Millions of dollars meant to boost broadband access in Oklahoma has gone to emergency responders instead

Large parts of the state lack access to high-speed broadband. 

View this email in your browser THIS WEEK AT THE FRONTIER Have ideas for other stories you'd like to see in The Frontier or want to give us feedback? Please email us. Your financial support for our investigative journalism is now tax deductible. To become a Friend of The Frontier, click here. This newsletter is edited by Brianna Bailey. Contact her at brianna@readfrontier.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.    Millions of dollars meant to boost broadband access in Oklahoma has gone to emergency responders instead Large parts of the state lack access to high-speed broadband. A state office tasked with fixing the problem has diverted some federal relief money for upgrades to public safety communications systems.   Oklahoma trims millions in pledged incentives to EV maker Canoo after delays and shifting plans State officials voided one deal with the startup worth up to $10 million after the company missed a deadline to start construction on a factory in Pryor. Take a look at electric vehicle startup Canoo’s contracts with Oklahoma Canoo has not yet received any incentive payments from the state, which are contingent on the company meeting hiring goals and other performance measures. Any money would come from Oklahoma’s Quick Action Closing Fund, a pot of state-appropriated cash intended to help the governor to lure new jobs to the state.      Proposed federal rules would put  first limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in Oklahoma’s drinking water The state now has no enforceable limits on many common man-made chemicals, which have been linked to several types of cancers, developmental problems in children and other negative health effects.   State agencies spend billions in taxpayer funds with little oversight and the numbers are growing, report finds The state now has no enforceable limits on many common man-made chemicals, which have been linked to several types of cancers, developmental problems in children and other negative health effects.   The Frontier is now on Telegram Follow our new channel to get the latest Oklahoma news on your mobile device. ICYMI Why three major companies have passed on expanding in Oklahoma Some officials blame a combination of a lack of qualified workers, infrastructure and incentives that haven’t kept pace with other states. Others say Oklahoma’s conservative politics are holding the state back. A new committee will look for answers. Oklahoma’s only secure-care facility for youth faces 42% staff vacancy rate, growing overtime costs Administrators say staff are frequently working 12-hour shifts, and though they try to avoid them, 16-hour shifts are sometimes necessary. Forty-eight out of 115 front-line positions are currently open.   Proposed federal rules would put  first limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in Oklahoma’s drinking water The state now has no enforceable limits on many common man-made chemicals, which have been linked to several types of cancers, developmental problems in children and other negative health effects.   Show your love for Oklahoma journalism with hoodies and more As a nonprofit, our journalism is free of ads and subscription fees. We believe that benefits all Oklahomans by eliminating barriers to important news. But it also means we rely on your support to keep the lights on. Want to join the thousands of Oklahomans who've donated to help keep our journalism free for everyone? Here's the link. Want to support our newsroom by wearing some of our Frontier merchandise? There's a link for that, too. Buying our merch? Here's a discount code. Enter code FRONTIER2023 at checkout for 10 percent off. Donate now Copyright © 2021 The Frontier, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up to receive our weekly newsletter. Our mailing address is: The Frontier 401 South Boston Suite #240 Tulsa, OK, 74103 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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