Oklahoma Voice

Oklahoma Voice is a nonpartisan, independent news platform dedicated to highlighting the experiences and stories of Oklahomans affected by decisions made in Oklahoma City and elsewhere. We provide daily news articles, summaries, opinions, and some detailed investigations to keep you informed about events in your state capital, how taxpayer money is being allocated, and how policy choices impact you and your community.

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House eyes Oklahoma mental health hospital alternative amid soaring price tag • Oklahoma Voice

2 months ago | oklahomavoice.com

The construction of a new inpatient mental health hospital is $124 million over budget, and House budget leaders do not want taxpayers to pick up the tab.
When setting test rigor, Oklahoma education officials wanted to avoid a ‘thumb on the scale’ • Oklahoma Voice

2 months ago | oklahomavoice.com | Nuria Martinez-Keel

State Superintendent Ryan Walters said he didn't want his administration to exert influence over the scoring of state tests.
Proposed Oklahoma social studies standards suggest ‘discrepancies’ in 2020 election • Oklahoma Voice

Mar 13, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Nuria Martinez-Keel

State education officials added new language to new social studies standards that suggest there were "discrepancies" in the 2020 election.
Oklahoma public schools leader questions state test results, calls for new scoring • Oklahoma Voice

Mar 11, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Nuria Martinez-Keel

The head of the Oklahoma State Department of Education accused the governor and another state agency of undermining reading and math tests.
Women’s professional sports are excluded from a tax program. Oklahoma lawmaker seeks to change that. • Oklahoma Voice

Mar 3, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Barbara Hoberock

Officials on both sides of the aisle are backing a move to expand an exclusionary state tax program by allowing women’s professional sports to participate.
Oklahoma governor rejects immigration checks in schools, says Walters should be 'held accountable’ • Oklahoma Voice

Feb 12, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Nuria Martinez-Keel

by Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice February 12, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY — While giving a searing indictment of Oklahoma’s education chief on Wednesday, Gov. Kevin Stitt rejected the idea of having schools collect children’s immigration status. Stitt accused state Superintendent Ryan Walters of using “kids as political pawns” to launch a campaign for higher office.
Paula Lewis wins reelection as OKCPS school board leader

Feb 11, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Nuria Martinez-Keel

by Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice February 11, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY — An incumbent school board leader in Oklahoma City Public Schools won reelection in dominant fashion Tuesday. Paula Lewis secured another four years as board chairperson in the Oklahoma City district by earning 53.54% of the vote, crossing the 50% threshold needed to win the seat without continuing to a general election. She defeated Niah Spriggs, who earned 29.69% of the vote, and Jan Barrick with 16.76%.
Oklahoma bill bars drag performances harmful to minors

Feb 11, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Barbara Hoberock

by Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice February 11, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY – State senators on Tuesday greenlighted a controversial bill that could make Oklahoma the latest state to attempt to ban children from watching drag and cabaret performances deemed harmful to minors. But critics said the language is vague and expressed concern that someone dressing up as a popular superhero at a public library could run afoul of the proposed law.
Tulsa Public Schools invokes Oklahoma law to halt state audit release, auditor says

Feb 11, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Nuria Martinez-Keel

by Nuria Martinez-Keel, Oklahoma Voice February 11, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY — A forensic audit of Tulsa Public Schools with “significant” findings is complete, but State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said Tuesday her office must wait two more weeks to release it. Byrd said Tulsa’s superintendent and school board invoked a state law that requires her office to discuss audit findings with the audited school at least 14 days prior to releasing the report publicly.
Oklahoma Senate panel advances bill banning smoking in vehicles with children

Feb 11, 2025 | oklahomavoice.com | Barbara Hoberock

by Barbara Hoberock, Oklahoma Voice February 11, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY – A Senate panel on Tuesday passed a bill that would prohibit smoking tobacco, marijuana and vapor products in a vehicle in the presence of a child. Under Senate Bill 23, violators would be subject to a fine of $50 to $100. The measure, by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, passed the Senate Public Safety Committee by a vote of 5-3 and heads to the Senate floor. Sen.