Oklahoma News
Oklahomans voted against raising the minimum wage. Advocates are going back to the drawing board: More than half of Oklahoma voters who cast a ballot in the June election decided against increasing the state’s minimum wage. But advocates say they aren’t giving up. [Oklahoma Eagle]
States may soon owe millions of dollars for SNAP. Food advocates worry hunger will rise: Many states face a fast approaching deadline to lower their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment error rates or shoulder some of the federal program’s benefit costs. Food security groups worry this and other changes brought on by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could result in people losing aid. [Harvest Public Media via KOSU]
State Government News
Over 100 emergency laws take effect July 1 in Oklahoma: More than 100 emergency laws took effect in Oklahoma on July 1, covering topics from classroom cell phone policies to insulin affordability and criminal record expungement. [KSWO]
5 things to know about the PSO rate increase case being heard by state regulators: A controversial Public Service Co. of Oklahoma rate case remains under review by the Corporation Commission. PSO’s original proposal was to increase bills paid by average residential customers by $25 a month. PSO notified customers that it would apply an “interim” $11 increase to their monthly bills beginning on July 1, with the charge to continue until the rate case is resolved. A hearing on the case July 1 is expected to be followed by more scheduled proceedings next week. [Tulsa World]
OCC to consider Oklahoma’s first large load tariff as soon as Monday: The Oklahoma Corporation Commission may consider its first electricity rate designed solely for large-scale energy users as soon as Monday. The new rate was proposed by the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, which serves most or all of 45 counties across eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. [The Journal Record]
Long Story Short: Supreme Court Climax, Bail Scams, and AI Data Centers (podcast): A discussion about the climax of the State Farm and Hursh saga following a major Supreme Court ruling, an investigation into a surge in bail scams that victims say law enforcement is failing to adequately address, and a look at how a new $72 million transmission line built to relieve Oklahoma's power congestion has instead sparked secret real estate deals and attracted power-hungry AI data centers. [Oklahoma Watch]
Opinion: What Oklahomans should know about the state’s new tick testing law: Summertime in Oklahoma is ripe for outdoor activities like barbecuing, fishing, hiking and camping. But there’s something lurking in the grass that could ruin all the fun: ticks. Fortunately, a new law in Oklahoma could make it easier to test and track a dangerous tick-borne illness. [George W. Monks / Oklahoma Voice]
Federal Government News
Supreme Court ruling on citizenship is 'validation' for many Oklahomans: Oklahomans who advocate for immigrant rights are celebrating the U.S. Supreme Court decision to uphold birthright citizenship. But some members of the state’s Republican congressional delegation are criticizing the nation’s highest court for rejecting an order issued by President Donald Trump. [The Oklahoman]
Federal government sues Oklahoma City software giant Paycom, alleging disability discrimination: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, sued Paycom on Tuesday for alleged discrimination against an employee with a severe allergy. The complaint alleges that Paycom, the Oklahoma City-based payroll software company, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act when it failed to reasonably accommodate the employee and eventually terminated her. [KOSU]
White House budget director advocates more funding for own agency, cuts for others: White House budget director Russ Vought testified before a U.S. House panel Tuesday that his agency needs lawmakers to increase its annual budget, even though he hasn’t spent much of the $100 million Republicans approved in their “big, beautiful” law. [Oklahoma Voice]
Tribal Nations News
With fewer Native speakers than ever, Oklahoma’s tribes are fighting to save their languages: In November, Muscogee Nation Principal Chief David Hill signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency for the Mvskoke and Euchee languages. The order secures funding for immersion schools and language programs and outlines objectives to protect the language. About $5.4 million is dedicated in the tribe’s 2026 fiscal year budget for language departments and efforts. [Tulsa Flyer]
Cherokee podcaster uses critical Indigenous lens to examine U.S. History in 'First America': Rebecca Nagle shares her Independence Day plans and breaks down what you didn’t learn in American history class in conversation with KOSU. [KOSU]
Voting and Election News
10,000 Texts per Hour: How Campaigns Are Reaching Oklahoma Voters Whether They Like It or Not: Your cell phone buzzes as you’re driving down the highway, cooking dinner or trying to fall asleep. Maybe it’s a friend wanting to catch up or a family member with big news. It could even be work-related and require prompt attention. Or, perhaps the best bet, if an election is approaching, is yet another unsolicited text message from a political group trying to influence your vote. [Oklahoma Watch]
Education News
Education Watch: Commission to approve expanded pathways to teacher certification: A new law aims to give aspiring teachers more pathways to certification. It’s an effort to reduce the number of emergency certified teachers and improve the preparation of those stepping into the classroom. [Oklahoma Watch]
Health News
States gird for new Medicaid ‘medically frail’ rule: State Medicaid agencies are concerned that many sick and disabled enrollees will lose their coverage because the Trump administration is narrowing the definition of who is “medically frail” enough to get an exemption from new work requirements. [Oklahoma Voice]
Housing & Economic Opportunity News
State program that provides incentives to builders, homebuyers has begun filling its houses: A program created three years ago to make new, more affordable housing has invested $170.4 million to increase housing access across the state, a new report found. [Oklahoma Voice]
Local Headlines
- New Tulsa task force to strengthen domestic violence response locally [Tulsa World]
- Equality Gala asked, Tulsa answered [Public Radio Tulsa]
- Tulsa names first churches in faith-based housing initiative [The Journal Record]
- Fourth of July celebrations around Oklahoma City offer extra festivities for America’s 250th [The Journal Record]
