Oklahoma Voice | Oklahoma House sends $12.82 billion budget to governor’s desk

(April 9, 2026) - The Oklahoma House approved a $12.82 billion state budget and sent it to the governor, marking a relatively early agreement that could shorten the legislative session. The plan includes modest spending growth, with increased funding for public education, teacher pay raises, and additional support for Medicaid, though not as much as requested. The proposal drew criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, who argued it does not adequately fund key services or should return more money to taxpayers.

 

NonDoc | Stitt appoints Trevor Pemberton, Brian Beller to State Regents for Higher Education

(April 2, 2026) - Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Trevor Pemberton and Brian Beller to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, pending Senate confirmation. Pemberton, a former general counsel and judge, will fill an unexpired term, while Beller, a construction professional and former educator, will serve a full nine-year term.

 

KFOR | Oklahoma agrees to share private voter data with DOJ in settlement

(March 24, 2026) - Oklahoma reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice requiring the state to share certain private voter information, including partial Social Security numbers and driver’s license details. The agreement follows a lawsuit over the state’s earlier refusal to provide access, and comes amid concerns from groups like the ACLU about voter privacy and potential disenfranchisement. State officials say they aim to balance election integrity with protecting personal data, while advocacy groups are still considering their legal options.

 

News 9 | State senate aims to incentivize out-of-state individuals to move to rural Oklahoma

(March 17, 2026) - The Oklahoma Senate advanced Senate Bill 1948, which would allow fireworks to be sold year-round and ease rules on private, noncommercial use. Supporters argue the bill updates outdated laws and creates more consistency across counties while keeping existing safety and noise regulations in place. Critics, however, worry it could increase fire risks and strain firefighters, as well as negatively affect pets. The measure passed 39–5 and now heads to the House for consideration.

 

Oklahoma Voice | Oklahoma House approves bill banning state from displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags

(March 11, 2026) - The Oklahoma House approved a bill that would prohibit state government entities, including public schools, from displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags or formally recognizing Pride Month. The legislation, which passed along party lines, would allow only flags authorized by state or federal law to be displayed on state property. Lawmakers also approved a related bill that would ban changes to the sex designation on birth certificates. Supporters say the measures protect the integrity of state records and public funds, while critics argue they marginalize LGBTQ+ Oklahomans.

 

Fox 23 | State Question 836 fails to meet required number of valid signatures

(March 5, 2026) - State Question 836, which proposed creating an open primary election system in Oklahoma, failed to qualify for the ballot after not enough valid petition signatures were verified. Supporters had submitted more than 200,000 signatures, but the Secretary of State’s office determined that fewer than the required 172,993 were valid. Backers of the proposal said the campaign still helped raise awareness about concerns with the current election system and encouraged broader voter participation. Some opponents argued the measure would have weakened the influence of conservative voters and praised the verification process for preventing it from moving forward.

​

KOSU | Oklahoma lawmakers propose shuffling teacher retirement funds to pay for education agenda

(February 25, 2026) - Oklahoma Senate leaders have proposed a $254 million education spending plan that would redirect more than half of the projected $454 million in teacher retirement system contributions for fiscal year 2027. The plan would cap future retirement deposits at $200 million and use the redirected funds for initiatives such as a $2,500 teacher pay raise, expanded literacy programs, and an increase to the parental school choice tax credit . Supporters say the retirement system remains strong and that no benefits would be cut, while House leaders have expressed concern about potentially impacting the long-term stability of teacher pensions.

 

News 9 | State lawmakers disagree on the future of Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit Program

(February 13, 2026) - Oklahoma lawmakers are divided over whether to expand the state’s Parental Choice Tax Credit Program, which provides up to $7,500 in refundable tax credits for families paying private school tuition and has reached its $250 million cap. House Bill 3705 would raise the cap to $300 million and automatically increase it by $50 million in future years if demand remains high. Republicans argue the program expands educational options without reducing public school funding, while Democrats contend it diverts resources from public education and may contribute to rising private school tuition. The bill now heads to the full House Appropriations and Budget Committee for further consideration.

 

KFOR | Campaign finance reports show wide gaps in Oklahoma governor’s race as primary nears closer

(February 8, 2026) - New campaign finance reports show wide fundraising gaps in Oklahoma’s governor’s race as the June primary approaches. Attorney General Gentner Drummond leads with nearly $4 million raised, while former House Speaker Charles McCall ranks second with about $1.5 million in donations and more than $2.6 million in personal loans to his campaign. Chip Keating and Mike Mazzei have each loaned millions to their own campaigns, highlighting a trend of heavy self-funding among top Republican contenders. On the Democratic side, House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson has raised just under $700,000 largely through smaller individual donations, while several other candidates report minimal fundraising activity.

 

KGOU | Gov. Stitt calls for state question to shut down Oklahoma medical marijuana

(February 4, 2026) - Gov. Kevin Stitt used his State of the State address to call for a state question that would ask voters to shut down Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program, arguing the industry poses a public safety risk. He said sending the issue back to the ballot would allow Oklahomans to reconsider a system he believes has grown out of control. Medical marijuana was legalized by voters in 2018 and has since expanded rapidly, generating millions in tax revenue and thousands of business licenses. Advocates pushed back, noting that any rollback would require legislative approval and another statewide vote.

 

KOSU | Oklahoma legislative priorities for education includes literacy, teacher retention

(January 27, 2026) - Oklahoma lawmakers are outlining education priorities ahead of the 2026 legislative session, with a strong focus on improving literacy and numeracy in K–12 schools. Several proposals aim to bring back or expand third-grade retention tied to reading performance, increase teacher training in reading instruction, and strengthen math requirements. Teacher recruitment and retention are also key goals, with bills proposing pay raises, tax credits, and expanded leave benefits. Additional measures could affect classroom policies, school board transparency, and limits on the use of artificial intelligence in instruction.

 

News 9 | Oklahoma Democrat Jim Priest enters U.S. Senate race against Mullin

(January 17, 2026) - Democrat Jim Priest, an Oklahoma attorney and minister, has entered the U.S. Senate race, seeking to challenge Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Priest says his campaign is rooted in faith, humility and a focus on working-class families, citing rising costs for housing, child care and insurance as key concerns. He emphasizes listening to voters, rebuilding trust and finding common ground in a highly polarized political climate. Priest also hopes to counter stereotypes about Democrats in Oklahoma as he works to connect directly with voters statewide.

 

KFOR | Oklahoma Supreme Court strikes down law expanding legislative control over tobacco settlement fund

(January 15, 2026) - The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a law that would have expanded legislative control over how tobacco settlement funds are managed. The court ruled the law unconstitutional, saying it violated voter-approved protections that were designed to keep the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust independent from political influence. The decision followed tensions between lawmakers and the TSET board over funding priorities and attempts to give legislators more authority to remove or appoint board members. Supporters of the ruling said it preserves the original intent of shielding the fund from shifting political pressure

 

KGOU | New Oklahoma laws now in effect, food stamp changes delayed

(January 5, 2026) - Several new Oklahoma laws took effect on January 1, including a major sentencing reform that creates uniform felony classifications and standard sentencing ranges across the state. Supporters say the change will reduce disparities between counties and bring more consistency to criminal penalties, while imposing harsher consequences for repeat offenders. Other new laws raise adoption tax credits, increase requirements and fees for notaries, and change lighting rules for wind turbines. A separate policy restricting food stamp purchases of candy and soft drinks was delayed until mid-February to give retailers and recipients more time to adjust.

 

News 9 | Oklahoma delays SNAP ban on candy, soda until February

(January 2, 2026) - Oklahoma has delayed new SNAP restrictions that would block the purchase of certain candy and sugary drinks, pushing the start date from Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. State officials said the delay gives retailers more time to prepare and helps clarify which products will be prohibited under the policy. When implemented, the changes will prevent SNAP benefits from being used to buy items such as chocolate, chewing gum, energy drinks, and flavored waters. Officials say the goal of the restrictions is to encourage healthier food choices among program participants.

 

Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program

(December 30,2025) - We look forward to working with multiple clients of ours who will be involved in the Oklahoma Rural Health Transformation Program through various initiatives and helping turn this vision into meaningful outcomes for Oklahomans.

 

 

KOSU | Oklahoma board forecasts $12 billion budget for upcoming fiscal year

(December 22, 2025) - The Oklahoma State Board of Equalization has approved an estimated $12 billion in spending authority for the upcoming fiscal year, giving lawmakers a framework for crafting the state budget. While recurring revenues are up from last year, overall available appropriations are down nearly $700 million, leaving the state short of triggering an automatic income tax cut. Gov. Kevin Stitt expressed optimism about revenue growth and strong savings, while Attorney General Gentner Drummond raised concerns about future costs tied to reduced federal support. The forecast sets the stage for budget negotiations as state leaders balance stable revenues with rising financial pressures.

 

News 9 | Stitt expected to meet with state poultry producers amid waste runoff lawsuit

(December 16, 2025) - Gov Kevin Stitt is expected to meet with Oklahoma poultry producers as the state continues a long-running lawsuit over chicken waste runoff in the Illinois River Watershed. The lawsuit, first filed in 2005, accuses major poultry companies, including Tyson Foods, of polluting waterways in eastern Oklahoma. While both sides have spent years negotiating damages, reports indicate Tyson is considering scaling back its operations in the state. Stitt is scheduled to address the issue publicly during his visit.

 

KGOU | Oklahoma takes new steps to host multi-million dollar spaceplane at Burns Flat

(December 10, 2025) - Oklahoma leaders are moving forward with plans to host Dawn Aerospace’s suborbital spaceplane at the Burns Flat spaceport. The state’s Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission approved nearly $491,000 for designing a new hangar that will house the craft and support its research missions. The facility will include a control room, viewing area and payload processing space, with design work expected to take up to eight months. Once the plane begins flying in 2027, its first 100 flights will be offered at no cost to Oklahoma researchers.

 

NonDoc | ‘Revisit McGirt itself’: Oklahoma Tax Commission responds to Stroble’s SCOTUS petition

(December 3, 2025) - The Oklahoma Tax Commission is urging the U.S. Supreme Court not to hear Alicia Stroble’s appeal, which challenges the state’s authority to tax her income as a Muscogee Nation citizen living and working within the reservation. In its filing, the commission argues the McGirt ruling was wrongly decided and should be limited to criminal jurisdiction, and even suggests the Court revisit McGirt entirely if it takes up the case. Tribal nations and national Native organizations filed briefs supporting Stroble, pointing to long-standing precedent that states cannot tax tribal citizens in Indian Country without clear congressional approval. The commission counters that those precedents do not apply in Oklahoma because of past Supreme Court rulings that treated Oklahoma tribes differently.

 

KFOR | Officials warn proposed OK ballot measure eliminating home property taxes would cause catastrophic damage

(November 25, 2025) - A group of Oklahoma lawmakers is pushing a ballot measure that would eliminate property taxes on homes, phasing them out completely by 2029. Supporters argue it would protect homeowners and force the state to rethink how it funds services, but the plan would remove roughly $1.2 billion a year that currently supports schools, counties, cities, and career tech programs. Local officials warn the impact would be catastrophic, with no realistic replacement for the lost revenue. Critics say the proposal threatens core services and relies on vague promises that governments can simply “do more with less.”

​

NonDoc | In ‘do-over’ meetings, boards hike legislator pay, revise statewide official bumps

(November 18, 2025) - Two state boards met again after earlier votes were deemed invalid and approved pay raises for Oklahoma lawmakers and statewide officials. Legislators will see their base salary rise from $47,500 to $54,900, with leadership stipends increasing as well. The commission also raised salaries for all eleven statewide offices for the first time since 2009, though it added a rule to avoid disqualifying sitting legislators from running for those jobs. Members said the redo allowed for a clearer, more thoughtful process after public pushback and confusion at the prior meeting.

 

KFOR News 4 | Pay increases coming soon for elected officials after commission reportedly approves massive salary bump

(November 13, 2025) - The Statewide Official Compensation Commission has approved large salary increases for several Oklahoma elected officials, including doubling the state superintendent’s pay from $124,373 to $250,000. Other positions, such as the insurance commissioner, state treasurer, attorney general, and corporation commissioners, will also receive raises of $50,000 to more than $60,000. Some lawmakers criticized the process as rushed and poorly prepared, noting the commission has met only twice and suggesting the legislature may need to take back authority over pay decisions. The governor received the smallest raise, creating what critics call an unusual pay gap between the state’s top elected offices.

 

KGOU | Former Oklahoma corrections director approved million dollar deal with AI Company, then went to work for them

(November 3, 2025) - Former Oklahoma Corrections Director Steven Harpe approved a $1 million contract with LEO Technologies for AI call monitoring in state prisons, then resigned and took a job with the same company months later. His new role as chief product officer raises legal and ethical concerns due to state laws prohibiting such moves within a year of awarding contracts. The situation has sparked criticism and scrutiny from legal experts and watchdogs. Neither Harpe nor the company has responded to questions about potential violations.

 

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.

​

​