By Janelle Stecklein | Editor
“Think about that. After years of war, Lincoln didn’t focus on settling scores or getting revenge. He focused on putting our country back together. His commitment to unity saved our country.” - Kevin Stitt of former President Abraham Lincoln’s call for unity
Daniel Chen, counsel for the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, speaks to news reporters after a hearing Wednesday in Oklahoma City federal court on Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School, which he represents. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
A second attempt to open the nation’s first publicly funded religious charter school landed in an Oklahoma courtroom on Wednesday in what could be another step toward returning the issue to the U.S. Supreme Court.
At issue Wednesday was whether the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board acted constitutionally when it twice denied Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School’s request to open and operate using taxpayer funds.
Board members said a 2024 Oklahoma Supreme Court decision rejecting a similar request from a Catholic charter school prevented them from approving the religious school, which intends to provide a state-funded education that includes the teachings of the Jewish faith.
Rows of carts await shoppers at an Oklahoma business on Sunday, March 16, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)
By Barbara Hoberock
Bargain hunters are expected to hit the stores this weekend to take advantage of Oklahoma’s sales tax holiday.
Gov. Kevin Stitt, right, stands with state Superintendent Lindel Fields during an Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting May 21 at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
By Nuria Martinez-Keel
Rather than choosing a new education secretary for the final five months of his term, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Wednesday he tapped Oklahoma’s state superintendent to serve as his top adviser on school policy.
Kristen Welker, host of NBC’s Meet the Press, interviews Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis and Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox during the summer meeting of the National Governors Association in Oklahoma City. Governors called for a rebalancing of state and federal power sharing. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)
By Kevin Hardy
State leaders of both parties say the federal government — including the president — wields too much power, and they want to see more authority returned to the states.
The Big Four Bridge over the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, Kentucky, and Jeffersonville, Indiana. (Photo by Sarah Ladd/Kentucky Lantern)
By Jacob Fischler
The stopgap spending bill supported by an overwhelming majority of U.S. senators does not address tens of billions in expiring transportation funding, leaving states facing a massive effective budget cut starting Oct. 1.
ICYMI
Trump urges US Senate to pass bill making daylight saving time permanent | Shauneen Miranda
AG nominee tells faith leaders he will take action to restrict abortion drug access | Kelcie Moseley-Morris
US House Ethics starts probe of abuse allegations against Ohio Rep. Max Miller at his request | Sam Gauntt
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