News

Re-opening Phase 2

April 30, 2020

Elderly and vulnerable Oklahomans should continue to follow the safer-at-home guidelines. Oklahomans should continue to maintain physical distancing measures when in public. Non-essential travel can begin to resume. Employers should still close common areas or enforce social distancing and sanitation protocols. Organized sports activities can reopen. Bars can operate with diminished standing-room occupancy. Funerals and…

Shutdown didn’t deter crime; lawsuits on the horizon?

April 30, 2020 Ray Carter

The statewide COVID-19 shutdown may have dramatically impacted most Oklahomans, but it may not have deterred serious crimes, law enforcement officials told lawmakers. At the same time, the state could soon face a rash of lawsuits challenging the legality of government actions that forced business closures and the loss of citizens’ jobs. Officials made those…

Oklahoma officials declare a $416,883,273 revenue failure

April 30, 2020

The State Board of Equalization declared a $416,883,273 revenue failure for Fiscal 2020, paving the way for legislators to take money from the Rainy Day Fund and other savings accounts. Oklahoma Tax Commission Executive Director Jay Doyle gave updated look at how COVID-19 and the downturn in oil and gas are affecting revenue forecasts for…

Historic lows for gasoline prices

April 30, 2020

Tulsa gas prices have fallen 3.2 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.29/gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 321 stations. Gas prices in Tulsa are 29.5 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 129.6 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports,…

Free legal advice through May 4th

April 30, 2020

In celebration of Law Day, Oklahoma lawyers will provide free legal advice from April 30 until May 4 via email. Oklahomans can send their legal questions to [email protected]. “This will be our 44th year to offer this service; and normally, we supplement giving legal advice by email with a statewide toll-free phone number staffed by…

Courthouse is closed until May 4th

April 30, 2020

Following the continued guidance from the CDC and conversations with other County Elected Officials, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) renewed a March 18 resolution (previously renewed on March 27) limiting access to the Tulsa County Courthouse until May 4. This may be renewed by the board. Visitors into the Tulsa County Courthouse will be…

Two tribes sign new gambling deals

April 30, 2020

Gov. Kevin Stitt, Comanche Nation Chairman William Nelson and the Otoe-Missouria Tribe Chairman John Shotton have signed new gambling compacts between the state and those two tribes. “These new (gambling) compacts are in the best interest of the state, members of the Otoe-Missouria tribe and Comanche Nation and the local communities where these tribes reside…

HUD sends $12,945,861 to Okla.

April 30, 2020

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is giving $955 million in grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL) to help meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities as communities begin measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Oklahoma is receiving grants totaling $12,945,861. The grants will fund home-delivered…

Mayor Bynum’s proposed fy budget raises utility rates

April 30, 2020

Mayor G.T. Bynum’s total budget proposal is $828.5 million – $25.1 million less than the budget for the last fiscal year. That’s a 3% cut. The operating budget is $693.7 million, a $20 million decrease, or 2.8% under the last budget. And Bynum wants to raise sewer and wastewater rates. The general fund, which funds…

$7 million grant to help legal units

April 30, 2020

The Oklahoma District Attorneys Council (DAC) through the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding (CESF) Program can assist eligible public safety/criminal justice state, county, local and tribal units of government as well as victim-services non-profit agencies with a new $7 million federal grant. Awards will be used for preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus and…