Claremore police arrested a man during a heated meeting about a proposed data center as residents raised concerns over water use and infrastructure.
Category: Government
Posted inGovernment
As electricity demand and investments grow, what’s being done to shield Oklahomans from higher monthly bills?
Federal data show electricity consumption is up in the U.S. after more than a decade of little growth, partly because of data centers and other energy-hungry facilities. Average electricity prices are following the trend nationwide. Last summer, representatives from the state’s largest utility companies and power grid operator told Oklahoma regulators of an incoming surge […]
Posted inBusiness
For cities like Tulsa, Indianapolis’ battle over data centers could provide a blueprint to the resistance
Where data center developers saw vacant lots and cheap power in urban Indianapolis, neighbors stood ready for battle — and won.
Posted inGovernment
Salty, oily drinking water left sores in their mouths. Oklahoma refused to find out why.
State regulators discovered strong signs of oil pollution, including high levels of salt and toxic metals, in one family’s drinking water. But for two years, they repeatedly delayed basic tests to find the culprit — then closed the case.
Posted inYour Money
More SNAP changes are here. Here’s what you can and can’t buy with Oklahoma food stamps.
The state is implementing new restrictions on soft drinks and candy Feb. 15. That means thousands of items cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Posted inLa Semana
Tulsa Hispanic commission launches ‘playbook’ to help businesses respond to ICE enforcement
The commission created the playbook with feedback from local chefs and restaurants about what would be most useful for them.
Posted inGovernment
Oklahoma Republican lawmakers condemn student ICE walkouts, want discipline for teachers involved
A group of lawmakers urged State Superintendent of Education Lindel Fields to take action on student-led protests against ICE. Fourteen lawmakers penned the open letter sent Tuesday, including Senate Education Chair Adam Pugh (R-Edmond), who is running for state superintendent. The lawmakers called the walkouts that have occurred at several school districts across the state […]
Posted inGovernment
Inside the ICE detention system: How Oklahoma facilities use legal limbo to pressure deportations
After the Oklahoma Highway Patrol arrested Yingchao Fan following a rollover accident on Interstate 40, he sat in Sequoyah County jail despite facing no criminal charges, not even a traffic citation. County officials held him for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “They had no authority whatsoever,” said Ted Hasse, a federal criminal defense attorney who sought […]
Posted inGovernment
Tulsa weighs changing zoning code for data centers. More action could be on the horizon.
As data center proposals flood Tulsa, city officials are weighing all options — from changing where the centers can be built to implementing a moratorium on new centers.
Posted inGovernment
Cherokee leader warns of misinformation amid review of federal contracting program
A federal agency is suspending government contracts awarded to more than 1,000 small businesses facing systemic barriers.
Posted inGovernment
Oklahoma becomes ICE arrest hub as federal policy drives enforcement explosion
Oklahoma has become an ICE arrest hub after Gov. Kevin Stitt deputized state agencies and 28 local law enforcement agencies signed federal agreements.
Posted inSchools & Families
Stitt bans tenure at most Oklahoma public colleges. What does that mean for Tulsa-area schools?
The executive order took aim at lifetime tenure appointments at public colleges. Many universities say their faculty will not be affected.