Hochatown is one of more than 70 municipalities across 22 states that are lobbying Congress for their own ZIP codes after the Postal Service denied their requests. Two House bills passed in July but have stalled in the Senate, with USPS claiming the changes would cost at least $800 million.

The post Hochatown Fights for Its Own ZIP Code appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

The Trump administration is transferring 14 tribal education projects from the Department of Education to the Interior Department as part of efforts to dismantle Education. Democratic lawmakers worry this could deprioritize tribal education programs, while some Republicans view Interior as a logical choice given its existing tribal education role.

The post Interior Department Takes On Tribal Education appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Tribal nations say they’re covering emergency food costs as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits hang in limbo amid the shutdown. About 23% of Native American and Alaska Native households used SNAP in 2023—nearly double the U.S. average.

The post Native American Tribes Are Struggling in Wake of SNAP Uncertainty appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

As Democrats and advocates warn of the additional strain the shutdown is about to put on families in November, there’s little urgency on Capitol Hill.

The post Head Start Programs Are Closing Down as Shutdown Funding Lapses Grow appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.