Oklahoma Voice
@oklahomavoice.com
We provide independent, nonpartisan reporting that holds officials accountable and expands knowledge of the political process. Read our content at oklahomavoice.com or subscribe to our newsletter at https://oklahomavoice.com/subscribe.
U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday rebuked the Department of Education’s efforts to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies. buff.ly/scfSNh1
Dems continue to hammer Trump Education Department transfers • Oklahoma Voice
U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday rebuked the Department of Education’s efforts to transfer its special education programs and civil rights enforcement to other agencies.
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The stopgap spending bill supported by an overwhelming majority of U.S. senators does not address tens of billions in expiring transportation funding, leaving states facing a massive effective budget cut starting Oct. 1. buff.ly/dyfbu94
Oklahoma would lose over $101M in state transportation funding under US Senate stopgap bill • Oklahoma Voice
The stopgap spending bill supported by an overwhelming majority of U.S. senators does not address tens of billions in expiring transportation funding, leaving states facing a massive effective budget…
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A nonpartisan state question appearing on Aug. 25 runoff ballots, which has vocal support from the state Capitol, has raised concerns that it could come at a cost to public schools. buff.ly/NKnCWbW
Oklahoma school leaders, state lawmakers at odds over State Question 844 • Oklahoma Voice
A state question coming before Oklahoma voters on Aug. 25 has split school district leaders and state lawmakers.
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U.S. acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was one step closer to permanently leading the Justice Department Tuesday, after Republicans voted to advance his nomination. buff.ly/Lgi702u
Blanche nomination for attorney general advanced by US Senate panel on party-line vote • Oklahoma Voice
U.S. acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was one step closer to permanently leading the Justice Department Tuesday, after two skeptical Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans voted to advance his…
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About $1.5 million in private donations are being used to train literacy coaches in 10 locations across Oklahoma as part of an effort to improve students’ reading proficiency, officials announced Tuesday. buff.ly/BlDexrT
Oklahoma schools to pilot privately-funded literacy coach program • Oklahoma Voice
About $1.5 million in private donations are being used to train literacy coaches in 10 locations across Oklahoma as part of an effort to improve students’ reading proficiency, officials announced…
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The University of Oklahoma’s president on Tuesday said he supports adding two interchanges along a planned turnpike route despite environmental concerns and local opposition. buff.ly/eMg4tuQ
University of Oklahoma president wades into turnpike interchange fight • Oklahoma Voice
The University of Oklahoma’s president on Tuesday said he supports adding two interchanges along a planned turnpike route despite environmental concerns and local opposition.
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Many states have made marked progress over the past two years in extending crucial care and benefits to children, workers and aging adults. But they will be hard-pressed to fill the void left by impending federal cuts to social services, according to a new analysis. buff.ly/Dq0eTRQ
Many states expanded care for children, older adults and workers • Oklahoma Voice
Many states have made marked progress over the past two years in extending crucial care and benefits to children, workers and aging adults. But they will be hard-pressed to fill the void left by…
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Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, on Sunday said Rep. Max Miller, also of Ohio and his former son-in-law, is not fit to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as he faces allegations of domestic abuse from his ex-wife, who is Moreno’s daughter. buff.ly/rzQzmMk
Ohio US Sen. Moreno says former son-in-law Rep. Max Miller unfit to serve in Congress • Oklahoma Voice
WASHINGTON — Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, on Sunday said Rep. Max Miller, also of Ohio and his former son-in-law, is not fit to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as he faces allegations of…
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More than 20,000 unaccompanied immigrant children Monday lost their legal representation because the Trump administration has not entered into a new agreement to take over their legal services after it let a longstanding contract with a nonprofit expire. buff.ly/sCbDbDS
Legal services contract expires, and unaccompanied immigrant children face deportation • Oklahoma Voice
More than 20,000 unaccompanied immigrant children Monday lost their legal representation because the Trump administration has not entered into a new agreement to take over their legal services.
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The U.S. Senate voted Monday to advance a bipartisan measure to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11 and pause the Trump administration’s effort to add controversial new criteria for federal grants. buff.ly/d6GMK1X
Spending deal freezes Trump proposal to gain power over federal grants, extends highway law • Oklahoma Voice
The U.S. Senate voted Monday to advance a bipartisan measure to keep the federal government funded through Dec. 11 and pause the Trump administration’s effort to add controversial new criteria for…
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Mullin focused on cooperation in Oklahoma, where 76 of the state’s 77 counties are working with the federal government to remove immigrants before they are released from jails and prisons. oklahomavoice.com/2026/08/03/r...
Trump official urges governors to help with immigration arrests of ‘worst of the worst’ at Oklahoma event • Oklahoma Voice
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin this weekend implored states and cities to cooperate with federal immigration officials, which he said would lead to safer and lower-profile arrests…
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Oklahoma Voice released its Aug. 25 primary runoff voter guide to help Oklahomans learn more about two nonpartisan state questions and the partisan candidates who will appear on the ballot. You can check out the free guide here. buff.ly/2kNcROx
Voter Guide: 2026 Oklahoma Primary Runoff Election • Oklahoma
From Oklahoma Voice | Your capital. Your voice.
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ICYMI: A Bryan County man’s decision to post a 40-minute rant about his ex-wife on YouTube doesn’t constitute stalking, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled. buff.ly/AxCFa7u
Oklahoma appeals court tosses out stalking conviction related to man’s YouTube rant • Oklahoma Voice
A Bryan County man’s decision to post a 40-minute rant about his ex-wife on YouTube doesn’t constitute stalking, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled.
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A GOP candidate and teacher running for statewide office said he removed campaign footage filmed in his public school classroom. buff.ly/gzM8wE2
Oklahoma candidate deletes campaign content filmed in school classroom • Oklahoma Voice
An Oklahoma political candidate and teacher removed campaign content he said he filmed from his public school classroom.
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Congressional lawmakers and independent experts said this week none of those disclosures are enough to give a meaningful boost to the Trump administration’s relentless quest to purge noncitizens from voter rolls. buff.ly/xl08MyF
Flap over noncitizens on state voter rolls seen as unlikely to boost SAVE America Act • Oklahoma Voice
Congressional lawmakers and independent experts said this week none of those disclosures are enough to give a meaningful boost to the Trump administration’s relentless quest to purge noncitizens from…
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Oklahoma’s Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt handed the gavel to Moore, a Democrat, on Saturday. Over the course of the organization’s summer meeting, the pair repeatedly touted their close personal friendship as a model for more civil public discourse in these politically divisive times. buff.ly/r7iV4uA
Moore touts friendship with GOP governor as he takes over national association • Oklahoma Voice
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore officially took over as National Governors Association chair Saturday, assuming the prominent position just ahead of a high-stakes national election that could reset the…
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Opinion: No resource is more critical to our state’s future than water. Yet the state agency entrusted with ensuring that our water resources are being managed appropriately is dispatching a clear SOS that they’re in over their heads. buff.ly/JMyLGVC
What's an Oklahoma water board to do about a lake running dry? Let's start with their job. • Oklahoma Voice
No resource is more critical to our state’s future than water. Yet the state agency entrusted with ensuring that our water resources are being managed appropriately is dispatching a clear SOS that…
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The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has unveiled a new look for some of its motorcycles. buff.ly/MY4jNhx
Oklahoma Highway Patrol unveils new look for motorcycles patrolling urban areas • Oklahoma Voice
In a nod to its historic colors, Oklahoma Highway Patrol introduced a black-and-white wrap for some of its vehicles, including motorcycles.
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Democrat Jim Priest talks tariffs, bipartisan problem-solving ahead of Oklahoma's U.S. Senate runoff
Democrat Jim Priest talks tariffs, bipartisan problem-solving ahead of Oklahoma Senate runoff • Oklahoma Voice
Jim Priest is running as a Democrat for U.S. Senate.
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Democrat Jasmine Thomas hopes lived experience will propel her to Oklahoma's U.S. Senate seat, KOSU reports
Democrat Jasmine Thomas hopes lived experience will propel her to Oklahoma Senate seat • Oklahoma Voice
N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas is running as a Democrat for U.S. Senate.
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A Bryan County man’s decision to post a 40-minute rant about his ex-wife on YouTube doesn’t constitute stalking, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled. buff.ly/AxCFa7u
Oklahoma appeals court tosses out stalking conviction related to man’s YouTube rant • Oklahoma Voice
A Bryan County man’s decision to post a 40-minute rant about his ex-wife on YouTube doesn’t constitute stalking, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ruled.
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Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged during his confirmation hearing to do everything in his “power to put the health of America back on track.”
String of outbreaks tests US public health system amid funding cuts, vaccine resistance • Oklahoma Voice
Public health experts said the upswing in outbreaks is the result of several factors, but a decision to cut back the country’s safety net while spreading misinformation about vaccines has aggravated…
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President Donald Trump announced an initiative Thursday for veterans to quickly obtain commercial driver’s licenses, as the administration attempts to fill vacancies in the industry after pausing license renewals for foreign-born truck drivers.
Trump looks to veterans to fill trucking jobs after booting immigrants from industry • Oklahoma Voice
President Donald Trump announced an initiative Thursday for veterans to quickly obtain commercial driver’s licenses, as the administration attempts to fill vacancies in the industry after pausing…
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Today is the last day for Oklahomans to register to vote for the Aug. 25 runoff election. buff.ly/jRgZwBn
Deadline for Oklahomans to register, update voter information nears • Oklahoma Voice
Oklahomans looking to vote in August's runoff election have until July 31 to register to vote or update their voter registration.
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A district judge on Thursday ruled an Oklahoma couple can challenge the constitutionality of a state law that only lets funeral directors sell caskets. buff.ly/Slvm7QO
Oklahoma couple challenges casket law after state hands them $4,000 fine • Oklahoma Voice
A district judge on Thursday ruled an Oklahoma couple can challenge the constitutionality of a state law that only lets funeral directors sell caskets.
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A scheduled meeting between Blanche and Cornyn, a member of Judiciary, fell through Wednesday morning. Cornyn said he did not receive requested documentation that President Donald Trump’s tax settlement deal with the IRS was fundamentally changed.
Grassley postpones vote in US Senate panel on Blanche nomination for AG • Oklahoma Voice
A vote on acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to permanently fill the nation’s top law enforcement role was postponed Wednesday after two Republican senators remained dissatisfied with…
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President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Labor breezed through a key U.S. Senate committee vote Thursday to advance his nomination.
US Senate panel advances Trump Labor Department nominee • Oklahoma Voice
President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the U.S. Department of Labor breezed through a key U.S. Senate committee vote Thursday to advance his nomination.
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Dr. Erica Schwartz got a step closer in her bid to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after a key U.S. Senate panel propelled her nomination to the Senate floor Thursday. oklahomavoice.com/2026/07/30/r...
US Senate panel backs Trump’s CDC nominee after tense hearing • Oklahoma Voice
Erica Schwartz got a step closer in her bid to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after a key U.S. Senate panel propelled her nomination to the Senate floor Thursday.
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A state governing body will allocate up to $150,000 to a private Georgia university despite concerns from some lawmakers that Oklahomans intended for the funding to remain in state. buff.ly/z5LqWvy
TSET to continue contract with Georgia university despite Oklahoma lawmaker concerns • Oklahoma Voice
Oklahoma's TSET will keep contracting Emory University despite some lawmakers' concerns the funding should have gone to an in-state school.
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Fauci said during a brief opening statement he believed Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul, R-Ky., was trying to get him to make statements under oath that would lead to criminal charges.
Fauci pleads the Fifth to COVID questions by US Sen. Rand Paul at intense hearing • Oklahoma Voice
Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of the nation’s most visible public health officials during the coronavirus pandemic, declined to answer questions from a U.S. Senate committee in a tense and confrontational…
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