Kansas, Michigan shield ratepayers from data center costs

One of the primary criticisms in Oklahoma about the rapid expansion of large data center projects centers on who pays for their heightened electricity demands. Concerns have risen that ratepayers could be left footing the bill for massive infrastructure upgrades.

Rig Report: Rig count slipped in Oklahoma but grew nationwide

From staff reports While the nation saw a gain of rigs in the oil and gas patches, Oklahoma’s rig count slipped a notch.The latest Baker Hughes Rig Count showed an increase of one rig to reach 549 including a gain of three oil rigs for a total of 417.

U.S. is world’s leading natural gas producer

From staff reports The United States produced 104 billion cubic f eet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas – 75% more than the world’s second-largest natural gas producer, Russia – in 2023, the most r ecent year for which comprehensive worldwide data on natural gas production is available.The U.S.

Oklahoma Supreme Court rules Governor wields power to appoint Cabinet secretaries

OKLAHOMA CITY – Last week, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ended a two-year dispute, ruling 7-2 that the Governor has wide authority when it comes to appointing Cabinet posts.

Government shutdowns: An ineffective political tool we cannot afford

By James Finck, Ph.D.It looks like our overextended national nightmare is finally over. President Trump signed the funding bill last Thursday, ending the longest federal government shutdown in history.

Audit of Spencer city books reveals ‘shoddy’ and disorganized recordkeeping

OKLAHOMA CITY – A forensic audit of the records of the City of Spencer in Oklahoma County revealed “the recordkeeping was so shoddy and unorganized, their financial issues are likely much worse than this audit report shows.

State audits uncover multiple instances of financial mismanagement in Konawa

A forensic audit of Konawa city records – a compilation of three in-depth examinations requested in two and a half years – revealed multiple instances of mismanagement of municipal funds.

Rep. Forrest Bennett elected new state president of AFL-CIO

Delegates attending the Oklahoma AFL-CIO convention last Friday in Tulsa elected State Rep. Forrest Bennett to succeed the retiring Jimmy Curry as president of the labor organization.Bennett, 36, started his new job on Monday. He said Sunday he had already notified House leadership, and Dec.

Turnpike Authority adopts $330M budget for CY 2026

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority adopted a $330 million budget for calendar year 2026.That sum includes $165,020,177 for capital expenditures and $165,056,062 for operations and maintenance of the state turnpike system, Finance Director Wendy Smith said.