In The Know: What do the new SoonerCare work requirements mean for members? | USPS whistleblower predicts ‘catastrophic’ effect on elections under Trump vote-by-mail order | Worker empowerment strengthens Oklahoma businesses

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Policy Matters: Worker empowerment strengthens Oklahoma businesses   Labor Day arrives each year as the unofficial end of summer. But its history asks us to remember something more important: Our economy’s strength depends on the people who do the work. Generations of workers organizing for better conditions shaped many workplace standards Americans now take for granted.  The labor movement helped advance the eight-hour workday, weekends, overtime protections, safer workplaces and restrictions on child labor. These gains helped more than just union members. They set standards for what a good job should be for workers throughout our economy. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] 14.4%   The percent increase in average Oklahoma electricity prices between January 2025 and January 2026, from 11.03 cents to 12.62 cents per kilowatt-hour. [U.S. Energy Information Administration] A Plan for American Electricity Affordability   Electricity costs are rising faster than many other basic expenses, leaving more households behind on bills, facing shutoffs, and spending a growing share of their income on energy. Prices are being driven by costly natural gas, aging grid infrastructure, climate disasters, and rapidly increasing demand from AI data centers, while federal barriers to new clean energy projects threaten to make the problem worse. Proposals to address the crisis include accelerating the construction of affordable energy and grid infrastructure, providing federal support to states that freeze or reduce residential rates, and requiring data centers to pay their fair share of the infrastructure costs they create. [Center for American Progress] "Which do we choose? Food, rent, car payment, or electricity this month?"   — An anonymous PSO customer, describing how high electricity bills are forcing families to choose between keeping the power on and paying for other basic needs. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] Oklahoma News   New work requirements could affect 250,000 Oklahomans on SoonerCare, agency warns: Over 250,000 Oklahomans have been sent letters warning that new federal work requirements may put them at risk of losing their Medicaid health coverage. The Oklahoma Health Care Authority on Wednesday said yellow letters were sent last week and any Oklahoman who receives one should follow the enclosed instructions to ensure they maintain their eligibility. [Oklahoma Voice] New federal work rules may impact SoonerCare coverage, OHCA warns [The Oklahoman] OHCA: SoonerCare work requirements coming soon [Fox 25] New Medicaid work requirements expected to impact thousands in Oklahoma [Tulsa World] What do the new Oklahoma SoonerCare work requirements mean for members? [News 9] OHCA notifies SoonerCare Members on Federal work requirements [KFOR] From OK Policy: “Work requirements” won’t work for Oklahoma State Government News   Long Story Short: Prison Call Centers, Norman’s Homeless Program and Statewide Audit Red Flags (podcast): A discussion on how Oklahoma state prison inmates were put to work making political phone calls for out-of-state campaigns, an examination of the shutdown of Norman’s A Better Way program for individuals experiencing homelessness, and a break down of a massive statewide audit that flagged $25 million in questionable federal spending across state agencies. [Oklahoma Watch]   Opinion: Lawmakers have ignored an Oklahoma constitutional edict for years. Kevin Stitt called their bluff: Oklahoma’s Constitution requires that lawmakers give voters the right to consider calling a constitutional convention at least once every 20 years. Yet lawmakers last placed the referendum on the ballot in 1970 — 56 years ago. In 1994, the Legislature asked voters to repeal the 20-year requirement entirely; voters rejected it. After years of lawmakers from both parties failing to comply with the constitutional requirement, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s patience has run out. [J.H. Snider / Oklahoma Voice]   Federal Government News   USPS whistleblower predicts ‘catastrophic’ effect on elections under Trump vote-by-mail order: The U.S. Postal Service rushed the development of electronic tools to comply with a Trump administration policy placing new restrictions on mail-in voting, and defied a court order to stop work on the system, according to an explosive whistleblower complaint published Tuesday by Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal. [Oklahoma Voice] Why the rushed Postal Service plan for mail-in voting has states in a panic [Oklahoma Voice] Legal aid for immigrant kids remains in question after Trump administration pulls contract: More than 20,000 unaccompanied immigrant youth remain at risk of losing their legal representation, one month after the Trump administration ended a federal contract with an organization that provided legal services to migrant children, advocates and attorneys said Tuesday. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Cherokee Nation members criticize Mullin for ICE encroachment on tribal land in Arizona: The recent incursion by masked federal agents on Tohono O’odham land didn’t just anger that tribe, which has been trying to block border wall construction along the remote stretch it controls in Arizona. It also infuriated Native Americans who had higher hopes for Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, the former Oklahoma senator who is only the second Indigenous cabinet member ever. [Cronkite News via KOSU]   Which tribes in Oklahoma are hosting Labor Day, early fall gatherings?: More than a dozen tribes in Oklahoma are celebrating their national holidays over the Labor Day weekend and into the next month. [KOSU]   FBI calls attention to cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people: A new FBI effort that aims to draw attention to unsolved investigations into homicides, missing persons and other crimes in Indian Country features two Muscogee Nation members. [Tulsa World] From OK Policy: Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women Awareness Day: Oklahoma has improved its framework, but are Native women actually safer? Justice System News   Oklahoma City renews Flock surveillance camera contract despite privacy concerns: The Oklahoma City Council voted 5–3 to renew a $270,000 contract with Flock Safety, keeping 90 automated license plate-reading cameras operating across the city. [The Black Wall Street Times]   OK County needs more judges, courts, criminal justice officials say: Oklahoma County doesn't have enough judges or courtrooms to keep up with population growth in and around Oklahoma City. County officials are trying to deal with it. [The Oklahoman]   Man alleges excessive force, inhumane treatment by Tulsa Municipal Jail detention officers: A Tulsa man alleges that excessive force and inhumane treatment by Tulsa Municipal Jail detention officers gave him a blistering rash, sores, open wounds and an infection for which he was denied treatment, according to a lawsuit filed Monday in state district court. [Tulsa World]   Tulsa City Council meets to discuss Terence Crutcher lawsuit: City councilors on Wednesday met in executive session to discuss an ongoing federal civil rights lawsuit filed by the estate of Terence Crutcher. [Tulsa World]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   OKC nonprofits receive nearly $800K to fight homelessness: Three local organizations in Oklahoma City secured $794,750 to expand services addressing homelessness, adding more eviction mediators and expanding mental health support. [The Journal Record]   Economy & Business News   Petition against rising electricity bills catches attention of Oklahoma utility regulators: As of Tuesday afternoon, more than 26,000 people signed a Change.org petition demanding more transparency and fewer rate increases from Public Service Company of Oklahoma. The petition was started by Tulsa resident Raelynn McMurchy, who wrote the increases are unsustainable. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   State Farm CEO ordered to answer questions in Broken Arrow couple’s roof claim case: The CEO at State Farm Insurance must answer questions under oath in a case filed by a Broken Arrow couple who claim the company wrongfully denied them a fair payment on a legitimate roof claim, a judge ruled on Tuesday. [Tulsa World]   Opinion: Will AI kill the first job? Oklahoma has a plan: Oklahoma is putting artificial intelligence into its workforce strategy. The state’s new Talent Accelerator helps employers offset training costs in industries including AI infrastructure, while the state’s Learn AI initiative is expanding access to digital and AI skills. Those investments address one side of the problem: Workers need new skills. The other side is whether employers still provide enough entry-level work for people to turn skills into experience. [Gleb Tsipursky / The Oklahoman]   Community News   Greenwood Film Festival wants Black creators to see future for themselves in Oklahoma film industry: When moviegoers take their seats at the 6th annual Greenwood Film Festival, being held at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa’s auditorium from Sept. 6-10, the goal is for them to reflect on their lives and challenge their perceptions. [The Oklahoma Eagle]   Local Headlines Gold Dome sold to unlikely buyer in mandated auction, disrupts OKC's redevelopment plan [KOSU] Oklahoma City high school students get hands-on healthcare experience through new partnership [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] Oklahoma City leaders push transit, commuter rail as global spotlight nears [The Oklahoman] Why Oklahoma City is betting big on defense industry [The Oklahoman] Push for solar farm near Porter: Judge hears arguments on denied permit [Tulsa World] Broken Arrow Public Schools partners with OSUIT to expand construction program [Tulsa World] Stillwater Sued to Fix Remington Ranch; Competing Bankruptcies Froze the Case [Oklahoma Watch] Support Our Work with a Donation In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe.

In The Know: Muscogee Nation increases minimum wage for tribal employees | The biggest reason for uptick in Oklahoma hunger rates? Reforms to SNAP | Judge calls Trump mail ballot rule ‘substantively unconstitutional’

In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma's state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 825,720   The estimated number of Oklahomans who experienced food insecurity in 2024. Oklahoma’s food insecurity rate was 20.2 percent, compared with 14.4 percent nationwide. [Feeding America] Map the Meal Gap 2026   Food insecurity remains widespread across the United States, affecting every county and congressional district, and is at its highest level in a decade. Children, older adults, rural communities, Southern states, and many communities of color face especially high rates, reflecting persistent disparities in income, opportunity, and access to resources. High food and household costs continue to strain family budgets, while many people experiencing food insecurity earn too much to qualify for SNAP. Ongoing economic pressures and cuts to federal nutrition assistance could deepen these challenges, underscoring the need for strong public policies, accessible nutrition programs, and continued data collection to ensure communities can respond effectively. [Feeding America] "I do not want Oklahoma to be known as the state with the highest food insecurity rates. I want Oklahoma to be known for how we responded to this news. Oklahomans know how to take care of each other. We have seen it time and again, whether responding to tornadoes, floods, or a government shutdown. Addressing this challenge will take all of us, from government and business leaders to organizations and individuals throughout our communities, pulling in the same direction."   — Jeff Marlow, president and CEO of the Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, speaking about the collective action needed to address Oklahoma’s growing food insecurity. [Tulsa Flyer] State Government News   Interchanges removed from controversial Oklahoma turnpike design amid local opposition: The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority is moving forward without two interchanges on a planned turnpike after the proposal failed to secure approval from the Norman City Council. [Oklahoma Voice]   In Depth: Oklahoma has gone 56 years without a constitutional convention vote: Oklahoma voters are supposed to be asked every 20 years whether the state should hold a constitutional convention. However, it has been 56 years since that question has been asked. [Fox 23]   Federal Government News   Judge calls Trump mail ballot rule ‘substantively unconstitutional’ as court battle extends: A Massachusetts federal judge on Monday declined the Trump administration’s request to overturn the temporary restraining order she signed last week that blocks the U.S. Postal Service from carrying out a rule placing new restrictions on mail-in voting. [Oklahoma Voice]   US House clears spending stopgap backed by Trump that averts government shutdown: The U.S. House approved a short-term government funding bill Tuesday that would avoid a shutdown this fall once President Donald Trump signs it. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Muscogee Nation increases minimum wage for tribal employees: The Muscogee National Council approved a minimum wage increase for tribal employees on Saturday, which will grow to $20 per hour over the next two years. [KOSU] Muscogee Nation National Council approves minimum wage increase [Tulsa World] FBI offers $25,000 reward to solve 2 cold cases involving tribal citizens in Oklahoma: The FBI is increasing the minimum reward to $25,000 for certain Indian Country cases through its Voices Not Forgotten Initiative. Two cases involve tribal citizens in Oklahoma. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Eye on Oklahoma: Unlimited Money (video): A recent Supreme Court decision allows Oklahoma political parties to coordinate unlimited campaign spending with candidates, potentially reshaping state elections. [Oklahoma Watch]   Education News   A Tulsa teacher went to a Ryan Walters' Teacher Freedom Alliance event. Here's what he saw: In July, the Teacher Freedom Alliance held its annual meeting, which Tulsa teacher Micah Cash attended. Last week, he published a write-up of the experience in the Tulsa-based publication The Pickup. [KOSU]   Stitt’s Tenure Ban Is Costing Oklahoma’s Rural Universities Their Top Candidates: Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decree ending faculty tenure is already costing regional universities top-choice hires and other applicants, making it harder for schools in remote locations to attract academic talent. [Oklahoma Watch]   Health News   Is human-caused air pollution responsible for more than five times as many deaths as homicide in the United States?: Yes. 100,000 deaths annually are attributable to domestic anthropogenic emissions of PM2.5 pollutants, five times the homicide deaths in the United States in 2024. [Oklahoma Watch]   Justice System News   Oklahoma City man sentenced to 18 years for federal drug and gun crimes: An Oklahoma City man was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to felony possession of firearms and intent to distribute PCP. [The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   The biggest reason for uptick in Oklahoma hunger rates? Reforms to SNAP: A long-held perception — particularly among Republican officials — is that the country could eliminate the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and let charities handle hunger response. Not true, according to Oklahoma leaders working in the food insecurity space. They say the scale the government can reach is far greater than what charitable systems can muster. [Tulsa Flyer]   Oklahoma ranks worst for childhood hunger. The state’s most affluent communities aren’t immune to the impact: Bixby doesn’t seem like a community experiencing a surge of food-insecure families. The suburb south of Tulsa is full of restaurants and grocery stores that aren’t on the menu in lower-income parts of the county. Its median household income is 60% higher than the state’s, and the poverty rate sits at 5.6% — compared to 14.9% for the state. But Oklahoma’s top ranking in childhood hunger doesn’t stop at a city’s limits. [Tulsa Flyer]   Eye on Oklahoma: Serial Evictions (video): Residents at the Westmoor Mobile Home Park, owned by the out-of-state company YES! Communities, are facing serial evictions, leaving them stuck at the park, unable to move up the proverbial economic ladder. And the park is pushing tenants into rent-to-own deals that legal experts contend are little more than a profitable scheme that rarely benefits tenants. [Oklahoma Watch] From OK Policy: Bills to extend the eviction timeline and add legal remedies for tenants to hold landlords accountable failed in the 2026 legislative session; these policies should be introduced again and passed next session. Eye on Oklahoma: Oklahoma Tenant Laws (video): Dawn Deschler is on her second lease at the Villas at Midtown apartment complex in Tulsa, and despite consistently paying her rent, she has been without air conditioning since the beginning. [Oklahoma Watch]   Economy & Business News   Editorial: Nuclear project in OK has promise, but there's reason not to rush: Oklahoma's regulatory track record in general means that more than the usual amount of scrutiny should be aimed at the state's and federal government's environmental protection plans. And because of Oklahoma's failure over the years to keep track of where wells have been drilled across the state — many have been found unexpectedly — special precautions will have to be taken. [The Oklahoman Editorial Board]   Local Headlines Discolored water in OKC tied to heat and high demand, officials say [The Oklahoman] Greater OKC Chamber outlines defense growth and transit plan [The Journal Record] Oklahoma Turnpike Authority unveils design for Toby Keith Expressway bridge [The Oklahoman] Wasted water: Officials say El Reno ‘failed’ to enforce stop-work order at leaky bitcoin site [NonDoc] New pollinator garden coming to Norman City Hall [KGOU] Here’s how Tulsans are making sense of their higher PSO bills [Tulsa Flyer] Sand Springs celebrates opening of new middle school built with 2024 bond money [News on 6] Support Our Work with a Donation In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org okpolicy.org    Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe.