News

Any ad valorem change would have major fiscal impact

Mike W. Ray

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Oklahoma State Question 843, slated for the Nov. 3, 2026, ballot, proposes to eliminate property taxes on owner-occupied homesteads through a three-year phasein (33.33% in 2027, 66.67% in 2028, 100% in 2029).

Comanche County elected/school officials concerned about property tax proposals

Mike W. Ray

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Elected Comanche County officials and superintendents of all public schools in the county have expressed their concerns about proposals to fiddle with ad valorem taxes.The 19 county and school officials signed their names on a letter mailed to the 149 members of the Oklahoma Legislature.

Ostrowe says he is ready to serve as Lt. Governor

M. Scott Carter

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Call him one of the seven.A last-minute candidate, wellversed in business with a solid understanding of state government, he is making a bid for the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

Republican gubernatorial candidates answer a barrage of questions during a Monday night debate hosted by Oklahoma Freedom Caucus at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. From left, Charles McCall, Chip Keating, Jake Merrick and Mike Mazzei. Mindy Ragan Wood | Southwest Ledger

Gubernatorial Candidates Spar During Debate; Drummond Ridiculed, Fires Back

Mindy Ragan Wood

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Several Republican gubernatorial candidates faced numerous questions about their policies during a debate hosted by the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus. One candidate, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, did not attend.

Toni Hasenback

Voluntary prayer legislation considered for Oklahoma schools

Debi DeSilver

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY – Prayer in public schools has been a controversial subject in legislative circles at local, state, and national levels for at least 64 years, when the question of its constitutionality made it to the United States Supreme Court.In a landmark ruling, Engel v.

Heather Schenk

Chickasha voting on 2 city councilors, charter amendment

Mike W. Ray

Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Chickasha residents will elect two city council members Tuesday in a nonpartisan election.Incumbent Charlie Burruss, who works in oil and gas mineral management, is seeking another term in Ward 2.

John George

Fungi may help grow state tourism dollars

Debi DeSilver

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — State officials are happy when tourism dollars mushroom. And, in fact, bringing attention to foraging for the morel mushroom may boost tourism in another fun way.At least, that’s what Rep. John George, R-Newalla, hopes.

FTC sends warning leers to CEOs of PayPal Stripe Visa Mastercard

Staff Report

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four major financial infrastructure platforms and payment providers recently received warning letters from the Federal Trade Commission reminding them of their obligations to customers.FTC Chairman Andrew N.

State Election Board, U.S. Justice Department settle Oklahoma voter registration spat

Mike W. Ray

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

OKLAHOMA CITY — The voter registration data spat between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Oklahoma State Election Board was settled Tuesday, according to the state Attorney General’s office.

Members of the Lawton City Council took time Friday to say ‘thank you’ to the Transportation Security Administration agents at Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport. Ashley Payne | Southwest Ledger

Leaders in Lawton raise money for TSA agents

News Staff

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Members of the Lawton City Council took time Friday to say ‘thank you’ to the Transportation Security Administration agents at Lawton Fort Sill Regional Airport.

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