THE LATEST IN OKLAHOMA
KOSU | Oklahoma tourism director Shelley Zumwalt announces retirement from state government
(Sept. 30, 2024) - Shelley Zumwalt is stepping down as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, effective October 11, to pursue private sector opportunities. Zumwalt faced controversy earlier this year due to a state audit that revealed conflicts of interest involving her husband's company, Phase 2. Sterling Zearley has been appointed as interim director by Governor Stitt.
KGOU | Oklahoma County Social Services Department facing immediate closure
(Oct. 3, 2024) - The Oklahoma County Social Services Department will be disbanded by the end of October due to Senate Bill 1931, which repeals laws related to county care of indigent persons. This closure will affect programs like the Oklahoma County Pharmacy and Homeless Services.
KGOU | Who are Oklahoma’s deleted voters? State provides data breaking it down by party
(Sept. 26, 2024) - Oklahoma has removed 241,113 voter registrations over the past two years, with most deletions due to voters moving or becoming inactive. Democrats and independents were overrepresented among inactive voters removed, while Republicans made up a smaller share.
Attorney General | Drummond appeals injunction, continues fight against illegal immigration
(Sept. 23, 2024) - Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has appealed an injunction that halted House Bill 4156, a state immigration law allowing local law enforcement to remove undocumented immigrants, a task typically handled by federal authorities. Drummond argues the bill enhances safety by targeting illegal immigrants working on illegal marijuana farms and claims it aligns with federal law.
OSDH | Oklahoma WIC Transitions to New Formula
(Sept. 16, 2024) - The Oklahoma Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program will transition from Gerber to Similac brand infant formulas starting in October to comply with cost containment requirements. Families currently using Gerber formulas will be automatically switched to comparable Similac options, which meet FDA standards for nutrition and quality.
OK Treasurer | State Credit Rating Upgrade by Moody’s Ratings
(Sept. 19, 2024) - Oklahoma's credit rating has been upgraded by Moody’s from Aa2 to Aa1, the second-highest possible rating, reflecting the state’s strong financial position, low debt burden, and economic diversification. Treasurer Todd Russ attributed the upgrade to the state’s responsible budgeting practices and efforts by Governor Stitt and the Legislature to maintain financial stability.
KOCO | Health care provider terminates contract with Oklahoma County jail, citing security concerns
(Sept. 11, 2024) - Turn Key Health Clinics will terminate its contract with the Oklahoma County Detention Center due to security concerns, citing understaffing that hinders proper inmate care. The Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority voted to keep Turn Key temporarily, but the jail now has 30 days to find a new provider. Advocates have criticized Turn Key for past health-related issues at the jail.
OK Energy Today | Oklahoma Treasurer says state’s revenues show “economic resilience”
(Sept. 8, 2024) - Oklahoma's tax revenues grew by 0.12% over the past 12 months, with a 2% increase in oil and gas production taxes. In August, the state collected $1.27 billion in revenue, up 1.9% from last year. Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ emphasized the state's economic resilience amid national trends of slowing job growth and stable unemployment rates.
The Oklahoman | Ballot measure to increase Oklahoma's minimum wage set for 2026
(Sept. 11, 2024) - Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has set June 16, 2026, as the date for a vote on raising the state's minimum wage to $15 by 2029, rather than holding the vote in November as advocates hoped. State Question 832 proposes increasing the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 in 2025, with gradual annual raises until 2029.
The Oklahoman | OK Juvenile Affairs office names interim director to replace Jeffrey Cartmelld
(Sept. 12, 2024) - Laura Talbert was appointed interim director of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, replacing Jeffrey Cartmell, who now leads the Department of Human Services. Talbert, previously the office's chief legal officer, will begin her new role on September 16, with a salary of $140,000.