A $440 utility deposit almost kept her from finding a home
Oklahoma regulators allow utilities to charge hefty deposits for people with poor credit or a history of late payments. Some say such policies punish the poor.
After decades of deaths and security issues, Oklahoma County voters said ‘yes’ to a new jail. Now what?
The project still faces funding gaps and opposition from some community organizers who want the county to lock up fewer people.
Most legislative efforts to lower Oklahoma court fines and fees failed this year
A large-scale reform that would have eliminated $34 million in annual revenue from fines and fees stalled this session. The bill’s author says he’s not giving up.
As drug court participation falls in Oklahoma, counties struggle to provide alternatives
Some new diversion programs link people with treatment and other services, but a lack of resources and buy-in from prosecutors remain problems.
Did a state official’s Lake Murray land deal violate ethics rules?
Former Tourism Department Director Gino DeMarco planned his own business venture while talks to develop a new state park marina were underway.
Oklahoma’s failed school voucher bill just the latest battle in an ongoing war
Public education faces increased scrutiny as some lawmakers vow to continue a push to divert more state money to private schools.
Cities and state agencies push back against Oklahoma open records law
Government agencies have argued that large, complicated records requests are disruptive or could impact economic development.
Despite bipartisan support, some worry about the long-term impact of cutting taxes on groceries
There are no plans to replace an estimated $300-million in revenue the tax generates for the state each year. Some of that money goes to fund education and social services.
