Capitol Insider

A discussion of the week's news from Oklahoma's State Capitol between KGOU Public Radio's Dick Pryor and Quorum Call's Shawn Ashley, plus interviews with newsmakers. You can also watch Capitol Insider on YouTube.

Oklahoma Supreme Court hears challenge to initiative petition law

The Oklahoma Supreme Court will decide whether Oklahoma's new law regulating citizen lawmaking by initiative petitions is constitutional.

11-21
05:54

Statewide elected officials to get post-election pay raise

A new commission has approved raising the annual salaries for statewide elected officials, while legislator pay will stay the same.

11-14
05:55

2026 Oklahoma election cycle is underway

In less than a year, Oklahomans will go to the polls to vote in a wide-open and monumental general election.

11-06
05:54

Democrats call for special session to address loss of SNAP funding

In Oklahoma and around the U.S., elected officials are seeking ways to provide food assistance to needy residents as the federal government shutdown affects SNAP.

10-31
05:54

State Board of Education to review state social studies standards

Under the new state superintendent, Oklahoma's State Board of Education is moving quickly to deal with controversial issues.

10-24
05:54

Classroom Bible mandate dropped by State Department of Education

Former State Superintendent Ryan Walters' mandate to place Bibles in Oklahoma classrooms and incorporate biblical teaching is being eliminated.

10-17
05:54

Supreme Court decision halts state business courts

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has found a major priority of the Stitt administration to be unconstitutional.

10-10
05:53

What's next after a tumultuous week for Oklahoma education?

Following the resignation of Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Lindel Fields as interim superintendent, announced a "turnaround" team and renewed calls to make the position appointed rather than elected.

10-03
05:49

Walters resignation affects state schools and 2026 election

Controversial State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters resigns to take job with conservative teacher group.

09-26
05:47

Oklahoma Supreme Court puts new social studies standards on hold

New social studies standards that went into effect for the current school semester have now been halted by the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

09-19
05:49

Stitt state employee 'return to work' order survives legal challenge

Citing lack of standing for the legislator who brought a lawsuit against it, the Oklahoma Supreme Court allows Gov. Kevin Stitt's "return to work" executive order to stand.

09-12
06:23

Election climate as 2026 campaign season nears shows uncertainty

We evaluate the 2026 elections with just over a year to go before campaigning accelerates into high gear.

09-05
09:45

State Board of Education pushes for special meeting after cancellation

After its latest monthly meeting was cancelled, the State Board of Education is pursuing legal action to schedule a special meeting.

08-29
05:54

Stitt seeks to block City of Tulsa agreement with Muscogee Creek Nation

Governor Kevin Stitt has initiated legal action to prevent the City of Tulsa from entering into a law enforcement agreement with the Muscogee Creek Nation.

08-22
05:49

Oklahoma 'test' to vet teacher candidates from out of state raises concerns

A new "qualifications" test for out of state teachers hoping to gain certification to teach in Oklahoma triggers legal scrutiny as Oklahoma teacher shortage continues.

08-15
05:49

U.S. jobs report stuns, but Oklahoma economy shows encouraging signs

Tariffs, inflation and job growth remain a national economic concern, but new data indicate healthy economy in Oklahoma, says economist Dr. Robert Dauffenbach.

08-08
10:24

Allegations against Ryan Walters lead to investigation, accusations

State Superintendent Ryan Walters denies allegations about images of nude women on office television; accuses Governor Stitt of coordinating allegations against him.

08-01
06:24

Walters runs into resistance from State Board of Education members

State Board of Education members pushed back against recent decisions made by State Superintendent Ryan Walters during their latest board meeting.

07-25
05:54

Supreme Court delays implementation of business courts law

A new law is on hold after the Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments about the proposed creation of new Oklahoma courts to handle business litigation.

07-18
06:01

State of Oklahoma revenues show slight increase in last 12 months

New figures from the State Treasurer's Office show an increase in revenue for fiscal year 2025, fueled by individual income tax collections.

07-11
05:54

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