Oklahoma

Texas, Oklahoma, and other Southwest states would jump on the bitcoin bandwagon amid a nationwide surge in bills to invest public money in cryptocurrencies.

The state will have less money to spend in the upcoming fiscal year, according to projections certified in a process criticized by Oklahoma's attorney general.

The legislation would change which state official enforces 2022's Energy Discrimination Elimination Act and remove bond and note sales from a contract ban.

The high court agreed to review a June Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that found state funding for a Catholic virtual charter school violates the constitution.

The turnpike authority brings a $1.3 billion new and refunding bond deal to market this week after a toll hike sparked a spate of bills to rein in its powers.

The county would hold a special election for a sales tax to provide more funds to build and operate a bond-financed jail project that faces rising costs.

While Texas is forecasting a big budget balance, fiscal boom times are ebbing for it and other Southwest states amid tax cuts and depleted federal funding.

Wish lists for new or improved professional sports venues are piling up with Oklahoma City poised to vet financing proposals for a downtown basketball arena.

After selling $500 million of revenue bonds in 2023, the turnpike authority could return to the market later this month with a $1.3 billion issue.

The county commission, which sued Oklahoma City in June over its denial of permit for the jail site, is pursuing a possible settlement.