In The Know: Appellate court affirms death penalty for William Lewis Reece | What Trump’s megabill means for Oklahoma hospitals and Medicaid recipients | Community-led crisis response is working, but Oklahoma needs a statewide solution

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.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2025 Subscribe // View latest headlines Community-led crisis response is working, but Oklahoma needs a statewide solution (Commentary)   Oklahoma City's new Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) program represents a meaningful step toward the justice reform envisioned by Oklahoma voters nearly a decade ago. But expanding similar services beyond metro areas requires sustained commitment and investment from the state. [Kati Malicoate / OK Policy] $87 million   The amount Oklahoma could save each year by expanding mental health diversion programs, such as alternatives to jail and emergency room visits. This includes strategies like crisis response programs, treatment courts, and reclassifying certain 911 calls to connect people with care instead of incarceration. [Healthy Minds Policy Initiative]   Correction: Wednesday's edition of In The Know shared information about public land that was going to be made available for sale under the federal budget megabill. That provision was included in an initial version of the bill, but removed from the final version. From Crisis to Care: Addressing Addiction, Mental Health, and Homelessness Through Health and Supportive Services   Punishing addiction, mental illness, and homelessness with incarceration or forced treatment wastes taxpayer dollars and worsens public health outcomes. Community-based solutions — like voluntary treatment, crisis response teams, supportive housing, and harm reduction — are proven to reduce overdose, lower incarceration rates, and improve long-term stability. [Drug Policy Alliance] "Mobile Integrated Healthcare exemplifies what voters intended — care, not cages. Now lawmakers must fund the future Oklahomans voted for."   - OK Policy's Kati Malicoate, writing about Oklahoma City's mobile crisis response program, which sends behavioral health professionals to mental health emergencies instead of police. While metro programs show promise, rural communities often lack the funding to implement similar models, highlighting the need for statewide investment in crisis care. [OK Policy] You're invited to join a Community Listening Session near you!   This summer, the Oklahoma Policy Institute and Together Oklahoma are hosting in-person listening sessions across the state to hear directly from Oklahomans about the issues that matter most in their communities. These free, public events offer a chance to connect with neighbors, share your experiences, and speak with policy experts. Participants will receive compensation for their time.   Make your voice heard—find a session near you and join the conversation.   Make Your Voice Heard — In Person or Online   Can't attend in person? Take our online survey (available in English and Spanish) and share your thoughts about the laws and policies that affect you and your neighbors. Your input helps shape our priorities for the next legislative session to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities across Oklahoma. Oklahoma News   Appellate court affirms death penalty for serial killer William Lewis Reece: The state Court of Criminal Appeals unanimously affirmed the death penalty sentence of convicted serial killer William Lewis Reece today in a precedential ruling that says sexual propensity evidence may be admitted during some murder trials in Oklahoma. [NonDoc] Oklahoma appeals court upholds serial killer's murder conviction and death sentence [The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Oklahoma Death Penalty Tracker Heartland Flyer to continue operating Oklahoma-Texas route following funding infusion: Passenger rail service between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth will continue for at least another year after a Texas group agreed to chip in millions to keep the route alive, officials said Thursday. The North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Transportation Council on Thursday voted to provide $3.5 million to keep the Heartland Flyer rail service operational. [Oklahoma Voice]   State Government News   How federal immigration policy led to the deportation of an advisor to Oklahoma's governor (audio): In the podcast, KOSU reporter Lionel Ramos explains how he met Reyes and learned about his story, how Reyes ended up on Gov. Kevin Stitt's Hispanic Advisory Council in 2023 and how Reyes was detained, transported and deported to Guatemala. [KOSU]   Oklahoma Ethics Commission to issue opinion on security for elected officials: In the wake of the June assassination of a top Minnesota lawmaker, Oklahoma's legislative leaders from both parties want to know if security can be considered an officeholder expense.  The Commission on Thursday voted unanimously to provide an advisory opinion, which they expect to publish ahead of their next meeting scheduled for Aug. 14. [Oklahoma Voice]   Ethics Commission votes to settle with former Oklahoma agency head, investigate lawmaker, sue PAC: The Oklahoma Ethics Commission on Thursday voted to settle an ethics case with a former agency head and state Cabinet secretary accused of violating conflict of interest rules. [Oklahoma Voice] Oklahoma Ethics Commission opens second investigation of lawmaker [The Journal Record] Ethics Commission votes on cases involving Gamefowl Commission, Rep. Ajay Pittman, Shelley Zumwalt [NonDoc] Oklahoma legislative report on reports shows bad marks for state agencies. Here's the plan to fix it: The joint Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency presented a report Thursday detailing the degree to which state agencies comply with mandated reporting of various aspects of their work. Findings indicate that the system for submitting information requested by lawmakers is broken, but not irreparable. [KOSU] Report finds lack of reporting coming from govt. agencies [KFOR] State lawmaker files study to explore future of women's professional sports in Oklahoma: An Oklahoma lawmaker is looking to explore the future of women's professional sports in Oklahoma with an interim study. [Fox 25]   Federal Government News   'Draconian' cuts: What Trump's megabill means for Oklahoma hospitals and Medicaid recipients: Oklahoma health care leaders estimate state hospitals will see $6.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursement cuts as funding reductions made to the program through President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" set in. [StateImpact via KGOU] From OK Policy: Statement from the Oklahoma Policy Institute on passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" Federal judge to pause Trump's birthright citizenship order: A federal judge in New Hampshire Thursday issued a preliminary injunction against President Donald Trump's executive order that would rewrite the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, and granted a class certification to infants who would be affected by the order. [Oklahoma Voice] Judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order after Supreme Court ruling [Reuters] Supreme Court blocks part of Florida's immigration law: The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday left in place a lower court decision that blocked part of a Florida law making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to cross into the state. The statute imposed various mandatory prison terms for violating the law. [NPR] Supreme Court denies Florida's request to enforce state law on illegal immigration [SCOTUS Blog] Oklahoma Senators Weigh in on EPA's Contrails Report: The Environmental Protection Agency released a new website Thursday that debunks conspiracy theories about airplane contrails — conspiracies that are popular with a contingent of President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters, and at least one member of his cabinet. [Oklahoma Watch]   Spending bill stalls in US Senate amid fight over Maryland as FBI HQ destination: The Trump administration's plan to relocate the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters to the Ronald Reagan building in the District of Columbia, and not a previously selected location in suburban Maryland, hit a roadblock Thursday. [Oklahoma Voice]   Mass layoffs can move forward, with devastating impacts for conservation and science: Mass federal layoffs the Trump administration has planned can move forward immediately, after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted an injunction that has held them off since mid-May. More than 100,000 federal workers can now be fired at any time. [High Country News]   The politics of flooding: Disaster response being rewritten amidst tragedy: Even as FEMA, hit by huge layoffs when President Trump took office, struggled to deploy resources to flood-stricken Kerr County where the death toll now stands at more than 120 children and adults, Kristi Noem, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday: "The entire agency needs to be eliminated as it exists today." [Gaylord News]   Tribal Nations News   How COVID-19 prompted the Osage Nation to take more action against food insecurity: In a state where vast stretches of land offer little access to fresh food, Oklahoma faces a quiet crisis: It is one of the most food-insecure states in the nation. Amid the growing concern over food deserts and the potential farm crisis, the Osage Nation is leading a powerful movement toward food sovereignty — taking control of how food is grown, distributed and shared within its very own community. [The Oklahoman]   Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma receives near $1 million grant for Choctaw language education: The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma announced on Thursday they have received a U.S. Health and Human Services grant totaling close to $1 million for the purpose of preserving and expanding the Choctaw language. [KXII]   Seminole Nation announces initiative for small Oklahoma business owners: Stemming from a $4.1 million allocation from the U.S. Treasury, Seminole Nation of Oklahoma will establish three distinct programs offering credit support for tribal members to access resources necessary to grow their businesses. [KOSU]   Voting and Election News   Opinion: As a bishop, churches endorsing political candidates leads us down an unsteady path: Since 1954, the Johnson Amendment in the tax code has said that churches risk losing their tax-exempt status if they participate in "any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office." On Tuesday, July 8, the IRS announced that it will no longer restrict churches from endorsing candidates, on the grounds of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. [Reverend Poulson Reed / The Oklahoman]   Education News   Walters announces PragerU-backed ideology test for teachers from "woke" states: State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced Wednesday Oklahoma will withhold certificates from teachers from "woke" states who do not pass a new ideology test developed by PragerU. [StateImpact via KGOU] Ryan Walters launches 'America First' teacher screening for out-of-state educators [News 9] Oklahoma State Department of Education partners with PragerU to vet incoming teachers [KOCO] Opinion: Walters serves headlines, not lunch: The bombastic state superintendent of public instruction this week sounded his trumpet, stomped his foot and declared yea, verily, henceforth Oklahoma students shall eat free at public school from a Bobby Kennedy Jr.-esque menu. Of immediate relief to Oklahomans is that Walters' decree has no practical effect. [Arnold Hamilton / The Journal Record]   Opinion: Investment in higher education a win for Oklahoma and Oklahomans: State investment in public higher education impacts more than just individual students; it is a remarkable driver of statewide economic activity. Oklahoma's investment in public higher education serves employers in need of an educated workforce, attracts more businesses to operate here, and supports Oklahomans pursuing their version of the American dream. By any definition, that's a win for our state and our citizens. [Sean Burrage / The Journal Record]   Opinion: Banning cellphones in Oklahoma schools may be a smart move, but don't overlook the parking lot: Oklahoma lawmakers may be headed in the right direction with a new law that bans cellphone use during the school day in a bid to improve student focus, mental health and classroom performance. But as districts craft policies to comply with Senate Bill 139, I hope they'll also think beyond the confines of their school buildings and consider what could happen when students grab their phones the moment the final bell rings and head to the parking lot. [Lori Lovett / Oklahoma Voice]   Health News   Are guns the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.?: Yes. Using 2023 CDC data, several reports concluded that guns were the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17 for the fourth year in a row. [Oklahoma Watch]   Editorial: Let's talk about poverty, health care and hunger ― not fluoride: Oklahoma, sad to say, is one of the hungriest states in the nation. It's also one of the unhealthiest. Both are consequences of the fact that we're one of the poorest states in the nation. We'll never truly be in the "Top 10," Gov. Kevin Stitt's often-expressed goal, until we can do something about this huge, complex problem, which has been with us since before statehood. [The Oklahoman Editorial Board]   Criminal Justice News   24 states have legalized recreational marijuana. Is Oklahoma one of them?: While 24 states have adopted laws allowing adults to purchase and consume cannabis for non-medical use, Oklahoma continues to prohibit it. In fact, Oklahomans voted down a state question that would have altered the state's constitution to allow recreational use of marijuana in March 2023. [The Oklahoman]   Oklahoma pot farm 'accountant' going to prison as a result of 2022 massacre investigation: An "accountant" for dozens of illegal medical marijuana farms across Oklahoma has been sentenced to prison for 10 years. Kevin Paul Pham, 48, came under investigation after four workers were massacred in 2022 at an illegal pot farm tied to him. [The Oklahoman]   'Tiger King' star Joe Exotic loses another appeal, asks Trump on X for a pardon: After losing his latest appeal, Joe Exotic called again on President Donald Trump to pardon him. The former Oklahoma zookeeper, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, was again seeking a new trial in his murder-for-hire case. [The Oklahoman]   Lawmakers criticize Oklahoma Highway Patrol decision to stop urban enforcement: Two Oklahoma lawmakers are questioning the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's decision to withdraw resources from urban areas later this year. [Oklahoma Voice]   Economy & Business News   Oklahoma is asking a federal judge to fine big poultry companies millions for polluting the Illinois River: Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is asking a federal judge to fine some of the nation's largest poultry companies tens of millions of dollars and order them to stop spreading bird waste in sensitive areas that drain into the Illinois River. [The Frontier]   Artificial labor: Some occupations should reskill to stay ahead of AI: As Artificial Intelligence advances, the way businesses operate is evolving. From detecting fraudulent activity to interacting as chatbots, many companies are automating certain tasks as a regular part of day-to-day operations. [The Journal Record]   Community News   Oklahoma flooding 2025: Here's how you can prepare your home, family in case of a flood: Recent historic flooding has devastated communities in central Texas, and a flash flood in eastern Oklahoma forced a summer day camp to evacuate. Here's what Oklahomans should know about preparing their homes and families in case of flooding. [The Oklahoman]   Local Headlines RAM clinic offering free medical, dental, vision care in Enid on July 12, 13 [NonDoc] Sand Springs council seeks clarity on disaster relief funding [Public Radio Tulsa] 'Premature aging' is causing OKC water main breaks [The Journal Record] As water leaks plague Oklahoma City, officials double budget for line replacement [KOSU] You can sign up here to receive In The Know by e-mail. 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. Support Our Work with a Donation 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 email from us, please unsubscribe.