State Auditor Cindy Byrd ad on dark-money attacks: "They probably failed an audit."

Here's State Auditor Cindy Byrd with an ad responding to "dark money" attacks against her:

Turnpike between OKC and Lawton transitioning to cashless PlatePay next week

I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike begins transition to PlatePay/cashless tolling between Lawton and Oklahoma City on Tuesday

Daily traffic impacts expected through fall 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 16th) — I-44/H.E. Bailey Turnpike will begin its transition to PlatePay on the mainline between Lawton and Oklahoma City on Tuesday, the first of three H.E. Bailey turnpike sections converting to cashless tolling.

AG O'Connor files charges against attorneys accused in illegal marijuana operations

Attorney General O'Connor Files Charges Against Oklahoma Attorneys Accused of Facilitating Illegal Medical Marijuana Operations

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 16th) - Attorney General John O’Connor filed charges today consistent with a multi-county grand jury indictment against two Oklahoma attorneys accused of facilitating illegal medical marijuana operations.

Barry Goldwater Jr. endorses AG John O’Connor

Barry Goldwater Jr. Endorses AG John O’Connor

Tulsa, OK (June 16th) – Today, Barry Goldwater Jr. has endorsed conservative Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor. 

Dark Money Swamp retaliates against State Auditor Cindy Byrd, props up unqualified straw candidate

There's some phenomenal reporting this morning from the Tulsa World's Randy Krehbiel on the State Auditor's race: Dark money campaign hits state auditor race. You simply have to read the whole thing.

Oklahoma has a political swamp, a deep state, that controls a lot of what goes on politically. There are interconnected fingers between dark money, consultants, campaigns, and elected officials. And now the knives are out for State Auditor Cindy Byrd, who must be removed before she does them more damage.

Tablet program helps incarcerated fathers stay connected to their families

For decades, America has experienced a crisis of fathers. Absentee fathers, disconnected fathers, incarcerated fathers. Nothing contributes more to criminal life than a child with no good male leadership in their life. Maybe this program will do something to help inmates get their priorities and life right (but nothing would help like believing in Jesus Christ for salvation).

Tablet Program Helps Incarcerated Fathers Stay Connected to Their Families

On Father’s Day or any day, increased paternal connection benefits inmates, children, and public safety.

UNION CITY, Okla. (June 16th) – Navigating holidays is an emotional journey for Robert Rivard.

“Holidays are tough,” inmate Rivard said. “I miss my family so desperately.”

Among the 1.2 million people in federal and state prison, 92% are fathers. This Father’s Day, Oklahoma’s incarcerated are getting reconnected.

One year ago, Securus Technologies and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) began distributing free digital tablets to 22,000 inmates. The tablets represent a critical update to communications and technology.

Quinn receives endorsements from current and former Bartlesville-area legislators

State Senator Marty Quinn has been endorsed in his campaign for Congress by three current or former legislators from the Bartlesville area.

Quinn is one of 14 candidates for the 2nd Congressional District seat. Washington County, with its county seat of Bartlesville, is a brand-new addition to the District following redistricting, and will play a crucial role this primary in the election of the next congressman.

Cherokee chief reverses course on banning Oklahoma flag

Just two weeks ago, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., issued an executive order to “cause all flags of the State of Oklahoma to be removed from Cherokee Nation properties” by Sept. 1, the latest escalation in the quarrel between the State of Oklahoma (and Governor Kevin Stitt) and tribal nations (the Cherokee Nation in particular).

After receiving overwhelming backlash from within the Cherokee Nation, Hoskin has now reversed course. From The Frontier reporter Reese Gorman:

House Republicans send inflation relief bills to Senate, Gov. Stitt applauds

The Legislature continues to work through the "inflation relief" special session. After some initial deadlock, it appears that the Governor and House have mended fences to a degree, but the Senate is a different story.

Two press releases, one from the House on top and one from the Governor below:

Treat appoints tax reform working group in state senate to study options in special session

There's some passive-aggressive bickering going on between the House and Senate over this "inflation relief" special session:

PPT Treat announces membership of tax reform working group

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 15th) – Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat has announced his appointments for a tax reform working group to study proposals in relation to the ongoing special session.

Club for Growth group jumps in to boost Josh Brecheen's CD2 campaign

The School Freedom Fund, a Club for Growth affiliated group, has just put $260,000 into promoting the 2nd Congressional District candidacy of Josh Brecheen.

A former staffer for Sen. Tom Coburn and an ex-state senator (2010-2018), Brecheen is one of 14 Republicans running for the 2nd District seat. Club for Growth had a lengthy history of backing Dr. Coburn's political and legislative efforts, so in one sense this could be a final favor to the good doctor, whose widow, Carolyn, has endorsed Brecheen. 

O'Connor: as AG, I've fought against woke policies and helped end nonbinary birth certificates

Oklahoma Attorney General John O'Connor has an op-ed over at Ignite Liberty addressing the issue of "nonbinary" birth certificates and his role in stopping them.

O'Connor is running for a full term as AG, having been appointed last July by Governor Stitt to complete disgraced Attorney General Mike Hunter's term after Hunter resigned. Read his column below: