Sooner State news from May …
Beginning July 1, 2026, Oklahoma foster care services will continue through age 21 for eligible young adults. This extended foster care program was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Oklahoma Human Services, which provides a range of services and support to more than 1 million Oklahomans each year, is planning for the program launch.
A long-term criticism of the foster care system in the country has been the lack of a bridge for kids who “age out” of the system at 18. But that is changing. Oklahoma joins more than 30 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and nine federally recognizes Tribes that have approved extended foster care.
Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, who authored Senate Bill 1806 and championed the effort during the legislative session, said:
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to enter adulthood with a strong foundation. Extending foster care services to age 21 gives young adults additional time, support and resources as they pursue education, employment and independence.”
The program will be available to eligible young adults who are completing secondary education; enrolled in a college, university or career technology program; participating in an employment readiness or workforce development program; working at least 80 hours per month or are unable to participate in these activities due to a documented medical condition.
“Studies show that by extending these services for youth until they turn 21, they become less likely to endure adverse experiences including homelessness, exposure to illegal substances, and domestic violence,” said Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program (OKSA) Administrator, Jennifer Boyer.
To participate in the program or to learn more, email OKSA@ou.edu or call 800.397.2945.
Read more here.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the Rocket's Red Glare Act (Senate Bill 1948) which legalizes bottle rockets that have been missing from Oklahoma's night sky. Called “skyrockets with sticks,” the popular firework got its common name from how it would be launched: pointed upward with the stick placed inside a glass bottle for stability.
The Oklahoma Legislature banned the distribution of bottle rockets in 1981 over concern about the risk of rooftop fires.
The legislation also allows fireworks to be sold year-round.
Oklahomans can get to shopping for the 250th Celebration of America!
Gov. Still is very excited about this fireworks bill. Watch here. Read more here.
Research indicates a housing gap in Oklahoma, and Dominium, a national affordable-housing developer, will be contributing to closing the gap with its plan to add 1,000 new or preserved apartments across Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
More here.
An assistance program has helped some Oklahoma farmers continue farming, but profits remain low as they continue to battle financial woes from trade disruptions with China, rising production costs, restrictive tariffs and instability from the Iran war that President chose to start for Israel.
More here.
Oklahomans were shocked to learn of a mass shooting in Oklahoma that was perpetrated shortly after 9pm on May 3 near the Scissortail Campground area at Arcadia Lake, northeast of Oklahoma City, and within the bounds of OKC and Edmond.
The shooting occurred during an unsanctioned gathering attended by a large crowd of young black adults and teens from across the metro area. Edmond Police Department officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire and located numerous victims suffering from injuries, including gunshot wounds. According to reports, more than 80 rounds of ammunition were fired.
An 18-year-old woman was killed, and more than 20 people were injured.
A 20-year-old woman and an 18-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the mass shooting. Edmond Police have said others may have been involved, and the investigation is ongoing.
More here.
Four special interest groups are spending millions of dollars ahead of the Republican gubernatorial primary election in Oklahoma which will be a determining factor in who wins the governorship in the state.
More here.
Proposed three-year bachelor’s degree programs are moving forward for review through the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education framework, enabling the University of Oklahoma to offer more efficient and affordable degree options aligned with state workforce needs.
More here.
Like Oklahoma Redux? Buy Maria a cup of coffee to keep it going! Thanks!
Join us on X and FB for what’s happening in Oklahoma.
If you find this news recap useful, please share! Thanks!
Oklahoma Redux is published by Maria Fotopoulos.
(This hat is embroidered)
April is seeking permanent housing in the OKC area. She’s probably between 8 and 10 months of age, weighing in at about six pounds. She is quite the sweetheart.
She showed up looking for a meal. Isn’t that how it always starts? I thought I had some time to get her to the vet for her “procedure,” but within a week possibly all the males in a five-mile radius had come calling. One night, we drove up to our residence, and she was being chased — it was a line of five cats, including one of the neutered males. I didn’t manage to scoop her up that night, but I did the next. She’s been inside since, either safe harbor from the boys, or post-op recovery!
She is very interested in what all these news things are in “Human World,” still skittish. She has warmed up to me and loves to brush up against my legs — generally get underfoot. And she’s chosen her few hidey holes and sleep spots.
April has received all of her medical care at Midwest Veterinary Hospital. She is fully vaccinated, spayed and chipped.
If you are interested in learning more about adopting her and a test adoption period, contact maria@calliescathouse.org. If you know anyone who is seeking a sweetheart to join their family, please forward this Substack. And if you can contribute the Callie’s Cathouse fundraiser, the cats and I thank you.
Fundraiser at Give Send Go here.
— Maria aka The Cat Wrangler
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.