Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is seeking a preliminary injunction to block construction of a proposed aluminum smelter in Inola while his lawsuit against the project continues.Drummond has raised concerns about the facility’s potential air pollution, environmental impact, and waste disposal plans. The proposed 633-acre facility could produce more than 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually and receive significant federal and state funding. Oklahoma Primary Aluminum says the facility would comply with environmental regulations and provide economic benefits to the area.
A recent report found that 45 rural hospitals in Oklahoma are at risk of closing because of serious financial problems, with 18 facing an immediate risk of closure. Hospital leaders point to low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, payment issues with Medicare Advantage plans, and cuts to supplemental Medicaid funding as major challenges. The report estimates that about $4 billion in additional annual payments would be needed nationwide to prevent the at-risk hospitals from closing. Rural hospital closures could reduce access to healthcare, hurt local economies, and place additional pressure on hospitals in urban areas.
Oklahoma lawmakers are preparing for the 2027 legislative session with about 90 approved interim studies in both the House and Senate. Several studies have bipartisan or bicameral support and focus on issues such as sexual assault kit delays, rural water infrastructure, healthcare, public safety, and criminal justice. Other collaborative studies will examine prescription drug affordability, grid resilience, workforce housing, and prison rehabilitation programs. Most of the studies have not yet been scheduled, but lawmakers must complete them by October 30.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order directing state officials to investigate whether the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Muslim Brotherhood, or their affiliates pose a terrorism or public-safety threat in Oklahoma. The order also directs state agencies to advocate for federal designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations and encourages the Oklahoma Legislature to pursue a similar designation. Stitt’s action follows related measures in Texas and Florida, although a federal court blocked Florida’s governor from unilaterally designating CAIR as a terrorist organization. CAIR describes itself as a Muslim civil rights organization and has challenged similar government actions in court.
Weekly Wrap Up
View the House and Senate interim studies.
Upcoming Deadlines
October 30, 2026: Interim studies must be heard in committee
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The United States has already recognized Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, and Hamas emerged from the Muslim Brotherhood,” said Governor Stitt regarding issuing an executive order directing an investigation into CAIR, a Muslim nonprofit. “Oklahoma will not turn a blind eye to organizations or networks that may support terrorism.”