The Frontier

Oklahoma deserves the truth. Help us fight for it

Oklahomans are used to being told what our state is, what it isn’t, and what it should be. But the truth is more complicated.
The Frontier

From the U.S.-Mexico border to Oklahoma’s backroads: Why deep reporting matters

The Frontier can follow stories about immigration and other important issues because of our readers’ investment in ...
The Frontier

She was charged with manslaughter after a miscarriage. Cases like hers are becoming more common in Oklahoma.

A growing number of women are facing criminal charges for substance use during pregnancy in Oklahoma. Experts and health care providers say that’s bad for moms and babies. Brittney Poolaw brushed away ...
The Frontier

Toxic wastewater from oil fields keeps pouring out of the ground. Oklahoma regulators failed to stop it.

Salt water laced with cancer-causing chemicals, a byproduct of oil and gas drilling, is spewing from old wells. Experts warn of a pollution crisis spreading underground and threatening Oklahoma’s ...
The Frontier

Oklahoma County promised to fix its jail more than 10 year ago, but deaths and staffing issues continue

Six detention officers at the Oklahoma County jail have been charged with assault and mistreatment of inmates since October. Seven inmates have died there in the last three months and at least 84 ...
The Frontier

Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Kitchen sometimes charged extra fees as part of a costly restaurant overhaul at state parks

A state oversight board once had the power to approve Tourism contracts, but legislation in 2018 stripped its powers. A Swadley’s Foggy Bottom Restaurant at Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton ...
The Frontier

Oklahoma sends a growing number of kids with complex needs out of state for treatment

The state lacks options for kids with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Oklahoma spent more than $5 million to send 49 kids out of state for treatment in the past year. Amber Boyer ...
The Frontier

Under Ryan Walters, Oklahoma lost federal funding to help schools respond to tragedies

State education grant writers said they quit in frustration after a lack of support. Walters has vowed in the past not to pursue grants that don’t align with “Oklahoma values.” Oklahoma State ...
The Frontier

The White Knight Vigilantes: Exposing the founders of Tulsa’s KKK

Wash Hudson decided to do the unthinkable, despite the racial tension. Instead of backing away from the Klan, he, along with several important Tulsans, decided to make it official. The 1921 Tulsa Race ...
The Frontier

This company promised to improve health care in jails. Dozens of its patients have died.

Turn Key Health Clinics has quickly expanded to jails in 10 states. Some of its policies and practices have endangered patients. NORMAN, Oklahoma — Two days after Thanksgiving in 2022, Shannon ...
The Frontier

Convicted of murder as a teenager, Wayne Thompson hopes for a second chance at freedom

He was 15 when he killed his sister’s abuser. Even after years of good conduct, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board has rejected recommending him for release. If you’ve sat at a desk or table in a ...