Critical Minerals & Manufacturing: The U.S. Department of Energy picked rare-earth projects in Louisiana and Oklahoma, including a Phoenix Tailings demonstration plant in Oklahoma to convert industrial waste into high-purity rare earth metals, as Washington pushes to cut China dependence. Rare Earth Magnets Investment: USA Rare Earth says it will invest $1.2B to build a magnet manufacturing and rare earth metals facility in South Carolina, expanding capacity alongside its existing Oklahoma magnet plant. Heavy Industry Legal Fight (Inola): Oklahoma AG Gentner Drummond filed to block construction of a proposed aluminum smelter near Inola, arguing major pollution and electricity/water impacts, while the project’s backers say permitting and environmental review are underway. State Tax Policy: Oklahoma Supreme Court heard arguments over a proposed property tax state question that would phase out homestead property taxes, raising concerns about funding for local schools and public safety. Transportation Infrastructure Finance: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority seeks a third bond issuance for ACCESS Oklahoma projects, aiming to fund construction and refund existing bonds to reduce interest costs. Workforce & Education: University of Oklahoma’s College of Education reports enrollment gains as more students pursue teaching amid the state’s long-running teacher shortage. Public Health: Federal authorities reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses were reported. Energy/Trade: Trump eased tariffs on some agricultural and industrial equipment while tightening incentives for using U.S.-made metals.