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Stimulus Weatherization -- One Bad Apple Doesn't Spoil The Bunch

In slightly less than two years, federal stimulus dollars have weatherized the homes of more than 4,000 low-income families in Oklahoma. It's a program, mostly, of success stories, and yet the FBI is investigating one of the agencies in Oklahoma tasked with managing it. More>>

Top Headlines

Oklahomans Face Flooding Risks With Proposed Budget Cuts

Oklahoma's aging flood control dams need repairs but, federal budget cuts could mean no federal dollars to fix them. More>>

Tracking Former Gov. Henry's Stimulus Spending

With Governor Brad Henry officially leaving office Monday, the Oklahoma Impact Team thought it would be a good time to check up on a large pot of stimulus money that had been under his control. More>>

U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Criticized For Spending Tax Dollars

After spending $46 million to build a lake that never filled up with water, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dishing out more taxpayer dollars at Optima Lake. More>>

HeadlinesMore>>
Stimulus Helps Businesses Secure Billions in Loans
Stimulus Helps Businesses Secure Billions in Loans
Some small businesses that struggled to get loans during the credit crunch are now finally finding some relief, thanks to the federal stimulus package.More >>
Some small businesses that struggled to get loans during the credit crunch are now finally finding some relief, thanks to the federal stimulus package.More >>
One Year Later: Recovery Act's Aura Still Unclear
One Year Later: Recovery Act's Aura Still Unclear
On this first anniversary of the Recovery Act becoming law, the debate still rages in Oklahoma -- is the stimulus helping our hurting the economy?More >>
On this first anniversary of the Recovery Act becoming law, the debate still rages in Oklahoma -- is the stimulus helping our hurting the economy?More >>
State and Federal Transportation Leaders Challenge Report on Stimulus Job Creation
State and Federal Transportation Leaders Challenge Report on Stimulus Job Creation
As fierce as debate has been over the $787 billion stimulus as a whole, there's been little debate about spending stimulus money on transportation projects, until now.More >>
As fierce as the debate has been over the effectiveness of the $787 billion federal stimulus package as a whole, there's been little debate as to the effectiveness of spending stimulus money on transportation projects, until now.More >>
Money to Prevent Homelessness Begins to Make Its Mark
Money to Prevent Homelessness Begins to Make Its Mark
While spending millions of tax dollars preventing homelessness might seem foolish to some right now, others say a tough economy is the perfect time for it.More >>
To some Oklahomans, it might seem foolish to spend millions of tax dollars on a program to prevent homelessness, when budgets are strained to their breaking points. Others might say that's precisely the reason to fund such a program right now -- because money is tight.More >>
Is Going Green with LEDs Worth the Upfront Cost?
Is Going Green with LEDs Worth the Upfront Cost?
As cities in the Sooner state scrutinize their bottom lines, LED lighting is enticing them with promises of long-term savings. But is it worth the upfront cost? One city is banking on stimulus money for that.More >>
As cities in the Sooner state scrutinize their bottom lines, LED lighting is enticing them with promises of long-term savings. But is it worth the upfront cost? One city is banking on stimulus money for that.More >>
Stimulus Dollars Give 3-Year-Olds Early Jump on Education
Stimulus Dollars Give 3-Year-Olds Early Jump on Education
The stimulus money will be used to help build three early childhood development centers where three year olds will begin their educations.More >>
The stimulus money will be used to help build three early childhood development centers where three year olds will begin their educations.More >>
ODOT On A Road Less Traveled in Oklahoma
ODOT On A Road Less Traveled in Oklahoma
In a state known for "worsts," not "firsts," being recognized as a national leader in spending stimulus money is a source of real pride for ODOT.More >>
In a state known more for its "worsts" than for its "firsts," being recognized as a leader in anything can be a source of real pride. Certainly that's the case with the state department of transportation, among the best in the nation at getting stimulus money out on the street.More >>
Tracking Transparency: State Stimulus Website Behind Schedule
Tracking Transparency: State Stimulus Website Behind Schedule
President Obama promised transparency in stimulus spending. Oklahoma's leadership followed suit with that same promise, but a conservative watchdog group said Oklahoma leadership is breaking that promise.More >>
When President Obama signed the stimulus bill into law, he promised transparency in spending. Oklahoma's leadership followed suit with the same promise, but a conservative watchdog group said Oklahoma leadership is breaking that promise.More >>
Picher Housing Authority Plans to Spend Stimulus Money Elsewhere
Picher Housing Authority Plans to Spend Stimulus Money Elsewhere
The Federal government bought out most Picher's residents as the entire community is contaminated from former mining operations there, but Picher is still getting stimulus money.More >>
Almost no one lives in Picher, Oklahoma, anymore. The Federal government bought out most of the residents as the entire community is contaminated from former mining operations there, but Picher is still getting stimulus money.More >>
All Ramped Up With No Place to Go
All Ramped Up With No Place to Go
It's no surprise that stimulus dollars are paying for new wheelchair ramps at intersections in Oklahoma City and Tulsa -- the surprise is that many of the ramps go nowhere.More >>
It likely comes as no surprise to most Oklahomans that federal stimulus dollars are paying for the installation of new wheelchair ramps at intersections in and around Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The surprise would be that many of these pristine ramps lead, well, nowhere.More >>
Stimulus Money Could Fuel Development of Wind Energy in Oklahoma
Stimulus Money Could Fuel Development of Wind Energy in Oklahoma
A major emphasis of the federal Recovery Act has been to incentivize more efficient energy use and greater investment in alternative energy. Stimulus money could help Oklahoma's development of wind energy.More >>
A major emphasis of the federal Recovery Act has been to incentivize more efficient energy use, and greater investment in alternative energy, like wind power. Stimulus money could help Oklahoma's growth and development of wind energy.More >>
Coburn, McCain Say Billions in Stimulus Dollars Wasted
Coburn, McCain Say Billions in Stimulus Dollars Wasted
Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn is speaking out against "wasteful" stimulus projects.More >>
Seven billion taxpayer dollars wasted, that is what Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn says he's outlined in another list of 100 wasteful stimulus projects.More >>
Cities Go Green With Stimulus Money
Cities Go Green With Stimulus Money
Oklahoma City and Tulsa were awarded almost $10 million in stimulus to make the cities greener.More >>
Oklahoma City and Tulsa were awarded almost $10 million in stimulus to make the cities greener. But to get those tax dollars each city had to come up with their own strategies to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use and fossil fuel emissions.More >>
ODOT Pays Premium for Cable Barriers
ODOT Pays Premium for Cable Barriers
Is Oklahoma is paying too much for cable barriers? An Oklahoma contractor says the state is wasting taxpayer dollars and needs to consider using a cheaper product that's just as safe. The Oklahoma Impact Team investigates.More >>
Is Oklahoma is paying too much for cable barriers? An Oklahoma contractor says the state is wasting taxpayer dollars and needs to consider using a cheaper product that's just as safe. The Oklahoma Impact Team investigates.More >>
Burning Issue: How to Control Eastern Red Cedar
Burning Issue: How to Control Eastern Red Cedar
Oklahoma is getting $100,000 in stimulus money to help expand efforts to control the particularly invasive Eastern Red Cedar, but local entrepreneurs say burning is not the right strategy.More >>
Oklahoma is getting $100,000 in stimulus money to help expand efforts to control the particularly invasive Eastern Red Cedar, but local entrepreneurs say burning is not the right strategy.More >>
Crime Victims Get A Boost From the Stimulus
Crime Victims Get A Boost From the Stimulus
The Department of Justice is providing more than a million federal stimulus dollars to Oklahoma to help victims of crime.More >>
The Department of Justice is providing more than $1 million federal stimulus dollars to Oklahoma to help victims of crime.More >>
Stimulus Dollars Fight Crimes Against Children
Stimulus Dollars Fight Crimes Against Children
More investigators are joining the fight against Internet predators, thanks to the federal stimulus dollars. OSBI received more than $600,000 to hire employees and buy new equipment.More >>
More investigators are joining the fight against Internet predators, thanks to the federal stimulus dollars. OSBI received more than $600,000 to hire employees and buy new equipment.More >>
Governor's Choice: How to Spend $105 Million of Stimulus
Governor's Choice: How to Spend $105 Million of Stimulus
Governor Brad Henry has been called on to dip into a special fund to prevent the latest budget cuts from shutting down senior nutrition centers but it's not the Rainy Day Fund. However, the governor has declined.More >>
Governor Brad Henry has been called on recently to dip into a special pot of set-aside funding to prevent the latest budget cuts from shutting down senior nutrition centers but it's not the Rainy Day Fund. The Governor has respectfully declined.

See the complete breakdown of the governor's discretionary funds.More >>
Stimulus Funds Keep College Tuition in Check
Stimulus Funds Keep College Tuition in Check
Federal stimulus dollars are, at least for now, making life just a little bit easier for families whose children are enrolled at OU, OSU, and any of Oklahoma's other state-supported colleges and universities.More >>
Tens of millions of federal stimulus dollars are -- at least for now -- making life just a little bit easier for families whose children are enrolled at OU, OSU, and any of Oklahoma's other state supported colleges and universities.

More from the Oklahoma Impact TeamMore >>
COPS Grants Leave Smaller Departments Disappointed
COPS Grants Leave Smaller Departments Disappointed
One of the most sought after grants under the federal Recovery Act is also turning out to be one of the most criticized stimulus grants – at least in Oklahoma.More >>
One of the most sought after grants under the federal Recovery Act is also turning out to be one of the most criticized stimulus grants – at least in Oklahoma.

Join Alex Cameron for a live chatMore >>
Oklahoma Schools 'Race to the Top' for Stimulus Funds
Oklahoma Schools 'Race to the Top' for Stimulus Funds
Oklahoma has an opportunity to get their share of $4.3 billion in federal stimulus money to spend on education. But to get it, the state must compete in the race of a lifetime.More >>
Oklahoma has an opportunity to get their share of $4.3 billion in federal stimulus money to spend on education, but to get it, the state must compete in the race of a lifetime.More >>
Housing and Urban Development Stimulus Projects Underway
Housing and Urban Development Stimulus Projects Underway
Several housing and urban development stimulus projects are underway across Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Impacts Team looks at three projects in different stages of development and how they'll stimulate the economy.More >>
Several housing and urban development stimulus projects are underway across Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Impacts Team looks at three projects in different stages of development and how they'll stimulate the economy.More >>
Stimulus Funds Used for Genetic Research in Peru
Stimulus Funds Used for Genetic Research in Peru
A stimulus-funded research project at OU has some people questioning how stimulus money is being spent. It's a $650,000 research grant to study the genomes of Peruvian people.More >>
A stimulus-funded research project at the University of Oklahoma has some people questioning how stimulus money is being spent. It's a $650,000 research grant to study the genomes of Peruvian people. More >>
State Uses Hotline to Prevent Stimulus Fraud, Public Unaware
State Uses Hotline to Prevent Stimulus Fraud, Public Unaware
Oklahoma is counting on several things to ensure that federal stimulus dollars are not wasted or spent fraudulently in the state, and one of them is you.More >>
Oklahoma is counting on several things to ensure that federal stimulus dollars are not wasted or spent fraudulently in the state -- a watchdog state auditor and detailed reporting requirements. It's also counting on you.More >>
A Sequel With a Twist: Cash for Clunker Appliances
A Sequel With a Twist: Cash for Clunker Appliances
Ready for Cash for Clunkers? Instead of trading in your gas-guzzling car, the government wants you to get rid of your water guzzling washer.More >>
Ready for Cash for Clunkers? Instead of trading in your old gas-guzzling car, the government is offering an incentive for you to get rid of your water guzzling washer, and your power hungry heat pump -- $300 million in stimulus cash for your clunker appliances.More >>
$1.8 Million in Stimulus Funds for Oklahoma River Cruises
$1.8 Million in Stimulus Funds for Oklahoma River Cruises
Next time you see an Oklahoma River Cruise boat heading down the river, you'll know your tax dollars are at work. $1.8 million federal stimulus dollars will pay for maintenance of the boats and a new maintenance facility.More >>
Next time you see an Oklahoma River Cruise boat heading down the river, you'll know your tax dollars are at work. $1.8 million federal stimulus dollars will pay for maintenance of the boats and a new maintenance facility.More >>
ODOT Defends Stimulus Project on Highway 3
ODOT Defends Stimulus Project on Highway 3
Oklahomans are complaining about one particular road project being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.More >>
A common complaint about the stimulus is that not enough of the money is going to infrastructure projects like road and bridge construction. So, why are people complaining about a road project that is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?More >>
Stimulus Dollars Protect Oklahomans from Floods
Stimulus Dollars Protect Oklahomans from Floods
More than 2,000 flood control dams protect Oklahomans during heavy storms, and half of them need rehabilitation over the next 10 years. However, the stimulus will only give a small number of them a facelift.More >>
More than 2,000 flood control dams protect Oklahomans during heavy storms, and half of them need rehabilitation over the next 10 years. However, the stimulus will only give a small number of them a facelift.

Click here to see which dams will receive stimulus money.More >>
Are Pell Grants for Beauty Schools Stimulating the Economy?
Are Pell Grants for Beauty Schools Stimulating the Economy?
Millions of dollars in federal stimulus money could be going to your local beauty school. The money is being funneled into the schools through students in the form of Pell grants.More >>
Millions of dollars in federal stimulus money could be going to your local beauty school. The money is being funneled into the schools through students in the form of Pell grants. But are these grants stimulating the economy?More >>
Stimulus Transparency is Coming...Soon
Stimulus Transparency is Coming...Soon
An important part of President Obama's sales pitch for the stimulus package was the promise of unprecedented transparency. That transparency is coming, just a bit later than expected.More >>
An important part of President Obama's sales pitch for the stimulus package was the promise of unprecedented transparency. That transparency is coming, just a bit later than expected.More >>
Stimulus Helps Oklahoma Company Weather Economic Storm
Stimulus Helps Oklahoma Company Weather Economic Storm
An Oklahoma business has seen its sales increase 15 percent thanks to federal stimulus weatherization programs.More >>
An Oklahoma business has seen its sales increase 15 percent thanks to federal stimulus weatherization programs.

Learn more about weatherization | Find out more about tax creditsMore >>
Oklahoma Tribes Receive Millions in Stimulus
Oklahoma Tribes Receive Millions in Stimulus
Oklahoma tribes received more than $100 million in stimulus funding so far. They may make millions of dollars with their casinos, but say they still need the stimulus dollars.More >>
Oklahoma tribes received more than $100 million in stimulus funding so far. They may make millions of dollars with their casinos, but say they still need the stimulus dollars.More >>
Is the Stimulus Really Creating Jobs?
Is the Stimulus Really Creating Jobs?
On October 10, states will send Washington their first comprehensive reports of stimulus spending. They're expected to provide the first realistic picture of job creation under the stimulus.More >>
On October 10, state governments are required to send Washington their first comprehensive, quarterly reports of stimulus spending. The reports are expected to provide the first realistic picture of job creation under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.More >>

9 InvestigatesMore>>
Inappropriate Teaching: The Social Media Solution
Inappropriate Teaching: The Social Media Solution
Updated: Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:38 AM EDT2013-05-14 12:38:46 GMT
Social media policies may not stop a bad teacher from trying to engage in an inappropriate relationship with a student, but they could help ease the problem.More >>
Social media policies may not stop a bad teacher from trying to engage in an inappropriate relationship with a student, but they could help ease the problem.More >>
Inappropriate Teaching: Who Needs To Know?
Inappropriate Teaching: Who Needs To Know?
Updated: Monday, May 13 2013 10:47 PM EDT2013-05-14 02:47:30 GMT
Educators turned child rapists and molesters -- and still holding a license to teach. The cases are rare. Some say it would be even more rare, if Oklahoma's education system did a better job of tracking them.More >>
Educators turned child rapists and molesters -- and still holding a license to teach. The cases are rare. Some say it would be even more rare, if Oklahoma's education system did a better job of tracking them.More >>

Keeping Them HonestMore>>
Oklahoma Is Ground Zero For Government Cell Phone Fraud
Oklahoma Is Ground Zero For Government Cell Phone Fraud
It's a government program designed to help low-income Americans afford phone service, but even after it was reformed for lack of oversight, we found it's still rampant with fraud.More >>
It's a government program designed to help low-income Americans afford phone service, but even after it was reformed for lack of oversight, we found it's still rampant with fraud.More >>
Tulsa Businessman Resigns From GRDA's Board
Tulsa Businessman Resigns From GRDA's Board
Tulsa businessman David Chernicky has resigned from the Grand River Dam Authority's Board of Directors.More >>
Tulsa businessman David Chernicky has resigned from the Grand River Dam Authority's Board of Directors.More >>

More InvestigationsMore>>
Governor Issues Statement Concerning GRDA Audit, Oklahoma Impact Investigation
Governor Issues Statement Concerning GRDA Audit, Oklahoma Impact Investigation
The performance audit into the Grand River Dam Authority, released Thursday, December 8, 2011 was done at the request of Governor Mary Fallin.More >>
The performance audit into the Grand River Dam Authority, released Thursday, December 8, 2011 was done at the request of Governor Mary Fallin.More >>
GRDA Bidding Process Under Fire In New Audit
GRDA Bidding Process Under Fire In New Audit
A new audit touches on a relationship some call the good old boy network gone bad - using a state agency to line the pockets of the well-connected.More >>
A new audit touches on a relationship some call the good old boy network gone bad - using a state agency to line the pockets of the well-connected.More >>

UnemploymentMore>>
Oklahomans on Food Stamp Program Up 46 Percent
Oklahomans on Food Stamp Program Up 46 Percent
The number of people receiving food stamps to buy groceries has risen by 46 percent in Oklahoma in just three years. Oklahoma is on track to receive almost $1 billion in federal food stamp funding this year.More >>
The number of people receiving food stamps to buy groceries has risen by 46 percent in Oklahoma in just three years. If the trend continues, Oklahoma will receive almost $1 billion in federal food stamp funding this year alone.More >>
Faces of Unemployment: Tulsa Woman Still Jobless More Than 1 Year Later
Faces of Unemployment: Woman Still Jobless More Than 1 Year Later
Economists say the recession ended in June of 2009, but that doesn't mean the unemployment crisis is over. The recession has taken an irreversible toll on many unemployed Oklahomans.More >>
Economists say the recession ended in June of 2009, but that doesn't mean the unemployment crisis is over. The recession has taken an irreversible toll on many Oklahomans.More >>

EducationMore>>
Oklahoma School Districts Accused Of Wasting Tax Dollars
Oklahoma School Districts Accused Of Wasting Tax Dollars
Every building has to have one, but some school districts may not follow the law when they put on a new roof. That's the accusation at the center of a special audit state auditor Gary Jones is conducting right now.More >>
Every building has to have one, but some school districts may not follow the law when they put on a new roof. That's the accusation at the center of a special audit state auditor Gary Jones is conducting right now.More >>
Oklahoma School Districts Frustrated By New Background Check Law
Oklahoma School Districts Frustrated By New Background Check Law
A 14-month-old law intended to tighten up the process school districts use to screen prospective hires may actually be making it easier for predators to work in schools.More >>
A 14-month-old law intended to tighten up the process school districts use to screen prospective hires may actually be making it easier for predators to work in schools.More >>

Oklahoma LegislatureMore>>
Oklahoma Lawmaker Hopes To Reform Corrections Again
Oklahoma Lawmaker Hopes To Reform Corrections Again
Oklahoma's female incarceration rate is the highest in the country. Violent crime is on the rise and the state is spending more and more money to lock people up. Now, some Oklahoma lawmakers want to change the system.More >>
Oklahoma's female incarceration rate is the highest in the country. Violent crime is on the rise and the state is spending more and more money to lock people up. Now, some Oklahoma lawmakers want to change the system.More >>
Changing Oklahoma's Liquor Laws: No Easy Task (Force)
Changing Oklahoma's Liquor Laws: No Easy Task (Force)
Lawmakers will set up a task force this summer that could lead to the most significant changes in the state's liquor laws since liquor-by-the-drink in the 80s. Just don't hold your breath.More >>
Oklahoma lawmakers are expected to approve legislation this session that could, potentially, lead to the most significant changes in the state's liquor laws since liquor-by-the-drink was approved in the mid-1980s. More than likely, it won't.More >>

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