State walks away from tens of millions meant for needy families
Oklahoma’s leaders have a complex relationship with federal grant money. They love the federal cash. Just don’t tell them what to do with it or how to do it.
Bixby schools Supt Rob Miller announces run for state supt
Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller, a Republican, announced he is running for State Supt in the 2026 election.
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.
Eviction crisis tied to low wages, housing shortage
Nearly half of Oklahoma households struggled to afford basics in 2023. A new report links the state’s eviction crisis to low wages and a lack of housing.
Oklahoma becomes ICE arrest hub as federal policy drives enforcement explosion
With Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other agencies empowered to make immigration arrests, some state and local police have become an arm of ICE across the state.
Rep. Mauree Turner censure contrasts with inaction on GOP legislators
Okla’s House Republicans will not take action on fellow GOP reps with pending criminal charges, but quickly censured Dem Rep. Mauree Turner.
Tenant advocates push for right to free counsel
A nationwide push toward ensuring tenants’ rights to access legal services is emerging. But in Oklahoma, there are no Right to Counsel laws.
Lankford, Hern join Republican leadership in U.S. Congress
Oklahomans in Washington increased their influence as Sen. James Lankford and Rep. Kevin Hern joined the Senate and House Republican leadership teams.
Okla House panel backs limits on citizen ballot initiatives
A bill just passed by an Okla House panel could make it harder for urban voters to get state questions on the ballot by capping petition signatures per county.
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.
Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses Bible mandate suit
The Okla Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit over a Bible-in-schools mandate after new education leaders dropped the policy issued by former Supt. Ryan Walters.
At the Oklahoma Legislature, a new flood of bills on school curriculum
OK Legislature proposals range from limits on classroom discussions of current events to requiring schools to teach ‘Victims of Communism Day’
Textbook publishers pull out of Okla as fight grows over content
A growing political fight over what is taught in public schools has caused alarm that Oklahoma, as a result, could be losing out on quality textbook publishers.
Mass evictions could take place over Memorial Day weekend
A blockbuster day at eviction court in Okla County was set for Thursday as Memorial Day’s Monday closing means one judge will preside over more than 380 eviction hearings.
Governor unveils Oklahoma State Guard plan for ’emergencies’
Governor Kevin Stitt seeks to re-establish the dormant Oklahoma State Guard as a state-controlled civil defense force deployable solely within the state.
