Court finds McGirt ruling has limits

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma, which held that the pre-statehood reservation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was never formally disestablished for purposes of federal criminal law, created vast uncertainty, particularly as other “reservations” were discovered.

The question facing Oklahomans: Would McGirt provide tribal governments with civil authority over the state and non-Indians?

Thankfully, the Oklahoma Supreme Court has now answered, “No.” Otherwise, McGirt would have created economic chaos and worse by cementing Oklahoma as place where there would be two sets of rules based on race, geography, demographic or political classification.

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 18, 2025) - This week, Governor Kevin Stitt is celebrating good news for Oklahoma's economy, as new data shows the state is bringing in more money, creating new jobs, and keeping unemployment low.

“This is what happens when you keep your fiscal house in order,” said Governor Stitt. “Because we’ve cut taxes, reined in wasteful spending, and resisted the urge to grow government, Oklahoma is thriving.”

For some Muskogee news, here's a press release from one of the city's oldest veterinary clinics:

Muskogee, OK (July 14, 2025) – Honor Heights Veterinary Clinic, a trusted provider of small animal veterinary care in Muskogee, Oklahoma since 1986, is excited to announce its official rebranding to CareVet of Honor Heights. This new chapter marks a significant milestone for the hospital and the local pet community—bringing expanded resources, enhanced services, and a renewed dedication to delivering top-tier care.

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 9th) – Oklahoma House Education Committee Chair Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, reacted to the Monday announcement by State Superintendent Ryan Walters that he would require all school districts in the state to provide free lunches to all students at the cost of employee salaries. The Superintendent does not have the Constitutional or legal authority to direct how individual school districts allocate their budgets.

"This attempt to overstep the authority of Walters' office is a threat to the independent decision-making power of Oklahoma's school districts. Regardless, it is nothing more than an empty threat," said Lowe, a former ag teacher. 

Attorney General candidate Jon Echols is touting his hefty campaign warchest (a former 6-term state representative, that figure includes just over $160,000 transferred from his old State House campaign account). The only other Republican candidate so far is Jeff Starling.

Ironically, I did notice in his 1st Quarter ethics report that Echols misstates his own occupation and employer, information which campaigns are required to record from donors. Echols' personal contributions to his campaign list "Representative" and "Oklahoma House of Representatives" as his occupation and employer, even though Echols termed out as a state legislator in November of last year. Probably something a prospective Attorney General should pay attention to and correct...

Oklahoma City, OK (July 7th) - Today, the campaign for Oklahoma Attorney General candidate Jon Echols announced that it has surpassed $900,000 raised.

Work requirements a win for taxpayers

“Work” may be a four-letter word, but it’s not an obscenity. You wouldn’t know that based on the reaction of many liberals to the new work requirements for Medicaid.

To stay on Medicaid, the new law requires able-bodied adults with no children to spend only 80 hours per month either working, going to school, participating in a work program, or doing community service.

If you’re thinking, “That’s doesn’t seem too hard,” you’re right. To suggest these extremely lenient work requirements are draconian is nonsense.

Walters Demands End to Bureaucratic Bloat

Oklahoma City, OK – Starting in the 2025/2026 school year, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) will mandate that every school district fully funds student meals using existing state and federal operational dollars. For too long, Oklahoma’s students and taxpayers have been fleeced by gross mismanagement and bloated bureaucracies that prioritize administrative paychecks over kids’ basic needs. This stops now.

OKLAHOMA CITY (July 2nd) – Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, has approved a series of interim study requests that will be considered during the Oklahoma Senate’s interim period.

Interim studies have been assigned to relevant Senate committees and will be scheduled at the discretion of each committee chair. All approved studies must be completed by October 31.

These studies allow lawmakers to take a deeper dive into important issues facing the state ahead of the 2026 legislative session.