We're hiring: Join OK Policy as our Southeast Regional Organizer

Apply or share with someone who'd be a great fit. Deadline Oct 18.

Subscribe to get updates from Together OK and Oklahoma Policy Institute We wanted to share OK Policy's latest hiring announcement with you. Not interested? We encourage folks to please forward this email to someone you know who may be in the market for a new job opportunity. Join our team as our Southeast Regional Organizer Our Regional Organizers support OK Policy in the development and implementation of community-based advocacy actions that further policy goals identified by OK Policy. This position works as part of OK Policy’s grassroots advocacy arm Together Oklahoma (TOK) to engage communities and affinity groups.    Duties and responsibilities include developing and supporting TOK communities and affinity groups through recruitment, holding meetings, identifying training needs, and other activities as necessary to increase participation in and advocacy skills of TOK communities and issue groups.   The Southeast Regional Organizer must live and work in the Southeast Region, consisting of the following counties: McCurtain, Choctaw, Pushmataha, LeFlore, Haskell, Latimer, Pittsburgh, Hughes, Cole, Atoka, Bryan, Marshall, Love, Carter, Johnston, Murray, Garvin, Pontotoc, McClain. SOUTHEAST REGIONAL ORGANIZER Learn More & Apply Deadline to apply is Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Benefits Summary   OK Policy values its employees, and as such, offers competitive total compensation package, which includes cash compensation and benefits. Eligible positions participate in the following benefits: Cafeteria Plan: including health and dental insurance, retirement plans with employer matching, health savings account (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), dependent care accounts (DCA), and more. These positions are eligible for paid time-off (PTO) benefits. Where applicable, a collective bargaining agreement covers staff positions and employees are eligible for membership in the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union.   Non-Discrimination Policy   It is the policy of Oklahoma Policy Institute to provide equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Oklahoma Policy Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Contact Oklahoma Policy Institute 907 S. Detroit Ave #1005 Tulsa, OK 74120 United States  918-794-3944 | info@okpolicy.org   Connect with us:   If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.

In The Know: Oklahoma state board again rejects Jewish charter school | Oklahoma tribe's prediction market app complicates gaming debate | Ballot proposal would impact Oklahoma judicial selection panel

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.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) OK Policy is hiring: Join our team as our new Southeast Regional Organizer   Our Regional Organizer helps OK Policy plan and run community-based advocacy campaigns that support our policy goals. This role is part of Together Oklahoma, OK Policy's grassroots organizing arm, and works directly with communities and partner groups across the state. The Southeast Regional Organizer must live and work in the Southeast Region. Deadline to apply is Oct. 18. [Learn More & Apply] Join us for Voices in Action — Turning community conversations into statewide change   This summer, we hosted listening sessions in towns and cities across the state to provide an opportunity for the public to have conversations with our fellow Oklahomans about issues that matter most in their communities. This October, we’re coming back to share what we heard in those communities and statewide, and to discuss ways we can use our collective power to make a difference on those issues.  Register Now 25 years   In 1965, former Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice N.S. Corn gave a sworn statement to the Oklahoma County attorney that he and two other justices had been taking bribes for 25 years to rig votes on cases on appeal. Two years later, voters approved SQ 447 and SQ 448, which replaced elections for the state’s top courts with appointments from a list of nominees vetted by the Judicial Nominating Commission. Oklahomans will vote Nov. 3 on SQ 845 to change that system. [The Oklahoma Bar Association] From OK Policy: SQ 845 Fact Sheet From the Ashes of Scandal Came Court Reform   Oklahomans were embarrassed and humiliated by a court scandal in the 1960s when three justices of the Supreme Court of Oklahoma were forced out of office and disgraced. Two state questions were approved by voters on July 11, 1967. The justice of the peace system was abolished. County and special courts were abolished. Trials would be handled by district courts; civil appeals would go to the Supreme Court and criminal law appeals would be heard by the Criminal Court of Appeals, now named the Court of Criminal Appeals. Politics was taken out of the state’s two highest appellate courts. Supreme Court justices and Court of Criminal Appeals judges would be appointed by the governor from names submitted by a Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). [The Oklahoma Bar Association] "The party in power wants a judiciary that will play ball and what the people of Oklahoma deserve is a judiciary that will follow the law and the Constitution."   — Oklahoma Rep. Andy Fugate (Del City) speaking about State Question 845, which seeks to reshape a constitutional provision that defines who can serve on the 15-member Judicial Nominating Commission that plays an influential role in selecting the state’s judges. Supporters say reforming the JNC is needed to better reflect the Republican super majority in the Legislature, while opponents say the party affiliation restrictions are in place to keep one political party from having too much influence over the courts. [Oklahoma Voice] What’s on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 elections in Oklahoma?   Oklahoma voters will head to the polls for a statewide general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Our election resource page covers SQ 845 and SQ 847, the federal and statewide races, judicial retention, key voting deadlines, and a link to your sample ballot. [OK Policy] Know what’s on your ballot before you vote: SQ 845 & SQ 847 Town Hall   The Nov. 3 general election is your chance to help shape Oklahoma’s future. Before you head to the polls, join the Oklahoma Policy Institute for a free, nonpartisan town hall that will explain the statewide ballot measures and answer your questions. [Learn More] RSVP for the Town Hall Oklahoma News   Ballot proposal would impact Oklahoma judicial selection panel: Voters on Nov. 3 will be asked to make changes to a panel that vets judicial candidates and sends their top picks to the governor for possible appointment. Critics say the proposed changes in State Question 845 could result in one political party having too much influence. [Oklahoma Voice] State Question 845 proposes to take party balancing out of judicial nominating process [Tulsa World] From OK Policy: SQ 845 Fact Sheet | What’s on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 elections in Oklahoma? Register for OK Policy’s Oct. 20 town hall on SQ 845, SQ 847 Oklahoma's hunger crisis is growing as prices climb, experts say: More than 12,000 senior citizens, parents and children, teachers and even business professionals have visited Restore Hope Ministries in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of 17 times the amount of just four years ago. [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: The cost of cutting SNAP goes beyond the dinner table State Government News   Oklahoma Republicans are eyeing a Texas-style tax credit: Oklahoma Republicans are mulling a Texas-style anti-abortion tax credit that would funnel money toward nonprofits that promote parenting, family support and fatherhood. [The Oklahoman] Tony Dungy, Texas Sen. Angela Paxton push for new Oklahoma tax credit [The Oklahoman] Would proposed update to Oklahoma air quality rules clear a path for controversial smelter?: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has identified several concerns with an air quality rule update proposed by the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Although DEQ officials say the new rule wouldn’t apply to a controversial aluminum smelter planned for northeast Oklahoma, Drummond’s office worries it could make an easier path for the facility. [KOSU]   Drummond, Sullivan challenge ruling in Oklahoma insurance hearing: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Republican insurance commissioner candidate Bob Sullivan are taking Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready and the Oklahoma Insurance Department to court. [The Journal Record]   A Second Proxy Advisory Firm Is Suing Oklahoma Over Its New Anti-ESG Law: A second company is challenging a new state law that regulates proxy advisers when they oppose public company management on shareholder resolutions. The law, which takes effect Nov. 1, is a model bill that four other states passed this year. [Oklahoma Watch]   Regulate or ban? State officials consider what's next for Oklahoma's kratom laws: Kratom and its synthetic compounds will likely be a focus at the Oklahoma State Capitol next session, as lawmakers wrestle with how to regulate the addictive “gas station drug” showing up in overdose death toxicology reports across the state. [KOSU] Oklahomans are becoming addicted to kratom. Lawmakers could act [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma senator seeks public input ahead of Flock camera study: State Sen. Mary Boren is requesting public feedback ahead of an Oct. 21 Senate committee study examining surveillance technology, privacy concerns and law enforcement use of Flock cameras. [News on 6]   Opinion: Oklahoma judges are behaving badly with no real consequences. Why are they getting away with it?: Imagine being a defendant in a courtroom when suddenly the judge exits the bench, fists raised as if wanting to fight you. Or you have the misfortune to appear before that judge who also apparently ignores sentencing guidelines and has yelled at a public defender. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]   Opinion, Capitol Insider: Advocates tell lawmakers childcare industry is a 'failed market' (podcast): On Thursday, lawmakers from the House and Senate heard from early childhood and childcare providers about the state of their industry. The testimony reinforced what many parents are saying - finding adequate and affordable childcare is a big problem. [KGOU]   Federal Government News   US senators from both parties blast Trump order to import Russian diesel as illegal: The Trump administration’s order to allow import of Russian diesel violates a 2022 law banning Russian energy imports while the country’s war with Ukraine is ongoing, according to a bipartisan group of U.S. senators. [Oklahoma Voice]   Mullin defends livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s firing squad execution, despite bipartisan concern: Former Oklahoma Senator and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is defending the Trump administration’s plans to livestream the military execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. [KOSU] OKC Archbishop Coakley condemns Hegseth livestream execution plan [The Oklahoman] Trump may backtrack on livestreamed execution of Fort Hood shooter [Oklahoma Voice] Tribal Nations News   Behind the scenes of First Americans Museum's Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration: Thousands of people celebrated Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City on Monday. This year’s theme, “Sovereignty in Motion,” highlighted the vibrancy of Indigenous communities today and showed how Native people embody movement. [KOSU] From 50 attendees to more than 1,000: Tulsa Native American Day celebration turns 10 [Tulsa World] Opinion: Columbus Day Repeats a Myth. Indigenous Peoples’ Day Tells a Fuller Story. [Levi Rickert / Native News Online] Oklahoma tribe's prediction market app complicates gaming debate: The contentious, years-long debate over sports wagering in Oklahoma has entered new legal and economic territory after a tribe launched an online prediction-market app developed in partnership with Kalshi, a federally regulated exchange. [The Oklahoman] Small tribal nation in Oklahoma makes deal with Kalshi amid opposition from over 140 tribes [KOSU] Prediction markets ‘undermine’ Oklahoma tribal gaming compacts, association says [Oklahoma Voice] From OK Policy: This session, we fell short yet again of reaching a deal between the state and the Tribes on sports betting Sovereignty at the ballot: How do tribal nations in Oklahoma navigate elections?: Tribal nations in Oklahoma have several ways to defend their sovereignty. Sometimes, that’s through politics. According to public records, tribes have donated to both Republicans and Democrats running in November’s midterm elections. [KOSU]   Opinion: I Am Black. I Am Indigenous. I Am American.: On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I reflect on the histories that meet within my family—and my right to belong without surrendering any part of myself. [Nehemiah Frank / The Black Wall Street Times]   Voting and Election News   Election Roundup Jena Nelson on Trump, Stephanie Bice and her plan to win Oklahoma’s 5th District [The Frontier] Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District candidates share plans to address affordability [KOCO] ‘We’re here to help’: Dawson, Hall and West battle in race for Oklahoma labor commissioner [NonDoc] Democracy Watch: Previewing Oklahoma’s State Treasurer Race [Oklahoma Watch] Voters asked to retain or remove Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Robert Hudson [NonDoc] Herschel Brown, Melvin Latham hope to help OKC’s House District 99 [NonDoc] In Edmond’s HD 81, Megan Hornbeek Allen, Troy Talley engage over education answer [NonDoc] Voter Portal Fails on Deadline Day, Leaving Oklahomans Unable to Register for November Election: Oklahomans who waited until the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 general election hit a brick wall at the state election board Friday, where the voter portal wasn’t working. [Oklahoma Watch] Oklahoma voter registration system malfunction expected to have minimal impact, official says  [Oklahoma Voice] Largest number of voters registered on deadline day [KFOR] An Oklahoma consulting firm is selling an AI tool that can predict elections, but can it be trusted?: An Oklahoma company is using artificial intelligence to build what it calls the “Brains of Oklahomans.” It's predictive AI tech designed for market research, but it has uses in politics, and some experts have raised flags. [KOSU]   'No Kings' rallies urging early voting planned across Oklahoma this Saturday: Several "No Kings" protests are being held across Oklahoma on Saturday, marking the second major nationwide protest of its kind this year. The Oct. 17 day of action is planned to promote nonpartisan early voting and midterm participation ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. [The Oklahoman]   Opinion: Oklahoma's rural-urban divide threatens state's shared future: Few descriptions of America as a divided nation resonate louder than the urban and rural split. Many in rural America feel largely forgotten. Many urban residents feel they have little need for their rural neighbors. Both urban and rural parties seem to agree that the other has an out-sized influence in state political and social affairs. [Jerry E. Stephens / The Oklahoman]   Education News   Denied: Jewish Charter School Application Fails By One Vote: For the second time, the state board overseeing charter schools rejected the Ben Gamla Jewish online charter school. Proponents hoped it would be a winning test case for publicly funded religious education before the U.S. Supreme Court. But Monday’s vote closes that door, at least for now. [Oklahoma Watch] Oklahoma state board again rejects Jewish charter school in ‘shocking’ vote [Oklahoma Voice] Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School narrowly rejected by Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]  Health News   Rural Oklahoma families could see more home-visiting services under new federal funding: The Oklahoma State Department of Health received more than $9.5 million to expand access to home-visiting services that support maternal and child health. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   Bipartisan effort seeks Alzheimer’s research center in Oklahoma: Oklahoma may be “behind the ball” in researching and treating Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and a bipartisan legislative interim study Friday explored establishing a National Institute on Aging-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in the state. [The Journal Record]   After brutal 2025, Oklahoma's flu season could be milder this year: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention named the 2025 flu season as one of the most severe in years, but an OU Health doctor is cautiously optimistic that this year could be more mild. [The Oklahoman]   Justice System News   Oklahoma Democrats reissue call for death penalty moratorium: Oklahoma Democratic lawmakers are renewing the request for a statewide moratorium on executions. The call comes shortly after Christa Pike’s botched lethal injection in Tennessee on Sept. 30. [KOSU] From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker  Oklahoma sheriff warns of violence targeting marijuana grows: Several armed individuals robbed a Cleveland County cannabis grow facility, beating some of the workers with firearms and robbing them of thousands of dollars worth of marijuana, law enforcement officials announced. [The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   83 lawsuits filed against FedEx in Oklahoma federal courts: Over 80 people have filed lawsuits in Oklahoma federal courts that allege they were routinely denied overtime while delivering packages under the FedEx brand. [Tulsa World]   $52.5 billion impact: Oklahoma's aerospace industry builds on decades of investment: Oklahoma’s rise as an aerospace and defense industry powerhouse started with, some might say, providential investments made and relationships formed not just in recent years or decades but in days before statehood and even before mankind took flight. [Tulsa World] Artemis II's Victor Glover says Oklahoma is key to America's future in space [The Oklahoman] AARP survey finds large percentage of older Oklahomans agree on data centers, utility costs: In April of this year, AARP asked 850 older Oklahomans about data centers and utility costs. What was collected said 92% of older Oklahoman’s agree policymakers need to make sure residents do not pay for the utility costs of data centers. Another 86% said data center companies should foot the bill if grid upgrades are necessary. [Public Radio Tulsa]   Community News   Sterlin Harjo’s Oklahoma is a ‘Land of Secrets.’ He’s Revealing Them One by One.: How the creator of “The Lowdown” and “Reservation Dogs” is telling the stories of America with a little help from his friends, family and heroes. [The New York Times]   Local Headlines ‘There’s no one here’: Tulsa State Fair vendors say crowds and spending are down [The Oklahoma Eagle] Oklahoma County conversation: Candidate forum eyes sales tax, jail talk, budget board [NonDoc] Oklahoma County approves revised budget with $7.6M shortfall [The Oklahoman] Norman residents appeal OU arena TIF plan to Oklahoma Supreme Court [The Oklahoman] Edmond attorney placed on leave says City Hall culture 'seems toxic' [The Oklahoman] 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.