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.
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Redistricting petition withdrawn as legislative leaders pledge transparent process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...
Oklahoma Senate passes bill making it easier to arm teachers
The Oklahoma Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that could make it easier for Oklahoma teachers and school personnel to carry a...
Cannabis petition can collect signatures, but backer jailed for indecency
Oklahoma's Secretary of State has given the go-ahead for supporters of an initiative petition to decriminalize marijuana to...
Oklahoma Senate leader: Abortion bill is 'fatally flawed'
A bill to criminalize abortion in Oklahoma faces unlikely odds in the state Legislature. Despite a change of leadership on a...
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Oklahoma House Democrats outline legislative priorities
Top issues include restoring the earned income tax credit and straight Medicaid expansion.
Legislators, Stitt seek civil service changes for state employees
Gov. Kevin Stitt and some state legislators are looking to overhaul Oklahoma’s civil service system. For years, legislators and...
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In OKC rally, Mike Bloomberg vows to target states Trump won in 2016
As leading Democratic presidential contenders converged on New Hampshire just days before the nation's first presidential...
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Stitt administration hires consultants to reimagine state government structure
In his State of the State address Monday, Gov. Kevin Stitt called for consolidating some state agencies, a recommendation met...
Recap: Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg visits OKC
Follow live developments from The Oklahoman's Carmen Forman as she covers Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg's...
Oklahoma County judge refuses to temporarily halt two abortion laws
An Oklahoma County District Court judge on Friday refused to temporarily halt state laws that say only physicians can perform...
Anti-gerrymandering group refiles redistricting petition
A group seeking to overhaul Oklahoma's redistricting process refiled Thursday an initiative petition seeking to create an...
Medical marijuana supporters rally at Oklahoma state Capitol
Hundreds of medical marijuana supporters descended on Oklahoma’s state Capitol on Thursday to warn lawmakers not to infringe on...
Oklahoma Supreme Court tosses redistricting petition; proponents plan to refile
The Oklahoma Supreme Court tossed a redistricting initiative petition Tuesday, saying the petition's description does not...
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Stitt budget does not include teacher, state employee pay raises
Oklahoma teachers and state employees will not receive pay raises next year under a budget proposal from Gov. Kevin Stit. Stitt...
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Six takeaways from Gov. Kevin Stitt’s State of the State speech
Here are the highlights from the governor's State of the State address.
Last day to register to vote in Oklahoma's presidential primary is Friday
Oklahomans wanting to cast a ballot in the March 3 presidential primary must register to vote on or before Friday. Friday also...
How to contact your OKC-area legislators
Find contact information for Oklahoma City-area lawmakers below. If you don't know what House or Senate district you live in or...
Issues to watch when the legislative session begins Monday
When Oklahoma legislators start the session Monday, they’ll have more than 4,500 pieces of legislation for consideration. Only...
Oklahoma's tribes contribute greatly to small cities, towns, some local leaders say
As Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma's tribes clash on how much gaming revenue should go to the state, tribal leaders have defended...
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Gov. Kevin Stitt looks to implement Trump-supported Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma
Gov. Kevin Stitt revealed Thursday his plan to expand Medicaid in Oklahoma. Alongside federal officials in Washington, D.C.,...
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Stitt to participate in Medicaid announcement in Washington, D.C.
Gov. Kevin Stitt will participate in a federal Medicaid announcement Thursday in which he is expected to unveil his health care...
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Mental Health Commissioner Terri White leaving office
Oklahoma's top mental health professional, a seasoned state agency head, will leave office on Feb. 1. Oklahoma Department of...
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Capitol restoration: What to know before visiting Oklahoma's state Capitol
When Oklahoma’s legislative session kicks off Monday, the normal sounds of the state Capitol, the dull roar of political banter...
Stitt aims to merge Department of Transportation, Turnpike Authority
Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to consolidate the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. Combining...
Oklahoma legislation seeks to prevent missing, murdered Native Americans
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers has introduced several bills to improve the state’s response when Native Americans go...
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Stitt bans state-funded travel to California
Gov. Kevin Stitt is giving California a taste of its own medicine. Citing "Oklahoma's pro-life stance," Stitt on Thursday...
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Stitt bans state-funded travel to California
Gov. Kevin Stitt is giving California a taste of its own medicine.
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Oklahoma Supreme Court hears challenges to independent redistricting petition
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday heard two legal challenges to an initiative petition seeking to implement a redistricting...
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What it means to be a Top 10 state, according to Gov. Kevin Stitt
Just call him Oklahoma’s motivator-in-chief. On the campaign trail, Kevin Stitt vowed to make Oklahoma a Top 10 state — a lofty...
Oklahoma lawmakers seek to ban cannabis billboards
Some GOP state legislators want to ban billboards advertising medical marijuana, prevent future dispensaries from being located...
Legislator pushes bills to help homeless youth in Oklahoma City
An Oklahoma legislator is working with the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to slash red tape that can prevent...
Pot petitions face pushback from medical marijuana advocates
Two initiative petitions to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma have divided the state’s burgeoning medical marijuana...
Stitt wants state schools superintendent to be appointed, not elected
Gov. Kevin Stitt wants Oklahoma's state schools chief to be appointed, a move that would give the governor more control over...
How should we cover Oklahoma’s Legislature? Tell us
It’s a new year, and that means the start of Oklahoma’s 2020 legislative session is right around the corner. The four-month...
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Medicaid expansion qualifies for ballot; Stitt to set election date
Oklahoma voters will get to decide sometime this year whether the state should expand Medicaid. An initiative petition asking...
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Medicaid expansion qualifies for ballot; Stitt to set election date
Voters will get to decide State Question 802 this year.
Stitt aims to slash state regulations by 25%
Impressed by the impact of President Donald Trump’s executive order to reduce federal regulations, Gov. Kevin Stitt plans to...
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Oklahoma legislator files bill to pay college athletes
An Oklahoma legislator wants college athletes to be able to clinch endorsement deals and profit off their name, image and...
After record cash infusion, $14M sought for governor's economic development fund
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce seeks additional money for an economic development fund dedicated to attracting businesses...
Petition to legalize recreational marijuana withdrawn; measure to be rewritten and refiled
An initiative petition to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults ages 21 and up was withdrawn this week. But...
Stitt, legislators clash over state agency budgets
It’s early in Oklahoma’s state budget process, but some legislators already are at odds with Gov. Kevin Stitt over budget...
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After Oklahoma's historic commutation, former inmates prepare for Christmas outside prison
Michael Taylor doesn’t know how he will spend Christmas this year. But he knows that no matter what he does, this Christmas...
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt 'getting really, really close' on health plan
Gov. Kevin Stitt said Friday he is close to publicly releasing his health care plan that centers on some form of a Medicaid...
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Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren makes first Oklahoma campaign stop
Presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren returned to Oklahoma on Sunday for her first campaign stop in the state that played a...
Recap: Oklahoma City town hall with Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren
Follow live updates from Carmen Forman and Nuria Martinez-Keel as they cover Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth...
Oklahoma food stamp recipients won't be affected by SNAP change
State officials believe upcoming changes to the federal food stamp program, which have attracted national attention in recent...
Oklahoma will continue to resettle refugees, Stitt tells Trump administration
Gov. Kevin Stitt agreed to continue allowing refugees to resettle in Oklahoma next year under a new presidential directive that...
Mailers, ads to praise Oklahoma legislators for 'historic' criminal justice reforms
Americans for Prosperity of Oklahoma will thank 16 Oklahoma legislators for their work on criminal justice reforms this year by...
Oklahoma state budget projected to be flat next year
Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma's Legislature will have a relatively flat state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, according to...
Mailers, ads to praise Oklahoma legislators for 'historic' criminal justice reforms
Americans for Prosperity of Oklahoma will roll out a campaign thanking 16 Republican legislators for their work on criminal...
No special election to be held to fill impending House vacancy
There will be no special election to fill an Oklahoma House seat that will soon be vacant. Rep. Shane Stone, who plans to...
Petition filed to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma
An initiative petition to legalize recreational marijuana use for Oklahomans ages 21 and older was quietly filed Thursday with...
Petition filed to legalize recreational marijuana in Oklahoma
Oklahomans ages 21 and older would be able to partake in recreational marijuana.
Trump supporters more likely to avoid gluten, study from OSU researcher says
An Oklahoma State University professor recently examined the politics of gluten and found President Donald Trump’s supporters...
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Oklahoma legislative leaders offer differing opinions on gaming compacts dispute
Leaders of Oklahoma’s House and Senate shared varying stances on Gov. Kevin Stitt’s dispute with the state’s Native American...
Stitt kicks off holiday season with tree lighting
Monday's holiday celebration marked Gov. Kevin Stitt's first Governor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and the first time in...
OK Republicans to hold closed primaries in 2020; Democrats to keep primaries open to independents
Oklahoma's presidential primaries will occur on March 3, 2020. Primary elections for state and federal offices will occur on...
Stitt to speak at OSU graduation Saturday
Gov. Kevin Stitt will speak to roughly 1,800 fall graduates.
State branding initiative won't include new license plates after all
Redesigned license plates are no longer part of the immediate plan to build an Oklahoma brand. Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell said this...
Stitt appoints corrections director
Former Department of Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh resigned in June.
OKC legislator to resign, special election to occur
An Oklahoma City-area legislator will resign at the end of the year, triggering a special election to fill the seat until...
Stitt opposes criminal justice petition; has own plans
Gov. Kevin Stitt opposes an initiative petition seeking criminal justice reforms because the measure would amend Oklahoma's...
Oklahoma state health department requests less funding, smaller budget
While Oklahoma ranks among the worst states for most health outcomes, the Oklahoma State Department of Health is aiming to...
Oklahoma coordinator to investigate missing, murdered Native Americans
Oklahoma will receive federal funding to hire a murdered and missing indigenous persons coordinator as the Department of...
Citing polling support for vaccines, health officials urge 'education' on vaccinations
Oklahoma health officials are highlighting the importance of vaccines as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports...
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Report: 476 older Oklahomans died prematurely because of Medicaid non-expansion
Nearly 500 low-income, older Oklahomans died prematurely because the state did not expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care...
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State health officials hire Medicaid consultants, sign contract for nearly $1.5 million
State health officials have hired a national team of health care policy experts who specialize in helping states design and...
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State officials finish counting Medicaid expansion signatures
State officials have completed their review of 313,677 signatures turned in to put the question of Medicaid expansion to a...
Pension leaders: Oklahoma's pension systems can withstand retiree COLA
Some leaders of Oklahoma’s pension systems think the systems can withstand paying a cost-of-living adjustment to state retirees...
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Opponents of redistricting petition file legal challenges
Opponents of an initiative petition seeking to implement nonpartisan redistricting in Oklahoma are asking the state’s highest...
Dozens apply to lead Oklahoma legislative transparency office
More than two dozen people applied to lead a new state budget office that will give Oklahoma legislators greater oversight of...
Trump highway proposal sparks debate
The debate around naming an Oklahoma highway mirrored the divisive national political climate this week after two state...
Stitt considers Medicaid block grant for Oklahoma
Gov. Kevin Stitt believes he has found a solution to Oklahoma’s health care problems. "The solution for Oklahoma is a block...
OK insurance commissioner won't enforce pharmacy choice law pending litigation
Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready will not enforce many provisions of a law that is intended to give patients the...
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State spending on Oklahoma's new IDs could top $21M
Oklahoma has spent about $11 million and could spend an additional $10 million in the next year to roll out state IDs that...
Some Oklahoma state parks to charge entry fees starting in 2020
State officials plan on implementing entry fees at some of Oklahoma’s state parks next year to help fund park improvements...
Legislators won't say who applied to lead transparency office
Leaders of an Oklahoma legislative committee tasked with overseeing creation of a new watchdog budget office do not plan to...
Permitless carry supporters celebrate new law
Second Amendment supporters rallied Friday at Oklahoma’s state Capitol to celebrate their expanded gun rights on the first day...
Children in liquor stores, ballot selfies and more: New laws take effect Friday
Starting Friday, Oklahomans will be able to take their children into liquor stores, take ballot selfies on Election Day and...
Permitless carry foes appeal to Oklahoma Supreme Court
Opponents of a new law that will allow many Oklahomans to carry a firearm without a permit or training are asking the Oklahoma...
Permitless carry to take effect Friday, judge rules
Oklahoma’s permitless carry will take effect Friday, an Oklahoma County District Court judge ruled Wednesday. Judge Don...
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter discusses gaming compacts with tribal leaders
SHAWNEE — Attorney General Mike Hunter said he had a "positive" conversation with leaders of Oklahoma's Native American tribes...
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Group files petition for nonpartisan redistricting in Oklahoma
Proponents of nonpartisan redistricting filed an initiative petition Monday asking Oklahoma voters to support creation of a...
State retirees demand COLA as legislators set to receive pay raises
As Oklahoma legislators are set to get 35% pay raises next year, state retirees are quietly fuming. Retired state employees...
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Medicaid expansion campaign turns in 313,000 signatures, breaks record
Supporters of expanding Medicaid to cover roughly 200,000 more low-income Oklahomans turned in 313,677 signatures to put the...
Oklahoma judge temporarily blocks abortion 'reversal' law
An Oklahoma County judge issued a temporary injunction Wednesday halting a controversial abortion reversal law from taking...
Health Care Authority seeks Medicaid consultant to guide Stitt's health plan
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority is looking to hire a national Medicaid expert to help Gov. Kevin Stitt put the finishing...
Legislators look to Stitt for health care plan to rival Medicaid expansion initiative
As an initiative petition asking voters whether Oklahoma should expand Medicaid appears poised to qualify for the ballot, all...
Will state expand Medicaid?
Oklahoma is closer than ever to expanding Medicaid. For nearly a decade, one persistent political question in Oklahoma was if...
Oklahoma Period Day rally to address access, affordability of menstrual products
Supporters of increasing access to feminine hygiene products will rally Saturday at Oklahoma’s state Capitol as part of a...
House legislators to increase oversight of state boards, commissions
Oklahoma House legislators will take on a larger role in overseeing state boards and commissions by regularly attending their...
Oklahoma legislators to get 35% pay bump
Oklahoma legislators will see a 35% pay bump next year. The Legislative Compensation Board voted Tuesday to boost legislators’...
State regent resigns following criticisms of his role in opioid appeal
An Oklahoma State Regent for Higher Education has resigned after state elected officials expressed concerns about his...
Oklahoma legislators to get 35 percent pay raise
Oklahoma legislators will get a 35 percent pay bump next year. The Legislative Compensation Board voted Tuesday to boost...
Legislators to study effects of conversion therapy on children
State legislators from opposing parties are teaming up to learn more about the potentially harmful effects of conversion...
Medicaid petition meets goal of 178,000 signatures, campaign says
Supporters of Medicaid expansion say they have collected the required number of signatures to put a state question on the...
Legislator questions 'loyalty' of state regent aiding opioid appeal
An Oklahoma State Regent for Higher Education came under fire Thursday for representing opioid manufacturer Johnson &...
State senator Joseph Silk seeks to unseat Markwayne Mullin
An Oklahoma state senator who made a name for himself this year when he pushed legislation to criminalize abortion plans to...
Oklahoma granted REAL ID extension until 2020
Oklahoma was granted an extension Wednesday to roll out state IDs that comply with federal law, the Department of Public Safety...
Women still not allowed to go topless in public, Oklahoma attorney general says
It is still illegal for Oklahoma women to go topless in public, Attorney General Mike Hunter said Monday. Oklahoma’s public...
Nonprofit registered Oklahoma high school students to vote as part of 'action civics' initiative
A national nonprofit with local ties is educating Oklahoma City Public Schools students on how they can effect change in state...
Advocates call for stronger seat belt laws as vehicle collisions lead to more child deaths
Oklahoma is the only state that doesn’t require most or all children to wear seat belts when sitting in the backseat of a...
Reproductive rights group challenges abortion ‘reversal’ law
The Center for Reproductive Rights is asking an Oklahoma County District Court judge to block the implementation of a...
Horn calls for release of whistleblower report, doesn't push for impeachement
U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn called Tuesday for the Trump administration to release a copy of a whistleblower's complaint detailing...
Stitt order to require approval for state agencies seeking grant funding
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order Tuesday requiring state agencies, boards and commissions to receive written...
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Eyeing a comeback in Oklahoma, Bernie Sanders rallies supporters in Norman
NORMAN — Bernie Sanders rallied thousands of supporters at a local park Sunday as he pushes for a second victory in Oklahoma, a...
Oklahoma legislator rents apartment from energy lobbyist
One of Oklahoma’s most powerful legislators has rented a garage apartment in Oklahoma City from an OGE Energy Corp. lobbyist....
State legislator to teach mindfulness at Saturday event
Rep. Collin Walke wants Oklahomans to take a deep breath and learn how to be mindful. The Oklahoma City Democrat is helping to...
Oklahoma women's group to push Equal Rights Amendment in 2020
BETHANY — The Oklahoma Women’s Coalition will push next year for Oklahoma to become the 38th and final state needed to ratify...
Climate change talk subtle in state
As scientists predict Oklahoma will face hotter temperatures and more extreme weather events as a result of climate change, the...
Oklahoma AG hires Michigan law firm to aid state in gaming talks
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter has hired a Michigan-based law firm to assist the state in renegotiating the tribal...
Many Oklahoma DHS employees to receive 13% pay raises
More than half of the employees at Oklahoma's Department of Human Services will receive 13% pay raises starting next month....
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Permitless carry challenge collected 37,057 signatures, falls short of goal
A group seeking to suspend and potentially undo a new permitless carry law collected 37,057 signatures, more than 20,000...
Dueling PR campaigns show opposing sides of tribal gaming debate
As Gov. Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma’s Native American tribes clash on renegotiating the tribal gaming compacts, dueling public...
Oklahoma Veterans Affairs director to resign
The executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs, who was retained despite a highly critical state audit...
Attorney: Permitless carry petition collected between 30,000 and 50,000 signatures
An attorney for the coalition seeking to challenge a permitless carry law does not think volunteers collected enough signatures...
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Oklahoma redistricting to begin in early 2020
Oklahoma’s redistricting process will kick off in early 2020 and closely mirror previous redistricting efforts. House Speaker...
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From business to politics: How Gov. Stitt's CEO background shapes his governing
JENKS — Before Gov. Kevin Stitt was trying to boost Oklahoma’s Rainy Day Fund, he was squirreling away half the profits from...
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Permitless carry opponents submit signatures
It's unclear if groups opposed to a permitless carry law have collected enough signatures to put a referendum question on the...
Tribes to Stitt: 'We still have some fundamental differences in our positions'
Oklahoma’s Native American tribes will not meet next week with Gov. Kevin Stitt to negotiate the tribal gaming compacts because...
Report: Signatures for Oklahoma referendum on permitless carry 'really close,' lawmaker says
Rep. Jason Lowe, Moms Demand Action and Young Democrats of America led the effort to collect nearly 60,000 signatures for a...
Marijuana 'Unity Bill' and other new laws to take effect Thursday
The medical marijuana “Unity Bill” that sets up a basic legal framework for the implementation of State Question 788 will take...
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Second Amendment group challenges permitless carry referendum in court
The Oklahoma Second Amendment Association is challenging efforts to suspend a new permitless carry law until a statewide vote...
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Stitt: 'The people spoke' on permitless carry
Gov. Kevin Stitt said Oklahomans weighed in on whether the state should allow people to carry firearms without a permit when...
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Guns, parks, health care: Three initiative petitions circulating in OKC
Signature gatherers are out in full force in Oklahoma City trying to qualify three initiative petitions for a vote of the...
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State rebranding effort continues with OklaX summit
Oklahoma is one step closer to having a cohesive brand. Roughly 150 advertising, marketing, public relations, and creative...
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OKC Boulevard opens to drivers
Drivers can now cruise Oklahoma City Boulevard. State and local officials on Monday celebrated the near completion of a...
Side effects: Politicians and marijuana activists look ahead to future changes
A year after medical marijuana became legal in Oklahoma, state lawmakers and marijuana advocates seem to have found a balance...
Lawmakers urge collaboration in gaming compact negotiations
Oklahoma legislators have been hesitant to wade into the the debate over the state’s tribal gaming compacts, which has Gov....
FEC concludes audit of state Democratic Party
The Federal Election Commission recently completed an audit of the Oklahoma Democratic Party’s finances and found the party...
Despite gains in 2018 elections, women still underrepresented at Oklahoma's Capitol
Oklahoma voters elected a record number of women to the state Legislature last year, but the state is still in the bottom 10...
Norman mayor signs letter demanding action on gun safety bills
Norman Mayor Breea Clark joined mayors across the country to sign onto a letter this week demanding U.S. Senate leaders call...
Stitt appoints businessman to lead Health Care Authority
Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday appointed a local businessman to lead the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. Kevin Corbett, who appears...
Shootings renew calls for gun law changes
Following two mass shootings over the weekend, most of Oklahoma's top lawmakers said gun control was not a relevant issue,...