KOCO | Oklahoma Human Services preparing to furlough staff due to government shutdown

(October 29, 2025) - Oklahoma Human Services is preparing to furlough nearly 6,000 employees due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The agency announced the move in an internal email, citing a significant impact on its ability to operate and provide critical services. Officials expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging the hardship it places on staff and the vulnerable populations they serve. A final furlough plan is still being developed.

​

OK Energy Today | Chandler bans wind farms within city limits

(October 18, 2025) - The city of Chandler, Oklahoma, has enacted a moratorium banning large-scale industrial wind turbines within its city limits and around its water sources, including Bell Cow Lake. The ordinance prohibits any wind energy systems over 80 feet tall to protect drinking water and wildlife. While residential wind energy use is still permitted, the move marks the first such regulation in eastern Oklahoma. The unanimous decision followed efforts by a citizen-led Wind Energy Committee focused on balancing energy needs with environmental protection.

 

KOSU | Oklahoma lawmakers compare 'dark money' to laundering in interim study, discuss red tape

(October 14, 2025) - Oklahoma lawmakers are exploring ways to regulate “dark money,” anonymous political donations often funneled through nonprofits, in state elections. During an interim study, Rep. Meloyde Blancett and others raised concerns about the lack of transparency and potential for outside influence on local races. Experts discussed how other states have implemented stricter disclosure rules and public databases to improve campaign finance transparency. While Oklahoma has relatively strong reporting laws, officials emphasized the need for greater voter trust and accountability. Lawmakers also debated balancing transparency with donor privacy.

​

NonDoc | Pugh, McVay join crowded state superintendent race

(October 4, 2025) - Following Ryan Walters’ resignation, the race for Oklahoma state superintendent has grown crowded, with six candidates now in the running for the 2026 election. New entrants include Republican Sen. Adam Pugh and Democrat Craig McVay, who join a field of educators and former school officials focused on issues like literacy, teacher retention, and restoring trust in public education. The race features distinct political and personal perspectives, with some candidates emphasizing experience, while others call for a break from past controversies. Primaries are set for June 2026, with possible runoffs in August and the general election in November.

 

Oklahoma House of Representatives | Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert Leads Legislative Delegation to the White House

(September 26, 2025) - Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert led a delegation of Republican legislators to Washington, D.C., for meetings with members of President Trump’s Cabinet and other federal officials. The trip focused on key issues affecting Oklahoma, such as energy, agriculture, education, and healthcare. Lawmakers also met with Vice President J.D. Vance and participated in briefings tailored to their legislative roles. Hilbert emphasized the value of building federal relationships to better advocate for the needs of Oklahomans.

 

News 9 | OKLAHOMA PARDON & PAROLE BOARD DIRECTOR RESIGNS​​

(September 23, 2025) - Tom Bates has resigned as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board, ending a five-year term marked by major reforms and controversial clemency hearings. During his tenure, the agency cleared thousands of backlogged cases, streamlined operations, and handled high-profile death penalty reviews, including those of Richard Glossip and Julius Jones. Bates defended the board’s independence amid public scrutiny and frequent member resignations. His departure takes effect on November 30, with no successor announced yet.

 

Oklahoma Watch | With Little Notice, Oklahoma Prison Phone Call Rates More Than Double​

(September 12, 2025) - With little public notice, Oklahoma’s prison phone call rates more than doubled on September 1, rising from 6 to 14 cents per minute under a new contract between the Department of Corrections and Securus Technologies. Families of incarcerated individuals were caught off guard, receiving vague notifications just days before the change. The contract now brings in millions for the state in fees and technology, while critics argue it places unfair financial burdens on loved ones and undermines rehabilitation. Many other states have kept rates low or even made prison calls free.

 

Oklahoma Voice | Oklahoma mental health agency unsure of impact of planned provider contract cuts

(September 4, 2025) - The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is canceling or not renewing provider contracts as part of a budget overhaul but has not disclosed how many providers will be affected or how much money will be saved. Interim Commissioner Gregory Slavonic said the agency had too many contracts for its budget and is also reviewing staffing levels. Some providers, especially smaller organizations, expect severe financial hits and service disruptions. Leaders in the field warn the cuts will have ripple effects across families, law enforcement, and community support systems.

 

News 9 | OKLAHOMA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS DIRECTOR STEVEN HARPE TO RESIGN

(August 27, 2025) - Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe will resign on September 30, 2025, to return to the private sector. Appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in 2022, Harpe led modernization efforts and a rehabilitation-focused approach within the agency. Stitt praised Harpe for challenging the status quo and said, “Director Harpe’s leadership transformed the culture at ODOC.” Harpe expressed pride in his service, stating, “Working with the dedicated employees at the agency and interacting with the inmates… is an experience I will cherish forever.” Justin Farris, ODOC’s Chief of Staff, has been named interim director.

 

Oklahoma Voice | U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visits OKC charter school, state Capitol

(August 19, 2025) - U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon visited Oklahoma City Tuesday as part of her push to reduce federal oversight in public education and give states more control. She expressed openness to Oklahoma's proposal to replace statewide testing with local assessments but noted it hasn’t cleared all federal steps yet. McMahon toured a top-ranked charter school with Gov. Kevin Stitt and later joined him to sign a bill banning DEI programs in higher education. Her visit comes amid growing tension within Oklahoma's education leadership and broader efforts to overhaul the U.S. Department of Education.

 

Tulsa World | New law establishes timeline for natural gas operators to plug 'orphan wells'

(August 10, 2025) - A new Oklahoma law, created through Senate Bill 132, sets a phased timeline for operators to plug natural gas wells that have been nonproducing for at least 20 years, aiming to curb environmental damage and reduce the state’s growing number of “orphan” wells. Operators must reduce these long-idle wells by 25% by 2028, 50% by 2031, and fully plug them by 2035, while wells inactive for fewer than 20 years must have a 10-year plan for plugging or reactivation. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission will oversee enforcement, with plugging costs averaging around $30,000 per well. Lawmakers say the measure balances responsible resource development with environmental stewardship and prevents operators from walking away from their plugging responsibilities.

 

Oklahoma Voice | Oklahoma Supreme Court puts TSET law on hold

(August 7, 2025) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court has temporarily blocked House Bill 2783, a new law that would allow the appointing authorities of the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) board to remove members at will and limit their service to seven years. TSET, which manages nearly $2 billion in public funds, argues that only voters can change board terms because the trust was created through a constitutional amendment in 2000 after a tobacco settlement. The law was set to take effect Aug. 28 but will remain on hold while the court considers the case. Lawmakers have previously sought to tap TSET funds for various initiatives, including a recent $50 million request toward a children’s hospital project.

 

The Oklahoman | Child hunger, tribal relations- A look at Oklahoma House interim studies this year

​

(July 29,2025) - Oklahoma House lawmakers will conduct over 100 interim studies this fall to examine key issues ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Topics include childhood hunger, teacher recruitment and retention, state energy needs, and the ethics and use of artificial intelligence. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert emphasized that these studies help lawmakers gather data, vet ideas, and build support before introducing legislation. Hearings will take place from August 1 to November 6 and involve bipartisan participation across various policy areas.

​

 

The Oklahoman | What Oklahoma assets could be sold by oil and gas producer ConocoPhillips?

 

(July 22, 2025) - ConocoPhillips is in advanced talks to sell its Oklahoma assets in the Anadarko Basin to Stone Ridge Energy for approximately $1.3 billion. The assets include 300,000 net acres producing around 39,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, about half of which is natural gas. Flywheel Energy, based in Oklahoma City and backed by Stone Ridge, would operate the assets if the deal goes through. The sale would help ConocoPhillips exceed its $2 billion divestment goal following its $22.5 billion acquisition of Marathon Oil and assumption of $5.4 billion in debt.

 

 

OK Business Voice | Lt. Gov. Pinnell: new infrastructure essential to Oklahoma workforce, economic growth

(Jan. 9, 2025) - Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure to support the state’s workforce and drive economic growth during remarks highlighting 2025 priorities. Pinnell identified key infrastructure areas, including transportation, broadband expansion, and water systems, as critical to attracting businesses and improving quality of life for Oklahomans. He stressed the need for bipartisan efforts to modernize infrastructure and foster economic development, positioning Oklahoma as a competitive destination for industries and job seekers.
 

​

KGOU | Oklahoma Senate, House leaders organize committees ahead of 60th legislative session

(Jan. 3, 2025) - Oklahoma Senate and House leaders have announced committee structures and assignments ahead of the 60th Legislative Session starting February 3, 2025. Senate Pro Tem-Elect Lonnie Paxton and House Speaker-Elect Kyle Hilbert emphasized priorities like agriculture, public safety, and education while revamping oversight and leadership roles to better address state needs and align with public priorities.

​
 

The Oklahoman | State Auditor Cindy Byrd files to run for Oklahoma's lieutenant governor seat

(Jan. 3, 2025) - State Auditor Cindy Byrd has announced her candidacy for Oklahoma's lieutenant governor race in 2026. Byrd, a Republican, is entering the race with a reputation for transparency and fiscal accountability, having previously exposed financial mismanagement during her tenure. Her announcement sets up a potentially competitive Republican primary, as others are expected to declare their intentions for the open seat. Byrd emphasized her dedication to ensuring taxpayer money is spent wisely and her commitment to promoting good governance across Oklahoma.

​
 

NonDoc | Kauger’s OK Supreme Court seat draws 14 applicants

(Dec. 31, 2024) - Fourteen individuals have applied to fill Justice Yvonne Kauger’s seat on the Oklahoma Supreme Court following her recent departure. The applicants, including a mix of private attorneys, judges, and legal professionals from across the state, will undergo vetting by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). The JNC will narrow the pool to three candidates, with Governor Kevin Stitt making the final appointment. Kauger’s seat represents District 4, which covers central and western Oklahoma, and the selection process is closely watched due to its potential impact on the court’s future decisions.
 

​

OKHouse | Lawmakers Appeal OG&E rate increase; Ask OK Supreme Court to Rule on Hiett’s Failure to Disqualify and OCC’s One-Page Audits

(Dec. 20, 2024) - Reps. Tom Gann, Kevin West, and Rick West are continuing their legal efforts regarding Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett's involvement in cases despite alleged ethics violations. After the Oklahoma Supreme Court denied their petition to prohibit Hiett from hearing certain cases, they submitted additional evidence to the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, detailing over 15 new alleged violations of Ethics Rule 4.7. The lawmakers also filed an appeal at the Supreme Court to overturn a $127 million rate increase for OG&E, citing Hiett's decisive vote and alleged misconduct involving OG&E attorneys. They argue for stricter audit standards for utilities' Winter Storm bonds, criticizing the Corporation Commission's auditing methods.

​
 

NonDoc | Rep. Mark Vancuren to join Sims at Tulsa County, trigger another special election

(Dec. 18, 2024) - Oklahoma State Rep. Mark Vancuren, R-Owasso, announced he will leave the legislature to join Tulsa County as a deputy commissioner under County Commissioner Lonnie Sims. Vancuren’s resignation will take effect in January 2025. This marks a career shift for Vancuren, who has served in the Oklahoma House since 2018. A special election will be called to fill his legislative seat in House District 74. Commissioner Sims praised Vancuren's leadership and expertise, expressing confidence in his ability to address county challenges.

​
 

KGOU | Stitt throws Oklahoma's support behind Trump immigration policy

(Dec. 13, 2024) - Governor Kevin Stitt has announced his strong support for former President Donald Trump's immigration policies, particularly his proposals to tighten border security and reform asylum processes. Stitt highlighted the impact of current immigration issues on Oklahoma, including public safety and economic strain, and stated that adopting stricter federal policies is essential for addressing these challenges.

​
 

KFOR | Oklahoma Supreme Court denies petition against Todd Hiett

(Dec. 10, 2024) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied a petition seeking to disqualify Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from voting on cases, citing allegations of misconduct. The court ruled that the petitioners are not "aggrieved" until a final commission order is issued, allowing future appeals. Justice Dana Kuehn suggested the Ethics Commission as a better venue for such complaints. Hiett welcomed the decision, while the legislators vowed to continue advocating for Oklahoma ratepayers.

​

​