In The Know: Voters head to the polls today to decide primary elections, minimum wage question | Millions spent by new dark money groups days before Oklahoma primaries | Oklahoma ranks 48th in education, but lawmakers are betting on literacy reform

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, JUNE 16, 2026 Subscribe // View web version (current and archived) Oklahoma ranks 48th in education, but lawmakers are betting on literacy reform (Capitol Update)   Oklahoma has made an ambitious start to addressing literacy, but passing a law alone will not ensure success. Mississippi’s progress depended on sustained support from teachers, school officials, parents, dedicated education professionals, and state leaders committed to improving student outcomes. Oklahoma will likely need the same kind of commitment — along with substantial funding and patience. [Steve Lewis / Capitol Update] Report ranks Oklahoma near bottom in child well-being, 48th in education [News 9] From OK Policy: 2026 KIDS COUNT: Oklahoma ranks 44th for child well-being | Oklahoma Data Profile Snapshot NEW: OK Policy is now hiring a Tribal-State Policy Analyst!   We are hiring for a Tribal-State Policy Analyst to conduct research and analysis on Tribal-State policy in Oklahoma, in direct collaboration with OK Policy team members, Tribal partners, and Inter-Tribal organizations on Tribal-state-specific policy issues.    Deadline to apply is Friday, July 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (CST) Learn More & Apply 56%   The percentage increase of inflation between July 2009 and May 2026. The federal minimum wage was last adjusted to its current rate of $7.25 per hour on July 24, 2009. [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics] Raising the minimum wage in Oklahoma is pro-growth   The minimum wage increase to $15 an hour proposed by State Question 832 is one step toward an economy where all people can live with dignity. Raising the minimum wage can reduce poverty by helping the most vulnerable Oklahoma workers afford basic life necessities, improve the state’s economic productivity, and ensure corporations pay their workers a decent wage so companies are not subsidized by the rest of the economy. [OK Policy] "The argument that a competitive market creates better jobs and stronger economies has shown itself to be ineffective. Oklahoma is a low-wage, high-poverty state, suggesting that market wages alone have not kept up with the rising cost of living. SQ 832 creates a balance by preserving market forces while offering protection and economic stability for low-wage workers."   — Lynn Staggs, a Tulsa resident, writing in a letter to the editor in favor of SQ 832 to gradually raise Oklahoma's minimum wage. [Tulsa World] Oklahoma News   It's primary election day in Oklahoma. Here's what to know as you head to the polls: Oklahomans are headed to their polling places today to cast primary ballots and consider a state question on raising minimum wage. Top-level statewide offices are up for grabs this year. [KOSU] Oklahoma June Primary voting: Latest updates as polls open on Tuesday [The Oklahoman] Oklahoma Decides, State Chamber to stream live election night results [The Journal Record] Oklahoma primaries are almost here: Candidate guides, sample ballot, where to vote [The Oklahoman] Download a sample ballot for State Question 832; Election Day is June 16 [Tulsa World] It’s Election Day. Minimum wage, primary races and local judges are on Tulsans’ ballots. [The Oklahoma Eagle] Oklahomans to decide on $15 minimum wage: After nearly three years in the works, a state question to raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage hits the ballot today. State Question 832 asks voters to decide whether Oklahoma’s minimum wage should be decoupled from the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, bringing it to $15 by 2029. [KOSU] From OK Policy: SQ 832: Minimum Wage Increase — Information and Resources | Fact Sheet Oklahoma County assessor warns property tax cuts could have wide-ranging consequences: As property tax relief proposals gain traction in Oklahoma’s gubernatorial race, Oklahoma County Assessor Larry Stein cautions that eliminating or freezing property taxes without a replacement funding source could significantly impact schools, local governments and public services. [News 9] From OK Policy: Fact Sheet: Property taxes are vital to the health of local government in Oklahoma State Government News   Oklahoma regulator recommends a disputed mine expansion over the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer: A Department of Mines recommendation would allow a company to open a new mining pit over a fragile aquifer, despite concerns from residents who say the project threatens a critical water source and undermines the intent of a state moratorium. [The Frontier]   Federal Government News   Supreme Court agrees to weigh in on case over rights of some in ‘prolonged’ ICE detention: The Supreme Court agreed Monday to weigh in on the issue of whether some immigrants with criminal records can be detained indefinitely. [Oklahoma Voice]   Tribal Nations News   Oklahoma's tribal, local leaders discuss ties ahead of gubernatorial election: As the 38th Sovereignty Symposium convenes this week, municipal leaders and tribal leaders are using the final symposium before Oklahoma’s gubernatorial election as an opportunity to look ahead to a potential shift in state-tribal relations and the future of “co-governance” across the state. [The Oklahoman]   Cherokee Nation takes steps to end charter school agreement with the state: Citing a desire to incorporate more of the language and culture into instruction, Cherokee Nation is taking steps to transition its immersion school from a state-sanctioned charter school to an independent campus. [Tulsa World]   Voting and Election News   In-person early voting turnout up, Oklahoma election data shows: In-person early voting turnout is up from June’s primary election four years ago, according to state data. Just over 48,400 Oklahomans voted in person last week ahead of Tuesday’s election. [Oklahoma Voice] Early voting in Oklahoma primary elections jumps 104% from 2024 [The Oklahoman] Outside Money Ad Blitz Targets Oklahoma Legislative Candidates: From April 1 to June 15, outside groups spent nearly $3 million on Oklahoma House and Senate primaries. About 16% of the spending went to negative opposition ads. [Oklahoma Watch] New dark money groups emerge days before Oklahoma primary [The Oklahoman] SD 12 candidate Craig Stump accused of sexual misconduct with minors: Craig Stump, a former youth pastor and reserve deputy sheriff who is challenging incumbent Sen. Todd Gollihare in Tuesday’s primary election, was confronted at a May 28 Republican Party forum by a woman who said he spoke lewdly to her when she was a minor babysitting his children. [NonDoc] NOTE: This article contains material that may distress some readers. If you need support, call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors.  Election Roundup Mazzei, Drummond and Keating among top 10 spenders before Oklahoma election [The Oklahoman] Prediction markets favor Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma governor race [The Oklahoman] In governor’s race, Merrick, other GOP candidates outline policy ideas [NonDoc] Primary election will narrow crowded field in Oklahoma governor's race [KOSU] Oklahoma Republican candidates for governor focus on education ahead of June primary [KOCO] Oklahoma Chronicle: Meet the candidates running for state superintendent; US House District 5 (video) [KOCO] Pastor Jackson Lahmeyer says he 'crossed boundary' with texts [The Oklahoman] Education News   Tulsa Public Schools to sue former bond manager, vendors: Tulsa Public Schools’ board of education will pursue legal action against a former employee and three former vendors in connection with allegations of misappropriated bond money. [Tulsa World]   Health News   OKC MedTech company touts 10-minute heart disease test: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Diagnosing the condition typically requires a CT scan, but Oklahoma City-headquartered Acarix has developed a lower-cost, accessible alternative. [The Journal Record]   Justice System News   State inspection finds Oklahoma County jail failed standards: An Oklahoma State Department of Health inspection found the Oklahoma County Detention Center was not in substantial compliance with state standards, citing deficiencies involving inmate safety checks, property documentation, sanitation, facility maintenance and security. [News 9]   Federal jury convicts ex-Oklahoma jail deputy in detainee’s death, civil rights case: A federal jury has convicted a former detention deputy at the Garvin County Jail in Pauls Valley in connection with the death of pretrial detainee. [Fox 25]   Housing & Economic Opportunity News   Opinion: When Oklahoma invests in stable housing, we invest in people: When families have a stable home, children succeed in school, people remain in the workforce and communities thrive. Without that stability, even the strongest efforts falter. A home provides the foundation for stability, opportunity and economic growth. [Deborah Jenkins / The Oklahoman] From OK Policy: Oklahoma’s housing crisis met with legislative silence this session Economy & Business News   Get the Facts: Cushing's oil supply hits critical lows as possible Iran deal looms: Cushing, Oklahoma, is known as the Pipeline Crossroads of the World. Its oil tank farm, where crude oil is stored in massive structures, is one of only about 10 major hubs like it. But like many others, it's running low. [KOCO]   Oklahoma warns investors about suspected crypto fraud scheme: The Oklahoma Department of Securities is warning investors about a suspected cryptocurrency fraud scheme that may be targeting Oklahoma residents. The scheme involves BG Wealth Sharing Ltd and cryptocurrency trading platforms DSJ Exchange PTY Ltd and HQI Exchange. [The Journal Record]   Opinion: Screwworm is back in Oklahoma, but there's no reason to panic: The reason I'm writing this article is simple: awareness. Most Oklahomans have never seen a screwworm case, and many younger livestock producers have only heard about them from their parents or grandparents. But the number of reported cases is increasing, and it's something worth paying attention to. [Former State Rep. Mark McBride / The Oklahoman]   Community News   Dozens rescued from campground, animal shelter amid severe Oklahoma flooding: Floodwaters surged across parts of eastern Oklahoma over the weekend, stranding 15 campers and forcing an emergency evacuation at the Tahlequah animal shelter as rising water inundated the facility. [The Oklahoman]   Greenwood Trust making progress, executive director says: year after Mayor Monroe Nichols announced a plan to create a private charitable entity to address the many lingering harms caused by the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the Greenwood Trust is in place, the executive director is onboard and governing bodies are in place. [Tulsa World]   Oklahoma cities still under firework bans despite bill loosening regulations for some: As Independence Day approaches, Oklahoma cities are reminding residents that firework bans are still in place, despite the passage of the Rockets Red Glare Act, which allows the use of fireworks on private property. [KOSU]   Local Headlines Volunteer portal for 2028 Olympics set to open for Oklahoma City in July [News 9] Repair of sewer main under Oklahoma River threatens summer events [The Oklahoman] A 1968 photograph without a story inspired inspired one of Tulsa’s newest murals [The Oklahoma Eagle] 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.