The Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted unanimously on Friday to restore public access to the state’s online campaign finance database and seek legal action against a software developer that failed to deliver on a revamped system.

The post Oklahoma’s Campaign Finance Database is Back Online appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Hochatown is one of more than 70 municipalities across 22 states that are lobbying Congress for their own ZIP codes after the Postal Service denied their requests. Two House bills passed in July but have stalled in the Senate, with USPS claiming the changes would cost at least $800 million.

The post Hochatown Fights for Its Own ZIP Code appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

The agency has spent millions to purchase the devices and store footage, but says it can’t release recordings due to security concerns.

The post Department of Corrections Refuses to Release Body Camera Footage appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

A federal judge struck down a Trump directive that canceled wind energy projects, prompting Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt to criticize the administration’s politically driven approach. The ruling said states faced real harm from the order, which targeted renewable energy permits while pushing oil and gas infrastructure.

The post Stitt Calls Out Trump Administration Over Cuts to Wind Energy Projects appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Months of delays by Oklahoma land commissioners in approving a commercial lease for a Lawton-area data center led the developer to withdraw, costing the state potential education revenue.

The post State Delays Push Data Center Developers to Private Land appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

The TSET investment board, led by Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ, pressed five asset managers to adopt proxy voting advice aligned with “Oklahoma values.” The move deepens Russ’ broader anti-ESG push amid conflicts, policy forums and questions over influence by outside conservative interest groups.

The post TSET Investors Board Puts Asset Managers On Notice In Anti-ESG Push appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments over the constitutionality of Senate Bill 1027, the sweeping legislation enacted in May that imposes several requirements on initiative petition organizers.  The high court’s ruling will shape the future of voter-led ballot initiative campaigns in Oklahoma, which have brought criminal justice reform, legalized medical marijuana and [...]

The post Oklahoma Supreme Court Hears Arguments on Initiative Petition Bill appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Steven Harpe left his post as director of the Department of Corrections to take a job at LeoTech, an AI company awarded a million-dollar contract by the department months earlier.

The post Former Corrections Director Approved Million Dollar Deal With AI Company, Then Went to Work For Them appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Oklahoma’s soaring homeowners insurance rates are straining families and drawing scrutiny from lawmakers, who are likely to consider additional consumer protection bills in 2026. Regulators cite inflation and severe weather, but critics blame weak state oversight.

The post Lawmakers Get Earful As Oklahoma Home Insurance Rates Skyrocket appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.

Legislation, introduced on Thursday would allow the U.S. Marshals Service to help tribal law enforcement find missing children. In tribal law enforcement’s stead, the service would also be able to search for and arrest suspects with warrants. Under current law, the U.S. Marshals Service can assist local law enforcement but not tribal. The Tribal Warrant Fairness Act would amend that.

The post Mullin and Cortez Masto File Bill to Allow Marshals to Help with MMIP appeared first on Oklahoma Watch.