
By Janelle Stecklein | Editor
“I think we need to be cautious to make sure that any laws or regulations we pass on this are for the right reasons and not just because we’re scared. … And I think that can be a little worrisome and a little nerve-wracking because we don’t want to stifle what this could be and the real positive changes it could bring.” - John Pfeiffer of regulating artificial intelligence

John Pfeiffer, left, and Kevin West, who are vying for the Republican nomination for Labor Commissioner, are pictured. (Provided photos)
By Emma Murphy
Two state lawmakers seeking the Republican nomination to be elected Oklahoma’s next labor commissioner hope to modernize the Department of Labor and dig into artificial intelligence’s impact on businesses.
Reps. John Pfeiffer, R-Mulhall, and Kevin West, R-Moore, both advanced from the June 16 primary and will be on the Aug. 25 primary runoff ballot to secure their party’s nomination for the position to lead the state Department of Labor.
Only registered Republicans are eligible to vote in this race.

State Chamber President and CEO Chad Warmington speaks at the State of Business Forum, focusing on education initiatives, on Nov. 17, 2025, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)
OPINION
By John Thompson
These days it feels increasingly easy to ignore survey results given the bombardment of people attempting to survey everything from most popular video games to most livable cities.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media as Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., look on after a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on June 24, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
By Jennifer Shutt
President Donald Trump on Monday called on the U.S. Senate to cancel its five-week August break, keeping lawmakers in session to advance several of his priorities, despite not having the votes.

A mail ballot drop box is seen at a polling station on Nov. 4, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
By Jacob Fischler
A federal appeals court over the weekend denied the Trump administration’s request to resume a controversial plan forcing significant restrictions on vote-by-mail.

Federal agents on patrol in Minneapolis, Minnesota in January. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)
By Jacob Fischler
Three people who observed federal immigration enforcement during the Trump administration’s sometimes-violent surge said in a federal lawsuit filed Friday the Department of Homeland Security illegally recorded them and revoked their status in the department’s trusted traveler programs.
ICYMI
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