In The Know: Volatile oil market due to Iran conflict a double-edged sword for Oklahoma | Lawmakers debate effort to end in-state tuition for undocumented students | The people have lost a battle on SQ 836, but need to fight on

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.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 1.3%   The share of students in higher education in Oklahoma who are undocumented. These students already face significant financial and legal barriers to accessing college, and efforts to eliminate in-state tuition eligibility would make completing a degree even more difficult. [Higher Ed Immigration Portal] Basic Facts About In-State Tuition for Undocumented Immigrant Students   Undocumented students often face major barriers when trying to attend college in the United States. Many states charge them out-of-state tuition, which can be several times higher than in-state rates, and they are not eligible for federal financial aid, making college financially out of reach for many families. Some states have adopted "tuition equity" policies that allow certain undocumented students who grew up in the state to pay in-state tuition, helping reduce these barriers and improve access to higher education. Even with these policies, many students still struggle to afford college and often must work long hours or pause their studies because of financial constraints. [National Immigration Law Center] "It does not make Oklahoma a 'Top 10' state. It does not make this a better place. This is a mean, ugly thing that we're doing today."   —Sen. Michael Brooks (Oklahoma City), arguing against Senate Bill 1633, which would codify a federal court ruling that ended in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants while the ruling faces a legal challenge. Brooks called the bill a "back-breaker" for students who were brought to the U.S. as children and went to school in Oklahoma who would no longer qualify for in-state tuition after high school. [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy via Oklahoma Voice: Leaders' decision to target immigrants won't improve Oklahoma education outcomes Oklahoma News   Volatile oil market due to Iran conflict a double-edged sword for Oklahoma: Oklahomans grimacing at the gas pump as prices hit $3 per gallon may find cold comfort in knowing the geopolitical crisis affecting their fuel budget could deliver a significant boost to the state's oil-dependent economy. [The Oklahoman]   "America, Not Americans": Inola Residents Say Trump's Industrial Push Is Coming at Their Expense: As President Trump tries to reignite domestic industry in his bid to make America more self-reliant, the EPA has moved to roll back dozens of environmental protections, including air pollution standards. According to critics, the administration's attitude is that any money businesses spend on environmental compliance is wasted, even if Americans suffer. Oklahoma advocates argue against major industrial projects that would have enormous environmental impacts, they have come to understand Trump's "America First" slogan as being focused on the country to the exclusion of individual citizens. America, not Americans. [Oklahoma Watch]   Opinion: The people have lost a battle on SQ 836, but need to fight on: Oklahoma's politicians have been passing law after law intended to take away the power of the people through administrative strangulation. That deserves a strong legal challenge. [William C. Wertz / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Initiative petition process is vital to Oklahoma's democracy State Government News   Oklahoma debates effort to end in-state tuition for undocumented students: Republican state lawmakers want to codify a federal court ruling that ended in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants while the ruling faces a legal challenge. [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Senate passes bill limiting college access for some students, critics say [Oklahoma Voice] Bill addresses college tuition costs for noncitizens [Tulsa World] Oklahoma Senate passes bill restricting resident tuition from immigrants without legal status [The Journal Record] Sen. Brenda Stanley repeated the same answer at least 15 times while taking questions on in-state tuition for certain undocumented immigrants from Senate Democrats (video) [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy via Oklahoma Voice: Leaders' decision to target immigrants won't improve Oklahoma education outcomes Bill requiring complete 'political party' voter registration section passes House: Oklahomans who mark "other" or leave the "political party" section blank on their voter registration applications would be ineligible to vote under legislation passed Tuesday by the state House of Representatives. [Tulsa World]   Study looks at feasibility of nuclear power in Oklahoma: While generating nuclear power in Oklahoma is certainly feasible, significant challenges would have to be overcome, not the least of which would revolve around financing and public perceptions, a new study produced for the state shows. [Tulsa World]   Legislative Roundup Oklahoma Senate approves bills to expand teacher scholarships, regulate adjuncts [Oklahoma Voice] Two Oklahoma bills aiming to ban 'obscene' material from schools advance [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma House advances measure to bolster state gas, AI and space research [KOSU] House advances measure limiting some pay raises at Oklahoma agencies [Oklahoma Voice] Federal Government News   Trump sends mixed signals on Iran war end, pushes election overhaul bill: President Donald Trump on Monday told House Republicans, who were gathered in Florida for a policy retreat, that he expects the war in Iran will wrap up "quickly," though he didn't give a specific date or detail exactly what he wants to do before ending the hostilities. [Oklahoma Voice] 5 things to know about the SAVE Act changing voter registration rules [Tulsa World] What is Trump's approval rating after Iran strikes? See March polls [The Oklahoman] State, local policies on immigration enforcement targeted by US Senate Republicans: Senate Republicans during a Tuesday hearing laid the groundwork for legislation that would prevent state and local governments from making decisions on whether to limit cooperation with the federal government on immigration enforcement. [Oklahoma Voice]   Federal funding for people in poverty heading to anti-abortion centers instead: The federal government gives TANF grants to assist families experiencing poverty with basic necessities and child care funds to each state as a lump sum, and states get to decide how to spend it. Block grants like this can be used broadly, and there isn't much oversight after the funds are distributed — including to crisis pregnancy centers. [Oklahoma Voice]   Opinion, Sen. Grant Green: Trump wants to protect ratepayers. Oklahoma has blueprint: President is right to demand that Big Tech, not ratepayers, should pay for the industry's enormous energy use. Oklahoma has set an example for how this approach can be win-win. [Sen. Grant Green / The Oklahoman]   Tribal Nations News   Tribal Roundup: Osage general set, Peoria chief reelected, incumbent barred from Ponca ballot: Several tribal nations headquartered in Oklahoma are facing elections on their ballots this year. In Pawhuska, the Osage Nation's general election is on the horizon after the Feb. 23 primary propelled Joe Tillman and Scott BigHorse into a matchup for principal chief. Other tribes have kept voters on their toes.  Learn more about those elections and other Indian Country developments. [NonDoc]   Tribes urged to address prediction markets in light of potential impact on compacts: Gaming regulatory experts are urging tribal leaders to pay close attention to the potential impact of prediction markets on compacts and other revenue sources. [Tulsa World]   Voting and Election News   Mulready, David, Tedford among CD 1 possibilities: With Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell out and several others in, the pool of possible Republican candidates for the 1st Congressional District continued to evolve on Tuesday. A CD1 opening was not even contemplated until a few days ago, when incumbent Kevin Hern signaled he would be a candidate for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Markwayne Mullin. [Tulsa World]   Stitt in the Senate? What Oklahoma Constitution says about Mullin's seat: A flurry of questions about who could become Oklahoma's next U.S. senator are circulating around Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt. [The Oklahoman] Several identified as potential temporary successors to Mullin [Tulsa World] Education News   Tulsa Public Schools superintendent: $609M bond package will make students 'proud' of classrooms: If Tulsans want a school district they can be proud of, Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Ebony Johnson said Tuesday supporting the district's $609 million bond package is necessary. The package on the April 7 ballot is split into four propositions. [Tulsa Flyer] Tulsa superintendent answers bond package questions during forum [Tulsa World] Criminal Justice News   They were arrested for misdemeanors. Then they died in Tulsa's city jail: The Tulsa Municipal Jail has had at least seven deaths since the beginning of 2023. The deaths occurred after jail staff repeatedly warned that the facility's intake practices, inadequate medical care, and overcrowding and understaffing were putting detainees in danger, according to a review of hundreds of pages of records and interviews with eight current and former employees. [The Frontier]   Opinion: Oklahomans need right to counsel from the start. Pass SB 1381: By providing low-income people with counsel right away, Oklahoma can speed up the process toward release when appropriate, saving taxpayer dollars immediately. [Emma Stammen / The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   A red tape tangle threatens food security in Oklahoma. How one nonprofit is helping: The state needs help to address food insecurity, says Chris Bernard, president and CEO of Hunger Free Oklahoma (HFO), a nonprofit organization that works to develop and support programs, like SNAP, that help alleviate food insecurity in the state. They're not a traditional food bank, but an organization that tries to initiate and modify policies and programs that will help and step in when problems arise. [The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   'We're still farmers': The lasting impact of rural Oklahoma wildfires: Wildfires swept through Northwestern Oklahoma last month, including the Ranger Road Fire that burned hundreds of thousands of acres in Beaver, Harper and Woods Counties. The immediate danger is gone, but people are only beginning to recover from the toll on their homes, livestock and emotional well-being. [KOSU]   Tulsa officials will consider a year-long moratorium on data centers. Here is what that could mean: Tulsa City Council is poised to vote Wednesday on a 365-day moratorium on the construction of incoming hyperscale data centers. [Tulsa Flyer]   Local Headlines Federal funding deadline hangs over major Oklahoma County construction projects [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma tornado season 2026 is already second-most deadly in last decade [The Oklahoman] In Tulsa's newest housing investment, which communities could benefit the most? Developers chime in [Tulsa Flyer] Amazon to build four new delivery facilities across Oklahoma [Tulsa Flyer] 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: Oklahoma's Senate seat remains open as politicians announce future plans | The state finalizes a deal to pay for housing after Gov. Stitt cleared homeless encampments in Oklahoma City | More

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 10, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 80%   The increase in the number of students in pre-K through 12th grade experiencing homelessness over the past 17 years, reaching about 1.2 million nationwide. These students face major barriers to learning, including chronic absenteeism rates more than twice those of all students and significantly lower high school graduation rates compared with stably housed peers from low-income families. [National Center for Homeless Education] From OK Policy: Homelessness in Oklahoma - Information & Resources More Affordable and Available Housing Would Mean Fewer Children and Young People Experiencing Homelessness    Increasing the supply of truly affordable housing leads to fewer children and young people experiencing homelessness, especially in communities where low-income families can actually find units that fit their budgets. Counties with more affordable homes see far fewer students forced to double-up, move frequently, or sleep in unstable places. Expanding and preserving affordable housing — through stronger tenant protections, zoning reforms, and investments in low-cost housing options — helps keep kids housed and connected to school. Stable housing is one of the strongest foundations for children's health, learning, and long-term stability. [Urban Institute] "This contract represents shared goals and a commitment to long-term solutions both for the people who are unhoused, as well as the broader community... On occasion, people do need to be connected to a higher level of support that will last longer, (but) many others will achieve self-sufficiency within twelve months."   —Erika Warren, a spokesperson for Oklahoma City rehousing initiative Key to Home, on an agreement for the state to pay $800,000 for housing and services for people displaced by Gov. Kevin Stitt's operation to clear homeless encampments from state property. [The Frontier] Oklahoma News   Oklahoma politicians announce future plans, considering open Senate seat: As Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin prepares to take on the role of Secretary of Homeland Security, some of the state's politicians are making announcements about their political futures. Mullin's departure from the Senate means Gov. Kevin Stitt has the authority to appoint someone to finish his term, which will close in January 2027. [KOSU] 'Ready for a new chapter': Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell says he's not running for governor [KOCO]  The state finalizes a deal to pay for housing after Gov. Stitt cleared homeless encampments in Oklahoma City: Oklahoma has agreed to spend up to $800,000 to house about 40 people after Gov. Kevin Stitt's Operation SAFE — a shift from his earlier opposition to using tax dollars for homelessness housing. It's the only time The Homeless Alliance, an Oklahoma City shelter, can remember the state agreeing to pay for housing for people experiencing homelessness in the area. [The Frontier] From OK Policy: Housing is out of reach for working Oklahomans, seniors and people with disabilities State Government News   State prepares for 2030 census with new outreach and funding plan: With the end of the decade only a few years away, Oklahoma is gearing up to improve the state's census error rate by creating a comprehensive outreach strategy, featuring a multilingual, multimedia awareness campaign and partnerships with nonprofit and community organizations. [The Journal Record]   Oklahoma insurance commissioner approves CompSource conversion plan amid policyholder opposition: Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready on Thursday approved CompSource Mutual Insurance Co.'s conversion plan, which drew immediate pushback from some policyholders, who still must vote to approve the plan. [The Journal Record]   OETA brings back live pledge nights after federal funding loss: OETA launched its spring fundraising drive on Feb. 28, the same day that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting announced on social media that it had formally dissolved after the Republican-led Congress last year fulfilled President Donald Trump's request to claw back $1.1 billion that had been allocated for public broadcasting, eliminating a significant source of financial support for hundreds of public radio and TV stations across the country, including in Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman]   Legislative Roundup Oklahoma Senate advances bill creating fund to pay for Summer Olympics [Oklahoma Voice] Laws honoring Charlie Kirk did not advance in Oklahoma Legislature [The Oklahoman] Two measures to reshape Oklahoma education board, superintendent selection advance [KSWO] Bill in OK Legislature seeks to help with online ticket bot problem [KFOR] Federal Government News   Rep. Kevin Hern Appears to Have Tardy Stock Disclosures; His Office Disputes He's Late: Rep. Kevin Hern, a Republican from Oklahoma, appears to have failed to properly disclose millions of dollars worth of stock and corporate-security trades during the past year, which would be a violation of a federal transparency law, according to a NOTUS analysis of congressional financial records. [Oklahoma Watch]   4 things to know about Markwayne Mullin: Last week, the only Native American in the U.S. Senate, Markwayne Mullin, was nominated by President Donald J. Trump to join his cabinet as Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security. Here are four things to know about him. [ICT]   Tribal Nations News   Native American Life Expectancy Increases but Still Lowest Among U.S. Populations: New health data released last week showed that life expectancy rates for American Indian and Alaska Natives increased by 4.5 years, the largest increase among racial and ethnic groups, according to a new KFF analysis of mortality rates from 2021-2023. [Native News Online]   Peoria Tribe Chief wins reelection by 2 votes: Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Chief Rosanna Dobbs won reelection Saturday by two votes, narrowly defeating Charla EchoHawk. [KOSU]   Cherokee Nation bringing job fairs to Tulsa, Muskogee this week: Small business owners, contractors and those looking for employment are invited to Cherokee Nation's job fairs in northeastern Oklahoma this week. [The Oklahoma Eagle]   Education News   Lawmakers grapple with future of Oklahoma high school sports governing body: Over a month after Oklahoma's governor called for the abolition of an organization that governs high school athletics, lawmakers remain divided over whether the century-old body needs an overhaul. [Oklahoma Voice]   Oklahoma board again rejects Jewish charter school but vows to support it in court: The Statewide Charter School Board on Monday voted to deny a resubmitted application to open Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School. Board members said they had no choice but to comply with a 2024 decision from the Oklahoma Supreme Court that prohibited the concept of taxpayer-funded religious schools. [Oklahoma Voice] Statewide Charter School Board rejects revised Ben Gamla proposal [Tulsa World] Former Cherokee Supreme Court justice to lead University of Tulsa: The University of Tulsa announced Monday that former Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice Stacy Leeds would become the university's new president starting July 1. [Public Radio Tulsa] University of Tulsa names new president, an alumna of TU College of Law [Tulsa World] Cherokee citizen and TU law school grad Stacy Leeds named university's next president [Tulsa Flyer] Opinion: Oklahoma needs to fund afterschool programs. They work.: States like Missouri, Alaska and Alabama, as well as 25 others, have committed to funding afterschool programs, programs that have proven time and time again to improve academic outcomes and graduation rates. And so far, Oklahoma has not. [Tristy Fryer / The Oklahoman]   Health News   Taxpayer dollars flood pregnancy centers. Oversight hasn't followed.: In Oklahoma, state auditors discovered that an anti-abortion nonprofit disbursed less than 7% of the $1.6 million it promised to nonprofits under the state's Choosing Childbirth program. Oversight of taxpayer funding remains weak, either blocked by legislators or ignored by state agencies. [Oklahoma Voice]   INTEGRIS Health and United Healthcare reach agreement: A deal was reached between INTEGRIS Health and UnitedHealthcare on Monday night after thousands of Oklahomans were at risk of potentially losing care. [KFOR] UnitedHealthcare remains in-network for INTEGRIS Health patients after agreement is reached [News 9] Criminal Justice News   Domestic Violence Intervention Court in the works for Oklahoma County: A federal grant will help Oklahoma County establish a new treatment court to support services for victims of domestic violence. The Domestic Violence Intervention Court could be in place by November. [The Oklahoman]   County jail trust erupts over apparently unauthorized staff pay raises: Some employees at the Oklahoma County jail recently received pay raises despite the Criminal Justice Authority, the trust that runs the facility, voting to postpone all salary increases, according to perplexed trustees who got in a shouting match while trying to determine who approved the raises. [The Oklahoman] 'Unilateral override': Jail pay raise debacle sees Kimrey accused of 'insubordination' [NonDoc] OK County jail trustee, admin argue over pay raises at latest meeting (video) [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma man pleads guilty in case swept up by McGirt controversy: A Norman man has pleaded guilty to arson and gun charges after being accused of setting fire to the home and vehicles of a McClain County sheriff's deputy. [The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Opinion: Collaborative approach helps stabilize Oklahoma foster care: As someone who works daily with foster families and children, I can tell you that the need for foster homes remains urgent. Community support matters. We need employers who support foster parents, churches that surround families with encouragement and neighbors who offer practical help, but mostly we need individuals who are willing to consider fostering so children are not left waiting. [Katherine Craig / The Oklahoman]   Economy & Business News   Gas prices spike across US amid Iran war: Global prices for Brent crude oil, the international standard, climbed over $100 a barrel. Prices were just above $70 a barrel in the days before the U.S. and Israel launched a surprise Feb. 28 attack on Iran, killing the regime's top leader and other powerful government figures. [Oklahoma Voice]   Stitt's Call for Medical Marijuana Revote Sparks Pushback Across Oklahoma: On Feb. 2, his final State of the State address, Stitt proposed a statewide revote to possibly end the medical marijuana industry in Oklahoma. That leaves dispensaries, growers and medical marijuana patients facing an uncertain future. [The Black Wall Street Times]   Tulsa City Council to discuss possible moratorium on new data center construction: Tulsa city councilors on Wednesday will discuss a proposal to impose a 365-day moratorium on the construction of new, large-scale data centers in the city. [Tulsa World]   Companies behind Inola aluminum smelter outline project details, address concerns: A planned $4 billion aluminum smelter to be built at the Port of Inola will be a game changer for the Tulsa area and the U.S., officials behind the project told the Tulsa World in an exclusive interview. [Tulsa World]   AfroPop Soda Announces Distribution Partnership With RNDC, Expanding Path Toward National Growth: AfroPop Soda, the culturally driven Black-owned beverage brand known for its bold flavors and celebration of Black creativity, has announced a new distribution partnership with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC), positioning Oklahoma's only Black-owned soda brand for expansion and national growth. [The Black Wall Street Times]   Local Headlines Rejected Edmond Walmart Neighborhood Market wins second court battle [NonDoc] Jenks leaders believe The Ranch can be a 'Gathering Place contender.' Some are skeptical. [Tulsa Flyer] 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.