In partnership with
Thursday, November 12, 2026 • Cooler but sunny. 64-67. ☀️
Oklahoma Memo Podcasts
OKLAHOMA MEMO
Kansas Moms murders: Journalist raises questions about Oklahoma DA
Poll results:
We received 329 votes on the Wednesday poll, “Should Oklahoma make it easier or harder for citizens to put questions on the ballot?”
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Easier — voters deserve a stronger voice (206)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Harder — safeguards are necessary (23)
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ The current process is about right (77)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Not sure (23)
New poll question at the bottom of today’s newsletter. (You can also suggest a poll question by emailing me at [email protected].)
Oklahoma groundwater supply becoming an increasing concern
Pivot irrigation is crucial for many crops in the Great Plains. But in many states, it’s unclear how much groundwater the practice pulls from the Ogallala Aquifer. (Courtesy Texas A&M Agrilife / Kay Ledbetter)
By Kaylee Hopkins, Gaylord News
As Oklahoma’s water supply faces pressure from increased groundwater use, state regulators are working to better track aquifer depletion and for the first time look to issue violation notices for unreported groundwater use.
Randy Dietz, a farmer who has lived west of Cleo Springs for 65 years, has witnessed the water decline.
“The water table is dropping drastically,” Dietz said. “You used to be able to get water anywhere where I live. I used to be able to dig a posthole three feet down and hit water, and there’s no way that’ll happen anymore.”
Dietz, who grows grass and wheat and raises cattle, said his own wells have not yet been affected. Still, he has seen neighboring farm ponds run dry and Cleo Springs lose a large portion of its water supply. Dietz blames it in part on heavy irrigation in the area, as farmers have started growing crops such as corn that require more water.
Concerns about diminishing groundwater in the Ogallala Aquifer can be seen across the state, as researchers say water is a difficult resource to monitor. State regulators acknowledge that most groundwater use is self-reported.
Ever wonder how they afford that? Check the receipts.
Admit it. You’ve wondered, how much money do they make?
Money is our last true taboo. We talk about therapy and bad dates, but guard our bank statements like classified files.
The podcast What We Spend blows the safe wide open.
In every episode, real people share their actual, unedited transaction histories. You'll hear about the secret credit card debt, the reckless impulse buys, and the hidden sacrifices nobody talks about at brunch.
It’s revealing, intimate, and strangely validating to finally hear the truth behind other people’s bank accounts.
The Oklahoma Rundown
Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.
Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:
A rogue DA in ‘No Man’s Land’ (The Nation)
State Attorney General Gentner Drummond seeks ownership disclosures from Inola smelter companies (Public Radio Tulsa)
Harold Hamm, Continental Resources settle shareholder suit for $60M (The Oklahoman)*
Mayor calls on Tulsans to bridge divides and create ‘next great renaissance’ in State of the City (Tulsa Flyer)
Oklahoma lawmakers to be sworn in next week (Oklahoma Voice)
Cleveland County clerk audits 11 years of felony lists after illegal voting case (Fox 25)
As Route 66 turns 100, Oklahoma looks to balance the Mother Road's past with its future (KOSU)
'We're not forgotten.': Two Oklahoma veterans share personal stories, Veterans Day meaning (Public Radio Tulsa)
Thousands take part in 108th annual Tulsa Veterans Day Parade (Tulsa Flyer)
Oklahoma man accused of sending threats to election officials released with conditions (Oklahoma Voice)
Oklahoma receives ‘Returning Education to the States’ waiver to consolidate federal funds (Oklahoma Voice)
IRS records show huge disparities for Coweta charity (Oklahoma Watch)
Blackwell resident killed in crash on U.S. 60 (Kay News Cow)
Vince Gill nominated for induction to Songwriters Hall of Fame (KOSU)
OU administration reaffirms commitment to Sooners football coach Brent Venables (The Oklahoman)*
Thursday Poll
Should companies behind major Oklahoma development projects be required to publicly disclose their investors?
Explain this to me!
What’s happening in Oklahoma that doesn’t make sense to you? Send me your question. I may answer it here in Oklahoma Memo or turn it into a video.
Email: [email protected]
How to support Oklahoma Memo
✅ News tips, comments, partnership opportunities: [email protected]
✅ If Oklahoma Memo saves you time or helps you understand what’s happening around the state, you can leave a small tip to help keep it going.
$5 tip, $10 tip, a $25 tip, or a $100 tip.
Thank you. Have a wonderful day ‼️
(P.S. Be sure and check out the Oklahoma Memo YouTube channel for long-form conversations and news explainers. You can also listen to this content wherever you get your podcasts!)
