Saturday, June 27 2026 • Rain clears out. Highs in the early-to-mid 90s. Windy. 💨

🏀 Basketball Update: Thunder to keep Hartenstein on new 3-year deal, sources say (ESPN)

We received 118 votes on the Friday poll, “Should migrants at the U.S. border be allowed to apply for asylum should they fear persecution? Or should they be turned away?”

• 77 said Apply for Asylum
• 41 said Turner Away

New poll question at the bottom of today’s newsletter. (You can also suggest a poll question by emailing me at [email protected].)

By Thomas Pablo, KOSU
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After almost 40 years, Chickasaw Nation has a new leader.

Bill Anoatubby stepped down as Chickasaw Nation’s governor on Friday, passing the torch to his son, former Lt. Gov. Chris Anoatubby.

Chris Anoatubby was sworn in as governor at a ceremony in East Central University in Ada. He said he will continue the work of his predecessors, invest in education and health care, and support elders and veterans.

“(Former Gov. Bill Anoatubby)'s words echo a sense of purpose embodied by our greatest tribal leaders, and that he has exemplified throughout his life,” the new Gov. Anoatubby said. “Today, it is with that same spirit of duty and a profound sense of gratitude that I commit myself to honorably serve the Chickasaw people as governor of the Chickasaw Nation, and to strive to build upon the work and progress of those who came before so that it may benefit those who come after, just as Chickasaws have always done.”

Bill Anoatubby gave his final remarks as governor before Chris’s appointment, surrounded on stage by family members. At noon, his resignation became effective, ending his nearly 40-year tenure as the tribe’s leader.

The elder Anoatubby was met with cheers and applause as Kevin Meeks, Chickasaw deputy secretary of health, introduced him as the greatest leader in Chickasaw history.

“History has repeatedly demonstrated that the strength of the Chickasaw Nation rests beyond any singular leader, but in the collective will and united voices of every citizen of our great nation,” Bill Anoatubby said. “As we look forward, it is the same vision, the same mission, and the same collaborative approach that got us here … with the same principles that unified and guided our Chickasaw ancestors in the homelands.”

During the ceremony, Gov. Chris Anoatubby announced Tishomingo District legislator Scott Evans as his pick for lieutenant governor.

Multiple tribal, state and federal officials were in attendance, including U.S. Sen. James Lankford, Oklahoma Democratic House Minority Leader and gubernatorial candidate Cyndi Munson, Absentee Shawnee Gov. John R. Johnson, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert and former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating.

👉 Click to read the rest of the story.

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Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.

Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:

• Planes damaged, power lines down after severe storms slam Stillwater (KOCO)

• Gov. Stitt extends State of Emergency, adds multiple counties after overnight storms (News 9)

• Gov. Stitt defends 16 phone calls to Rod Polston, denies favoritism (The Oklahoman)*

• Beyond smelter talk, electric rate proposal has some feeling ‘sacrificed at the altar of big business’ (NonDoc)

• Many speak out against PSO rate hike proposal (Tulsa World)*

• Oklahoma reviewing impact of SNAP ruling as sugar, candy ban remains in place (Tulsa World)*

• Security guard saves baby from choking at South Tulsa community baby shower (2 News Oklahoma)

• Lawton Woman jailed after children found in ‘biohazard’ home (KSWO)

• Gas station drug kratom increasingly linked to Oklahoma deaths (KOSU)

• New aircraft facility coming to Oklahoma City (News 9)

• Vesta Realty’s OKC luxury apartments face foreclosure due to millions in missed loan payments (KFOR)

• Oklahoma Republican superintendent candidate pledges education administrative spending audit (StateImpact Oklahoma)

• Democratic nominee for Oklahoma superintendent pushes back on criticism after City Elders event (StateImpact Oklahoma)

• Classic OKC soul food restaurant Florence's quietly reopens after major repairs (The Oklahoman)*

• OKC shelter pauses intakes after rescuing hundreds of animals from nearby home (StateImpact Oklahoma)

• Sam Wargin Grimaldo fills House vacancy in Oklahoma City (Oklahoma Voice)

• Amid lingering disparities, Tulsa business leaders explore how to increase diversity (Tulsa Flyer)

• Acclaimed OU professor and musical theater actor Vince Leseney dies at 56 (The Oklahoman)*

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