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By Ariana Figueroa, Oklahoma Voice
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate voted Monday evening to confirm Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for carrying out President Donald Trump’s mass deportation agenda. 

The 54-45 vote means that Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, will take over the department in the midst of a five-week shutdown. He will replace outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem, whom the president reassigned to another role in the administration.

Mullin voted for himself. Democratic Sens. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico were the only Democrats to back Mullin’s confirmation.

Just before the Senate adjourned, Mullin submitted his resignation letter.

👉 Click here for the full story.

***

👀 See also: No DHS talks expected until Mullin is confirmed, White House official says (Politico)

👉 And also: Stitt to announce Mullin replacement Tuesday morning (KFOR)

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A hand-curated list of the best journalism from across the state:

• 3 dead, including 2-year-old, in weekend shootings across northwest OKC (Oklahoma City Free Press)

• Man turns himself in to McAlester police, confesses to 2020 murder (News On 6)

• Pawhuska residents raise concerns over possible data center project (2 News Oklahoma)

• New Narcan-resistant opioid found in Oklahoma linked to death of 18-year-old (KOCO)

• Education bills advance through House, Senate Monday as bill deadline approaches (StateImpact Oklahoma)

• TPS releases list of positions targeted for cuts (Tulsa World)*

• Entertainment district ordinance repeal not on council agendas despite Ward 7 councilmember claims (OU Daily)

• Bill axes some legislatively approved Oklahoma Turnpike Authority projects (Oklahoma Voice)

• ‘They’re supposed to bury us’: Father heartbroken after toddler shot, killed when gun discharged (KFOR)

• Oklahoma couple arrested after girl, 14, became pregnant with twins (The Oklahoman)*

• OU president says university met with Faculty Senate Executive Committee regarding Mel Curth’s termination (OU Daily)

• Oklahoma House approves firearm safety training in K-12 schools (Oklahoma Voice)

• Records request shows lack of transparency about Oklahoma City license plate reader use (KOSU)

• Georgia man charged with manslaughter crash in Grady County (KSWO)

• Ardmore homelessness count rises in unsheltered individuals (KXII)

• Oklahoma's last synagogue outside its two biggest cities has closed, but the legacy continues (KOSU)

By Sierra Pfeifer, KOSU
Click here to support their newsroom

Oklahoma County Commissioner Myles Davidson is resigning after a woman he worked with accused him of repeated sexual harassment and misconduct.

His last day will be April 3, according to a resignation letter first obtained by The Oklahoman. 

“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Oklahoma County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so,” the letter said. “I will work diligently to ensure a smooth and orderly transition of duties.”

Davidson appointed his Chief Deputy Paul Forester to fill the remainder of his term. Forester sat in for Davidson last week during a contentious meeting in which county officials moved to dissolve the jail trust that operates the county’s troubled detention center.

Allegations of Davidson’s misconduct first came to light in September, when a woman in Norman filed for a protective order against him. A Cleveland County District Court judge granted her a three-year victim’s protective order on March 11.

👉 Click here for the full story.

A daily briefing connecting Oklahomans to the state’s best journalism — and original content from Oklahoma Memo. Got a news tip? Somebody I need to interview? Message me at [email protected].