the cost of their marquee tax-and-spending package, Republicans have turned to a community President Trump has often targeted: immigrants. The package, which is heading to Trump’s desk, includes new fees on immigrants navigating the legal process, and cutting legal immigrants out of certain federal safety-net programs. [The Wall Street Journal]

Judge turns down attempt by Trump administration to dismiss Abrego Garcia suit: A federal judge in Maryland on Wednesday denied the Trump administration’s attempts to dismiss a lawsuit by wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was returned to the United States last month. [Oklahoma Voice]

US Senate panel approves Trump pick to head Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: President Donald Trump’s candidate to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advanced out of a Senate committee Wednesday following a party-line vote, moving her one step closer to confirmation. [Oklahoma Voice]

USDA chief outlines plan to block China from U.S. farmland ownership: President Donald Trump’s administration will pursue a ban on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland as part of an effort to strengthen farm security, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday. [Oklahoma Voice]

IRS says church leaders can endorse candidates: How OKC pastors responded: Houses of worship that blend religion and politics have been a particularly hot topic for decades and the recent IRS clarification seems destined to intensify debates over the issue. Some local religious leaders like Blair welcomed the latest development, while several others said they were seriously concerned about it. [The Oklahoman]

Advocate warns of cuts to free school meals as federal funding shifts to states: In 2024, 267 school districts in Oklahoma participated in CEP. The program allows schools to offer no-cost meals districtwide, covering about 280,000 students. However, following the passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”, which shifts Medicaid and SNAP funding responsibilities to individual states, the future of the program could be at risk. [News on 6]

US Education Department to revive student loan interest for borrowers in SAVE program: Interest accrual on the debt of nearly 7.7 million student loan borrowers enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education plan will resume Aug. 1, the U.S. Education Department said Wednesday. [Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: From Slavery to ICE: The Paper Trail of Oppression: In the United States, power often comes down to documentation. For centuries, those in power have used documents to police freedom. From the plantation to the border, a lack of paperwork has always meant danger for Black and Brown people. America has a paper trail of oppression. [Nehemiah Frank / The Black Wall Street Times]

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

Tribal Nations News

Keith Stitt petitions SCOTUS to review Oklahoma criminal court’s Indian jurisdiction ruling: Attorney and Cherokee Nation citizen Keith Stitt filed a petition for writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday seeking determination of whether Oklahoma “may exercise criminal jurisdiction over an Indian for conduct in Indian County absent a valid congressional grant of authority.” [NonDoc]

• From OK Policy: Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?

Muscogee Nation files lawsuit against Oklahoma town for violating ‘McGirt’: The Muscogee Nation filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the City of Henryetta and its attorney, John Insabella, for violating jurisdictional laws as established in McGirt v. Oklahoma. [KOSU]

Caddo Nation partners with Oklahoma university for job training program: An Oklahoma technology university announced it has formed a partnership with the Caddo Nation to give its members enhanced training in the renewable energy and construction fields. Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology said it will work with the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority to have the new program operational by fall. [Oklahoma Voice]

• OSU, Caddo Nation partnership to create bolster tribal economy, workforce development [KOSU]

Voting and Election News

Meet two new Republican candidates in the race for Oklahoma governor: The Republican field for the 2026 race for Oklahoma governor is growing. Former state Sen. Jake Merrick and small business owner Kenneth Sturgell are the most recent candidates to join the race to replace current Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is term limited. [The Oklahoman]

New Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Waldron discusses AI controversy and party plans (transcript): The Oklahoma Democratic Party elected a new chair earlier this month, but it wasn’t without controversy. KWGS’ Zach Boblitt spoke with John Waldron about his party’s challenges ahead and an AI-generated recording that faked his voice in the run-up to his party chair nomination. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Education News

100 years after Scopes Monkey Trial, a new religious culture war emerges in Oklahoma: A century after the famed Scopes Monkey Trial in Tennessee brought the concept of teaching evolution in public schools into a courtroom, thus testing cultural and religious norms of that era, another state is pushing to put the Bible back into the regular classroom rotation. [The Oklahoman]

• Trial of the century: Why 100 years later, the Scopes case still matters [The Oklahoman]

Health News

Rural Oklahoma has limited food access. Banning dyes won’t help, experts say: Oklahomans who rely on government assistance for groceries may soon be barred from purchasing foods with artificial dyes. But experts say restricting food options, especially in rural areas, is not the best way to improve nutrition and health. [The Oklahoman]

OK doctor weighs in on prior authorization for select Medicare services starting Jan. 1, 2026: In 2026, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services will implement a prior authorization for certain services covered under Medicaid in Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, Arizona, New Jersey, and Washington. With the impending changes, local doctors have concerns about the accessibility of treatment for patients. [KFOR]

Criminal Justice News

Attorney for downtown Tulsa business owners urges city to enforce nuisance laws: An attorney representing business owners concerned about homelessness and associated crime downtown met Wednesday with Mayor Monroe Nichols to urge the city to enforce the laws related to nuisances. [Tulsa World]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Oklahoma rent hikes cool as new construction booms: Rent prices are leveling off midway through 2025 at a time of year when they typically accelerate. The surprising softening trend signals that the market may be entering a new phase of stabilization, suggesting that property owners likely are prioritizing lease renewals over pricing power, according to the report. [The Journal Record]

Economy & Business News

Oklahoma’s renewable energy development expected to slow under megabill policies: More than 40% of Oklahoma’s energy generation comes from wind turbines, and solar companies are showing increased interest in building projects in the state. But advocates say Oklahoma’s leadership position in renewable energy investments may fade with the passage of the megabill. [StateImpact / Public Radio Tulsa]

Community News

Lawsuit asks for reimbursement of 20 years of some Tulsa-area tolls: A lawsuit filed this week is attempting to make a portion of the Will Rogers Turnpike toll-free and reimburse motorists. Easley argues motorists should not have to pay tolls due to a 50-year lease agreement mandated between the Oklahoma Transportation Commission and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority in 2000. [KOSU]

Oklahoma ranks seventh among top 10 states for weather damage: As deadly floods wreak havoc in states across the U.S., a new study shows Oklahoma ranks seventh among the top 10 states suffering weather-related damages to life and property. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Eastern Oklahoma children evacuated from Boys and Girls Club after flash flooding: An eastern Oklahoma Boys and Girls Club was evacuated Tuesday after flash flooding brought water into the building. About a foot of water entered the building, the organization posted on Facebook, and the club will be closed for at least the remainder of the week for clean-up and repairs. [The Oklahoman]

Local Headlines

• Felker, Carll kick off packed WoodyFest 2025 lineup [NonDoc]
• Turner Turnpike ‘Midway’ travel stop in Stroud to close permanently [The Oklahoman]

Quote of the Day

“We must reject systems that criminalize people for lacking documents. We must fight policies that break up families and destroy lives in the name of order. Programs that provide local IDs or sanctuary protections help, but we need deeper change. We must rethink how this country defines citizenship, freedom, and dignity.”

– Nehemiah Frank, founder and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times, writing about a powerful parallel between the treatment of today’s immigrants and the era of slavery. He reflects on how power in the United States has long been tied to documentation — a tool historically used to police freedom. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Number of the Day

55,746

The number of people held in immigration detention by the federal government as of the end of June 2025. That’s a 49% increase from the end of January. [U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement]

Policy Note

Private prisons and local jails are ramping up as ICE detention exceeds capacity: ICE is detaining more people than it has beds for, leading the agency to rapidly expand its use of private prisons and local jails through no-bid contracts. Many of the facilities being reopened have troubling histories of abuse, neglect, and inadequate oversight, raising serious concerns about safety, transparency, and accountability in the immigration detention system. [NPR]

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.

Oklahoma News

After deadly Texas floods, why Oklahoma’s emergency managers ‘think of the worst’ when preparing for storms: As Texas officials investigate how more than 100 people died during an overnight flash flood on the Fourth of July weekend, some Oklahomans could be wondering if that kind of tragedy is possible here. [The Oklahoman]

• Over 160 people still missing after deadly Texas floods; Abbott deflects blame question [USA Today]
• Texas lawmakers failed to pass a bill to improve local disaster warning systems this year [Texas Tribune via Oklahoma Voice]
• First Watch: Stuff You Should Know: $2 billion in proposed NOAA budget cuts [Oklahoma Watch]

State Government News

Oklahoma state park restaurants closed until further notice following dispute: State park restaurants have been closed following a contract dispute with the vendor, officials announced Tuesday. The Lookout Kitchen was awarded the state park restaurant contracts following the dispute with Swadley’s. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma State Park restaurants to close once again [KOSU]
• Tourism and Recreation Department closes restaurants at 6 state parks [Tulsa World]

Critics: Lawmakers spent millions on projects that are ‘not moving Oklahoma forward’: Critics said the late-session vote to allocate $5 million to build a sculpture park in Edmond, $4 million to relocate a World War II submarine in Muskogee and $1.8 million to make infrastructure improvements at an industrial park in Frederick amount to pork-barrel spending that benefits constituents living in Republican districts. [Oklahoma Voice]

Southwestern Oklahoma to see transportation, infrastructure improvement under new budget: The $12.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 will increase education spending and fund improvements for county roads, bridges and infrastructure in southwestern Oklahoma. Lawmakers said they will also spend more than $300 million to buy a private prison in Lawton. [Southwest Ledger]

Lawsuit seeks to make portion of Will Rogers Turnpike free: The lawsuit, filed by former state Sen. Stratton Taylor and Cherokee Nation Tribal Councilman Kevin Easley Jr., claims state law requires the portion of the turnpike between the Catoosa interchange to just east of the Claremore exit to be a free road. [Tulsa World]

Federal Government News

SNAP and Medicaid Cuts Leave Thousands of Oklahomans at Risk, Advocates Say: The bill, which Trump signed on Friday, features bundled tax cuts of $4.5 trillion over 10 years that are mostly offset by Medicaid cuts of $1.7 trillion and approximately $186 billion less for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) – the hardest hit programs in the bill. [The Oklahoma Eagle]

• From OK Policy: Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”

Federal judge quickly rules in favor of Planned Parenthood in suit over Medicaid funding: The federal government cannot withhold Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood for at least the next two weeks, after a district court judge issued a temporary restraining order the same day the organization filed a lawsuit. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Judge halts provision blocking Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood amid intense backlash [Fox 25]

Planned Parenthood sues Trump administration officials over ‘defunding’ provision in budget bill: Days after President Donald Trump signed a massive budget bill, attorneys for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its state members in Massachusetts and Utah filed a lawsuit Monday challenging a provision they say will affect more than 1 million patients who use their clinics across the U.S. [Oklahoma Voice]

Trump administration ends protected status for Honduras, Nicaragua: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ended temporary protections Monday for nationals from Nicaragua and Honduras, opening up roughly 76,000 people to deportations by early September. [Oklahoma Voice]

Supreme Court lets Trump move forward with large-scale staff cuts for now: The Supreme Court on July 8 lifted a federal judge’s order pausing the Trump administration’s large-scale staffing cuts and agency restructuring, boosting the president’s campaign to downsize and reshape the federal government. [USA Today]

No tax on tips: How does it work? How much can I save? See what Trump’s new bill means: The passage of the “one big beautiful bill” last week signaled a promise from President Donald Trump that workers would be able to keep more of what they earn by making tips and overtime wages completely tax-free. For the hundreds of thousands who rely on those “extras” to pay the bills, that sounds like a big deal. But who benefits? [The Oklahoman]

Tribal Nations News

July tribal election preview: Where the Five Tribes’ 2025 election cycles stand: With the criminal and civil jurisdictional impacts of the McGirt decision still being litigated, each of the Five Tribes is working through its regular election cycle this summer. [NonDoc]

Muscogee Nation sues Henryetta over prosecutions of tribal citizens: The Muscogee Nation on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against the city of Henryetta, alleging the prosecutions of tribal citizens there by the city violates federal law. [Tulsa World]

‘We didn’t kill enough Indians’: Ann Coulter comments nothing new: Conservative political pundit Ann Coulter sparked backlash from Native leaders Sunday, July 6 after posting on her X account, “We didn’t kill enough Indians.” Coulter’s statement immediately drew criticism from Native leaders across the country, including Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. [ICT]

‘McGirt’ decision has reshaped Indigenous sovereignty in Oklahoma: Indian Country in Oklahoma was redefined five years ago today through the U.S. Supreme Court’s McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling. The ruling determined that much of Eastern Oklahoma is, in fact, an Indian Reservation. [KOSU]

• Opinion: Choctaw Nation Chief Reflects on the Impact of McGirt Ruling, Five Years Later [Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Gary Batton / Native News Online]
• From OK Policy: Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?

Opinion: Trump’s Immigration Theater Ignores Whose Land ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Really Is: On July 1, President Donald Trump visited a newly unveiled deportation facility in the Florida Everglades alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—the former South Dakota governor who was banned by tribal nations during her final year in office. The Trump administration has dubbed the site “Alligator Alcatraz.” [Levi Rickert / Native News Online]

Voting and Election News

Lawsuit Slams Oklahoma Law as ‘Unconstitutional Sabotage’ of Open Primaries: Two Oklahoma veterans – one a pediatrician, the other a U.S. Coast Guard commander – have filed a legal challenge to SB 1027 in Oklahoma, a law they say unconstitutionally targets their statewide citizen initiative to implement open primaries, State Question 836 (SQ 836). [Independent Voter News]

• From OK Policy: SB 1027 would exclude millions of registered voters from signing initiative petition

Education News

Oklahoma superintendent mandates free meals for students: The Oklahoma State Department of Education will mandate that each school district fully fund student meals using existing state and federal operational dollars. [The Journal Record]

• Oklahoma schools ordered to fund free student meals with no new funding [News on 6]
• Walters slammed for unfunded school lunch mandate critics say he has no authority to enforce [KFOR]
• OSDE to require free school lunches without new funding, drawing mixed reactions [News 9]
• ‘It’s not realistic’: Oklahoma superintendents say finding millions for free lunches just isn’t possible [KOCO]
• Opinion: Ryan Walters makes political theater out of school meals [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]
• Opinion: Oklahoma classrooms go unfunded while Ryan Walters makes another mess [Former State Rep. Mark McBride / The Oklahoman]

Economic impact of Oklahoma higher ed tops $14 billion, study finds: Every dollar the Oklahoma Legislature invests in the state’s public higher education system produces over $17 in economic output, a new study found. [Oklahoma Voice]

Health News

Do states with fewer gun laws and more guns have higher suicide rates?: Yes. A KFF analysis of CDC data divided the states equally into three groups — those with the most, moderate, and the fewest firearm law provisions — and found that states with the fewest gun law provisions had twice the gun suicide rate of states with the most, at a rate of 10.8 per 100,000 people. [Oklahoma Watch]

Opinion: Our crisis of confidence in scientific research should alarm everyone about OMRF: There is presently a crisis of confidence in all our institutions including those devoted to scientific research. This should alarm everyone. We are literally living longer and healthier lives owing to previous scientific advances. [Philip Silverman / The Oklahoman]

Criminal Justice News

Oklahoma Department of Corrections Fights to Prevent Medical Parole Hearing for Dying Prisoner: In 2021, to save taxpayer money and show mercy to inmates who had little time left to live and posed no risk to others, legislators revised Oklahoma’s medical parole law to make compassionate release easier to achieve. For reasons that remain unclear, the revised law backfired; the number of successful medical parole applications has fallen since 2021. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma Highway Patrol to shift resources out of major metros, local police caught by surprise: The Oklahoma State Department of Public Safety announced it will be shifting highway patrol resources out of the state’s major metros. The hope is for local police departments to take over the job, but they’re unprepared. [KOSU]

County’s juvenile detention center no longer on probation: Almost exactly a year after Tulsa County commissioners took control over the county’s juvenile detention center, the facility is back in the good graces of the Oklahoma Department of Juvenile Affairs. [Tulsa World]

• From OK Policy: Reimagining Youth Justice in Oklahoma

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Opinion: Oklahoma perpetuates a unique form of apartheid due to environmental racism: Zoning has consistently shunted the poor and marginalized into neighborhoods and municipalities with the most environmental hazards and the worst public services. [Mike Altshuler / The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: Exclusionary zoning enforces segregation and concentrates poverty

Community News

Opinion: The one thing Mark Zuckerberg could do to change discussions forever: What if when a story link is posted on Facebook, no one is allowed to comment on Facebook until they click the link and actually read the story? If we learned to be informed before we spoke, what could happen? [Tulsa World Executive Editor Jason Collington / Tulsa World]

Local Headlines

• Guymon water shortage: What to know about cause, where to find water [The Oklahoman]
• Hear from Edmond City Council members at new City Hall for ‘Edmond Matters’ sessions: How to go [The Oklahoman]
• OKC doubling budget to tackle surge of water main breaks and leaks [The Oklahoman]
• OKC’s Mayor David Holt begins tenure as leader of nation’s mayors [The Journal Record]
• This Oklahoma City soda company is a cultural revival. What’s next for AfroPop? [The Oklahoman]
• Cry Baby Hill statue to get new home as other Route 66-themed projects not moving forward [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“I think we will begin to see an increase in the numbers of uninsured because people can’t qualify. I want to do the very best job for Morton’s patients and employees, but it is very hard (for me) to know that we are making it more difficult for people who already have incredible challenges.”

– Susan Savage, a former public official and CEO for Tulsa’s Morton Comprehensive Health Services, concerned that SoonerCare recipients statewide will lose health care coverage as a result of the $1.7 trillion cuts to Medicaid used to offset tax cuts in the congressional budget bill. [The Oklahoma Eagle]

Number of the Day

250 million

The acres of public land that is made eligible for sale under the FY 2026 budget bill — all without required public input. This sweeping giveaway favors private developers and investors, trading communal natural resources and recreation lands for temporary revenue while bypassing any public participation. [Center for American Progress]

Correction: This provision was included in an initial version of the bill, but removed from the final version.

Policy Note

Senate Republicans Rig the Rules to Make Their Tax Bill Look Responsible. It’s Not: Senate Republicans employed procedural rules to fast-track a tax-cut reconciliation bill that fails to offset revenue losses — economically masking the true cost of extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts while offering no meaningful pay-fors. This maneuver risks ballooning the federal deficit without any substantial reforms to benefit working-class or middle-income taxpayers, effectively prioritizing wealthy individuals and corporations. [Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy]

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 “failure to protect” law under scrutiny in new interim study (Capitol Update): Last week, Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, announced that senators had requested 90 interim studies to be conducted while the legislature is out of session.One request that caught my attention is by Senator Todd Gollihare, R-Kellyville, who wants to study “the various ‘failure to protect’ laws involving child sexual abuse, child abuse, and child neglect.” [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update]

Oklahoma News

Oklahoma superintendent orders all districts to offer free meals, threatens sanctions: All public schools in Oklahoma must pay for free cafeteria meals for every student and exclude certain dyes and processed foods, the state’s top education official ordered. Walters said districts already have enough state and federal funds to afford the expense, especially if they cut back on administrators’ salaries. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Ryan Walters issues school lunch demands, threatens audits to force admin cost cutting [Tulsa World]
• Ryan Walters wants to force school districts to fund student meals, blaming cost on ‘bureaucratic bloat’ [The Oklahoman]
• Walters announces policy requiring Oklahoma districts to pay for all students’ school meals [StateImpact / KGOU]
• Implementing free school lunches in Oklahoma comes with concerns on tight deadline [KOCO]
• Oklahoma schools ordered to fund free student meals with no new funding [News 9]
• How will every Oklahoma school district fund free lunches? Walters says they must make it a priority [KOCO]
• Oklahoma schools must fully fund student meals with existing state and federal dollars [KTUL]
• Oklahoma legislators react to OSDE’s school meal funding mandate with cautious optimism [Fox 25]
• From Hunger Free Oklahoma: Building on What Works: Hunger Free Oklahoma Urges Practical Path to Universal School Meals

State Government News

Oklahoma Senate interim study season to include review of SNAP: Oklahoma Senate lawmakers will return to the Capitol later this summer for the annual interim study season that will include looks at SNAP benefits, private school tax credits, maternal and infant health outcomes and Memorandum of Agreement regulations. [The Journal Record]

• From OK Policy: Interim Study

Federal Government News

On the Fourth of July, Trump signs his ‘big, beautiful bill’ into law: President Donald Trump signed into law Friday evening his massive spending cut and tax break package to fulfill his domestic policy agenda on immigration and defense and overhaul American energy production. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill could add $3.4 trillion to deficits over the next 10 years, according to its most recent analysis. [Oklahoma Voice]

• From OK Policy: Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”

Trump floats high tariffs on Japan, Korea and more countries by Aug. 1: President Donald Trump on Monday threatened tariffs from 25% to 40% on all goods from seven countries, including major U.S. trade partners Japan and South Korea. The tariffs would go into effect Aug. 1, rather than Wednesday, which was the deadline Trump already extended once from an initial April date. [Oklahoma Voice]

Medicaid’s many different names may cause confusion about who’s losing coverage (transcript): An estimated 16 million Americans could lose their health care coverage with funding cuts and policy changes in the federal reconciliation bill. About half of that loss is expected to come from changes that could lead to hundreds of billions of dollars in Medicaid cuts. Health care advocates and experts warn that people may not know they are losing their coverage until it’s too late. [KOSU]

• NOTE: SoonerCare is Oklahoma’s Medicaid program

US physician groups sue Kennedy over vaccine policy: Several leading medical organizations filed a lawsuit against U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services on Monday, arguing that current policies on COVID-19 vaccines pose an imminent threat to public health. [Reuters]

Tribal Nations News

Ann Coulter tweet draws rebuke from Cherokee Nation chief: Early Saturday morning, columnist Ann Coulter retweeted a video clip of remarks made by a Navajo professor from the University of Minnesota, adding the comment “We didn’t kill enough Indians.” In response, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. issued a statement Sunday night, characterizing Coulter’s tweet as “dangerous hate speech” and “beyond abhorrent.” [Tulsa World]

• Oklahoma Indigenous leaders criticize Ann Coulter social media post advocating for genocide [KOSU]
• Opinion: Cherokee chief was right to push back at Ann Coulter [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Two-Spirit discrimination persists, as questions swirl around Aubrey Dameron’s murder investigation: Six years after Aubrey Dameron, a 25-year-old transgender Cherokee woman, disappeared from a popular summer destination on the Cherokee Nation reservation, multiple law enforcement agencies in the state have worked on her case. Yet, no details regarding her death have emerged, despite a thorough search for answers from Dameron’s loved ones and a well-known Indigenous investigator. [KOSU]

Choctaw Freedmen call for federal protection ahead of tribal vote: An organization that educates and advocates for descendants of Freedmen who were formerly enslaved by the Five Tribes is calling on the federal government to push the Choctaw Nation to honor its 1866 Treaty obligations ahead of a tribal vote. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Freedmen send letter to Department of Interior opposing Choctaw ballot question: Descendants of people formerly enslaved by the Choctaw Nation are asking for the U.S. Department of the Interior’s intervention in an upcoming tribal election. If the majority votes ‘yes,’ the measure would remove the need for the Choctaw Nation to seek out the Department of the Interior for approval when making constitutional amendments. [KOSU]

Choctaw Nation District 4: Incumbent Jess Henry challenged by Kenneth Marshall: Incumbent Jess Henry is facing a lone challenger, Kenneth Marshall, in the race to represent District 4 on the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council. District 4 covers a northeast portion of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, including parts of LeFlore County and running from just north of Talihina through Pocola. [NonDoc]

Seminole Nation General Council election will determine 8 seats: Eight of the 28 seats on the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma General Council are up for grabs in an election Saturday. The other 20 seats have either already been decided by default or will be filled by appointment because fewer than two candidates filed to represent a band. [NonDoc]

Caddo Nation and OSUIT partner to transform workforce development: The Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority (CNEDA) and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) partnered to create workforce development opportunities for Caddo citizens and to grow the tribal economy through education. [Fox 23]

Voting and Election News

Stitt’s energy secretary enters 2026 race to succeed Drummond as attorney general: Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt’s energy and environment secretary has jumped into the race to succeed one of Stitt’s political rivals as Oklahoma’s attorney general. [The Oklahoman]

Education News

Tulsa Public Schools talks about the impact of new education laws ahead of the upcoming school year: A hundred new Oklahoma laws went into effect this week and several of them impact education. School might be the last thing on students’ and teachers’ minds right now, but there are a few new requirements to pay attention to come August. [News on 6]

Oklahoma Athletic Director Joe Castiglione retiring after 27 years: Oklahoma’s Joe Castiglione, who has guided the Sooners’ sports operations since 1998, will retire from his full-time role during the upcoming school year, the university announced on Monday. Castiglione’s retirement will end the longest current tenure for an athletic director in major college sports. [Reuters]

Criminal Justice News

OK County jail not broke, but officials say budgeting changes are needed. What’s wrong?: The Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority is not broke, but officials looking into why jail administrators alarmingly told them and the public that it was raised more questions about jail spending. [The Oklahoman]

• Oklahoma County Jail to stay afloat, despite “urgent warning” about budget last week [KFOR]

Officials weigh legality, necessity of license plate readers in Oklahoma crime-solving: An Oklahoma lawmaker is working to find a balance between liberty and safety in the use of license plate readers to solve crimes. The representative we spoke with says he’s requesting an interim study on license plate readers in response to another lawmaker requesting a study on them, who’s against these cameras being used to solve crimes. [KTUL]

An Oklahoma father planned to get married but now faces deportation: The Frontier spoke with four immigration attorneys in Oklahoma who said they’ve seen an increase in the number of legal permanent residents detained for past convictions that they often believed were behind them. And some local police departments are assisting with the arrests. [The Frontier]

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

Oklahoma Highway Patrol to pull resources from metros: Top Republican leaders were mum Monday about whether they supported a plan by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to stop providing law enforcement coverage in the state’s urban areas later this year. The Highway Patrol said last week that it will reallocate resources away from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Del City and instead focus on areas covered by smaller law enforcement footprints. [Oklahoma Voice]

• OHP announces it is withdrawing patrol of interstate highways in Tulsa, OKC [Tulsa World]
• ‘A significant impact’: OHP changes could exacerbate challenges within Oklahoma police departments [KOCO]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Investors snap up growing share of US homes as traditional buyers struggle to afford one: Real estate investors are snapping up a bigger share of U.S. homes on the market as rising prices and stubbornly high borrowing costs freeze out many other would-be homebuyers.Despite the modest annual increase, the rise in the share of investor home purchases is more a reflection of how much the housing market has slowed as traditional buyers face growing affordability constraints. [Associated Press]

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

Economy & Business News

Solar farm company files legal challenge against Wagoner County Commissioners: In an effort to continue with its planned Persica project, NextEra Energy Resources filed a lawsuit in Wagoner County District Court on June 26. The legal challenge is the latest in the company’s lengthy pursuit of the project, which would span about 4,650 acres of agricultural land. [StateImpact / KGOU]

Community News

Oklahoma sends aid to Texas to help with devastating flooding: Oklahoma has sent swift water rescue teams to central Texas to help with recovery efforts following deadly flash flooding early Friday that devastated the area. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Oklahoma sends rescue teams to aid in Texas Hill Country disaster [The Journal Record]

Local Headlines

• Tulsa County Commission tables zoning vote for planned data center [Tulsa World]
• Tulsa history museum rebrands, unveils ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ [Public Radio Tulsa]
• El Reno Library moves reading outside with new StoryWalk [KOSU]

Quote of the Day

“Put simply, ensuring every child has access to no cost meals every school day and throughout the summer is a goal we should all share and that we can achieve, but it will take additional investment from our state and leveraging every federal dollar available to make it happen.”

– Hunger Free Oklahoma, an organization that advocates for stronger legislative support to reduce hunger across the state, responding to Ryan Walters’ mandate to fully fund student meals using existing resources. In their statement, they emphasized that while healthy, accessible school meals are critical to children’s development and academic success, providing universal school meals is not feasible without new funding from the state. [Hunger Free Oklahoma]

Number of the Day

20%

One in five students in Oklahoma aren’t completing high school within four years, putting them at greater risk of lower earnings, poorer health, and limited career options. Delayed graduation rates are often a reflection of systemic underinvestment in public education. [2025 KIDS COUNT Data Profile for Oklahoma]

Policy Note

Higher education spending boosts graduation rates – study: Boosting education funding can significantly improve graduation rates, especially in low-income districts. A 7-year study found that increased state spending led to a 2.1 percentage point rise in graduation, with the greatest gains in poorer areas. The findings show that targeted investments in schools can lead to measurable improvements in student success. [World Economic Forum]

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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

Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill”: Passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (OBBBA) is a shameful moment in our nation’s history — one where far too many national leaders chose billionaire donors over working families, campaign checks over community needs, and political power over moral responsibility. Let’s be clear: this bill takes food off the tables of children, strips life-saving care from low-income families, and guts the public investments that help people get back on their feet. All while handing out enormous tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and corporations who needed no help. [OK Policy]

Oklahoma News

Red States Follow DOGE’s Lead, Slashing Services to Fund Giveaways to the Rich: At least 26 states, including Oklahoma, have launched “government efficiency” initiatives of their own in recent months, typically through executive order, legislation, or the creation of a legislative committee, according to an April analysis by the Economic Policy Institute. EPI outlined how these state-level initiatives “use disingenuous calls to ‘root out inefficiency’ and ‘cut wasteful spending’ as a smokescreen,” with the ultimate goal of funding tax cuts for the wealthy. [Truthout]

• From Economic Policy Institute: At least 26 states have launched their own version of DOGE

State Government News

Oklahoma Senate’s 2026 priorities revealed in list of interim studies: Lawmakers in the Oklahoma Senate soon will hold hearings on property rights, health care and the role of government, among other issues. Interim studies held in the summer and fall give lawmakers a chance to discuss problems that might need a legislative fix. Legislators also use the studies to make the case for bills they plan to file the next year or keep discussion alive on bills that didn’t have enough support to become law. [The Oklahoman]

Lawmakers call for probe of Oklahoma incubator program amid data collection concerns: Amid struggles with data collection and participation, two Republican lawmakers want to probe the long-term effectiveness of a state program designed to nurture new small businesses. [Oklahoma Voice]

Oklahoma state park restaurants still struggling, falling behind on payments to the state: Oklahoma’s state park restaurants continue to struggle financially, despite a change in management and $17 million in renovations, documents from the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department suggest. [Tulsa World]

State law lets OK County sheriff sign back on with internet auctions of foreclosed property: Online sheriff’s sales — auctions of foreclosed homes and other properties — will return to Oklahoma County in September since state lawmakers OK’d them during the recent legislative session. [The Oklahoman]

Drug makers sue to block new Oklahoma law that targets drug costs: A pharmaceutical company is leading a federal lawsuit seeking to overturn a new Oklahoma law the company says requires drug manufacturers to sell their products to some commercial pharmacies at discounted prices. [The Oklahoman]

Capitol Insider: Oklahoma film industry continues to grow: The deadCenter Film Festival celebrated its 25th anniversary, and Oklahoma connections figured prominently in many of the films. What is the state of the film industry here now? [KGOU]

Federal Government News

Trump signs megabill that slashes taxes, Medicaid while boosting national debt: President Donald Trump capped the whirlwind opening stretch of his second term with a Fourth of July signing ceremony for his signature legislation, reveling in pushing the megabill through a fractious Congress and delivering on multiple campaign promises. [USA Today]

• Oklahoma congressmembers vote to pass ‘big beautiful bill’ as critics warn of sweeping cuts to social services, healthcare [KFOR]
• Social Security Administration sends misleading email lauding Trump’s new tax cuts law [NBC News]
• How the megabill allows Trump to expand mass deportations, curb immigrant benefits [Oklahoma Voice]
• John Croisant Slams Kevin Hern for Backing Trump’s Mega Bill [The Black Wall Street Times]

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma concerned over potential SNAP cuts from Big, Beautiful Bill: The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is expressing concern over the Big, Beautiful Bill that could lead to significant reductions in SNAP benefits, potentially increasing the number of people relying on their services. [KOCO]

• Oklahomans urged to unite as SNAP reductions challenge food security statewide [KTUL]

As Trump’s FEMA Review Council begins work, Oklahoma delegation wants input, details: A sweeping restructuring of the Federal Emergency Management Agency could be on tap when Congress returns from its July 4 recess, a possibility for Oklahoma that could redefine what disaster recovery looks like in a state long dependent on federal assistance. [NonDoc]

• FEMA restructuring could leave out Tornado Alley [The Black Wall Street Times]

How Trump’s megabill will impact health care: The massive tax cut legislation passed by the House and Senate this week will dramatically upend health care in America. The legislation, signed Friday afternoon by President Trump, was never framed as a health bill, but it will mark the biggest changes to U.S. health policy since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010. [The Hill]

• Rural Oklahoma doctor says 80% of his patients are on SoonerCare [KFOR]
• Doctor fears ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will worsen Oklahoma’s health outcomes [KFOR via YouTube]
• Oklahoma hospitals faced closure before the ‘big, beautiful bill.’ Medicaid cuts amplify those fears [KOCO via YouTube]
• Some states rebrand Medicaid to reduce stigma. That’s confusing recipients [NPR]
  • NOTE: In Oklahoma, the state’s Medicaid program is called SoonerCare

Opinion: Rural Oklahomans will pay the price of the not-so-beautiful spending bill: Washington might call this bill ‘beautiful.’ But from where we’re standing — in communities with shuttered hospitals, crumbling safety nets, and no place to turn when you’re sick ― it’s anything but. [Esther Houser / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: The cruelty of ending work at USAID erases a lifetime of humanitarianism: What broke me wasn’t losing a job. Many people lose jobs. It wasn’t even the idea that Americans might have other priorities than foreign assistance. Elections have consequences. It was watching the work I had devoted my life to be dismantled with such cruelty. And worse, seeing how many took pleasure in that cruelty. [Kama Garrison / The Oklahoman]

Editorial: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act debate makes us think of this scene in ‘Jaws’: Is the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” the shark for Americans? Are we the hot lunch? Sure feels that way. With this act, we come away feeling that you might not feel the bite today. It might not happen tomorrow. But it’s coming for you. Medicaid cuts and food assistance reductions in this legislation mean hospitals will close in Oklahoma and more children will go hungry. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]

Tribal Nations News

‘It’s just a new day’: Caddo Nation gets self-governance designation: The Caddo Nation of Oklahoma was accepted into the federal government’s Tribal Self-Governance Program last week, joining around 20 tribes across the state. [KOSU]

• From OK Policy: Tribal-State Policy 101: What is Tribal sovereignty?

A Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Is Pushing to Make Healthier Food More Accessible to Tribes: A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to give low-income households on Native American reservations easier access to healthier food by making a food program established during the first Trump administration permanent. [Oklahoma Watch]

Kickapoo tribal library celebrates opening amid federal funding turbulence: Since its inception, the Kickapoo Tribal Library in McLoud has had to jump over multiple hurdles: bad weather slowed facility preparations, and now a storm created by the Trump Administration looms over the Institute of Museum and Library Services and, consequently, tribal and rural libraries. [KOSU]

Cheat sheet: Seminole Nation Assistant Chief Brian Thomas Palmer faces 4 challengers: In the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, four candidates are challenging incumbent Assistant Chief Brian Thomas Palmer in this year’s July 12 election. [NonDoc]

Opinion: $10 million helps part of Cherokee Nation ‘the rest of world forgot about’: Before the Cherokee Nation opened a $10 million Wellness and Community Center here last year, Marble City’s biggest attractions were a historic 1911 concrete jail, a restored bank-turned-historical society and a couple of churches. [Ginnie Graham / Tulsa World]

Voting and Election News

Protest Period for Recreational Marijuana Question Ends Today: Backers of an initiative petition to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma could clear a key hurdle this week. Today, Monday, July 7, is the final day of a 90-day protest period for State Question 837. [Oklahoma Watch]

Musk announces forming of ‘America Party’ in further break from Trump: The dispute between Republican President Donald Trump and his main campaign financier Elon Musk took another fractious turn on Saturday when the space and automotive billionaire announced the formation of a new political party, saying Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill would bankrupt America. [Reuters]

Education News

After-school programs, districts feeling impact of federal funding freeze: ‘It’s a mess’: In a notice issued last Monday afternoon by the U.S. Department of Education, the Trump administration announced that it was withholding $6.8 billion in federal education grants for the fiscal year that started on Tuesday for Oklahoma school districts, including $1.4 billion for 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, which serve an estimated 1.4 million children nationwide. [Tulsa World]

Controversial new social studies academic standards are in place in Oklahoma. Now what?: Pushed by Republican state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters, the new standards are infused with multiple mentions of the influence of Christianity in the United States, as well as 2020 election-denial language pushing a theory that’s widely been discredited. [The Oklahoman]

• OSDE partners with Today Foundation to bring America First history perspective to students [Fox 25]

One small southeastern Oklahoma school district is annexed into another — voluntarily: The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved Albion’s annexation into the Clayton district in June. State schools officials had worked with leaders of the two districts for months to facilitate an end result that leaders of both southeastern Oklahoma districts believe is for the best. [The Oklahoman]

Cell, no! After Two Years of Debate, Schools Get Months to Ban Phones: After two years of legislative discussion and debate on the distractions of cell phones in class, Oklahoma schools have months to implement a bell-to-bell ban on devices for students during the upcoming school year. [Oklahoma Watch]

New laws in effect with impact on education in Oklahoma: Laws newly in effect that are intended to impact education in Oklahoma will, among other things, provide new opportunities for children of veteran teachers and help for people affected by dyslexia. [Tulsa World]

CareerTech overhauls state funding formula to help with growing enrollments: Oklahoma’s CareerTech system is reshuffling the distribution of its state appropriation to bolster districts with growing enrollments and limited local funding, following action last month by the state CareerTech board. Unlike the state’s common education system, CareerTech gets more than 80% of its funding from local sources — a dedicated property tax levied by votes of the people of Oklahoma’s 29 CareerTech districts. [Tulsa World]

An Oklahoma teacher took a leap of faith. She ended up winning state Teacher of the Year: Melissa Evon’s work in family and consumer sciences won her the 2025 Oklahoma Teacher of the Year award on Friday. Yes, her students practice cooking and sewing, but they also learn how to open a bank account, file taxes, apply for scholarships, register to vote and change a tire — lessons she said “get kids ready to be adults.” [Oklahoma Voice]

Whatever happened to the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who left for Texas?: Whatever happened to that Oklahoma Teacher of the Year who penned the state a Dear John letter and left for a higher-paying job in Texas? He’s still gone and wishes it wasn’t still necessary. [Tulsa World]

Opinion: Free speech at stake in Superintendent Ryan Walters’ suit against us: For the first time in our nearly 50-year history, our nonprofit group, dedicated to the constitutional principle of separation between religion and government, has been taken to court by a public official — a move that challenges the very essence of our work. This lawsuit threatens our First Amendment rights to criticize and petition the government. [Annie Laurie Gaylor / Tulsa World]

Health News

More miscarriages criminally investigated three years into post-Dobbs abortion bans: In the three years after the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision struck down the federal right to abortion granted by Roe v. Wade, women around the country have faced criminal charges after their pregnancies ended in miscarriage or stillbirth. The Oklahoma Republican Party censured four state lawmakers who voted against a bill in committee that would have criminalized the act of abortion as homicide and provided equal protection to all preborn children from fertilization. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Report: In the first year after the Dodds decision, Oklahoma reported the nation’s second highest number of criminal cases against pregnant people who were charged with crimes related to pregnancy, pregnancy loss, or birth. [Pregnancy Justice]

The Frontier fact-checked Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims as part of the ‘Make Oklahoma Healthy Again’ campaign: The U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary made half-true or false statements about fluoride in public drinking water, Alzheimer’s disease, autism and puberty during his visit to Oklahoma. [The Frontier]

Opinion: When you consider an Oklahoma without fluoridated water, picture our one-toothed, 1st president: Every time I doubt the benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water, I find myself thinking about the iconic presidential portrait of George Washington in which he appears pursing his lips, and hiding his missing teeth. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]

Opinion: When we invest in public health, we invest in the strength of our future: Public health has faced many challenges throughout history, from political shifts to pandemics, but its resilience lies in the dedication of scientists, public health practitioners, health care professionals and engaged communities. Strengthening local health initiatives, supporting independent research and encouraging public dialogue can help safeguard essential health services and ensure that these services are deployed properly and promptly. [Bruce Dart / Tulsa World]

Criminal Justice News

Citizens successfully petition to impanel Kingfisher County grand jury on 2020 shooting: A Kingfisher County District Court judge ruled July 2 that a group of petitioners had gathered enough signatures to impanel a grand jury to investigate a 2020 shooting that left one person dead. [NonDoc]

Oklahoma County jail reports eighth inmate death of 2025: An Oklahoma County jail inmate accused of pistol-whipping a woman for her car outside a casino has died. Everett D. Edwards, 58, was pronounced deceased at a hospital at 4:48 p.m. Thursday, July 3. [The Oklahoman]

Mannford police falsely claim Bristow mom drove at them in deadly car chase: wo Mannford police officers misled colleagues by falsely alleging a driver had tried to run over them when she fled a traffic stop for a paper tag issue, a Tulsa World investigation shows. [Tulsa World]

Can defendants in OK County pretrial-release programs be bounced for legal marijuana use?: Oklahoma County’s new contract with nonprofit TEEM for pretrial-release services — designed to keep low-level criminal defendants out of jail — seems to threaten medical marijuana cardholders with incarceration if they fail a drug test. [The Oklahoman]

Why fixing Oklahoma County jail after flip-flop freeze fiasco won’t cost as much as feared: A flip-flop of fate will keep Oklahoma County from having to come up with $280,000 to correct a “design flaw” revealed in the county jail HVAC system when an inmate hit a sprinkler head with a jail-issued … flip-flop. [The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Police officers don’t need ‘Qualified Immunity’ to do their jobs: Qualified Immunity says that if a government official, including a police officer, violates your legal rights, the official cannot be sued civilly (for money) unless there has already been a successful identical precedent in your jurisdiction. It’s a catch-22! How could you ever get a first case to set the precedent? [David Brinker / The Oklahoman]

Opinion: Oklahoma is ready to leave the death penalty in the past: Oklahoma may hold the distinction for having highest number of executions per capita in the U.S. and ranks second to Texas for the number of executions since 1976. But these statistics paint an incomplete picture of the state’s capital punishment system today. The reality is Oklahoma’s death penalty is losing legitimacy in the public’s mind and — in the not too distant future — it may end. The state’s four executions last year involved death sentences handed down decades earlier. [Demetrius Minor / The Oklahoman]

• From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker

Editorial: We’re proud of the Thunder, but should be ashamed of our county jail: Oklahomans enjoyed a burst of pride watching the Thunder fight its way to the NBA championship. We took pride in the positive comments that poured in from across the nation as we observed the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and renewed our dedication to the “Oklahoma Standard” of support for those in need. But, as usual, little thought was given to those in need right under our noses. By all accounts, our county jail is one of the worst in the nation. It has been so for years, a facility the U.S. Department of Justice has called “a largely unsupervised tower of chaos and violence.” [The Oklahoman Editorial Board]

Housing & Economic Opportunity News

Cost and closures drive deepening child care crisis in Oklahoma: Oklahoma has 4,354 fewer licensed child care slots today than one year ago, and Carrie Williams expects to see additional losses when the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness releases its annual program report this month. [The Journal Record]

Juneteenth brings lessons for creating, preserving generational wealth: A real estate broker and investor told a Tulsa audience how his father, with only a 10th grade education, used veterans’ benefits to buy the family’s first home in 1961. That was the start of his family’s legacy, passing property on to generations to kickstart their investments and increase their wealth. [The Oklahoma Eagle]

Community News

Opinion: Why Some Black Americans Skip July 4th for Juneteenth: In the Black community, language can be resistance, and lately, a new greeting has gained power and popularity: “Happy 15 Days After Juneteenth.” And we say it deliberately on July 4th. On the surface, it may read like a meme or punchline. But behind the smile is a deeper truth, one that forces this nation to confront its selective memory and its uncomfortable contradictions. [Nehemiah Frank / The Black Wall Street Times]

Opinion: I’m a new citizen of the USA with a hope to share with other Americans: On Nov. 14 of last year, I was naturalized as a citizen of the United States of America. As a white person from an English-speaking country who moved here young enough to lose any discerning accent or social cues that would give me away to strangers, I have spent my immigrant life with significantly less fear than most. Not no fear, but much less. [Hannah Jackson / Tulsa World]

Opinion: What America needs at this time in history: Our country will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2026. As we move toward that milestone, we might pause to contemplate who we are, what we have and what we need. We are a divided nation, seemingly locked in an internecine battle over the soul of America. We have a country short on civility, lacking in trust and, more troubling, seemingly unappreciative of our shared humanity. We need to find common ground. [Hannibal B. Johnson / Tulsa World]

Editorial: We want security in an insecure world in light of fatal shootings. Know your role: Like many Tulsans, we have questions in the aftermath of another deadly shooting in our city. But are we asking this question: Is everyone willing to do something to make security a reality? So far, too many are trying to place blame rather than play a role. This problem isn’t easy to solve. [Tulsa World Editorial Board]

• Tulsa mayor says city must move past curfews to address gun violence [Public Radio Tulsa]

Local Headlines

• ‘No Kings’ demonstrators return to Tulsa’s 41st and Yale [Tulsa World]
• ‘About half’ of Indianola school district in Pittsburg County resigns [KJRH]
• Lawsuit filed against Wagoner County Board of Commissioners in solar farm denial [Tulsa World]

Quote of the Day

“When confronted with a mirror to our America, we too often retreat to a comforting, reassuring and arrogant refrain: ‘That’s not who we are.’ Yes, it is. That’s precisely who we are in this moment. It is not who we should (and can) be, though. The question for us — for all of us — is: What are we going to do about it?”

-Author Hannibal B. Johnson, writing in an op-ed about the need for our nation to move beyond the left/right, progressive/conservative, Democrat/Republican binaries. [Tulsa World]

Number of the Day

37

The number of tribal colleges and universities in the U.S. that could be devastated by the FY 2026 budget proposal, which slashes their federal funding — threatening education access, cultural preservation, and community infrastructure across Indian Country. [ProPublica]

Policy Note

Trump Seeks 90% Cut for Already Underfunded Tribal Colleges: The Trump administration’s FY 2026 budget proposal seeks to cut federal funding for tribal colleges and universities by nearly 90%, slashing appropriations from roughly $122 million this year to just $22 million. Tribal leaders warn that, without these funds, schools will be forced to close, jeopardizing critical education, cultural preservation, workforce training — and basic infrastructure — across Native American communities. [Common Dreams]

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: True patriotism means speaking up: Patriotism isn’t passive. It isn’t blind loyalty, a bumper sticker, or a red-white-and-blue wardrobe. And it doesn’t belong to one party or worldview. True patriotism is about loving your country enough to ask hard questions. It’s showing up, speaking out, and pushing this country to live up to its promises. That’s what the people who built this democracy did. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record]

Oklahoma News

‘They would potentially die’: Hospital CEO, advocate slam Big Beautiful Bill’s impact for Oklahomans: Ahead of the U.S. House vote on President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, a top Oklahoma hospital official and Tulsa-based maternity care advocate slammed its potential consequences to Medicaid coverage and the very existence of hospitals in rural areas. [2 News Oklahoma]

• Senate megabill marks biggest Medicaid cuts in history [KFOR]
• Medicaid cuts will impact Black children the most [The Black Wall Street Times]

Opinion: The impact of Medicaid changes for rural Oklahomans: Over a million people in our state — many in rural communities — rely on Medicaid to access essential care. That’s why as a rural hospital administrator, I am especially concerned about the budget bill proposing billions in Medicaid cuts, which would roll back federal support for Medicaid. [Wagoner Community Hospital CEO Jimmy Leopard / Tulsa World]

• Opinion: Rural Oklahomans will pay the price of the not-so-beautiful spending bill [Esther Houser / The Oklahoman]

State Government News

LOFT cites poor budgeting practices in Oklahoma mental health agency’s financial shortfall: Several poor budgeting practices within the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services contributed to the agency’s financial crisis, said the legislative fiscal oversight agency in a report. [The Oklahoman]

An effort to expand access to a state scholarship to more Tulsa Race Massacre descendants stalls: For decades, funding for a state scholarship program memorializing the 1921 burning of Black Wall Street was limited, and students related to massacre victims weren’t prioritized in the selection process. [The Frontier]

SNAP benefits the focus of several proposed Oklahoma House interim studies: Oklahoma lawmakers are submitting proposals for interim studies, where they’ll take a deeper dive into specific issues they want to learn more about. [Fox 25]

Oklahoma charter schools seek study to improve facility funding through longer contracts: A study is being proposed to find more ways for Oklahoma charter schools to secure better facilities. [Fox 25]

PSO warns of utility representatives scam: Public Service Company of Oklahoma, the Tulsa metro area’s main electricity utility, warned of ongoing scam attempts from people posing as utility representatives. [Tulsa World]

Federal Government News

US House GOP struggles to advance megabill against Freedom Caucus resistance: U.S. House Republican efforts to pass the “big, beautiful bill” hit a roadblock Wednesday, when leaders left the chamber in a holding pattern for hours before sending members back to their offices. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Live updates: Did House pass sweeping tax bill? Trump is closing in on ‘big win’ [USA Today]
• Republicans rewrote the US Senate megabill in its last moments [Oklahoma Voice]
• Oklahoma senators support the ‘big beautiful bill’, representatives at the ready for vote [The Oklahoman]

20 states sue after the Trump administration releases private Medicaid data to deportation officials: The Trump administration violated federal privacy laws when it turned over Medicaid data on millions of enrollees to deportation officials last month, California Attorney General Rob Bonta alleged on Tuesday, saying he and 19 other states’ attorneys general have sued over the move. [AP]

• Medicare & Medicaid Service suffers data breach [News 9]

ICE breaks into OK man’s car to send him to a country he hasn’t seen in decades: An Oklahoma man is facing deportation after I.C.E. officials broke into his car and took him away Saturday. Noe Chavez has lived in Oklahoma for over two decades. He has tried for several years to become legal. [KFOR]

Trump administration freezes over $70 million in Oklahoma federal education funds: The Trump administration is indefinitely withholding more than $70 million in federal education programs meant for Oklahoma students and educators, including money for teacher development, English learners, after-care programs and migrant children. [Oklahoma Voice]

• Almost $80 million for Oklahoma schools blocked by Trump administration [KOSU]
• Trump administration tells states it’s freezing $6.8 billion for K-12 school programs [Oklahoma Voice]

This program was getting more counselors into rural Oklahoma schools. Then Trump pulled funding.: A program promising much-needed mental health professionals for rural Oklahoma schools is on the chopping block of funding cuts from the Trump Administration. [StateImpact / KGOU]

Tribal Nations News

Among 5 Choctaw constitutional amendments on ballot, one would lessen ‘Bill of Rights’: Choctaw Nation citizens will vote on five potential amendments to the Choctaw Constitution during their July 12 general election, including one that asks voters to eliminate some of their own legal protections from the nation’s Bill of Rights. [NonDoc]

Vickie McClure, Regina Mabray vie for District 12 seat on Choctaw Nation Tribal Council: Two candidates, Regina Mabray and Vickie McClure, are running for the open District 12 seat on the Choctaw Nation Tribal Council. District 12 spans the northwest corner of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, covering parts of Coal, Hughes and Pittsburg counties and the communities of Coalgate and Calvin. [NonDoc]

Tulsa Indian Health Care Resource Center opens clinic expansion: On Wednesday morning, city, tribal and community leaders officially opened the clinic’s 62,000-square-foot addition along Peoria Avenue, more than doubling the size of the outpatient facility. [Tulsa World]

Chickasaw attorney leaves lasting legacy: A groundbreaking attorney from the Chickasaw Nation who became the first Native American to lead the powerful American Bar Association has died after a decades-long career fighting for diversity in the legal profession. William “Bill” Paul died June 24, 2025, in Oklahoma City at age 94. [ICT]

Voting and Election News

Black Votes Matter documentary shows how to build people power: A new documentary from Black Voters Matter highlights how a grassroots movement was able to build enough power in Georgia to support two new Democratic Senators in the South and President Biden during the 2020 elections. [The Black Wall Street Times]

Education News

Higher education fuels $14.6B in Oklahoma economic impact: Oklahoma’s higher education system, comprised of 25 public colleges and universities, contributed $14.61 billion to the state’s economy in fiscal year 2024, directly and indirectly supported over 111,000 jobs, and generated $461.8 million in tax revenue for state, county and local governments, according to an economic impact study. [The Journal Record]

Education Watch: The Latest Legal Challenge to the Social Studies Standards: A group of parents, faith leaders and teachers brought the legal challenge, filed Tuesday in the Oklahoma Supreme Court. They alleged the standards violate religious freedom by favoring and promoting Christianity and contain inaccuracies by presenting Bible stories as literal, historical facts and by including unfounded claims about the 2020 elections and the origins of COVID-19. [Oklahoma Watch]

Health News

Title X funding returns to Missouri nonprofit that helped coordinate Oklahoma reproductive services: A Missouri nonprofit that coordinated Title X federal family planning services in Oklahoma after the state lost its funding has had its Title X dollars restored following a three-month delay. [StateImpact / KGOU]

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists discover genetic link to Crohn’s disease: The discovery, made by researchers Sathish Srinivasan, Ph.D., and Xin Geng, Ph.D., could pave the way for new treatments — or even prevention — of Crohn’s disease, pending further research. [The Journal Record]

Criminal Justice News

State’s Prison Food Contract Canceled Over Nutritional Deficiencies: Oklahoma’s $74 million deal to privatize food service in state prisons was canceled because the selected vendor failed to meet nutritional standards. Aramark, the sole competing bidder, alleged that Trinity Services Group was able to offer a lower price because its proposed menu was low in protein and high in fat and sodium. State officials did not flag the deficiencies during the bidding process. [Oklahoma Watch]

Oklahoma death row inmate died of bleeding pancreas, autopsy shows: Death row inmate Byron James Shepard died in January from a bleeding pancreas, an autopsy found. [The Oklahoman]

More charges filed in shootings during Tulsa’s Juneteenth event: Prosecutors on Wednesday filed a second case in Tulsa County District Court related to shootings that left one man dead and several others injured during Juneteenth celebrations in Greenwood last month. [Tulsa World]

Tulsa Police: First week of youth curfew successful: City council last week passed a curfew from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. Thursday to Saturday for anyone under the age of 18. The curfew was in response to a rash of shootings involving youth and young adults. [Public Radio Tulsa]

Opinion: Cash bail doesn’t keep Oklahoma safe. It just keeps people down.: Oklahoma has a decision to make: Will we continue clinging to a pretrial system that punishes poverty and fails to deliver public safety? Or will we move toward a smarter, fairer, and actually effective alternative? [Cameron Pipe / Oklahoma Voice]

• From OK Policy: Cash bail doesn’t make us safer, but pretrial reform can (Capitol Update)

Economy & Business News

Online shopping is up, but brick-and-mortar drives most commerce: American consumers are five times more likely to shop in stores than online, according to the latest research from Capital One Shopping. Shoppers spent $5.9 trillion in retail stores and $1.3 trillion online in 2024. [The Journal Record]

Community News

Oklahoma bipartisan nonprofit relaunches to advocate for LGBTQ+ issues: The Equality Network which launched last week aims to change the narrative surrounding LGBTQ+ legislation in an environment that has become “a form of tribalism and partisanship that we’ve never seen,” said Troy Stevenson, executive director of the network. [Oklahoma Voice]

A curated list of fireworks displays, Independence Day celebrations across Oklahoma: Across the country, Americans will celebrate the 249th birthday of the United States this weekend. Here’s how you can join the festivities right here in Oklahoma. [KOSU]

Opinion: What is the state of leadership?: Lately, I find myself asking: What exactly are we calling leadership today? Because what I see in the world around me isn’t leadership—it’s posturing. Meanness presented as decisiveness. Defensiveness mistaken for strength. Division used as a strategy. [Aaron Fulkerson / The Journal Record]

Quote of the Day

“One in four Oklahomans depend on Medicaid. Prior to expanding and bringing down these federal dollars to our state, less people had access to care. And we have made great progress…These people deserve health care.”

– Stillwater Medical Center President & CEO Denise Webber, on how impending cuts to Medicaid included in congressional Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will erase the steady progress Oklahoma has made in the years since voters expanded the program. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy estimates as many as 169,000 Oklahomans will lose health care coverage altogether, with millions more affected by hospital closures and other barriers to care. [2 News Oklahoma]

Number of the Day

220%

The projected size of the national debt compared to the economy in 2055 if the 2017 tax cuts are extended — 63 percentage points higher than current estimates. That means the federal government would owe more than twice what the entire U.S. economy produces in a year, putting long-term pressure on interest rates and essential public services. [Congressional Budget Office]

Policy Note

Don’t expect much growth from the One Big, Beautiful Bill: While the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” extends Trump-era tax cuts and offers targeted incentives, economic growth generated by the bill would be modest and insufficient to offset its projected deficit increase over the next decade. Despite claims that the bill will spur “extraordinary growth,” any growth effect would be small, leaving public debt significantly elevated and fiscal sustainability unresolved. [The Brookings Institution]

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