OK-CADP Statement on Death Penalty Action and Rev. Jeff Hood
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 25th, 2023
Oklahoma Senate Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development holds first meeting
Patrick B. McGuigan, Publisher, CapitolBeatOK.com
March 30th, 2023
Oklahoma State Senate completes bill filing for 2023 session
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
January 23rd, 2023
Oklahoma House of Representatives News: Bill Filing completed for 2023 Session
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
January 21st, 2023
Oklahoma House Interim Studies commence after Speaker McCall approves all 82 requests
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 2nd, 2022
Oklahoma Senate Interim Studies begin with Pro Temp Greg Treat’s approval
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 2nd, 2022
Commentary: H.J.R. 1027 increases odds by 18.2 times!
Steve Fair
March 15th, 2020
Commentary: H.J.R. 1027 would restrict all Oklahomans
Steve Fair
March 10th, 2020
Rep. Mike Osburn’s bill would, if approved, update state merit system
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
March 10th, 2020
Oklahoma State Election Board offers tips, reminders for Tuesday’s Presidential Primary Voters
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
March 2nd, 2020
Opinion: Don’t Sign State Question 805 Initiative Petition!
Steve Fair
February 29th, 2020
Governor Kevin Stitt delivers 2020 State of the State Address
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
February 3rd, 2020
Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives complete bill filing process
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
January 18th, 2020
Norman’s University North Park (UNP) Referendum Petition faces legal challenge
Patrick B. McGuigan and Stacy Martin
January 11th, 2020
More of CapitolBeatOK’s Top Stories for 2019 – A ‘black hole’ at OU, James Lankford’s performance, Non-Compact developments in Indian Country, Medicaid Expansion, and Horn’s vote to Impeach
Patrick B. McGuigan, CapitolBeatOK
January 2nd, 2020
S.Q. 802: After legal ruling and petition drive, stage is set for Medicaid Expansion vote
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 1st, 2020
The City Sentinel’s Top 10 News Stories in Oklahoma City: Criminal Justice (led by Death Penalty), MAPs4, Gaming stalemate and Horn’s vote to Impeach Trump
Patrick B. McGuigan, Published & Editor, The City Sentinel
January 1st, 2020
ANALYSIS — CapitolBeatOK’s top five stories for 2019: Compact quarrel, Death Penalty and Criminal Justice, state revenues tighten, state Senate delivers, Journalism declines
Patrick B. McGuigan, CapitolBeatOK
December 31st, 2019
Louisa McCune leads enthusiastic coalition for MAPs4 Animal Shelter
Patrick B. McGuigan, The City Sentinel
December 5th, 2019
An Editorial: Voters should approve MAPs 4
The City Sentinel Endorsement
December 4th, 2019
Commentary: It’s about Accountability
Steve Fair
December 4th, 2019
Commentary: Don’t sign the redistricting petition
Steve Fair
November 25th, 2019
MAPs4 vote set for December 10
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 9th, 2019
U.S. Senator James Lankford warns Medicaid expansion involves high costs
Ray Carter, OCPA Center for Independent Journalism
October 21st, 2019
Who will clean up America’s voter rolls?
Mark Hemingway, Real Clear Investigations
July 15th, 2019
Contractors’ group supports Stephanie Bice in Fifth District Congressional race
Patrick B. McGuigan
July 15th, 2019
Treasurer McDaniel reports growth in gross receipts despite sales tax decline
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
July 8th, 2019
Briefs: Two Oklahoma City referenda coincide with first MAPs4 meeting, Police Chief named, Holt deepens involvement with mayors’ conference
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
July 8th, 2019
Colorado study shows hospitals raise rates with Medicaid expansion
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
July 8th, 2019
Ahniwake Rose named Oklahoma Policy Institute Executive Director, replacing David Blatt
Darla Shelden, The City Sentinel
July 1st, 2019
Some not-so-ancient history and a look ahead: Oklahoma City’s public meetings on potential Maps4 projects
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
June 24th, 2019
Criminal Justice Reform: What passed, and what’s next?
Kaitlyn Finley, OCPA Policy Research Fellow
June 20th, 2019
Good news in City Tax Report; special election set on charter amendment, and on franchise agreement
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
April 25th, 2019
State Rep. Marcus McEntire discusses longstanding GOP effort to expand Medicaid
Ray Carter, OCPA Center for Independent Journalism
April 25th, 2019
Freedom Oklahoma to hold Monday (April 8) march celebrating first openly gay Oklahoma City Council member
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
April 5th, 2019
Oklahoma City Council considers July 9 election for charter amendments, ONG franchise
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
March 23rd, 2019
Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform advance ideas safely to reverse prison growth
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
February 6th, 2019
CapitolBeatOK’s Top Five News Stories for 2018: Fallin’s conservative collapse, Republicans back in charge, medical pot prevails, economy recovers, teachers strike and taxes hike
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 1st, 2019
S.Q. 793 narrowly defeated, legislative push for eye care choice still anticipated
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 7th, 2018
COMMENTARY: As foes of State Question 793 declare Armageddon – advocates say give choice a chance
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 4th, 2018
‘Oklahomans pay far too much for eyewear’ – Theme pressed by New Ad & website for YES on 793
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 3rd, 2018
An editor’s notebook: The Wall Street Journal’s defense of freedom (and S.Q. 793) … and an artist at work, for artists
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 28th, 2018
Prices for Glasses far higher in Oklahoma than in neighboring states, RetailData analysis finds
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 21st, 2018
ANALYSIS: Jackie Short and Bob Anthony answer reporter’s questions but a Progressive won’t; Drew’s trip to Masters gets scrutiny – and a ballot initiative gets important backing
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 14th, 2018
Launch of ‘Yes on 793’ – Advocates say measure to expand access and affordability of eye care in state
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 21st, 2018
National Group contends State Question 793 would improve access to quality eye care
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 9th, 2018
The massive marijuana mess – rules, reactions and stormy conditions. But, wait a minute
Patrick B. McGuigan
July 12th, 2018
Medical Pot industry wants special session for S.Q. 788 implementation
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
July 5th, 2018
Bypassing Oklahoma Legislature, voters approve medical marijuana statute. Now, advocates plead for special legislative session
Patrick B. McGuigan
July 5th, 2018
Opponents of State Question 788 press for “NO” vote in advertisements, and through press briefings
Patrick B. McGuigan
June 24th, 2018
Supporters of State Question 788 press rebuttals, seek “YES” votes on June 26
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
June 24th, 2018
Doc vs. Doc – Two physicians advance sharply opposing views in battle over State Question 788
Patrick B. McGuigan
June 10th, 2018
State Question 788 fight intensifies as foes ramp up, supporters press for initiative on June 26 ballot
Patrick B. McGuigan
June 3rd, 2018
A memory to celebrate: Oklahoma criminal justice reforms signed into law
Joe Dorman
May 12th, 2018
Governor Fallin signs criminal justice reforms, Former Speaker Steele applauds new laws, adding “there is more to do”
Parick B. McGuigan
April 27th, 2018
Some criminal justice reformers raise substantive concerns about new laws
Patrick B. McGuigan
April 27th, 2018
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin signs law to increase tribal gaming, approves repeal of hotel/motel tax
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
April 11th, 2018
COMMENTARY: Rhetoric, reality and tomorrow — Millions vs. Billions. The future is now
Patrick B. McGuigan
April 8th, 2018
Seeking “Smart Justice” and promised reforms, Oklahoma’s American Civil Liberties Union organizes Day at Capitol
April 1st, 2018
House Democrats praise Oklahoma High Court’s Decision allowing ballot initiative circulation to increase gross production tax rate
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
March 20th, 2018
New Trade Organization Working With Business and Medical Communities to Develop Responsible Rules and Regulations for Medical Cannabis
March 20th, 2018
COMMENTARY – Boom, Bust, Recovery, and punishing success: Punitive steps toward Oklahoma oil and gas are unwise
Patrick B. McGuigan
March 7th, 2018
Opinion: The Real Step Up Oklahomans
Steve Fair
January 23rd, 2018
Oklahomans will vote on medical marijuana on June 26
Darla Shelden, The City Sentinel
January 6th, 2018
COMMENTARY (Part I): It didn’t start with County Commissioners, and didn’t end with the Health Department – Dealing with mismanagement, waste, fraud and abuse in Oklahoma Government
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 2nd, 2018
ANALYSIS — Economic Growth, Health Scandal, Cost Drivers, A Left Turn, Process Failures and More: CapitolBeatOK’s top 10 state government news stories for 2017
Patrick B. McGuigan
December 29th, 2017
ANALYSIS – Capitol Review: Budget still murky, death penalty controversy deepens, Costello presses mental health policy reforms
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 30th, 2017
Gary Richardson, Republican candidate for governor, files lawsuit to stop revenue boosts, defend State Question 640
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
June 29th, 2017
COMMENTARY: Oklahoma’s leaders failed us
Patrick B. McGuigan
May 29th, 2017
OCPA Announces intent to file state Supreme Court challenge of income iax increase
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
May 25th, 2017
Criminal justice reform advocates back Task Force measures at Capitol Rally
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
May 11th, 2017
On both offense and defense, Oklahoma criminal justice reformers advance the ball
Patrick B. McGuigan
April 12th, 2017
The City Sentinel: In Oklahoma’s capital city, Top Ten Local Stories for 2016
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 6th, 2017
A not-so-fond look back at 2016: The Hofmeister indictment and Boren’s defeat lead CapitolBeatOK’s Top 10 Stories
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 4th, 2017
Board of Equalization projects $6 billion in tax revenue for legislative appropriation, conservative voices say TSET money could help close $863 million gap
Patrick B. McGuigan
December 22nd, 2016
The Turning Point: Oklahoma voters restore the basis for long-sought criminal justice reforms
Kris Steele
November 26th, 2016
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin promises to sustain renewed momentum for criminal justice reform
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 26th, 2016
Supporters of State Question 777, the right-to-farm proposition, comment on Tuesday’s defeat
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 10th, 2016
Oklahomans approve criminal justice reforms: State Questions 780 and 781
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 9th, 2016
Death penalty foes respond to voter approval of State Question 776
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 9th, 2016
Steele says State Questions 780 and 781 are vital, Right on Crime group presses for voter approval
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 7th, 2016
ANALYSIS – Oklahoma S.D. 5: Senator Joseph Silk vs. school administrator Stacey Ebert
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 2nd, 2016
In study from Americans for Prosperity, Analyst takes critical view of State Question 779
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 1st, 2016
COMMENTARY: For State Question 779, and paying a salary that says we value teachers
Joshua Putnam
November 1st, 2016
ANALYSIS – Oklahoma’s largest newspaper recommends “NO” vote on State Question 776
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 30th, 2016
Why a Real Ranching Family Supports State Question 777, Oklahoma’s Right to Farm
Matt Boyer, Beacon Hill Ranch, Vinita, OK
October 28th, 2016
COMMENTARY — A Smarter Approach to Public Safety: Yes on State Questions 780 and 781
Kris Steele
October 24th, 2016
COMMENTARY – Oklahoma, executions and democratic choice – Ending the death penalty for our time, and for all time
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 18th, 2016
State Question 790 – Helping ‘the least of these’ while healing the past
Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop of Oklahoma City
October 17th, 2016
Advocates of State Questions 780 and 781 launch TV ad campaign featuring stories of real families
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 16th, 2016
Oklahoma’s execution foes host October 10 event as part of ‘World Day Against the Death Penalty’
Patrick B. McGuigan, The City Sentinel
October 8th, 2016
Criminal justice reformers begin final push for State Questions 780 and 781, Robert Henry makes formal endorsement
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 1st, 2016
Some good news for advocates of medical marijuana: Enough signatures for ballot status ratified
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 1st, 2016
Harvard Republican Club letter to members and alumni: We will not support Donald Trump
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
September 5th, 2016
Medical Marijuana initiative clears first of several procedural hurdles for ballot status
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 24th, 2016
Fallin signs election proclamations for five state questions, as November ballot takes shape
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 24th, 2016
Those ‘in the Arena’ – Citizens in a Republic
Joe Dorman
August 23rd, 2016
Advocates of initiative measures for process reform and medical marijuana may fall short
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
August 21st, 2016
COMMENTARY For the sake of the ten, for the sake of us all – 2016’s new hope for criminal justice reform
Patrick B. McGuigan
July 24th, 2016
After submission of more than 200,000 signatures, ballot status likely for historic criminal justice reform initiatives
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
June 27th, 2016
Broad coalition presses for historic criminal justice reform in Oklahoma
Patrick B. McGuigan
June 27th, 2016
Judicial Confirmation and Retention in the age of Joe Biden and Donald Trump – A Perfect Storm or a Perfect Mess?
Patrick B. McGuigan
June 11th, 2016
‘A productive, tax-paying citizen’ who supports criminal justice reform
Natasha Purnell
June 3rd, 2016
State Question 777 (right to farm proposal) beats back opposition lawsuit
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
June 3rd, 2016
Local group kicks off campaign opposing “Right to Farm” – S.Q. 777
Darla Shelden, The City Sentinel
June 3rd, 2016
COMMENTARY: Judicial Reform? Keep Selection Over Election
Julie Knutson
April 20th, 2016
Kris Steele leads Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, seeking to qualify prison reform ballot initiatives
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
January 28th, 2016
Group says Boren tax hike petition violates state Constitution, should not be on ballot
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 12th, 2015
Oklahoma Republican chairman assails judiciary’s ‘all-out assault’ on morality, spirituality
Patrick B. McGuigan
July 7th, 2015
Forum on Capital Punishment aims at defeating State Question 776
Patrick B. McGuigan
June 22nd, 2015
This Journalist’s Creed: In Love, Meeting Jesus, Along The Way
Patrick B. McGuigan
May 3rd, 2015
Gov. Fallin signs Grau’s initiative reform, opposes EPA mandate
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
May 1st, 2015
Analysis: Three State Questions appearing on all ballots in Oklahoma
Pam Pollard
November 2nd, 2014
In Town Halls, meetings and interviews, U.S. Senator Tom Coburn begins a long goodbye
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 5th, 2014
Pat McGuigan plans to intensify his focus on state and local journalism
Staff Report
August 1st, 2014
Wednesday’s work: Governor signs two bills, vetoes five
House Minority Staff
June 6th, 2014
Dueling Denunciations: Rainy Day cash, Nursing Home standards
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 20th, 2013
Governor Mary Fallin’s 2013 State of the State address
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
February 4th, 2013
Oklahoma City’s Top 10 stories: Devon makes history, OCU expands, and the Thunder rolls
Patrick B. McGuigan and Stacy Martin
December 29th, 2012
State Question 762, limiting governor’s role in pardons and paroles, draws critical scrutiny
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 17th, 2012
America’s most important ballot question that you’ve never heard of (yet)
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 12th, 2012
Six referred questions on statewide November ballot, with one citizen initiative still circulating
Patrick B. McGuigan
July 24th, 2012
Election board offers tips and reminders for first elections in new legislative districts
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
June 22nd, 2012
Steele discusses wide range of issues with reporters, is “extremely encouraged” by justice reinvestment intiative’s advance in the Legislature
Patrick B. McGuigan
March 2nd, 2012
President Pro Temp Bingman details Republican agenda in CapitolBeatOK interview
Patrick B. McGuigan
February 8th, 2012
State of the State Address 2012
Governor Mary Fallin
February 6th, 2012
Fallin names GRDA board member, May and April appointments sketched
Patrick B. McGuigan
May 26th, 2011
Gnawing the bone: Analyzing Oklahoma’s 2012 budget
Patrick B. McGuigan
May 21st, 2011
Speaker Kris Steele hails “breadth of accomplishments” in 2011 session
Patrick B. McGuigan
May 20th, 2011
Legislative leaders and Governor Fallin announce budget outline
Patrick B. McGuigan
May 10th, 2011
Terrill, small band of Republicans fail “Kern-servative” test
Patrick B. McGuigan
April 20th, 2011
Speaker Steele announces standing conference committees
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
April 13th, 2011
Bill would require initiative Petitioners to identify funding sources
Legislative Staff Release
February 16th, 2011
Governor Mary Fallin’s executive budget “not a work of fiction?” Time will tell
by Patrick B. McGuigan
February 9th, 2011
Governor Mary Fallin gives State of the State address
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
February 7th, 2011
CapitolBeatOK announces new affiliation with the Franklin Center
February 3rd, 2011
Ownbey’s bill would require initiative petitioners to identify funding source
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
January 18th, 2011
Kris Steele elected speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 4th, 2011
President Pro Tem Bingman anticipates large spending cuts
Patrick B. McGuigan
January 4th, 2011
Pro-Tem Designate Bingman announces committees, organizational meeting Tuesday
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
January 3rd, 2011
OFRG to cease operations, Peter Rudy moves to Oklahoma Watchdog
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
December 30th, 2010
AFP-Oklahoma lists 2011 policy goals
Patrick B. McGuigan
December 30th, 2010
Speaker-elect announces House Committee Assignments
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
December 23rd, 2010
Legislative leaders urge Judicial Nominating Commission Chair to follow will of the people
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 26th, 2010
State Chamber: Put S.Q. 752 in place before new Court choices
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 24th, 2010
Newberry applauds approval of ObamaCare opt-out law
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 8th, 2010
Ritze commends voters for opting out
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 4th, 2010
Group seeks unprecedented injunction to stop S.Q. 755
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 4th, 2010
State Question 744: Voters say not only no, but …
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 3rd, 2010
Sen. Ford calls passage of voter I.D. law a victory for Oklahomans
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 3rd, 2010
Senator Sykes pleased by passage of two state questions
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 3rd, 2010
OPEA says S.Q. 744 advocates not telling the whole story
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 1st, 2010
Chamber leaders statewide united in opposition to S.Q. 744
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
November 1st, 2010
The state questions: A final review
Patrick B. McGuigan
November 1st, 2010
Credits, exemptions, S.Q. 744: Walking through the weeds
October 30th, 2010
ALERT: Lawsuit seeks restraining order against pro-744 literature in schools
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 29th, 2010
Troopers, FOP join coalition opposing State Question 744
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 28th, 2010
Askins, Fallin slam State Question 744
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 27th, 2010
Brogdon takes leading role arguing for State Questions 750 and 747
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 27th, 2010
Pruitt gains endorsement from leader of fight against ‘ObamaCare’
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 26th, 2010
Kathy Taylor voices opposition to S.Q. 744
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 21st, 2010
Counties oppose S.Q. 744 – Campaign surpasses 100 groups
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 21st, 2010
High profile opposition, negative advertising shift voters against S.Q 744
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 12th, 2010
San Francisco pension reform measure leads in polls, but fiercely opposed
Patrick B. McGuigan
October 7th, 2010
Hospital Association members assail State Question 744, pledge opposition
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
October 5th, 2010
S.Q. 744 ‘most dangerous’ policy proposal, Treasurer Meacham says
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 27th, 2010
Jari Askins says she’s ‘focused on Oklahoma’ and ready to lead
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 24th, 2010
Advocates of State Question 744 press for dramatic boost in per pupil funding
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 21st, 2010
State Question 754: Antidote to S.Q. 744?
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 21st, 2010
Advocates of State Question 744 listed
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
September 9th, 2010
Candidate Doak joins Sen. Newberry, sponsor of S.Q. 756, to encourage yes votes
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
September 9th, 2010
The one that got away: State Question 753 fades from the scene
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 8th, 2010
Leading public education funding advocates join campaign to beat S.Q. 744
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 7th, 2010
Bipartisan surge: S.Q. 757 could boost annual ‘Rainy Day’ deposit
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 4th, 2010
Ethics Commission ruling may spike pro-744 NEA spending
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
September 3rd, 2010
S.Q. 756: Voters will have health care ‘opt out’ amendment in November
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 3rd, 2010
S.Q. 744 foes say NEA dollars supporting ballot measure should be returned
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
September 2nd, 2010
State Question 755 would ban use of foreign judicial rulings
Patrick B. McGuigan
September 2nd, 2010
State Question 752 modifies judicial selection, nomination process
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 31st, 2010
State Question 751 would designate English official language
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 30th, 2010
State Question 750 eases initiative petition requirements
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 26th, 2010
Nader will visit Oklahoma City to boost ballot access reforms
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 26th, 2010
S.Q. 748 could enlarge apportionment commission, impact races
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 25th, 2010
Secondary statewide office terms to be limited if S.Q. 747 prevails
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 20th, 2010
State Question 746: Voter ID measure on November ballot
Patrick B. McGuigan
August 19th, 2010
AG producers join to oppose State Question 744
CapitolBeatOK Staff Report
July 21st, 2010
Coalition launches to defeat State Question 744
Patrick B. McGuigan
April 8th, 2010