By Barbara Hoberock | Senior reporter
“The public interest lies in enforcing Oklahoma’s nuisance and environmental laws, protecting the health of Inola families and preserving the livestock economy and natural resources of the region.” - Gentner Drummond of the proposed Inola smelter
Attorney General Gentner Drummond gives a speech for his gubernatorial campaign at the Edmond History Museum on Aug. 19, 2025, in Edmond. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Emma Murphy
Oklahoma’s attorney general on Tuesday asked a federal court to block construction in Inola of what would be the largest aluminum smelter in the country.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who in June sued to stop construction of the smelter over concerns of foreign ownership and severe pollution in northeastern Oklahoma, filed the new motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma to ask a judge to take immediate action while a lawsuit plays out.
Following intense pushback from residents, the town of Inola issued a moratorium on the smelter project that expires Aug. 28. The proposed smelter is set to be built within miles of Inola schools, homes and farms.
A student reads a graphic novel at Hills Elementary in Santa Fe South Charter Schools on Aug. 4 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
An expanded team of reading coaches will train teachers across Oklahoma as public schools implement new requirements for childhood literacy.
Colorado Democratic state Sen. Katie Wallace speaking on the Senate floor in May. Wallace cosponsored a measure that requires Colorado colleges and universities to make abortion medication available to students. Colorado recently became the fifth state to enact such a law. (Photo by Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)
By Sofia Resnick
When college students head back to campus for the fall semester, more of them will have guaranteed access to abortion medication.
Michiganders for Money Out of Politics submitted its signatures in Lansing to make the November 2026 ballot. May 27, 2026. (Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance).
By Minnah Arshad
Voters will decide whether to upend campaign finance in Michigan when they head to the polls in November as outrage over money in politics intensifies pressure for reform.
Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner listens to a presentation on the state’s early literacy rates at the State Board of Education meeting Thursday, Aug. 11, 2026. (Photo by Mackenzi Klemann/Indiana Capital Chronicle.)
By Mackenzie Klemann
Indiana’s early literacy rates improved for the fifth consecutive year, with nearly 89% of Hoosier third graders demonstrating proficiency in foundational reading skills on the state’s IREAD assessment.
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