Okla House delegation supported goal to axe Ed Dept unlikely to cut funding
The Republican goal of abolishing the Dept of Ed is back in play with the support of Okla’s U.S. House delegation and the state’s supt of public instruction.
Mental health agency warns of payroll issues in cash crunch
Oklahoma’s mental health agency faces a budget crisis, missed payroll risk, and investigations into poor budgeting and spending practices.
Oklahoma governor hopefuls clash on schools, teachers
Schools and teachers are at the center of Oklahoma’s governor race, as Republicans and Democrats battle over funding, pay, culture wars and classroom policy.
Gov Stitt admin keeping report secret on questionable relief funds spending
Oklahoma Gov. Stitt's administration officials have repeatedly denied nonprofit newsrooms' requests to release a report on federal funds use.
A criminal record and protective orders, yet woman’s attacker had gun
Firearms have been the leading cause of domestic violence homicides in Oklahoma since 1998. Yet, Oklahoma's anti-red flag law bans any efforts to seize weapons by court order.
Okla County jail refuses state Health Dept inspection twice
The Oklahoma County jail has twice refused surprise inspections from the Oklahoma State Department of Health, setting the stage for a potential legal standoff.
Housing insecurity forces Oklahoma seniors to move
As Oklahoma’s senior population outpaces other demographic growth, the state’s housing supply isn’t keeping up, with residents spending more for less.
Okla inks $74 million deal to privatize prison food service
Oklahoma DOC will spend $74M outsourcing prison food to Trinity Services Group, despite past complaints in other states. 2 hot meals, cold lunches are planned.
Tribes say OKC’s Rep. Lucas blocks land return
Tribes say OKC’s Rep. Frank Lucas is stalling their 150-year fight for 10,000 acres near El Reno while pushing $16.6M for a research center.
Oklahoma sees record-breaking dark money spending
Oklahoma's lawmakers have attempted to make public disclosure more difficult in recent years as other states seek to expose secretive groups.
New state law changes April 3 filing procedures
Filing for federal/state offices is set for April 3-5 at the Capitol. Election Board Sec Paul Ziriax expects between 250 and 300 candidates to file.
State Education Department seeks bids for 55,000 classroom Bibles
King James version? Leather binding? Walters seeks 55,000 classroom Bibles with founding documents only available in Trump-endorsed versions.
State Supt Walters Awarded staff almost $600,000 in bonuses
Dept of Ed staff received year-end bonuses. State payroll data shows most received 2.5% but Walters’ chief policy advisor, Matt Langston, received a lot more.
Anti-abortion group backs tighter rules on state petitions
Anti-abortion group backs OK law limiting ballot petitions, saying it protects against out-of-state efforts to expand abortion access in conservative states.
Another relief program ends, returns some to food insecurity
Another food assistance program is coming to an end. It will put even more strains on volunteer food pantries.
