Articles
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Culture & the Family
COVID hospitalizations steadying?
At the start of the pandemic, the average hospitalization for COVID-19 ran from 10 to 12 days. Currently, those stays are typically between five and eight days.Ray Carter | August 6, 2020
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Budget & Tax
McGirt decision could upend regulations, taxes
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that reestablished Indian reservations in Oklahoma is creating broad uncertainty and threatens to result in regulatory chaos that will drive businesses away from the state, according to state leaders.Ray Carter | August 6, 2020
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Education
Lankford: Only schools that reopen should get aid
If Congress approves another round of bailout funding for state school systems, U.S. Sen. James Lankford said it should be directed to schools that reopen for in-person instruction.Ray Carter | August 5, 2020
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Budget & Tax
Tax collections raise concern about budget gamble
The Republican-controlled Legislature wanted to drain most state government savings and leave little in reserve for next year, while Gov. Kevin Stitt called for reining in spending to preserve greater savings for next year.Ray Carter | August 5, 2020
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Judicial Reform
Judicial nominating process fueling conflicts of interest?
The secretive process used to appoint judges in Oklahoma through the state’s Judicial Nominating Commission has drawn increasing criticism in recent years.Ray Carter | August 5, 2020
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Education
State mandate could have closed COVID-free schools
The Oklahoma State Board of Education recently opted against imposing state mandates that dictate how school districts should handle COVID-19 response, including forced closure of schools, and opted instead to provide guidance.Ray Carter | August 4, 2020
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Law & Principles
McGirt chaos continues to grow
Attorney General Mike Hunter announced he will seek a ruling from the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals to ensure the state can still prosecute non-Indians who commit major crimes against American Indian citizens.Ray Carter | August 3, 2020
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Education
Schools face new expenses, increased funding, from COVID
Oklahoma schools face unexpected costs due to COVID-19. But they are also benefiting from substantial one-time funding due to the pandemic.Ray Carter | July 31, 2020
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Education
Stitt endorses in-person schooling
Voicing strong support for in-person instruction in Oklahoma schools, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced Thursday that federal funds will pay the cost of masks, shields, gloves, and gowns at districts across the state, and that all teachers will be tested for COVID-19 each month.Ray Carter | July 30, 2020
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Economy
Unemployment fraud still rampant in Oklahoma?
During the spring COVID-19 shutdown, Oklahoma officials were swamped with fraudulent unemployment claims.Ray Carter | July 30, 2020