AM NewsBrief: Aug. 13, 2026

The governor orders an investigation and possible terrorist designation for Oklahoma Muslim groups, and Oklahoma County voters will decide whether to approve a new sales tax to help pay for a new jail. That and more coming up on the KGOU AM News Brief for Thursday, August 13th. I'm Vic Daniels. Governor Kevin Stitt wants Oklahoma's chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood and Council on American Islamic Relations or care to be investigated as potential threats in the state. Lionel Ramos reports on Stitt's latest executive order. Stitt's order follows one signed by President Trump back in November, aimed at designating, quote, certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist groups. Trump's order was meant to preemptively stop any terrorist activity connected to the Brotherhood's chapters in this country. in groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which the U.S. is an armed to conflict with as part of its war with Iran. But because there is no proof readily available of such collusion, it means that in practice, state law enforcement agencies like the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security are empowered to conduct an intelligence-based assessment of Local Brotherhood Chapters and Care, Oklahoma. and then make a recommendation to the federal government to designate them as dangerous. I'm Lionel Ramos. The executive order is countered as Stitt's past advocacy welcoming Afghan refugees in 2021 when Care, Oklahoma and other faith communities were heavily involved in the resettlement process. Care, Oklahoma did not respond to calls for comment before airtime. Oklahoma County voters will decide in November whether to approve a new sales tax to help pay for a new jail. County commissioners voted two to one to place a 25-year 0.4% sales tax on the ballot. This comes after officials said the $260 million bond voters approved in 2022 is no longer enough to cover construction costs. The tax would generate an estimated $70 million a year, with money going toward debt payments and jail operations. Supporters say the tax is needed to move the project forward. Opponents argue county leaders have not been transparent about costs. Norman City Council members met with the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority this week to discuss details of upcoming projects. KGOU's Jack Walters has details. At Tuesday's City Council conference, members from the OTA walked the Norman City Council through the plans for the proposed South Extension Turnpike. These plans include proposed interchanges through both Tacumso Road and Alameda Street. Council members were given the chance to express questions and concerns regarding the potential impact on Norman residents. At times, the discussion grew heated, especially for Trey Kirby, council member for Ward 5. So when you say it's just a piece of land, no, it's a piece of heritage, it's a piece of history, it's a piece of someone's soul.

that you're coming through there and taking, and I think y'all can show a lot more damn respect when you do it. Other council members question Turnpike officials about how the proposed extensions would impact the Norman Fire Department. Turnpike officials explained that accidents on the turnpike would be the responsibility of the nearest emergency response team, which could include Normans. OTA's plant extension is already showing impact in Norman. Hayday's Norman property will close its doors August 28th after nearly 20 years of operations to make way for the Toby Keith Expressway. I'm Jack Walters. Former Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook is retiring from the NBA. Ryan LaCroix reports on the end of his 18-year career. Westbrook was drafted by the Seattle Supersonics in 2008, but the franchise relocated to OKC and became the Thunder less than one week later. He played 11 seasons with the franchise, helping lead them to the 2012 NBA finals and nine playoff appearances. He earned local legend status in 2016. when he signed a contract extension just one month after Kevin Durant left OKC in free agency. Westbrook was named the league's MVP that season, leading the NBA in scoring with nearly 32 points a game, and breaking a 55-year-old record for most triple doubles in a season. The nine-time All-Star played on six more teams to finish out his career, most recently with the Sacramento Kings. In Oklahoma City, I'm Ryan LaCroy. Read more news at kGOU.org and follow the KGOUPM News Brief podcast. The fatal shooting of a teenager at a protest in Seattle has gone unsolved for six years. This is open in your face. How are there no answers? Our investigation has uncovered new evidence and witnesses who say they've never talked to police. Did police ever call you? Not once. Listen to We Keep Us Safe, a new true crime series on the Embedded podcast from NPR.