In The Know: Gov. says SNAP funding loss must be resolved at federal level | State DHS to furlough roughly 2,300 employees | Oklahoma hospitals bracing for impact of Medicaid cuts

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, OCTOBER 31, 2025 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) 13.7% The share of rural households receiving SNAP benefits, compared to 11.4% of households in metropolitan areas. [U.S. Census via The Daily Yonder] Halt in SNAP Benefits Will Hurt Millions of Rural Families   The pause in food stamp benefits that will hit Saturday, November 1 will disproportionately hurt rural families. Other groups that will be more affected by the Trump administration's freeze on benefits are households with children and residents of the core counties of the nation's larger urban areas. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is halting because Congress has not approved a spending bill and the Trump administration, unlike previous administrations, has refused to use contingency funds to keep the program running during the government shutdown. [The Daily Yonder] "(Data) just drives everything that we do. And when we go (with data) we don't have to talk about issues as pie in the sky or because we're 'bleeding hearts.' You cannot build a sustainable economy with half your people barely being able to get by. It won't work."   -Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols, speaking on a panel about a new report that shows nearly half of Oklahoma households struggle with basic needs. The mayors told a Tulsa audience that city and state leaders need to work better together on finding solutions. [Tulsa World] Read the report: The State of ALICE in Oklahoma You're invited to our Community Insights + Action Meetings!   OK Policy hosted listening sessions across Oklahoma to hear directly from residents about the challenges and opportunities in their communities. Now, we're going back — this time to share what we heard and turn those conversations into action. At our Community Insights to Action meetings, attendees will review local and statewide data, discuss key takeaways from the listening sessions, and learn practical ways to advocate for change in their communities and across the state. All Oklahomans are invited to join the conversation and help shape a stronger future for Oklahoma.    Make your voice heard — find a session near you and join the conversation. Oklahoma News   Oklahoma leaders call for special session to fund food assistance program: Some Oklahoma leaders are asking the governor to call a special session to provide emergency state funding for food assistance programs during the federal government shutdown. Over 680,000 Oklahomans could be cut off from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, on Saturday if the shutdown continues. Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday called on Oklahomans, nonprofits, food banks and religious groups to step up to help fill the gap, but he said the state will not use its savings to replace the program's funding yet. [Oklahoma Voice] Stitt says state is 'working on it' as Oklahomans brace for SNAP freeze amid shutdown [The Oklahoman] Republican leader says Oklahoma can't fill SNAP gap amid calls for a special session [The Oklahoman] Gov. Kevin Stitt says SNAP funding loss must be resolved at federal level [Tulsa World] How can I help? Ways to aid OKC food pantries, items to donate as shutdown halts SNAP [The Oklahoman] SNAP benefits could be cut off on Nov 1. Here some things you need to know [KOSU] Food assistance funding cliff approaching as shutdown persists [Oklahoma Voice] Tulsa, OKC mayors say more needs to be done for struggling families at Tulsa summit: Responding to a new report showing that nearly half of Oklahoma households struggle with basic needs, mayors from three cities told an audience in Tulsa that city and state leaders need to work better together on finding solutions. [Tulsa World] Read the report: The State of ALICE in Oklahoma State Government News   Former Corrections Director Approved Million Dollar Deal With AI Company, Then Went to Work For Them: Former Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Steven Harpe approved a million-dollar deal with a private vendor in early April to install AI call monitoring software in seven state prisons. Months later, he resigned from state service and took a job with that company. [Oklahoma Watch]   Shutdown forces Oklahoma agency to furlough thousands: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services on Sunday will begin furloughing 2,300 employees as a result of the federal government shutdown, the agency said. Employees earning a salary of $100,000 or more will be furloughed three days per pay period while those earning $50,000 up to $100,000 will have two furlough days. Those earning less than $50,000 are exempt. [Oklahoma Voice] OKDHS to furlough roughly 2,300 employees on November 2 [KFOR] Oklahoma DHS announces changes to child care subsidy program: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services announced Thursday that changes are being made to the state's Child Care Subsidy program, effective Nov. 1. A source tells Griffin Media that, in an internal email, OKDHS said the $5-per-day COVID-era add-on incentive for school-age children will be removed for providers. The agency also said new applications and renewals for school-age children will be paused until further notice. [News 9]   Oklahoma lawmakers push ahead with plans to propose state oversight of homeless shelters: Two Oklahoma lawmakers are pushing ahead with plans to propose state oversight of homeless shelters after a more than 3-hour study of the issue at the Capitol. [The Frontier]   Opinion, This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Operation SAFE in OKC, Ryan Walters lawsuit dismissed, sports betting and more (podcast): The panelists talk about Gov. Kevin Stitt's Operation SAFE to move people out of homeless encampments expanding to OKC, new State Superintendent Lindel Fields continues to dismantle initiatives from his predecessor and the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit against former State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Department or Education. The trio also discusses an interim study on sports betting in Oklahoma and nearly 300 new laws taking effect on Saturday. [KOSU]   Opinion: New law protects Oklahoma homeowners from predatory wholesalers: For most Oklahomans, a home represents more than four walls and a roof: It's a cornerstone of financial stability and personal security. Yet, as our housing market flattens and interest rates are rising, we're seeing renewed risks for homeowners who may be vulnerable to quick-cash offers and high-pressure tactics from unregulated real estate wholesalers. [Emilykaye Mitchelson / The Oklahoman]   Federal Government News   House Republicans grow anxious about Speaker Johnson's extended shutdown recess: House Republicans are growing anxious about how they will make up for lost time after Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-La.) move to keep the House out of session for more than a month during the government shutdown, with leaders starting to brace members for long days when the funding impasse eventually ends. [The Hill]   Senate passes resolution to end Trump's global tariffs; 4 Republicans side with Dems: Four Republican senators voted with Democrats on Thursday to approve a bipartisan resolution to repeal President Trump's global tariffs, including steeper rates on long-time allies such as the European Union, Japan and South Korea. [The Hill]   Tribal Nations News   Drummond moves to dismiss hunting case against Choctaw citizen, vows to protect tribal nations' rights to hunting, fishing: Attorney General Gentner Drummond has interceded in a case to drop charges against a Choctaw Nation citizen accused of hunting on a tribal reservation without a state permit. [KOSU] Drummond stops Choctaw citizen's hunting ticket, calls Stitt a 'petulant lame duck' [NonDoc] Voting and Election News   Signature gathering begins for State Question 836: Undeterred by Wednesday's blustery weather, supporters of an initiative petition that would significantly alter Oklahoma's election system began gathering signatures to get the proposal on the ballot as State Question 836. [Tulsa World]   Education News   School districts combat student hunger ahead of SNAP benefit freeze: The possible end of SNAP benefits is just days away, and school districts are preparing for an increased need for food assistance for students. [KFOR]   Former press secretary at OSDE joins Teacher Freedom Alliance: Former Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters' press secretary, Madison Cercy, who was with him in our studio when he announced his resignation on Sept. 24, is now the director of communications for the Teacher Freedom Alliance, where Walters serves as CEO. [Fox 25]   Health News   Oklahoma hospitals bracing for impact of Medicaid cuts in communities 'already at risk': Steep cuts to Medicaid funding are creating a new wave of uncertainty for small rural hospitals. Oklahoma hospitals are projected to lose $6.7 billion over 10 years as a result of the funding changes, which were approved by Congress in July as part of the GOP-backed spending and tax megabill. Rural hospitals — and the people who rely on them — are expected to be among those hardest hit. [The Oklahoman]   Racial health disparities could widen as states grapple with Trump cuts, experts warn: Racial health disparities may widen as states, universities and nonprofits grapple with federal funding cuts to programs that were aimed at filling gaps in care, public health experts say. As part of its federal restructuring and crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, the Trump administration has been shuttering federal offices and rescinding grants dedicated to addressing worse health care access and outcomes for racial minorities. [Oklahoma Voice]   Criminal Justice News   Cutbacks cursed the OK County jail from the start. Will new one have everything it needs?: Important things were left out of the Oklahoma County jail for lack of funding: strategic financial planning, adequate supervision of construction, even structural steel and other literally cut corners. [The Oklahoman]   Three more exhumations Thursday in Race Massacre graves search at Oaklawn Cemetery: Three sets of remains were exhumed from Oaklawn Cemetery on Thursday, officials said, bringing the total to six for the current phase of the search for unmarked burials from Tulsa's 1921 Race Massacre. [Tulsa World]   Opinion: Capital cases are expensive. Panel would serve victims, taxpayers, rule of law: Lawmakers should fund the Capital Homicide Resource Committee and then hold us to the discipline it demands: We should ensure justice is done once, and for all. [District Attorney Jason Hicks / The Oklahoman]   Opinion, Rep. Tammy West: New Oklahoma laws give released inmates realistic path to rebuild their lives: Fines and fees should be used to hold people accountable, not hold them down. By modernizing the system, Oklahoma is reducing unnecessary barriers that keep people stuck in poverty. [Rep. Tammy West / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Reversing the state's reliance on fees has been a priority for multiple Oklahoma justice groups for several years, and passing bills is an important step in making Oklahoma's criminal justice system more fair and effective. Economy & Business News   Developers break ground on $1B data center near Tulsa: State and local leaders touted economic benefits and innovation as they helped break ground on a large-scale data center near Tulsa Thursday. Beale Infrastructure is the developer behind a $1 billion data center known as Project Clydesdale. The 500-acre facility — planned for East 76th Street North and North Sheridan Road — will be used for digital cloud storage. [Tulsa Flyer] Massive data center complex breaks ground in Tulsa County [Tulsa World] Oklahoma union workers rally as Starbucks Workers United prepares to strike: As union Starbucks workers across the country vote to authorize a strike, workers in Oklahoma joined a national wave of rallies on Thursday. [KGOU]   Community News   OKC Mayor Holt says new civil rights monument 'speaks to the kind of city we want to be': Efforts from longtime civil rights activists, business, civic, and faith leaders will culminate with the Nov. 1 dedication of a monument that pays tribute to civil rights icon Clara Luper and 13 NAACP Youth Council members who took part in the first sit-in at Katz Drug Store on Aug. 19, 1958. [The Oklahoman]   Opinion: As demographics shift, adult day centers remain lifeline for caretakers, loved ones: Since the emergence of adult day centers in the mid-1960s, they have been an invaluable resource for the adults they provide care for and their loved ones. Today, there are more than 5,000 adult day centers across the United States and more than 40 in Oklahoma. Oklahoma Human Services contracts with these centers to provide specialized care for adults with disabilities and members of our state's growing aging population. [Talena Ford / The Oklahoman] 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.

In The Know: Where to find resources in Oklahoma as shutdown impacts funding for SNAP benefits | Oklahoma's founders warned against concentrated power. We should listen | Help wanted – Leadership from Oklahoma’s delegation

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.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Policy Matters: Help wanted – Leadership from Oklahoma's delegation Congress has shut down the federal government, and Oklahomans are paying the price. Across the state, federal employees are being told to stay home or work without pay. Food assistance is about to stall for families. Veterans waiting on benefits are caught in limbo. Small businesses that rely on federal loans are twisting in the wind. Meanwhile, amid the chaos, Oklahoma's Congressional delegation has stayed nearly silent. [Shiloh Kantz / The Journal Record] Opinion: Oklahoma's founders warned against concentrated power. We should listen   The framework for Oklahoma's system of government contains a healthy distrust of concentrated power. When our founders drafted our state constitution, they saw what happened in other states when one officeholder or party could wield all the power. They designed a government full of checks and balances, where citizens — not politicians — would have the final say. Yet, in recent years, Oklahoma lawmakers have drifted from this founding principle. [Shiloh Kantz / The Oklahoman] 9%   Estimated share of veterans in Oklahoma who receive food assistance via SNAP. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] SNAP Helps 1.2 Million Veterans With Low Incomes, Including Thousands in Every State   About 1.2 million veterans live in households that participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps). Thousands of veterans in every state — who may be unemployed, working in low-paying jobs, or have disabilities — use SNAP to supplement their low income to put food on the table for themselves and their families. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] "What could be more fiscally irresponsible than refusing to use emergency funds during an actual emergency? What's the purpose of a rainy day fund if not for moments like this? When nearly 700,000 Oklahomans face food insecurity, is that not precisely the rainy day we've been saving for?"   - Christy Taylor, an Oklahoma taxpayer who advocates for the responsible use of the state's rainy day fund, criticizing Governor Stitt's refusal to use those funds to support SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. [The Oklahoman] You're invited to our Community Insights + Action Meetings!   OK Policy hosted listening sessions across Oklahoma to hear directly from residents about the challenges and opportunities in their communities. Now, we're going back — this time to share what we heard and turn those conversations into action. At our Community Insights to Action meetings, attendees will review local and statewide data, discuss key takeaways from the listening sessions, and learn practical ways to advocate for change in their communities and across the state. All Oklahomans are invited to join the conversation and help shape a stronger future for Oklahoma.    Make your voice heard — find a session near you and join the conversation. Oklahoma News   Do One in Six Oklahomans receive SNAP food benefits?: Yes. In 2024, 17% of Oklahomans, totaling 686,800, received SNAP benefits, a greater percentage than the national 12%, or 1 in 8. [Oklahoma Watch]   5 things to know with SNAP cutoff effective Nov. 1 in Oklahoma: The U.S. Department of Agriculture notified Oklahoma Human Services that benefits normally received monthly by more than 684,000 SNAP recipients in Oklahoma will be suspended if the federal government shutdown can't be resolved. SNAP benefits account for $130 million in federal funding to the state each month. More than 600,000 across Oklahoma and 116,000 in Tulsa County rely on SNAP. [Tulsa World]   Food banks prepare to fill gap for Oklahomans: With federal food assistance in peril, Oklahoma food banks, nonprofits and religious groups are bracing for impact. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, which serves 53 counties in central and western Oklahoma, is aiming to double its efforts should SNAP be cut off. This will cost $5.5 million per month, but it won't be enough, officials said. [Oklahoma Voice] Food relief agencies gear up for SNAP cuts amid surging demand [Tulsa World] North Tulsa's Oasis Fresh Market Answers the Call Amid SNAP Crisis [The Black Wall Street Times] OKC families, food pantries brace for loss of SNAP benefits. Here's where to find help [The Oklahoman] SNAP benefits will likely be suspended this weekend. Here's how Oklahoma is responding [KOSU] Where to find resources in Oklahoma as government shutdown impacts funding for SNAP benefits [KOCO] Opinion: Nearly 700,000 Oklahomans losing SNAP benefits. What's a 'rainy-day fund' for? [Christy Taylor / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Leaders shouldn't ask nonprofits to do government's job (Policy Matters) State Government News   Long Story Short: Lawmakers Get Earful As Oklahoma Home Insurance Rates Skyrocket (podcast): Jennifer Palmer's latest story delves into the Oklahoma City Police Department's refusal to release certain police reports. Keaton Ross breaks down several new laws set to take effect on Nov. 1. Paul Monies looked into the rising cost of homeowners' insurance in Oklahoma after a pair of legislative hearings at the Capitol. [Oklahoma Watch]   Oklahoma City lawmaker being investigated for forgery, embezzlement, search warrants show: An Oklahoma City lawmaker is being investigated by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office for forgery and embezzlement related to use of her campaign funds, according to two unsealed search warrants. [Oklahoma Voice] Court Docs: Reveal new search warrant details for State Lawmaker Ajay Pittman's home [KFOR] Former Assistant AG: Walters' massive staff bonuses warrant further investigation: A former assistant Oklahoma attorney general says state criminal investigators should look into the hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded bonus payments former State Superintendent Ryan Walters paid his top staff during his time in office—following News 4's latest report this week exposing even more payouts. [KFOR]   Oklahoma Human Services preparing to furlough staff due to government shutdown: On Wednesday, Oklahoma Human Services sent an email out to employees stating that they were preparing for furloughs as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. [KOCO]   State lawmakers host interim study examining modern updates to custody laws: State Representatives Mark Tedford (R-Jenks) and Erick Harris (R-Edmond) hosted an interim study examining ways to update custody laws to better reflect modern family dynamics. [Fox 23]   Lawmaker pushing sports betting still supportive despite NBA scandal: Sen. Bill Coleman (R-Ponca City) said he is not receiving any financial incentives to advocate for sports betting. Instead, he got interested in the growing industry after he placed a $10 wager in Kansas. [Public Radio Tulsa]   Federal Government News   Shutdown double whammy: SNAP food benefits ending and federal workers go unpaid: Ginette Young lined up with hundreds of furloughed federal workers ahead of a special food bank distribution on Tuesday in a suburb just outside the District of Columbia. Young, a District resident, was among hundreds of furloughed federal workers hoping to get pantry staples and fresh produce at the event sponsored by the Capital Area Food Bank and No Limits Outreach Ministries in Hyattsville. [Oklahoma Voice] Hundreds of federal workers line up for food as shutdown hits 30 days and counting [KFOR] SNAP's Contingency Reserve Is Available for Regular SNAP Benefits, as USDA and OMB Have Ruled in Past: The Trump Administration recently claimed that SNAP benefits are not available for November 2025 because SNAP's "contingency funds are not legally available to cover regular benefits." This stands in opposition to the law and prior practice, including by the Trump Administration itself. Also, the Administration could use its legal transfer authority — the same authority it already used to provide additional funds to WIC — to supplement the contingency reserves, which alone are not enough to fund families' full benefits for November. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities] Food aid for 42 million imperiled by shutdown politics, as Trump tests law [Reuters] As federal food assistance runs out, junior troops with families may be hit hard: Thousands of military families won't receive federal food assistance next month as the government shutdown impacts funding to fight food insecurity. The USDA's own data found that a quarter of military personnel experience food insecurity. And many troops and military families that aren't enrolled in SNAP also regularly use military food pantries and other food banks to deal with the cost of living. [Task & Purpose]   Head Start Programs Are Closing Down as Shutdown Funding Lapses Grow: Democrats and advocates are warning about the growing consequences that the government shutdown will have on Head Start programs across the country. [Oklahoma Watch]   Judge blocks Trump shutdown layoffs, citing political retribution: The Trump administration cannot carry out layoffs that it announced after the government shutdown began Oct. 1 and is barred from issuing any new layoff notices under a court order issued Tuesday. [Oklahoma Voice]   Trump claims immunity, seeks to erase felon status with appeal in NY court: President Donald Trump sought to remove his status as the only felon to be elected president by appealing his conviction on 34 New York state charges just before midnight Tuesday, arguing, in part, that the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 ruling giving the president broad immunity invalidated the conviction. [Oklahoma Voice]   US Senate in bipartisan vote rejects Trump tariffs on Brazil as coffee prices spike: Five Republican U.S. senators joined Democrats Tuesday to terminate President Donald Trump's national emergency that triggered steep tariffs on goods from Brazil. [Oklahoma Voice]   Why are beef prices so high? Oklahoma farmers weigh in on Trump's new deal to lower costs: Oklahoma had nearly 2 million cattle and cows dedicated to beef at the start of 2025 and continues to produce the second-highest number of beef cows nationwide. But deals involving President Donald Trump may impact the way beef is sold in the Sooner State. [The Oklahoman]   The White House gutted a federal office overseeing special education. Those layoffs could impact Oklahoma schools: In the Trump administration's latest move to dismantle the federal agency, 121 workers in the Office of Special Education Programs were laid off this month. This office enforces federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), which protects the 7.5 million U.S. students with disabilities, and oversees $15 billion a year in special education funding for state departments and schools. [Tulsa Flyer] Opinion, Oklahoma State Representative: For 50 years, US has led the world in disability rights. That progress is in danger [Rep. Ellyn Hefner / The Oklahoman] Tribal Nations News   Muscogee Nation to provide SNAP aid to tribal citizens: The Muscogee Nation confirmed Wednesday that it will provide assistance to tribal citizens who are on track to lose SNAP benefits Saturday due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. [Tulsa World]   Cherokee Nation issues state of emergency to combat food insecurity ahead of SNAP benefit suspension: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are going to expire Saturday, leaving hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans without food assistance. The Cherokee Nation is declaring a state of emergency and calling on state leaders to step up. [KOSU] Cherokee Nation declares food emergency, makes millions available for tribal citizens [Tulsa Flyer] Cherokee Nation to make millions in funding available to combat food insecurity amid shutdown [The Oklahoman] Voting and Election News   Supporters of Oklahoma open primaries begin collecting signatures: Supporters of an effort to open the state's primary voting system on Wednesday began gathering signatures. They have until Jan. 28 to collect 172,993 signatures to get State Question 836 on the ballot. [Oklahoma Voice] Vote Yes 836 volunteers kick off signature gathering in downtown OKC [The Journal Record] Open primary supporters begin collecting signatures for Oklahoma State Question 836 [KOSU] Education News   Education Watch: New Superintendent Rolls Back Walters' Initiatives: The Oklahoma Department of Education, under new Superintendent of Schools Lindel Fields, has been busy rolling back a number of initiatives started by his predecessor, Ryan Walters. [Oklahoma Watch] From prison classes to the Capitol, Lindel Fields' journey led to the top of Oklahoma schools [Oklahoma Voice] OSU cuts ties with associate VP after arrest for 'internet crimes against children': A now-former Oklahoma State University associate vice president told an undercover Broken Arrow Police Department officer he has had three sexual relationships with girls between ages 13 and 16, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Oklahoma County District Court. [NonDoc]   Health News   Oklahoma hospitals bracing for impact of Medicaid cuts in communities 'already at risk': Oklahoma hospitals are projected to lose $6.7 billion over 10 years as a result of the funding changes, which were approved by Congress in July as part of the GOP-backed spending and tax megabill. Rural hospitals — and the people who rely on them — are expected to be among those hardest hit. [The Oklahoman]   The government shutdown's impact on mental health: The loss of paychecks and SNAP benefits has affected many Oklahomans, but now, many are looking at the toll the government shutdown is having on the mental health of those impacted. [KFOR]   'What a doctor should be': Documentary following rural Oklahoma physician, hospital debuts on HBO: Dr. James Graham has practiced as a physician in Fairfax for decades, dividing his time between Fairfax's hospital, a nursing home and three clinics, one of which is 60 miles away from the town. Over the years, he said the community's hospital had been on the verge of closure at least 10 times. But the people he's served – some for most of their lives – don't change. They're still sick and in need of care. [StateImpact Oklahoma via KGOU]   Criminal Justice News   Police want new laws to target sex traffickers amid regulatory board's unsettled future: Tulsa Police Sgt. Nick Wheeler and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking are pushing for two-pronged legislation they believe will discourage traffickers from operating and make it easier for law enforcement to take them down if they do. [Tulsa World]   Grandma in Oklahoma Panhandle murder case to get life in prison without the possibility of parole: A grandmother has agreed to serve life in prison without the possibility of parole for the fatal stabbing of two women in the Oklahoma Panhandle. [The Oklahoman]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Operation SAFE will likely continue sweeping homeless camps in Oklahoma City: State troopers cleared 11 homeless encampments in Oklahoma City in a surprise round of sweeps Monday, Oct. 27, and say more could be on the way. [The Oklahoman]   Tulsa announces site of winter homeless shelter: The city of Tulsa will open its first winter weather shelter for the homeless on Nov. 17 at BeHeard Movement, 7216 E. Admiral Place. The facility will be open to adults and their pets 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the end of March. [Tulsa World]   Economy & Business News   Oklahoma's economy faces ripple effects from SNAP funding freeze: The impending suspension of SNAP benefits in Oklahoma due to the government shutdown is expected to have significant economic repercussions, affecting businesses and employment across the state. [KOCO]   Tariff mayhem results in cooling sales for Oklahoma retailers: An in-depth annual report reveals Oklahoma's independent retailers are working harder in 2025, yet seeing their profits shrink. In the first six months, sales growth cooled to 6.2%, the lowest rate since 2020, while year-over-year expenses driven by inflation and tariffs climbed 18.6%, according to the 2025 State of Retail just released by the Independent Shopkeepers Association. [The Journal Record]   Local Headlines  Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols to host final Community Conversation on Thursday [Tulsa World] 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.