There’s a wise old saying, if ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Excellent advice, of course, but often difficult for the Oklahoma Legislature to follow. So it was this spring as lawmakers seriously debate dismantling the state’s excellent system of selecting appellate judges – the Judicial Nominating Commission. On Tuesday, thankfully, the House rejected SJR 34 ..read more

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So, bad boys Gov. Kevin “I represent all four million Oklahomans” Stitt and legislative leaders Charles McCall and Greg Treat want Oklahoma to replicate Texas’ new “tough on immigrants” law. Of course they do. But depending on the details in their yet-to-be released proposal, another law – the “law of unintended consequences” – most likely ..read more

Just days after Donald Trump tried to defang the abortion issue, it came roaring back in the form of an Arizona law, passed before women could vote, banning all abortions. Far from resolving the issue, the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule Roe v. Wade has thrust abortion – and the courts – in the thick […] To access this content, you must log in or purchase PRINT ONLY - The Oklahoma Observer Print Edition, DIGITAL ONLY - The Oklahoma Observer on-line or TOTAL ACCESS - The Oklahoma Observer on-line and in print ..read more

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After elections earlier this month, Oklahoma Republicans might want to consider the wisdom of the aphorism often credited to Mark Twain: “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” There were no partisan races on the ballot, of course, but some of the current GOP’s animating principles certainly were. And voters soundly rejected them ..read more

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In late February, the Hungarian parliament voted to approve Sweden’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. That was the final vote – unanimity is required – needed to expand NATO membership to 32 countries. Finland joined the alliance last year. Both High North neighbors sought inclusion in the protective pact following Russia’s unprovoked invasion ..read more

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House Democratic Floor Leader Andy Fugate and Raise the Wage Oklahoma’s Amber England discuss the upcoming minimum wage initiative and ongoing legislative efforts to curtain The People’s petition power at April 11’s Observer Newsmakers at OKC’s Full Circle Books. Click here to view this important conversation. The Observer’s monthly Newsmakers series are presented by the ..read more