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Thursday, July 30, 2026 • Hot with temps 98-101. Chance of storms late. ⛈️
Poll results:
We received 182 votes on the Wednesday poll, “Oklahoma was named 1 of 5 states that could possibly become host to Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Centers. How do you feel about nuclear energy?”
• 82 said Pro-Nuclear
• 40 said Anti-Nuclear
• 60 said they weren’t really sure.
New poll question at the bottom of today’s newsletter. (You can also suggest a poll question by emailing me at [email protected].)
Aluminum smelter study denied, Oklahoma lawmaker claims censorship
Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, left, pulls out a rule book, as Rep. Rick West, R-Heavener, looks on during the House session on May 22, 2025. (Photo by Janelle Stecklein/Oklahoma Voice)
By Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice
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A House lawmaker said Wednesday that a fellow Republican has blocked his efforts to hold a study at the Capitol to probe a controversial aluminum smelter that the Trump administration wants to build in his hometown.
Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, denied his request to hold an interim study about aluminum smelters. Gann said he was further censored when he was barred from using House resources to distribute a news release letting the public know why the hearing would not take place.
“They don’t want to be transparent, they just want the narrative to support their position,” Gann told Oklahoma Voice. “… This is taxpayer resources that people pay for to hear from their elected officials, for their elected officials to speak to the issues that concern them, and then you’re denied those resources. It’s absolutely censorship.”
Hilbert’s office declined to comment or answer questions from Oklahoma Voice. Hilbert has publicly supported the Inola smelter.
Gann said the purpose of interim studies is to educate the public and lawmakers on issues before the state. Legislators often use the studies to help craft legislation. Gann said he wanted to dig into the ownership of the smelter and the resources it would use.
“The people in Inola are desperate for information,” he said. “They want to know more about what’s taking place and why it’s taking place.”
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The Oklahoma Rundown 📰
Editor’s note: Links requiring subscriptions have an *.
Here’s what’s happening in Oklahoma today:
Tulsa district attorney asks OSBI to investigate city jail deaths (The Frontier)
What is the National Governors Association? Oklahoma City hosts summer meeting (News 9)
Republican state superintendent candidate interview ends abruptly after question about spokesperson’s history of slurs, inflammatory posts (KFOR)
Yukon city leaders still contemplating proposed data center (KFOR)
Oklahoma City Fire Department Chief Richard Kelley to retire after 35 years of service (KOCO)
OKCity Crisis Nursery founder and eight others indicted (KFOR)
Should Oklahoma voter identity requirements be in the state constitution? Voters will decide in August. (Tulsa Flyer)
Asian District leaders look for solutions after recent murder raises safety concerns (News 9)
Here’s how an under-the-radar court decision could bolster Oklahoma’s political parties (Oklahoma Watch)
Cyclosporiasis cases in Oklahoma continue to rise, surpassing 300 (KOSU)
80-year-old disabled veteran robbed, tied up in Choctaw County home (KXII)
Warrant issued for man accused of raping a teen by the river (Kay News Cow)
Man arrested after stealing more than $300K worth of trading cards and collectibles (Fox 25)
Overflowing dumpsters spark frustration from residents in Maysville (KOCO)
Ascension St. John awards more than $117,000 in nursing scholarships across eastern Oklahoma (News On 6)
Obamacare enrollment plunges 32% in Oklahoma (Oklahoma Voice)
American Red Cross declares national blood emergency, donation shortage (KOSU)
No traditional teachers: a look at Tulsa’s AI school (KJRH)
'Food Not Bombs' continues its mission to feed the unhoused in Tulsa despite legal pressures (KGOU)
From ballots to ballets: What happens to leftover campaign cash when politicians lose or leave? (Tulsa Flyer)
Sinkhole forms along roadway in southwest Oklahoma City (Fox 25)
Mandatory lawn watering schedule permanently in effect, Moore officials say (News 9)
City forced to euthanize 250 birds seized in June drug bust (Oklahoma City Free Press)
Thursday Poll
The primary is August 25. Have you already made up your mind about who you're voting for?
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