Oklahoma City

FY 2024 State Budget: $12.9B and counting…

Monday, June 5, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — For the record, the Oklahoma Legislature allocated – okay, spent – an eyepopping $12,866,390,628 for the 2024 fiscal year. That amount, records show, represents the largest budget appropriation ever made in state history.

A woman makes her way to the Oklahoma Judicial Center, home of the Oklahoma Supreme Court. JENNA LOWRANCE | SOUTHWEST LEDGER

Oklahoma Supreme Court overturns 2 anti-abortion laws

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Monday, June 5, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Supreme Court last Wednesday struck two laws that banned abortions, but the procedure still remains outlawed in the state. Voting 6-3, the state’s high court overturned Senate Bill 1503 and House Bill 4327.

Grocery tax cuts unlikely to clear Legislature this year

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — A proposal to reduce the state’s portion of a grocery sales tax is dead for the 2023 regular legislative session. Championed by Gov.

Sens. Brent Howard (R-Altus) and Blake Stephens (R-Tahlequah) review legislation Friday. With a $13 billion budget finalized, lawmakers have adjourned the regular session for the year. RIP STELL | SOUTHWEST LEDGER

Lawmakers end legislative session, passing $13B budget

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — The first regular session of the 59th Oklahoma Legislature adjourned sine die Friday, ending what some have called one of the most difficult – and at times dysfunctional – legislative sessions in recent history.

Racism protest cancelled; questions surface about organizer Van Voast

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — A protest about racism in McCurtain County that was set for the State Capitol last week was cancelled at the last minute, after questions surfaced about one of the organizers. Listed as Unity Over Violence, the protest was scheduled for May 19.

Cattle producers ‘well represented’ during ‘Beef Day’

(not verified)

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

By KC Sheperd | Oklahoma Ag Network OKLAHOMA CITY — “There is no question that beef is important, not just in my Senate district but all over Oklahoma,” state Sen. Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) said in a May 16 interview during the “Beef Day” observance at the State Capitol.

Sanders: 850,000 Oklahomans need Broadband Internet Access

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Mike Sanders, the new executive director of the State Broadband Office has a great deal of work to do. And he doesn’t have a whole lot of time to get it done. Sanders, a former state representative, was recently tasked as the leader of the OBO.

Todd Lamb

Lamb named UCO President; Paycom CEO blasts choice

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Former Lieutenant Governor Todd Lamb was named the 22nd president of the University of Central Oklahoma last week, just weeks after he was announced as one of three finalists for the Dean of Oklahoma City University’s law school.

Legislature sends $625M Education package to Gov.

M. Scott Carter - Capitol Bureau Chief

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — After more than a month of acrimony, arguments and threats, Republican leaders in the Oklahoma Legislature signed off on nine pieces of legislation that will earmark $625 million for Oklahoma’s education system. The bills now go to Governor Kevin Stitt for review.

Two Grady County sheriff’s deputies stand in a rural road during one of the two raids on suspected illegal marijuana farms in the Rush Springs and Alex areas on May 16. GRADY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FACEBOOK PAGE

Agents shut down 3 suspected illicit marijuana grow facilities

Mike W. Ray Staff Writer

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — At least three illicit marijuana farms in Oklahoma have been shut down this month as government officials crack down on suspected “bad actors.

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