Jeff Elkins

4 days ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Summary:Norman Regional will close several clinics starting July 2. Workforce reduced by 10% to address financial challenges. Operation Independence aims to maintain system’s autonomy. Impacted employees offered severance and support resources. NORMAN – Norman Regional Health System will close select clinics in July after a workforce reduction was announced earlier this week. The system cut 10% of its positions Monday.

5 days ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Key Summary:Oklahoma sports betting bills stalled in the 2025 sessionHouse Bill 1047 and 1101 advanced but missed Senate deadlineTribal negotiations on mobile wagering to continue privatelyLawmakers may revisit legislation with amendments next yearOKLAHOMA CITY – Bills legalizing sports betting in Oklahoma stalled again during the 2025 regular session, and the effort to reach an agreement with tribes on mobile wagering will continue privately later this summer.

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Summary:– Firehawk Aerospace will construct a 40,000-square-foot facility at FISTA Innovation Park to produce 3D-printed rocket fuel. – The $22 million project is expected to create at least 100 jobs and enhance Oklahoma’s defense manufacturing footprint. – Most of the funding comes from Department of Defense withholding taxes via the PG program, with no legislative appropriation needed.

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Summary:– Oklahoma lawmakers overrode nearly 50 vetoes in one day. – Overridden bills included breast cancer coverage and MMIP funding. – Stitt criticized overrides as signs of “liberal-leaning Republicans.”OKLAHOMA CITY — On the last day of the 2025 Legislative Session, lawmakers took up overrides on bills vetoed by Gov. Kevin Stitt, including measures pertaining to missing and murdered Indigenous people and expanding medical coverage for mammograms.

1 week ago | journalrecord.com | Jeff Elkins

Summary:– SB 632 would create business court divisions in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties. – Judges would be governor-appointed, serve 8-year terms and earn $161K. – The system’s cost is estimated at $2M annually, including salaries and setup. OKLAHOMA CITY — An amended version of a measure establishing a framework for Oklahoma’s new business courts is headed back to the House in the final days of the legislative session.