Mental health agency might not be able to make payroll; agency for seniors faces funding crunch — Thunder drop Game 1

What’s happening, Oklahoma? It is May 6, and here are a couple of headlines before we get started:

• Breaking: Multiple people shot at bar in Midtown OKC on Monday night.

• Tragedy: Two Tulsa-area students, a coach among 8 killed in Kansas crash.

• Stock futures largely unchanged ahead of first Fed policy meeting since president’s reciprocal tariffs announcement in April.

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Weather Update 🌧️

A much cooler day in store for Tuesday, and there will be rain. It will start earlier in OKC than in Tulsa. Many areas could see an inch or two, which for some could exacerbate flooding issues.

🌡️ Tuesday's high in OKC 63°
🌡️ Tuesday’s high in Tulsa 69°

Allergy report: grass pollen (moderate)

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Mental Health Agency Warns of Payroll Issues Amid Cash Crunch

By Paul Monies, Oklahoma Watch
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Leaders at Oklahoma’s mental health agency have told lawmakers the cash crunch is so severe, the agency may have trouble meeting its payroll obligations this month. 

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, which is under four legislative or executive investigations or audits, said on Thursday afternoon its latest budget shortfall for the current fiscal year has now reached $23 million. The shortfall has varied widely in the past few months, from a high of $63.7 million to as low as $6.2 million at the end of last week. 

The agency told legislative leaders earlier this week that it has insufficient funds to make payroll on May 7. A special House committee investigating the budget issues is expected to meet again on Monday.  

“This is the first time we have heard from the agency about being unable to make payroll,” House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, told House members in an email Thursday evening. “On March 31, in a meeting in my conference room, I specifically asked if there would be any cash flow issues before the end of May and was assured there would not be.” 

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See also 👀
• In fiery testimony, Friesen says ODMHSAS has ‘likely’ been plagued by ‘corruption’ (NonDoc)

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Oklahoma agency that feeds, supports seniors faces federal funding uncertainties

By Jillian Taylor, StateImpact Oklahoma
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An organization that provides Oklahoma seniors with resources like meals and transportation is facing uncertainty about the future of its federal funding.

The Areawide Aging Agency in Oklahoma City covers Canadian, Cleveland, Logan and Oklahoma counties, working to advance the dignity and independence of adults ages 60 and older. CEO Blair Schoeb said the group provides thousands of seniors with meals across about 25 locations or through home deliveries.

The group also offers transportation to seniors through a partnership with EMBARK and legal services in collaboration with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.

The group receives funding through the Older Americans Act, which seeks to support older Americans' ability to live at home and in the community longer. It has been primarily administered by the Administration for Community Living – a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

About 85% of the Areawide Aging Agency's funding comes from federal and state dollars, Schoeb said. It goes through about $500,000 a month. He fears the group's federal funding could see impacts in the coming months – especially because it lacks enough reserves to fill in potential gaps.

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Oklahoma Ethics Commission dismisses complaints against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett

By Chloe Bennett-Steele, StateImpact Oklahoma
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Donate to KGOU.

The ethics body said it found no violation of rules in its investigation of complaints.

During its May 1 meeting, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted to dismiss two complaints against Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett.

The votes came after an investigation into whether Hiett had conflicts of interest in his role. The OCC frequently votes on rate hike cases while regulating utilities, oil and gas and other industries.

The complaints were filed following two alleged incidents, including one in 2024 described as intoxicated behavior and groping.

The encounter allegedly happened during a Minnesota work conference, and the other person involved was reportedly a member of the energy industry. The commissioner told the newspaper he does not remember the Minnesota incident but sought help for alcohol issues.

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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰

A concise summary of the latest news from across the state:

• Oklahoma Supreme Court to hear appeal for entertainment district vote after petition ruled invalid (OU Daily)

• Norman leaders examine personnel, funding needs in fire, police departments after recent wildfires (OU Daily)

• Ginnie Graham: Oklahoma's suicide rate is top 10 in the nation. It doesn't have to be (Tulsa World)

• Widow of Oklahoma Army veteran denied VA headstone, still seeking answers more than a year after his death (News On 6)

• New Tulsa Democratic Party chair wants candidates who will 'do the work' (KWGS)

• Gov. Stitt declares disaster emergency for several counties after heavy rain, flooding (Fox 23)

• Tulsa Police, Mayor Nichols hold news conference about public safety following downtown shooting (Fox 23)

• How Flora Bodega is redefining food equity in Oklahoma City (Black Wall Street Times)

• Trump Administration’s wish to expand logging threatens Indigenous wildlife (Cherokee Phoenix)

• As Lake Texoma rises, some businesses are closing (KTEN)

• ONG caps gas leak in Newkirk caused by construction crew (Kay Newscow)

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reports two open gates at Waurika Lake (KSWO)

• Woodward County Commissioners appoint Frutiger as interim sheriff (Woodward News)

SPORTS 🏀⚾🥎🏈

NBA Playoffs Game 1: Denver 121, Oklahoma City 119

Nuggets lead best-of-seven series 1-0. Game 2 is Wednesday night at 8:30 p.m. on TNT/truTV/Max.

• Jalen Williams honors OKC Thunder sideline reporter Nick Gallo with 'E.T.' shirt (Oklahoman)

• OU Softball earns No. 1 seed in SEC Tournament (News On 6)

• Where is OSU loading up late in transfer portal? Tight ends are heavy targets (Tulsa World)

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