Walters proposes ending Oklahoma’s statewide student tests
In a massive departure from past practice, Oklahoma may scrap statewide reading, math tests this year for district-selected exams under Walters’ plan.
Constituent presses Rep. Bice for in-person town halls
Constituent presses Rep. Bice on lack of in-person town halls, accusing her of dodging tough questions. Bice defends remote events as more effective.
Okla County Sheriff to investigate reports of nude women on state supt’s TV
The Okla County Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations that pictures of naked women were seen last week on a TV in State Supt Ryan Walters’ office.
Nude images reported on State Supt Ryan Walters’ office TV
Oklahoma House inquiry considered after two board members report seeing nude images on a TV in Ryan Walters’ office during closed-door education meeting.
SNAP cuts could put 131,000 Oklahomans at risk
131,000 Oklahomans could lose food benefits under a new federal law. SNAP cuts and stricter rules put the disabled, seniors, families and veterans at risk.
Anti-abortion group backs tighter rules on state petitions
Anti-abortion group backs OK law limiting ballot petitions, saying it protects against out-of-state efforts to expand abortion access in conservative states.
Oklahoma Education Dept keeps staff resignations secret
Oklahoma’s Education Dept. under Ryan Walters won’t release staff resignation letters after top officials exit. Experts say it may violate open records law.
Data ties evictions to chronic school absenteeism among kids
Evictions and housing instability are fueling chronic absenteeism in Oklahoma schools, with 60% of unhoused students missing too many days. #oklaed #housing
EPA site debunks contrail myths, Lankford backs it
The EPA launched a site debunking contrail conspiracies. Oklahoma Sen. Lankford supports the move, saying transparency helps counter false claims.
Walters’ meals mandate could prompt ‘drastic’ school cuts
OK superintendents say Walters’ free meals mandate could force layoffs, cut programs and upend budgets with no plan to fund the sweeping changes
Oklahoma Highway Patrol to pull resources from metros
OHP plans to pull troopers from Oklahoma’s largest cities by Nov. 1; top GOP leaders won’t say if they support the move or when they learned of it.
Cell no! After 2-yr debate, schools get months to ban phones
Oklahoma schools have just a few months to implement the state’s new “bell-to-bell” cell phone ban before the school year starts in August.
Trump admin freezes $70M+ in Okla federal education funds
The Trump Administration is freezing funds that support before-after school programs, language instruction for English language learners, and other programs.
Oklahoma police continue to seize millions from motorists
No arrest or criminal conviction is required for Oklahoma law enforcement officers to seize funds they believe are linked to criminal activity.
Uncertainty at Epic Charter Schools after cuts, resignations
Families and educators at Epic Charter School face a summer of uncertainty as the charter school system downsizes its staff, facilities and course offerings.
