This Week in Oklahoma Politics: Recent Episodes

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A weekly look inside Oklahoma Politics with KOSU's Michael Cross, civil rights attorney Ryan Kiesel and Republican political consultant Neva Hill.

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 Kiesel on public relegations 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 China

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 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

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 of Oklahoma facing a lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice over its new immigration law, OKC Council denying a special permit for a new Oklahoma County Jail near Del City and a budget agreement from state lawmakers.

The trio also discusses the passage of a revised version of the Oklahoma Survivors' Act to protect victims of domestic abuse from certain sentencing and approval of a $4.3M arch on the south side of the State Capitol.

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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 budget talks ongoing with a week left in the regular session, a district judge halting Oklahoma's law creating a blacklist of banks deemed critical of the oil and gas industry and Congressman Tom Cole facing a challenge from a well-financed Texas businessman.

The trio also talks about Robert Kennedy, Jr. getting added to the Presidential ballot in Oklahoma as an independent candidate and Oklahoma City Public Schools hiring from within its ranks to take the job as the district's next superintendent.

Mentioned in this episode:

Oklahoma State Medical Association

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Pollical Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt and legislative leaders coming together to hold budget negotiations in public, State Superintendent Ryan Walters and AG Gentner Drummond filing separate legal challenges to the new rules from the Biden Administration over Title IX rules and state leaders raising concerns about a drop in Oklahoma high school rankings in a national publication.

The trio also discusses the death of a bill to lower the age of consent in Oklahoma and Former Lt. Gov. Jari Askins retiring from the court system, but then immediately taking a temporary position as interim President at Cameron University.

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 governor signing a controversial Texas-style illegal immigration bill and more trouble for Tourism Director Shelley Zumwalt.

The trio also talks about the leader of the State Senate abruptly replacing his Appropriations Chairman with less than a month left in the state legislature and State Superintendent Ryan Walters threatening a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over Title IX rules.

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 an audit showing questionable contracts by the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and then-Director Shelley Zumwalt during the pandemic, Governor Stitt vetoing a bill to protect victims of domestic abuse and lawmakers sending Governor Stitt a controversial immigration bill.

The trio also talks about Oklahoma City Democratic Senator Carrie Hicks refusing to carry two nominations from Governor Stitt and negotiations heating up over car tag compacts between the Cherokee Nation and Stitt.

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 a new immigration bill unveiled by legislative leadership earlier this week, the State House releasing a budget proposal to include a tax cut already rejected by the Senate and lawmakers in the House rejecting a measure to eliminate the Judicial Nominating Commission.

The trio also discusses a new report showing more than 130 people have left the State Department of Education since Superintendent Ryan Walters took office in January of last year and the lobbyist for the SDE getting grilled by lawmakers for the 21 new rules created at the agency.

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 a low turnout in the number of candidates filing for the 2024 election, a governor's task force calling for a lifting of the cap on individual donations to political campaigns and Congressman Tom Cole's elevation to chairman of the powerful U.S. House Appropriations Committee.

The trio also discusses the stalemate at the State Capitol over the budget and the retirement announcement from the executive director of the Department of Veterans' Affairs after just six months on the job.

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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 arguments before the State Supreme Court regarding a Catholic virtual charter school, approval for an initiative petition to raise the state's minimum wage to move forward and a preliminary hearing over Epic Charter Schools' cofounders.

The trio also discuses State Superintendent Ryan Walters' plan to create an Office of School Choice and House Education Chair Rhonda Baker announcing she won't seek reelection.

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Oklahoma State Medical Association

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a delay in the signature gathering for an initiative petition to raise Oklahoma's minimum wage as opponents call for a rehearing by the State Supreme Court, Congressman Tom Cole vying to be the next chairman of the U.S. House Appropriations and Budget Committee and another State Department of Education employee resigning.

The trio also discusses State Superintendent Ryan Walters plummeting poll numbers among possible Republican voters and the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation urging Governor Stitt to approve a car ag compact with the tribe.

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 a report showing State Superintendent Ryan Walters used taxpayer dollars to pay a public relations firm to promote him on the national stage, a Catholic charter school is moving forward with applications to open this fall despite facing legal challenges and with the 2024 legislative session less than two months old, infighting appears to be boiling over at the State Capitol.

The trio also discusses an early budget proposal released and approved by the State Senate and Del City is hiring a legal firm to try to stop the building of a new Oklahoma County jail.

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 Governor Stitt's veto of a bill designed to save members of his cabinet, Freedom of Information Oklahoma giving awards out to Attorney General Gentner Drummond and State Superintendent Ryan Walters and two top officials announcing their resignation at the State Department of Education.

The trio also discusses the Oklahoma County Republican Party's censure of Senator James Lankford for crafting a bipartisan border bill and a look at legislation still alive at the State Capitol.

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 Super Tuesday results in the state's Presidential Primaries, controversy over a fundraiser at Deer Creek Schools when a viral video showed kids licking peanut butter off the toes of other kids and a bill to keep Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur in her position.

The trio also discusses a decision by the State Supreme Court to approve an initiative petition to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2029 and Bristow Republican Representative Kyle Hilbert named House Speaker for 2025 making him the youngest Oklahoman to hold that position.

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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 resignation of Transportation Secretary Tim Gatz after an AG's opinion saying he couldn't also be director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and Department of Transportation and a State Senator doubling down on calling members of the LGBTQ community "filth" after the death of Owasso High binary student Nex Benedict.

The trio also discusses the signing of the grocery sales tax cut and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum calling City Councilman Grant Miller unfit for office.

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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 new estimates from the State Board of Equalization for lawmakers to craft a state budget in the 2025 fiscal year budget, Edmond Schools challenging an order from the State Board of Education to remove books from its library and the State Supreme Court setting a date to hear a challenge to a Catholic charter school.

The trio also discusses a decision by Oklahoma County Commissioners to locate a new jail in southeast OKC and the last founding member of the Oklahoma County Jail Trust announcing her retirement.

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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 Attorney General Gentner Drummond dropped a second lawsuit by Governor Stitt over misspend COVID-19 education funds, a multicounty grand jury indicts three people with Swadley's in regard to controversial operations at state park restaurants and the Senate President Pro Tem using a report on food prices to push for a grocery sales tax.

The trio also discusses a vote by Senate Republicans to pick new leadership in the 2025 session and Republican Erick Harris winning a narrow victory in a deep red west Edmond district.

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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 Governor setting forth a wish list to lawmakers in the State of the State Address to kick off the 2024 legislative session, the governor's call for a flat budget at state agencies while pushing for a cut to income taxes and a look at some of the bills already making their way through the legislature.

The trio also discusses push back against Senator James Lankford and his bipartisan immigration bill and Swadley's Bar-B-Q calling for a judge to rule in its favor saying the state owes the company more than $2M for running state park restaurants.

Mentioned in this episode:

Oklahoma State Medical Association

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt kicked off the legislative session with his sixth annual State of the State address on Monday. The Governor laid out his policy priorities for the session: which include cutting the state’s income tax, implementing a flat budget across state government for the coming fiscal year and more school choice options for students. 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. His priorities and those of state lawmakers don’t always align, but Stitt’s speech gives us a glimpse into what the GOP-led legislature will consider during this legislative session. We’ll have more coverage and offer context on the radio and online at KOSU.org. And, of course, Michael, Neva & Ryan will be back later this week to provide their thoughts on the address and the legislative session.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a special session which saw a tax cut in the House, but nothing in the Senate, State Superintendent Ryan Walters coming under fire for attacking the media for reporting on news of issues with his new teacher bonus program and Governor Stitt once again filing a lawsuit against Florida-based ClassWallet over mismanagement of COVID-19 education fund.

The trio also discusses Attorney General Gentner Drummond asking for an injunction to get federal family planning dollars which were canceled after the state's abortion ban and a portion of the State Republican Party votes to cease all support for Senator James Lankford for working on a bipartisan immigration bill.

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 Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat announcing his chamber will not be passing any tax cuts during the governor's special session, State Superintendent Ryan Walters tapping a far-right influencer from California to an Oklahoma library committee shortly after reports were released of thousands of dollars in travel expenses and Governor Stitt picking a supporter of a controversial Catholic charter school as his new Secretary of Education.

The trio also discusses removal of the judge overseeing the challenge to the Catholic charter school, a new compact between the governor and the Chickasaw Nation and we remember long-time Oklahoma County Public Defender Bob Ravitz who died recently at the age of 71.

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 governor's call for a special session to enact tax cuts, Republican lawmakers pushing changes to a law blacklisting banks who don't invest in the oil and gas industry and Oklahoma County Commissioners still searching for a location to put the new jail.

The trio also discusses a hearing before the state Supreme Court regarding tax -exempt status for tribal citizens and the appointment of Shelley Zumwalt to Secretary of Tourism and Wildlife.

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 an announcement from State Superintendent Ryan Walters about his intention to cut ties with organizations which provide resources and training to schools, Oklahoma's Five Civilized Tribes uniting in a boycott against Governor's Stitt's task force on McGirt and an end to tribal license tag citations issued by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

The trio also discusses the Oklahoma Turnpike Authorities plan to challenge a state law removing some of the governor's power over the board overseeing the agency and the Secretary of Transportation getting recommended for a $60,000 pay increase.

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 Governor Stitt hiring as his new top aide an oil executive who was the deciding vote on a controversial Catholic Charter School, Stitt rejecting a new federal summer food program for low-income children and the State Department of Education saying 578 new teachers were hired under a new signing bonus.

The trio also discusses an upcoming budget hearing and subpoena of documents for State Superintendent Ryan Walters, a Department of Transportation ask force recommending a voluntary per mile tax in lieu of waning fuel taxes and Oklahoma receiving its first electric vehicles from manufacturer Canoo.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break during the holidays and will return on January 4th.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly supporting a measure to use a penny sales tax to build a new downtown arena for the Thunder, State Mark McBride fighting with Superintendent Ryan Walters' aide over what McBride calls immaturity and a lack of transparency and Superintendent Walters criticizing the Tulsa School Board for hiring Ebony Johnson as the full time leader of the district.

The trip also discusses an executive order from Governor Stitt prohibiting diversity, equity and inclusion programs in colleges as well as calls by the State Pardon and Parole Board for stiffer commutation requirements.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about opening statements starting on a legal challenge to HB1775, the so-called Critical Race Theory Ban, the state Tax Commission starting to collect applications for a controversial private school tax credit and the State Board of Education takes aim once again at Tulsa Public Schools.

The trio also discusses new rules proposed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters to tie a school district's accreditation to test scores and the leader of the State Senate unveiling a plan to make the budget process more transparent.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a challenge to an initiative petition to raise the state's minimum wage, Attorney General Gentner Drummond's formal opinion saying women could not be prosecuted for having abortions and the head of the State Republican Party opposing the nomination of former Cherokee Attorney General Sara Hill for a federal judgeship.

The trio also discusses an audit uncovering millions of misreported income and expenses at the state Republican Party and former OU head football coach Barry Switzer criticizing Governor Stitt for comments made in support of cockfighting.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Oklahoma Highway Patrol abandoning decades of precedent and ticketing drivers with tribal tags who live outside of the nation's boundaries, the State Supreme Court temporarily suspending three measures related to abortion in Oklahoma and justices denying State Superintendent Ryan Walters request to join in opposition to a lawsuit against a proposed Catholic charter school.

The trio also discusses State Superintendent Ryan Walters announcing an agreement for Chinese language classes in Oklahoma schools and the Corporation Commission turning over thousands of documents to Attorney General Gentner Drummond related to Winter Storm Uri in 2023.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the governor's plan to have sports betting in the State of Oklahoma, Governor Stitt's former Secretary of Education who says she left after concerns over financial issues with the Department of Education and Superintendent Ryan Walters pushing for a national media manager.

The trio also discusses some of the more than 200 laws taking effect on November First and a national organization ranks Oklahoma with the second-most conservative legislature in the nation.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Gov. Kevin Stitt and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott traveling to Israel, State Superintendent Ryan Walters' endorsement of former President Trump and the resignation of a State Department of Education employee getting the attention of a legislative leader.

The trio also discusses the State Board of Education denying a court order gender designation from two schools and a roadblock in Oklahoma County's purchase of land for a new jail.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Attorney General Gentner Drummond suing the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board over a Catholic charter school, Governor Stitt's replacements for the State Board of Education and an investigation of the Oklahoma's partnership with conservative media nonprofit PragerU.

The trio also discusses an exodus of textbook companies amid an increasingly politicized fight over what's taught in Oklahoma schools and President Biden nominates former Cherokee Nation Attorney General Sara Hill to a federal judge seat in Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Chairman of the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board refusing to sign a contract to create a Catholic charter school, an announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he has paid $7.5M in signing bonuses to teachers and another member of the State Board of Education has resigned.

The trio also discusses House Speaker Charles McCall replacing two members of the pension board after they voted on an exemption against a state law banning agencies from doing businesses with companies that are perceived to be hostile to oil and gas companies and the state Supreme Court choosing to not heat a challenge to tribal compacts created by the legislature without the governor's blessing.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a federal judge refusing to stop a law banning gender-affirming care for minors and the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approving a contract for a Catholic charter school.

The trio also discusses the primary election for Senate District 32 in southwest Oklahoma and a call by state leader for more transparency in the budgeting process.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the short special session called by Governor Stitt to cut taxes, the search for a new U.S. House Speaker could include Tulsa Congressman Kevin Hern and State Superintendent Ryan Walters releases an education budget cutting $47M from schools.

The trio also discusses Superintendent Walters defending his testimony before Congress attacking Tulsa Schools for a Chinese language program the district had ended a month earlier and Oklahoma County picks a site for its new jail.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about lawmakers returning to the capital next week for a special session on tax reform, a new poll showing strong support for tribal governments in the state and Oklahoma joining other states and the federal government in an anti-trust lawsuit against Amazon.

The trio also discusses an investigation of Western Heights Schools by State Superintendent Ryan Walters after the board hired a principal who has also performed in drag and Governor Stitt is creating a task force to study artificial intellegence and its impact on Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about State Superintendent Ryan Walters testifying before Congress about the Chinese Government's involvement in U.S. education, the State House Speaker saying there were no plans to open an impeachment investigation into Superintendent Walters and Tulsa Public Schools gets a new leader and a new attorney.

The trio also discusses the special election in Edmond's House District 39 and an interim study on ranked-choice voting.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt's calls for the legislature to meet in special session to talk about tax reform, an Oklahoma woman filing a complaint against health groups stemming from the state's abortion ban and a Texas Republican presidential candidate wants a judge to remove Trump from the Oklahoma Ballot.

The trio also discusses the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority getting approval for it's Norman extension project from the state Bond Council and OKC Mayor David Holt announcing a plan to build a new arena for the Thunder basketball team.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about two ne lawsuits against State Superintendent Ryan Walters and a new partnership announced by Walters between the Department of Education and controversial, conservative media organization, PragerU.

The trio also discusses the appointment by Governor Stitt of Wes Nofire to Native American Affairs Liaison and the override of the governor's vetoes on tribal compacts by lawmakers over the summer.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about two ne lawsuits against State Superintendent Ryan Walters and a new partnership announced by Walters between the Department of Education and controversial, conservative media organization, PragerU.

The trio also discusses the appointment by Governor Stitt of Wes Nofire to Native American Affairs Liaison and the override of the governor's vetoes on tribal compacts by lawmakers over the summer.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break for the summer months, but you can still keep up to date on Oklahoma news by subscribing to the KOSU Daily and visiting our website 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 Senate failing by one vote to override Governor Stitt's veto of a tribal tobacco compact and an audit showing the state misspent millions of dollars on pandemic funds.

The trio also discusses Governor Stitt signing controversial new rules from State Superintendent Ryan Walters despite no approval from lawmakers and a study showing Oklahoma is producing 64 times more marijuana than is needed by the consumers.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a State of Emergency signed by Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat one hour after discovering he was in charge of the state because of the absence of Governor Stitt and Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell and the U.S. Supreme Court letting the Indian Child Welfare Act stand.

The trio also discusses questions from lawmakers to officials with the Land Office after a report from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency over investments in a local company and could the recent endorsement by Governor Stitt for presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis result in a cabinet position.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt's endorsement of presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, the State House overriding Stitt's veto of tribal license compacts as well as extending the time for the special session and Stitt's veto of a bill to extend the operations of the Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

The trio also discusses Governor Stitt's veto of an omnibus medical marijuana bill and the approval of a Catholic charter school opens the door for other non-Christian groups to apply for taxpayer dollars to open their own institutions.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Statewide Virtual Charter School moving forward with approving the nation's first religious charter school and the fiscal year 2024 budget becoming law without the governor's signature.

The trio also discusses Governor Stitt promising to send National Guard members to the U.S. southern border at the request of the Texas governor and Stitt vetoing tribal compact extensions,

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 tossing out two Oklahoma laws banning abortion in the state and at least three former Department of Education employees suing Superintendent Ryan Walters.

The trio also discusses the 2023 legislative session and more than a dozen vetoes overridden by lawmakers.

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 $13B budget approved by legislative leaders and Attorney General Gentner Drummond promising to not enforce a new law banning gender-affirming care for minors.

The trio also discusses another veto by the governor, this time on a bill to allow House and Senate leadership to appoint members of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and controversy after an announcement from the University of Central Oklahoma to name former Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb as its new president.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about state lawmakers calling for a special session to run concurrently with the regular session and Governor Stitt along with legislative leaders celebrating an education funding plan.

The trio also talks about a former Department of Education employee saying State Superintendent Ryan Walters lied to lawmakers about current and future grants and Governor Stitt saying the legislature needs to be subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the U.S. Supreme Court staying the execution of death row inmate Richard Glossip, the stalemate over education funding with two weeks left in the regular legislative session and the stack of Governor Stitt's vetoes still waiting for a vote in the House and Senate.

The trio also discusses the ACLU of Oklahoma lawsuit over a new state law banning medical care for transgender minors and the election of State Senator Nathan Dahm for Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about State Superintendent Ryan Walters finally testifying before lawmakers during a House Appropriations & Budget Committee and the House passing a tax credit voucher bill for private and home school families while rejecting a teacher pay raise.

The trio also discusses Governor Stitt's veto of a bill to continue operations for Oklahoma's public television station, OETA, and his veto of a bill allowing students to wear tribal regalia at graduation and other school events.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about death row inmate Richard Glossip failing to get clemency from the Pardon and Parole Board despite pleas from Attorney General Gentner Drummond along with several state officials and Governor Stitt searching for all "legal avenues" to remove McCurtain County Sheriff Kevin Clardy after Clardy was caught on tape with other county officials in making racist and hateful remarks.

The trio also discusses an education plan swiftly passed by the House and on to the Senate despite rocky issues between all leaders from both chambers as well as the governor's office and State Superintendent Ryan Walters has again been called to testify before lawmakers even as he releases a plan to get more teachers into the classroom.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the scandal in McCurtain County where several officials were recorded making racist and hateful statements, the State Senate overriding the governor's veto on a $600M appropriation of funds to the Health Care Authority and Panasonic inking a deal to build an electric vehicle plant in Pryor, but only is the state makes more than $245M in infrastructure investments.

The trio also talks about Governor Stitt disbanding the Interagency Council on Homelessness and State Superintendent Ryan Walter refusing to meet before state lawmakers.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Statewide Virtual Charter School declining an application for the Catholic Church to set up the nation's first ever tax payer funded religious school, the governor removing State Superintendent Ryan Walters as his Secretary of Education and Walters threatening to sue the Biden Administration over a proposed rule barring outright bans on transgender athletes from playing in certain sports.

The trio also talked about a work stoppage by the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority on its $5B, 15-year ACCESS project and the favorability for former President Trump falling below 50% in Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Attorney General Gentner Drummond releasing a binding opinion canceling controversial new rules from the State Board of Education on library books and sex education and Superintendent Ryan Walters choosing to not appear before lawmakers.

The trio also discusses dueling education bills causing a stir between the State House and Senate and the Tourism Department announcing a new vendor for six state parks following the recent Swadley's scandal.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the censure of Representative Dean Davis after the Broken Arrow Republican was arrested on charges of public intoxication and the State Senate amending and passing education bills from the House causing a stalemate between the chambers.

The trio also discusses the legislature at the half way point in the 2023 session and controversial new rules passed by the State Board of Education.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Politics Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a decision by the State Supreme Court allowing women the "limited right" to an abortion to save their life, the Environmental Protection Agency telling Governor Stitt he can't legally refuse shipment of toxic waste from a train derailment in Ohio and an advisory opinion from Attorney General Gentner Drummond over State Superintendent Ryan Walter's move to create new education rules.

The trio also discusses a call by the attorney general for an investigative audit of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and AG Drummond releasing a backlog of Open Records requests with some dating back years before he took office.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Volkswagen choosing Canada over Oklahoma for its electric vehicle battery plant despite a $700M incentive package, Governor Stitt declining to accept a shipment of toxic waste from the train derailment in Ohio and Oklahoma banks are working to reassure customers and shareholders after two high profile bank closures over the weekend.

The trio also discusses the firing of Oklahoma Veterans' Affairs Executive Director Joel KIntsel, an outspoken critic of Governor Stitt, and the State Department of Education firing the organizer of the Teacher of the Year ceremony after State Superintendent Ryan Walters showed up late to the event and made several gaffes.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about State Question 820 to legalize recreational marijuana in the state failing to get enough votes for passage, a new poll showing Oklahomans are virtually split on the legalization of sports betting and House Republicans censure the state's openly non-binary lawmaker, Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Mauree Turner.

The trio also discusses a viral interview between Broken Arrow Republican Nathan Dahm and TV personality Jon Stewart over gun control and Oklahoma is mourning the loss of Tom Love, the founder of Love's Country Stores, who died earlier this week at the age of 82.

Thanks for subscribing to This Week in Oklahoma Politics podcast. Today, we’re bringing you a Bonus episode of The KOSU Daily podcast.

The KOSU Daily is our daily news roundup, where you can get caught up with Oklahoma news in 7 or 8 minutes every weekday morning. It's a great, quick way to stay in touch with what's happening in Oklahoma.

Today's episode features reports on the failed vote on recreational marijuana, the GOP-led state legislature censuring Democratic Rep. Mauree Turner, the passing of the founder of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores and even more Oklahoma news.

If you like this episode, consider searching for and subscribing to The KOSU Daily right here on your podcast app. Thanks.

State Question 820 will be the only issue on the ballot on Tuesday, March 7. If approved, it would legalize recreational marijuana for adult use in Oklahoma and create a pathway for expungement of some marijuana offenses.

In this bonus episode of the podcast, we bring you two stories about State Question 820 from KOSU reporters Kateleigh Mills and Xcaret Nuñez.

The first story concerns how approval of SQ820 could change existing marijuana businesses in Oklahoma, and the second story looks at how similar ballot initiatives faired in the neighboring states of Arkansas and Missouri.

You can find all of our coverage of State Question 820 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 vote this Tuesday on State Question 820 to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma and the State House passing legislation to all but ban gender affirming care in the state.

The trio also discusses a poll finding a majority of Oklahomans support a moratorium on the death penalty and State Superintendent Ryan Walters coming under fire for disparaging words concerning the state's colleges and universities.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a bill to require legislative oversight of State Superintendent Ryan Walters if he attempts to downgrade a schools accreditation, Walters removing the pictures of Education Hall of Fame members and the State Equalization Board approving an extra $2B for lawmakers to spend in the 2024 fiscal year budget.

The trio also discusses the State House leadership education priorities to include a teacher pay raise and tax breaks for private and homeschool families and early voting for State Question 820 to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about questions arising over a state lawmaker selling her house to the Turnpike Authority at more than $100K above the appraisal for the agency's expansion in Norman, Attorney General Gentner Drummond taking over a criminal case against a state lawmaker and Drummond dropping a lawsuit designed to challenge tribal sovereignty in the state.

The trio also discusses the Catholic Church asking for a tax-payer funded virtual charter school and state lawmakers advancing a bill to give them more control over the State Board of Education.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the governor's State of the State address to open the 2023 legislative sesion.

The trip also discusses new opposition to State Question 820 to legalize recreational marijuana facing a vote on March Seventh and Attorney General Gentner Drummond planning to investigate new appointments by the governor to the Oklahoma Veterans' Commission.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt kicked off his new term with the annual State of the State address on Monday. The Governor laid out his policy priorities for the session: which includes expanding school choice, eliminating the state grocery tax of 4.5% and reducing the personal income tax and corporate tax rates. He also called for a ban on gender-affirming care for minors. His priorities and those of state lawmakers don’t always align, but Stitt’s speech gives us a glimpse into what the GOP-led legislature will consider during this legislative session. We’ll have more coverage and offer context on the radio and online at KOSU.org. And, of course, Michael, Neva & Ryan will be back later this week to provide their thoughts on the address and the new legislative session.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and civil rights attorney Ryan Kiesel about an investigation over misspent COVID-19 education funds and a budget hearing for State Superintendent Ryan Walters before lawmakers.

The trio also discusses the firing of a Department of Education attorney who had supported LGBTQ rights and the new pressure for the Department of Veterans Affairs director from the Stitt-appointed Veterans' Commission.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about State Superintendent Ryan Walters going before lawmakers calling for merit-based pay for teachers, AG Gentner Drummond taking up the case of Oklahoma's sweetheart deal with Swadley's Bar-B-Q to run restaurants at state parks and an 18-year-old lawsuit over poultry pollution coming to an end in favor of the state.

The trio also discusses the more than 3,100 bills filed for the 2023 legislative session and Governor Stitt saying he would be in favor of sports betting.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Attorney General Gentner Drummond requesting a delay in the next executions and Governor Stitt replacing four members of the Veteran Commission.

The trio also discusses the new power for Oklahoma's Congressional delegation in the Republican controlled U.S. House and the new leader of the Tourism Department giving a frank assessment of the "toxic culture" at the agency.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and civil rights attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Governor's second inaugural speech to kick off a new term in office and Stitt abruptly replacing two-thirds of the State Board of Education on only his second day.

The trio also discusses new State Superintendent Ryan Walters resigning as CEO for an organization advocating for private schools and new Attorney General Gentner Drummond taking the case against Epic Charter Schools' founders back from the Oklahoma County District Attorney.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority moving forward with its $5B ACCESS Oklahoma extension and incoming Attorney General Gentner Drummond promising a probe into the state's pandemic funds spending.

The trio also discusses Republican selecting leadership in the state House and Senate, but failure to do so in the U.S. House and the legacy of Jim Inhofe who stepped away from his six-decade political career on January Third.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about supporters of abortion access dropping the initiative petition on the day they were supposed to start gathering signatures, a judge ruling against Oklahoma in the transfer of a federal inmate for the state to execute and a multitude of changes at Oklahoma City's Western Heights school.

The trio also discusses the ban of TikTok on state-issued devices by Governor Stitt and a Mexican consulate for Oklahoma City sometime next 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 governor's cabinet releasing financial disclosure records, legislative leader releasing their priorities for the 2023 session and a Republican lawmaker filing a bill to lower the age for handguns.

The trio also discusses a win in court for opponents of a turnpike expansion in Norman and the resignation of the CEO of the Oklahoma County Jail.

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 initiative petition to allow Oklahomans to vote on protecting abortion access in the state, the U.S. Senate rejecting an amendment to a same-sex marriage protection bill ultimately passed in the chamber and the Department of Justice opening an investigation of the State of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Police Department over the treatment of people with behavioral disabilities.

The trio also discusses an incident in October involving the son of Governor Stitt and the nomination of Kim Teehee as a nonvoting delegate to Congress from the Cherokee Nation.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the low voter turnout in last week's General Election, the high number of Straight Party Voting on ballots and Senator Greg Treat's reelection as Senate President Pro Tempore.

The trio also discusses the Oklahoma Southern Baptists coming out against a ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana and the U.S. Supreme Court taking up a case against the Indian Child Welfare Act.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the reelection of Governor Stitt, the election of Education Secretary Ryan Walter for State Superintendent and Republicans retaining control of all U.S. House, Senate and Statewide offices.

The trio also discusses the election win by prosecutor Vicky Behenna for Oklahoma County District Attorney and no change in the political makeup of the state legislature as lawmakers get ready for the 2023 session.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the reelection of Governor Stitt, the election of Education Secretary Ryan Walter for State Superintendent and Republicans retaining control of all U.S. House, Senate and Statewide offices.

The trio also discusses the election win by prosecutor Vicky Behenna for Oklahoma County District Attorney and no change in the political makeup of the state legislature as lawmakers get ready for the 2023 session.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the race for governor between incumbent Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, the election for State Superintendent between Ryan Walters and Jena Nelson and the races for all U.S. Senate and House seats. The trio also discusses state Senate and House races as well as the election for Oklahoma County District Attorney between Kevin Calvey and Vicky Behenna.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the race for governor between incumbent Kevin Stitt and State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister, the election for State Superintendent between Ryan Walters and Jena Nelson and the races for all U.S. Senate and House seats. The trio also discusses state Senate and House races as well as the election for Oklahoma County District Attorney between Kevin Calvey and Vicky Behenna.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about news from KOSU about Governor Stitt hiring outside counsel to fight a challenge to gaming compacts he signed in 2020, a State Superintendent debate between Republican Secretary of Education Ryan Walters and former Teacher of the Year Jena Nelson and the couple mentioned in the Oklahoma County District Attorney debate gets arrested in Mexico. The trio also discuss a series of legislative panels to deal with corrections reform in the coming session and we remember former Oklahoma State University President Jim Halligan who passed away earlier 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 Governor Stitt setting a March Seventh date for a special election on the legalization of recreational marijuana, a gubernatorial debate between the top two candidates and new polling showing a dead heat for governor and a lead for the Republican candidate for State Superintendent. The trio also discusses a new report on Governor Stitt's secret plan to build a new governor's mansion while he and his family are living in a $2.2 million dollar home in Edmond and the GOP candidate for Oklahoma County District Attorney accusing his democratic opponent of complicity in murder while he is facing an investigation on campaign-related expenditures.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about dueling polls showing different positions in the race for governor ahead of the November 8th General Election, Governor Stitt calling a $5,000 increase for teacher pay an "easy cop-out" and the Political Action Committee for the state employee's union backing Governor Stitt. The trio also discusses an endorsement for State Superintendent from the state's five largest tribes and a call by the same tribes to repeal House Bill 1775 also known as the Critical Race Theory ban.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about dueling polls showing different positions in the race for governor ahead of the November 8th General Election, Governor Stitt calling a $5,000 increase for teacher pay an "easy cop-out" and the Political Action Committee for the state employee's union backing Governor Stitt. The trio also discusses an endorsement for State Superintendent from the state's five largest tribes and a call by the same tribes to repeal House Bill 1775 also known as the Critical Race Theory ban.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing a bill to give money for OU Health, but banning the use of medical treatments for minors while also calling on an all-out ban on the procedure next legislative session, lawmakers failing to get all of the COVID-19 pandemic relief funding spent on projects and the Osage Nation Congress calling for a repeal of House Bill 1775 also known as the Critical Race Theory ban. The trio also talks about an Oklahoma City council member appointing herself to a commission she opposed and Governor Stitt appointing the head of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to lead the embattled Tourism and Recreation 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 call by Governor Stitt for lawmakers to eliminate the grocery sales tax during special session, a push by Republican legislators to withhold funding to OU Health if the money is going to go to gender affirming care and a new poll showing a narrow lead by Governor Stitt over Joy Hofmeister and a lead by Democratic candidate Jena Nelson over Republican Ryan Walters in the race for Superintendent. The trio also discusses an increase in open records requests to the Tulsa Election Board for voting records from the 2020 general election and the concern by the same election board about getting pollsters who fear harassment.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a call by Governor Stitt for lawmakers to eliminate the grocery sales tax during special session, a push by Republican legislators to withhold funding to OU Health if the money is going to go to gender affirming care and a new poll showing a narrow lead by Governor Stitt over Joy Hofmeister and a lead by Democratic candidate Jena Nelson over Republican Ryan Walters in the race for Superintendent. The trio also discusses an increase in open records requests to the Tulsa Election Board for voting records from the 2020 general election and the concern by the same election board about getting pollsters who fear harassment.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Supreme Court announcing a recreational marijuana measure will NOT be on the ballot in November, the high court striking down part of a law banning facemasks unless the governor declares a state of emergency and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joy Hofmeister calling for a $5,000 raise for teachers. The trio also discusses the special session where lawmakers are poised to give more than a billion dollars to 45 projects across the state and the Department of Human Services promising $10,000 dollar per child grants for day care centers in "childcare deserts".

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Supreme Court announcing a recreational marijuana measure will NOT be on the ballot in November, the high court striking down part of a law banning facemasks unless the governor declares a state of emergency and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joy Hofmeister calling for a $5,000 raise for teachers. The trio also discusses the special session where lawmakers are poised to give more than a billion dollars to 45 projects across the state and the Department of Human Services promising $10,000 dollar per child grants for day care centers in "childcare deserts".

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about new recommendation by Governor Stitt's task force regarding expectant mothers in light of the state banning abortions, a Sooner Poll showing Stitt with a marginal lead over his Democratic opponent, State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister and the same survey showing Democratic Jena Nelson leading against Republican Ryan Walters. The trio also discusses a call by 14 Republican lawmakers for the State Department of Education to investigate a Norman teacher who left her job after she shared a link to banned books and the Oklahoma Supreme Court hearing arguments for and against a turnpike expansion in Norman.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Supreme Court choosing to take up whether a recreational marijuana initiative petition should be on the November ballot, the State Board of Education choosing to not hear appeals from Mustang and Tulsa schools about a downgrade to their accreditation because of violation to HB 1775 and the board releasing rules to deal with compliance to Senate Bill 615 banning transgender bathrooms in schools. The trio also discusses a protest at a Governor Stitt fundraising luncheon by opponents of a turnpike expansion in Norman and a new conservative group calling on lawmakers to rethink their opinion on the death penalty.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin winning the runoff to face Democrat Kendra for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Jim Inhofe, Democratic candidate Madison Horn winning her primary to face incumbent Republican Senator James Lankford and Josh Brecheen winning his primary runoff to advance to the General Election in November for Congressional District Two in eastern Oklahoma. The trio also discusses Secretary of Education Ryan Walter Republican nomination win for State Superintendent and a win by incumbent Republican Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn as well as a possible ballot measure this November for recreational marijuana.

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 filed by Labor Commissioner candidate Sean Roberts against State Representative Carol Bush for voicing concerns over domestic abuse in Roberts' 20 year old divorce, the race for US Senate by Republicans Markwayne Mullin and TW Shannon and Democrats Jason Bollinger and Madison Horn. The trio also discusses the Republican Congressional District Two race between Avery Frix and Josh Brecheen as well as April Grace and Ryan Walters vying for the Republican nomination for State Superintendent.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about calls from five Republican female lawmakers for Labor Commissioner candidate Sean Roberts to drop out of the race after accusations from his ex-wife of abuse and mistreatment, the ACLU of Oklahoma citing the downgrade of the Tulsa Public Schools accreditation in its opposition to House Bill 1775 and the Stitt Administration leveling a lawsuit of the Florida company in charge of handling COVID-19 education money following a scathing audit from the federal government. The trio also discusses a new poll finding Governor Stitt's approval rating has slipped 12 points since January and Attorney General John O'Connor refusing to hear new evidence in the case of death row inmate Richard Glossip which could have an impact on executions in the state of Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Oklahoma falling behind in online registration for new voters in the states, Education Secretary Ryan Walters releasing funding to Tulsa Public Schools for early childhood education and federal auditors want Oklahoma to return COVID funding money they say was misspent by the Stitt Administration. The trio also discusses a call by the State Chamber to return to supply side economics to include cutting taxes and three Oklahoma City Republican lawmakers are pushing an initiative petition to freeze property taxes for all seniors.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a deal with Panasonic falling through after the electronics company picked Kansas to build a new manufacturing plant and what will now happen to the nearly $700M set aside to entice the business to come to the Sooner State. The trio also discusses a recount in the Oklahoma County District Attorney race resulting in very nearly the same result as on primary election night and Epic Virtual Charter School giving an apology and a $500,000 check to former State Senator Ron Sharp.

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 by Governor Stitt for an investigative audit of the Tulsa Public School District and an inquiry by the State Bureau of Investigation of the Commissioners of the Land Office. The trio also discusses the closing of an influential Republican Political Action Committee by the State Ethics Commission and a low voter turnout for the primary last month.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a ruling by the US Supreme Court saying the state has the right to prosecute non native suspects who commit crimes on tribal lands against Native Americans and supporters of a ballot measure to put recreational marijuana on the ballot turn in 164,000 signatures to the Secretary of State. The trio also discusses the resignation by the Stitt-appointed head of the Land Office after allegations of self-dealing and misappropriation of taxpayer funds and the governor removing two members of the Veterans' Commission who had supported his opponent in the Republican primary.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the outlawing of abortion in Oklahoma after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed its decision on Roe v. Wade, Congressman Markwayne Mullin coming in with a sizeable lead over former House Speaker T.W. Shannon heading into a Runoff election in the race for U.S. Senate and State Representative Avery Frix and former State Senator Josh Brecheen taking the top spots in the Republican primary for Congressional District Two. The trio also discusses primary wins by Governor Stitt and State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister in the gubernatorial race and Gentner Drummond beating incumbent John O'Connor in the state Attorney General primary.

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 race for eastern Oklahoma's Congressional District Two where 14 Republicans are vying for the chance to replace Markwayne Mullin and G-O-P candidates for Attorney general and State Superintendent are failing to lead in their races despite endorsements from Governor Stitt. The trio also discusses other primary races from statewide and congressional races as well as elections for legislative seats and Oklahoma County District Attorney.

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 polls showing a sizeable lead by Congressman Markwayne Mullin in the U.S. Senate race to fill Jim Inhofe's seat, a battle over tax reform in a special session between the House, the Senate and the governor and legislation to return oversight of the Tourism Department from the executive director back to the commission. The trio also discuss the Cherokee Nation returning Oklahoma flags to tribal sites after removing them earlier this month and a Virginia political action committee faces a lawsuit from the Oklahoma Ethics Commission over actions it took in the 2018 elections.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt featuring political ads featuring current Attorney General John O'Connor after ethical and legal questions from a bipartisan group of lawmakers and a federal judge ruling Oklahoma's three-drug execution protocol as constitutional. The trio also discusses the new advantage for the Republican Party in newly redrawn Congressional districts and the conversation from both sides of the aisle on what to do with gun laws after a mass shooting in Tulsa.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the shooting Wednesday night at Tulsa's Saint Francis Health and the governor vetoing parts of the nearly $10B budget. The trio also discusses the six overrides in the eleventh hour by the legislature of Governor Stitt's vetoes and a moratorium set for two years on any new medical marijuana licenses.

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 poll showing a majority of Oklahoman not supporting a total ban on abortion, Governor Stitt signing a bill to reduce the number of weeks for unemployment benefits and the state legislature approving a plan to revamp the Medicaid program into a value-based health care model. The trio also discusses the failure of the legislature to make changes to the structure of the tourism department in this legislative session and the state Republican Party electing a new chairman.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a special session called by state legislative leaders to determine how to spend $2B in COVID-19 relief funds, a nearly $10B budget quickly moving through the House and Senate and hearing started on the Department of Tourism's deal with Swadley's Bar-B-Q. The trio also discusses a grand jury report criticizing Governor Stitt over how he dealt with his appointees to the Pardon and Parole Board and Secretary of Education and Superintendent candidate Ryan Walters coming under fire for threatening textbook companies to remove products containing Critical Race Theory.

The author of a book detailing the tumultuous 2020 election and its aftermath is coming to Oklahoma. “This Will Not Pass” focuses on the heated race between then-President Trump and now-President Biden culminating in the January Sixth riot at the US Capitol. KOSU's Michael Cross got a chance to talk with Jonathan Martin. He is speaking about “This Will Not Pass” at Oklahoma City’s Full Circle Bookstore on May 24th including a discussion moderated by OKC Mayor David Holt. Martin is also attending a discussion in Tulsa on May 26th hosted by Magic City Books.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt's veto of a bill dealing with tribal jurisdiction in traffic violations, the House begins its investigation of the Department of Tourism's deal with Swadley's and the governor signs a bill putting a limit on the number of voters allowed per household. The trio also discusses the nomination of Keith Reed as Director of the Department of Health and the State Department of Education's expansion of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the scandal over Swadley's Foggy Bottom Kitchens at state parks and a report showing major mismanagement in COVID-19 funds for education. The trio also discusses Governor Stitt signing an anti-abortion bill similar to one passed in Texas on the same day a US Supreme Court opinion was leaked overturning Roe Versus Wade and signature gathering has begun to put recreational marijuana on the ballot.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Tourism Department canceling its contract with Swadley's Bar-B-Q to run restaurants in state parks, Governor Stitt signing a contract to remove nonbinary designations from birth certificates and Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman and Congressional candidate John Bennett calling for the execution of Anthony Fauci by firing squad. The trio also discusses the decision by the State Election Board to order State Representative Sean Roberts to remove "The Patriot" from his name on the ballot for Labor Commissioner and we remember former State Senator and Seminole Chief Enoch Kelly Haney who died on Saturday.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about legislation to provide hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to lure a major unnamed company to Oklahoma and Governor Stitt faces opposition in his reelection bid from Democrats, Libertarians, independents and from within his own party. The trio also discusses the race for U.S. Senate to fill the unexpired term of Jim Inhofe who plans to retire in January and a crowded race to fill the empty Congressional District Two seat in eastern Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the election season officially getting underway with hundreds of candidates filing for political office this week, a Republican candidate for State Superintendent criticizing Stillwater Public Schools for its bathroom policy and a new organization calling on candidates to sign an anti-corruption pledge. The trio also discusses the governor signing legislation to criminalize abortion in the state of Oklahoma and a new poll showing support for not changing clocks every fall and spring.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Republican state legislature passing a bill to criminalize abortions with a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a 100-thousand-dollar fine as well as the outcome of the election in Norman where Mayor Breea Clark lost to Larry Heikkila. The trio also discusses a new report from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency attacking the State Tourism Department for mismanagement of its parks and the State Supreme Court giving approval to language on State Question 820 to legalize recreational marijuana.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the state Supreme Court declining to hear a challenge to the special election for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Jim Inhofe, the governor signing a bill to ban transgender athletes from female sports in Oklahoma and Congressman Markwayne Mullin filing a resolution to expunge the first impeachment of former President Trump. The trio also discusses the candidacy of Vicki Behenna as currently the only Democrat for Oklahoma County District Attorney to replace David Prater and Norman residents protesting a turnpike extension through their city.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Senate failing to pass a school voucher bill authored by the President Pro Tem and championed by Governor Stitt, deadline week for legislation to get out of its chamber of origin and a former Teacher of the Year entering the race as a Democrat for State Superintendent. The Trio also discusses new attack ads from a conservative group against Governor Stitt in his commutation decision and Senator James Lankford refusing to debate a far right Republican candidate before the primary.

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 on behalf of local transgender residents against the state's ban on changing the gender or providing a nonbinary option on birth certificates and a multi million dollar incentive package to an electric vehicle to do business in the state. The trio also discusses former Congresswoman Kendra Horn entering the race for the U.S. Senate seat getting vacated by Jim Inhofe and the announcement from Tulsa Congressman Kevin Hern that he is staying in his seat and not running for the Senate.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a trial over Oklahoma's execution protocol coming to an end and a challenge against the special election to fill the seat getting vacated by US Senator Jim Inhofe. The trio also discusses the State Health Department ending its daily reporting on COVID-19 numbers and lawmakers considering legislation allowing for the research of psychedelic psilocybin or "magic mushrooms to treat mental health issues from addiction to post traumatic stress disorder.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the resignation of US Senator Jim Inhofe from the seat he has held since 1994 and the trial over Oklahoma's execution protocols. The trio also discusses a partial settlement in the injunction against the medical marijuana seed-to-sale program and a suicide threat from Congressional candidate Abby Broyles

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU"s Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about bills in the state legislature to effectively ban abortions in Oklahoma, legislation to provide pay raises for teachers and Highway Patrol troopers and a measure to ban mandatory vaccinations for private businesses. The trio also discusses news from Attorney General John O'Connor that the state's top prosecutor is reviewing 54 books to see if they violate Oklahoma obscenity laws and Democratic Congressional candidate Abby Broyles is apologizing for actions take during a Valentine's Day sleepover.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about House Speaker Charles McCall announcing his chamber would not take up a controversial school voucher bill that had trouble getting out of a Senate committee, medical marijuana and tax cut bills as well as Governor Stitt's nomination of a former employee of his to the State Board of Education. The trio also discusses an ad in opposition to Governor Stitt that ran during the Super Bowl and controversy over comments from the Oklahoma County Jail Administrator calling COVID-19 a "friend" for bringing money to the facility.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a report released by the State Auditor criticizing state officials in how they handled issues in the pandemic and how the Attorney General held on to the report since last May as well as Governor Stitt's State of the State Address to kick off the 2022 legislative session. The trio also discusses election results beginning with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt getting nearly 60% of the vote in one of the city's largest turnouts for municipal elections and the Norman race for mayor heads into a runoff as neither of the top two candidates managed to get more than 50% of the vote.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the race for Oklahoma City mayor which has become the most expensive in city history and the Norman mayoral race which could be heading to a runoff in April. The trio also discusses news of Oklahoma's Congressional delegation asking for more than $300M for tribal governments to deal with the fallout of McGirt versus Oklahoma and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation completing its long-awaited report on Epic Virtual Charter School.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Corporation Commission giving approval to Oklahoma Natural Gas to raise utility bills by nearly $8 a month for the next 25 years, the US Supreme Court dismissing 32 petitions from the state to overturn its McGirt versus Oklahoma decision and the governor threatens a lawsuit against tribal leaders over money he says is owed to the state over hunting and fishing licenses. The trio also discusses a primary challenge against Congressman Frank Lucas from Bartlesville Republican Representative Sean Roberts and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt choosing not to take part in debates ahead of municipal elections on February 8th.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about an executive order from Governor Stitt allowing state employees to apply to work as substitute teacher as schools struggle with the current Omicron surge of COVID-19 and the toll the current wave is having on Oklahoma hospitals. The trio also discusses an increase in registered voters over the past two years and an initiative petition to put recreational marijuana into statute rather than the constitution.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Education Secretary Ryan Walters coming under fire for attacking schools as they are forced to close their doors as COVID numbers skyrocket, State Representative Terry O'Donnell resigning his post as House Speaker Pro Tem amid allegations of corruption and the US Supreme Court leaving in place a lower court decision ruling McGirt versus Oklahoma isn't retroactive. The trio also discusses a suggestion by two death row inmates of being executed by firing squad rather than lethal injection and Epic Virtual Charter School countersues its co-founders for more than $9M.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Tax Commission estimating the state will have more than $10B in the 2023 fiscal year budget, a grand jury indicting House Speaker Pro Tem Terry O'Donnell of writing a law to allow his wife to become a tag agent and a judge denying the state's challenge against vaccine mandates for the National Guard. The trio also discusses a speeding ticket by the brother of Governor Stitt based off the US Supreme Court's McGirt versus Oklahoma decision and a new poll showing a huge lead for David Holt in his reelection bid for mayor of Oklahoma City.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking off during Christmas and New Year's Day. Neva, Ryan and Michael will return on January Seventh. In the meantime, keep up with the news and information you need at KOSU.org. You can also find and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at KOSU Radio.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt refusing to renew hunting and fishing licenses for Oklahoma tribes, the U.S. Supreme Court setting a date to consider an appeal based on its McGirt decision from summer of 2020 and a state lawmakers submitting a bill banning Oklahoma schools from teaching curriculum based off the New York Times' Pulitzer Prize winning "1619 Project" regarding the Black experience during and after slavery. The trio also discusses a lawsuit from the founders of Epic against their former school and the leader of the Oklahoma National Guard warning them of possible consequences if they don't get vaccinated by December 31st.

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 of Oklahoma announcing its taking part in at least five lawsuits against the Biden Administration over vaccine mandates, the state's new public health lab in Stillwater comes under federal scrutiny and the Department of Education is starting an investigation of Epic Virtual Charter School after allegations from a resigning member of its governing board. The trio also discusses a call by community activists for a Grand Jury investigation into Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater and an audit of the State Republican Party by the Federal Elections Commission over issues during the 2020 election cycle.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Secretary of Defense denying a request from Governor Stitt of a COVID-19 vaccination waiver and a federal judge putting an injunction against vaccine mandates against health care workers in facilities receiving Medicaid and Medicare funding. The trio also discusses the approval of a new Oklahoma County jail by the Oklahoma County Jail Trust and the Pardon and Parole Board denying clemency requests for two men on death row less than two weeks after approving another over concerns of the state's execution protocols.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the announcement from Epic Virtual Charter School of cuts to its workforce as the district has lost nearly three-fifths of its student population, the Republican plan for redistricting is moving through the state capitol and Julius Jones faces execution. The trio also discusses the Pentagon refuting the policy of the new leader of Oklahoma National Guard concerning vaccine mandates and Governor Stitt reverses the decision by the State Health Department on allowing nonbinary gender individuals to make changes to their birth certificates.

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 overturning a $465M award against opioid manufacturers and the State of Oklahoma challenging the Biden Administrations order mandating vaccines or testing for private businesses with more than 100 employees, federal agencies and organizations with federal contracts including several Oklahoma universities. The trio also discusses a chastisement by Governor Stitt against Oklahoma City Public Schools after its board voted unanimously to fire six teachers for not following the school's masking policy and Oklahoma County Commissioner and former lawmaker Kevin Calvey announcing he is running for district attorney.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the new map released by legislative leaders for the special session to deal with redistricting, the Pardon and Parole Board recommending clemency for death row inmate Julius Jones and a judge stopping an anti-protest bill from taking effect. The trio also discusses the state preparing to get kids ages five to eleven vaccinated against COVID-19 and the governor heading to Mexico to talk about opening a consulate in Oklahoma City.

This week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel and former Republican Speaker of the State House Kris Steele sitting in for Neva Hill about the resignation of Health Commissioner Lance Frye a day after his agency settled a lawsuit allowing non binary Oklahomans to the gender on their birth certificates and an appellate court puts executions on hold again after granting stays for two death row inmates. The trio also discusses the state Supreme Court's decision to keep three anti-abortion bills from moving forward on Monday while a lawsuit is pending and several news stories recently dropped concerning McGirt versus Oklahoma.

This week in Oklahoma politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Republican gubernatorial candidate Ervin Yen announcing he plans to leave the GOP to challenge Governor Stitt as an independent and Stitt threatening to sue the Biden Administration over its vaccine mandate for private businesses. The trio also discusses a group filing a lawsuit against House Bill 1775 which bans the teaching of racial issues in Oklahoma schools and newly appointed Attorney General John O'Connor asking the state Supreme Court to remove two Pardon and Parole Board members from upcoming clemency hearings.

This week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about State Superintendet Joy Hofmeister switching her political affiliation to Democrat to challenge Governor Stitt in next year's election, tribal leaders calling out the governor for his stance on the U.S. Supreme Court's McGirt versus Oklahoma decision and a new poll showing more Oklahomans don't agree with the governor that McGirt is the most pressing issue facing the state. The trio also discusses a new petition set to gather signatures allowing voters to decide whether to add recreational marijuana for adults in the Oklahoma constitution and Edmond voters overwhelmingly approved a sales tax increase to purchase land near Hafer Park.

This week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Oklahoma City Democratic Senator Julia Kirt, sitting in for Ryan Kiesel, about health officials' announcement that 6,200 people needlessly died this year because they chose not to get vaccinated, the Pardon and Parole Board sets the state up for its first execution since 2015 and Governor Stitt traveled to the U.S. border along with eleven other Republican governors. The trio also discusses news of an Oklahoma County judge striking down two anti-abortion bills but keeping three intact to take place November First and the new chairman of Epic Virtual Charter School's governing board telling lawmakers he welcomes oversight.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the governor's decision to wait until after the clemency hearing of death row inmate Julius Jones to decide on his commutation, lawmakers are heading back to the State Capitol n November 15th to deal with redistricting after a delay in getting the 2020 Census number and the first female Higher Education Chancellor in Oklahoma gets ready to start the job. The trio also discusses State Senator Nathan Dahm joining the race with at least two other Republicans in an attempt to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator James Lankford and a state lawmaker threatens the tax credits to the Oklahoma City Thunder after the organization announced plans to require fans get immunized or have a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours before attending a game.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Reepublican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt's call for the State Auditor to do a comprehensive investigation of the Department of Education, the Cattlemen's Association calling on the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to put a moratorium on new medical marijuana licenses and Attorney General John O'Connor filing two petitions with the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse last summer's decision on McGirt Versus Oklahoma. The Trio also discusses an interim study on why Oklahoma businesses are failing to fill positions as the unemployment rate is one of the lowest in the nation and now back to pre-pandemic levels and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum starts a Political Action Committee to support "Pro Tulsa" candidates for city offices.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Pardon and Parole Board sending a recommendation o Governor Stitt for the commutation of inmate Julius Jones from the death sentence to Life with the Possibility of Parole and Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett surviving a supreme court challenge trying to remove him from his position. The trio also discusses the state hiring two firms to over see the spending of more than $3 billion in COVID-19 federal funds through the American Rescue Plan and two members of the Oklahoma Virtual Charter School resigning abruptly after coming under scrutiny for their involvement with Epic.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the impact COVID-19 is having on Oklahoma's health care system and Governor Stitt's decision to remove the only two doctors on the board for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. The trio also discusses the resignation of embattled cabinet secretary David Ostrowe and the new attorney general pushing back executions.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a judge's decision to put a temporary injunction against Senate Bill 658 banning schools from issuing a mask mandate, Congressman Markwayne Mullin returning home after attempting to get into Afghanistan and Governor Stitt calling the Supreme Court's McGirt Versus Oklahoma decision the most pressing issue facing the state. The trio also discussion a legal challenge by the state NAACP against legislation designed to crack down on protestors and lawmakers getting ready for redistricting as the official numbers from the 2020 census were released over the summer.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Right Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a new report from the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency against the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust's spending on cessation programs, Epic Virtual Charter School's new board giving $2.5M to a company owned by the brother of its former chairman and a study looking at 18 fatalities from police pursuits over a five year period. The trio also discusses the closing of the William S. Key minimum security prison in northwest Oklahoma and a new committee to oversee how the state spends $1.9B expected from the federal government on COVID-19 relief funds.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel talk about Oklahoma County handing its redistricting process over to state House and Senate staff, the governor mulling his decision for a replacement for former Attorney General Mike Hunter and a new study showing the power of prosecutors on legislation at the State Capitol. The trio also discusses the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission freezing jobless claim checks for some residents after concerns over fraudulent activity and an Oklahoma City Police detective retracts his statement in the officer-involved shooting death of a Black man.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel talk about Oklahoma City passing it's budget for next year to include a $1.3M increase for its police department despite calls to reduce the funding, nearly 100,000 Oklahomans sign up for Medicaid expansion in its first week online and the Department of Education uncovered $1.6M in fraud over a federal program to feed children during the pandemic. The trio also discusses a lawsuit filed against former Attorney General Mike Hunter by a member of Governor Stitt's cabinet and the state's first Chief Operating Officer John Budd announcing he's leaving the position.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel talk about President Biden's visit to Tulsa to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the State Supreme Court invalidated Governor Stitt's plan to partially privatize Medicaid and lawmakers bring an end to the 2021 Legislative session. The trio also discusses registration beginning for the expansion of Medicaid and State Treasurer Randy McDaniel announcing he will not seek reelection to the office in 2022.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the announcement from Attorney General Mike Hunter over his resignation effective July First, the Governor signing the state budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year and a bill to use medical marijuana revenue to help charter and public schools with funding. The trio also discusses plans by President Biden to visit Tulsa for the centennial commemoration ceremonies for the 1921 Race Massacre and the Director of the Public Health Lab leaves after just four months on the job.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the governor's plan to get people back to work by opting out of federal supplemental unemployment payments and offering a $1200 bonus, legislative leaders agree on a budget for the 2022 fiscal year starting on July First and legislation banning new Oklahoma residents from applying for disability services to try and reduce the backlog of current people on the waiting list. The trio also discusses how the US Supreme Court deciding to hear a Mississippi anti-abortion case will impact Oklahoma and changes to the Oklahoma County Jail Trust including a new leader, a new member and new public speaking rules.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney about the growing controversy over Governor Stitt signing a bill to ban the teaching of Critical Race Theory in Oklahoma schools, lawmakers considering recommendation of a grand jury investigation for Epic Virtual Charter School and Congressman Cole working on legislation allowing the Chickasaw and Cherokee Nations to compact with the state over criminal jurisdiction. The trio also discusses the state allowing kids between the ages of 12 and 15 to get the Pfizer Coronavirus vaccine and what to expect in the final two weeks of the 2021 legislative session.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt ending the COVID-19 State of Emergency and the Tulsa Race Massacre Commission urging Governor Stitt to veto a bill prohibiting schools from teaching subjects dealing with race and diversity. The trio also discusses the Department of Transportation halting construction on a project after fights between the governor and tribes and lawmakers take their first step in redistricting for the next ten years.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and sitting in for Ryan Kiesel in ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Tamya Cox-Touré about the settlement between the Statewide Virtual Charter School Board and Epic Schools to avoid termination hearings along with new bills signed by the governor including one requiring a fiscal impact statement on initiative petitions and several more making it harder to get abortions. The trio also discusses new laws cracking down on protests and overhauling the state's human resources system.

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 House unanimously approving a bill to help fund charter and traditional schools with low property taxes, Epic Virtual Charter School agreeing to the demands of the state in the hopes of avoiding contract termination proceedings and the Norman City Council voting to remove $865,000 from its police for community programs. The trio also discusses a pause in moving the Shaun Bosse case from the state into federal jurisdiction and a state lawmaker calling for federal intervention in the Oklahoma County Jail.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a move by Epic Virtual Charter School to increase transparency of its funding ahead of a termination hearing, Tulsa Public Schools enters legal action against the State Board of Education in its move to put more money into charter school and the State Republican Party elects controversial former lawmaker John Bennett as its chair. The trio also discusses a warning from the NCAA about the organization pulling sports events if lawmakers follow through on a bill to ban transgender athletes from certain woman's teams and new bills could help reduce skyrocketing utility costs from February's winter storms.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the special election to fill the seat of now-Congresswoman Stephanie Bice along with other elections in central Oklahoma, lawmakers working to undo a resolution by the State Board of Education settling a lawsuit giving charter schools more access to public funds & the State Virtual Charter School Board setting a trial date for the contract termination of Epic. The trio also discusses approval by the Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners to allow the sheriff to work with a production company to create a reality television show and the announcement of Dr. Kayse Shrum as Oklahoma State University's next president.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and sitting in for Ryan Kiesel is Democratic State Representative Forrest Bennett about the state of Oklahoma moving into phase four of its vaccination plan allowing all residents over the age of 16 to get inoculated against the Coronavirus, Epic Virtual Charter School fails to repay the state $11.2M by a deadline set earlier this week and Attorney General Mike Hunter appointing a special counsel to investigate the Pardon and Parole Board. The trio also discusses State Senator Shane Jett hiring his cousin as his legislative session before firing her once questioned by a reporter and a legislative deadline results in the stalling of more than 70% of bills at the State Capitol.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the 9,000 correspondences to Governor Stitt from citizens and businesses regarding lockdowns at the beginning of the pandemic and the state's response to a lawsuit over its plan to purse managed Medicaid care without input from the legislature. The trio also discusses the House Speaker moving forward with $500 million in tax cuts despite a provision in the stimulus package preventing tax cuts from states and both of Oklahoma's senators vote against the confirmation of Deb Haaland as the first Native American Secretary of the Interior despite strong support for her from Oklahoma's tribes.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Oklahoma moving into Phase Three of the COVID-19 vaccine meaning most Oklahomans can know get inoculated against the disease, the Pardon And Parole Board votes to hear new evidence in the commutation hearing of death row inmate Julius Jones and Attorney General Mike Hunter joins other Republican Attorneys General in a lawsuit against President Biden's executive orders on climate change. The trio also discusses bills to crack down on unlawful protests which took place in the state last year and lawmakers approving a bill requiring high school students to pass a U.S. Citizenship test to graduate.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about reports showing a nearly 2,500 COVID-19 death count discrepancy between the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Oklahoma, Governor Stitt joins other governors in complaints about President Biden's $1.7T Stimulus Package & Lawmakers work to curb the governor's powers during an emergency. The trio also discusses a bill passed by the State House to limit all abortions to only Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the another bill passed by the House requiring all initiative petitions increasing the cost of state government to include a clear statement concerning the additional funding.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about state officials calming fears of skyrocketing utility bills after last week's winter weather, President Biden approving a second emergency declaration on clean up from the storms and a bill to give the State Health Department more control of the Oklahoma and Tulsa County Health Departments. The trio also discusses a measure by Republican lawmakers to declare any President Biden executive actions as unconstitutional and the Cherokee Supreme Court striking the words 'in blood" from the tribes constitution and laws.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt coming under fire for leaving the state for a family vacation shortly before a winter storm moved is and state lawmakers learned of an extra $1.2B for the fiscal year 2022 budget. The trio also discusses a pending lawsuit from health organizations against the Oklahoma Health Care Authority over its plan to move forward with partially privatized Medicaid and Tulsa-based MyHealth is appealing the denial to its bid to run the state's health information exchange.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing legislation allowing public bodies to hold meetings online rather than in person and new bills currently working through the state legislature. The trio also discusses the race for Senate District 22 which now pits Republican Jake Merrick against Democrat Molly Ooten on April Sixth and the passing of Maxine Horner one of the first Black women elected to the state legislature.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Governor's State of the State Address and his push to get schools to open for in-person learning. The trio also talks about the governor's mention of the U.S. Supreme Court's McGirt v. Oklahoma decision and the lack of any mention of criminal justice reform.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a move by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority to spend $2.2 billion to hand the state's Medicaid program over to a for profit company, MyHealth Access out of Tulsa losing its challenge after getting denied a bid with the OHCA despite coming in $30 million dollars less than the winner and Attorney General Mike Hunter suing a piano bar owner after he failed to produce a promised two million masks despite an upfront payment of more than $2 million. The trio also discusses the State Supreme Court ruling against Governor Stitt in his gaming compacts with two tribes and the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Commission deciding to keep Senator Lankford after he apologized for his actions in questioning the validity of the 2020 Presidential Election.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the Oklahoma Health Care Authority denying the bid of a local company despite the organization coming in $30M less than the bid winner, prominent Oklahoma Republican Mickey Edwards announces he is quitting the Republican Party and Senator James Lankford apologizing to Black Tulsans for his involvement in questioning the election for President Biden. The trio also discusses the retirement announcement of Tom Colbert, the first Black State Supreme Court Justice and the appointment of Congressman Kevin Hern to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.

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 policy from Governor Stitt allowing students exposed to COVID-19 to not be quarantined if they were wearing a mask and social distancing, officials at the State Capitol stepping up security ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration and some Tulsa black leaders asking for Senator James Lankford to be removed from the 1921 Race Massacre Commission. The trio also discusses the State Health Department making COVID-19 vaccines available to state lawmakers and Pardon and Parole Board Chair Robert Gilliland resigning his position over health issues.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel talk about President Trump supporters storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Oklahoma health officials are moving into phase two of the Coronavirus vaccine and releasing a mobile phone app to help people get appointments and lawmakers hold Organizational Day to get ready for the Legislative Session starting in February while dismissing a rule for lawmakers to wear masks. The trio also discusses a measure by Broken Arrow Republican Senator Nathan Dahm to ban cities and counties from imposing local mask mandates and two high-powered lobbyists face thousands of dollars in fines from the Ethics Commission.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about new restrictions by Governor Stitt in the hopes of reducing the spread of COVID-19 and Oklahoma's seven electors cast their vote for President Donald Trump while the governor acknowledges Joe Biden did win the overall election nationwide. The trio also discusses the candidates for Senate District 22 previously held by Congresswoman-elect Stephanie Bice after two Republicans were kicked off the ballot and a state lawmaker filing a bill to make it harder to pass initiative petitions at the ballot box.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter joining a Texas lawsuit to overturn votes in four states won by President-elect Joe Biden and Governor Stitt rescinds the nomination of an anti-mask advocate for the State Board of Education. The trio also discusses the mustang in-school quarantining pilot program which died after failing to get any volunteers and the State Virtual Charter Board voting to bar two of its members from taking any action on Epic Virtual Charter School after learning of conflicts of interest with the school's co-founders.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about Oklahoma City ending its enforcement of restaurants and bars staying open after 11:00, Governor Stitt announcing special election dates for the seat held by Congresswoman-elect Stephanie Bice and a law to keep trains from stopping for more than ten minutes at street crossings getting declared unconstitutional. The trio also discusses Oklahoma County Commissioner Kevin Calvey asking for a judge to delay a decision on immigration agents at the jail and the capitol is getting a new state seal.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel and former House Speaker Kris Steele about Governor Stitt's restrictions on bars and restaurants and mask requirement for state employees nd in state buildings to curb the spread of COVID-19 as well as Stitt's firing the president of the Virtual Charter School Board as he was investigating Epic Virtual Charter School. The trio also discusses calls by Republican lawmakers for an investigative audit of the State Department of Education, the decision by the Department of Corrections to end the practice of time of for good behavior and Oklahoma ranking the worst in the nation for voter participation.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel and sitting in for Neva Hill is former House Speaker Kris Steele. They discuss an end to an amendment on the Open Meetings Act allowing for public bodies to hold meetings virtually, the Oklahoma County Budget Board voting to take $15M returned by the Jail Trust for businesses and others impacted by the pandemic and former Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine stepping down as the head of NASA. The trio also discuses Oklahoma Attorney General getting involved in the Pennsylvania elections and Oklahoma City Physician Ervin Yen filing paperwork to run against Governor Stitt in the 2022 primary elections.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the race in Congressional District Five where Republican challenger Stephanie Bice beat Incumbent Democrat Kendra Horn, and both State Question 805 to end sentence enhancements and 814, to take money from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust for Medicaid expansion failed to get enough votes to pass. The trio also discusses other election results from Tuesday and Oklahoma voters breaks records in turnout.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the outgoing Republican Oklahoma County Sheriff endorsing the Democratic candidate for the election to replace him, State Question 805 to remove sentence enhancements for nonviolent offenders and State Question 814 to take money from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to give to lawmakers to pay for Medicaid expansion. The trio also discusses Governor Stitt's decision to not appeal a judges decision finding tribal gaming compacts with the state automatically renewed at the beginning of 2020 while the Oklahoma City Council is delaying its decision on whether it will appeal the court decision calling its ban on panhandling unconstitutional.

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 General Election and races they are watching, the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police endorses GOP State Senator Stephanie Bice for Congressional District Five and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abby Broyles outraises her opponent Incumbent Republican Jim Inhofe. The trio also discusses the Oklahoma Health Care Authority moving forward with Governor Stitt's plan to privatize Medicaid and the Oklahoma County Jail Trust fails again to remove Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from the facility.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about the fallout for Epic Virtual Charter School following a reports from the State Auditor and Inspector and Governor Stitt faces pushback from trying to move forward with the privatization of Medicaid. The trio also discusses more pushback against the governor's plan to move the State's Public Health Lab from Oklahoma City to Stillwater and Stitt is getting a new Secretary of State and Native American Affairs while also losing his Budget Secretary.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and Civil Rights Attorney Ryan Kiesel about a fight between the Oklahoma County Commissioners and the Oklahoma County Jail Trust over immigrations officers in the jail, the State Auditor releases a "deeply concerning" investigation of EPIC Virtual Charter School and the EPA gives Governor Stitt authority over environmental issues on tribal lands. The trio also discusses health care groups coming together to oppose State Question 814 to take money from the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust for lawmakers to use to pay for expanding Medicaid and the State Supreme Court shoots down another provision of the 2014 Workers Compensation overhaul.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about support from Oklahoma Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe to vote for President Trump's nominee to replace the late-Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg on the U.S. Supreme Court, the Oklahoma County Jail Trust falling one vote shy of removing Immigrations and Customs Enforcement out of the jail and the state's decision to start testing prison employees following an outbreak of COVID-19 at facilities. The trio also discusses the removal of a petition to take the redistricting process out of the hands of politicians and give it to an independent redistricting committee and Oklahoma's unemployment drops to 5.7% making our state's the tenth lowest in the nation.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a criminal justice reform group calling on Governor Stitt and the Department of Corrections to take steps to stem the spread of COVID-19, Tulsa City Council unanimously approved a new Hate Crimes ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity and the state Supreme Court denies Stitt's request for a rehearing on its decision over tribal gaming compacts. The trio also discusses a request from State House Democrats to the Attorney General on the governor giving COVID relief funds to private school families and Congresswoman Kendra Horn pushing a bipartisan package to provide more relief funds.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a new White House Coronavirus report putting our state in the top ten for COVID positivity rate and daily cases per capita, a federal appeals court declares Oklahoma City's 2015 anti-panhandling ordinance unconstitutional and Attorney General Mike Hunter defends the state's absentee ballot law. The trio also discusses Oklahoma City passing an extension to its mask mandate until October 20th and House Speaker Charles McCall promising to include all 101 representatives in next year's redistricting process.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about State Senator Stephanie Bice defeating Terry Neese in the Republican Primary Runoff for Congressional District moving to the General Election against incumbent Democrat Kendra Horn, while Horn is getting an endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce despite opposition from the State Chamber. The trio also discusses losses in the Republican Primary Runoff by three state senators and the reelection win by Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Oklahomans passing State Question 802 to expand Medicaid in the state, a runoff in the Republican primary between Stephanie Bice and Terry Neece to take on Congresswoman Kendra Horn and Abby Broyles wins the Democratic nomination to take on Senator Jim Inhofe. The trio also discusses other races of note especially where several incumbents were either voted out or heading to a runoff and a record number of Oklahomans choosing to vote absentee as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the rally for President Trump in Tulsa, State Question 802 to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma which will be decided on Tuesday and the State Supreme Court shoots down an initiative petition to repeal the state's permitless carry law. The trio also discusses the high court's approval of a referendum to legalize recreational marijuana in the state of Oklahoma for those over the age of 21 and medical marijuana businesses are suing the state over rules regarding locations and residency requirements.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the rally for President Trump coming up on Saturday at the BOK Center in Tulsa and the Norman City Council votes to redistribute $865,000 from the police department to other services. The trio also discusses news of a new Political Action Committee formed to oppose State Question 802 to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma and a dispute between Oklahoma and Cleveland County keeps a woman in jail for more than a month without the ability to post bond on a drug complaint.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the U.S. Department allowing gaming compacts between Governor Stitt and two tribes to move forward through inaction, the governor and his wife, Sarah hold a panel on race relations and a new poll shows a majority of Oklahomans support the protesters. The trio also discusses another showing a partisan divide over a possible COVID-19 vaccines and the wearing of mask and Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell is asking the Republican National Committee to hold its convention in Oklahoma as President Trump announced his first rally in three months will take place on June 19th in Tulsa.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the governor activating the National Guard in response to the protests over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the State Health Department reverses its course on limiting certain data on COVID-19 and a petition to create an independent redistricting commission gets approval from the state supreme court, but its future remains uncertain. The trio also discusses how supporters of Medicaid Expansion have started an ad blitz and touring Oklahoma towns to get people to vote yes on State Question 802.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the Oklahoma Supreme Court ordering the Secretary of State to start counting signatures on a ballot measure dealing with sentencing reform, lawmakers meeting to override gubernatorial vetoes while at the same time leaving some vetoes to stand. The trio also discusses the decision by the executive director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission to step down from the position after just five months on the job and the end of the legislative session means all eyes now start focusing on the primary election on June 30th.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the decision by lawmakers to end the legislative session two weeks early, Governor Stitt vetoes a bill on rural broadband and lawmakers pass a bill giving a Cost of Living Adjustment for State Retirees. The trio also discusses a constitutional challenge to the new law requiring notarization of absentee ballots and remembering Oklahoma City Republican Senator Brooks Douglass.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about an override of the governor's veto of the state budget, Governor Stitt forms a bipartisan committee to deal with the federal funds to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and the Senate says sit won't confirm Interim Health Commissioner Gary Cox to the job leading the agency. Plus, the trio discusses the governor signing a bill requiring notarization of absentee ballots and the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association ousts two tribes who signed a gaming compact with Governor Stitt.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about lawmakers attaching strings to a new round of executive powers to the governor, legislative leaders announce a budget deal and Republicans push through a bill requiring notarization of absentee ballots. The trio also discusses an opinion from the attorney general saying the governor overstepped his authority in authorizing gaming compacts with two Oklahoma tribes and a federal judge puts a further delay on executions in the state.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about State Attorney General Mike Hunter calling for an audit of the Department of Health and cities follow quickly behind the state after Governor Stitt announced plans to reopen Oklahoma for business. The trio also discusses state leaders asking if its possible to cancel federal unemployment checks of $600 a week and lawmakers are scheduled to return on Monday.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a call from Governor Stitt to start reopening businesses in the state starting this week and the State Board of Equalization declares a revenue failure to fund the government through the current fiscal year, but the state faces a shortfall in the next fiscal year of $1.3B. The trio also discusses new gaming compacts declared by Governor Stitt with the Comanche Nation and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe as well as a lawsuit against the secretary of the State Election Board about easing restrictions on notaries for mail-in ballots.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the lawsuit by legislative leaders to get the governor to call a revenue emergency so they can fund the government through the month of June and number provided by the governor's office on how many inmates are getting released in the latest round of commutations were incorrect. The trio also a "Worst-Case Scenario" for the state tax collections with the decline in the gas prices and the economic impact of COVID-19 as well as three-day filing ends for candidates running in the 2020 elections.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the battle between the Governor and lawmakers over $500M in supplemental funding passed overwhelmingly by the legislature and the governor's health emergency gets approves allowing him to suspend any laws and regulations interfering with response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The trio also discusses an appeal by the state hoping to overturn a lower courts decision to halt Governor Stitt's ban on abortions as elective surgery and a new poll shows strong support from Oklahoma likely voters for the governor and President Trump's handling of the health crisis.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a revenue shortfall expected soon from the State of Oklahoma for the remainder of the current fiscal year, unofficial numbers show about 45,000 unemployment claims last week and Governor Stitt's emergency declaration over COVID-19 might have unintentionally killed signature gathering on initiative petitions set for the November ballot. The trio also discusses a lawsuit against the state after Governor Stitt added abortion to the list of suspended procedures during the Coronavirus pandemic and Oklahoma is mourning the loss of former U.S. Representative and Senator Tom Coburn.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt's "Safer at Home" policy to curb the outbreak of COVID-19, a US Department of Labor email asking local employment agencies to limit the amount of information released to the public and the State Health Department is withholding much needed medical supplies pending an audit. The trio also discusses state schools closing their buildings while moving to distance learning and the capitol closes for this week as lawmakers and staff get ready to work remotely.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Senate Bill 661 to temporarily alter the state's Open Meetings laws allowing public bodies to teleconference into meetings during the COVID-19 crisis and state lawmakers worry about the budget with oil prices declining as well as businesses and casinos closing to stem the spread of the corona virus. The trio also discusses news of the state's public schools closing through at least April 6th and Oklahoma City and Tulsa ordering restrictions on restaurants, bars and entertainment venues in an attempt to flatten the curve on contagion.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director about a ruling from State Attorney General Mike Hunter telling the governor he can't keep funds from tribal gaming compacts in an escrow while he waits on a federal lawsuit, a drop in oil prices and Oklahoma energy company stocks could have a major impact on the state's budget and Governor Stitt calls on the health department to move forward with paperwork to file with the federal government for Medicaid expansion. The trio also discusses legal action from the AG against Epic Virtual Charter School over withheld documents in an investigation ordered by the governor in July and Senator Jim Inhofe announces he is seeking a fifth term in office.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the results of the Presidential Primary Super Tuesday vote in the Sooner State, seven counties pass new laws allowing liquor stores to stay open on Sundays & Oklahoma City voters say no to an eighth cent sales tax for municipal parks. The trio also discusses renewed effort by supporters of Medicaid expansion to get the governor to set a date for a vote on State Question 802 and a measure heading to the full House of Representatives could make it more difficult to get an initiative petition before voters. Programs like this are made possible through support from KOSU members who are listeners like you. Consider a gift to KOSU in support of This Week in Oklahoma Politics at https://kosu.secureallegiance.com/kosu/WebModule/Donate.aspx?P=GENERAL&PAGETYPE=PLG&CHECK=cJcNO7RHzAQcngTWOhBJK%2BzWDeZ%2BeA1M (KOSU.org).

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Oklahoma's involvement in the upcoming Super Tuesday Presidential Primary, a call to the Attorney General on whether Governor Stitt can keep tribal gaming funds in an escrow without putting them in state coffers and Stitt signs his first bill of 2020 to increase transparency in private school money from public dollars. The trio also discusses an investigation into Dove Charter School over accusations of giving student information to a third party for mailers to students and the dismissal of a lawsuit from Epic Virtual Charter School against a state lawmaker.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the State Equalization Board certifying revenue estimates showing Oklahoma will have about $85 million less to spend then the current year, state leaders say they have the drugs to resume lethal injection executions for the first time since 2015 and Governor Stitt wants to expand Medicaid by July of this year. The trio also discusses the Super Tuesday election coming up for Oklahoma on March Third and bills are flying out of committees as the first major deadline looms at the State Capitol.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a judges order to send the legal battle over tribal gamin compacts into mediation, Governor Stitt hiring a Washington, DC firm to re-imagine the structure of the state government and the battle of abortion bills at the state capitol between revoking the license of a doctor who performs abortion and an outright abolition of the practice. The trio also discusses a move by the Secretary of State allowing a recreational marijuana initiative petition to start gathering signatures even though the leader of the group of supporters is currently in jail for outraging public decency and the state of Oklahoma unveils a new brand with the tag line "Imagine That".

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the governor's plan to use federal block grants to expand Medicaid, his State of the State Address focusing on government efficiency, health care and even gaming compacts as well as releasing his executive budget for the coming fiscal year starting on July First. The trio also discusses a ruling from the state Supreme Court sending an initiative petition on redistricting back to the drawing board and another initiative petition to repeal the permitless carry gun law.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the announcement from Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commissioner Terri White stepping down from her position and the House Speaker opposing Governor Stitt by saying the tribal gaming compacts automatically renewed for another 15 years on January First. The trio also discusses the legislature getting new rules fro the State Board of Education making it harder for schools to stay with four-days of education per week and the governor is getting ready to hold his second State of the State Address to kick off the 2020 legislative session.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the Supreme Court declaring unconstitutional a bill requiring the top 25 alcohol brands make their products available to all distributors and justices hearing argument from supporters and opponents of an initiative petition to change the way Oklahoma redraws its district lines. The trio also discusses the Muscogee (Creek) Nation considering joining in the lawsuit over tribal gaming compacts and state Senator Jason Smalley announces he's leaving on January 31st.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about Attorney General Mike Hunter filing a lawsuit against major opioid distributors in the state, the governor's task force on corrections reform releases its report while also asking for more time to come up with detailed plans to reduce the state's prison population and two initiative petitions to make recreational marijuana legal in the state are getting push back from the state's medical marijuana industry. The trio also discusses Governor Stitt's call to have the state Superintendent appointed to the position rather than elected and the Governor gives himself an "A" for his first year in office.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and, sitting in for Ryan Kiesel, ACLU Oklahoma Director of Policy and Advocacy Nicole McAfee about the impasse between the governor and the tribes over gaming compacts which now looks headed to court, dueling ballot initiatives to legalize recreational marijuana are getting ready for voter signatures, while medical marijuana provided the state with an additional $55M in its first full year on the books. Plus, the trio discusses the estimated $8.4B budget in the 2021 fiscal year which starts July First and legislation from a state senator to raise the minimum wage to $10.50 an hour.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a petition filed to allow voters to add recreational marijuana to the state constitution, the battle between Governor Stitt and tribal leaders over gaming compacts heats up as the end of the year gets closer and Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Shane Stone delays his resignation by one day removing the need for a special election. The trio also discusses a lawsuit by Epic Virtual Charter School against State Senator Ron Sharpe over allegations of slander and libel. Also, parents and teachers of schools with four-day weeks are calling on lawmakers not to adopt policies which could end them.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the passage of MAPS4 by a wide margin garnering more than 70% of those voting, the Pardon and Parole Board sees a 118% increase in the number of docketed cases with commutations jumping 426% since 2018 and Governor Stitt gives an extension to his criminal justice reform task force. The trio also discusses an announcement from the Oklahoma Democratic Party to keep its primaries open to independent voters and legislation to tackle the issue of domestic violence.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the resignation announcement by Oklahoma City Democratic Representative Shane Stone which could trigger a special election and voters are heading to the polls this Tuesday to decide on MAPS 4 to raise nearly $978M for 16 different projects. The trio also discusses the record number of candidates in the coming Super Tuesday presidential primary including 15 Democrats and 6 Republicans as well as Governor Stitt coming out in opposition of a corrections reform initiative petition to tackle sentencing enhancements.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and sitting in for Neva Hill is Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs Director of External Relations Dave Bond about renewal of calls to provide a Cost of Living Adjustment for state retirees, Governor Stitt goes before the U.S. Senate to support a federal proposal to stop states from using the Clean Water Act to block energy projects and time is running out in the stalemate between the governor and tribal leaders over gaming compacts. The trio also discusses a bill to extend Oklahoma's ban on smoking to bars and another piece of legislation to provide a tax break for gun safety classes in response to the permitless carry law.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt's suggestion for Oklahoma to use Medicaid block grants rather than going with Medicaid expansion, an initiative petition to end certain sentencing enhancements for nonviolent offenses and the State Insurance Commissioner chooses to not enforce a law giving patients the right to choose a pharmacy provider. The trio also discusses an announcement from Oklahoma officials of the state finally getting in compliance with Real ID and Tulsans overwhelming the renewal package for Improve Our Tulsa.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the commutation of more than 500 prisoners in state custody, the concerns growing from law enforcement and citizens over permitless carry and the State Supreme Court listening to the challenge of a controversial alcohol distribution law. The trio also discusses a call by two state Senators to name a portion of Route 66 after President Donald Trump and former broadcast television reporter Abby Broyles announces her intention to run as a Democrat against Senator Jim Inhofe.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a push to change the way Oklahomans draw political districts by putting it in the hands of an independent committee rather than politicians, the Oklahoma County Sheriff plans to hand over control of the jail to a newly formed trust whether it's ready or not and the attorney general meets with tribal leaders to discuss gaming compacts. The trio also discusses the impact of permitless carry taking effect on November First along with other new laws going to effect on Friday.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the Oklahoma Health Care Authority proposal to hire a Medicaid consultant to help the governor with his health care plan, the supporters of Yes on 802 to get Medicaid Expansion on the ballot file their petitions with the Secretary of State's office and House Speaker Charles McCall wants more oversight of state agencies by getting lawmakers to attend 40 state boards and commissions. The Trio also discusses a supreme court referee hearing from opponents of a state abortion law banning dilation and evacuation after 14 weeks of pregnancy and the Attorney General sets up an online location for crime victims to understand their rights under Marsy's Law.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Director of Policy and Advocacy Nicole McAfee (who is sitting in for Ryan Kiesel) about the Legislative Compensation Board giving legislators a 35% pay raise to $47,000 a year, the Oklahoma Supreme Court rejecting a constitutional challenge against MAPS 4 and the state Republican Party is facing financial issues along with disputes from within its own party. The trio also discusses the petition to expand Medicaid as supporters say they've gathered more than enough with more than a week left and controversial State Senator Joseph Silk says he plans to quit the legislature and run for the Congressional seat currently held by Markwayne Mullin.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a challenge from gun control advocates to the constitutionality of permitless carry, MAPS Four is also facing a legal challenge ahead of a vote by citizens on December 10th and the commutation of Tondalao Hall, who was sentenced to 30 years for failing to protect her children from her abusive boyfriend, is heading to the governor's desk. The trio also discusses an attempt by one lawmaker to once again add a cap on non-economic damages in compensation cases and the State Senate hires a former staffer for Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb as the new redistricting director.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the Attorney General's announcement saying despite a Tenth Cicuit ruling, women in Oklahoma don't have the right to go topless, also the AG's cease and desist order against at-home rape kit companies he says aren't admissable in courts and a bipartisan group of lawmakers come out in support of a California law allowing college athletes to get endorsements like the pros. The trio also discusses an announcement from Governor Stitt to find a way to crackdown on illegal cell phone use in prisons and a task force on criminal justice reform holding its first public meeting

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about campaign reports showing House Appropriations Chairman Kevin Wallace is renting a garage apartment from former House Appropriations Chair and now OG&E lobbyist Ken Miller and Governor Stitt signs an executive order requiring all state agencies to get approval from his office for grant applications more than $50,000. The trio also discusses Stitt's acting secretary for the Land Office coming under scrutiny and Epic Virtual Charter School sends a Cease and Desist order to State Senator Ron Sharp

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the announcement by Higher Education Chancellor Glen Johnson to retire from the position effective at the end of next year, AG Mike Hunter announces the state is hiring a Michigan law firm for $250,000 to deal with tribal gaming compacts and the Department of Corrections locks down state prisons after gang-related violence kills one inmate and injures dozens of others. The trio also discusses the Pardon and Parole Board considering steps to accelerate the commutation process in light of new retroactive laws and they take time to remember T. Boone Pickens.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Epic Virtual Charter School calling for an investigation of State Senator Ron Sharp over "defamation" of the institution, Oklahoma still ranks second in the number of uninsured people in the state and more people are getting recommendation for commutations and paroles. The trio also discusses a call by House Speaker Charles McCall to begin redistricting efforts early next year and a Kingfisher firearms store owner plans to run on the Republican ticket against U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU' Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the decision by the Secretary of State's office to move forward with counting signatures on a petition to stop permitless carry rather than waiting on a ruling from the State Supreme Court, Broken Arrow Republican Senator Nathan Dahm creates legislation to protect Oklahomans from Congressional "Red Flag" laws and Governor Stitt appoints a new leader to the Department of Public Safety after the resignation of some of its top administrators.

The trio also discusses a Federal Election Commission investigation of Congressman Kevin Hern regarding a $60K loan he received from a bank he helped create and govern as well as the Governor's Mansion now standing empty awaiting much needed repairs.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the ruling by a Cleveland County district judge awarding the state $572 million in its opioid lawsuit, supporters of a petition to stop permitless carry hope to gather enough signatures to get State Question 803 on the 2020 ballot and the Oklahoma City Council unanimously passes MAPS 4 and sends it to voters on December 10th.

The trio also discusses Epic Virtual Charter getting $113 million despite facing investigations and allegations of embezzlement and Governor Stitt says he supports local communities raising property taxes to pay for local schools.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and sitting in for Ryan Kiesel is ACLU Oklahoma Director of Policy and Advocacy Nicole McAfee. They discuss the call by Governor Stitt to remove Glen Johnson as Higher Education Chancellor, a claim by QuikTrip of an increase in property thefts since State Question 780 was passed by voters and the Cherokee Tribe pointing to a nearly 200 year old treaty in calling for representation in Congress.

The trio also discusses a survey of school districts showing nearly 600 vacancies for the new school year and the Oklahoma County Jail Trust removes the sheriff from daily operations to opt instead for an administrator.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about an attempt to stop a permitless carry law taking effect by November First, an alcohol distribution law getting ruled unconstitutional and Medicaid Expansion supporters working to gather nearly 178,000 signatures to get the proposition before voters in 2020.

The trio also discusses a call by Governor Stitt to renegotiate gaming compacts with the Oklahoma tribes and Stitt also working to open the first Oklahoma office in Washington, DC since 1995.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics is taking a break for the summer through July and August.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the first anniversary of medical marijuana and Oklahoma already near the top nationwide in patient participation, Senator Inhofe vows to crack down on the private company reportedly leaving military families in disrepaired and dangerous homes at Tinker and other bases in the U.S. and the State Supreme Court refuses to hear a controversial alcohol bill preferring to send it to Oklahoma County District Court.

The trio also discusses a visit by President Trump's Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to an Oklahoma prison and state Democrats criticize prominent members of their party for supporting Republicans.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a win for supporters of a ballot initiative petition on Medicaid Expansion when the state Supreme Court ruled it could move forward, the fate of $85M in an opioid settlement with Teva Pharmaceuticals awaits a judges ruling and Oklahoma City passes an ordinance allowing for an amnesty period for past due parking offences and low level offenders.

The trio also discusses the Oklahoma Checkbook website unveiled by Governor Stitt to educate people about state budgets and expenses and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt makes history by declaring Pride Week.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about an awareness campaign from supporters of Medicaid Expansion as they get ready to gather signatures pending a legal challenge to their ballot initiative, Oklahoma Director of Corrections announces his retirement abruptly at a meeting Wednesday and the Pardon and Parole Board discusses implementation of House Bill 1269 which makes could reduce prison time for several Oklahomans.

The trio also discusses the first meeting of the Oklahoma County Jail Trust and the Democratic Party elects Alicia Andrews as it's first African American female chair.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks to Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a challenge to a new alcohol law requiring the manufacturers of the top 25 brands to offer products to all distributors, recent flooding brings national attention in the form of visits from Vice President Mike Pence and Democratic Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke and the Cherokee Nation elects Chuck Hoskin, Junior to be its next Principal Chief.

The trio also discusses Governor Stitt's appointment of Villagio Senior Living CEO Justin Brown to take over as head of the Department of Human Services and Oklahoma City Democratic State Representative Shane Stone says he is choosing to not seek reelection in 2020.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about the opioid trial starting in Norman which has grabbed national and international attention and state lawmakers end the 2019 legislative session a week earlier than required by the Constitution.

The trio also discusses some of the bills signed recently by Governor Stitt.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a bill signed by Governor Stitt which he had originally vetoed giving patients the right to choose their own pharmacy provider and lawmakers pass a measure putting restrictions on the powers of the attorney general over settlements.

The trio also discusses the governor's new task force to look at corrections reform and three agencies face an uncertain future without knowing if they will keep their directors or face a new leader.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a final agreement on a budget between legislative leaders and Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, a conservative think tank, levels a constitutional challenge against an initiative petition to put Medicaid expansion before voters on the 2020 ballot.

The trio also discusses the quick approval of Governor Stitt's nominees despite issues with them last week and OU President James Gallogly announces his retirement after just ten months on the job.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a row in a Senate committee over a gubernatorial nomination for Finance Secretary as worry grows concerning executive power over state agencies, criminal justice advocates worry about a former corrections reform opponent working on Stitt's team and the House opens an investigation against a Republican lawmakers leveled by the co-founder of the Sooner Tea Party.

The trio also discusses the refusal by a state Senator and former teacher to carry the gubernatorial candidates for State Board of Education and lawmakers have only three weeks left until the constitutionally required end of the legislative session and yet there's been no word of a final budget for the next fiscal year which starts on July First.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and siting in for Ryan Kiesel is ACLU Oklahoma Political and Advocacy Director Nicole McAfee about the State Supreme Court overturning a law limiting abortion-inducing medication, Governor Stitt signing a bill forcing abortion clinics to put up signs saying a drug induced abortion is reversible and the governor vetoing a bill giving overtime pay to state workers making less than $31,000 a year.

The trio also discusses Governor Stitt rescinding the nomination for a second term to a Wildlife Conservation Commissioners which might have been politically motivated and House Democrats release their version of a budget to include Medicaid expansion and more money for schools.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about a ruling by the State Supreme Court saying the lawmakers can't put a $350M cap on pain and suffering, supporters of Medicaid expansion file an initiative petition to get it put on the ballot in 2020 and Governor Stitt recognizes his first 100 days in office.

The trio also discusses a bill to ban "free-speech zones" on college campuses and freshman Democratic Congresswoman Kendra Horn gets her first Republican challenger in Oklahoma City Senator Stephanie Bice.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a lawsuit between the National Rifle Association and it's long time marketing partner Ackerman McQueen out of Oklahoma City, the opioid trial is going before a judge rather than a jury and Comanche County wants in on the trial after taking issue with the settlement between AG Mike Hunter and Purdue Pharma.

The trio also talks about Governor Stitt getting a controversial anti-abortion bill, state employees will have to wait for any Cost of Living Adjustment and politicians are already raising money in preparation for the 2020 election.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the leader of the Senate wanting a more rigorous vetting process for gubernatorial nominations brought before the Senate and another member of the State Supreme Court leaving Governor Stitt with two positions to fill in his first few months in office. The trio also discusses the new members of the Oklahoma City Council including its first openly gay representative and a look at the legislative session after another deadline week.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the deadline for lawmakers to fund education by April First came and went without a budget despite a teacher walkout last year, state leaders criticize Attorney General Mike Hunter in the settlement with Purdue Pharma and vandals strike central Oklahoma buildings with hate-filled graffiti.

The trio also discusses a coalition is forming to get more people involved in the 2020 U.S. Census which begins in one year and, starting this month, election officials are purging the voter rolls in a "Use it or Lose it" voting policy.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about a $270M settlement between Oklahoma and Purdue Pharma with the lion share of the money going to OSU's Health Center in Tulsa, the leader of the Senate forms a working group on Cost of Living Adjustment for state retirees and a number of issues have recently arisen at county jails including Nowata, Washington and Oklahoma.

The trio also discusses a $16M supplemental request from the Office of Management and Enterprise Services and it's been a year since lawmakers passed HB1010XX which raised revenue to pay for teacher salary increases.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Senate Bill 195 which was changed from a trigger bill making abortion illegal if Roe v. Wade was stuck down to an anti-abortion bill going before Oklahoma voters, only 810 pieces of legislation remain after last week's deadline and two Republican lawmakers get to meet with President Trump regarding free speech at Oklahoma colleges, universities and career techs.

The trio also discusses a lawsuit against a law to regulate the medical marijuana industry and Governor Stitt makes appointments to three state boards.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing legislation restructuring the boards and commissions of five state agencies and giving him power to hire and fire the agency heads, the "Unity Bill" on medical marijuana passes the legislature and heads to the governor's desk and Governor Stitt calls on the State Auditor to investigate the Oklahoma Health Care Authority in regard to Medicaid.

The trio also discusses a lawsuit by more than 150 former and current employees of the State Health Department released after a fiscal situation in 2017 and a teacher pay raise in Texas could impact educators in Oklahoma.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the Oklahoma City Public School Board voting unanimously to approve the Pathway to Greatness to reconfigure the district, Republicans come to an agreement on bills to give more power to the governor over five state agencies and a Senate committee approves a measure allowing eye doctors in big box stores like Walmart.

The trio also discusses Senator Jim Inhofe considering approval of a resolution blocking President Trump's emergency declaration for his wall after fears of money getting taken from military construction and Governor Stitt welcomes attendance at the 5th Oklahoma Muslim Day at the State Capitol.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Governor Stitt signing his first bill allowing anyone over 21 to carry a gun without a permit or training, a Senate committee passes measures to give the governor power over the hiring and firing of five state agency directors and another Senate committee passing legislation making abortion illegal if Roe v. Wade gets overturned in the US Supreme Court.

The trio also discusses bills which didn't make it out of committee before the deadline and the Governor appoints three corrections reform advocates to the Pardon and Parole Board.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the Equalization Board approving appropriations for lawmakers with nearly $575M more than last year, a Senate committee approves SB 605 to expand healthcare through Insure Oklahoma rather than expanding Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act and a bill allowing Oklahomans over the age of 21 to carry a weapon without a permit or training moves one step away from the governor's desk.

The trio also discusses a bill to crack down on four-day school weeks and Senate leaders say they won't hear SB 13 to criminalize abortion saying they are opposed to it on the grounds it would waste taxpayer money in the courts and ultimately be declared unconstitutional.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the passage in the House of a bill allowing anyone over the age of 21 to carry a gun without a license or training, the State of Oklahoma loses 30,000 teachers in just five years and Medical Marijuana sales exceed $4M in January.

The trio also discusses a decision to not house Oklahoma County Mental Health Court participants in the jail and Governor Stitt and hip-hop artist MC Hammer tour Mabel Bassett to see a new program teaching female inmates how to code.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel mostly about the first State of the State Address from new Governor Kevin Stitt to kick off the 57th legislature.

The trio also discusses the 2019 legislative agenda from House and Senate Democrats and Oklahoma County Commissioner Kevin Calvey gets into a battle with Sheriff P.D. Taylor after he shows up with 17 other people for a surprise inspection of the jail.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about Governor Stitt's executive orders rearranging his cabinet, investigating lobbying by state agencies, placing a hiring freeze on "classified" employees and selling the governor's plane as well as thoughts on the coming State of the State Address this Monday.

The trio also discusses Stitt's pick for Cybersecurity Chief Mark Gower to also lead the Office of Emergency Management, the Senate Republicans release their four point agenda for the coming legislative session and the state House releases a bipartisan video called "We are ONE Oklahoma".

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about accusations of thousands of dollars in back child support against House Appropriations Chairman Kevin Wallace, legislators are heading into the 2019 session with more than 2800 bills and one of those is a bipartisan measure to make State Question 780 retroactive.

The trio also discusses a series of Republican bills which appear to be in retaliation against teachers for last year's walkout and other bills heading before lawmakers this year.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the inaugural ceremony and speech for new Governor Kevin Stitt, former Sonic Executive John Budd tapped to not only perform as Stitt's Chief Operating Officer but also as acting head of the Oklahoma Management and Enterprise Services and deposits into the state's general revenue fund come in 9% above the estimate and 21% above 2017.

The Ethics Commission files lawsuits attempting to collect late fees from 14 former candidates, two lobbyists and two political action committees and Oklahoma sees a record number of voters following a gubernatorial election at 2.1 million.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about lawmakers elected leaders of both parties in the lead up to the 2019 legislative session, the state House passes new controversial rules including a ban on videos by lawmakers on the House floor and the state of Oklahoma is getting ready for a new governor with inaugural parties this weekend.

The trio also discusses a funding increase for Epic Virtual Charter School and other charter schools in the state with cuts to some of the largest public institutions and Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb gets a job in the private sector.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about nearly $600M extra for the state to allocate in the coming fiscal year, incoming Governor Kevin Stitt nominate Blayne Arthur to be the state's first female Secretary of the Agriculture and a federal judge declares constitutional an OKC ordinance banning panhandling in certain medians.

The trio also discusses a bipartisan push to pass corrections reform in the upcoming legislative session and the House Democratic push for Medicaid expansion.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the State Health Department passing rules for edible medical marijuana, Governor-elect Kevin Stitt might have to wait a while before moving into his new offices because of construction at the State Capitol and a southeast Oklahoma Democratic State Representative defects to the Republican Party.

The trio also discusses a couple of new Senate bills: One bans all vaping at educational facilities with minors as well as all schools sponsored or sanctioned activities while another makes rib eye the state's official steak.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the commitment from Republican leaders in the House and Senate for education funding, a the Chair of the Canadian County Republican Party calls on his GOP lawmakers to, in essence, defund education and state Senators file bills to make abortions a homicide and allow anyone to carry a gun without a license.

The trio also talks about the ouster of long time State Epidemiologist Kristy Bradley and remember President George H.W. Bush who passed away last week.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the top picks by Governor-elect Kevin Stitt for his Chief of Staff as well as Secretaries of State and Energy, Oklahoma owes the state's colleges and universities $150M in matching funds for faculty salaries and the incoming leader of the Senate files the first bill to conduct performance evaluations of state agencies.

The trio also discusses the US Supreme Court hearing oral arguments to an Oklahoma case which could have impact on the state's tribal entities and the passing of State Board of Education Dan Keating, the twin brother of former Governor Frank Keating.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Politcal Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesell about Governor-elect Kevin Stitt picking political insiders to run his transition team, House Democrats pick new leadership after Steve Kouplen loses reelection and Oklahoma's newest Congressman Kevin Hern takes his oath of office.

The trio also discusses straight party voting and a candidate for district attorney in Ada fails to win election despite getting the endorsement of best-selling author John Grisham.

This Week in Oklahoma Poltics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about the win by Republican Kevin Stitt over Democrat Drew Edmondson in the race for Governor, the win in Congressional District Five by Democratic challenger Kendra Horn over Republican incumbent Steve Russell and the GOP holding on to all statewide offices.

The trio also discusses the new makeup of the State Legislature and State Question 794 also known as Marsy's Law was the only measure on Tuesday's ballot to get passed by voters.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about State Question 801 before voter which would allow school districts to use a portion of their building funds for other purposes and with one week until early voting how are the races going for Kevin Stitt and Drew Edmondson.

The trio also discusses any other races to watch in the general election coming up on November 6th and a recent story in the Oklahoman finds State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister at odds with Governor Mary Fallin over an audit of schools.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel and Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill about State Question 800 to create a dedicated account for excessive gross production taxes, the Oklahoma Public Employees Association plans to sue the State Department of Health over layoffs last year following a budget shortfall and Republican candidate Kevin Stitt gets an endorsement from his runoff rival Mick Cornett while Democratic candidate Drew Edmondson gets an endorsement from the Oklahoma Education Association.

Plus, the trio talks about the Cherokee Nation attacking US Senator Elizabeth Warren on her decision to get a DNA test to prove she has native heritage and District Two Congressman Markwayne Mullin challenges Stormy Daniel's attorney to a Mixed Martial Arts competition.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and, sitting in for Ryan Kiesel, Oklahoma Policy Institute Legislative Director Bailey Perkins about a new poll on the governor's race showing Republican Kevin Stitt with a narrow 46% lead over Democrat Drew Edmondson at 40%, education supporters plan a rally at the State Capitol ahead of the general election and the independent candidate for State Treasurer attacks his Republican opponent over pension reforms.

The trio also discusses news of a nonprofit sending out 59,000 absentee ballot applications to groups who usually don't vote in the midterm election and the number of registered voters in the state increases by more than 79,000 since January.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about State Question 798 to put the governor and lieutenant governor on the same ticket by 2026 similar to the President and Vice President and a new report finds recently ousted incumbent Republican lawmakers were challenged from leadership in their own party.

The trio also discusses the announcement from Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater of charges getting dropped against State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister for campaign finance violations and a new report from UCO's College of Education Dean shows Oklahoma could save $30 million by consolidation school districts.

This Week in Oklahoma Poltics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about State Question 794 also known as Marsy's Law which provides certain rights to victims of crime and the two major candidates for governor go head to head for the first time in a debate.

The trio also discusses a loss in the state Supreme Court by the Oklahoma Ethics Commission in a lawsuit over funding by the legislature and the Commission is also facing a lawsuit over its rule on gifts to lawmakers.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about State Question 793 which alters the state constitution allowing big box stores like Wal-Mart to have optometrists and eye exams and House Minority Leader Steve Kouplen reiterates his call for a special session to deal with medical marijuana especially in regard to labeling and testing guidelines.

The trio also discusses legislation from Oklahoma Senator James Lankford and a group of bipartisan U-S lawmakers to require the federal government to take better care of immigrant children in custody, the Ethics Commission again passes a rule requiring a two year delay before lawmakers can take a job as a lobbyist and former State Senator Ralph Shortey gets sentenced to 15 years for one count of child sex trafficking.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and sitting in for Ryan Kiesel is Democratic State Representative Forrest Bennett. They discuss criticism by Veterans' Affairs Executive Director Doug Elliot and the VA commissioners of a report from the State Auditor's office describing a "culture of fear and intimidation" and "toxic environment" at the agency, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Drew Edmondson unveils an education plan which includes calling for an increase of gross production taxes to 7% and a huge shakeup is coming to the State Capitol regardless of the elections in November as at least 40% of the House and at least 25% of the Senate are getting new members.

The trio also discusses testimony by Oklahoma City high school teacher Melissa Smith in opposition to Supreme Court Judicial nominee Brett Kavanaugh over his positions on school choice and labor unions and Senator Jim Inhofe takes over as chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee.

This Week in Oklahoma Politics, KOSU's Michael Cross talks with Republican Political Consultant Neva Hill and ACLU Oklahoma Executive Director Ryan Kiesel about Tulsa Businessman Kevin Stitt's defeat of former Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett for the Republican candidacy in the race for Governor and six incumbent GOP State Representatives who voted against the tax increase for teacher pay raises losse their reelection bids.

The trio also discusses the narrow victory by Incumbent Attorney General Mike Hunter along with the choice to not pursue a recount by challenger Gentner Drummond and the current state of medical marijuana in Oklahoma after passage by voters in June.