The State Question 836 petition drive fell short of signatures needed to place the open primary proposal on an Oklahoma statewide ballot.

The Oklahoma Weekly Review highlights the biggest state stories you may have missed this week, including youth marijuana rankings, education legislation, the Illinois River lawsuit, and national security developments impacting Oklahoma.

Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing Kristi Noem.

Bo Gritz, a decorated Vietnam War veteran from Enid and figure linked to the Rambo character, has died at age 87.

A bill expanding teacher background checks in Oklahoma moves forward in the Senate Education Committee.

A federal judge questions whether Illinois River watershed lawsuit settlements negotiated by Attorney General Gentner Drummond provide enough cleanup funding.

HB3885 would expand suspension policies for elementary students who assault staff, targeting student behavior in Oklahoma classrooms.

Senate Bill 1540 advances to make child grooming a felony in Oklahoma, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.

The Oklahoma Legislature approves naming a new Norman-area turnpike the Toby Keith Expressway, honoring the late country music star.

Senate Bill 2173 would create an educational program to help Oklahoma landowners negotiate oil, gas, wind, and solar energy leases.

Oklahoma files lawsuit against the U.S. Army over the Fort Sill dining contract, citing federal preference protections for blind contractors.

Sen. James Lankford says U.S. military action against Iran could pressure the regime and create an opportunity for Iranian citizens to choose new leadership.

A new South Oklahoma City mental health facility will soon open, transferring patients from Griffin Memorial Hospital and expanding statewide care capacity.

House Bill 3314 would allow counties to impose a voter-approved public service impact tax on retail marijuana sales in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma House advances citizenship verification for SNAP and Medicaid bills on party-line votes, sending the measures to the Senate.

The DOJ sues Oklahoma over access to unredacted voter registration records, citing the Civil Rights Act of 1960 and election record requirements.

An Oklahoma House committee advances a battery disposal bill requiring safer recycling sites to prevent fires, chemical leaks, and environmental damage.

Peterson Farms agrees to nearly $1 million settlement in the Illinois River Watershed lawsuit over alleged poultry waste pollution in Oklahoma.

Rob Miller suspends his campaign in the 2026 Oklahoma State Superintendent race following the death of his wife, reshaping the primary field.

Oklahoma Senate $254M education funding plan would redirect Teachers’ Retirement System dollars to teacher pay raises, literacy programs, and school funding.