carmen forman | News OK
Carmen Forman covers the state Capitol and governor's office for The Oklahoman. A Norman native and graduate of the University of Oklahoma, she previously covered state politics in Virginia and Arizona before returning to Oklahoma.
After racial justice protests, Oklahoma lawmakers push pro-police, anti-protest bills
Following the death of George Floyd, thousands of Oklahomans took to the streets last year to advocate for racial justice...
‘Unsexiest big-deal bill of the year’: Overhaul of state workers' HR system in the works
An overhaul of Oklahoma’s human resources system for state employees, a change critics say is years overdue, is in the works at...
Data discrepancy: Oklahoma officials provided out-of-date look at coronavirus deaths
The Oklahoma State Department of Health for months presented the public with a COVID-19 death toll that had fallen far out of...
House Republicans push to alter petition process after passage of SQ 802
Legislative Republicans are looking to change Oklahoma’s initiative petition process that allows citizens to push for a...
Gov. Kevin Stitt praises Texas governor for lifting mask mandate, business restrictions
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday praised Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for lifting the state’s mask mandate, despite health officials...
Oklahoma House speaker wants 'In God We Trust' displayed in state buildings
Oklahoma’s House speaker once again is pushing for the national motto, "In God We Trust" to be displayed prominently in state...
Oklahoma lawmakers push to curb Gov. Kevin Stitt’s power amid coronavirus pandemic
Less than a year after state lawmakers temporarily granted Gov. Kevin Stitt unprecedented emergency powers, legislators are...
Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints new secretary of commerce and workforce development
Gov. Kevin Stitt has appointed a new secretary of commerce and workforce development. Scott Mueller will replace outgoing...
Stitt administration defends federal coronavirus relief spending
Top state leaders on Thursday defended the Stitt administration’s spending of $1.26 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds...
Oklahoma to pay at least $472,302 for coronavirus vaccine website
The Oklahoma Health Department will pay nearly half a million dollars to Microsoft for the company’s work to build the state’s...
Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints two new cabinet secretaries
Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed two new cabinet secretaries this week. Stitt appointed Jennifer Grigsby to serve as secretary of...
Oklahoma bill would undercut independence of OKC, Tulsa Health departments
A state lawmaker wants Oklahoma’s commissioner of health to be able to recommend firing the directors of the Oklahoma...
Oklahoma's GOP lawmakers aim to invalidate Joe Biden’s executive orders
Republican state legislators have signed onto legislation to challenge President Joe Biden’s authority to impose federal...
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Is climate change to blame for Oklahoma’s severe winter storm? The answer is complicated
Oklahoma saw its worst winter storm in decades last week, but don’t go blaming climate change for the bitter cold and heavy...
Oklahoma House approves expanding nonresident medical marijuana licenses
The Oklahoma House on Thursday approved extending the length of medical marijuana licenses granted to out-of-state residents....
Takeout cocktails could be legalized in Oklahoma during COVID-19 pandemic
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, state lawmakers are looking at easing Oklahoma liquor laws to allow some restaurants and...
President Joe Biden approves Oklahoma emergency declaration
President Joe Biden on Tuesday declared a state of emergency exists in Oklahoma as a result of severe winter weather that has...
What to know about Oklahoma’s redistricting process as Census delays create complications
One of the most important issues Oklahoma lawmakers face this year is redrawing the state’s congressional and legislative...
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Gov. Kevin Stitt requests Oklahoma emergency declaration from federal government
Gov. Kevin Stitt has requested the federal government declare a state of emergency across Oklahoma due to severe winter...
State lawmakers will have $9.6 billion to spend next year, budget board says
State lawmakers will have roughly $9.6 billion to spend in the upcoming fiscal year. The figures certified by the State Board...
Gov. Kevin Stitt, family back in Oklahoma after New Mexico vacation during weather emergency
Gov. Kevin Stitt was on a family vacation in New Mexico after declaring on Friday a state of emergency in Oklahoma due to...
Walmart, Sam's Club to offer COVID-19 vaccines in Oklahoma
Up-to-date information on the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in Oklahoma.
13 state employees leave public health lab as facility relocates to Stillwater
After the Stitt administration decided to move the state’s public health lab from Oklahoma City to Stillwater, 13 employees...
Medical groups ask Oklahoma Supreme Court to halt plan to outsource Medicaid
A coalition of health care groups is asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to halt Gov. Kevin Stitt's plan to outsource care for...
Gov. Kevin Stitt signs order to reduce waits for driver's license appointments
Gov. Kevin Stitt took action Wednesday to reduce wait times for Oklahomans seeking to obtain or renew a driver's license. As...
Oklahoma election results: Jake Merrick, Molly Ooten win state Senate primaries, advance to April general election
Two political newcomers will face off for the chance to represent an Edmond-area state Senate seat. Republican Jake Merrick, of...
Gov. Kevin Stitt signs fast-tracked virtual meetings legislation
Government boards, commissions, city councils and more can resume meeting virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Kevin...
Oklahoma House Speaker wants legislative input on federal stimulus spending
Oklahoma’s House Speaker wants the state Legislature to have a say in how state government entities spend some federal stimulus...
Oklahoma seniors struggle with state's coronavirus vaccine scheduler
Fran Britton faintly remembers getting her polio vaccination at age 10. Alongside her mother, who got priority as a federal...
Report questions Stitt administration’s spending of $1.26B of CARES Act funds
A report from a legislative watchdog office raises questions about how the Stitt administration spent $1.26 billion in federal...
Oklahoma Senate panel rejects bill to classify abortion as homicide
An Oklahoma Senate panel unanimously rejected a bill that would classify abortion as homicide. However, the state Senate Health...
Meet the candidates for Stephanie Bice's former Senate seat
Four candidates are vying for the Oklahoma City-area state Senate seat vacated by former Sen. Stephanie Bice, who was elected...
Gov. Kevin Stitt proposes $8.3B budget with $300M in savings
Gov. Kevin Stitt wants the state to live within its means in the state budget he has proposed for the fiscal year that begins...
Gov. Kevin Stitt praises his COVID-19 response, outlines priorities in State of the State speech
In his third annual State of the State speech, Gov. Kevin Stitt praised his pro-business approach to the COVID-19 pandemic,...
Gov. Kevin Stitt praises his COVID-19 response, outlines priorities in State of the State speech
The governor reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined his policy priorities for the year.
What are the biggest issues facing the Oklahoma Legislature this year?
Oklahoma lawmakers return to the state Capitol on Monday with a sizeable to-do list and the uncertainty that comes with...
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Oklahoma to outsource Medicaid care to four health insurance companies
Despite opposition from many of the state’s leading medical groups, Oklahoma will outsource care for most of the state’s...
Oklahoma legislators not required to wear masks in Capitol during legislative session
Oklahoma legislators will be strongly encouraged, but not required, to wear masks in the state Capitol during the upcoming...
Halfway through his term, Gov. Kevin Stitt outlines his priorities for the year
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s third year in office will serve as a fresh start for the Republican who closed out the last legislative...
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How to get your second coronavirus vaccine in Oklahoma
Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify how you can access the state's vaccine scheduling portal to schedule...
Despite opposition, Health Care Authority moves forward with $2B plan to privatize Medicaid
A split Oklahoma Health Care Authority board on Tuesday signed off on plans for the agency to spend up to $2.2 billion to...
Citing slow vaccine rollout, Oklahoma pauses distribution to CVS, Walgreens
Oklahoma health officials have stopped sending a portion of the state’s COVID-19 vaccines to pharmacies contracted to...
Oklahoma’s absentee voting rules have changed. Here's what to know
Absentee voters in Oklahoma can no longer include a photocopy of a valid identification card to certify their mail-in ballot....
Oklahoma legislators poised to fast-track virtual meetings legislation
When the Oklahoma Legislature convenes Feb. 1, state legislators could fast-track legislation allowing public bodies to resume...
'The data is accurate': Oklahoma health commissioner confirms downward trend in COVID-19 cases
Oklahoma's commissioner of Health on Thursday confirmed a downward trend in new daily COVID-19 infections. A day after publicly...
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'Just didn't feel right': Oklahoma's reported COVID-19 cases this week likely low
Oklahoma's commissioner of health on Wednesday said the State Department of Health has likely been under reporting new daily...
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As coronavirus surges in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt mum on next steps
As COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to surge in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt won’t say if he plans to impose new...
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Oklahoma may not see influx of coronavirus vaccines after federal fiasco
Oklahoma's COVID-19 vaccine coordinator said Friday he feels as though the rug was pulled out from under him after he learned...
Gov. Kevin Stitt activates National Guard due to nationwide Capitol threats
Gov. Kevin Stitt has activated the Oklahoma National Guard to protect the state Capitol building as warnings swirl that all 50...
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Oklahoma’s COVID-19 vaccine supply could double in coming weeks
Federal changes to COVID-19 vaccine distribution could soon boost the amount of doses Oklahoma receives on a weekly basis....
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Oklahoma legislators advised to avoid the Capitol this weekend due to possible protests
State legislators and state employees have been advised to steer clear of the Oklahoma state Capitol building this weekend...
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Oklahoma Capitol security enhanced as FBI warns of armed protests
Following warnings from federal law enforcement officials, state and local leaders are preparing for the possibility of...
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Health Department offers COVID-19 vaccines to Oklahoma legislators
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has begun making COVID-19 vaccines available to the nearly 150 members of the Oklahoma...
Former Stitt staffer lobbying for company bidding on state Medicaid contract
A former staffer of Gov. Kevin Stitt is lobbying for a health care company that's bidding on a multimillion-dollar state...
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Oklahoma launches coronavirus vaccine scheduling website
The Oklahoma State Department of Health on Tuesday launched a website for Oklahomans to schedule their COVID-19 vaccines....
Many lawmakers spurn masks as Oklahoma Legislature prepares for session
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across Oklahoma, state lawmakers returned to the Oklahoma state Capitol on Tuesday...
Broken Arrow legislator Nathan Dahm seeks to preempt local mask mandates
A Republican state senator from Broken Arrow has prefiled legislation for the upcoming legislative session seeking to prevent...
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Oklahomans 65 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccines as state expands distribution
As Oklahoma begins Phase 2 of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, some local health departments have started...
Pandemic pressures, policy disagreements shake up Gov. Kevin Stitt's cabinet
As Gov. Kevin Stitt approaches two years on the job, nearly half of his cabinet secretaries have resigned from their posts....
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Oklahoma Department of Health outsources management of public health lab
The Oklahoma State Department of Health will outsource management of the state’s public health lab. The state has contracted...
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COVID-19 vaccinations begin at Oklahoma nursing homes, long-term care facilities
COVID-19 vaccinations for residents and staff in Oklahoma nursing homes and other long-term care facilities began Tuesday. A...
As the CDC discouraged holiday travel, Gov. Kevin Stitt urged tourists to visit Oklahoma
As Oklahoma has seen a surge in new daily COVID-19 infections and a record number of people hospitalized due to the virus, Gov....
Will Oklahoma lawmakers really have more money to spend?
Top state lawmakers say it’s too early to tell if the Oklahoma Legislature will really have more money to spend in the upcoming...
Oklahoma’s next Pfizer vaccine shipment will be smaller than anticipated
Oklahoma is expected to receive fewer doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine next week than originally anticipated. But...
Oklahoma will use all $1.26B of state CARES Act funds, governor’s office says
Oklahoma will use all $1.26 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds allocated to the state, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s office said...
Oklahoma teachers, schools support staff to get COVID-19 vaccines sooner
The change coincides with a push from Gov. Kevin Stitt for all Oklahoma schoolchildren to return to in-person learning next year.
Hospital official expects demand to grow among Oklahoma hospital staff for COVID-19 vaccine
An Oklahoma hospital official on Tuesday said an estimated 30-45% of hospital employees in the state have indicated they want...
'A historic day': First COVID-19 vaccines administered in Oklahoma
It’s unusual for a vaccination to end with a round of applause, but for Hannah White, the first Oklahoman to receive a COVID-19...
Inside a COVID ICU in Oklahoma City: ‘Our hospitals are begging for help’
A corner of the third-floor COVID-19 unit at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital overlooks a stretch of Midtown known for its bars,...
6 candidates file for Oklahoma Senate seat to be vacated by Stephanie Bice
Six candidates are running to fill the Oklahoma Senate seat that will be vacated by U.S. Rep.-elect Stephanie Bice. Four...
Gov. Kevin Stitt announces new COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, youth sports
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday announced new restrictions to reduce the spread of COVID-19. In a news conference at the state...
GOP legislative leaders open to altering Oklahoma's initiative petition process
Republican legislative leaders on Wednesday said Oklahoma’s constitution is too long and agreed they’re open to changing the...
Proposed legislation would make it harder to pass citizen-led petitions
A GOP state legislator has prefiled legislation to make it harder for initiative petitions to pass at the ballot box. Sen. John...
Oklahoma nurse loses husband to COVID-19 days after it takes her mother
Mere days after the first case of COVID-19 emerged in Oklahoma, Lizanne Jennings came home from her nursing shift at OU Medical...
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COVID-19 vaccines on the way to Oklahoma, but initial supplies limited
Oklahoma could receive its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines as soon as next week. State health officials estimate as many...
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Oklahoma City hospitals turn to COVID-19 overflow tents
St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City on Monday added overflow tents to increase its patient capacity at a time when the...
Stitt declares day of prayer and fasting for Oklahomans affected by COVID-19
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday issued a proclamation declaring Thursday as a day of prayer and fasting for Oklahomans affected by...
Asymptomatic health care workers with COVID-19 allowed to continue working in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Department of Health is allowing health care workers who have tested positive for COVID-19, but aren't...
Pandemic politics, mask mandates and Trump's Tulsa rally test Oklahoma's top health official
Dr. Lance Frye never expected his job as the state’s top health official would be so political. As Oklahoma’s Health...
‘An explosion of recalls’: In Oklahoma, local officials can be recalled, but Gov. Kevin Stitt cannot
Some Oklahomans frustrated with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic have proposed recalling the state’s...
Special election set for Oklahoma Senate seat held by Stephanie Bice
Gov. Kevin Stitt has set dates for special elections to fill the Oklahoma Senate seat that will be vacated by U.S. Rep.-elect...
Oklahoma health professionals: Take COVID-19 precautions this Thanksgiving
Local health care professionals encourage Oklahomans to take COVID-19 precautions this Thanksgiving as the state continues to...
Oklahoma using $15 million in CARES Act funds to update state websites
Some state websites are about to get an upgrade. The state is using $15 million in coronavirus stimulus funds to revamp at...
Stitt: Next course of action halting elective surgeries, not mask mandate
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday said if COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations continue to climb, his next course of action will...
Gov. Kevin Stitt hires state's first chief financial officer
Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Tuesday the hiring of a chief financial officer for the state. Stitt hired Amanda Rodriguez to serve...
Oklahoma House, Senate to require masks in state Capitol
Leaders of the Oklahoma House and Senate said Monday they will require people in the state Capitol to wear masks. After Gov....
Stitt announces limits on bars, restaurants due to COVID outbreak
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday announced new restrictions on bars and restaurants as the number of COVID-19 cases and...
As COVID cases surge, Stitt cracks down on bars, restaurants
The new mandates will take effect this week.
35% pay raises for Oklahoma legislators take effect Wednesday
For the first time in more than two decades, Oklahoma legislators will see an increase in their pay. Effective Wednesday,...
Oklahoma requests disaster designation following ice storm
State leaders have requested a major disaster declaration from the federal government for 13 Oklahoma counties that were hit...
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Citing COVID-19 concerns, Oklahoma Senate cancels ceremonial swearing in 'out of an abundance of caution'
At least two House legislators tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days.
Oklahoma pursuing health information network to make sharing patient information easier
Oklahoma is making progress on the creation of a statewide health information exchange, a central repository for digital...
Doctors make impassioned plea for Oklahomans to wear masks
A group of Oklahoma City doctors and hospital leaders are begging Oklahomans to wear masks to reduce the spread of COVID-19. At...
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Oklahoma House members sworn in, solidifying historic GOP majority
Members of the Oklahoma House were sworn in at the state Capitol on Wednesday, cementing a historic Republican supermajority in...
Government bodies to resume in-person meetings, spurring coronavirus concerns
Oklahoma government bodies will return to meeting in person next week after a temporary law that allows for virtual meetings...
Want to learn about Oklahoma's redistricting process? You can at these meetings
Oklahoma legislative leaders have set dates for a series of town hall meetings on the upcoming redistricting process. The...
Pressure on hospitals intensifies as OKC reaches Tier 3 of COVID-19 surge plan
As the number of Oklahomans hospitalized due to COVID-19 continues to hit record highs, the Oklahoma City metro on Thursday...
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State Question 814 results: Oklahoma voters reject TSET changes
Mere months after Oklahomans voted to expand Medicaid, they rejected an option to help pay for the state’s share of the...
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Oklahoma's Legislature: GOP makes gains in state House
Republicans made gains in the Oklahoma Legislature on Tuesday, further solidifying the party's stronghold on the statehouse. In...
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Oklahoma elects first Muslim, nonbinary state legislator
Democrat Mauree Turner won in House District 88 in the heart of Oklahoma City.
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‘I know my voice matters’: First-time voters cast ballots in Oklahoma
Michyla Armstrong waited in line for more than four hours Friday to vote on the second day of early voting. But this was no...
Oklahoma power outages won't stop Tuesday's election
Tuesday’s election will go on as planned even if some polling places are still affected by power outages from the ice storm...
Out-of-state money supports State Question 805, little spent on State Question 814
Out-of-state backers spent millions to support State Question 805, a criminal justice reform that is one of the top issues in...
Oklahomans explain their votes for Donald Trump, Joe Biden
With America more politically polarized than perhaps ever before, voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide the next...
Oklahoma legislative races to watch on Election Day
Oklahoma Republicans and Democrats may not agree on much, but this election cycle they agree urban areas will vote blue and...
Gov. Kevin Stitt hires special counsel for tribal issues
Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Friday he has hired a local attorney to consult on tribal issues in the wake of the landmark U.S....
Early voting still on despite unusual Oklahoma weather
Despite Oklahoma’s unusually wacky weather, early voting for the Nov. 3 election will begin Thursday. County election officials...
Oklahoma Senate leader Greg Treat faces Democratic challenger
The Republican leader of Oklahoma’s state Senate is up for re-election this year and faces a Democratic challenger. Senate Pro...
From cadaver dogs to porch pirates: New Oklahoma laws take effect Sunday
More than 60 new Oklahoma laws take effect Sunday. They deal with everything from cracking down on porch piracy to helping...
Who will get COVID-19 vaccination first? A look at Oklahoma's plan
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has submitted a draft vaccination plan to the federal government that details how a...
Mark your calendar: Early in-person voting is Thursday through Saturday
Oklahomans don’t have to wait until Nov. 3 to vote. Statewide early voting, also called in-person absentee voting, will take...
Gov. Kevin Stitt says he will not appeal tribal gaming decision
After a series of defeats in his attempts to renegotiate the state's tribal gaming compacts, Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday he...
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Oklahoma governor: ‘One set of rules’ needed for tribes, state following McGirt decision
Key tribal leaders strongly opposed recommendations made Thursday by a commission appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt that wants to...
Former GOP legislator looks to reclaim OKC seat held by Mickey Dollens
A former Republican legislator is looking to reclaim his old House seat that has since turned blue. Former Republican Rep....
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Officials say beds still available as COVID hospitalizations rise to record highs
As the number of people hospitalized due to complications of COVID-19 hit an all-time high Monday, state officials were quick...
Officials warn of fake texts citing polling place changes
State elections officials have notified law enforcement about text messages that are falsely claiming voters' polling place...
Law enforcement, policing divides Norman Senate candidates
Two candidates vying for a state Senate seat in Norman are deeply divided on law enforcement and policing issues. In Senate...
Public Health Lab employees shocked to find out lab is moving to Stillwater
Gathered around a computer during a lunch break, employees of the state’s public health laboratory were some of the last to...
Oklahoma takes first step to outsource care for most Medicaid recipients
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority on Thursday took initial steps toward privatizing health care for many of the state’s...
Gov. Kevin Stitt appoints 3 to lead health care agencies
Gov. Kevin Stitt has formally appointed three state agency heads to their positions. Stitt on Thursday dropped the "interim"...
Your questions about State Question 814 answered
State Question 814 is one of two questions on the statewide ballot in Oklahoma this fall. The complexity of the measure and...
Gov. Kevin Stitt announces new secretary of state, resignation of budget secretary
Gov. Kevin Stitt continues to experience turnover within his cabinet. Stitt's office announced Monday the governor has...
Gov. Kevin Stitt seeks to privatize Medicaid, faces early opposition
Gov. Kevin Stitt seeks to outsource care for many of Oklahoma’s Medicaid recipients. Still in the early stages of the process,...
New state health lab will help during future pandemics
State officials on Wednesday announced the creation of a new and innovative health center that will engage public and private...
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren endorses OKC legislative candidate
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has endorsed an Oklahoma City Democratic running for a state House seat. The one-time presidential...
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Oklahoma's voter registration deadline coming up Friday
Register to vote before it's too late.
Michael Rogers out as Oklahoma's secretary of state, Native American affairs
Oklahoma Secretary of State Michael Rogers announced his resignation Monday. Rogers has also resigned his position as secretary...
Tax Commission: McGirt decision will have ‘significant, immediate’ financial impact
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s reservation was never terminated will have a ripple effect on...
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Oklahomans rally in support of Donald Trump following COVID-19 diagnosis
Oklahomans hit the road Saturday to show their support for President Donald Trump by cruising through the Oklahoma City metro...
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Oklahoma families mourn as state surpasses 1,000 COVID-19 deaths
As William Tall Bear received the results of his test, he smiled and praised his creator for what he thought was good news....
Oklahoma receives 77,000 rapid COVID tests as Trump vows more to come
Oklahoma received this week 77,000 rapid COVID-19 tests after President Donald Trump vowed to distribute millions of the tests...
Oklahoma in top five for new COVID-19 infections, test positivity
Oklahoma ranks among the worst states for new COVID-19 infections and test positivity, according to the most recent report from...
Oklahoma Democratic Party chair wants 'illegal' dark money group investigated
The head of the Oklahoma Democratic Party on Wednesday called for an investigation into a group that has sent out misleading...
Pete Buttigieg: Oklahoma House candidate Mauree Turner 'certainly stands out’
Former presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg is highlighting the importance of state legislative races this fall, including one...
Oklahoma health officials preparing COVID-19 vaccination plan
Oklahoma health officials are preparing a three-phased approach to distribute COVID-19 vaccines once a viable candidate is...
White House report: Oklahoma's new coronavirus cases, test positivity remain high
Oklahoma continues to struggle with the spread of the coronavirus, according to the latest report from the White House...
Redistricting petition withdrawn as legislative leaders pledge transparent process
Citing legislative efforts to create a transparent redistricting process, supporters of independent redistricting withdrew...
Register to vote in Oklahoma, here's how
Tuesday marked National Voter Registration Day, and civic engagement groups were out in full force registering people to vote...
Oklahoma House hires former speaker T.W. Shannon to aid in redistricting
The Oklahoma House has hired a former Republican speaker to help with the upcoming redistricting process. House Speaker Charles...
Judge upholds Oklahoma's absentee voting laws
An Oklahoma judge has rejected a lawsuit from Democratic groups seeking to ease the state’s absentee voting laws in light of...
Census director: 92% of Oklahomans counted with deadline approaching
With the Sept. 30 deadline to complete the U.S. Census rapidly approaching, more than 92% of Oklahomans have been counted. The...
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Stitt downplays latest White House coronavirus report
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday downplayed a White House report showing Oklahoma is the fifth-highest state for new COVID-19 cases...
Pete Buttigieg endorses OKC Democrat Mauree Turner
Pete Buttigieg has endorsed a progressive legislative candidate vying for a House seat in the heart of Oklahoma City. The...
Could Oklahoma’s Legislature address police reform next year?
The leader of Oklahoma’s Senate on Wednesday set the stage for legislative discussions on police reform. Senate Pro Tem Greg...
Absentee ballots going out in Oklahoma County
The Oklahoma County Election Board on Friday began mailing absentee ballots for the Nov. 3 election. A few thousand absentee...
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State to begin including rapid coronavirus tests in positive case count
As rapid COVID-19 tests become more prevalent, the Oklahoma State Department of Health announced that starting Tuesday it will...
First Lady Sarah Stitt raising money to prevent child abuse
Oklahoma First Lady Sarah Stitt is helping to raise money for a nonprofit that helps victims of child abuse. Stitt launched a...
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt still opposes mask mandate
STILLWATER — Despite acknowledging evidence that face masks reduce transmission of COVID-19, Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday...
Oklahoma may use saliva-based COVID tests for college students
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s administration may be exploring using saliva tests to determine whether Oklahoma students have contracted...
All 101 state House members to help with redistricting
All Oklahoma House legislators will be involved in the chamber’s redistricting process through eight regional subcommittees,...
Petition to legalize recreational marijuana withdrawn
Proponents of an initiative petition to legalize recreational marijuana and implement sweeping criminal justice reforms say...
Absentee voting rules set for November election
Oklahoma voters will not be required to get their absentee ballots notarized for the Nov. 3 election. Voters will be able to...
Oklahoma Democrats propose new coronavirus task force
Oklahoma House Democrats on Thursday questioned Gov. Kevin Stitt's leadership during the pandemic and called for the creation...
White House report: Oklahoma in top 10 for coronavirus test positivity
Oklahoma is still in the "red zone" for new COVID-19 cases per capita and on the cusp of being in the worst category for...
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Oklahoma elections: Legislative incumbents fall in GOP runoff primaries
All three of Oklahoma’s state senators that were on the ballot Tuesday lost their reelection bids to Republican challengers....
Oklahoma state parks: Officials defend new fees
State officials on Tuesday defended a newly implemented system to charge parking fees at 22 Oklahoma state parks. In a...
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Oklahoma elections to watch Tuesday
Most of Oklahoma's counties will have runoff primary elections on the ballot Tuesday.
Oklahoma’s mask mandates are working. Here’s the proof
Early indicators show the face mask mandates adopted by some Oklahoma localities to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are working....
Runoff elections: Shawnee Senate race gets heated
SHAWNEE — A state senator who has been a vocal critic of Epic Charter Schools is fighting for his political life. Sen. Ron...
Tribal courts toss Senate candidate's lawsuit
Judicial bodies for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation last week tossed a wrongful termination lawsuit a state Senate candidate...
Extra $300 in jobless payments won't be issued for 4 to 5 weeks, officials say
The federal government has approved Oklahoma's request to offer an additional $300 a week in federal assistance to unemployed...
Oklahoma seeks $300-a-week unemployment supplement
Out-of-work Oklahomans may see a $300 boost in their unemployment benefits. Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Monday the state has...
'She was very complimentary of Oklahoma': Dr. Deborah Birx visits Tulsa
TULSA — A leading member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force met with Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma health and political...
State Senate candidate Shane Jett sues tribal leader alleging wrongful termination
SHAWNEE — A Republican candidate for state Senate alleges he was fired from his job with the Citizen Potawatomi Nation for...
Oklahoma voters to decide SQ 805 in November
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday assigned a criminal justice reform measure to come up for a vote on Nov. 3. Stitt directed the...
Question of independent redistricting in Oklahoma could land on 2022 ballot
Supporters of independent redistricting tweaked and refiled Monday an initiative petition seeking to take redistricting power...
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Coronavirus surging in Oklahoma City’s Hispanic community
Jess Olivo survived cancer twice. But it still didn’t prepare her for her family’s struggle with COVID-19. Olivo, 34, and...
Health commissioner seeks to scrap vaccination education rule
Oklahoma Health Commissioner Lance Frye seeks to roll back a recently approved agency rule that would add another step before...
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Stitt: Criticism of coronavirus response a ‘political statement'
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday dismissed as politically motivated a letter that says Oklahoma is not in compliance with federal...
Officials investigating claims of mistreatment at Oklahoma veterans center
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs is investigating allegations that veterans at the Lawton-Fort Sill Veterans Center...
Gov. Kevin Stitt says he's completed quarantine, back at the office
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Monday he’s back at the office following nearly two weeks of self-isolation after contracting...
Claremore veterans center experiencing 'alarming rise' of COVID-19 cases
Dozens of residents at a state veterans center in Claremore have contracted COVID-19 and 10 have died this month after testing...
3,614 absentee ballots rejected in Oklahoma's June primary election
Roughly 3.6% of the mail-in ballots cast in Oklahoma’s June 30 primary election were rejected. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a...
Stitt's chief of staff announces resignation
Gov. Kevin Stitt's chief of staff announced Thursday he is stepping down from his role, effective July 31. Michael Junk cited...
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Oklahoma updates hospital surge plan as coronavirus hospitalizations grow
As the number of people hospitalized due to complications from COVID-19 increases, the Oklahoma State Department of Health...
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Health officials: Stitt only contagious for 48 hours before symptoms emerged
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt likely wasn’t contagious for more than 48 hours before he started experiencing symptoms of COVID-19,...
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Oklahoma grants $13.9M to local businesses; see who benefitted
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce distributed $13.9 million in grants to 667 Oklahoma businesses last week as part of the...
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Pressure mounts for Stitt to impose statewide mask order in Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to climb, more Oklahomans are calling on Gov. Kevin Stitt to issue a...
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Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt tests positive for coronavirus
Gov. Kevin Stitt tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, becoming the first governor to have caught the highly contagious...
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'This virus can impact anyone': Tulsa toddler battles coronavirus
TULSA — Sally Ramirez didn’t have time to process what was happening when her 20-month-old son began running a fever and...
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Coronavirus surging among young Oklahomans
Shawn Conover believes he was among the first Oklahomans to catch COVID-19. In mid-to-late March, Conover, 30, experienced...
OU, OSU respond to ICE proposal to bar some international students
The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University are reviewing proposed federal guidance that would require...
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State officials unveil color-coded COVID alert system
Gov. Kevin Stitt and the state's top health official on Thursday unveiled a color-coded alert system designed to give a...
Facing litigation, state temporarily halts enforcement of some marijuana business rules
Pending litigation, the Oklahoma attorney general’s office temporarily has agreed the state will not enforce some medical...
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Integris seeks additional bed capacity as Oklahoma shatters record for COVID cases
As Oklahoma reported its largest single-day increase of new COVID-19 cases Tuesday, a metro hospital announced it is reopening...
‘Abolitionist’ candidates largely unsuccessful in legislative races
Most legislative candidates who sought to criminalize abortion were unsuccessful last week in their election bids. At least...
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With Medicaid expansion approved, what happens next?
Oklahoma voters on Tuesday approved a state question to expand Medicaid, but legislators won’t decide until next year how to...
Oklahoma legislators warn of 'spread of anarchy' due to lacking support for law enforcement
Amid widespread calls for police reform, 12 Oklahoma legislators offered their support for law enforcement Wednesday, warning...
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Progressive candidate unseats Democratic incumbent for OKC House seat
A progressive community organizer in the heart of Oklahoma City defeated a top Democrat in Oklahoma's House. Mauree Turner...
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Oklahoma voters approve Medicaid expansion at the ballot box
Oklahoma is poised to become the 37th state to expand Medicaid to cover more low-income residents after voters narrowly...
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Gov. Kevin Stitt urges Oklahomans to wear masks in public
Gov. Kevin Stitt's mask matched his message Tuesday. For the first time, Stitt publicly encouraged Oklahomans to wear a face...
Oklahoma legislator catches COVID, halts campaigning amid primary challenge
Update: This story has been updated to reflect Rep. Cynthia Roe won her reelection bid. A state representative facing a...
Two Stitt Cabinet secretaries leading pandemic response resign
Two members of Gov. Kevin Stitt's Cabinet who have played a key role in the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic announced...
What to know before getting a Real ID
Where can I get a Real ID? The Department of Public Safety will begin issuing Real IDs on Monday at the agency's Oklahoma City...
Amid pandemic, Oklahomans to vote on Medicaid expansion
Amid a public health emergency unlike anything in recent history, Oklahomans will decide whether to expand Medicaid to cover...
Oklahoma to begin issuing Real IDs Monday
Oklahoma will begin issuing Real ID driver’s licenses Monday, making it one of the last states to seek compliance with federal...
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How to vote absentee for the June 30 election
Due to concerns about COVID-19, many Oklahomans are voting absentee this year instead of heading to the polls for Oklahoma's...
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Medicaid expansion advocates accuse Stitt of political ploy
Supporters of State Question 802 accused Gov. Kevin Stitt of playing politics on Thursday when he and other state officials...
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Early in-person voting to occur Thursday through Saturday
Early voting for Oklahoma's primary election begins Thursday. Registered voters who want to vote early may do so at their...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Cases surge; hospitalizations on the rise
Oklahoma's spike of COVID-19 cases continued Wednesday as the state reported a record increase of 482 new coronavirus cases...
Oklahoma cannabis businesses sue over residency, location requirements
Several medical marijuana businesses in Oklahoma are asking a judge to block the state from enforcing laws they say could...
State Supreme Court tosses permitless carry repeal, greenlights recreational pot petition
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked an initiative petition seeking to repeal the state's permitless carry law....
House District 88: Democrat faces first primary challenge
A Democratic lawmaker from the heart of Oklahoma City is facing his first primary challenge since he was first elected in 2014....
Trump heeds calls for sensitivity in changing Tulsa rally date
President Donald Trump heeded calls for sensitivity — including one from U.S. Sen. James Lankford — in changing the date for...
Oklahoma nursing homes can begin phased reopening Monday
Starting Monday, Oklahoma nursing homes can begin a phased approach to allow visitations to resume, Gov. Kevin Stitt's office...
Facing criticism, Trump reschedules Tulsa rally
Trump announced he will push his Tulsa rally back a day.
PAC forms to oppose Medicaid expansion question
A political action committee formed this week seeks to fight a state question to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma...
Tulsa Democrat says he will introduce police oversight legislation
A Democratic legislator from Tulsa said Wednesday he will spend the coming months trying to build bipartisan support for...
Some Oklahoma State Parks to charge fees starting June 15
Nearly two dozen Oklahoma State Parks will begin charging entrance fees next week. The fees, which will be charged per vehicle,...
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'Take a moment to truly listen': Stitts host discussion on race
As thousands of people across the country protest racial inequality and police violence, Gov. Kevin Stitt and his wife, Sarah,...
State official pitches Oklahoma as site for Republican National Convention
Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell has lobbied for the Republican National Committee to consider holding the party’s national convention in...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Poll workers hesitant to work June 30 election
With Oklahoma’s primary election quickly approaching, some election workers say they have to choose between their civic duty...
Oklahoma governor, first lady to host discussion on race
Gov. Kevin Stitt and First Lady Sarah Stitt will moderate a roundtable discussion on race Sunday with law enforcement and...
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Some banks offer free notary, copy services for absentee voters
Some Oklahoma banks and credit unions will offer free notary services or copy identification cards for absentee voters. The...
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Oklahoma medical professionals rally in support of black lives
Hundreds of local medical professionals rallied at the Oklahoma state Capitol on Friday in a show of solidarity for those...
Oklahoma can release coronavirus information to first responders, attorney general says
State health officials can release to first responders the names and addresses of people who test positive of COVID-19 or are...
Things to know before voting in Oklahoma's June 30 primary election
Voting in the June 30 primary election will look different than previous elections due to the novel coronavirus. Here's what...
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Stitt: Statewide nursing home testing nearly complete
More than 1,100 residents and employees at nursing homes and long-term care facilities tested positive for COVID-19 in May...
State Question 805 campaign turns in over 260,000 signatures
A state question campaign seeking criminal justice reforms in Oklahoma turned in more than 260,000 signatures Monday to try and...
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Following protests, Oklahoma National Guard activated in OKC, Tulsa
More than 200 members of the Oklahoma National Guard in Oklahoma City and Tulsa have been activated to help respond, if...
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Coronavirus, budget woes impede Stitt's priorities
Gov. Kevin Stitt accomplished few of the goals he set for himself at the start of this year’s legislative session. Unlike his...
Stitt names new health commissioner
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Friday announced Col. Lance Frye will serve as the state's interim health commissioner and lead the state's...
Stitt's Medicaid expansion plan appears dead
Gov. Kevin Stitt's plan to expand Medicaid on July 1 appears dead. Oklahoma's Legislature on Friday declined to override the...
Stitt names new health commissioner
Col. Lance Frye will serve as the state's interim health commissioner.
Alcohol delivery, curbside pickup becomes Oklahoma law
Some Oklahoma businesses will be allowed to continue delivering beer, wine and spirits under a new law. State legislators and...
Stitt vetoes $1.2 million for private prison employee raises
Gov. Kevin has scrapped pay raises for private prison employees while preserving $2-per-hour salary increases for hundreds of...
Stitt approves cost-of-living adjustment for state retirees
For the first time in 12 years, most state retirees will see a boost in their pension checks. Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday...
Stitt vetoes key bill to fund Medicaid expansion plan
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday vetoed legislation that would have funded a large chunk of his plan to expand Medicaid on July 1....
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Oklahoma to begin sharing coronavirus aid with cities, counties in June
Oklahoma municipalities can begin applying for federal aid to cover COVID-19 expenses. The state has launched an online portal,...
Stitt signs 'anti-red flag' gun bill
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed legislation Tuesday to preempt Oklahoma localities from implementing so-called “red flag” policies....
Democratic groups challenge Oklahoma's absentee voting laws
The Oklahoma Democratic Party is suing the state Election Board over several voting procedures they say "severely burden" the...
Stitt vetoes rural broadband bill
Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have created a Rural Broadband Expansion Council and given the Legislature...
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Stitt: Wearing a face mask a ‘personal preference’
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday said he’s going to let Oklahomans decide whether they should wear a face mask in public during...
New Oklahoma law will require mental health parity in health insurance
Health insurance companies will be required to cover mental health and substance use disorders the same way they cover physical...
Oklahoma to increase oversight of midwives under new law
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday signed legislation requiring state regulation of non-nurse midwives. The governor signed Shepherd’s...
Stitt vetoes bill to cut affordable housing tax credit
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday vetoed legislation that would cut in half an affordable housing tax credit offered to developers....
CORRECTION: Stitt has not signed 'anti-red-flag' law
SETTING IT STRAIGHT: A spokeswoman for Gov. Kevin Stitt said he has not signed Senate Bill 1081, which would preempt Oklahoma...
Oklahoma may launch marijuana breathalyzer pilot program
Oklahoma could launch a pilot program to conduct marijuana breathalyzer tests to determine if people are driving under the...
Oklahoma voters to decide whether legislators can tap tobacco fund
Oklahoma legislators will ask voters' permission to dip into the state's Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust. The Oklahoma...
Oklahoma Senate passes cost-of-living adjustment for state retirees
Oklahoma legislators are asking Gov. Kevin Stitt to approve legislation to give most state retirees a cost-of-living...
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Stitt on veto overrides: 'I've moved on'
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday said he has “moved on” after Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled Legislature overturned his veto of...
Outgoing health commissioner says "many lives saved"
In a farewell letter, outgoing Health Commissioner Gary Cox wrote that he is leaving the state Health Department in a better...
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'There is no I in team': Oklahoma's Legislature overturns Stitt's budget vetoes
What a difference a year makes. This time last year, Gov. Kevin Stitt was standing between the leaders of Oklahoma's House and...
Alcohol delivery, curbside pickup could be permanent in Oklahoma
State legislators are moving to make permanent new rules that allow some businesses to deliver alcohol, beer and wine directly...
Gov. Kevin Stitt coming down to the wire on budget decision
Gov. Kevin Stitt is coming down to the wire on whether he will sign or veto the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year. But...
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Stitt, legislators clash over budget bills
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday announced he will veto two bills that decrease direct contributions to state retirement systems to...
Corrections employee pay raises, protective gear for poll workers and more state budget highlights
Some Oklahoma Department of Corrections employees who were accidentally left out of pay raises last year are likely to receive...
Former lobbyist, ex-lawmaker hired to lead transparency office
A legislative committee on Friday hired a former lobbyist and legislator to run a new state entity devoted to creating more...
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Oklahoma to start issuing REAL IDs July 1
Oklahoma will begin issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses at select locations on July 1. The state was originally...
Legislators seek to tap opioid settlement funds to plug budget holes
To plug budget holes next year, Oklahoma legislators plan to use nearly half the money in a special fund devoted to holding...
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Stitt signs bill to reinstate notary requirement for absentee voting
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday signed legislation to reinstate the requirement that absentee ballots be notarized. The...
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House Republicans vote to reverse court ruling on absentee ballots
Mere days after the Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a requirement that absentee ballots be notarized, House Republicans...
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Gov. Kevin Stitt says he's still reviewing state budget proposal
More than 48 hours after state lawmakers unveiled their proposed state budget for fiscal year 2021, Gov. Kevin Stitt said he is...
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Legislature extends Stitt's emergency powers to respond to pandemic
Legislators on Tuesday approved extending for 30 days Gov. Kevin Stitt's emergency powers for responding to the COVID-19...
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Oklahoma Supreme Court strikes notary requirement for absentee ballots
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Monday struck down a requirement that absentee ballots must be notarized to be valid. An order...
‘He died alone’: Family mourns man who died of COVID-19 in Norman nursing home
When Stan Olive’s mother died of cancer 18 years ago, their family clustered around her bedside to say goodbye. When his...
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When Legislature reconvenes, Capitol will be open to public ... sort of
When Oklahoma legislators return to the state Capitol on Monday, the building will be open to the public, with some...
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Oklahoma seeks to test 90,000 people, use 1,000 contact tracers to limit coronavirus spread
With Oklahoma set to begin its phased reopening Friday, the state aims to beef up COVID-19 testing and contact tracing...
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Election 2020: State responds to lawsuit over absentee voting
A lawsuit against the Oklahoma State Election Board seeking changes to the state’s absentee voting process in light of the...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: All nursing home residents, staffers to be tested
Over the next month, the state is planning to test all residents and staffers in Oklahoma nursing homes and long-term care...
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Oklahoma to test all nursing home residents, staffers for coronavirus
The state also plans to distribute five to seven days of personal protective equipment to all nursing homes this week.
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Gov. Kevin Stitt defends $2 million purchase of malaria drug touted by Trump
"That money will not have gone to waste in any respect," said Oklahoma's secretary of health.
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Stitt: Oklahoma still on track to begin phased reopening Friday
Stitt also left the door open for Oklahoma mayors to implement more restrictive policies.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Edmond will allow some businesses, churches to open Friday
EDMOND — The Edmond City Council on Monday adopted a resolution to allow some businesses to reopen as soon as Friday. The...
Coronavirus pandemic complicates Medicaid expansion efforts in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is on track to expand Medicaid on July 1, but legislators still don’t know how to pay for the state’s share of the...
League of Women Voters asks Oklahoma Supreme Court for absentee ballot changes
Ahead of Oklahoma’s June 30 primary election, the League of Women voters is asking the state Supreme Court to intervene in...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Some elective surgeries may resume Friday
Hospitals and surgery centers will be asked to take additional precautions due to COVID-19 when some elective surgeries resume...
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Many shuttered Oklahoma businesses can reopen May 1, Gov. Kevin Stitt says
Following some guidelines from the White House, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt outlined a vision Wednesday for reopening some...
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Stitt: Some Oklahoma businesses can reopen starting Friday
Business and conservative leaders have been pressuring the governor to "reopen" the state.
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: All Oklahoma abortions can resume Friday, judge orders
Abortions in Oklahoma can resume fully starting Friday, a federal judge ordered Monday. U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin...
Agency submits Medicaid waiver to impose work requirements, charge premiums
The Stitt administration is moving forward with plans to charge Medicaid premiums and impose work requirements on Medicaid...
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State revenue shortfall declared; $1.3 billion shortfall forecast for next year
Bowing to pressure from state lawmakers, the Board of Equalization, led by Gov. Kevin Stitt, on Monday formally certified a...
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Virus changes political campaigning
In a typical election year, candidates would be knocking on doors, shaking hands and kissing babies — whatever it takes to get...
Budget feud caused by anger over bill to create rural broadband council, sources say
Oklahoma House Republican leaders cut funding for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s program to upgrade state government’s digital operations...
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Stitt: Oklahoma hospitals prepared to handle coronavirus peak
There are plans for two surge hospitals in Oklahoma City, out of an abundance of caution.
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Budget battle: Stitt, legislators spar over digital transformation fund
Gov. Kevin Stitt and state legislators continue to clash over a revolving fund dedicated to digital transformation...
Oklahoma AG Mike Hunter appeals abortion order
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter on Tuesday appealed a federal judge’s ruling allowing some abortions to continue in...
Federal, state candidates begin election filing in Oklahoma
Candidates can file through 5 p.m. Friday.
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Stitt says his safer-at-home order is the same as a shelter in place, is it?
Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday his safer-at-home order is essentially the same as shelter-in-place orders issued by the governors...
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt says state's hospitalization rate is flattening
Gov. Kevin Stitt said Tuesday he is "cautiously optimistic" the rate of people being hospitalized from COVID-19 is starting to...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Legislature approves emergency declaration, gives Stitt unprecedented power
Oklahoma’s Legislature on Monday nearly unanimously approved giving Gov. Kevin Stitt sweeping powers to respond to the COVID-19...
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Oklahoma judge partially strikes down Stitt's abortion ban
An Oklahoma judge on Monday struck down part of Gov. Kevin Stitt's temporary, coronavirus-related abortion ban. In an order,...
Outlook 2020: 'Service is my signature,' Anastasia Pittman says
Name: Anastasia Pittman, 49, former state senator, international peace ambassador, radio talk show host, law student....
Coronavirus crashes wedding plans, causes Oklahoma couples to reschedule
LINDSAY — It was like something out of a movie. A cheerleader, Tailor Finney, ran across the football field and jumped into...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt declares health emergency, calls legislative special session
Stitt has asked Oklahoma's Legislature to convene at 8 a.m. on Monday.
Oklahoma judge hears arguments on Stitt’s abortion ban
In a telephonic court hearing Friday, Oklahoma’s solicitor general defended Gov. Kevin Stitt’s temporary, coronavirus-related...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt declares health emergency, calls legislative special session
Gov. Kevin Stitt is calling Oklahoma legislators into a special session to approve his declaration of a statewide health...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: What is essential? Opinions differ on Stitt's business closure mandate
In the past week, Gov. Kevin Stitt’s order to close “nonessential” businesses in counties with confirmed cases of COVID-19 has...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt extends 'nonessential' business closures to all 77 counties
Predicting COVID-19 will peak in Oklahoma in late April, Gov. Kevin Stitt on Wednesday said he is extending his executive order...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt extends 'nonessential' business closures to all 77 counties
Stitt also extended his executive orders limiting social gatherings and halting elective surgeries for two weeks through April 30.
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Abortion rights groups sue Stitt over coronavirus-related abortion ban
Reproductive rights groups are suing Oklahoma officials over Gov. Kevin Stitt's order prohibiting most abortions during the...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Lawmakers unsure when they will return to Capitol, finish session
Members of Oklahoma’s Legislature will not return to the Capitol this week. Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat said he’s not sure when...
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Redistricting, recreational marijuana petitions unlikely to make ballot, organizers say
Call it unintended consequences. But organizers of two initiative petitions say COVID-19 and the ensuing fallout of the...
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Governor's office clarifies executive order to include abortions
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an executive order suspending all elective surgeries. On Friday, his office clarified that...
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Roughly 200 people at Capitol tested
About 200 people at the Oklahoma state Capitol were tested for COVID-19 on March 17 after a Senate staffer tested positive for...
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Violations of 'safer-at-home' order can result in misdemeanor, AG says
Hunter urged law enforcement officers to take a gentler approach whenever possible.
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Senate leader: Roughly 200 people at Capitol previously tested for coronavirus
A majority of the tests have come back negative, said Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat.
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Oklahoma dispensaries can do curbside pickup, but no delivery amid coronavirus threat
Oklahoma law does not allow for the delivery of medical marijuana, according to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: What businesses are essential?
Gov. Kevin Stitt has given more details on what businesses in 27 counties must close by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: What businesses are essential?
Dozens of private businesses and public spaces will be able to remain open despite Gov. Kevin Stitt ordering the closure of all...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt announces 'safer-at-home' policy
The policy will require the state's most vulnerable populations remain at home until April 30.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: House legislator tests positive
At least five people who work at Oklahoma's state Capitol have tested positive for COVID-19.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Gov. Stitt announces stricter coronavirus regulations
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Tuesday took greater steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Saying Oklahoma could have more than 500...
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Democrats call on Stitt to close businesses, ban gatherings of more than 10 people
Democrats are calling on the governor to take more actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: REAL ID deadline to be pushed back
President Donald Trump announced Monday the federal government will push back a federal deadline for states to implement REAL...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt forms task force, no plans to close businesses
Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Sunday he will expand a gubernatorial task force to enhance the state’s response to the COVID-19...
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State, federal candidates encouraged to file by mail
Candidates vying for state and federal offices this year are encouraged to send in their filing paperwork remotely amid the...
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Senate to stay closed pending test results
About 30 senators and Senate personnel were tested for COVID-19 earlier this week.
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Stitt anticipates tapping Rainy Day Fund as possible revenue shortfall looms
The COVID-19 outbreak could have a profound effect on Oklahoma’s state budget. Gov. Kevin Stitt said Wednesday the state could...
Stitt’s Medicaid waiver seeks work requirements, premiums for low-income Oklahomans
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s plan to customize Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma seeks to impose work or community-engagement requirements...
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Oklahoma elections secretary: Localities can reschedule April 7 elections
Oklahoma's top elections official declared an election emergency in light of COVID-19.
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Person connected to Oklahoma Senate tests positive for COVID-19
It's unclear if the person who tested positive is an elected official or Senate personnel.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State Capitol will close to public
The Oklahoma state Capitol will close to the general public amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Legislative leaders from both chambers...
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House legislators to plan next steps in ‘unprecedented’ meeting
State legislators will discuss the COVID-19 outbreak and next steps for the Legislature.
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Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt declares state of emergency
The state of emergency will be in place for the next 30 days.
In reversal, House bans marriage for minors younger than 16
The Oklahoma House on Wednesday passed legislation to prohibit minors under 16 years of age from getting married. The House's...
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: No plans to close state Capitol
House Speaker Charles McCall is urging Oklahomans not to panic.
Health care agency consolidation moves forward
Oklahoma legislators are moving forward with plans to consolidate two state health care agencies despite opposition from some...
Lawmakers reverse plans to merge transportation agencies
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will not merge with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation.
Amended resolution to alter citizens' petition process clears Oklahoma House
Oklahoma's House passed Tuesday legislation to require citizens' initiative petitions to collect signatures from all of...
House passes cost-of-living adjustment for state retirees
In a rare unanimous vote, the Oklahoma House on Tuesday passed legislation to grant a cost-of-living adjustment this year to...
Oklahoma House rejects bill to restrict marriage involving minors
Previous research shows Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of teen marriages.
Oklahoma health officials begin Medicaid expansion process
The Stitt administration is moving forward with plans to expand Medicaid to cover more low-income Oklahomans on July 1. The...
Oklahoma will submit Medicaid expansion request Friday, Gov. Kevin Stitt says
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority on Friday will submit to the federal government a state plan amendment seeking to expand...
New petitions seek to decriminalize marijuana, legalize recreational use
Two initiative petitions filed Wednesday seek to legalize recreational marijuana and decriminalize the drug in Oklahoma. The...
Oklahoma legislators seek changes to citizens' petition process
Some Republican lawmakers are seeking to change the initiative petition process by which Oklahoma voters can try to put issues...
New petitions seek to decriminalize marijuana, legalize recreational use
Four initiative petitions relating to marijuana are currently active in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma House approves 'In God We Trust' bill
The bill from House Speaker Charles McCall could cost the state an estimated $85,000 to place the national motto in 342 state...
Oklahoma House passes pro-Israel bill
Oklahoma legislators on Tuesday passed legislation that would result in the state picking a side in the complicated and lengthy...
State health officials propose new vaccination exemption rules
As a growing number of Oklahoma schoolchildren receive exemptions from state vaccination requirements, the State Department of...
State lawmakers divided on how to pay for Medicaid expansion
Oklahoma lawmakers appear to be divided on party lines about how to pay for Oklahoma’s share of Medicaid expansion....
Oklahoma lawmakers seek mental health parity
Some Oklahoma lawmakers want health insurance companies to cover mental health and substance use disorders the same way they...
Redistricting petition faces new legal challenges
Two new legal challenges were filed Friday against an initiative petition seeking to overhaul Oklahoma’s redistricting...
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Legislation introduced to fund Stitt's Medicaid expansion proposal
Oklahoma lawmakers got their first look Tuesday at how the state might pay for Gov. Kevin Stitt’s Medicaid expansion plan....
Lawmakers push back against effort to reduce qualifications for agency heads
Two legislative proposals seeking to reduce the qualifications required to lead specific state agencies were met with...
Bill to prevent ‘red flag’ gun policies advances
The legislation would prevent Oklahoma localities from adopting 'red flag' policies.
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Legal challenge filed against permitless carry repeal petition
Supporters of Oklahoma’s permitless carry law are challenging a petition seeking to repeal the measure that expanded residents’...
Bill to undo permitless carry fails in committee
Another attempt to undo Oklahoma’s permitless carry law failed Thursday. Oklahoma’s House Public Safety Committee quickly...
Stitt requests reports on state vehicle fleet
The directive stems from an executive order the governor signed on Feb. 11.
Senate panel scraps effort to bar non-citizens from voting
Oklahoma already disallows non-U.S. citizens from voting.
Stitt warns legislators to be cautious about state's base spending
State lawmakers will have $85.5 million less to spend next year largely due to low oil and natural gas prices and global...
Oklahoma Senate passes nurse independence compromise
The legislative fight has been ongoing for years.
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State brand website tweaked over Land Run reference
Oklahoma’s new state branding website was updated over the weekend to better account for the state’s indigenous history after...
State legislators look to legalize needle exchanges in Oklahoma
A bipartisan group of state legislators have proposed legalizing needle exchanges in Oklahoma. Legislators in Oklahoma’s House...
Bill reminiscent of 'stop and frisk' declared dead
A controversial bill some people feared would have allowed Oklahoma law enforcement to carry out "stop and frisk" type policies...
Oklahoma sheriff declares county ‘Second Amendment sanctuary’
GUTHRIE — The sheriff of Logan County on Wednesday professed his support for gun rights by declaring the county a “Second...
House Speaker wants 'In God We Trust' in state buildings
Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall wants the national motto, "In God We Trust" to be displayed prominently in all state...
Oklahoma sheriff declares county ‘Second Amendment sanctuary’
The sheriff of Logan County vowed to defend the Second Amendment.
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New Oklahoma logo, brand unveiled
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell unveiled the state’s new brand Wednesday after a monthslong creative...