Articles
-
Economy, Culture & the Family
What are the leading causes of death in Oklahoma?
While the coronavirus is a real public health issue, it may not turn out to be the taker of life it was initially envisioned to be.Mike Brake | July 15, 2020
-
Health Care, Economy
OKC doctor says shutdown ‘a mass casualty incident’
Americans may be paying for the extended shutdowns for some time as unrelated health issues that are not being treated now continue to emerge.Mike Brake | May 26, 2020
-
Economy
Stitt: Oklahoma can be national leader on COVID
Twenty days into the state’s reopening, Gov. Kevin Stitt said Oklahoma is on pace to enter the final phase of that process by June 1 and could be a national leader.Ray Carter | May 14, 2020
-
Economy, Culture & the Family
Oklahoma’s post-reopening COVID numbers defy critics’ predictions
While critics suggested Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to begin reopening Oklahoma starting April 24 would lead to increased COVID-19 infections and deaths, the data continue to head the right direction, and the governor said more businesses will be able to reopen soon.Ray Carter | May 11, 2020
-
Economy, Culture & the Family
AG Hunter to Norman mayor: ‘Religious services can go on as scheduled’
Attorney General Mike Hunter has questioned why Norman Mayor Breea Clark is allowing gyms, tattoo parlors, and pet groomers to reopen on May 1 but has forbidden houses of worship from doing the same until mid-month. At the same time, Mayor Clark has found herself embroiled in a federal lawsuit involving her decree that local hair salons could not reopen until mid-month as well.Mike Brake | May 8, 2020
-
Budget & Tax, Economy
Don’t hit businesses on UI experience rating
As Oklahoma begins the slow process of reopening, policy solutions for consumers and businesses will be needed to jumpstart the economy. With Oklahoma unemployment reaching record numbers, lawmakers must focus on making hiring easier for businesses. One way would be to suspend any increases to experience rating for businesses paying unemployment insurance (UI) taxes.Curtis Shelton | May 8, 2020
-
Economy, Culture & the Family
Health emergency extended, but lawmakers say change is needed
Both chambers of the Oklahoma Legislature voted Tuesday during special session to extend the state declaration of a “catastrophic health emergency” (CHE) for another 30 days.Ray Carter | May 5, 2020
-
Economy, Culture & the Family
Reopen, recover, rebuild
We've compiled a list of three dozen COVID-era policy prescriptions to protect taxpayers and get Oklahoma moving again.Staff | May 5, 2020
-
Economy
Stitt given ‘A’ for COVID-19 response
A new report by the Committee to Unleash Prosperity gives Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt an “A” grade for his handling of the state’s COVID-19 response. Stitt is one of only nine governors to receive an “A” from the organization.Ray Carter | May 4, 2020
-
Health Care, Economy, Culture & the Family
A day before broad business reopening, COVID-19 tracking stressed
With many businesses across Oklahoma poised to reopen in less than a day, albeit under safety restrictions, Gov. Kevin Stitt said Thursday that the state’s COVID-19 infection rate continues to decline. And officials announced they will be ramping up COVID-19 testing in the weeks ahead to keep the pandemic under control.Ray Carter | April 30, 2020