Oklahoma

At CPAC, McCall touts Oklahoma school choice, tax cuts

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2024

At CPAC, McCall touts Oklahoma school choice, tax cuts

Addressing one of the nation’s largest gatherings of political conservatives on Feb. 22, House Speaker Charles McCall touted Oklahoma’s record as a leader on school choice and a model of fiscal governance where tax cuts are prioritized in policymaking.

“Oklahoma is a state anchored in bedrock conservative values from fiscal restraint to the faith in the Almighty,” McCall told attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a national convention of conservatives. “We believe in common sense, constitutional liberties, and the freedom to chart our own course.”

McCall highlighted Oklahoma’s standing as one of the first states to provide school-choice opportunity to all families, allowing parents the ability to receive refundable tax credits to pay for a private-school education for their children if the parents believe it appropriate.

“We believe our children are the most precious resource, that their education shapes our future and their future,” said McCall, R-Atoka. “We are a state where parents control their children’s education. They can now use their education dollars for public schools, private schools, charter schools, and homeschooling has been protected in our constitution since 1907.”

The state law that created the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act provides refundable tax credits of $5,000 to $7,500 per child to cover the cost of private school tuition with the largest credits going to families with the lowest incomes.

Families who choose to homeschool also qualify for a tax credit equal to $1,000 per child under the plan.

In 2024, the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit program is capped at $150 million in tax credits. In 2025, the cap will increase to $200 million and in 2026 the cap rises to $250 million.

According to recent figures from the Oklahoma Tax Commission, the majority of the $150 million in first-year school-choice tax credits will go to low-income and middle-class families. As of the start of February, $83.5 million in tax credits has been approved for children from families with incomes below $150,000, including $39 million in credits for 6,672 students from families with incomes below $75,000.

The number of tax-credit beneficiaries from families earning less than $75,000 exceeds the student count for all but 17 of Oklahoma’s more than 500 public-school districts, based on enrollment data for the current school year.

Some homeschool advocates worried that government regulations could be attached to the program, and have noted bills filed this year by three lawmakers to impose new regulations on private schools and beneficiaries of the school-choice program.

But McCall indicated those bills aren’t going anywhere.

“The Oklahoma plan keeps government out of homeschools, Christian schools, keeps private schools private, empowers parents—not bureaucrats—to make education decisions,” McCall said.

He also touted Oklahoma’s record on fiscal issues, including continued efforts to reduce Oklahoma’s personal income tax.

“We have a healthy economy, job growth, fewer regulations, and we continue to cut the personal income-tax rate in Oklahoma,” McCall said. “Under Republican leadership, we have grown to be the fifth-best economy in the nation.”

McCall’s comments came only one day after a state House committee approved legislation to gradually eliminate Oklahoma’s personal income tax.

House Bill 2949, by McCall, would create a flat-tax system in Oklahoma with a rate of 4.4 percent while significantly increasing the amount of a family’s income exempted from the tax.

Under current law, Oklahoma has multiple tax brackets with a top rate of 4.75 percent kicking in at $7,200 for single filers and $12,200 for joint filers (married couples).

Under HB 2949, the lower 4.4-percent income-tax rate would not kick in until single filers earn more than $10,000 and joint filers and heads of households earn more than $20,000.

HB 2949 would also put the personal income tax on the path to full elimination.

Under the bill, another 0.233333 percentage point would be shaved off every year that state government’s cumulative revenue growth is equal to or greater than $400 million.

After the sixth rate cut occurs and the rate has been reduced to 3 percent, it would be reduced further by 0.3 points each year until the rate is zero.

The measure also establishes a $1 per megawatt-hour tax on electricity produced by renewable power businesses to partially offset the tax change and address Oklahoma Senate Republicans’ objections to cutting the tax.

McCall noted that Oklahoma lawmakers have built up billions of dollars in state savings through prudent budgeting. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, Oklahoma lawmakers may spend up to 95 percent of certified revenue each year, but lawmakers have chosen to spend less than the 95-percent maximum allowed, producing billions in savings over several years.

In the 2021, 2022, and 2023 state budget years, lawmakers left more than $2 billion combined unspent. And the state also has $1.274 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund and $401 million in the Revenue Stabilization Fund, providing a combined $1.675 billion. The state also has $3.5 billion in agency revolving funds and $372.5 million in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) Preservation Fund.

“We budget less money than we’re allowed to spend,” McCall said. “That fiscal discipline has given us our largest financial reserves in state history. In Oklahoma, we are prepared for the next Washington-created economic downturn.”

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Oklahoma

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Published

5 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Where to find July 4th fireworks, festivals, and family fun in Oklahoma

Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!

Key takeaways

The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.

Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman

This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.

Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City

OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.

Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater

This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.

Date: July 3-4
Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon

Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.

Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore

Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.

Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City

Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.

Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond

Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.

Date: July 4
Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton

Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.

Date: July 4
Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa

Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

Published

16 hours ago

June 28, 2026

Press Room

Oklahoma Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for June 27, 2026

The Oklahoma Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at June 27, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 27 drawing

03-16-28-30-59, Powerball: 11, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from June 27 drawing

03-08-18-22-39, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 27 drawing

3-6-9

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 27 drawing

15-17-20-25-26

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 27 drawing

02-26-34-43-45, Powerball: 15

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 27 drawing

26-32-38-51-52, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Sign Your Ticket: Please make sure to sign and complete the back of your ticket
You have 180 days from the draw date to claim your prize.
Prizes up to $600: Can be claimed at any Oklahoma Lottery retailer or at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center, located at 300 N. Broadway in downtown Oklahoma City. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 4:00 pm.
Prizes from $601 to $49,999: These can be claimed at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payments can be issued as a check or direct deposit (ACH). Claiming in person requires a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, a valid ID, official proof of Social Security number and a completed claim form.
Prizes of $50,000 or more: These can be claimed in person at the Oklahoma Lottery Winner Center or by mail. Payment options include check or ACH. Bring a photo of the front and back of the winning ticket, proof of Social Security number, a completed claim form, and valid ID.

Mail-in Claims: Mail the original signed ticket and a completed claim form to the Oklahoma Lottery, P.O. Box 548810, Oklahoma City, OK 73154. For direct deposit, include a voided check or bank letter with your account details. Non-winning tickets are not accepted, and Oklahoma Lottery assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen mail.

For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.

When are the Oklahoma Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
MEGA Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Pick 3: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
Cash 5: 9:10 p.m. CT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oklahoma editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Oklahoma

Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2026

Press Room

Trump nominates former Oklahoma officer Lance Schroyer to lead ICE

President Donald Trump announced June 27 he would nominate Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to serve as director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“The Senate must CONFIRM Lance, IMMEDIATELY — Do not delay,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, calling Schroyer a “patriot” and asserting he would help carry out Trump’s broader immigration push to detain and deport individuals the administration describes as serious criminal offenders.

The move to fill the position comes months after Todd Lyons, the acting director of ICE who oversaw immigration enforcement crackdowns linked to killings in Minnesota and Illinois, resigned as acting director at the end of May.

Schroyer has over 29 years in law enforcement in Oklahoma and is a U.S. Marine, Trump said. Most recently, Schroyer’s spearheaded federal-local immigration enforcement partnerships with ICE, including a program that allows state and local agencies to assist federal immigration authorities.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin also praised the selection, saying Schroyer’s background positions him to advance the administration’s immigration enforcement goals and called on the Senate to act quickly to confirm him.

Who is Lance Schroyer?

Schroyer currently serves as senior adviser to the Department of Homeland Security, where he helps coordinate immigration enforcement strategy and interagency cooperation among federal, state and local partners, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

He previously served as a major with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, overseeing emergency and special operations units that handled disaster response, civil disturbance planning, abducted child recovery efforts and tactical operations.

ICE leadership vacancy and broader enforcement debate

ICE has not had a Senate-confirmed director since early 2017 and has largely been led by acting officials.

The nomination comes as the agency continues to play a central role in Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. The Trump administration has expanded detention and deporation efforts as part of the president’s goals to crack down on people entering the country illegally. Immigration rights groups have raised concerns about civil liberties and detention conditions. ICE has faced scrutiny over enforcement actions and deaths in custody, including incidents that have prompted protests and public debate.

ICE’s detention strategies continue to evolve, including adjustments to how custody facilities are planned and utilized. At the same time, immigration enforcement officers are being deployed in more states, pointing to a wider national presence as part of the administration’s enforcement efforts.

Contributing: Reuters

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT

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