An Oklahoma lawmaker has filed a measure to notify the public when inmates escape from state prisons.

The measure by Rep. John Paul Jordan of Yukon will act as an "Amber Alert" or "Silver Alert" system for the public whenever a prisoner escapes into the general population. Jordan says it would notify the public and give them an opportunity to protect themselves.

The relationship between racial identity and national identity is a contentious subject in France.

France’s National Assembly voted in 2013 to remove any references to race from national legislation, and French President François Hollande has asserted his belief that racial distinctions have no place in French society.

University of Oklahoma sociologist Loretta Bass calls this attitude toward racial issues the “Ostrich Policy.”

As earthquakes continue to rattle Oklahoma and scientists study links to oil and gas production, many Oklahomans want to know what, if anything, is being done to address the shaking.

An investigation by StateImpact shows that while authorities are quietly scrutinizing wells in quake-prone parts of the state, most of the companies that operate the wells are staying silent.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday began presenting its case against a Sequoyah County doctor who it says prescribed 4.6 million doses of narcotics during 18 months in 2013 and 2014.

The administrative hearing against Dr. Ronald V. Myers Sr. was expected to continue all week and perhaps longer. The bureau is seeking to revoke Myers’ license to prescribe controlled dangerous substances in Oklahoma.

One of Congress' most vocal skeptics of climate change is backing a measure saying it is real and not a hoax — but says it's arrogance to believe human beings are causing it.

In a surprise move, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) joined an effort Wednesday by Democrats to get the GOP on the record about climate science. The Republican-controlled Senate backed the non-binding measure 98-1 Wednesday. It reads, "Climate change is real and not a hoax."

Many Republicans deny the science or say they don't have the expertise to form an opinion. Inhofe said Wednesday he doesn't buy what most scientists accept — that the burning of fossil fuels from human activities is to blame.

A Democratic state representative has filed a measure that would allow the Oklahoma attorney general to investigate and prosecute officer-involved civilian fatalities.

House Bill 1319 was announced Wednesday by state Rep. Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City. The proposal would give the attorney general the discretion to open an investigation into any death in Oklahoma caused by a law-enforcement officer.

Shelton says the public deserves to know that an impartial, thorough investigation is going to be conducted when a law enforcement officer causes the death of a civilian.

Gov. Mary Fallin has announced the appointment of Steve Burrage to the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

Fallin's office announced the appointment Wednesday. Burrage, the chairman of the board at BankFirst in Antlers, will serve a six-year term succeeding Jerry Johnson, who is retiring Jan. 31.

Burrage also serves as secretary on the Oklahoma Board of Corrections and as chairman of the board's finance and audit committee.

Fallin appointed Burrage to the corrections board in 2012. Burrage will resign from that board Jan. 31.

A Republican state representative has filed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would extend term limits for Oklahoma lawmakers from 12 to 16 years.

House Joint Resolution 1007 was filed Wednesday by state Rep. Paul Wesselhoft of Moore.

Oklahoma's current 12-year term limit was approved by voters in 1990. Wesselhoft said his proposal would provide for more experience in state legislators.