This Week in Oklahoma Politics

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt signing a bill to reduce the top income tax bracket by .25%, a legal challenge coming to a new law restricting initiative petitions and the U.S. Supreme Court blocking a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma.The trio also discusses a waiver issued by parents and advocates for students to opt-out of materials championed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and lawmakers providing a $100,000 bonus to prosecutors who a fighting an ongoing battle over tribal sovereignty.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about a budget deal announcement from Governor Stitt and legislative leaders, new information on a review of the State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and a Senate Committee's approval of three nominations for the State Board of Education.The trio also discusses the halt of Oklahoma's controversial immigration law by a federal judge and Governor Stitt using his veto pen more this year than at any other time in his tenure.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt picking an attorney to investigate the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, new social studies standards from Superintendent Ryan Walters facing a legal challenge and the State Senate blocking a Board of Education rule requiring citizenship status of public school students.The trio also discusses new numbers showing who is taking advantage of Oklahoma's private school tax vouchers and the comments section for Governor Stitt's DOGE-OK portal not getting the results he was probably hoping for.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about more testimony from the struggling Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the U.S. Supreme Court taking up the issue of a Catholic charter school in Oklahoma and one of Gov. Kevin Stitt's four nominees to the State Board of Education failing to get a sponsor.The trio also discusses the Ethics Commission's dismissal of an investigation against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett and Texas lawmakers choose to not fund their portion of the Heartland Flyer.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about controversial social studies standards surviving a deadline at the State Capitol, Governor Stitt appointing a new person to the State Board of Education and the governor's task force on March wildfires releases its first report.The trio also discusses the final month of the 2025 state legislature as lawmakers work to craft a budget for the fiscal year starting on July First and the Oklahoma Arts Council cancels its biennial conference amid uncertainty in state and federal funding.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about State Superintendent Ryan Walters crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion and a four-hour hearing in the State House over concerns with the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse ServicesThe trio also discusses Governor Stitt calling for more power over picking supreme court justices and the impact of Trump Administration tariffs on Oklahoma farmers.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt ordering a review of contractors in state agencies, the Department of Mental Health is asking for an extra $6.2M this fiscal year to continue services through June and a Woodward lawyer is taking a seat on the state Supreme Court.The trio also discusses the candidacy of House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson who becomes the first Democrat to run for governor in 2026 and the Republican Party suing to stop a state question designed to open primaries to all voters.

April 19, 2025 marks 30 years since a bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. 168 people were killed — including 19 children — and hundreds more were injured. It forever shaped our community."That April Morning: The Oklahoma City Bombing" is a production of KOSU, KGOU, StateImpact Oklahoma and our partners with the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt's fight against the Oklahoma Forestry Service heating up, Governor Stitt's DOGE-OK release a report calling for major shifts in policy and a mental health program in Tulsa gets funding after originally being cut by the state.The trio also discusses tribal leaders raising concerns about cuts to the federal Health and Human Services agency and a new effort has started on legalizing recreational marijuana in the state.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the State Board of Education meeting canceled over concerns of violating the Open Meetings Act, Democrats at the State Capitol filing resolutions to reject social studies standards from the SBE and Superintendent Ryan Walters suing a national watchdog group over religion in public schools.The trio also talks about Governor Stitt and Attorney General Gentner Drummond trading jabs over religion in public schools and Stitt coming under fire for critical remarks against the former state forestry chief over recent wildfires.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Leader Emily Virgin about President Trump's executive order calling for the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, State Superintendent Ryan Walters legal victory in a case regarding anti-bullying enforcement and a legal fight between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation getting two new participants: Governor Stitt and tribal freedmen.The trio also discusses the State Health Department's creation of a measles outbreak page on its website and the State Insurance Commissioner warning of increased premiums if ACA subsidies are allowed to expire at the end of the year.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about a settlement between State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Ethics Commission over his use of social media to support President Trump, Governor Stitt's support of cuts by Elon Musk and DOGE and the Trump Administration announces it is investigating the OU School of Community Medicine.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond hiring a former colleague and mentee of Chief Justice John Roberts to argue the case of an OKC Catholic charter school and lawmakers amended a bill to ban homeless shelters and services outside of Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Join us for a celebration of the life of KOSU friend and colleague, and host of This Week in Oklahoma Politics, Ryan Kiesel.It's come-and-go on Thursday, March 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City.It'll be a night of laughter, music and making new friends -- all passions of Ryan's.All fundraising will go to benefit the Oliver and Claire Kiesel Education Fund and KOSU.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about Governor Stitt joining other states in asking to have a seat at the table in federal cuts and layoffs, the State Supreme Court puts a pause on plans by Superintendent Ryan Walters for Bibles and Bible curriculum in classrooms and Superintendent Walters questioning the integrity of school test scores released by his agency.The trio also discusses state lawmakers passing legislation allowing Board of Education members more access to the agenda and a bill heading to the Senate making it harder for initiative petitions to get on the ballot.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about Attorney General Gentner Drummond criticizing State Superintendent Ryan Walters over an opinion request, the State Board of Education voting in favor of new controversial social studies standards and a scathing audit against Tulsa Public Schools.The trio also discusses a ruling in a challenge to Governor Stitt's return-to-work order for state employees and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation touring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about an announcement from Governor Stitt concerning a partnership with Oklahoma and the federal government over immigration enforcement, a lawsuit against Stitt over his order for state employees to return to in-office work and State Superintendent Ryan Walters asks for a legal opinion from Attorney General Getner Drummond regarding a Trump executive order on federal funding for undocumented students.The trio also talks about a report from the Oklahoma Tax Commission showing more than 20% of private school tax credits went to families making more than $250,000 and the 2026 races for Attorney General and State Superintendent get their first candidates.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic State House Speaker Steve Lewis about Governor Stitt firing three members of the State Board of Education and nominating three replacements and an audit of the Tulsa Public School District.The trio also discusses legislative leaders pulling back on Governor Stitt's tax cut plan and Operation Guardian to identify, arrest and deport illegal immigrants gets underway.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic State House Speaker Steve Lewis about the untimely passing of our colleague Ryan Kiesel who died last week after a long battle with cancer as well as Governor Stitt's State of the State Address and executive budget to kick off the 60th Legislative Session.The trio also discusses lawmakers questioning the budget request by State Superintendent Ryan Walters along with his ask for $3M to buy Bibles and the OSU Board of Regents accepting the resignation of President Kayse Shrum.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt kicked off the legislative session with his seventh annual State of the State address on Monday. The Governor laid out his policy priorities for the session: which include cutting state income taxes, keeping state agency budgets flat, and ending fines, fees and court costs to reform the criminal justice system. He also called for the elimination of virtual days in K-12 schools, as well as a cell phone ban in those schools. His priorities and those of state lawmakers don't always align, but Stitt's speech gives us a glimpse into what the GOP-dominated legislature will consider during this session. We'll have more coverage and offer context on the radio, on this podcast, and online at KOSU.org.

Ryan Kiesel, a civil rights lawyer, former Oklahoma state lawmaker, political consultant and KOSU commentator, died Friday at the age of 45 following a long battle with cancer.Kiesel was a political commentator on KOSU's weekly radio program and podcast This Week in Oklahoma Politics, hosted by Michael Cross. For 13 years, Kiesel sat opposite Republican political consultant Neva Hill, as they provided analysis and discussion of the week's political and state government news.We have more about Kiesel's life and legacy and KOSU.org.You can leave your remembrances of him by clicking the ‘Contact Us' page at KOSU.org.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Speaker Steve Lewis sitting in for Ryan Kiesel about President Trump's executive order to freeze federal funding grants, the State Board of Education advancing a new rule requiring parents to give citizenship status upon enrollment of their children and State Superintendent Ryan Walters announcing Oklahoma history standards had changed to include the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley.The trio also discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to take up a Catholic charter school in OKC and the State Supreme Court making a ruling over tribal compacts.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Speaker Steve Lewis about an upcoming subpoena from the Ethics Commission to State Superintendent Ryan Walters concerning his run for office in 2022, Governor Stitt's call to create an Oklahoma State Guard and bills to watch as we get ready to kick off the 60th legislative session on February 3rd.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond's decision to join other state's in suing the Environmental Protection Agency and electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo filing for bankruptcy after getting state incentives

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Speaker Steve Lewis sitting in for Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing an executive order allowing colleges and foundations to pay for student athletes name, image or likeness and Superintendent Ryan Walters announcing a lawsuit against federal officials for costs associate with educating immigrant children.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond announcing his run for governor and a new study showing Oklahoma ranks fourth nationally for incarceration rates.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former House Speaker Steve Lewis about a video from State Superintendent Ryan Walters attacking teachers and teachers' unions, Oklahoma County ending its lawsuit against OKC over the location of a new jail and supporters of an open primary ballot measure refiling their initiative petition with the Secretary of State.The trio also discusses Organizational Day at the State Capitol for lawmakers to elect leaders and adopt rules for the coming legislative session and three Republican representatives appeal a $127M OG&E rate increase to the State Supreme Court.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break during the holidays, but never fear, Neva, Ryan and Michael are returning to discuss all the things going on at the State Capitol and beyond starting on January 9th, 2025.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the State Supreme Court refusing to issue a prohibition against Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, resignations at the Pardon and Parole Board cause delays in a clemency hearing for a death row inmate and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority increases tolls across the state effective January First.The trio also discusses the creation of an online portal for Oklahomans to discuss government efficiency and state agencies make budget requests to lawmakers for the next fiscal year asking for $833M more than last year.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the State Department of Education buying 532 Trump-endorsed Bibles for nearly $25K, Superintendent Ryan Walters mandating schools show a video of him announcing his Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism along with him praying for President-elect Trump and a new initiative petition to open the primary election process to everyone.The trio also discusses Governor Stitt's "Operation Guardian" to deport convicted criminals who are also undocumented immigrants and an agreement over the settlement of a class-action lawsuit regarding the mental health treatment of inmates.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a busy week for State Superintendent Ryan Walters preparing for President-elect Trump to take office and possibly dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, Governor Stitt creating an Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and Senate Republican and Democrats electing new leadership.The trio also discusses the State Supreme Court taking up the case of Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett over allegations he groped a man who works for a utility company regulated by the agency and could Senator Markwayne Mullin or any other Oklahoman get a job in the new Trump Administration.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the 2024 General Elections in our state including the Presidential race where for the third time in a row, all 77 counties voted in favor of now President-Elect Donald Trump, two of the three state Supreme Court justices up for retention votes will stay in their seats while another was ousted by just 7,000 votes and it was a split for State Questions as one failed and another passed.The trio also discusses races for and the make up of the state legislature and Tulsa elects its first Black mayor.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a new report following an investigation against the State Department of Education and Superintendent Ryan Walters, an update on campaign expenditures showing how much has been spent so far this election cycle and Oklahoma's Chief Information Officer resigns after entering a settlement agreement with the Ethics Commission.The trio also discusses a request by a state lawmaker and the NAACP to investigate the Department of Human Services and new laws taking effect this week.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a lawsuit against State Superintendent Ryan Walters mandate to put Bibles in every classroom, a new report on Oklahoma's private school tax credit showing barriers for families and the U.S. Supreme Court agreeing to hear Oklahoma's challenge to a E.P.A. decision to move lawsuits to a Washington, D.C. court.The trio also discusses the General Election including the two state questions on the ballot.

This Week in Oklahoma is taking a short hiatus during the fall break and will return next week.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a Request for Proposal on bids for 55,000 Bibles for Oklahoma classrooms, Attorney General Gentner Drummond sends a scathing letter to Superintendent Ryan Walters over a delay in getting inhalers to schools and a statewide charter board want the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the case of a Catholic charter school.The trio also discusses a board led by Governor Stitt rejecting a consent decree by AG Drummond over mental health treatment of inmates and the appointment of Sterling Zearley as interim director of the Tourism Department to replace Shelley Zumwalt.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the State Supreme Court giving the go ahead for an investigation of Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett, State Superintendent Ryan Walters requesting $6 million to put Bibles in every public school classroom as well as $500,000 for school personnel firearm training and Gov. Kevin Stitt undergoing heart surgery without notifying his next in succession.The trio also discusses Stitt proposing a new car tag compact with the Cherokee Nation and Shelley Zumwalt stepping down as Executive Director of the Tourism Department.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a federal judge ruling against State Superintendent Ryan Walters in his legal battle with Oklahoma City television station KFOR, Attorney General Gentner Drummond asking an appellate court to overturn the injunction against Oklahoma's new anti-illegal immigration law and a consent decree to bring more mental health treatment with inmates in county jails.The trio also talks about private school tax credits lacking transparency and more than 450,000 Oklahoma voters removed from the rolls.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about three Republican lawmakers calling on the state Supreme Court to disqualify Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett from utility rate hike cases, investigation against State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Department of Education and ethics questions regarding a southeast Oklahoma representative over green-energy projects on his land.The trio also discuses accusations against an organization behind the boycott of banks who support environmental, social and governance policies and the State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse removes harm reduction vending machines.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about State Question 832 to increase the minimum wage getting pushed for a vote in June of 2026, the recount for Tulsa mayor ends with no significant changes and State Superintendent Ryan Walters along with the Board of Education face a couple of legal issues in the past week.The trio also discusses the U.S. Department of Education giving $59M to Oklahoma for student literacy programs and Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert is leaving her position.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the expected changes in the state legislature after summer primary and runoff elections, a group of far right Republicans announce the creation of the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus and State Superintendent Ryan Walters' Bible mandate.The trio also discusses a judge rejecting the consent decree announced by Attorney General Gentner Drummond to improve mental health in Oklahoma jails and what stories did we miss during our summer hiatus?

This week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break for the summer months. Ryan, Neva and Michael will be returning on September 6th. In the meantime, stay up to date with the latest Oklahoma news by subscribing to the KOSU Daily podcast and keep up today at KOSU.org.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the State Supreme Court ruling against a Catholic charter school finding it unconstitutional, Governor Stitt creating advisors rather than cabinet members to avoid state law banning people from holding two separate offices.The trio also discusses Stitt's approval of controversial State Department of Education rules championed by Superintendent Ryan Walters and the State Senate is meeting in another special session next month.Mentioned in this episode:Oklahoma State Medical Association

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the primary elections, spending by State Superintendent Ryan Walters on public relations and the State Supreme Court ruling in favor of Edmond Public Schools to choose which books to keep in its library.The trio also discusses the decision by a federal judge to block portions of a law to ban school classes on certain racial and gender topics and Governor Stitt calling on Oklahoma agencies to prepare for a conflict between the U.S. and ChinaMentioned in this episode:Oklahoma State Medical Association

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the upcoming primary elections, Governor Stitt's call for a special session to consider his nomination of Mike Holder to the Board of Regents for A&M Colleges and Oklahoma County Commissioners moving forward with the purchase of land near Del City for a new jail.The Trio also discusses a decision by an Oklahoma County judge saying gubernatorial cabinet members cannot be dual office holders and the same judge also rules in favor of opponents of a Catholic charter schools.Mentioned in this episode:Oklahoma State Medical Association

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the nearly $12.5B budget passed by lawmakers in the waning days of the 2024 legislative session as well as an overview of the session itself.The trio also discusses lawmakers wanting an inquiry by the attorney general of the top adviser for State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the governor's announcement of a partnership between the state and Google to provide instruction on artificial intelligence.Mentioned in this episode:Oklahoma State Medical Association