Here are the headlines shared on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
Toxic Ground: How oil field pollution is threatening Oklahoma (The Frontier)
As Mazzei Changes Tone on Smelter Project, Drummond Moves to Block It (Oklahoma Watch)
Oklahoma AG sues to stop construction of Trump-endorsed aluminum smelter in Inola (Oklahoma Voice)
State AG, Tulsa DA charge three with defrauding Tulsa Public Schools (KWGS)
As regulators consider PSO’s rate increase, Oklahomans voice concern over rising costs (KOSU)
After years of drought, Oklahoma raises cotton gin rates for first time since 1981 (KGOU)
Oklahoma lawmaker proposes AI tool to review agency rules (The Journal Record)
Oklahoma governor signs, pocket vetoes final bills for 2026 (KOSU)
Oklahoma high court hears challenge to property tax initiative petition (Oklahoma Voice)
Why are Oklahoma women getting huge bills for a breast scan that should be 100% covered? (KFOR)
Advocates challenge the rejection of Oklahoma open primaries initiative petition (Oklahoma Voice)
Cherokee Nation expands food program after federal funding ends (KTUL)
The cost of childcare is too high for many Oklahoma families. How are lawmakers responding? (KGOU)
Screwworm fly found in Texas decades after eradication from U.S. (KFOR)
Garth Brooks earns unprecedented 10th Diamond-certified album | (KOSU)
Sports leaders join City to break ground on $121 million stadium (OKC Free Press)
Oklahoma Historical Society awards $509,439 in preservation grants to 30 Organizations (KOKH)
Local community honors 105th anniversary of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre (KTUL)
Boley plaza project will greet visitors at Oklahoma Civil Rights Trail destination (KOSU)
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge celebrates 125 years of conservation (KSWO)
Tulsa set a Guinness World Record at the Route 66 Capital Cruise (KJRH)
The recent weather conditions in Oklahoma have been split. While eastern Oklahoma experienced beneficial rainfall throughout the week, the western half of the state remained significantly drier, leading to a deterioration in local conditions. As a result of this ongoing dry spell, widespread severe-to-exceptional drought (D3 to D4) persists across western Oklahoma. These lingering issues, combined with long-term concerns about groundwater levels, highlight a challenging outlook for the state as it enters the summer months.
Oklahoma summary of the National Drought Summary for June 2, 2026 / South.
Oklahoma Primary
The Oklahoma Primary Election is right around the corner on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Polls will be open across the state from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Oklahoma offers early voting on June 11 – 12, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and June 13, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Visit the Oklahoma Elections Board website for early voting locations.
Everyone Votes On State Question
Oklahoma has closed primaries, meaning you can only vote for candidates in the political party with which you are currently registered. However, all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, are encouraged to head to the polls to vote on State Question 832.
Get more details about voting on the Oklahoma Elections Board website at oklahoma.gov/elections.
Why Oil Field Wastewater Is Bubbling Up All Over This State (ProPublica Docs)
State Question 832 Minimum Wage Increase (Oklahoma News Report)
Writerdeck: my tty-only laptop for maximum focus (Veronica Explains)
Okay, this one was a bit techy. Still a neat idea to turn an old laptop into a dedicated writing device.
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Until next time.
– K. @}-;--
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