Oklahoma City welcomed 25 million visitors in 2025, generating a record $4.8 billion in economic impact across the metro, according to a new Tourism Economics study. Visitor spending grew 3.5 percent, averaging $7.9 million per day. Of the city’s 25 million visitors, 16.5 million were day-trippers and 8.4 million stayed overnight. Overnight visitors accounted for […]
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Despite overwhelming public opposition, Oklahoma City Council passes Flock extension
With a 5-3 vote, Oklahoma City Council decided to renew its contract with Flock Safety to operate their controversial Automatic License Plate Reader cameras for a third consecutive year. Mayor David Holt voted “yes” on the renewal, as did council members Katrina Avers, Bradley Carter, Todd Stone and Matthew Hinkle. Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher […]
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Previewing the Republican Runoff for Governor
One tight poll. One contentious debate. Daily back-and-forth on social media. Oklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial primary is drawing no shortage of attention. It will all culminate next Tuesday, Aug. 25, when Republican voters decide whether to elect Gentner Drummond or Mike Mazzei as their nominee for governor. Drummond, a rancher, banker and sitting attorney general from […]
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GOP candidates vow to tackle soaring insurance rates, but differ on solution
The two candidates hoping to secure the Republican nomination for insurance commissioner are vowing to address Oklahoma’s soaring property insurance rates, but differ on how to approach the issue. Marty Quinn and Bob Sullivan, who will appear on GOP voter’s Aug. 25 primary runoff ballot, both said their decades of experience in the insurance industry […]
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Mazzei Flip Flops On Debate Promises: Will not share financial information
The last question of the August 3 GOP Gubernatorial Debate with Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei was fairly direct: Should candidates for Governor voluntarily submit tax returns and health information? Gentner Drummond responded first, stating directly that he would submit tax returns, health information and even take a drug test. Mike Mazzei’s response was much […]
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Democracy Watch: Previewing the Democratic Runoff for U.S. Senate
A younger, progressive candidate who is tapping into frustration over money in politics? Or a moderate who argues they’re more electable in a red state? Oklahoma Democrats are faced with that question as N’Kiyla Jasmine Thomas and Jim Priest vie for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. It’s the only Democratic runoff race on the […]
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Drummond to release drug test ahead of Oklahoma’s GOP primary
Gentner Drummond said he will release copies of his financial and health records to the public after being challenged to do so by a debate moderator. The Republican gubernatorial candidate, who serves as Oklahoma’s attorney general, also told Oklahoma Voice during an interview Thursday that he plans to go a step further and also release […]
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OKC Streetcar fares are now permanently free
The OKC Streetcar is officially free to ride. The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority (COTPA) adopted a resolution Aug. 7 eliminating fares on the OKC Streetcar and establishing permanent zero-fare service. EMBARK launched a free-fare pilot program in January to determine whether eliminating the cost of riding would increase streetcar use. According to a […]
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Local Support vs. National Influence in Oklahoma’s Superintendent Race
Campaigns are built on momentum. Candidates spend months traveling the state, meeting voters, earning endorsements, and building coalitions. Every endorsement is another signal that respected voices believe a candidate is prepared to lead. While endorsements alone do not decide elections, they often provide a snapshot of where a campaign stands. That dynamic was on full […]
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Educators face off in GOP race for Oklahoma superintendent
The Republican nomination for Oklahoma state superintendent will go to one of two longtime educators — either an experienced school administrator who decries political partisanship or a high school teacher and Christian minister who says his insight from the classroom could benefit schools statewide. Robert Franklin and James Taylor advanced to the Aug. 25 runoff election as […]