Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) has received updated federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorizing the issuance of full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025.
The New York Times recently published an article under the headline “Radiation Fears Bring MAHA and MAGA Movements Into Conflict” — a piece which editorializes on the MAHA Report’s seeming consideration of tightening safety for cell phone radiation at the same time that the Trump administration weighs looser regulations for the nuclear industry.
While we at Environmental Health Trust are always encouraged to see serious discussion about the health impacts of wireless radiation, we were disappointed to see several factual errors, omissions, and misrepresentations in the article. We take the opportunity here to address these inaccuracies.
On paper, Oklahoma’s minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. In reality, the starting wage for most entry-level jobs today is much higher with wages of $11 to $14 an hour common.
That fact undermines the entire narrative of those claiming government needs to set wages. They argue that employers won’t pay a penny more than legally required. But this is false. Employee pay is not the product of government edict, but of market reality. Employers must pay wages that attract workers. That’s why today’s entry-level wages in Oklahoma are much higher than the official minimum.
New data released by AARP reveals that 27 percent of adults in Oklahoma, approximately 835,000 people, are family caregivers, providing largely unpaid and unsupported care to aging parents, spouses and other loved ones.
This growing group of caregivers plays a critical role in the health and well-being of Oklahomans, yet many face emotional, financial and physical challenges without adequate support. “Caregiving in the U.S. 2025: Caring Across States” highlights the urgent need for policies and programs that support caregivers’ financial, emotional and workplace challenges.
Katherine Ramirez has been appointed as chief executive officer of Ascension St. John Rehabilitation Hospital of Owasso, an affiliate of Encompass Health. The 40-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital is located at 13402 E. 86th Street N. in Owasso, Oklahoma. The hospital is a joint venture between Ascension St. John and Encompass Health.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the next CEO of Ascension St. John Rehabilitation Hospital of Owasso,” said Ramirez. “Since this hospital opened just a few years ago, we have established a strong reputation for high-quality rehabilitative care, and I look forward to continue providing excellent patient experiences and outcomes for those needing our services.”
