This Week in Oklahoma Politics

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civic Leader Andy Moore and Legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies about Senate leaders unveiling their $254M education plan using money from teachers' retirement, a look back at the first month of the 2026 legislative session and an audit of the State Department of Education under then-Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond providing $1M to five organizations helping victims of human trafficking and OKC Republican Representative Chris Kannady planning to run for attorney general.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civic Leader Andy Moore and Legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies about new budget numbers for state lawmakers for the 2027 fiscal year starting in July, a fiscal impact for the House Speakers literacy legislation coming in at about $75M and Mustang Public Schools suspending 122 students for participating in I.C.E. protests.The trio also discusses the Trump Administration's Department of Justice asking Oklahoma election officials for confidential voter information and a new study showing state workers make 50% less in pay than their private sector counterparts.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civic Leader Andy Moore and Legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies about a state board denying the application of a Jewish charter school, Governor Stitt signing legislation to ban protests at places of worship and President Trump calling Governor Stitt a Republican in Name Only over invitations to a White House summit.The trio also discusses Governor Stitt signing two executive orders impacting higher education in Oklahoma and a Republican rancher and businessman wins a special election in the northern Oklahoma House District 35.

Oklahoma City voters will have a chance to cast their ballots on Tuesday, Feb. 10 in the election for the city's mayor, which is a nonpartisan and part-time position. KOSU's Abigail Siatkowski spoke with the only two candidates in the race: incumbent mayor David Holt and challenger Matthew Pallares. You'll hear from both of them in this episode.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt's State of the State Address where he talked about making medical marijuana illegal again, changes to Medicaid Expansion, abolishing the Oklahoma Secondary School Athletic Association and more.The trio also discusses the leader of the Senate removing Shawnee Republican Senator Shane Jett from his leadership positions and Devon Energy's announcement to leave Oklahoma City for Houston, Texas.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt kicked off the 2026 legislative session with his eighth and final State of the State address on Monday. After boasting about his accomplishments over the past seven years, the governor laid out his policy priorities for the session. Those include bolstering school choice by removing the cap on the Parental Choice Tax Credit, as well as eliminating the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA), which organizes and regulates secondary school athletics and activity competitions in the state. Stitt expressed his desire for the governor to appoint a superintendent of public education rather than the voters electing one, saying it is better for leadership alignment. It's important to note that Stitt appointed Ryan Walters as his Secretary of Education before endorsing Walters in his race for Superintendent. Then, Stitt found himself at odds with Walters during his brief tenure in office. Stitt also called for the creation of three state questions: one to cap recurring spending growth, specifically making adjustments to Medicaid expansion. Another proposed state question would freeze property tax growth and a third would overturn State Question 788, which made medical marijuana legal in Oklahoma. The governor's policy priorities are essentially his wish list. He still has to get lawmakers on board to accomplish these, but his priorities and those of state lawmakers don't always align. Thank you to OETA for providing the audio feed of the speech. We'll have more coverage and offer context on the radio, on this podcast, and online at KOSU.org. 

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civic Leader Andy Moore and Legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies about supporters of a state question to open primaries in Oklahoma turning in their signatures, Governor Stitt's response to the violence from immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota and Stitt kicking off the 2026 legislative session with his final State of the State address.The trio also talks about Governor Stitt's plan to create an online school choice resource hub and OKC Democratic Representative Ajay Pittman resigning her seat after felony charges.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civic Leader Andy Moore and Legislative Advisor Jennifer Monies about state lawmakers getting ready for the 2026 legislative session next month, Senator Lankford and local officials seeking answers about an I.C.E. detention center in Oklahoma City and the Islamic Society of Tulsa looking into possible legal action after development for a mosque was blocked in Broken Arrow.The trio also discusses a petition from State Treasurer Todd Russ to the Supreme Court to avoid a deposition of his office's use of a self-deleting app for messaging and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt's support of State Question 836 to open primaries in the state.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill has decided to hang up the microphone after 27 years on KOSU. Morning Edition Host Michael Cross and Executive Director Rachel Hubbard talk to Neva about her time on our air as well as changes she has seen in politics since she began in 1998Over the next several months, we'll have a rotating group of people sitting in the chair as we look for Neva's replacement. So, don't worry, the show isn't going anywhere.Also, if you have a special note you would like to share with Neva, please send it to us through our contact form at kosu.org/contact.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break over the holidays and will return in the new year. You can stay up to date on the latest news at KOSU.org.You can listen on the NPR App or the KOSU Daily Podcast.You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok or InstagramHave a safe and happy holidays and a Happy New Year

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the State Supreme Court ending controversial social studies standards, a new group forms to represent Oklahoma independent voters as they are getting left out of all political primaries for at least the next two years and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission allows OG&E to move forward with $506M in new projects.The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond getting out of a lawsuit against ClassWallet and Governor Stitt criticizing President Trump's efforts to halt wind projects.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt approving the deployment of 160 National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. and Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett refusing to recuse himself from an OG&E case.The trio also discusses Stitt setting a special election to fill the seat of an OKC Democrat to coincide with next year's election dates and a delay by the Ethics Commission to launch a website to monitor campaign finances.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about a state question to eliminate property taxes in the state, concerns from homelessness advocates over new guidelines from the Trump Administration and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation hiring its own attorney rather than using the Attorney General over a lawsuit on tribal hunting and fishing.The trio also discusses the hopes of Oklahoma Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections and the State of Oklahoma naming its first ever artificial intelligence officer.

One Lucky Cowboy: The Life of Burns Hargis by Bob Burke and Gary Schutt goes through Hargis' life and career and includes stories you will have never heard before, from his train-robbing ancestor to how he met his wife and stole her away from a professional football player.KOSU's Matthew Viriyapah spoke with author Burke and Burns about the process of writing the book.One Lucky Cowboy: The Life of Burns Hargis is available now.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break over the Thanksgiving Day weekend.You can still get the latest news and information on our website at KOSU.org.We will return to our regularly scheduled time next week.In the meantime, have a safe and happy turkey day from all of us here at KOSU.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about a Florida-based Jewish organization considering a religious charter school in Oklahoma, the State Supreme Court ruling in favor of Governor Stitt over his cabinet picks and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority putting a pause on an anti-abortion executive order from Governor Stitt.The trio also discusses the governor's battle with tribes over their citizens hunting and fishing without state-issued licenses and a pay raise for elected officials.

Although Congress voted to reopen the government, the long pause on funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, continues to drive up demand at Oklahoma food pantries even as some benefit recipients see partial payouts.In this special episode, Michael Cross talks with KOSU's Lionel Ramos about his visit to food pantries in the Oklahoma City area. This episode also includes a report from KOSU's Anna Pope.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the failure of an initiative petition to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma, a new investigation on a state-owned vehicle issued to an assistant to former Superintendent Ryan Walters and the resignation of Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Forrest Bennett.The trio also discusses a judges decision to not sanction the state mental health agency for failing to get treatment to inmates and a proposal from Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols for a vote to raise sales taxes for police, fire, homelessness along with other needs.

KOSU recently hosted Mary Louise Kelly in Oklahoma City. She co-anchors NPR's afternoon news show, All Things Considered, and has written several books. Mary Louise is also well-known for her work creating NPR's national security beat, which launched in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.This conversation was held at Oklahoma City Community College on November 4, 2025, in front of an audience full of KOSU members. We also wanted to share Mary Louise's insights with those who couldn't make it to the event. A special thanks to our partners at ArtDesk and Home Creations for making this event possible.Please enjoy this conversation between NPR host Mary Louise Kelly and KOSU Executive Director Rachel Hubbard.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the governor and legislative leaders approving $7M from the state's emergency fund for food banks amid SNAP cuts and the federal shutdown, calls growing for a special session to provide even more food assistance funding and the state Department of Human Services furloughing employees as the shutdown reaches historic levels.Signature gathering begins for State Question 836 to open primaries to all voters regardless of party and a state lawmaker calling for the investigation of a former Department of Corrections director who worked out a deal with an artificial intelligence company and then to a job with the same company.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cros talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt's Operation: SAFE to move people out of homeless encampments expanding to OKC, new State Superintendent Lindel Fields continue 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.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about moves by new State Superintendent Lindel Fields to undo initiatives championed by his predecessor, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission files a lawsuit against Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Ajay Pittman and state lawmakers investigating the use of automated license plate readers.The trio also discusses the "No Kings" rallies held in Oklahoma and OKC joining the city of Los Angeles in recognizing 1,000 days until the 2028 Summer Olympics.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about Governor Stitt opposing President Trump's use of Texas National Guard troops in American cities like Chicago and Portland, the State Supreme Court striking down a law creating business courts championed by Governor Stitt and five Republicans and one Democrat file for State House seat vacated by Ty Burns.The trio also discusses the start of signature gathering for State Question 836 to open primaries for all candidates regardless of party affiliation and a new report shows the reason for the longevity of tolls on Oklahoma turnpikes. 

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about new State Superintendent Lindel Fields taking over the Department of Education, former State Superintendent Ryan Walters facing an investigation from the Ethics Commission and Governor Stitt making other changes to education in Oklahoma.The trio also the state entering into a $100M contract with a private prison group to house undocumented migrants and OKC voters deciding on a $2.7B bond.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the official resignation of Ryan Walters as state superintendent, a democratic lawmaker calling for an investigation of Walters over his association with Teachers' Freedom Alliance and a crackdown on illegal immigration by the Highway Patrol on I-40 in western Oklahoma.The trio also discusses a report showing the fiscal impact on the state if local communities remove fluoride from their water supplies and the City of Lawton using artificial intelligence on recommendations to deal with homelessness.

NPR journalist and host Mary Louise Kelly recently launched a national security podcast, Sources & Methods, where she discusses the biggest national security news of the week with NPR correspondents.In this bonus podcast, KOSU's Michael Cross visits with her about the new podcast and previews her upcoming visit to Oklahoma City on Nov. 4.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he's quitting as the top education official in Oklahoma.The trio also discusses the Ethics Commission ordering the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission to dissolve over campaign violations along with its president facing cockfighting attendance charges, state officials pushing the FCC to allow for cellphone jamming technology in jails and prisons and the District Attorneys' Council asking lawmakers for an extra $500,000 for a unit to handle death penalty cases.

Oklahoma's State Superintendent Ryan Walters is declaring every high school in the state will have a Turning Point USA chapter in the wake of the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But it's unclear what impact his declaration will have.The conservative youth group is seeing a surge in popularity following the assassination of its founder.In an announcement sent to parents, Walters said Oklahoma high schools need to get with the trend. Although a new chapter requires local student and faculty buy-in and action, Walters is declaring that all Oklahoma high schools — public, private, and even homeschool settings — must have a chapter.“This is a battle for the future of the country,” Walters said in a Zoom interview in the hours following his declaration.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the State Supreme Court clearing the way for an initiative petition to change primary elections in Oklahoma, the high court also putting a hold on controversial social studies standards and Superintendent Ryan Walters threatening the teaching licenses of educators who comment on the death of Charlie Kirk.The trio also discusses a special election to replace Representative Ty Burns who resigned amid allegations of domestic violence and Attorney General Gentner Drummond releases a legal opinion on obscene material in drag shows.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former Democratic House Minority Leader Emily Virgin about the governor's crackdown on homeless encampments in Tulsa, Attorney General Gentner Drummond taking issue with the resignation of the head of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and Stitt-appointed members of the State Board of Education calling a special meeting in defiance of Superintendent Ryan Walters.The trio also discusses a call by Walters to expand a Prager-U backed "America First" test to all out of state teachers and a Democratic state lawmaker calls for an AG's opinion on the legality of a new governor's mansion.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civic Leader Andy Moore about the resignation of a state lawmaker who pleaded guilty to domestic abuse and other charges, a federal judge blocking in-state tuition for undocumented worker and the attorney general saying the Highway Patrol must keep troopers in metropolitan areas.The trio also discusses a special meeting of the State Board of Education and the Oklahoma Capitol Preservation Commission approves plans for a new governor's mansion.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with StateImpact health reporter Jillian Taylor about the rising number of parents choosing to not vaccinate their children as schools get ready to accept students back into classrooms.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with State Capitol reporter Lionel Ramos about how local law enforcement in the state is approaching the task of implementing federal immigration laws.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with mental health and addiction reporter Sierra Pfeifer about how some inmates who need mental health treatment are languishing in jail as they wait for a hearing on their mental competency to stand trial.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with KOSU News Director Robby Korth about a situation over the past week where State Board of Education members claimed to have seen nude women on a television in the office of Superintendent Ryan Walters while they were in executive session. Walters then called the board members "liars" and demanded their removal from the board.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Indigenous Affairs reporter Sarah Liese about Westwin Elements, a nickel refinery in southern Oklahoma built on land near the Kiowa Comanche Apache Tribe. The plant was built and is currently operating despite opposition from the tribe as well as local residents.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Agriculture and Rural Issues Reporter Anna Pope about a waiver request from Oklahoma leaders to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP. The waiver comes as the federal government is also seeking changes to the food program. 

Despite a valiant effort by KOSU listeners and public media supporters nationwide, Congress has voted to rescind $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.This money had already been promised and budgeted for at KOSU and public media stations across the country. Losing it is devastating, and one NPR estimate shows that roughly 18% of the country's public radio stations will close imminently, and nearly a third of listeners would lose access to NPR programming.The rescission package is expected to be signed by President Trump soon, as he initially requested the move from Congress.To be clear, this does not mean KOSU is going away. Thanks to you, KOSU is set up well for the future. However, this loss of foundational funding will likely result in a reduction of programming or local news without additional support.What can I do to help? Support KOSU directly by making a donation, or increasing your existing monthly or annual gift. This is the most effective thing you can do for KOSU. Support from people like you makes up the largest part of KOSU's budget. Sign up for email alerts from KOSU so you never miss an update. You can do that here. Spread the word. Share this page with your family and friends, and tell them what KOSU's news, information and music service means to you and our community. Still have questions about how you can help?Please reach out to us at director@kosu.org.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with mental health and addiction reporter Sierra Pfeifer about $1B in cuts from President Trump to schools across the country to hire mental health professionals and how it will impact Oklahoma's rural districts

In the next few days, the U.S. Senate will consider a package that would devastate many public radio stations by clawing back two years of previously approved funding. At KOSU, it would significantly impact our ability to provide emergency alerts and Oklahoma news.You can help by calling Senator Lankford and Senator Mullin to ask them to resist the rescission because of the impact it would have on Oklahoma. Here is a sample script.Sen. James Lankford: 202-224-5754Sen. Markwayne Mullin: 202-224-4721Don't live in Oklahoma? Check this listing for your Senator's contact information.Find out more on how you can make a difference at kosu.org/cuts.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with KOSU State Capitol reporter Lionel Ramos about his story regarding 29-year-old Cesar Reyes who was deported earlier this year after a crackdown by President Trump on undocumented workers.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break over the summer months. We will return in the first week in September. In the meantime, you can keep up to date on the latest news at KOSU.org. And make sure to follow us on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram. Thank you for listening to This Week in Oklahoma Politics and we'll see you again in September.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and former State House Democratic Leader Emily Virgin about a state Supreme Court ruling on House Bill 1775 to limit discussions of race and sex in schools, the state's high court justices considering oral arguments against a state question to open Oklahoma's primary elections and a new legal challenge to a 2007 law requiring a "sex offender" tag on drivers' licenses.The trio also discusses an agreement on jurisdiction between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation along with the impact of the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the NBA Championship.