This Week in Oklahoma Politics
News & Politics
About
A weekly look inside Oklahoma Politics with KOSU's Michael Cross, civic leader Andy Moore and more.
Episodes
- Drummond versus Stitt, 2026 legislature ending, cellphones in schools and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the clash between Attorney General Drummond and Governor Stitt regarding a contract and the Open Meeting Act. The episode also touches on plans to end the legislative session early, cellphones in schoo…
- Property Tax ballot measure, CD1 GOP endorsement, State Farm lawsuit and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers a property tax ballot measure, Gov. Stitt investments, a CD1 GOP endorsement, and the State AG's involvement in a State Farm lawsuit.
- Sports betting bill fails, Hoskin banned from House floor, literacy reform law and more
This episode covers the failure of sports betting legislation, the banning of Cherokee Nation Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. from the House floor, and Governor Stitt's veto of a Native American education council bill. The discussion also includes…
- Governor signs budget, banks blacklist unconstitutional, independent voters and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers Governor Stitt's signing of the $12.8 billion FY27 budget and the State Supreme Court's ruling on a law blacklisting banks. The discussion also includes a lawmaker's campaign suspension due to an AI im…
- Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt wants states to have say in immigration
In a bonus episode of This Week in Oklahoma Politics, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt sat down with KOSU statehouse reporter Lionel Ramos to discuss immigration, the future of Medicaid, and more.
- Poultry pollution settlement rejected, 2026 election candidate filing, Tax Commission data breach and more
Oklahoma political issues discussed include a federal judge rejecting a poultry pollution settlement, State Auditor Cindy Byrd's switch to run for State Treasurer, and a data breach at the Tax Commission. The episode also touches on candid…
- Budget deal reached, new social studies standards, 2026 elections begin and more
Michael Cross, Andy Moore, and Jennifer Monies discuss Oklahoma's new budget agreement, new social studies standards, and the official kickoff of the 2026 election season. They also cover the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus gubernatorial debate.
- DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, tribal hunting and fishing, voter information and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the confirmation of Markwayne Mullin as Homeland Security Secretary, the Governor
- Markwayne Mullin confirmation hearing, State Question 836, the Oklahoma County Jail Trust and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the confirmation hearing for Markwayne Mullin, the disqualification of signatures for State Question 836, and developments regarding the Oklahoma County Jail Trust.
- Markwayne Mullin nomination, SQ836 fails, Jewish charter school and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers Senator Markwayne Mullin's nomination for DHS Secretary, the failure of State Question 836, concerns regarding a Jewish charter school, and the governor's plan for unhoused individuals.
- DOJ lawsuit over voter info, Sooner State Party, OSSAA bill fails and more
Michael Cross, Andy Moore, and Rick Brinkley discuss the DOJ's lawsuit over voter data, a new political party's failure to launch, and legislative actions on immigration and OSSAA transparency.
- Senate education plan, Department of Education audit, human trafficking funds and more
Oklahoma politics discussed include a $254M education plan, an audit of the State Department of Education, and $1M in funds for human trafficking victims. Political races for attorney general are also mentioned.
- New budget numbers, student-led protest punishment, state worker pay and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers new budget figures for fiscal year 2027, the consequences for students involved in protests, and the financial impact of literacy legislation. The discussion also includes a Justice Department request…
- Jewish charter school, Stitt called a RINO, HD35 special election and more
Michael Cross, Andy Moore, and Jennifer Monies discuss the denial of a Jewish charter school, Governor Stitt's recent legislative and executive actions, and the results of the District 35 special election on This Week in Oklahoma Politics.
- Bonus: The 2026 race for Oklahoma City Mayor
This bonus episode of "This Week in Oklahoma Politics" previews the Oklahoma City mayoral race. Incumbent David Holt faces challenger Matthew Pallares in the nonpartisan election scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10.
- Stitt's State of the State, Senator Shane Jett, Devon leaving OKC and more
Michael Cross, Jennifer Monies, and Andy Moore discuss Governor Stitt’s State of the State address, Senator Shane Jett’s removal from leadership roles, and Devon Energy’s decision to relocate to Houston.
- Bonus: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt's 2026 State of the State address
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt delivered his final State of the State address, outlining policy priorities for the legislative session. Key proposals include expanding school choice, eliminating the OSSAA, and changing the election process…
- State Question 836, Stitt's State of the State, Rep. Ajay Pittman and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics discusses State Question 836, Governor Stitt's final State of the State address, and Representative Ajay Pittman's resignation following felony charges.
- 2026 legislative session, OKC immigration detention center, Broken Arrow mosque and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the 2026 legislative session, an ICE detention center in OKC, a blocked mosque in Broken Arrow, State Treasurer Todd Russ's deposition, and Mayor David Holt's support for SQ 836.
- Neva Hill steps down as KOSU political analyst
After 27 years, Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill is retiring as KOSU's political analyst. Hosts Michael Cross and Rachel Hubbard reflect on her time on air and changes in politics since 1998. The show will continue with rotating g…
- This Week in Oklahoma Politics Break
The podcast 'This Week in Oklahoma Politics' is on a break for the holidays and will resume in the new year. Listeners can stay updated with news from KOSU.org.
- Social studies standards, independent voters, OG&E projects approved and more
Michael Cross, Neva Hill, and Andy Moore discuss updates on Oklahoma social studies standards, independent voter representation, and OG&E project approvals. They also cover Attorney General Gentner Drummond's legal actions and Governor Sti…
- National Guard troops, Corporation Commission recusal refused, campaign finance website and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers Governor Stitt's approval of National Guard deployment to D.C., Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett's refusal to recuse himself from an OG&E case, and the delay in launching a campaign finance website.
- Property tax elimination, tribal hunting and fishing, Oklahoma's new AI chief and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers a state question on property tax elimination, tribal hunting and fishing rights issues, and the appointment of Oklahoma's first AI officer. The episode also touches on Democratic midterm election strat…
- BONUS: New book tells life, career of former OSU President Burns Hargis
KOSU’s Matthew Viriyapah spoke with author Bob Burke and Burns Hargis about the new book "One Lucky Cowboy: The Life of Burns Hargis," which covers Hargis’ life, career, and includes personal stories.
- This Week in Oklahoma Politics Break
The podcast "This Week in Oklahoma Politics" is taking a break for the Thanksgiving holiday and will return the following week. Listeners can find news and information on the website KOSU.org.
- Jewish charter school, tribes hunting and fishing, elected officials pay raise and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers a potential Jewish charter school, the State Supreme Court's ruling on cabinet picks, and Governor Stitt's disputes with tribes over hunting and fishing licenses.
- BONUS: Oklahomans struggle with food insecurity during government shutdown
Oklahoma food pantries are experiencing increased demand as a result of the federal SNAP funding pause during the government shutdown. Recipients are seeing partial payouts, and KOSU's Lionel Ramos reports on the situation.
- Recreational marijuana petition fails, Rep. Forrest Bennett resigns, Tulsa sales tax and more
This episode of This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the failure of a recreational marijuana legalization petition, the resignation of Rep. Forrest Bennett, and a Tulsa proposal for a sales tax increase. It also touches on a judge's decis…
- BONUS: A Conversation With NPR's Mary Louise Kelly
NPR host Mary Louise Kelly, co-anchor of All Things Considered, spoke with KOSU Executive Director Rachel Hubbard at Oklahoma City Community College on November 4, 2025. The conversation covered Kelly's work, including establishing NPR's n…
- Food assistance funding, DHS employee furloughs, SQ836 signature gathering and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the allocation of $7M for food banks due to SNAP cuts and federal shutdowns, DHS employee furloughs, the start of signature gathering for SQ836, and a legislative inquiry into a former DOC director's A…
- Operation: SAFE in OKC, Ryan Walters lawsuit dismissed, sports betting and more
This episode of This Week in Oklahoma Politics discusses Governor Stitt's Operation: SAFE initiative, the actions of new State Superintendent Lindel Fields, the dismissal of Ryan Walters' defamation lawsuit, and an interim study on sports…
- New state superintendent, "No Kings" rally, the 2028 Summer Olympics and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the new State Superintendent s actions, an ethics commission lawsuit, and an investigation into license plate readers. The episode also discusses the No Kings rallies and Oklahoma City s participation…
- Stitt on National Guard, business courts struck down, open primaries initiative and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers Governor Stitt's opposition to the National Guard's deployment, the invalidation of business courts, and the launch of an initiative for open primaries. Additionally, a report on Oklahoma turnpike toll…
- New state superintendent, private prison, OKC bond vote and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the new State Superintendent Lindel Fields, the Ethics Commission investigation into Ryan Walters, a $100M private prison contract, and Oklahoma City's $2.7B bond vote.
- Ryan Walters resignation, Stitt's Operation Guardian, water fluoridation study and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers Ryan Walters' resignation as state superintendent, the Teachers' Freedom Alliance investigation, Operation Guardian, and the fiscal impact of removing water fluoridation. Lawton's use of AI for homeles…
- NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks about her national security podcast, Oklahoma City visit
NPR journalist Mary Louise Kelly launched a national security podcast titled Sources & Methods. She discusses the podcast and her upcoming visit to Oklahoma City with KOSU's Michael Cross.
- Ryan Walters resigning, Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, cellphone jamming in jails and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers State Superintendent Ryan Walters' resignation, the dissolution of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission due to campaign violations, and the push for cellphone jamming technology in correctional facilities.
- Ryan Walters calls for Turning Point USA chapter at every high school in Oklahoma
Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters has declared that all high schools in the state will host a Turning Point USA chapter. This decision comes amid a reported surge in the conservative youth group's popularity.
- Oklahoma open primaries, social studies standards, drag shows and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the State Supreme Court's decisions on primary elections and social studies standards, Superintendent Ryan Walters' actions, a special election, and Attorney General Drummond's opinion on drag shows.
- Stitt's Operation SAFE, Walters' "woke" tests, a new governor's mansion and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers Governor Stitt's Operation SAFE, AG Drummond's dispute over an OMES resignation, and a State Board of Education meeting. Also discussed are Superintendent Walters' proposed teacher test and a lawmaker'…
- Rep. Ty Burns resignation, Highway Patrol troopers, new governor's mansion and more
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the resignation of a state lawmaker, a judicial block on in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, and the Highway Patrol's duty to maintain troopers in metropolitan areas. The episode also touches…
- Data show more parents are choosing to not get their kids vaccinated
On This Week in Oklahoma Politics, Michael Cross and Jillian Taylor discuss data indicating a rise in Oklahoma parents foregoing childhood vaccinations as students return to school.
- Small town law enforcement's role regarding federal immigration
Michael Cross and Lionel Ramos discuss the role of small town law enforcement in Oklahoma regarding the implementation of federal immigration laws.
- Competency restoration in the criminal justice system
This Week in Oklahoma Politics discusses the issue of inmates languishing in jail while waiting for competency restoration hearings. Reporter Sierra Pfeifer explains the situation for those needing mental health treatment.
- The scandal of Superintendent Ryan Walters' office television
During an executive session, State Board of Education members reported seeing nude women on a TV in Superintendent Ryan Walters' office. Walters subsequently accused the board members of lying and requested their removal.
- A nickel refinery in southern Oklahoma is operating despite tribal opposition
This Week in Oklahoma Politics covers the Westwin Elements nickel refinery in southern Oklahoma. The refinery is operating despite opposition from the Kiowa Comanche Apache Tribe and local residents.
- Oklahoma seeks changes to food assistance
Oklahoma leaders have requested a waiver from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This request coincides with federal government proposals for changes to the food assistance program. Agriculture and Rural Issues Reporter…
- KOSU's federal funding has been eliminated. How you can help:
Congress has voted to rescind $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, affecting KOSU
- Trump Administration cuts could impact rural schools' mental health
President Trump's proposed $1B cuts to school funding could affect Oklahoma's rural districts' ability to hire mental health professionals, impacting student access to services.