texas

Less driving but more deaths: Spike in traffic fatalities puzzles lawmakers

BY: - November 14, 2023

Traffic deaths are lingering near historic highs in most states despite less driving overall, prompting policymakers to consider deploying more police or installing automated monitoring such as speed cameras to curb speeding and reckless driving. People are driving fewer miles than they were in 2019, but more are dying on roadways. Traffic deaths spiked 18% […]

COMMENTARY

Opinion: Reforming Oklahoma voting processes could improve democratic engagement

BY: - October 18, 2023

Our nation is in an existential crisis.  Democracy is imperiled.  The first three words of the U.S. Constitution are “We the people,” which enshrines the very idea of democracy. For the first time in our history, the speaker of the House has been removed. Consequently, Congress cannot conduct any of its important business, legislation is […]

Biden’s go-ahead for added border wall draws criticism from Democrats in Congress 

BY: - October 16, 2023

WASHINGTON — U.S. congressional Democrats are frustrated with the White House’s decision to allow for the construction of additional border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. “Walls don’t work. It’s that simple,” Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Pramila Jayapal of Washington state wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “If we really want to take steps to solve the […]

What is artificial intelligence? Legislators are still looking for a definition.

BY: - October 10, 2023

Back in March, Hawaii state Sen. Chris Lee introduced legislation urging the U.S. Congress to consider the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence technologies. But he didn’t write it. Artificial intelligence did. Lee instructed ChatGPT, an AI-powered system trained to follow instructions and carry out conversations, to write a piece of legislation that highlights the […]

A tattered American flag waves above an international bridge where numerous immigrants line up to cross the U.S.-Mexico border

Oklahoma’s National Guard border deployment estimated to cost $825,000

BY: - August 29, 2023

OKLAHOMA CITY — Gov. Kevin Stitt’s decision to deploy Oklahoma National Guard troops to the Texas-Mexico border is expected to cost taxpayers at least $825,000. The National Guard estimates the 30-day mission, which concludes this month, will cost $825,000. The bulk of those funds will be used to pay the roughly 50 Guard members deployed […]