In The Know: Enid high school student's ICE detention sparks protest | Oklahoma officials announce candidacy for Congressional seats | Competing education proposals set the stage for legislative debate

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, MARCH 17, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Competing education proposals set the stage for legislative debate (Capitol Update)   The contours of the debate on how much the Oklahoma Legislature can accomplish this year for education are beginning to take shape in the House and Senate. The Senate took the initiative early when Education Chair Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, and Vice-Chair Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, announced a $254 million education improvement package. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] 2,000   The estimated number of unauthorized immigrant students ages 14-18 enrolled in Oklahoma public schools. That's about 63% of all unauthorized immigrants in that age group, indicating that most are actively enrolled and working toward a high school education. [Migration Policy Institute] Graduating into Uncertainty: Unauthorized Immigrant Students in U.S. High Schools   The U.S. public has for decades expressed sympathy for the situation of unauthorized immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Yet today, unauthorized immigrant students approaching the end of high school face even greater uncertainty. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is not an option for most current high schoolers, immigration enforcement has intensified in communities across the country, and some states are retreating from policies that would allow these students to pay in-state college tuition. [Migration Policy Institute] "[His] only crime was being undocumented. It used to only be the worst of the worst, but now it's the people who don't fight back."   —Melissa Medrano Henry, immigration attorney for Juan Diego Lopez Macias, a senior at Enid High School who was detained by ICE after a routine traffic stop. His detention has sparked protests this week from classmates, family, and other Oklahomans who are hoping to bring attention to his case and call on state legislators to intervene. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma News   Oil regulators found hundreds of wells violating Oklahoma rules. Then they ignored their findings.: Oklahoma took on an ambitious project to catalog all of the state's injection wells, which shoot toxic waste generated by oil drilling back into the ground. Despite records showing risk of drinking water pollution, the state chose not to act. [The Frontier]   State Government News   Application for Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Program opens as lawmakers look to expand: The window to submit applications for Oklahoma's Parental Choice Tax Credit Program is now open. Though the program was billed as a way to help lower income families afford private school, data from the Oklahoma Tax Commission show more than $56 million was awarded to families with incomes of over $225,000. The program is currently capped at $250 million, but efforts from lawmakers may change that. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] From OK Policy: Don't make a bad idea worse (Policy Matters) | What's That? Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credits Oklahoma Center for the Advancement in Science and Technology Director Resigns Suddenly After Meeting With Stitt Officials: The executive director of a state agency that supports science and technology startups resigned suddenly at the end of February, one day after being summoned to a meeting with the state commerce secretary and the state's chief operating officer. [Oklahoma Watch]   OTA responds to audit, calling one part 'not accurate': Roughly a week and a half after State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd released a special investigative audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, which found no instances of "egregious wrongdoing," the agency issued a response to clarify some of Byrd's findings. [The Journal Record]   Oklahoma bill to create Early Childhood Task Force fails on House floor: A bill to create an Early Childhood Task Force failed in the Oklahoma House on Monday afternoon. House Bill 1979 would have created a task force to look at the services and programs for ages zero to five. [Fox 25]   Federal Government News   Enid high school student's ICE detention sparks protest: On Monday, March 16, fellow Enid classmates, family and other Oklahomans gathered at the Oklahoma State Department of Education building in Oklahoma City before marching to the state Capitol to bring attention to Juan Diego Lopez Macias' case and call upon state legislators to intervene in deportation proceedings. [The Oklahoman] Brother speaks out after Enid student Juan Macias detained by ICE [The Oklahoman] Enid High School senior detained by ICE as marchers advocate for his release [KOCO] Protestors rally for Juan Diego Lopez Macias, Enid student detained by ICE (photos) [The Oklahoman] Fast Food, Farming and Market Gambles: How Oklahoma's Congressional Delegation Got Rich: A NOTUS analysis of the Oklahoma delegation's most recent annual financial disclosures reveals key details about how the state's seven lawmakers manage their personal finances while serving the public. [NOTUS]   What to know about Oklahoma's first public Rural Health Transformation Program grant application: Oklahoma has released its first public grant application under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was authorized under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The five-year, $50 billion federal investment became law last year, alongside an estimated $911 billion in reductions to federal Medicaid spending over a decade. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU] From OK Policy: H.R. 1's hidden costs: What the federal megabill really means for Oklahoma Tribal Nations News   Tenth Circuit ruling confirms Citizen Potawatomi Nation reservation is disestablished: The U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected an argument last week that challenged whether the Citizen Potawatomi Nation's reservation is still intact. While the main argument is about the CPN reservation, the tribal nation had no involvement in the case. [KOSU]   Citizen Potawatomi Nation surpasses $60M in scholarships: The Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) recently surpassed a major milestone: distributing $60 million in educational scholarships to Tribal members. [The Journal Record]   Voting and Election News   Oklahoma officials announce candidacy for Congressional seats in wake of Mullin DHS nomination: President Donald Trump announced U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin as his replacement for Kristi Noem as the next head of the Department of Homeland Security. Once Mullin resigns, Gov. Kevin Stitt has 30 days to select a replacement for the remainder of Mullin's term. State law requires the replacement to sign an affidavit saying they will not run for the post in the next election, but it's unclear whether this is enforceable. [Oklahoma Voice] Hern enters Senate race following Mullin's Cabinet nomination [Gaylord News via The Black Wall Street Times] Opinion: Oklahoma's political game of musical chairs. Who is in and out? [Former Oklahoma Rep. Mark McBride / The Oklahoman] Education News   Proposal would add seven classroom days to Oklahoma's minimum school year requirement: Oklahoma lawmakers are advancing a proposal that would require students to spend more days in the classroom each year. While supporters believe this could help improve education outcomes, it also raises questions about costs, school calendars and teacher shortages. [News Channel 8]   OKC Public Schools Chronic Absenteeism Nears 39%: According to the Oklahoma Mental Health Association, between 2022 and 2023, nearly 39% of students in the Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) district were chronically absent. In response, state lawmakers are working on legislative fixes related to evictions that they hope will help address the high absenteeism rates. [Oklahoma City Today] OKCPS chronic absenteeism nears 39%, lawmakers push eviction-related fixes [Fox 25] Health News   Free program aims to bridge prenatal care gaps for Oklahoma mothers: Early prenatal care across the country is declining, according to a new report by the CDC. A local program is aimed at bridging that gap for Oklahoma mothers. That's where Sunbeam Family Services hopes to step in with its free Motherhood Matters program, where expecting moms and families with children up to age three are connected with support. [KFOR]   'Not just a job': Oklahoma bill seeks to expand opportunities for mental health workers with lived experience: House Bill 4275 would allow certified behavioral health case managers and peer recovery support specialists to keep their professional certifications while working for municipalities, counties and approved organizations, expanding where they can serve people in crisis. [KOSU]   Criminal Justice News   Five takeaways from our investigation into the Tulsa Municipal Jail: At least seven people have died over the past three years in the Tulsa Municipal Jail, an investigation by The Frontier has revealed. The small lockup beneath downtown Tulsa holds people charged only with low-level misdemeanors. The deaths occurred after repeated warnings from employees about inmate care and supervision. [The Frontier]   OSCN offers court date text reminders 48 hours ahead to help prevent bench warrants: In Oklahoma County, you can now sign up to receive reminders about court dates via text updates. The texts will be sent 48 hours before your scheduled court date. The reminders aim to help people avoid receiving bench warrants for missing court. [Fox 25]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Immigration enforcement threatens housing security, rippling through local economies: As federal immigration officers made more "at-large" arrests in communities across the country in the first year of the current Trump administration — including at homes, places of worship and workplaces — more than 1,100 Nebraska families developed family safety plans in the event a parent or breadwinner faced detention or deportation. [Oklahoma Voice]   Economy & Business News   Pain of soaring gas prices compounded by electricity rate increases across states: Electricity rates "increased significantly" in nearly every U.S. state in 2025, with residents in a dozen states seeing at least a 10% jump, according to a congressional report released by Democrats Tuesday. [Oklahoma Voice]   Utility profits rise as household bills soar, new analysis finds: Last year, state-regulated, investor-owned electric utilities kept about 15 cents of every dollar they collected as profit, the report concluded. (For a customer paying a $200 monthly electric bill, that means about $30 went to corporate profits.) The 2025 figure is up from around 13 cents on average between 2021 and 2024. [Oklahoma Voice]   Councilor Bush not planning to recuse herself from data center policy decisions: A Tulsa city councilor whose full-time employer makes HVAC systems used by data centers and other industries said she is not planning to recuse herself from discussions and votes on proposed city policies related to the booming high-tech facilities. [Tulsa World]   Study finds rural long-term care facilities have over $1.8 billion economic impact in Oklahoma: Rural long-term care facilities are generating more than $1.8 billion in economic activity across Oklahoma, according to a new study covering their impact. The report was prepared by economist Dr. Russell Evans for Care Providers Oklahoma, which represents a portion of the state's nearly 300 nursing homes. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   Local Headlines Looming retirements and a staffing shortage. Is Tulsa's college requirement for police holding up recruitment? [Tulsa Flyer] Edmond City Council to weigh 'bad options' for incoming water rate increases [NonDoc] Developer bringing vision for overlooked land in OKC's historic JFK to life [The Journal Record] City seeks public input on Downtown Oklahoma City Strategic Plan [Fox 25] 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: Eviction filings push children into chronic absenteeism, academic failure | Oklahoma officials discuss data center pushback, social media hate | Trump’s DOJ lays groundwork to undermine confidence in midterms

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.

MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 69 million   An estimated 69 million American women and 4 million men do not have a birth certificate that matches their current legal name, which would be a requirement of the SAVE America Act. The proposed federal legislation would enact much stricter voter ID requirements. Opponents note this is part of a more aggressive Republican strategy to question the validity of elections. [The 19th] New SAVE Act Bills Would Still Block Millions of Americans From Voting   In every form, the SAVE Act would require American citizens to show documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. New research shows that more than 21 million Americans lack ready access to those documents. Roughly half of Americans don't even have a passport. Millions lack access to a paper copy of their birth certificate. The SAVE Act would disenfranchise Americans of all ages and races, but younger voters and voters of color would suffer disproportionately. Likewise, millions of women whose married names aren't on their birth certificates or passports would face extra steps just to make their voices heard. [Brennan Center for Justice] League of Women Voters Denounces House Passage of Anti-Voter SAVE America Act [League of Women Voters] "We know this isn't a big problem nationwide. We know the states have adequate safeguards. We see Republicans — Republicans — coming out and saying this repeatedly. So there is no problem that urgently needs to be solved in advance of the election."   -David Becker, executive director of the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation & Research and a former senior trial attorney in the Justice Department's Voting Section during the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations, speaking about increased attention on election security from the Trump administration. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma News   Eviction Filings Push Oklahoma Children Into Chronic Absenteeism and Academic Failure, Data Shows: Children facing eviction are more likely to be chronically absent and have poor academic outcomes, according to new data published by the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, in collaboration with Oklahoma City Public Schools. Because of this, advocates argue that the child's well-being should be considered when a family is going through the eviction process. [Oklahoma Watch]   'Nobody Owns Us': How Plans for a Google Data Center Divided an Oklahoma Town: Sand Springs, a western suburb of Tulsa, is the latest front in a national effort to build colossal data centers, often in rural areas, that are crucial in the race to develop artificial intelligence. Though local officials and Google have pointed to job opportunities and other economic benefits, residents worry about the effects on everything from utility bills to nearby farmland and the area's water supply, and lament a general lack of transparency in the planning. [New York Times] Oklahoma officials discuss data center pushback, social media hate [Tulsa World] Does Tulsa have the water capacity for more data centers? It's complicated [Tulsa World] Project Anthem developer asks to postpone Planning Commission hearing until April 1 [Tulsa World] With more data centers on the horizon, organizers don't want east Tulsans left out of the loop [Tulsa Flyer] Faith, power fuel far-right push inside Oklahoma's Republican Party: If the push by a faction of a faction of hyper-conservative Republicans is successful, the agendas of the Republican-led House and Senate could shift to platforms that emphasize so-called "culture war" issues like creating stricter abortion laws, ending gender-affirming care for all Oklahomans and installing Bible-based policies into state government. [The Oklahoman] Key players in Oklahoma's Republican revolution calling it quits [Tulsa World] Fire weather watch issued in Oklahoma after wildfire evacuations, power outages: Wildfire risk in Oklahoma remains high after weekend fires sparked around the state, worsened by strong winds, prompted thousands of Oklahomans to evacuate. [The Oklahoman] Strong winds tear through Oklahoma, leaving damage behind [KFOR] Thousands left without power in Oklahoma after strong winds swept through, wildfires sparked [KOCO] State Government News   As senators own rollout 'error,' House sticks its #oklaed 'flag in the ground': With his counterpart across the rotunda repeatedly advocating for increased school days in Oklahoma, House Speaker Kyle Hilbert revealed and sent the Senate a live-round proposal last week that would add seven days of classroom instruction for districts operating on the state's hours-based calendar, starting in the 2027-2028 school year. [NonDoc]   How childhood reading became Oklahoma's top policy focus: Early literacy has risen to the top of state lawmakers' priorities for their 2026 legislative session, generating discussions and disagreement across the state about what policy changes and resources are necessary to improve children's reading levels. [Oklahoma Voice]   Oklahoma House proposal would add 7 school days for $175 million: House lawmakers proposed extending Oklahoma's minimum school year by seven days and pledged $175 million to make it happen. House Bill 3151 passed off the House floor 62-28 Wednesday evening and heads to the Senate, where leadership has endorsed the measure. [Oklahoma Voice] Bill would require more days in Oklahoma school year [Tulsa World] Medical Examiner's Office regains accreditation 16 years after losing it: After spending millions in additional taxpayer funds for new facilities, equipment and staffing, the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office has been accredited through 2029. [Tulsa World]   Legislative Roundup Monday Minute: House plants #oklaed 'flag in the ground' [NonDoc] Oklahoma lawmakers weigh instruction time, school libraries and undocumented students [KOSU] New Oklahoma law requires fentanyl abuse education for middle, high school students [KOSU] As Oklahoma lawmakers narrow down priorities, these immigration bills are still on the table [Tulsa Flyer] Opinion: The Oklahoma House advances a bill to strengthen the public's right to know, timed for Sunshine Week: Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle know what the rest of us know. We give police departments an enormous amount of power and trust to protect us. Incident reports are one of the forms of accountability the public has to make sure that trust is not being abused. [Janelle Stecklein / Oklahoma Voice]   Federal Government News   In bid for voter data, Trump's DOJ lays groundwork to undermine confidence in midterms: The U.S. Department of Justice has begun connecting its push to obtain sensitive personal data on millions of voters to whether the upcoming midterm elections will be fair and secure, laying the groundwork for the Trump administration to potentially cast doubt on the results. [Oklahoma Voice]   How Trump's Homeland Security Pick, a Prolific Investor, Got a Lot Wealthier in Congress: Federal law doesn't prohibit members of Congress from trading stock, even in industries overseen by committees on which they serve. But Mr. Mullin's financial dealings take on new importance this week as the Senate is set to consider his nomination to lead the Homeland Security Department, which is issuing billions of dollars in new contracts as part of the administration's immigration crackdown. [New York Times] Old stories could haunt Sen. Markwayne Mullin's confirmation hearing [Tulsa World] Markwayne Mullin's Stock Portfolio Sparks Conflict of Interest Concerns [Newsweek] Medicaid can share data with ICE. Here's how that 180-degree change spreads fear: For decades, people applying for Medicaid were told their personal information — including their names, addresses and immigration status — would not be used for immigration enforcement. But a December court ruling changed that. And that change has sent ripples of fear through families and communities. [NPR via KGOU]   Are US flights safe? Feds say yes, but signs of danger are growing: A partial government shutdown. A war in Iran. Warnings about sleeper cells. And in the middle of it all: Americans left to wonder if their travel plans are safe. [USA Today via The Oklahoman]   FCC chair threatens broadcasters over Iran war coverage: Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcasters' licenses over coverage of the Iran war, after President Trump accused news outlets of "intentionally misleading" the American public. [USA Today via The Oklahoman]   States' lawsuit argues Trump's college data mandate threatens student privacy: A coalition of mostly Democratic-led states is suing the Trump administration over a new federal requirement that would force colleges to report detailed admissions data, including race, gender, test scores and financial aid for individual students. [Oklahoma Voice]   Bans on sugary foods in SNAP programs in 5 states challenged by recipients: A group of food stamp recipients sued the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week over its efforts to prohibit the benefits from being used to purchase certain non-nutritious items. [Oklahoma Voice]   D.C. Digest: Mullin's departure leaves Senate looking for House envoy: When U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin leaves for the Department of Homeland Security, it will leave the Senate with its unofficial envoy to the other side of the Capitol. [Tulsa World]   Tribal Nations News   Study: Choctaw Nation 'a major driver' of Oklahoma economy: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma generated a $4.1 billion economic impact on the state in 2023 — a 28 percent increase since 2021 — as tribal leaders touted record investments in jobs, education, housing and health care across southeast Oklahoma. [NonDoc] From OK Policy's Shiloh Kantz: Building strong partnerships with Tribal governments is not just beneficial — it's essential [Journal Record]  Muscogee Nation announces second south Tulsa health care location: The Muscogee Nation Department of Health confirmed that it will be opening an extension of its Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare location. That extension, known as Council Oak South, will open on Monday and take over a former University of Oklahoma clinic that shuttered in mid-November. [Tulsa World]   Voting and Election News   Political notebook: Deadline to change party affiliation ahead of primaries approaching: With the March 31 deadline to switch party affiliations ahead of the approaching primaries, the Oklahoma Democratic Party is taking an interesting tact. For the first time in memory, it is actively working to get Republicans and independents to change their registration. [Tulsa World]   Election roundup    President Trump endorses Kevin Hern in Oklahoma race for U.S. Senate: President Donald Trump has endorsed Republican Congressman Kevin Hern for U.S. Senate, a nod that could clear the field in the days-old race for Sen. Markwayne Mullin's seat. [The Oklahoman] With Endorsement, Trump Clears Oklahoma Senate Path [New York Times] Stephanie Bice, Kevin Stitt, Kim David make Congressional announcements [KOSU] Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District seat draws two candidates [The Oklahoman] Gov. Stitt will not run for US Senate to replace Markwayne Mullin [The Oklahoman] Trump endorses Hern as Stitt, Bice bow out [Tulsa World] Opinion: Politicians are confusing party loyalty with public service: This year marks the 250th anniversary of our democracy. Yet, in constitutional crisis and war, can we keep it? We try to elect public servants of good character entrusting them our power. However, too many are politicians first — leaders second. [Phil G. Busey Sr. / The Oklahoman]   Education News   TPS seeking $200.9 million for instructional materials as part of bond package: As part of its upcoming bond proposal on April 7, Tulsa Public Schools is seeking to add more classroom resources, including additional tools to prepare high school students for life after graduation. [Tulsa World]   Opinion: Anti-tenure bill would hand political win to lame-duck Stitt: In his final year in office, Gov. Stitt signed executive orders to eliminate tenure at regional universities and community colleges and backed Senate Bill 1782 to extend those restrictions to every public institution in the state. It is not a policy legacy. It is a political one, borrowed from a national script and aimed at an easy target. Oklahoma's communities and employers will be left to deal with the consequences. [Alyssa L. Provencio-Ciszewicz / The Oklahoman]   Opinion: Oklahoma students need more leaders who choose grace: Leadership is not only about policy. It is about presence. In a time when education conversations can feel divided, I was reminded that sometimes unity begins in something simple, making sure no child feels left behind in a moment celebrating their hard work. [Kuwantu Cammon / The Oklahoman]   Criminal Justice News   Latest homicide at prison in Holdenville brings total to 22 in four years: An inmate was killed in February at Oklahoma's understaffed medium-security prison in Holdenville on the same day corrections officials gave a tour to a prosecutor who had called the facility a "gladiator academy." [The Oklahoman]   Oklahoma County DA warns of public safety risk if funding cut: Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna says now is not the time to cut funding for her office, especially with six "serious" federal civil rights lawsuits pending against the Oklahoma County jail and Board of County Commissioners. [The Oklahoman]   Tulsa Police announce departure of 'First 48' after a decade documenting Homicide Unit: The A&E network has halted local filming of "The First 48" docuseries, putting an end to the Tulsa Police Department's approximately 12-year affiliation with the program. [Tulsa World]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Oklahoma homestead tax exemption deadline is coming soon. How to claim it: New homeowners in Oklahoma have little time to claim a $1,000 tax exemption offered by the state. The annual deadline to apply for a homestead tax exemption is March 15. This year, however, because the deadline is on a Sunday, Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein said he will accept applications on Monday, March 16. [The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   Fertilizer prices surge amid war on Iran, causing concern for Oklahoma farmers: Along with soaring fuel costs, Oklahomans growing crops like wheat and corn are seeing higher fertilizer prices. A key waterway called the Strait of Hormuz carrying oil and gas has been closed as a result of the war on Iran. The passage is also crucial for fertilizers needed to produce the world's food. [KGOU]   Community News   OKC Human Rights Commission to train volunteers to find discriminatory language in land records: Intent on removing discriminatory language from its land records, Oklahoma City's Human Rights Commission is launching the next phase of its Plat Amendment Project: a volunteer training event. [The Journal Record]   OKC archdiocese priests, chancellor express relief over visa change: The R-1 nonimmigrant visa process for religious workers was reinterpreted several years ago, creating a quandary not just for foreign-born Roman Catholic priests and the American dioceses that depended upon them, but also other foreign-born religious workers — including priests, rabbis, monks, nuns, ministers, religious teachers and other religious professionals ― serving other Christian denominations, other faith groups and faith-based nonprofits in the U.S. [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.