Court rejects 2 more McGirt appeals from Comanche Co.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Although the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in McGirt vs Oklahoma resulted in most of the eastern half of the state being considered “Indian Country” for purposes of criminal jurisdiction, the same cannot be said of western Oklahoma.

Winter ’21 storm bonds challenged

OKLAHOMA CITY — A former state lawmaker contends that ratepayer-backed bonds which would be issued to pay for the extraordinary costs utility companies incurred during the winter storm last year are “unconscionable” if not unconstitutional.

Paxton calls for removal of OK2A leader

OKLAHOMA CITY — The chairman of the Oklahoma Senate’s Public Safety Committee on Thursday asked the leaders of a state gun rights group to remove the group’s executive director over comments the lawmaker said were ‘dangerous and shameful.

Garvin wants to give schools more local control, curb college fees

Efforts are being made by state Senator Jessica Garvin to update education policies and give school boards more local control.

Garvin files bills to help alleviate teacher shortage

Two education bills introduced by state Sen. Jessica Garvin will try to solve the teacher shortage issue that has plagued Oklahoma the past several years. Garvin (R-Duncan) has filed legislation to help adjunct and highly qualified substitute teachers fill the classroom void.

10-minute law on trains blocking RR crossings derailed by federal courts

DENVER – A lower court ruling that struck down Oklahoma’s law which penalized trains that block railroad crossings for longer than 10 minutes was upheld Tuesday by the U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Federal funds eyed for well plugging, site reclamation

OKLAHOMA CITY — Almost 18,000 abandoned oil and gas wells are scattered across Oklahoma, and it would cost an estimated half-billion dollars to plug all of them and remediate the production sites.

Panel postpones Lawton redistricting hearing

LAWTON – People who want to weigh in on Lawton’s new voting ward map will have to wait until Friday.

SQ 820 would legalize recreational MJ use

OKLAHOMA CITY — An initiative petition proposing a state question to legalize adult recreational marijuana use was filed with the Secretary of State earlier this month. Initiative Petition #434, proposing the Adult Use Marijuana Regulation Act, was filed on Jan.

Lawton councilman pleads not guilty in Saturday DUI incident

Lawton City Councilman Jay Burk is out on bond after pleading not guilty to driving under the influence, a charge which resulted in Burk’s arrest Saturday night in Lawton. Burk was arrested by Lawton police shortly after 2 a.m.