Clifton Adcock
@cliftonhowze.bsky.social
Investigative reporter for The Frontier. clifton@readfrontier.com. PGP Fingerprint: http://bit.ly/2pPe7th
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
State officials are negotiating a deal to cover the cost of rent and other services for people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City, a move that contrasts sharply with the approach taken in Tulsa.
Despite Stitt’s hardline rhetoric, the state plans to fund housing for those swept by Operation SAFE in Oklahoma City
State officials are negotiating a deal to cover the cost of rent and other services for people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City, a move that contrasts sharply with the approach taken in Tuls...
www.readfrontier.org
November 24, 2025 at 2:24 PM
State officials are negotiating a deal to cover the cost of rent and other services for people experiencing homelessness in Oklahoma City, a move that contrasts sharply with the approach taken in Tulsa.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
CoreCivic, a private company that owns five other facilities in Oklahoma, announced in early October that it was awarded a new five-year contract with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement and the state Department of Corrections to resume operations at its 2,160-bed facility in Watonga.
Watonga confronts economic need and ethical unease over housing ICE detainees
The reopening of a private prison in a small Oklahoma town will bring hundreds of jobs, even as CoreCivic faces national scrutiny for alleged mistreatment and isolation of immigration detainees.
www.readfrontier.org
November 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM
CoreCivic, a private company that owns five other facilities in Oklahoma, announced in early October that it was awarded a new five-year contract with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement and the state Department of Corrections to resume operations at its 2,160-bed facility in Watonga.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Tomorrow’s your chance to attend for free a panel discussion exploring how energy industry practices impact our groundwater.
Come early, grab a snack, hear what the reporters uncovered—and bring a friend. Because when we stay informed together, we’re stronger.
www.eventbrite.com/e/overpressu...
Come early, grab a snack, hear what the reporters uncovered—and bring a friend. Because when we stay informed together, we’re stronger.
www.eventbrite.com/e/overpressu...
November 17, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Tomorrow’s your chance to attend for free a panel discussion exploring how energy industry practices impact our groundwater.
Come early, grab a snack, hear what the reporters uncovered—and bring a friend. Because when we stay informed together, we’re stronger.
www.eventbrite.com/e/overpressu...
Come early, grab a snack, hear what the reporters uncovered—and bring a friend. Because when we stay informed together, we’re stronger.
www.eventbrite.com/e/overpressu...
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
The reopening of a private prison in a small Oklahoma town will bring hundreds of jobs, even as CoreCivic faces national scrutiny for alleged mistreatment and isolation of immigration detainees.
Watonga confronts economic need and ethical unease over housing ICE detainees
The reopening of a private prison will bring hundreds of jobs to the shrinking town, even as CoreCivic faces national scrutiny for alleged mistreatment and isolation of immigration detainees.
www.readfrontier.org
November 17, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The reopening of a private prison in a small Oklahoma town will bring hundreds of jobs, even as CoreCivic faces national scrutiny for alleged mistreatment and isolation of immigration detainees.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
It’s the second time Gov. Kevin Stitt has commuted a death row prisoner’s sentence to life in prison without parole.
Oklahoma spares Tremane Wood from execution with minutes to spare
It’s the second time Gov. Kevin Stitt has commuted a death row prisoner’s sentence to life in prison without parole.
www.readfrontier.org
November 13, 2025 at 5:09 PM
It’s the second time Gov. Kevin Stitt has commuted a death row prisoner’s sentence to life in prison without parole.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
He thinks the trooper he killed is still alive — Oklahoma can’t execute him unless he understands his crime.
He thinks the trooper he killed is still alive — Oklahoma can’t execute him unless he understands his crime
A new law requires continued treatment for death row prisoners too mentally ill to execute, even those who have been persistently psychotic for decades.
www.readfrontier.org
November 11, 2025 at 12:39 PM
He thinks the trooper he killed is still alive — Oklahoma can’t execute him unless he understands his crime.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Police credit Flock cameras with reducing violent crime. But after millions spent, the data tells a murkier story — and the system may violate the law.
Tulsa’s surveillance gamble
Police credit Flock cameras with reducing violent crime. But after millions spent, the data tells a murkier story — and the system may violate the law.
www.readfrontier.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Police credit Flock cameras with reducing violent crime. But after millions spent, the data tells a murkier story — and the system may violate the law.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Tribal nations, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole are deploying funds to ensure their citizens don’t go hungry — and urging state leaders to do the same.
Oklahoma tribes step in to feed citizens as federal shutdown threatens food aid
Tribal nations, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole are deploying funds to ensure their citizens don’t go hungry — and urging state leaders to do the same.
www.readfrontier.org
November 4, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Tribal nations, including the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee and Seminole are deploying funds to ensure their citizens don’t go hungry — and urging state leaders to do the same.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
A lot of hard work goes into making sure our reporting is accurate and fair. We spend weeks and sometimes months digging up records and convincing people to talk. Then there’s writing, rounds of edits and fact-checking.
Your donations help fund this work. And every dollar counts.
Your donations help fund this work. And every dollar counts.
We’re small but scrappy and your donations keep us going
Now through the end of the year, your donations to The Frontier will be matched.
www.readfrontier.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:26 PM
A lot of hard work goes into making sure our reporting is accurate and fair. We spend weeks and sometimes months digging up records and convincing people to talk. Then there’s writing, rounds of edits and fact-checking.
Your donations help fund this work. And every dollar counts.
Your donations help fund this work. And every dollar counts.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
At one point, a local resident sent state regulators photos of animals that the resident said had wandered onto his land, covered in oil.
But the smell from the out-of-state waste was “above and beyond anything that was imaginable,” he said.
But the smell from the out-of-state waste was “above and beyond anything that was imaginable,” he said.
It smelled like a ‘buried body.’ A small town was overwhelmed by fumes from an oil waste disposal facility
Residents near Enid say the smell of an oilfield waste disposal site made them feel sick. State officials weren’t sure who was in charge of enforcement.
www.readfrontier.org
November 3, 2025 at 7:49 PM
At one point, a local resident sent state regulators photos of animals that the resident said had wandered onto his land, covered in oil.
But the smell from the out-of-state waste was “above and beyond anything that was imaginable,” he said.
But the smell from the out-of-state waste was “above and beyond anything that was imaginable,” he said.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Join nonprofit newsrooms The Frontier and ProPublica to discuss how oil and gas extraction is contaminating Oklahoma’s groundwater. The event is free - sign up at the link below.
Overpressured and Underregulated: a Frontier and ProPublica event
Join nonprofit newsrooms The Frontier and ProPublica to discuss how oil and gas extraction is contaminating Oklahoma’s groundwater.
www.readfrontier.org
October 30, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Join nonprofit newsrooms The Frontier and ProPublica to discuss how oil and gas extraction is contaminating Oklahoma’s groundwater. The event is free - sign up at the link below.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
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 drinking water.
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 drin...
www.readfrontier.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:59 PM
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 drinking water.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
“A handshake instead of a hammer.” Toxic Wastewater From Oil Fields Keeps Pouring Out of the Ground. Oklahoma Regulators Failed to Stop It.
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
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 drin...
www.propublica.org
October 29, 2025 at 1:11 PM
“A handshake instead of a hammer.” Toxic Wastewater From Oil Fields Keeps Pouring Out of the Ground. Oklahoma Regulators Failed to Stop It.
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
@nickbowlin.bsky.social @readfrontier.bsky.social
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Most youth who lack permanent housing in the state don’t fit the federal housing department’s definitions of homelessness and often don’t qualify for services.
Less help for Oklahoma homeless youth unless they’re sleeping in a shelter or outside
Most youth who lack permanent housing in the state don’t fit the federal housing department’s definitions of homelessness and often don’t qualify for services.
www.readfrontier.org
October 13, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Most youth who lack permanent housing in the state don’t fit the federal housing department’s definitions of homelessness and often don’t qualify for services.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
A deal between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation doesn’t apply to Freedmen descendants who don’t have documentation of a degree of Indian blood. @cliftonhowze.bsky.social and Allison Herrera find out why.
www.readfrontier.org/stories/desp...
www.readfrontier.org/stories/desp...
Despite tribal citizenship, traffic tickets for Freedmen descendants to remain in city court
A deal between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation doesn’t apply to Freedmen descendants who don't have documentation of a degree of Indian blood.
www.readfrontier.org
August 18, 2025 at 4:23 PM
A deal between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation doesn’t apply to Freedmen descendants who don’t have documentation of a degree of Indian blood. @cliftonhowze.bsky.social and Allison Herrera find out why.
www.readfrontier.org/stories/desp...
www.readfrontier.org/stories/desp...
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Two legislators behind a controversial bill that would have limited the locations of homeless shelters will hold a hearing at the Oklahoma Capitol on creating new regulations.
Oklahoma lawmakers consider adding state oversight for homeless shelters
Two legislators behind a controversial bill that would have limited the locations of homeless shelters will hold a hearing at the Oklahoma Capitol on creating new regulations.
www.readfrontier.org
August 13, 2025 at 1:46 PM
Two legislators behind a controversial bill that would have limited the locations of homeless shelters will hold a hearing at the Oklahoma Capitol on creating new regulations.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
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www.readfrontier.org
July 14, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Our newsletter brings Frontier journalism straight to your inbox. From behind the scenes interviews with our reporters, to interviews with newsmakers you won't find anywhere else, our newsletter will help you be a better informed Oklahoman.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
New story from Kayla Branch:
A federal policy allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage. Some states have already moved away from the practice.
A federal policy allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage. Some states have already moved away from the practice.
Oklahoma rethinks employment options for people with disabilities
A federal policy allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage. Some states have already moved away from the practice.
www.readfrontier.org
July 15, 2025 at 3:09 PM
New story from Kayla Branch:
A federal policy allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage. Some states have already moved away from the practice.
A federal policy allows employers to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage. Some states have already moved away from the practice.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
There’s no competitive bidding process through the state for pregnancy resource centers, faith-based groups and other nonprofits to get public money if they go through an organization like the Oklahoma Life Foundation.
Meet the new group in charge of millions in state money to help pregnant women after Oklahoma banned abortion
There’s no competitive bidding process through the state for pregnancy resource centers, faith-based groups and other nonprofits to get public money if they go through an organization like the Oklahom...
www.readfrontier.org
July 14, 2025 at 3:56 PM
There’s no competitive bidding process through the state for pregnancy resource centers, faith-based groups and other nonprofits to get public money if they go through an organization like the Oklahoma Life Foundation.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
The state is asking the court to cap the application of bird waste, penalize poultry companies for violating the state’s anti-pollution law and order them to pay for cleanup.
Oklahoma is asking a federal judge to fine big poultry companies millions for polluting the Illinois River
The state is asking the court to cap the application of bird waste, penalize poultry companies for violating the state’s anti-pollution law and order them to pay for cleanup.
www.readfrontier.org
July 10, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The state is asking the court to cap the application of bird waste, penalize poultry companies for violating the state’s anti-pollution law and order them to pay for cleanup.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
The nonprofits that get funding through the Oklahoma Life Foundation aren’t required to apply in a competitive process through the State Department of Health like groups the state funds directly.
Five things to know about a new group in charge of millions in state money to help pregnant women
The nonprofits that get funding through the Oklahoma Life Foundation aren’t required to apply in a competitive process through the State Department of Health like groups the state funds directly.
www.readfrontier.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:15 PM
The nonprofits that get funding through the Oklahoma Life Foundation aren’t required to apply in a competitive process through the State Department of Health like groups the state funds directly.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
For decades, funding for a state scholarship program memorializing the 1921 burning of Black Wall Street was limited, and students related to massacre victims weren’t prioritized in the selection process.
An effort to expand access to a state scholarship to more Tulsa Race Massacre descendants stalls
For decades, funding for a state scholarship program memorializing the 1921 burning of Black Wall Street was limited, and students related to massacre victims weren’t prioritized in the selection proc...
www.readfrontier.org
July 2, 2025 at 12:24 PM
For decades, funding for a state scholarship program memorializing the 1921 burning of Black Wall Street was limited, and students related to massacre victims weren’t prioritized in the selection process.
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
Reporter Nick Bowlin will join The Frontier as part of ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network’s 50 State Initiative
The Frontier will participate in a year-long reporting project on oil and gas with ProPublica
Reporter Nick Bowlin will join The Frontier as part of ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network’s 50 State Initiative
www.readfrontier.org
June 26, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Reporter Nick Bowlin will join The Frontier as part of ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network’s 50 State Initiative
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
ICYMI:
"Russ’ involvement with the shareholder resolutions marks a new front in an effort by conservative groups to ally with GOP elected officials to pressure public companies over their corporate policies."
oklahomawatch.org/2025/06/20/f... (via @oklahomawatch.bsky.social) #okgov #okleg #DEI #ESG
"Russ’ involvement with the shareholder resolutions marks a new front in an effort by conservative groups to ally with GOP elected officials to pressure public companies over their corporate policies."
oklahomawatch.org/2025/06/20/f... (via @oklahomawatch.bsky.social) #okgov #okleg #DEI #ESG
Few Shareholders Support Oklahoma Treasurer’s Anti-DEI Push - Oklahoma Watch
Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ failed to gain support for shareholder proposals targeting “ideological activism” at major companies. Backed by conservative groups, his resolutions drew less than 1% of t...
oklahomawatch.org
June 23, 2025 at 4:38 PM
ICYMI:
"Russ’ involvement with the shareholder resolutions marks a new front in an effort by conservative groups to ally with GOP elected officials to pressure public companies over their corporate policies."
oklahomawatch.org/2025/06/20/f... (via @oklahomawatch.bsky.social) #okgov #okleg #DEI #ESG
"Russ’ involvement with the shareholder resolutions marks a new front in an effort by conservative groups to ally with GOP elected officials to pressure public companies over their corporate policies."
oklahomawatch.org/2025/06/20/f... (via @oklahomawatch.bsky.social) #okgov #okleg #DEI #ESG
Reposted by Clifton Adcock
A Tulsa political operative used his grandmother’s name to set up political action committees
A Tulsa political operative used his grandmother’s name to set up political action committees
The grandmother was named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by a candidate who was criticized in campaign mailers from one of the groups during the Democratic primary for Tulsa County Commissioner in ...
www.readfrontier.org
June 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
A Tulsa political operative used his grandmother’s name to set up political action committees